Growing Up In the Valley May 2018

S O U T H W E S T & C E N T R A L V I R G I N I A’ S P R E M I E R FA M I LY R E S O U R C E

Volume 6 Issue 9 • May 2018 • Take One

Dreaming of Disney Plan a trip to the most magical place on earth!

Families in GOVERNMENT

Our elected officials are not only running our cities and state but raising families too.

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Local Realtor not just in it for the paycheck but committed to making a difference in our local community along the way.

For every house they sell Christy gives back to a foundation of her client’s choice. And this year she and her daughter started a Possibility Purse Foundation driven by her daughter’s desire to help our local children in foster care.

They filled the purses with fun things like nail polish, lip gloss, hair chalk, Jesus loves me bracelets, a small bible, and a journal.

Christy and The Crouch Team offer over 50 years combined experience in helping buyers and sellers get successfully from one door to the next and while there’s an app for almost everything, we all know there’s no app for decades of hands-on experience.

Cheri Keller

Realtor Outbound Agent

JR Wray

Realtor Operations Manager

Tony Crouch

Christy Crouch Realtor Team Leader

Realtor Outbound Agent

www.thecrouchteam.com RE/MAX All Points christy@thecrouchteam.com Call: 540-725-7727 Text 540-312-0085

Jennifer Hanks

Realtor Closing Manager

Publisher’s Note With local elections wrapping up by the time this issue hits the stands, it is a great opportunity for us to take a look at local politicians and their families. We spoke with a few local politicians to see how they balance the stress and demands of work in politics while still being able to spend time with their family. Check out this great article by one of our new writers, Heather Bulch on page XXX. Most schools in the region are also closing for summer this month. It is amazing that another school year has gone by already. We hope that all students have a strong finish to the school year and for those that are moving on to a new school, congratulations and good luck!

S

pring is here and with it, the best part of the year to live in the Roanoke Valley. There is so much to do in the Valley when the weather is nice; Festivals every week, live music, and of course, the Greenway. There are many more events and activities in the region this Spring for you and your family, just turn to page XXX to check out our calendar of events and plan out your month!

We also would like to say thank you to all of the teachers that faithfully read Growing Up In the Valley each month. Teaching is one of the most underrated yet powerful professions in the whole world. Your work has a long term impact on not just the lives of the children you teach, but on society as a whole. You have the power to shape generations, impact minds and make the world a better place. Congratulations on a successful school year and thank you for teaching our children.

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

C ont ac t Us :

P.O. Box 4484, Roanoke, VA 24015 540-251-1660 www.roanoke.family Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.

Publishers • Josh & Andrea Eagan josh@virginiafamily.com • Anika and Evelyn’s Parents

Creative Director • Tracy Fisher

tracy@virginiafamily.com • Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom

Sales Executive • Lisa Bowers lisa@virginiafamily.com • Noah’s Mom

Sales Assistants • Ani & Evie Eagan sales@virginiafamily.com • Bauer and Chloe’s Owners

Community Relations • Jeanne Lawrence jeanne@virginiafamily.com • Parker and Connor’s Mom

Contributors

Peg McGuire • Katie Lewis • Ava Rosa DeVries Beth Farnsworth • Clifford Jackson • Stephanie Ogilvie Brittney Tilson • Jacqueline Moon • Nicole Bruch Takoda Poindexter • Kimberly Emory • Courtney Pugh

Submit Your Ideas Share your story ideas with us by emailing tracy@virginiafamily.com

© Copyright 2018 Mofat Publishing

Read Our Other Publications

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We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers.

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Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley.com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.

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Inside This Issue

Time to Travel

Start planning your summer vacations now.

May 2018

Features 42

Dreaming of Disney Learn the ins and outs of the

most magical place on earth!

9

Families in Government Our city and state leaders are leading their families too.

Learn and Grow 6

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Money Thing What is vital paperwork and what can you toss?

24

Housekeeping 101 How can you keep your family and home organized this spring?

16

Overcoming Adversity How Daylin Toms persevered through trials to achieve his athletic goals.

Just For Fun 28

Grain Bowl Recipes Delicious, affordable meals for all diets & allergies!

Resources 48

Go. Play. See. Check out over 75 family friendly events happening this spring in the area!

60

Kids Eat Free Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for dinner tonight? We have a list of great restaurants offering incredible deals for your families.

On the Cover

Faith, Jude, and Charis at the new Roanoke Amtrak Station. Inside: Julie and John Sadler with their children James, Allie, Hannah, Faith, Jude, and Charis

Photography by Beth Farnsworth

Provided by Alexa Wootten from Blue Eagle® Credit Union Keep or Toss: Should I Hang Onto My Financial Documents?

Every year, it’s nice to declutter your filing cabinet, your desk drawers, and the various hiding places where miscellaneous scraps of paper tend to accumulate and multiply. Here are some quick tips on what you should be saving, and what’s OK to shred.

Keep forever This category includes all the superimportant life stuff that’s usually issued to you only once (and therefore is a total pain to replace): • Birth and death certificates • Social Security cards and ID cards (even expired versions) • Passports (even expired versions) • Marriage licenses and divorce decrees • Copies of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney • Adoption papers • Records of paid mortgages • Safe-deposit box inventory Your “keep forever” documents should be kept in a secure place. A locking file cabinet in your home is a popular choice, but consider upgrading to a safer alternative, such as a fireproof safe in your home or a safe-deposit box at your credit union. Also, consider scanning these documents and having them backed up on the cloud (and password protected, of course) so that you can access them remotely and quickly in an emergency.

Keep for 7 years This may seem like a long period of time, but it’s not an arbitrary number—7 years is how far back the IRS can go to audit a tax return. The breakdown is a little more complex than that: you can be audited for any

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Growing Up

May 2018

reason up to 3 years after you file a tax return, and up to 6 years after you file a tax return if you omitted 25% or more of your gross income—which technically makes the auditing window more like 3 to 7 years. We’re sticking with 7 years as a recommendation!

A number of taxpayers are audited on a random basis each year (not just people with shady financial behavior) to verify accuracy and to ensure compliance with tax laws.

If audited, you are required by law to provide the documentation that supports the claims made in your tax return. In some cases, additional information may be required in order to verify a claim you’ve made—it might just be a matter of providing a canceled check, a receipt or a bank statement. In other instances, the audit may take place on-site (meaning at your residence or workplace) or at an IRS office. Being well-organized is the best way to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

So, what sorts of documents should you hold onto for 7 years?

• Income tax returns • Any forms that support income or a deduction on your tax return • Records of selling a house or stock (documentation for capital gains tax) • Records of paid-out loans • Records of sold investments • Mortgage documents • Medical records (i.e. bills, prescriptions, & health insurance information) Keep for 1 year This category mostly consists of monthly statements. A good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly statements for the current year, and then shred them once you’ve reconciled them with an annual statement. The exception is any

statement needed for tax purposes— those get grouped into the “keep for 7 years” category.

• Credit Union or bank statements • Credit card statements • Pay stubs • Quarterly investment statements • Canceled checks Keep for 1 month This category is short and sweet.

• Utility bills • ATM slips ATM slips can be tossed once you’ve checked them against your monthly credit union or bank statement.

Keep as long as active This bonus category is a catch-all for agreements and contracts that are active for varied amounts of time: • Warranty information • Insurance documents • Vehicle titles and loan documents • House and mortgage documents • Pension records/retirement plans You’ll want to hang onto the records in this category for at least as long as you own the asset. For major purchases, stapling the original purchase receipt to the user manual or warranty information will keep everything in the same spot, should you need to make a warranty claim. Documents relating to improvements and upgrades on your home or vehicle should also be saved alongside your title and loan papers.

Sorting through financial documents is a pretty straightforward process once you figure out how long you need to hang onto specific types of documents.

Doing a periodic cleanup will save you time and hassle in the long run, and will keep your desk drawers and filing cabinets clutter-free in the meantime!

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One in seven One in seven children won’t be children won’t ready to to start be ready start kindergarten.* kindergarten.*

Don’t Don’t let let your child your child be be the theone. one.

Virginia’s childrenbehind are already behind when they start ThousandsThousands of Virginia’sofchildren are already when they start kindergarten.

And And too often,their parents are surprised to learn their child too often, kindergarten. parents are surprised to learn child is one of them. It’s devastating, is one them.

It’s andemotional can leadproblems to a higher risk of of costly and can lead to a of higher risk ofdevastating, costly social and for the rest social and emotional problems for the rest of the child’s life.

It hurts the child’s life. It hurts our kids. It hurts our communities. But it is something we can our kids.sure It hurts But it is something we can change. Make change. Make your our childcommunities. is ready for kindergarten.

One in seven children won’t be ready to start kindergarten.* ®

For United moreWay information, please contact: Roanoke Valley MegofFitzwater, Director, Early Learning Strategies

sure your child is ready for kindergarten.

*The Annie E. Casey Foundation: KIDS COUNT Data Center. (2010). PALS-K Scores.

* The Annie E. Casey Foundation: KIDS COUNT Data Center. (2010). PALS-K Scores.

Thousands of Virginia’s children are already Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke For more information, please contact: Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke behind when they mfitzwater@uwrv.org / (540)283-2786 / smartbeginningsroanoke.org / Find usstart on: kindergarten. And too sbgr@uwrv.org | (540) 283-2778 | smartbeginningsroanoke.org often, parents are surprised to learn their child

Don’t let

is one of them. It’s devastating, and can lead to a higher risk of costly social and emotional

Families in Local Government Article by Nicole Bruch Photography provided by Colliver, Habeeb and Rasoul families.

Politicians. Republicans.

Democrats. Independents.

Policies. Elections.

These are all words we are used to hearing, because politics is all over the news nowadays. Many see involvement in government as overarching, and take more of a “big picture” position; however, many local government roles involve officials who seek to be in direct, constant contact with their constituents, because it allows them to become truly connected with their communities and neighbors.

Lauren Colliver.

Blacksburg Town Council member, elected in 2017.

Lauren and her husband, Dr. Ethan Colliver, have four children: Elijah, 13; Gideon, 12; Jonah, 9; and Seraphina, 6.

What we sometimes forget is that those in elected positions are humans, too. They have families, careers, and hobbies, just like the rest of us. We spoke with three local government representatives to get an inside look at how they became involved, what their support systems were and, of course, what their families were like!

Inspiration We are all inspired by something or someone when we take action in any particular area of our lives. Many times, betterment of one’s community can serve as a reason to become involved in local government.

For Councilwoman Colliver, “It was the results of the November 2016 election that drove me to research what government roles were up for election Growing Up

May 2018

9

Colliver explains her support system as including her family, of course, but also a group of women from a program called Emerge Virginia. Emerge Virginia is a nonprofit that gives women the training and tools they need to run for and serve in public office. “I was accepted into the Emerge Virginia program in 2017 and decided to run for town council in Blacksburg,” Colliver detailed.

Habeeb echoes Colliver’s statement about family support. “My family is so supportive and completely involved in this journey with me.” As a lawyer, Habeeb said he is grateful that his employer is supportive of his journey in local government, and his line of work offers flexibility in scheduling.

Sam Rasoul. 11th District Representative to the Virginia House of Delegates, elected in 2014. Sam and his wife, Layaly, have three children: Jennah, 8; Amirah, 7; and Issa, 4.

“It’s almost a requirement that your family is on board,” Rasoul emphasized. He added, “my wife likes to say that she’s my number one campaigner.” Rasoul stressed that it truly takes the time and energy of the whole family in order to be involved in local government, because your life becomes public.

Life After Elections

in the coming months.” As a mother to four young children, and a small business owner (of two businesses!), Colliver began to seek out ways to help her community in anticipation of changes that she thought may be coming. “I wanted to see how I could help change the conversation,” Colliver stated.

Delegate Habeeb’s interest in government began early in life.

His mother was a U.S. history and government teacher, and they frequented many historical sites in Virginia, including Jamestown and Williamsburg. His interest continued into high school, too. “I was elected the youth governor for the YMCA’s Model General Assembly in high school, which was a unique experience,” said Habeeb. This gave him an inside look at the interworkings of government.

Ultimately, this interest transformed into election goals in 2010. “I received so much encouragement from others to run after Morgan Griffith was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives,” Habeed stated. “I saw it as a good way to impact the community that I work

10

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and live in, [the] education [system] for my children, and the economy for my workplace.”

Delegate Rasoul’s path to local government service began with a desire to improve. “I’m not proud of what we see in the political environment. It’s not what I want to be raising my children in,” Rasoul indicated. He stated a desire to offer something different to the community than the two parties normally offered.

Since he has been in elected office, he said, “I can now see how public policy directly impacts Virginia families, and I have a greater appreciation for my ability to be involved.” This serves his further drive to stay involved within the local government arena.

Support All representatives need support: financial support to run election campaigns, employer support for crazy schedules, and family support to help boost their aspirations and goals.

Support comes in all forms.

All of the hard work becomes worth it once a candidate is successfully elected. Once the campaigning is over, all of the meetings, sessions, and balancing acts begin. Many elected officials—local, regional, and national— have young families at home. So we asked ours how their lives changes after the election.

When Colliver was asked how she balances work, political duties, and family, she said, “I just do.” That attitude is what helps her manage both the Valley Sports & Spine Clinic and Valley Active, attend to town council duties, and handle the busy schedules of her four children. “It’s been great, because I already have connections within the community between the kids’ activities and our businesses, but my role in town council has helped solidify those relationships and build new ones,” Colliver adds. She also encourages her children to be involved, from door-knocking to attending events with her. “There is something really awesome about having the kids involved in the process; I learned, and it is my hope that they have learned,

that you don’t have to limit yourself in what you can accomplish,” Colliver expressed.

“It’s an everyday struggle. It’s not something you can just ‘figure out,’” said Delegate Habeeb. He is diligent in his scheduling to make sure he is a present dad, effective employee, and faithful public servant. “We are always making sure calendars are aligned to ensure that I can be at everything possible,” Habeeb added.

Habeeb also makes certain that while he is meeting his obligations, he and his family remember that “the center of our lives is not my political service—our family is the center of our lives.” Even when Habeeb is in Richmond during session, he involves his family. “My twelve-year-old has traveled with me to Richmond, and he got to see how everything works and attend sessions with me,” Habeeb said.

He has included his eleven-year-old, William, in sessions, too. Habeeb also uses FaceTime to keep in touch while he is away. “My daughter FaceTimed me during a budget debate, and the

Richmond Times-Dispatch got a photo of it,” Habeeb said with a laugh.

Delegate Rasoul said without a doubt, “My priorities are family first, public service second, and then my business.”

Along with his public service, Rasoul serves as a business consultant providing executive coaching and strategic planning services. “I make lot less money in public service than in my previous careers, but I feel as if I’m making more of an impact on my community,” he stressed. Rasoul made a good point when he said, “The family becomes part of your political life because it’s an open book. Before social media, you could keep your personal life and political life separate, but now we are so interconnected.” We can all agree that this is very true; many of us follow our local representatives on Facebook and see them out in the community with their families. This also emphasizes the humanity of those in political service.

Rasoul agreed. “People want to see all sides of a person’s life. People appreciate being able to relate and see all sides.”

Family Time

“The center of our lives is not my political service—our family is the center of our lives.”

-Greg Habeeb Greg Habeeb. 8th District Representative to the Virginia House of Delegates, elected in 2011.

Greg and his wife, Christy, have three children: Daniel, 13; William, 11; and Anna, 8½.

While all of our representatives are dealing with packed schedules and trying to be everywhere all the time, we asked what their ideal day with just their family would be.

Councilwoman Colliver said her family loves to be outside enjoying nature. “We love to hike and explore natural places. We would probably have a cookout with friends.”

Habeeb responded with something we can all relate to: “We would do nothing!

We would enjoy

relaxing with each other.” He added, “Our kids are involved in many things, including sports, music lessons, and more, so it would be just nice to sit on a beach and enjoy time with each other.”

“My kids love to ride bikes and they love ice cream, we would probably go bike riding to get ice cream,” said Delegate Rasoul. He also expressed his family’s love of activities downtown such as Kids Square and the Taubman Museum.

The Future While they are helping communities build, grow, and evolve, our representatives are also raising the future generation in their children. We asked if they would encourage their children to go into political service for their communities, and their responses were insightful and heartwarming.

Councilwoman Colliver said, “Absolutely. There is so much to learn.

To be a voice for your community, it’s a huge growing experience and an honor.”

“I would encourage them to do whatever they are passionate about,” said Delegate Habeeb. He did mention that his oldest son, Daniel, has expressed an interest in politics and would like to be a page for the State House or Senate in Richmond. Habeed went on, “I would not discourage them from doing it [public service], but I want them to do it because they want to, not because Dad did it.”

Delegate Rasoul shared Habeeb’s sentiment. “I would encourage my children to give everything they have to what they are passionate about, and that is all I ever ask of them. I will let them decide what that may be, let them discover.”

Our elected representatives are tasked with making difficult decisions and addressing the most effective ways to improve our community on a local and regional level. They balance all of this with careers and families at home.

That is something we should all take a moment to remember and celebrate.

Growing Up

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5 Ways Parents Can Help Kids Create Great Dental Habits Article provided by Statepoint

That first wiggly tooth indicates a new childhood milestone -- loss of the first baby tooth. While this is often a time for cute photos and a visit from the tooth fairy, it should also be an opportunity to reinforce the importance of good oral care with children so that their new permanent teeth stay healthy and last a lifetime.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the U.S., but it is also preventable. This finding by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics) highlights just how important it is to help kids take good care of their teeth.

“The sooner the better when it comes to helping children understand the importance of taking care of their permanent teeth.

As children grow, encourage them to take more responsibility for their oral hygiene, but continue to supervise them until you’re comfortable with their routines,” says Dr. Michael Hahn, national dental director for Cigna.

hurt a tooth’s outer enamel and cause tiny holes that lead to cavities.

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Help your child understand what two minutes actually “feels” like by playing a favorite song for that length of time, or use a kitchen timer, smartphone alarm, hourglass of sand or stopwatch.

• Floss: Daily flossing is important too. Since flossing may be tricky for small hands, help them until about age 10.

• Snack smart: Healthy teeth rely on smarter snacks. Fruits and vegetables can help reduce plaque buildup.

On the other hand, sugary and sticky foods can remain on teeth for hours, providing time for bacteria and acids to begin their damage.

If your children drink soda, encourage the use of a straw so less of the liquid coats their teeth.

“The sooner the better when it comes to helping children understand the importance of taking care of their permanent teeth.”

-Dr. Hahn

Dr. Hahn recommends the following tips for a healthy mouth.

• Attack plaque: Let your child know that “plaque” leads to tooth decay -- it’s like your tooth “getting sick.”

Plaque has bacteria and acids that can

• Reward positive behavior: Praise your child for doing a good job. You know your child best -- offer that “something special” as incentive, particularly when the dentist gives a great report.

“It’s easier to teach a younger child good habits, than to break an older child of poor ones. Encourage your kids to take good care of their teeth. You’ll put them on track for strong, healthy teeth that will last a lifetime,” says Dr. Hahn.

For additional dental tips, visit cigna. com/dental-resources.

For detailed questions or concerns about a child’s oral health, it is important to consult a dentist.

• Visit the dentist: Regular dental checkups are essential. These visits can detect problems when they are still small and are less complex to treat.

Getting used to seeing the dentist in childhood will help keep this important practice going as an adult.

Growing Up

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13

Support & Projects

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Overcoming Adversity: The Daylin Toms Way His Journey to the Commonwealth Games Article by N’Taezha Davis Photos provided by VA Commonwealth Games Every year, athletes of all ages and abilities travel to the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University to partake in more than 55 competitive events. For some athletes, it is more than just a game or in this case, a match.

Daylin Toms, a West Virginia native, has been wrestling since the age of 4 and was considered one of the best in his age division. He handled every match before him as a test to be passed, unknowing of the one soon to come, this one outside of the mat.

At the age of 13, it would be discovered that Toms had contracted Encephalitis, a disease in which symptoms heavily mirror the flu. This disease would then spread to Toms’ brain causing heavy swelling and multiple brain eruptions. During his monthlong hospital stay, Toms and his family knew that a long road to recovery was ahead.

He was told by neurologists that he would have to relearn every piece of information he had ever known and could rule sports out of his future forever. After moving counties and switching doctors, his new neurologist actually encouraged sport participation citing that in order to recover from a brain injury, you must reteach the brain to do certain things in order for it to heal properly.

Following his new doctor’s orders, he started to slowly immerse himself in the sport he once loved. Toms would start competing again locally, gaining his confidence and dropping weight along the way.

This past June, Toms competed in the Virginia Commonwealth Games at

Liberty University. He used his moves to pin all of his opponents to walk away with a gold medal. After accomplishing such a feat, he was then nominated by his high school coach, Anthony Shrewsberry, for the Youth Male Athlete of the Year award in which he won.

By witnessing Toms’ skills and abilities first hand and watching him adapt to every situation thrown his way, Shrewsberry knew that Toms fit all of the requirements for the award. Toms and Shrewsberry worked tirelessly for two years, with the coach pushing the young athlete harder and harder each time.

This would prepare Toms for his success at the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University.

Modeled after the Olympics, the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University is open to amateur athletes of any age and will be held this summer in Lynchburg. Anyone with amateur status can participate. Bronze, silver and gold medals are awarded.

VA Commonwealth Games Main Weekend July 27-29

July 27 Athlete Tailgate Party 4-6PM Free event for participants with food, music, games & prizes Parade of Athletes 6:30 PM Opening Ceremonies 7-8:30 PM Inlcudes appearances of Miss Virginia, Olympic speaker and the lighting of the torch.

For more information or to register visit commonwealthgames.org

Growing Up in the Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Color the Cover Contest

Presented by Blue Eagle Credit Union

Create an illustration of your dream or goal for yourself or our community. Bring your dream alive by using any style, media and colors of your choice. Turn in your completed entry at any Blue Eagle Credit Union office and bring your final report card because good grades pay with their Report Card Rewards program! Earn $2 for each A and $1 for each B, learn more at BlueEagleCreditUnion.com. For contest details and rules visit GrowingUpInTheValley.com/color-contest-2018

Mother & Son Adventure Moms and sons will team up to search for and collect different types of dinosaurs through the streets of Roanoke!

July 13

6 PM - 9 PM

City Market Building Downtown Roanoke

Parent/Child Ticket $49.56 Additional Participant $17.89

Find clues, work together to solve problems and collect as many dinosaurs as possible in an effort to win prizes!

f o r m o r e d e t a i l s c h e c k o u t g r o w i n g u p i n t h e v a l l e y. c o m

Join Growing Up in the Valley at

Royal Ball The

6 PM, Saturday, June 16, 2018 at The Taubman Museum $47 per couple, $15 for additional child

D.I.Y Done Simple W

hether you’re working on a spring home improvement project or a summer task, this is the time of year when you focus on improving your home both inside and out. As you look for ways to make your home even better, nothing beats a good DIY project.

DIY home improvement projects are popular each year, and they can be as big or small, short or long and expensive or inexpensive as you desire.

Whether you are an advanced builder or a novice home improver, the options are wide open, but remember the one thing every DIYer can agree on: Eliminating unnecessary difficulties and the chance of having to redo a task is always a plus.

A recent study conducted by Wakefield Research found nearly 40% of workers have to redo a project or task at least once a week specifically because of poor communication. Even professionals run into hurdles along the way, but avoid situations such as this with a few easy tips.

To make your next DIY project go as smoothly as possible, here are four ways you can iron out potential difficulties before they become a

problem. After all, a smooth project isn’t just more fun and rewarding, it saves you time.

• Capitalize on subject matter expertise. A little experience goes a long way, and you’ll understandably have an easier time tackling a DIY project you’ve done before. In many cases, however, this isn’t possible, so look to your friends and family to see if any of them have ever completed a similar project. Ask them your questions and learn from their experiences and you’ll gain valuable insight about what to do - and what not to do - before your project even gets started.

• Keep accurate, durable notes.

Throughout the course of your project, you’ll take notes regarding processes, punch lists, measurements and the materials you need. However, even a slight miscommunication or lost note can compromise the project, even for a professional. Find a system that works for you, some find a binder with sections on each part of the project is helpful while others still prefer digital bookkeeping. Make sure everyone involved with the project has access to your note system and keep it updated always.

• Explore your options to find the right tool for the job. How many times have you tried to tackle a DIY project with the wrong tools simply because you didn’t want to spend the money on the right tool for a one-time use? If this has ever happened to you, consider renting the items you need instead of buying them. Tools like paint sprayers, jackhammers and brush cutters can all be rented for a fraction of the price you would pay to buy them, and doing so ensures you have the right tool for the job from the very beginning, allowing your project to go more smoothly.

• Plan out as much as you can. The adage of measure twice, cut once still holds true for today’s DIY projects, and your possibilities to “measure twice” are magnified thanks to modern technology. If you’re planning to paint a room, for example, many paint companies offer a simulator where you can see how the paint will look in a digital environment. There are also other virtual tools to help you get accurate measurements, test layouts and reduce mistakes in your DIY projects.

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5 tips to create a personalized shed

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The backyard. It’s your oasis. Your happy place. Your second living room. It’s the place to go not only for “me” time - but quality time with friends and family.

This National Barbecue Month, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association wants to help you make your backyard the best backyard it can be.

Think sheds. No, not your grandparents’ tattered shed filled with a dusty mower and 30-year-old paint brushes. We’re talking highly personalized sheds. Intimate covered spaces that keep the sun’s rays out but bring the summer in.

Outdoor sheds come in all shapes and sizes and can be personalized to fit within all types of lifestyles. From funfilled tapsheds where friends gather for a margarita and grilled salmon to an intimate she shed stocked with wine and cheese or even a hobby shed for the family to play board games while munching on braised ribs and root beer, sheds can do it all.

Building a personalized shed can be a daunting task.

Consider these five tips to help you create your ideal outdoor oasis just in time for summer: 1. Have a plan: Are you starting from scratch or cleaning out an existing old shed? What’s the theme?

What’s the budget? What’s the goal? How much

room do you have to work with? Before you start building your shed, make sure you have a plan in place. You may be eager to jump right in but it’s much easier to follow a welllaid plan than to make decisions on the fly.

2. Stick to a theme: A craft shed, a relaxation shed, a party shed - there are so many options when it comes to creating your perfect shed. Choose one theme and tailor all decisions around your theme of choice. For example, if you decide to go with a relaxation shed, choose calming colors and peaceful decorations.

3. Utilize your resources: Your shed is a part of your outdoor space and you should utilize all the free beauty that nature has to offer when it comes to decorating your shed.

Build your shed under your favorite tree to offer natural shade or decorate your shed with dried flowers or vines.

4. Less is more: When designing an outdoor shed, it is easy to go overboard. Remember to keep it simple and that you want to have enough room to entertain guests and to hang out in your shed. Keeping things minimal will also ensure you stay within your budget.

5. Remember the exterior: One easy way to customize your shed is with a coat of paint. Choose a paint color that goes with your theme. Then invite friends and family over for a day of painting fun in the sun.

For more tips on making the most of your backyard, visit www.hpba.org.

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Growing Up

May 2018

21

Something FUN For Everyone!

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Housekeeping 101

ARTICLE BY KIMBERLY EMORY

It’s the inevitable, ongoing battle we all fight. I’m talking about the neverending, sometimes overwhelming struggle against clutter, crud, and family chaos that comes with having kids and just plain living. What parent hasn’t complained about his kitchen counter being covered with papers and other random items? Who hasn’t been frustrated about running behind again because her kid couldn’t find his coat/ shoes/fill-in-the-blank? Who hasn’t sighed at the stacks of dishes in the sink, the laundry to be folded, or the state of the bathroom? And the toys— not only are they not put away, but they are everywhere.

I was also drowning in the clutter and chaos. Using tips from world-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo, Gretchen Rubin (one of my favorite authors on happiness), and local professional organizer Rebecca Dameron of

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SimpliFine, I worked on my own home and family life. Here are the things I learned.

ENTRYWAY Multiple family members can have a multitude of coats, pairs of shoes, and hats. These items tend to be dropped as they come through the door, and become hard to unearth when trying to retrieve them later—especially when you have a small space. Kondo recommends storing things vertically whenever possible, so hooks on the wall that are easily accessible to everyone are a must. Dameron recommends having kids choose colorful baskets for their shoes—you could even use a small bookshelf to keep them on. Adults can use a shoe rack, so they are able to see exactly what they have to choose from.

Once you have a place for everything, Dameron emphasizes routine as the most important in staying organized.

Everyone needs to be sure to put things into their designated space upon entering the house. Coats and hats always go on the hooks, shoes always go in their baskets or on their racks, and book bags and purses go in whatever space you designate for them, whether another hook, a spot on a bench, or even a specific part of the floor. Of course, during the summer, coats and book bags can be packed away, and sandals and cleats can be packed up in the winter to avoid unnecessary clutter.

KITCHEN The first step in organizing a kitchen is to PURGE! Kondo’s plan basically consists of two parts: declutter, then

store. Some easy items to go through in the kitchen are: • Kitchen gadgets. How often do you use the fajita maker or the rice cooker? Often, the tasks these specialized gadgets perform can be done with basic kitchen appliances, or simply pots and pans on the stovetop.

If you use a gadget regularly, then keep it, of course; otherwise, donate or sell it in a yard sale or online.

• Multiples. How many ladles or spatulas do you need? What about mixing bowls, storage containers (and all those lids), plastic cups? Pull them all out and get rid of anything that is of poor quality or that you have in excess.

• Cookbooks. You probably have many that are never used. Unless you use most of the recipes in a particular cookbook or it has sentimental value, go through and find recipes you use or would like to try, copy them in some fashion, and then donate the book.

• Manuals. I had a huge stack of these for all of the gadgets and appliances I had. As Kondo pointed out, I never used them. If I got rid of them, the worst that would happen is I would fiddle with the appliance until I figured it out, or look up the manual online.

I immediately went over to the stack and threw them all away.

• Food. Throw out anything that is expired, and if there are nonperishables sitting in your pantry not being eaten, give them to someone who will use them.

The goal is for counters to be as clear as possible, says Dameron, though of course things that get daily use should stay out. However, after you get rid of things, you may have more storage space in cabinets for what you decided to keep.

Dameron advises that when storing, you keep things close to where you need them. Be sure to make use of all your vertical storage in cupboards— wire racks inside cupboards add room, giving you the ability to store more without actually stacking everything on top of each other, and eliminating the problem of not being able to get to the things on the bottom. Don’t forget

about the insides of cupboard doors-— this is a great place for thin shelves to hold cleaning supplies, spices, aluminum foil, or pot lids.

TOYS Ugh, the toys. Most parents would say that there are just too many toys in general to worry about storage initially. Kids also get overwhelmed when they have too many toys—not only in putting them away, but also in playing with them.

Together, decide on some toys your children are willing to part with. Later you can go behind them and pick out a few more that you know they won’t miss or that they have outgrown.

If they are popular toys in good condition, you could try selling online or in a yard sale. Sometimes, however, in order to get a little more use out of a toy (and feel a bit less guilt at getting rid of the birthday present from Grandma last year), I will donate it to my kids’ preschool or to the church nursery. That way, not only will my kids still get to play with it, so will many others for years to come—and it will get much more love and use than at my house.

For storage, try to confine toys to your child’s bedroom and/or playroom/ living room. My favorite storage solution is cubby shelves with bins— preferably clear ones. Dameron recommends having no lids on the bins, and putting pictures of the toys in the bins on the outside of each, so that finding a certain toy and cleaning up is simple.

PAPERS The best thing to do about the endless papers that come home is to take care of them ASAP so they aren’t sitting around in piles, forgotten. Fill out the field trip form, or put the information for the school event in your calendar immediately and toss the paper. Have a system for ‘pending’ papers that can’t be taken care of right away, whether it’s a folder, tray, or tacking papers to a bulletin board. Dameron recommends two versions of the ‘pending’ folder: one where you are waiting on someone else to take care of something, and the other where you must take action. Put

dates on the items in this file—either highlighted or with brightly colored Post-Its. Dameron warns that if you don’t label dates and put files where you can easily see them, the ‘pending’ file is likely to just get bigger and/or neglected.

CHORES Once you have decluttered and stored what you have decided to keep, the challenge is to keep the house clean. I have found doing one chore every day is a great way to avoid spending your whole weekend cleaning the house.

Weekly chores that have a designated day can include vacuuming, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, and dusting.

Children can also help lighten the load by doing age-appropriate chores on their given day. I also try to do a load of laundry a day, so I’m not stuck doing it all at once, with a ton of laundry to fold and put away. Rubin also lives by the ‘ten-minute tidy-up’—she spends just ten minutes cleaning up and tidying at the end of the day to avoid clutter buildup.

SCHEDULES Family life can be hectic, so keeping a calendar is a must. Most parents now use a smartphone app of some kind, which is helpful because you can sync it with your spouse and teens, leaving no room for confusion about schedules.

Sometimes it can be a really good idea to keep a physical calendar too, so younger children who don’t have smart devices can also have access. Dameron recommends color-coding for each family member, either with Post-Its or markers. This makes it easy to tell who is doing what on a given day, and which adult is taking the kids where they need to be.

Rubin recommends, as a part of finding happiness, to ‘tackle a nagging task.’

If your household clutter or schedule is stressing you out, it’s time to take it on and do a little spring cleaning and decluttering. You’ll feel a lot better about your home when all of the things in it have a their own place.

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BRING BOOKS IN TO YOUR LIFE W

hat was your favorite childhood book? Chances are, you can come up with a title right away.

That’s because books create powerful memories of stories and characters that inspire kids’ imaginations and will be treasured for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, some children grow up with limited access to books, meaning they’re unable to create those memories so many people take for granted. A lack of books in the home is also linked to lower reading scores and less success in school, according to research by the Family and Community Engagement Research Compendium. Even more concerning, a recent report found students who can’t read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma.

children’s reading performance, cause them to read more frequently and for longer lengths of time, and improve overall attitudes toward learning.

especially a title or two that you loved growing up. Be sure to make time to read at least one of them together. It’s a great way to bond.

It’s clear that promoting literacy in your home and in your community are worthwhile investments of your time and money. Wondering where to start?

Share, share, share: One way to spread literacy is to help make books more available in your community.

Every year or so, go through your book collection with the kids and decide which titles should be given a new home. They can be donated to schools and public libraries, or given to other groups that make books available for free or little cost to young readers.

Even better, when you buy a book, purchase a second copy to donate or give away.

Build reading into the routine: When the kids are small, it’s easy for many parents to create the nightly ritual of story time. Don’t stop just because they’ve started school and are reading on their own. Commit to sitting down every night to read together. Or, make reading into an event the whole family can enjoy by reading a chapter book out loud. When the kids see you reading books too, you set a great example.

Society as a whole pays a high price for low literacy. It costs the U.S. at least $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment, according to the National Council for Adult Learning.

Ask questions: Asking children questions while you read together helps them develop critical thinking skills. For example, you might ask, “How is the family in this book like our family?” or “The girl in this book likes to swim. What do you like to do?”

Here’s the good news: this problem does have a solution. Having books in the home has been proven to improve

Give books as gifts: The next time you celebrate a holiday or child’s birthday, consider giving the gift of a book -

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Support literacy causes: Many companies and nonprofit groups are dedicated to promoting literacy on a larger scale. Check out The Literacy Project - a Pizza Hut campaign benefiting First Book that provides books and other educational resources to kids in need. The program has helped millions of children across the country “start a new chapter” through reading. Locally, you can also support Star City Reads, a group dedicated to raising the literacy rates in children and adults in Roanoke.Doing your part can be as simple as making a donation!

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Dinner in a Bowl

by Tracy Fisher

C

reating a healthy, tasty dinner night after night care wear down a parent. We know good nutrition is important to our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing bodies but it can be hard to tailor meals to different tastes, allergies, trends- not to mention affording fresh vegetables and fruit when a whole burger is less than a dollar at the fast food chains down the road.

The bowls can also be a great way to introduce new ingredients to your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet. A new, strange vegetable can be covered in a familiar sauce or paired with a favorite protein. Shredding and grating can also hide less than favorable ingredients such as zuchinni, onion, or celery, in the sauce and grain.

One reason these dinner bowls have become so trendy lately is that they are also very portable for work and school lunches. They are just as delicious hot or cold and do not need to be kept separate in your lunch bag. All you need to do is toss all the ingredients into a single resealable container with an ice pack and you are set to go.

Dinner bowls are a miracle sent down from the recipe gods themselves. These bowls are not anything new, but the trend has started to take off and even local restaurants have started to notice their popularity.

With a dinner bowl, you start with a simple grain like rice, and gradually add toppings as desired. This meal allows you Barley, Farro and other types to customize flavors, adjust heat of grain can help add variety intensity and accommodate even to the texture and taste of the youngest picky eaters. your dinner bowls.

Dinner bowls are also a great way to refresh leftovers and present them as a brand new meals. You can reuse sauces and dips from previous dinners, chop up your left over chicken breast or pork roast, and slice up the last bits of a salad or vegetables from earlier in the week.

Eating healthy should not come at the cost of your sanity and stress! With these dinner bowl recipe ideas you can be happy to know your family is enjoying more vegetables, wasting less food and eating out less during the work week!

Create your own recipe: Choose one ingredient from each row, mix into a bowl and enjoy!

Rice

Couscous

Qunioa

Barley

Farro

Egg

Chicken

Pork

Tofu

Shredded Beef

Snowpeas

Spinach

Beets

Mushrooms

Zuchinni

Pesto

Vinagrette

Hot Sauce

Peanut Sauce

Salad Dressing

Avocado

Cucumber

Cashews

Cilantro

Radish Growing Up

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Parent of the Month

Jen Ferris Larson Favorites: Book: “Small Great Things” by Jodi Piccoult Movie: “Princess Bride” Color: navy blue Childhood memory: driving to West Virginia in the snow Candy Bar: Twix or Snickers School subject: history Local Restaurant: Lew’s

This or That: Pizza or Burgers? Both!

Taco or Spaghetti? tacos Cash or Credit? credit Sneakers or Sandals? sandals Apple or Android? android

Fill in Blanks: If I wasn’t in the career I am now, I would be a: teacher best word that describes me is: loyal If I had to spend $1000 in 24 hours, I would buy: a new wardrobe

I

grew up in Daleville and attended Roanoke Valley Christian from 1st through 12th grade before going to Cedarville University in Ohio.

My family includes my husband, Mike, of 19 years; and my 4 children (ages 10-16) who I home school.

wanted to be that kind of nurse.

After graduating from nursing school in 1997 I worked at both Lewis Gale and Carilion hospitals before moving to California where my husband is from. We moved back here 14 years ago and I’ve worked primarily in Women’s Health, at the Blue Ridge Women’s Center, Roanoke Memorial, and now at Lewis Gale.

“I balance work and family life by giving my all wherever I am.

If I’m at work, I try to not worry about my family - they’re well taken care of. And when I’m home I’m not thinking about work.”

I chose nursing as a career mainly because I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. When I was 13 my uncle passed away from cancer and I saw firsthand the importance a caring nurse is. I

A vivid memory as a nurse that I’ll carry with me always was

“We enrolled because of our desire for our child to be taught according to an uncompromised Christian worldview.

We know that the world wants our child’s heart and mind. RVCS is on the same page with us in fighting for our child’s heart to belong to Christ.”

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caring for a young mother who had cervical cancer and was dying a slow painful death. I was able to sit with her, holding her hand as she fought the nausea. I know those moments spent with her didn’t have a lasting effect on anyone’s life, but it meant the world to her.

The number one piece of advice I give my patients is to treasure the moments with your sweet new baby. One day this little one will be a teenager and preparing to leave your nest.

I balance work and family life by giving my all wherever I am. If I’m at work, I try to not worry about my family - they’re well taken care of.

And when I’m home I’m not thinking about work.

Currently, I’m also in graduate school to get my Master’s and be a Nurse Practitioner. After home schooling the children, I spend 2-3 hours on my school work while they finish up theirs.

My best advice for working parents is to find what works for your family - whether if it’s preparing meals on the weekends so dinner during the week is easier, using the crockpot or Instant Pot, or putting a frozen lasagna in the oven before rushing out the door in the morning.

I’m most proud of the fact I’m excelling in school while also balancing family responsibilities and that I still find time to read or quilt!

Expires May 31, 2018

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May 2018

31

Parenting Merit Badges

Transportation You successively delivered all your children to their various schools, play dates, doctor appointments, sport games and lessons!

Communication You politely accepted out-dated and dangerous childcare advice from the elderly neighbor down the street.

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There are many unsung heroic moments in parenthood. We work hard to keep our children alive, happy and healthy. It is a thankless job and can wear on our morale. Parenting consumes most of our energy, time and resources. It’s about time we have something to show off to others and be recognized for our hard work!

Cuisine You convinced your child to eat more than two bites of vegetables at dinner!

Smothering in ranch sauce or cheese is encouraged.

Photography You capture a lovely family memory where every person was not only smiling, but looking in the correct direction!

Performing Arts Played peek-a-boo with a toddler on a continuous loop for over 4 hours.

Survival Skills You showered, ate a full meal and dressed in clean clothes all on the same day. Makeup or shaving not required (let’s be reasonable.)

$

ZZ Z

Mathematics

Sleep

You are able to keep track of 3 different children’s shoe and clothing sizes and managed to calculate the coupon’s discount in your head!

You routinely get 8+ hours of uninterrupted sleep for one whole week. (Unknown to be awarded to any parent, ever.)

May 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11

Teacher Appreciation Week The Virginia Lottery is inviting Virginians to send thank-you notes to as many Virginia public school teachers as possible!

Visit thankateacherva.com through May 11th to send a thank-you note, and learn how two lucky teachers will win a Virginia vacation courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.

TIPS

1

2

3

Virginia Virginia

hild Care hild Care

A Resource for Parents, Providers and the Community.

25% off grocery store prices* every day. ( Before you even clip a coupon. )

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• 12 months of Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal • $20 in BJ’s Bucks†† • 10¢ off/gal. at BJ’s Gas for 6 months after the Club opens, when you sign up by 8/31/18

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Join today at our Hospitality Center: 1507 Hershberger Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 9am – 5pm • 540-265-2891 Or sign up online at BJs.com/Roanoke

All BJ’s Memberships are subject to BJ’s current Membership Terms, ask in-Club or go to BJs.com/terms. *25% savings is based on Member pricing on a basket of 100 national brand household staples, on an unpromoted unit-price basis, when compared to four leading grocery chains in our trade areas. For more information visit BJs.com/25percentterms. **This offer is valid in the Roanoke Hospitality Center or BJs.com/Roanoke only. This offer may not be combined with other offers and is not redeemable for cash. Nontransferable. Limit one offer per household. Photo identification required when applying for Membership. Plus state and local taxes where applicable. This discounted Membership offer is contingent upon your enrolling in BJ’s Easy Renewal. By enrolling in BJ’s Easy Renewal, you authorize BJ’s to charge the debit/credit card first used at BJ’s after accepting this offer an annual recurring charge in the amount of the then-current 12-month Membership fee for all active Memberships on your account, plus tax where applicable, on the first day of the month your Membership expires. Cancel or manage your BJ’s Easy Renewal anytime by logging on to your account on BJs.com or by calling Member Care at 844-268-8093. Must provide email address upon enrollment.

Expires: 8/31/18. † BJ’s Perks Rewards Members earn 2% cash back on most BJ’s purchases. Cash back is in the form of electronic awards issued in $20 increments that are used in-Club at the register and expire 6 months from the date issued. Cash back can be requested in the form of a check prior to awards expiring by contacting Member Care at 800-BJs-CLUB. Some exclusions may apply. Visit BJs.com/terms for details. ††

BJ’s Bucks will be mailed to the address on file, may take up to 6 weeks to process and expire 6 months after the Roanoke Grand Opening.

©2018 BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.

Don’t Worry.

Be Happy.

Six traits to help teenagers find happiness in their lives.

How would you describe happiness? You may have trouble putting it into words, but you know you want it for yourself and your loved ones. One thing that’s harder than describing it for many people is knowing how to achieve it.

Researchers studying social emotional wellbeing define happiness as a balance: the combination of how frequent and robust your positive emotional experiences are, how gracefully you recover from difficult experiences, and how meaningful and worthwhile you feel your life is overall.

“Happiness is the ability to consistently recognize that life is good, even if it’s difficult,” says Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., science director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California Berkeley. “It’s being able to identify and enjoy the positive times but also have resiliency to bounce back from the hard times.”

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This is particularly important for youth. Research shows two out of three American teens are stressed and many don’t know how to cope. When school is in session, teens are the most stressed group in the country.

The inability to reduce and cope with stress and anxiety can negatively impact different facets of a teen’s life including their health, friendships, relationships with parents and academic performance.

kids do better in school. Happy learners remember information better and happiness is positively associated with GPA. The research also shows that schools that teach happiness skills outperform schools that don’t, and typically experience dramatic drops in bullying, absenteeism and discipline issues. They also see impressive gains in student engagement, optimism, test scores and executive functioning skills that are key to future success.

To help further the idea that happiness skills must be learned, Simon-Thomas identified six Sustainable Happiness Skills which provide the foundation for a new initiative called Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, which helps bring scientific, evidence-based tools and sustainable happiness skills directly to young people across America. Backed by 70 years of scientific research showing that happy people are healthier, live longer, earn more and do better in school and life, the platform aims to reach, teach and increase sustainable happiness.

When practiced, the six sustainable happiness skills can sustain a person’s ability to recognize that life’s good,

others, friendships and social engagement with peers, which is the most reliable, enduring predictor of happiness in life.

Positive outlook: Harnessing the ability to imagine a fruitful outcome and maintain a readiness to pursue and experience the opportunity in any circumstance.

Purpose: Understanding your ability to make a difference in the world, at work, school or for a team leads to a refined sense of purpose and increases your sense of happiness.

“It’s being able to identify and enjoy the positive times but also have resiliency to bounce back from the hard times.”

Happiness is associated with several positive health effects, according to the Journal of Happiness Studies, including less insulin resistance, better sleep, higher HDL cholesterol levels and less reactivity to stress.

Additionally, teens who identify as happy are more creative, helpful and sociable.

Research has also shown that happy

even if it’s hard sometimes, according to the research from Simon-Thomas.

These are the foundation of Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, the new corporate social responsibility initiative led by LG Electronics USA. Mindfulness: Being aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, without judging those thoughts or feelings as admirable, shameful or anything in between.

Human connection: Building and sustaining relationships with significant

Generosity: Helping and giving to others can increase one’s own happiness. According to a study overseen

by Harvard University, people who donated time or money were 42 percent more likely to be happy when compared to those who didn’t.

Gratitude: The simple act of appreciating and thanking others for the goodness they contribute to your life helps foster happiness.

To learn more about these six skills, find tools you can use to teach happiness skills to your children and start your own journey to sustainable happiness, visit www.

LGExperienceHappiness.com. A primary focus of the Life’s Good: Experience Happiness platform is driving positive change in lives across America with the goal of equipping 5.5 million youth with happiness skills over five years.

Schedule Your Summer Sports

Physical Today!

Call (540) 344-9213 for information about Sports Physicals at our Roanoke and Westlake locations

Learn about our services & providers at physicianstochildren.com Growing Up

May 2018

39

Book Reviews Bygone Badass Broads

Reflection: A Twisted Tale

Mackenzi Lee Ages 16+

An internet sensation has inspired author Mackenzi Lee to feature 52 remarkable and forgotten trailblazing women from all over the world. With tales of heroism and cunning, in-depth bios and witty storytelling, Lee gives new life to these historic female pioneers.

The book takes a closer look at bold and inspiring women who dared to step outside the traditional gender roles of their time. This book is an outright celebration of the badass women who paved the way for the rest of us.

I’ve Loved You Since Forever

Elizabeth Lim Ages 12+

Hoda Kotb Ages 0+

A perfect gift for a Disney fanatic!

Reflection: a Twisted Tale expounds upon the story of Mulan and her courage in the face of unbelievable danger. This book is the latest in the series that show different sides of your beloved childhood characters.

Virginia Tech Alum, Hoda Kotb celebrates the adoption of her daughter Haley Joy with a New York Times #1 Best-selling children’s book- I’ve Loved You Since Forever. The soothing rhymes and gorgeous illustrations make this book a perfect fit as a bed time story for the little ones in your life. (Not to mention it has already been adapted into a lullaby as well!)

MAY 25-27, 2018 For tickets: call 540-345-2550, or go online!

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May 2018

SHOW SPONSORS

Towne Square Blvd 540-563-9891

SEASON PARTNERS

SEASON SPONSORS

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Sleep Tight, Sleepy Bears

Margaret Wise Brown Ages 0+

From the author of the childhood classics, Goodnight Moon and the Runaway, Sleep Tight Sleepy Bears is sure to earn its place on your bookshelf. The rhythm of the story lulls even the crankiest baby into a soothing sleep along with the main characters.

The Slime Workshop Selina Zhang Ages 6+

Whip up 20 borax-free slimes with different textures, cool colors, and special effects from slime enthusiast Selina Zhang! Recipes range from glow-in-the-dark to fluffy to unicorn variations of this middle school fad phenomenon! This irresistible full-color guide outlines the essential equipment and ingredients, the science of slime, tips on how to safely make and play with slime, and advice for preserving your creations and troubleshooting common problems.

Y SUMMER CAMP

MAKE FRIENDS

Star City Little Library Little Library Locations: Hometown Banks 3521 Franklin Road 4225 Colonial Avenue Roanoke Ballet Theatre 1318 Grandin Road, Roanoke Launching Pad 1300 Intervale Drive, Salem Lewis Gale Medical Center 1900 Electric Road, Salem Market Square North Shopping Center Corner of Williamson and Peters Creek

STAY ACTIVE

HAVE FUN

Join us for the BEST SUMMER EVER! Y Summer Camp offers four camp locations for children ages 3 - 12 years old*.

Early Bird Special ends April 30 - sign up to save $10 per week of camp!

Learn more at www.ymcavbr.org/summercamp *Ages vary by location

Growing Up

May 2018

41

Dreams

Days of magic, parades, and memories are awaiting your family at the most magical place on earth!

Article by Tracy Fisher

W

alt Disney World trips are an American rite of passage.

Families carefully save their money, meticulously plan their trips right down to the hour, and hope to create lasting magical family memories with their children. The Walt Disney Company created Walt Disney World to be an oasis for young and old alike in a busy, stressful world. Using characters and settings from their popular film franchises, it’s a guarantee that every boy and girl will beg their parents for a chance to meet Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, and Darth Vader.

Walt Disney World can seem daunting for a family that has never been before.

It is comprised of four full-sized theme parks, two water parks, a bustling downtown city shopping center, and more than twenty-five highly themed resort hotels. The “Disney Bubble,” that is to say, the property that the Walt Disney Company owns including and surrounding the parks, contains forty-three square miles. On average, Walt Disney World will host more than fifty-two million guests every year.

They help those guests by employing more than 72,000 employees, meaning they could hire the entire population of Blacksburg—twice. Disney World may

be quite large, but with some careful planning and research, it can easily be conquered by even the most novice of families.

Resorts Where you’ll stay while visiting is the most vital part of your vacation. Walt Disney himself imagined the theme park to be a sanctuary, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, gaudy advertisements, and un-family-friendly behaviors. Every resort is beautifully themed and filled with fun for both young and old guests.

For the budget-conscious traveler, they have the Value level of resorts. These resorts cater more towards families with younger children, with themes reflecting their famous cartoons, like The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo, as well as sports, music, and moviethemed options. The rooms are simple, without many luxury frills. The resort grounds usually have larger-than-life art installations and several pools to relax in (though you won’t find any water slides at Value resorts). They also usually have a large gift shop and cafeteria-style food options. Room rates fluctuate greatly depending on the season, estimated Growing Up

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crowds, and holidays. Value resort rates can be as low as $89 a night, all the way up to $400 or more a night.

Many visitors find the best of both worlds, price and luxury, at the Moderate level of resorts at Walt Disney World. These resorts can have fancier dining options, water slides and spraygrounds, more available recreational activities, and luxurious room accommodations. The themes are far more subtle than the brightly colored Value resorts. They instead take inspiration from Caribbean and New Orleans stylings. Rates for Moderates range from $200 to $600 a night, depending on Walt Disney the season.

but not all, the perks of being a Walt Disney resort guest. There’s also a timeshare-style option, called Disney Vacation Club. If used correctly, this can get a family a Deluxe vacation for a Moderate price.

The perks of staying on the property are the same no matter which level of resort you choose. Onsite guests get access to Walt Disney World’s FastPass+ System sixty days before their visit, while offsite guests must wait until just thirty days prior. Onsite guests also have options for a dining plan, airport shuttle, and souvenir room delivery.

Did You Know?

The Parks

World is twice the size of Manhattan.

For those wishing to immerse themselves completely in the magic, there is no other choice than the Deluxe resorts.

These resorts have the best grounds, pool amenities (including slides, lazy rivers, and hot tubs), and opulent rooms that are simply stunning. Deluxe resorts often have views of the nightly firework shows, several dining options, and the best transportation to and from the parks. However, this magic comes at a high cost, as the lowest rate in the off-season is $500 a night.

Disney World also partners with nearby hotels and resorts that are run by national chains you may be more familiar with. They will share some,

Planning Timeline

44

Each park at Walt Disney World is uniquely themed and designed for a different experience. Walt Disney’s original design for some parks, particularly Epcot, may have evolved over the years, but each one is worthy of a visit at any age.

The Magic Kingdom is the best known park at Walt Disney World. It is modeled after the hugely successful Disneyland in California. The park transports you to 1930s America, the simple time of Walt Disney’s own childhood. As you continue through the park, you can branch out into different beloved childhood genres: Adventureland, Frontierland,

Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. These different-styled lands are anchored with the Cinderella Castle, the iconic centerpiece of Disney World itself.

Magic Kingdom has the most diverse rides, from rollercoasters to carousels, so everyone can find something to do.

This park has the most rides that the youngest guests can enjoy—even babies can ride a majority of the attractions.

Known as MGM Studios to some diehard fans, the Hollywood Studios theme park is dedicated to movies and the people who make them. The first thing you see as you walk into the park is a replica of the famous Hollywood Chinese Theater. While this theme park is undergoing some anticipated changes and adaptations to bring in a more involved Star Wars theme, there is still a lot to enjoy at the park. The Rock-n-Roller Coaster is a step up in intensity for those who are bored with the Magic Kingdom Mountains. And, of course, there is the Tower of Terror for the brave at heart (and stomach!).

Hollywood Studios is the showcase for some of the best nighttime fireworks performances on the Walt Disney property.

Walt Disney dreamt of a community of futuristic innovations and next-level cooperation. Sadly, he passed away before fully expanding this dream, but his successors kept those elements alive with the theme park of Epcot, which is an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.

The front half of Epcot is a love letter to technology and intelligence. You

One Year

9 Months

6 months

2 Months

Consider your budget and choose a hotel.

Confirm your transportation plans.

Make your Advance Dining Reservations.

Reserve your FastPass+.

Growing Up

May 2018

can create and race your own car at the Test Track, be immersed in VR technology within Spaceship Earth (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the giant futuristic globe at the center of the park), and stretch your imagination with Dreamfinder.

The back half is dedicated to celebrating different cultures around the world. Epcot is known for its adventurous food options, spectacular performances, and unique souvenir options. Where else can you gather items from around the globe without ever leaving Florida?

The newest addition to the Walt Disney World property, Animal Kingdom, is a haven for animal lovers. Not only can you go on a safari and see real animals from around the world, you can enjoy rides featuring dinosaurs, or watch a show celebrating The Lion King, or even travel to a distant planet and study the alien animals of Pandora. Animal Kingdom smartly balances gentle rides, extreme roller coasters, thrill rides, and stunning shows so that all guests can enjoy themselves. With the recent expansion of Pandora, Animal Kingdom also hosts a beautiful water night parade that is incredible to witness.

Tips & Tricks When spending so much money on a vacation, parents can feel an added pressure to make the vacation absolutely perfect. This can lead to undue stress, strife, and fights!

Disney World is often a once-in-alifetime experience for families, but take a moment to remember it is a vacation, and vacations are meant to be enjoyable!

Use the FastPass+ system wisely. Even if you are not staying on the Disney property, make sure you familiarize yourself with the FastPass+ system online and on your phone with the Walt Disney World app. Every guests is allowed three reservations per day.

1 Week

1 Week After

Last-minute check for ADR and FastPass+ Start Packing!!

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to download your Memory Maker Photos and Videos.

Each park has different rules for how you can reserve certain attractions, and you can review the details on the Walt Disney World website. The FastPass+ provides an hour-long block of time in which you can bypass the main line and get to your chosen attraction within minutes. Many guests do not realize that once your first three passes are used, you can claim more passes, one at a time, per guest.

As soon as you redeem your last pass, hop on your phone and search

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for another pass as you wait in line. You may find that a rare pass becomes available through the day as people’s schedules change.

afternoon and enjoy the evening shows and dinner.

After all, you paid a lot for those Disney resort rooms, so you might as well use them!

You will not do everything.

Make this your mantra for your vacation. Walt Disney World is so huge, with constantly changing shows, rides, and attractions, that even Florida residents do not have the time and money to complete everything offered. Discuss your priorities with your family and make a list of the top one or two must-do attractions for each person.

Let Disney take the photos. Taking photos and capturing those memories is an important part of any vacation. Walt Disney World offers photographers throughout all the parks to make sure no one is left out of the photo. You can purchase the Memory Maker package, where all the photos you (and your entire party) take with the PhotoPass photographers are included.

A lot of your vacation can be planned in advance thanks to Walt Disney World technology, but there are always uncertain variables like weather, crowds, and

PhotoPass photographers also have access to magical shots where they insert Disney characters into your photos. The Memory Maker package also includes all the on-ride photos and videos throughout the parks.

You do not need to have the Memory Maker package to have the

Did You Know?

Space, Thunder and Splash Mountains are Florida’s tallest peaks. health. If you are traveling with children who still nap in the afternoon, do not force them to miss that much-needed sleep for one more ride or meet-andgreet with a character.

The most common advice on vacation planning forums is one that we implore you to heed: arrive at the parks early for opening, go to your hotel after lunch for a rest or pool break, and return to the park in the late

New in 2018

Opening June 30, Toy Story Land is coming to Hollywood Studios. This expansion helps add rides for younger kids such as the Slinky Dog Roller Coaster and a bumper car style ride called Alien Swirling Saucers.

Toy Story Land also includes the very popular Toy Story Mania arcade ride, meet and greet with Toy Story characters and a new restaurantWoody’s Lunch Box.

photographers use your camera, though—they will happily snap away with any device you offer them!

A Walt Disney World vacation is something families look forward to for years. Use that time wisely and research the many options the Walt Disney Company offers, and you’ll be sure to have a magical time to remember.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is slated to open in late 2018/early 2019.

Expanding upon the popular ride, Star Tours, this new land will feature two thrill rides and promises new immersive virtual reality opportunities.

Rumor is, there will be interactive animatronic stations that coordinate with souvenir lightsabers and blasters.

Go. Play. See. All Month Long Garden Bros Circus presents The Cirque theberglundcenter.com May 5 & 6 at the Berglund Coliseum in Roanoke. The Cirque by Garden Bros Circus is bursting with excitement, laughs, and memories your family will cherish, including the Strongest Man on Earth, Motorcycle Sphere of Fear, Triple Wheel of Doom, Human Slingshot, Aerial Daredevils, Pierre the World-

Famous Juggler, and Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent Hand Balancing Bow and Arrow!

The show features over 30 performers from 20 countries participating in exciting acts like contortionists, acrobatics, and even humorous clowns!

Tickets start at $11 for children and $26 for adults. VIP options available.

Sign-up for the ultimate action packed summer camp experience...

Psychedelic Saturdays Launchingpadsalem.com 8 PM to 10 PM at Launching Pad in Salem. Jump surrounded by lasers and black lights, and turn up the beat! $17 per person.

2018 Annual Chantilly Farm Bluegrass & BBQ Festival chantillyfarm.com/ wp/event/8th-annualchantilly-farmbluegrass-bbq-festival/ May 25 through 27

May at Chantilly Farm in Floyd. Each year, crowds gather in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to celebrate the coming of summer with some of the biggest bands in bluegrass and mountain music.

Additional activities throughout the weekend include RV and tent camping, beer & wine garden, arts & crafts vendors, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, opportunities for jamming, hiking & biking trails, cornhole tournament, midnight campfire jams, kite

flying, and so much more! Tickets start at $30, children 12 and under are free.

Kid Yoga Lifeinbalancecenter.com 11 AM on first & third Saturdays at Life in Balance Center in Christiansburg.

Come for a relaxing yoga class aimed at children ages 5-9.

Classes are $8 each.

Mother Goose Tales millmountain.org May 5 & 12 at 11 AM and 1 PM at the Waldron Stage in Downtown Roanoke.

When siblings Jack & Jill decide theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re too old for bedtime stories, they are suddenly whisked away to a strange land and have to find their way home. On their journey, they meet Nursery Rhyme characters: the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty and more, who lead them to

Our Camps Include: Team Sport Challenges Splash Days at our Private Pool Survivor Island Excursions Adventurous Learning Activities

Rising 1st Grade - 5th Grade Students

Summer Camp Runs from

June 11- August 17

Go. Play. See. the Queen: Mother Goose, who will help them get back home!

A collection of wellknown fairy tales and nursery rhymes will come to life in song and pantomime.

Children from MMT’s Conservatory will perform these classic tales for other children. In conjunction with this production, MMT will distribute free books to student audience members as part of its initiative to connect theatre to literacy. All tickets are pay-whatyou-can, and are only available 30 minutes prior to each performance.

See Joe Bonamassa at the Berglund Center on May 2.

NEW DATES ADDED!

Presented by

OCTOBER 6

Berglund Performing Arts Theatre ON SALE NOW at the Berglund Center Ticket Office, HomeTownBankTix.com or 877-482-8496.

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A Chorus Line millmountain.org April 25 through May 13 at Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke.

Tickets start at $20.

Uncle Billy’s Day Festival unclebillysdayfestival.com June 1 & 2 at English Park in Altavista.

Come celebrate the 69th annual Uncle Billy’s Day Festival.

This two-day festival offers something for everyone, and is located at English Park along the banks of the beautiful Staunton River.

Shop the arts & crafts exhibits, eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the variety

Go. Play. See. of food vendors, and seek a rare find at the flea market and antiques area.

Get up and dance to the free live music performances on Friday and Saturday.

Bring the kids and listen to them giggle as they enjoy the children’s rides and activities. Check out the local talent at the art and photography show, and see more than 100 antique cars from the area. End a great day of activities, take a rest, and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at dusk on Saturday. Free event to attend.

Treasure Island squareup.com/store/ NewRiverStage/ April 28 through May 6 at Warm Hearth Village Center in Blacksburg. Enjoy this fresh take on an old classic, adapted

by British dramatist Bryony Lavery.

This reimagined production of Robert Lewis Stevenson’s classic tale is a story of the cleverness of children. It’s a dark, stormy night.

The stars are out.

Jim, the innkeeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger.

At the old sailor’s feet sits a sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in and

her dangerous voyage begins. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

2018 CIAA Softball Championship theciaa.com April 30 through May 2 at Moyer Park in Salem. Free to attend.

Sidewalk Art Show taubmanmuseum.org June 2 & 3 at and around the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke.

This annual benefit infuses downtown Roanoke with energy, excitement, and creativity. More than 140 outstanding

artists—many wellknown and others recently discovered— will display and sell the highest quality fine art and craft.

Guests are invited to enjoy beer and wine from the tasting station as they peruse art displayed on the streets of the show, or take a seat and enjoy each other’s company in the sculpture garden.

Throughout the day, families are encouraged to bring their children inside the museum for a break from the heat, and participate in The Rescue Mission of Roanoke’s children’s drawing contest. The winner receives the honor of signature

image for this year’s Drumstick Dash! The event is held on the streets immediately surrounding the Taubman Museum of Art and is free and open to the public.

Tuesday • May 1 Broadway in Roanoke 25th Anniversary Celebration theberglundcenter.com 5 PM to 7 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke.

You’re invited to join Broadway in Roanoke for a celebration!

Activities include: renewing/updating season subscriptions, selecting new

FREE MOVIES

MARKET May 11 June 8 July 13 aug 10

MARKET SQUARE DOWNTOWN ROANOKE

Despicable Me 3 jumanji Coco star wars: the last jedi

2017 Rated PG 2017 Rated PG-13 2017 Rated PG 2017 Rated PG-13

For more information, visit DowntownRoanoke.org!

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GALLOP FOR THE GREENWAYS Friday, May 11th – 1-Miler King & Queen of the Greenway Saturday, May 12th – 5K, 1.5 mile Walk and Kids’ Fun Run

Gallop 5K | 1-Miler Race for King & Queen | 1.5-mile Walk | Kids’ Fun Run

There’s a Race for Everyone at the Gallop 1. Gallop for the Greenways 5K 2. 1-Miler for King & Queen of the Greenway!

3. 1.5 Mile Walk Enjoy live music & local beer!

4. FREE Kids’ Fun Run Celebrate with us on Saturday at the Post-Race Party!

Admission to the party is absolutely free to the public. Invite the family to enjoy live music, games, great food and adult and kid-friendly beverages after the race!

Register at: www.Gallop4theGreenways.com

Disclaimer: we reserve the right to change all race routes in the event of high water.

www.Gallop4theGreenways.com

Go. Play. See. summer camps

season packages, sampling cuisine from the Broadway Buffet and Speakeasy, the announcement of the 2018-2019 Broadway in Roanoke Season, meeting and mingling with other Broadway fans, and Backstage tours of the Performing Arts Theatre. Free to attend.

Wednesday • May 2 Joe Bonamassa theberglundcenter.com

ity

Build Creativ

Make Friends Explore Art

Have Fun! Weekly half-day camps for ages 5-14 TaubmanMuseum.org/Camp 110 Salem Ave SE Downtown Roanoke

8 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke.

Hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Joe Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream.

Joe will be backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians featured on his Grammy-nominated album Live At The Greek Theatre and amazing-back up vocalists who bring a whole new life to the show, which will feature new songs alongside career-spanning favorites. Tickets start at $81.

Saturday • May 5 Smith Mountain Lake Brews & Tunes Festival 2018 visitsmithmountainlake.com 1 PM at Smith Mountain Lake YMCA.

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Come and enjoy multiple variations of food vendors, as well as 20 local and regional craft breweries & cideries representing 50+ craft beers. Enjoy live music and check out 60+ quality craft vendors.

Tasters will receive a

complimentary commemorative glass upon entry. Admission is $27.24.

3rd Annual International Festival lynchburgva.gov/ internationalfestival Join us at 11 AM at Riverfront Park for the third Annual International Festival in historic Downtown Lynchburg! Vendors, exhibitors, and performers representing countries from around the globe will be a part of this fun and educational familyfriendly festival. This is a free event.

Sitho de Mayo geekmobroanoke.com 4 PM at 16 West Marketplace in Roanoke.

Tacos, piñatas, Stormtroopers, a kid corner, and so much more! Admission is free and all we ask is that you “Feed a Wookie!” by bringing a donation for Angels of Assisi.

Sunday • May 6 Murder on the Rails biglickbrewingco.com 2 PM at Big Lick Brewing Company. “Murder on the Rails,” is an interactive murder mystery theatre event.

You get to play a role by interacting with other characters and trying to figure out ‘who dunnit’!

Space is limited to only 50 people, so buy your tickets and reserve your spot before this one sells out! The cost of this event is $35 per person and includes your first beer. All participants are asked to please arrive and check in no later than 1:30 pm. Food will also be available to order from Tuco’s Taqueria and Beamer’s 25.

Tuesday • May 8 The Illusionists theberglundcenter.com 7:30 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts, and acts of breathtaking wonder, The Illusionists has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mindblowing spectacular showcasing the jawdropping talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on Earth.

Tickets start at $41.50.

Go. Play. See. Friday • May 18 Raise the Roof Gala citymarketbuilding. com/charter-hall/

Wednesday • May 9 Youth Mental Health 101 eventbrite.com/o/ mental-healthamerica-of-roanokevalley-13644144093 11:45 AM at Raleigh Court Library in Roanoke. Curious to learn more about the impact of mental health concerns on our youth? Are you unsure how issues like depression or anxiety may or may not affect the children and youth you work with during your day or volunteer hours? Learn more about youth mental health from Heather E. H. Gunn, LPC, during Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley’s Professional Lecture Series. Bring your sack lunch and enjoy a free sweet treat while learning a little more about mental illnesses and their impacts on youth and adolescents.

This workshop is geared towards individuals who work with children and/or volunteer with children’s programming and events, but all are welcome! While this event is free, space is limited. Register by reserving a spot on Eventbrite.

Saturday • May 12 Gallop 4 the Greenways runsignup.com/ Race/VA/Roanoke/ gallop4thegreenways 5 PM at River’s Edge Park in Roanoke. This 5k race winds around the beautiful Roanoke River Greenway to Wasena Park and loops back to the starting line, where festivities await! Join us for the free Greenway Festival Post-Race celebration afterwards!

Saturday • May 19 Hustle for the Homeless runsignup.com/ Race/VA/Roanoke/ HustlefortheHomeless 9 AM in downtown Roanoke. This is a 5K run/walk fundraiser for The Least of These Ministry, a nonprofit organization that serves/houses the homeless living on the streets of the Roanoke Valley. Experienced runners, individual walkers, walking groups, and families are encouraged to participate in this event! Runners will start off the 5k, and walkers will follow. $25 for race registration online.

Spring Carnival windsorhillsumc.org 1 PM to 4 PM at Windsor Hills United Methodist Church in Roanoke.

Carnival games, snow cones, popcorn, drinks, a bounce house, balloon animals and MORE!

children struggling with ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Autism: TRY CHIROPRACTIC! Parents of children under chiropractic care report: Better focus Improved sleep Better Mood Decreased sensory overload Less anxiety Improved communication Decreased hyperactivity And More!

Chernichky Family Chiropractic www.cfchirova.com | 540.591.3535

Don't forget to bring this VIP pass to your appointment!

You won’t believe your eyes at the Berglund Cener on May 8

6 PM to 9 PM at Charter Hall, in the City Market Building in downtown Roanoke.

Help us Raise the Roof (and raise funds to replace the roof) with Unity of Roanoke Valley!

Festivities include door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, silent auctions (with an amazing selection of items to bid on!), live music, and heavy hors d’oeuvres with cash bar.

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Music And Merchants Festival musicandmerchantsfest.com

Salem Red Sox Home Games

Tickets range from $8-$15 per game, with senior and children discounts available as well as season passes. Learn more and buy tickets at salemsox.com.

Monday, May 7 7:05 PM vs Winston-Salem Tuesday, May 8 7:05 PM vs Winston-Salem Wednesday, May 9 7:05 PM vs Winston-Salem Thursday, May 10 7:05 PM vs Lynchburg Fireworks Friday, May 11 7:05 PM vs Lynchburg

Harry Potter Night Saturday, May 19 6:05 PM Sunday, May 20 2:05 PM vs Wilmington Tuesday, May 29 7:05 PM vs Potomac Wednesday, May 30 7:05 PM vs Potomac Thursday, May 31 7:05 PM vs Potomac

Superhero Night Saturday, May 12 6:05 PM vs Lynchburg

Jurassic in the Park Friday, June 1 7:05 PM vs Winston-Salem

Mother’s Day Sunday, May 13 2:05 PM vs Lynchburg

Paw Patrol Night Saturday, June 2 7:05 PM vs Wilmington

Bark in the Park Friday, May 18 7:05 PM vs Wilmington

Sunday, June 3 4:05 PM vs Wilmington

5 PM at Pulaski’s historic Main Street for a nighttime street festival! Music, craft beer, great food, craft vendors, live street style magician and a kids’ zone. This is something for the entire family. Some of the area’s most popular musical acts are performing, including The Antecedents, Eric Gress, and One Side Missing. Admission is absolutely free! Bring the entire family down to Pulaski’s historic Main Street between Washington Ave and Jefferson Ave for an amazing night of fun!

Sunday • May 20 Fairy Tale Festival centerinthesquare.org 1 PM to 5 PM at Center in the Square in Roanoke. Dreams do come true! Your child’s imagination will soar as he or she enters the Fairy Tale Festival. Characters like princesses, fairies, knights and Vikings will be making an appearance just in time for a great photo-op. Also on-site will be a petting

zoo, with rabbits, chicks and pigs. Enjoy carnival games, face painting and a majestic castle bounce house! And get ready to explore as your family searches for loot in a downtown treasure hunt! One wristband gives you access to all festivities all day! Children ages 1+ will cost $10 per wristband Tuesday • May 22 Paw Patrol Live! theberglundcenter.com May 22 and 23 at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. All paws on deck!

Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group present PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure,” an all-new, action-packed, music-filled production based on the toprated animated preschool series PAW Patrol, produced

by Spin Master Entertainment.

The new live stage show, which follows the heroic pups as they embark on a pirate-themed adventure to uncover hidden treasure, will visit Berglund Center! PAW Patrol Live!

“The Great Pirate Adventure” includes two acts and an

intermission, and incorporates an innovative costume approach to help bring the pups, as well as their vehicles and packs, to life on stage during the adventure.

The performance is interactive, engaging audiences to learn pirate catchphrases, dance the pirate boogie, and help the pups follow the treasure map and solve picture puzzles during their mission! Tickets start at $21.

of Music Homecoming: An Evening with Sierra Hull sierrahull.com

Saturday • May 26

6 PM at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke. Bigger and better and ON SATURDAY! Located in the atrium of the Taubman. New this year: VIP Tickets! Includes special picture frame and 30 minute early admission for a princess meet and greet (these tickets are $70 and are limited to 50 total attendees). Music, dancing, contests, and of course, princesses! Light snacks will be served. General tickets are $47 per couple, and $15 for each additional daughter.

The Roanoke Valley Comicon RoanokeValleyComicon.com 11 AM to 5 PM at the Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke.

Come enjoy toys, comic books, Star Wars, Star Trek, action figures, collectible card games, anime, manga, magazines and more! Admissions starts at $5, children 10 and under get in free with paid admission. VIP options available.

Friday • June 8 Ben Folds and a Piano artscenter.vt.edu/ performances/ben-folds.htm 8:30 PM at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

In this solo concert program, Ben Folds delivers high-energy rock using the intimacy of just a piano. Presented in celebration of Virginia Tech’s Alumni Reunion Weekend. Tickets start at $40 for adults and $10 for students and children.

Saturday • June 9 Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream jeffcenter.org 7 PM at the Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke.

Tickets start at $27.

Friday • June 15

7:30 PM at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for students and children.

Saturday • June 16 Royal Ball Growingupinthevalley.com

Space Festival vmnh.net 9 AM at the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville.

Join us for the first-ever Space Festival at the Virginia Museum of Natural History! This out-ofthis-world festival will include displays on loan from NASA, with hands-on activities by partnering organizations.

Black Jacket Symphony presents The Eagles theberglundcenter.com 8 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of hand-picked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked—the musicians do whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album.

Tickets start at $26.

The Crooked Road’s Mountain Growing Up

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Summer plans for the Family

Estimated Cost: $40 Estimated Time: 1 Day Materials One tire 1”x10”x10’ board 2”x2”x 20” board 2”x4”x 20” board Screws Spray paint

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Build Your Own SeeSaw

First clean the tire completely.

Carefully cut the tire in half using a circular saw. Use safety gear at all times.

Paint the tire your desired color using spray paint. Allow to fully dry.

Cut the 2”x4”x20” board in half so you have two 2”x4”x10” pieces. Place those pieces inside the tire, lining up the wood with cut edges of the tire.

Secure with a large screw from the outside. You will be attaching the rest of the seesaw to these pieces. Take time to make sure they are secure.

To create the handles take your two 1”x10”x10” boards and trim them down to be 1”x10”x4” in length. You can sand down one edge to make it softer on tiny hands or use a jigsaw to

create a curves shape. Take your 2”x2”x20” board and cut in half to be 2”x2”x10”. Secure these pieces to the bottom of your handles (the unrounded edge) and paint as desired. You will be using this ledge to attach the handles to the seat.

Sand and paint (or stain) your 1”x10”x10’ board. You can cut out semi circles on either end for comfort with a jigsaw as well. Securely attach the handles to the middle of the board (Tip: Use tire to measure distance between handles.)

Using a long screw, attach board to tire half using the two wood pieces already inserted into tire. Secure with a nut if necessary.

This simple DIY project is perfect for beginner woodworkers and D.I.Y.ers. It’s a great way to use up scrap wood and materials, and is also simple enough for older children to help create it!

Show us your finished projects and you might see them featured here in Growing Up in the Valley! Send photos and story to tracy@ virginiafamily.com

Enjoy your portable seesaw on grass or mulch!

Try a Mini-Rocker Create tire base as instructed but instead of a long teetertotter, top the tire with a length of board that fits the distance between the two cut edges. Attach wooden handle as instructed or drill a hole and add a heavy rope handle. This is a great option for families with a smaller yard or only one child!

All Points REALTORS

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Kids Eat Free • Mama Maria’s 11 AM - 2 PM • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848

Monday

• Country Cookin’ 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199

• The Green Goat All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

• Golden Corral All Day • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826

• Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400

• Brambleton Deli 11 AM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554

IHop 4PM-10PM • 12 & Under All Locations

• Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464

• Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074

Every Day

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

• 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 Blacksburg (540) 961-0371

Tuesday

• Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884

• McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407 • Town Center Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 • 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 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

• 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 • Rodeo Grande All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-206-2296 • Lew’s Restaurant SW All Day • 12 and Under 2 free per paid adult Walnut Avenue, Roanoke 540-682-5925

Why Oakey’s Pet Funeral Home & Crematory?

Our professional and compassionate staff will pick up your pet and deliver from anywhere* and are available 24/7. We provide private cremation for peace of mind, have a variety of urns and memorial products to choose from and offer pre-arrangement and grief support services as well.

We’re here so that saying goodbye is a little easier. *$2.25/mile beyond 25 miles

Sunday

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase 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

These listings are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee a discount. As restaurants change promotions often, we recommend calling ahead.

540.265.7297 www.oakeypetloss.com M-F 8 am-5 pm | Sat. 8 am-12 pm Sun. Noon-5 pm | 24/7 BY PHONE Growing Up

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Growing Up in the Valley’s Guide To Daycare, Preschools & Private Education ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

4524 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-6641 • Ages 3-18 years www.northcross.org Preschool, K-12

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 persona, blending learning with faith and faith with daily life.

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.

CHILDCARE NETWORK

4225 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-0144 • Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Years www.childcarenetwork.com 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 Rd, Roanoke 540-797-1456 • Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Years www.countrybeardayschool.com Preschool, Day Care, After School Country Bear Day School has a 30 year tradition of offering an exceptional program for children ages 6 weeks - 12 years. A child’s happiness and development is our main objective, offered in a secure, nurturing environment with opportunities to grow. 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.

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTERS

2660 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke 628 Townside Rd, Roanoke 1824 Jefferson Street, Roanoke 4330 Franklin Rd, Roanoke 2230 Electric Rd, Roanoke 7507 Plantation Rd, Roanoke 217 Hershberger Rd, Roanoke 1531 Patrick Rd, Roanoke 1980 Electric Rd, Salem 2111 Roanoke Rd, Salem 1918 Washington Avenue, Vinton 7000 Booker T. Washington, Wirtz 229 Central Avenue, Christiansburg (540) 344-4543 Ages 6 weeks-12 years www.HoneyTreeELC.com Preschool, After School

HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks - 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!

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NORTH CROSS

621 N. Jefferson St. Roanoke 540-982-3532 • Ages: 3-18 www.roanokecatholic.com Preschool, K-12, After School

FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3585 Buck Mountain Rd, Roanoke 540-769-5200 • Ages: 4-19 years www.fcsva.com Preschool, K-12, After School 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 • Ages 2-5 years grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com 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.

NOAH’S LANDING PRESCHOOL

2011 Brandon Avenue, SW, Roanoke 540-982-2254 • Ages 12mo - 5 years www.noahslandingpreschool.com 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 philosophy of education is based on the belief that children learn and grow best through hands on experiences.

ROANOKE VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

7060 Williamson Rd, Roanoke 540-366-2432 119 • Ages 2-18 years www.rvcs.info Preschool, K-12, Before/After School

Roanoke Valley Christian Schools (RVCS) was established in 1973 by Shenandoah Baptist Church and now recognizes over 1,200 alumni. Its mission is to develop disciples of Christ who will influence the world for the glory of God. RVCS accomplishes this through a partnership with each family. We

serve preschool, ages 2 through grade 12 and offer both an advanced program and resource program that can come alongside each student’s individual needs.

SOUTHVIEW PRESCHOOL

3539 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke 540-362-1767 • Ages 2-5 years svumpreschool.webs.com 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.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

7815 Williamson Rd, Roanoke 540-563-5036 • Ages 3-14 years www.communityschool.net Preschool, K-8 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.

BONSACK BAPTIST PRESCHOOL

4845 Cloverdale Rd, Roanoke 540-977-0485 Ages 2.5-11 years www.bonsackpreschool.com Preschool, After School

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 • Ages 0-12 years childrenscastleearlylearningcenter.com Preschool, Daycare, After School We offer social development, preschool education, and after school enrichment for our community in a safe and engaging atmosphere. Our curriculum builds upon the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning to fully prepare children to be successful upon entering Elementary School.

ROANOKE ADVENTIST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-798-6061 • ages 5-14 www.rapschool.org 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.

ST. ANNES EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

42 E. Main Street, Salem 540-389-4087 • Ages 18mos-5 years www.stpaulssalem.org/stannes 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 2018-2019 school year!

WESLEYAN PRESCHOOL

125 W. Main St., Salem 540-389-5144 • Ages 1 - 4 years fb.com/FUMCWesleyanPreschool 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 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!

SALEM MONTESSORI

107 Corporate Blvd., Salem 540-387-1521 • Ages 6 weeks-12 years www.salemmontessori.org Preschool, k-6 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. Montessori educated children become self-confident young people, who face future challenges with optimism and who enjoy a lifetime love of learning!

GREENVALE SCHOOL

627 Westwood Blvd. NW, Roanoke 540-342-4716 • Ages 3 -5 years www.greenvale-school.org 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.

Mineral Springs Christian School

1030 Bible Ln, Vinton (540) 890-4465 • Ages 1-16 years www.mineralspringschristianschool.com

It is our goal at Mineral Springs Christian School to provide your child with an affordable Christian education. Mineral Springs Christian School is one the most important ministries of our church.

The school has been serving families for 25 years. Mineral Springs Baptist Church felt the need to provide a ministry of alternative and affordable Christian education to their church members and the community.

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Color Changing Carnations Experiment provided by Science Museum of Western VA Supplies: 1 or more white carnations Knife or sharp scissors Cups or glasses (1 container for each color you want to use) Food coloring Water Directions: 1. Fill each cup with water.

2. Add 10-20 drops of color to each cup and stir.

3. Cut the stem of each carnation on a diagonal. The cut has to be fresh for the experiment to work. (You may need an adult to help you with this step) 4. Place each carnation into a cup of the colored water and set them in a safe place. The color change can take up to 24 hours or more.

Optional: If you want to color a carnation with multiple colors, cut the stem lengthwise into as many sections as you want to try. Place the end of each section in a different color and wait. The color should change in 24 hours or so.

What’s Happening?

We’re exploring a few different processes but mostly these two: Transpiration and Capillary Action.

Did you know that plants breathe? Transpiration is when water evaporates from a plant while it is breathing, kind of like how your mouth gets dry when you breathe through it. This leaves more room in the plant for water to come up from the roots.

Capillary action is how liquids, like water, move up small tubes. These liquids are able to do this because they stick to each other and the sides of the tubes. When transpiration pulls a water molecule out of a leaf or petal, it is holding on tight to another water molecule below it. That water molecule is holding onto the next water molecule and the next, which pulls the water up these small tubes. When we add food coloring we can see capillary action and transpiration in action because the color is left behind as the water evaporates from the leaves and petals.

WE EXIST TO PROVIDE A CHRIST-CENTERED WORLDVIEW TO AS MANY STUDENTS AS POSSIBLE Day Care • Preschool • Elementary • Middle • High Scholarships are Available.

Call for a Tour Today (540) 890-4465• 1030 Bible Lane, Vinton, VA 24179 64

Growing Up

May 2018

Have Growing Up and Blue Eagle at your event!

Learn how Growing Up In the Valley and Blue Eagle can support your next event!

Contact us at josh@growingupinthevalley. com!

Birthday Parties • Group Events • Glow in the Dark Parties • Fundraisers

Trampolines & So Much More!

Basketball • Dodgeball • Jousting Pit • Fidget Ladder Pit • Airbag Pit Launch Tower • Arcade With Redemption Prizes • Bumper Cars Snack Bar • Lounge With Free Wifi • Electronic Lockers • 5 Party Rooms

540-404-9235 L J Launchingpadsalem.com I 1300 Intervale Drive, Salem VA, 24153

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Fairy Tale FEST VAL MAY 20, 2018 | 1 PM - 5 PM GAMES

CHARACTERS

ANIMALS

$10 | All-Access Wristband There will be no pre-sale for this event.

FREE | Children One & Under CenterintheSquare.org

R

Discover Play Inspire

540.342.5733 | One Market Square, Downtown Roanoke

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