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Growing Up In the Valley TOP TEN DAY

Editor’s Note

The challenge has begun! The Fit Family Challenge has officially started and you can win some amazing prizes like a set of bicycles, gift certificates for Wilderness Adventure, free swim lessons and the grand prize: a family vacation to Universal Studios Orlando Resort!

All you have to do is get up and get moving this summer and log any and all activity on the Fit Family Challenge website, www.myfitfamilychallenge. com. The more active you are, the better your chance at winning!

We even give you dozens of extra chances to earn bonus points by attending our partners’ free classes and activities. These can all be found on page 15. There are multiple things happening every week for every skill level. Each class or activity is worth 100 bonus points!!!

This challenge would not be possible without the support of all of our local partners and Coca-Cola. Please make sure to support all of them and show them how much their hard work means by attending their events!

Lastly, in our effort to help bring quality, safe and fun entertainment for kids and the families who love them to the Roanoke Valley, we are happy to announce our Tot Rock at the Spot Concert Series presented by Honeytree! We have amazing artists lined up to play on Saturdays such as local favorite Einstein’s Monkey and singer-songwriter, Robbie Schaefer. Check out the full lineup on page 3 and get your tickets now on growingupinthevalley.com.

Thanks so much for reading, we look forward to seeing you and your family at one of the Fit Family Challenge Activities this month!

Growing Up In The

Publisher

Josh

Anika

Editor

Andrea

Anika and Evelyn’s Mom

Creative Director

Tracy

and Evelyn’s Mom

Director of Sales

dee@growingupinthevalley.com

Aleyna’s Mom

Distribution

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

From L to R -Anika at Odyssey of the Mind state finals; a fun late night at Benny’s; Evie Sleeping after a long day of magazine events.

josh@growingupinthevalley.com

dee@mofatmedia.com

andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

info@growingupinthevalley.com

6 Top Ten Day Trips Plan the best day trips around this summer.

17 Moms: Help Dad Go from Good to Great Help him become the best he can be. 13 Fit Family Challenge Info The challenge has begun! Find out how to earn bonus points at dozens of free events!

Photo by Roanoke County

Ten Day Trips to Take This Summer

With summer just around the corner, your family may be planning an out of town getaway. For those times when a weeklong vacation might not be on the schedule or in the budget, a fun family day trip can be just as exciting. We asked some local families what some of their go-to summer day trip spots are and they were excited to tell us about their favorite not-sofaraway places.

Article by Rachel Robinson

Crabtree Falls, Montebello, VA

If you’re a fan of waterfalls, just six miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway lies Crabtree Falls, one of our reader favorites. This 60-foot waterfall is the highest drop in our region and lies at the bottom of a wildflower-ridden 2.5 mile trail, with multiple cascades.

Appomattox Courthouse National Park, Appomattox, VA

Appomattox Courthouse is a great educational outing. The village is full of living history, including the site of Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant. The museum, theater, and bookstore are nestled in the midst of a beautiful national park. There is lots to learn and explore. Special events are held throughout the summer.

Safari Park-Natural Bridge, VA

The Virginia Safari Park has 180-acres of free-roaming animals, which makes for a fun and unpredictable drive-through experience. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close looks at some pretty unique creatures. Guests can also interact with the animals as they walk through the petting zoo.

Natural Bridge-Natural Bridge, VA

This 70 meter high bridge was formed when the roof of a large underground cavern collapsed, leaving the remaining bridge portion. George Washington spent his younger days at the bridge and the site was owned temporarily by Thomas Jefferson. Natural Bridge is a picturesque area with a visitor center, shop and picnic area, as well as a nearby Monacan Indian village.

Yoder’s Farm, Rustburg, VA

Yoder’s Farm’s “pick your own patch” is a fun place to pick strawberries. Strawberry picking usually starts in late April and the farm welcomes families and groups to enjoy their produce and gorgeous views of the countryside. Yoder’s Farm offers beautiful homegrown tomatoes, jams, jellies, apples, cookbooks, and seasonal baked goods in their farm store. They are known for locally-grown gourmet produce and family-friendly farm activities.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park Huddleston, VA

If water’s what you’re after and you only have a day, Smith Mountain Lake is an ideal trip. Lake visitors love to swim, rent and ride speed boats for the day, picnic by the water, and eat at local restaurants. The park’s public 500-foot beach is a popular attraction.

Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke, VA

Who says you have to leave town to have fun? Located in Roanoke, Mill Mountain Zoo continues to be a family day trip favorite. Every third Saturday this summer, the MMZ gives visitors an opportunity to have “Breakfast with the Animals.” Guests get a chance to talk with the zookeepers and get some up-close time with some of the animals. The Zoo’s touring train, or “Zoo Choo,” is a favorite among our readers with small children. If you’re looking for a fun experience with wildlife or just a great place to enjoy the outdoors, Mill Mountain Zoo makes for a great day trip. during summer months.

Virginia Museum of Natural History Martinsville, VA

Take a walk into the Ice Age at the Natural History Museum. One of VMNH’s most recent permanent exhibits gives visitors an exciting glimpse of full-sized skeleton casts of prehistoric creatures like giant beavers and even a saber-tooth cat. Dinosaur lovers will enjoy the Hall of Ancient Life, and the Fossil Overlook. The Discovery Reef is a ship with a hands-on, interactive play area for the little ones and there’s even a café where you can grab a quick bite in between activities.

Amazement Square, Lynchburg, VA

Located in downtown Lynchburg, this hands-on children’s museum boasts four floors of interactive exhibits. Get your hands dirty inside the paint box, play a musical instrument or explore the human body as you climb from floor to floor. (There’s an elevator and stairs if you’re not into the climbing.) Amazement Square also holds fun and educational programming for children and families.

Luray Caverns, Shenandoah, VA

There are several caverns in Virginia, but if you’re looking for the “Wow Factor,” Luray Caverns is the place to go. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, the caverns has 10-story high ceilings and massive rooms. The beautiful calcite snow white formations and crystalline cathedral room sets Luray apart from other caverns in the area.

Sunday, May 29 11 - 5 pm

Miniature Petting Zoo

Pony Rides

Horse Carriage Rides BBQ Family Games

When most people think of inflation, their response is usually similar to when they see a vintage advertisement: reminiscing about the cheaper prices of the past (15 cents for a burger? Awesome!) while simultaneously feeling some resentment towards today’s ever-rising prices. Generally, inflation is seen as a frustrating “financial fact of life” that passively affects everyone as price levels climb and as the dollar’s purchasing power decreases over time.

The reality is that inflation is affecting your finances more aggressively than you might realize—especially when it comes to your savings. Without the proper planning in place, the effects of inflation could actually be costing you your savings.

How can you lose money by saving it? We all know that saving money is an important part of any financial plan. Our savings fund our biggest goals, finance our future lifestyle and protect us from life’s curveballs. Unfortunately, simply saving is rarely enough to counter the effects of inflation.

As an example, let’s say that you know you’ll be buying a new pair of eyeglasses sometime in the next 10 years. The type of frames you like and the lenses you need would cost about $400 today, so you decide to do your future self a favor. You stash the cash under your mattress (or some equally obscure hiding place), knowing that you’ll retrieve it when the time comes to purchase a brand-new pair of specs. Then you congratulate yourself for doing the right thing by putting that money aside instead of spending it all. Solid plan, right? Except for one problem: inflation.

In this example, $400 is your savings goal based on the price of eyeglasses today. But following inflation rate patterns, a similar set of frames may cost $485 10 years down the road. Because inflation decreases purchasing pow-

er over time, the same amount of cash (in this case, $400) will buy less in the future than it does today. You will not have saved enough to meet your goal.

Now, let’s say that, instead of stashing the cash under your mattress, you park it in a savings account for that 10 years. You know that it’s a more responsible way to save—if you’re not going to be spending that $400 for a while, you might as well be earning interest on it! At a rate of 1.05%, over 10 years, your initial $400 would grow to $444. You’ll have grown your savings, and while that’s a positive thing, you’d still be $41 short of getting your new glasses.

This example makes inflation seem like a minor inconvenience or annoyance—but now imagine scaling this concept up to a giant savings goal like funding your retirement. In setting your goal, you may determine that you need to save up $10,000 a year to maintain the post-career lifestyle you want. But what if by the time you retire, factoring in the effects of inflation, that exact same lifestyle costs double or even triple that amount? What are you to do?

Beat inflation with these strategies Inflation can make the act of saving seem like a depressing option, even though savings is a major contributor to your financial well-being. The first step in countering inflation is to acknowledge that it exists, that it is affecting your finances in a very real way and that some extra effort is required to overcome it. The following suggestions will help strengthen your savings against the eroding effects of inflation.

1. Plan accordingly

Even though inflation doesn’t affect all products and services equally (for example, in any given year, college tuition rates may rise more

steeply than airline ticket rates), it’s almost certain that, in general, the same things will cost more in the future than they do today. Adjust your savings goals and err on the generous side in order to reflect that change.

2. Review your savings rates

When you first started a savings account, you may not have been paying too much attention to what the best interest rates were at the time. Take a look at your savings and see if there’s any opportunity to consolidate your savings into an account with a higher return. (Note: Although the minimal rates on savings account products are usually not enough to counter inflation on their own, taking the time to re-evaluate your savings products is a good practice that can often save you money.)

3. Invest your savings

Inflation is one of the biggest motivating forces for investing your savings. The ultimate goal is to find a rate of return that is higher than the corresponding rate of inflation (and the taxes you’ll owe on that investment income) over that same period of time. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and treasury securities are all potential investment vehicles for your savings. Keep in mind that every form of investing presents its own set of risks, so the method you choose needs to be in line with your goals and your timeline. Your credit union can be an excellent resource when it comes to seeking investment product information or advice.

In conclusion, the concept of inflation does a lot more harm than just making us gripe about the rising cost of goods and services—it makes it difficult for us to anticipate just how much we need to save in order to reach our financial goals. Increasing the rate of return on your savings through investing is the best way to counter the effects of inflation, and it will help ensure that the money you save today will have the purchasing power to afford what you need in the future.

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

June - August 2016

Monday - Friday 8:30am–12:30pm or 1-5pm Weekly Rate: $175, $150 Members

5–8 Years Old

Installation Inspiration: June 6–10

Paint, Print, & Play: July 11–15

Clay Creations: August 1–5

8–11 Years Old

Installation Inspiration: June 13–17

Paper Possibilities: June 27–July 1

Math + Art = Magic: July 18–22

Clay Creations: August 8–12

10–14 Years Old

Installation Inspiration: June 20–24

Drawing: July 25–29

Clay Creations: August 15–19

Taubman Museum of Art

Homemade Fudgsicles

1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding

2 cups of cold water

1 cup of whipped cream

Prepare pudding mix using water. Pour mixture into large metal bowl. Cover; freeze until ice crystals form around edges of bowl, about 1 hour. Beat partially frozen mixture until smooth. Fold in prepared whipped topping. Spoon mixture into popsicle molds, about 3/4 full. Freeze until firm. Drizzle melted chocolate on popsicles and place in freezer until firm.

FIT CHALLENGE Get Active. Eat Right. Have Fun!

Fit Family Challenge Facts (from 2015)

5.8 Million minutes of activity logged

246,000 healthy habits recorded

15,400 people impacted

62% of survey respondents said their families ate healthier as a result of the Challenge.

Why Join Us?

Parents today are challenged with health and wellness issues facing their families.

Currently 17 percent of American youth are obese. 12 million American children and adolescents are obese.

An overweight adolescent has a 70 percent chance of being overweight or obese as an adult.

Help us make a positive impact on these statistics. Obesity rates can be found at www.ncsi.org

The Fit Family Challenge is a free healthy lifestyle program for families. With our partners, we’re motivating families to get moving and create healthier lifestyles by encouraging them to track their healthy habits, exercise more and participate in fun community events with their families. And it’s all free!

How does it work?

To participate, families register online or at an event, or ﬁtness class and start tracking activities for points online. The more they participate, the more points they earn and the more chances they have to win! Winners are determined by random drawing. The online tracker keeps a running balance of the minutes of activity for each participant, which is updated in real time on a statewide digital scoreboard, keeping communities engaged in a healthy competition between regions.

Parenting magazines in each region support the program with editorial content including local Spotlight Families who share their eight-week healthy journey with readers. An expert panel of local professionals offers guidance along the way. Social media, community events and ﬁtness classes, radio and television spots also support the Fit Family Challenge. MAY 1-JUNE 26

Magazine Partners

KENTUCKY

Lexington Family Today’s Family

NORTH CAROLINA

Carolina Parent

Charlotte Parent

Piedmont Parent

Wilmington Parent

WNC Parent

SOUTH CAROLINA

Lowcountry Parent

Palmetto Parent

Upstate Parent

TENNESSEE

Knoxville Parent

Nashville Parent

VIRGINIA

Growing Up in the Valley

FREE Fit Family Challenge Activities

In order to attend these activities, you must register online at myfitfamilychallenge.com

Friday, May 6 - 6PM-8PM

Monday, May 9 - ANYTIME

Monday, May 9 - 6PM-7PM

Wednesday, May 11 - TIME TBD

Thursday, May 12 - ANYTIME

Sunday, May 15 - 1PM-3PM

Tuesday, May 17 - 6PM-7PM

Saturday, May 21 - 1PM-4PM

Sunday, May 22 - TIME TBD

Wednesday, May 25 - 6PM-7PM

Friday, May 27 - 6PM-8PM

Thursday, June 2 - 6PM-7PM

Sunday, June 5 - 1PM-3PM

Monday, June 6 - ANYTIME

Tuesday, June 7 - TIME TBD

Thurssday, June 9 - ANYTIME

Friday, June 10 - 6PM-7PM

Friday, June 10 - 4PM-7PM

Sunday, June 12 - TIME TBD

Saturday, June 18 - 6PM-7PM

Friday, June 24 - 4PM-7PM

Y-Arcade

30 Minute Jump Time

Move It Monday

Karate Class

30 Minute Jump Time

Family Swimming

Fitness Skilltastic

Scavenger Hunt

Family Boot Camp

Hump Day Y-Arcade

Strong Arms

Family Swimming

30 Minute Jump Time

Karate Class

30 Minute Jump Time

Flashback Friday

Family Swimming

Family Boot Camp

Relay Fun

Family Swimming

Kirk YMCA

Launching Pad

PlayFit StayFit

Super Kicks

Launching Pad

Salem YMCA

PlayFit StayFit

Wasena Park

Ferguson Fitness

PlayFit StayFit

Kirk YMCA

PlayFit StayFit

Salem YMCA

Launching Pad

Super Kicks

Launching Pad

PlayFit StayFit

Kirk YMCA

Ferguson Fitness

PlayFit StayFit

Kirk YMCA

Roanoke Greenway Tour - 10 Different Tours - 100 Points for each Tour! Complete this anytime - Request Tour Card by email - josh@growingupinthevalley.com

Swim

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

Survive

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

Thrive

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

2007 Oak Grove Plaza Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-0520

mkerr@swimsurvivethrive.com

Summer Registration Open Now! fb.com/swimsurvivethrive

Moms: Help Dad Go from Good to Great

By Sandra Gordon

How present are fathers today in their children’s lives? In 1995, President Bill Clinton wanted to find out. He issued a memorandum urging federal surveys to “incorporate fathers, where appropriate, in governmentinitiated research regarding children and their families.”

As a result, a major report spanning four years recently emerged from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that surveyed over 10,000 men and 12,000 women. It found that dads of kids under age 5 are very involved in their lives, especially if everyone lived in the same house.

Consider: 90 percent of dads bathed, diapered, or dressed the children at least several times a week; and daily 72 percent ate meals with their kids, 81 percent played with them and 34 percent read to them.

Yet, despite playing a big part, “many of us feel incompetent,” says Keith Zefran, author of How to Be a Great Dad and creator of The Great Dads Project, an organization that seeks to transform fathers worldwide into highly effective and deeply fulfilled dads who enjoy remarkably great relationships with their kids.

The father of three boys, Zefran says the lack of parenting confidence stems from the past. “Many men I work with feel ill-equipped by their relationship with their own distant dads,” Zefran says. In short, “they don’t have the training to be the dads they want to be.”

Zefran contends that women can help the men in their lives heal their “father wound” and become more effective and fulfilled in the dad department. In honor of Father’s Day, he offers this advice.

“More solo time with the kids allows dad to build his identity as a father, learn to trust in himself and bond with the kids”

Put dad in charge

When Zefran’s boys were toddlers, he referred to himself as the babysitter, until an older, seasoned dad overheard and chided him.

“I really did think of myself as babysitting until the real parent got home,” he says, because his wife was the primary caretaker. To help your husband or boyfriend feel like the father he is, let him do more and avoid criticizing if he doesn’t do it like you do.

“If dad puts the diaper on backwards, stay positive. Saying ‘That’s funny how you did that. Here’s another way,’ is much different than “Oh my god, can’t you tell the front from the back?’” Zefran says. Also, let dad to take the kids to the park or the pediatrician or wherever without you. “More solo time with the kids allows dad to build his identity as a father, learn to trust in himself and bond with the kids,” Zefran says.

Praise Him

Don’t forget to say “Good job, honey!” Some men aren’t nurturers by nature. “But we have it in us and you can draw it out with praise,” Zefran says.

If your husband is playing dolls with your daughter, tell him that you noticed how comfortable she is with him. Or, if your little boy skins his knee, let your husband swoop in with the Band-Aid. Then, tell your husband how sweet that was to see. “We’re affirmation junkies,” Zefran says. “Work is traditionally where we’re told we’re doing a great job. But if we get praise at home, that’s where we want to be.”

Zefran also encourages the women he works with to “build up” their husbands and boyfriends. “Every night before going to bed, tell him onething you saw him do well that day as a father, such as: ‘It’s so great to see you read to our little girl at bedtime. She’s so happy when you spend time

with her. What a great dad you are!’ “Men never get tired of hearing that,” Zefran says.

Help dad dream up new fathering experiences.

Zefran contends that women excel in the creative parenting department, as in “What can we do with the kids that would be really fun?” But instead of always being the one to get the tickets or make reservations, he urges women to help their husbands or boyfriends think up their own kid-centric activities.

“You might say, for example, ‘Do you think Jackson might want to go to a professional baseball game with you?’ Or ‘Sophia’s birthday is coming up. What do you think she’d like to do with you that she’d really enjoy?’

“The more dad can feel like he’s invested in a fun activity, the more fun he’s likely to have with them and the more involved he’ll want to be,” Zefran says.

Encourage dad to say

“I love you”

“Many men didn’t get that kind of affirmation from their own fathers and we’re starved for that kind of praise,” Zefran says. He urges women to encourage their husbands or boyfriends to tell the kids how much he loves them and to praise them for positive behavior.

For example, “I recently told my 11-year-old son, Jakie, ‘I love what I saw today, the way you shared your X-Box with your brothers even though you had just gotten it. I love your generous spirit and that will serve you your whole life,’ Zefran says. That’s the idea. As kids get older, you can send them affirmative texts and e-mails. “The more we praise our children for the good we see in them, the more they’re going to want to do it,” Zefran says. Yet, Zefran also tells his boys that he loves them

unconditionally. “I tell them, ‘I won’t always approve of everything you do, say or choose, but I will always love you. You will always have a place with me.’ I say that every night when I say goodnight to them because I know from my own experience that it’s important for them to hear it and it needs to come from me.”

Movies at Longwood

Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars at Salem’s Longwood Park! Admission is free. The first 50 families will receive a free bag of popcorn from Frito Lay.

Do You Love to Sing?

Come, Sing with us and join our nationally recognized, 280 voice choir.

3 Training Choirs and a Concert Choir Shaping children’s voices and building character since 1987.

RVCC Auditions

May 9 & 12, 3:30-8:30 May 16, 4:00-7:00 duPont Chapel, Hollins University

Auditions for boys and girls ages 7-17

Singers should come prepared to sing; “My Country Tis of Thee” first verse Short song of your choice, about 1 minute. Schedule an audition: Call or text: 540-Rchorus Email: auditions@childrenschoir.com

Ellen and daughter, Lyndsay Bella Prillaman, 11 years old.

What inspires you?

A good challenge or a difficult goal. Also surrounding myself with humble, positive and happy people!

What are you most proud of?

Seeing the amazing person my daughter is becoming. Going back to school as an adult to get my dental hygiene degree. Keeping calm and a sense of humor in stressful situations!

Parent of the Month Ellen Prillaman

What motivates you?

My daughter Lyndsay Bella, of course, and being the best “Ellen” I can be.

Do you have any advice for other parents?

Listen more than you talk. Be present. Say you are sorry when you make a mistake.

What is the biggest challenge in your life?

Trying to fit it all in and finding the balance between taking care of everyone else while honoring my own needs.

How do you help others?

I like to think that through teaching at Virginia Western Community College I positively impact my students and my profession. Also my volunteer work at my daughter’s school and with dental hygiene are very important to me. But I think the way I help others the most is by being a good friend. I let people who are important to me know it and try at every opportunity to make someone laugh or smile.

How would you describe your parenting style?

A delicate balance of love, trust, setting a good example and always trying to make it fun!

Fun

facts

What is on your iPod? -anything from Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, the latest releases, the Cure, Motown to 80s Hip Hop! I have VERY diverse taste in music.

What can you not live without?

My family and friends, music, and dental floss.

What is your favorite date night venue? A sporting or music event

What do you always have with you?

Lip gloss, gum, my phone.

What is your favorite movie?

That’s tough...there are so many but top three would be Sixteen Candles, Gladiator and any of the Lord of the Rings movies.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am a clinical dental hygienist and educator but my first career choice was to be a sports broadcaster!

Free Kids Meal

More Ways To Save!

Alexander Scholarship

Open to Blue Eagle® CU members currently enrolled in higher education.

 Ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually.

 Applications available each May.

 See application for details and eligibility requirements.

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 ATMs conveniently located at all of our ofces are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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We believe education is a key to success & we reward students for their hard work!

Blue Eagle® CU members in grades K-12.

Earn $2 for every nal report card A; $1 for every nal B; $15 max per school year.

Deadline is August 1.

Discount Tickets

Buy your tickets at Blue Eagle® Credit Union to save time & money!

 Discount movie tickets.

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Summer FUNd Loan

Back by popular demand at the end of May! Great for summer fun of any kind! Five minutes & no credit check, ask us for details!

It’s Time to Focus on Keeping Children Safe Around Water

by: Kim Bratic, YMCA of Roanoke Valley

There is a list of basic life skills all parents instinctively know they must teach their children to keep them safe and healthy. It includes habits like looking both ways before you cross the street, washing your hands with soap and water and eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables every day.

For too many parents, safety in and around water is not on the list; and that’s something we need to change.

Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years old. African-American children ages 5 to 14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts. The disparity is partly due to the lack of swimming experience among these children.

According to a recent national research study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis, 70 percent of African American and 60 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, compared to just 40 percent of Caucasian children.

“Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all children,” said Keith Gaines, aquatics director at the Kirk Family YMCA. “Learning basic water safety skills is a great introduction to the world of swimming that often continues with

swim lessons and competitive swim programs.”

As part of National Water Safety Month in May, the Y encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety. Here are a few safety tips to practice when in and around the water:

Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone. Adults should constantly and actively watch their children. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach. Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities.

Keeping kids safe isn’t just a job for parents; it’s a job for our entire community. That’s why the Y is committed to working within our community to reduce water-related injuries, particularly in communities where children are most at risk. Throughout the year, the YMCA offers its Y Splash program to second graders in 16 select schools in Roanoke City, Salem City and Roanoke County.

The lessons teach young people valuable skills like what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly, a situation every child should

be equipped to handle. The Y Splash lessons not only save lives, they build confidence. Children take part in six, 45-minute instructional sessions that will reduce the risk of drowning and give children confidence in and around water.

A typical session includes:

• Exercises to help kids adjust to being in water

• Instruction in skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water

• Specific safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help

• Fun activities that reinforce skills

These critical, life-saving skills are taught in just three days. In the morning, a YMCA Aquatics expert visits the school and teaches a safety lesson for the day. In the afternoon students are transported by bus from their school to the Kirk or Salem Family YMCA to learn in the pool. Each lesson includes a handout for parents and caregivers with additional water safety tips. After the program concludes, the Y identifies student who could benefit from additional swim instruction. Those students are then given free swim instruction at the Y.

Through year-round lessons for all ages and Y Splash, the Y hopes to further bridge cultural and access gaps that can prevent some children from learning important water safety skills. The Y is working to expand the Y Splash program to reach all second graders in our region. This summer, the Y will also be offering FREE swim lessons at Washington Park Pool in Roanoke from 12:30-1:15pm each Saturday beginning June 18.

Now is a great time to get in the water to learn water safety and basic swim skills. If you know how to stay safe in and around water, swimming can be a lifelong source of fun and exercise.

Wednesdays WINS

Remember to like us on Facebook for a chance to win one of our weekly giveaways! Be on the look out for these great prizes:

Tickets to WWE LIVE!

Theme Park Tickets courtesy of Blue Eagle Credit Union

GUITV Prize Packs

Local Business Gift Certificates & more!

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& other weekly prizes by signing up for Coca Cola’s

Fit Family Challenge

Parent of the Month Nomination

Nominate a worthy parent to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 823, Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064.

PO BOX 12263, Roanoke VA 24024

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

Your Name:________________________________

Your Email Address:__________________________

Nominee’s Name:___________________________

Nominee’s Email Address:_____________________

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

Roanoke Kids Eat Free!

Everyday

Mama Maria’s

11 AM - 2 PM

3 & under free buffet with paid adult

W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848

Golden Corral

All Day

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

The Great 611 Steak Company

All Day

3 & under, 1 child buffet per paid adult 3830 Franklin Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-4675

Shoney’s

All Day

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

Lil Cucci’s

All Day (Closed Sunday & Monday)

10 & under, 1 child per adult meal 1396 Roanoke Rd., Daleville (540) 966-5923

Monday

Country Cookin

4 PM - Close

10 & under, 2 children per paid adult

All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199

Famous Anthony’s

3 PM - Close

1 child per paid adult

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

McAlister’s Deli

5 PM - Close

2 children per paid adult

2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407

Choose from over 35 restaurants for an affordable family night out on the town!

Growingupinthevalley.com/Kids-Eat-Free

Buffalo Wild Wings

4 PM - 9 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

All Locations (540) 725-9464

IHOP

4 PM - 8 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Brit and Bud’s Specialty Subs

6 PM - 8 PM

12 & under eligible for half off kids meal

4208 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 206-3684

El Rio Mexican Grill

All Day

10 & under, 1 child per paid adult

4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343

Firehouse Subs

All Day

11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in only

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

Tuesday

Brambleton Deli

11 AM - 9 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554

Denny’s

4 PM - 10 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074

Macado’s

4 PM - 9 PM

12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult

All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884

Town Center Tap House

All Day

12 & under, 2 children per paid adult

The Barbecue Grill

All Day

10 & under, 1 child per paid adult

126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030

Firehouse Subs

All Day

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131

Pizza Hut

5 PM - Close

10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834

Ruby Tuesday

5 PM - Close

11 & under, 1 child per paid adult

Valley View & Electric Rd. Locations (540) 265-9301

Wednesday Dogwood

4 PM - Close

10 & under, per paid adult

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

The Quarter

All Day

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

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

Pizza Pasta Pit

4 PM - 9 PM

90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991

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

IHOP

4 PM - 8 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Thursday

CiCi’s Pizza

All Day

10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet

All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711

The Roanoker

4:30 PM - Close

12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

Jerry’s Family Restaurant

4 PM - Close

6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400

Friday

Saturday

See Everyday Deals!

Famous Anthony’s

12 PM - Close

limit 1 kids meal per adult

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

Steak n’ Shake

All Day

12 & under 1 free per paid $8.00 adult

1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Tokyo Express

11 AM - 3 PM

4 & under free buffet per paid adult

1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303

IHOP

4 PM - 8 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Sunday

Pizza Den

5 PM - 8:30 PM

10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase

All locations Roanoke, Salem (540) 389-1111

Local Roots

5 PM -9 PM

12 & under eat for free (family style meal) with adult purchase 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610

Ragazzi’s

11 AM - 4 PM

10 & under w/paid adult

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

T.G.I.Fridays

All Day

12 & under 1 w/paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

Jimmy V’s Restaurant

All Day

4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311

Steak n’ Shake

All Day

12 & under 1 free w/paying $8.00 adult

1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Kids Eat Free Inquiries andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

Editor’s note:

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

Sunday, May 29th 11 AM - 5 PM Center In the Square, Roanoke VA

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Market Square will be transformed into a miniature animal farm! There will be a petting zoo with all kinds of miniature animals like donkeys, lamas, alpacas, mules, goats, pigs, calves, lambs, chicks, and other small critters. There will also be pony rides for kids and horse carriage rides through Downtown Roanoke for the whole family.

Saturday, May 14th 7:30 PM Berglund Center, Roanoke VA

WATCH FOR A WINSDAY GIVEAWAY!

The WWE invades the Berglund Center as the top stars of pro wrestling square off.

Family Event Calendar

See

Ongoing Events

Spectacular Saturdays

Taubman Museum, Roanoke

10 AM - 5 PM

All ages

Pscyhadelic Saturdays

Launching Pad, Salem

8 PM - 10 PM

All ages

$17

Join us every Saturday night from 8-10pm as Launching Pad Trampoline Park & Family Fun Center turns on the laser and black lights and turns up the beats for Psychedelic Saturday Nights!

American Indian Chidlren’s Exhibit

History Museum of Western VA

Open - Close

All ages

Regular admission

Rapunzel, the Musical

May 26 - June 12

Roanoke Childrens Theatre

Dumas Center, Roanoke

All ages

$19 adult/$13 kids

Roanoke Festival In the Park

May 27 - 29

Elmwood Park, Roanoke

All ages

Admission varies

Library on the Lawn

Every Saturday in May

Salem Public Library, Salem

9 AM - 12 PM

All ages Free

Parenting the Love and Logic Way

May 10, 17, 24 and 31

Carilion Clinic, 3 Riverside Circle

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

All ages

$15 per individual or couple

Free childcare for kids 2 years and older. Registration required, space is limited.

SHINE ON SUMMER CAMPS 2016

YMCA OF ROANOKE VALLEY

CAMP KIRK

PRE-SCHOOL CAMPS – AGES 4-5

JUNE 6-10 PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOS

JUNE 13-17 SECRET GARDEN

JUNE 20-24 OUT OF THIS WORLD

JUNE 27-JULY 1 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

JULY 5-8 HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE

JULY 11-15 SUPER HERO SQUAD

JULY 18-22 Y’S GOT TALENT

JULY 25-29 H2O-WOW!

AUG 1-5 MOVIE CRAZE

AUG 8-12 Y OLYMPICS

CAMP SALEM

PRE-SCHOOL CAMPS—AGES 3-4

JUNE 13-16 CLAWS, PAWS & JAWS

JUNE 20-23 STAR WARS & SPACE EXPLORER

JULY 5-8 OCEAN COMMOTION

JULY 11-14 TINY EINSTEIN

JULY 25-28 KNIGHTS, DRAGON & PIRATES

SUMMER CAMPS 2016 YMCA

Swimming, swim lessons, field trips, lunches and snacks are included.

YOUTH CAMPS—AGES 6-7

JUNE 6-10 PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOS

JUNE 13-17 SECRET GARDEN

JUNE 20-24 JEDI EXPLORERS

JUNE 27-JULY 1 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

JULY 5-8 HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE

JULY 11-15 SUPER HERO SQUAD

JULY 18-22 Y’S GOT TALENT

JULY 25-29 H2O-WOW!

AUG 1-5 MOVIE CRAZE

AUG 8-12 Y OLYMPICS

Each special camp or clinic theme includes water fun, games, arts & crafts and more!

YOUTH CAMPS—AGES 5-7

JUNE 13-16 CLAWS, PAWS & JAWS

JUNE 20-23 STAR WARS & SPACE EXPLORER

JULY 5-8 SOAKING WET

JULY 11-14 SCI KIDS

JULY 25-28 KNIGHTS, DRAGON & PIRATES

YOUTH CLINICS—AGES 6-8

JUNE 27-29 LEGO MANIA & MORE CLINIC

JULY 18-20 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN CLINIC

AUG 1-3 ART MANIA CLINIC

AUG 8-10 SUMMER OLYMPIC CLINIC

AUG 15-17 HIT THE ROAD CLINIC

MAGIC PLACE

CAMPS—AGES 5-12

MAY 30-JUNE 3 BLAST OFF TO STAR WARS

JUNE 6-10 MINION MAYHEM

JUNE 13-17 ADVENTURELAND

JUNE 20-24 WELCOME TO SEUSSEVILLE

JUNE 27-JULY 1 PARTY IN THE USA

JULY 5-8 MINECRAFT MADNESS

JULY 11-15 Y CULINARY CLINIC

JULY 18-22 WET N WILD

JULY 25-29 GREEN THUMB

AUG 1-5 ALOHA TO SUMMER

AUG 8-12 MAD SCIENTISTS

AUG 15-19 WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Swimming, swim lessons, weekly field trips, breakfasts and lunches are included.

TWEEN CAMPS – AGES 8-11

JUNE 6-10 Y NINJA WARRIOR

JUNE 13-17 SECRET GARDEN

JUNE 20-24 JEDI EXPLORERS

JUNE 27-JULY 1 Y MASTER CHEFS

JULY 5-8 HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE

JULY 11-15 Y TWEENS, ASSEMBLE!

JULY 18-22 Y’S GOT TALENT

JULY 25-29 H2O-WOW!

AUG 1-5 TECH CRAZE

AUG 8-12 Y OLYMPICS

TWEEN CAMPS—AGES 8-11

JUNE 13-16 CLAWS, PAWS & JAWS

JUNE 20-23 STAR WARS & SPACE EXPLORER

JULY 5-8 SURF’S UP (Tue-Fri ONLY)

JULY 11-14 DESTINATION SCIENCE

JULY 25-28 VARIETY PACK

TWEEN CLINIC—AGES 8-11

JUNE 27-29 LEGO MANIA & MORE CLINIC

JULY 18-20 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN CLINIC

AUG 1-3 ART MANIA CLINIC

AUG 8-10 SUMMER OLYMPIC CLINIC

AUG 15-17 HIT THE ROAD CLINIC Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm M: $115 / NM: $138* 9:00am-2:00pm M: $90 / NM: $113*

Mon-Fri $125 registration fee 7:00am-6:00pm M: $100 / NM: $125 *sibling discounts are available

Saturday • May 7

Community School’s

Strawberry Festival

Elmwood Park, Roanoke

All Ages

Free

Allstate Flea Market

Salem Civic Center, Salem

7 AM - 1 PM

All Ages

Free

Allstate Flea Market & Craft Fair will take place in the Salem Civic Center’s stadium parking lot.

Saturday, May 7, 7 AM - 1 PM. The event is FREE and open to the public. All proceeds benfit the March of Dimes.

Walk Like MADD

Fallon Park, Roanoke

9 AM

All Ages

DSAR 5K Run and Buddy Walk Vinton Farmer’s Market, Vinton

8:30 AM

All Ages

Please join us for the 4th Annual DSAR 5k Run & 1 Mile Buddy Walk! This event features: Free family-friendly entertainment, face painting, and sponsor displays.

Friday • May 13

Hopetree’s Glow for Hope

5K Run and Walk

830 Mt. Vernon Lane, Salem 5 PM - 9 PM

All Ages

This is Hopetree’s annual community fundraiser and all proceeds from the Glow for Hope go directly toward vital services to people in need.

Movies on the Market

The Good Dinosaur

Market Square, Roanoke

6 PM

All Ages

May 2-6

Teacher

Appreciation Week

The Virginia Lottery is inviting Virginians to send thank-you notes to as many Virginia teachers as possible! Visit valottery.com/thankateacher starting April 25 to send a thank-you note and learn how one lucky teacher will win a Virginia vacation!

Saturday • May 14

Kiwanis Pancake and Auction Day

Berglund Center, Roanoke

7 AM - 1 PM

All Ages

$5 in advance/$6 at door Children under 3 are free

The annual Kiwanis Pancake & Auction Day is returning to Berglund Center. The all you can eat breakfast begins at 7 AM and the auction begins at AM. Tickets available via Kiwanis Club of Roanoke members.

“Jungle Book” Drama Performance

Faith Christian School, Roanoke

7:30 pm*

All Ages

*Free Admission for guests of Faith Christian parents. Contact Cathi Weber: cweber@fcsva.com

WWE Live

Berglund Center, Roanoke

7:30 PM

$17-$97

Relay For Life

Longwood Park, Salem

Noon - 10 PM

All Ages

The American Cancer Society

Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.

Friday • May 20

Salem After 5 featuring Fuzzy Logic Salem Farmer’s Market, Slame 5:30 PM - 9 PM

All Ages

$5 - Children under 12 are free

Kids Night Out

Bricks for Kidz, Roanoke

6 PM - 9 PM

$30

Saturday • May 21

Kids To Parks Day

Wasena Park, Roanoke

1 PM - 4 PM

All Ages

Monster Indoor Flea Market

Berglund Center, Roanoke

7 AM - 3 PM

All Ages Free

Sunday • May 29

Minatures on the Market Center in the Square, Roanoke

11 AM - 5 PM

All Ages

$15 for all activities

Saturday • June 4

March of Dimes Walk

Salem Civic Center, Salem 9 AM

All Ages

We’re getting ready to walk in March for Babies! It promises to be a fun day out with people who share our passion for improving the health of babies. There’ll be family teams, company teams and people walking with friends - it’s a great feeling knowing we’re all helping real families. Join our event and walk with us to raise money for babies right here in our community!