Growing Up In the Valley November 2018

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

Growing Up Volume 7 Issue 3 • November 2018 • FREE • TAKE ONE

In The Valley

Holiday Gift Guide

Friendsgiving - Holidays without the family pressure

HELPFUL BANKERS +YOUTH SAVINGS START TODAY.

THE POWER OF LOCAL ONLINE + MOBILE BANKING COIN MACHINES COMPETITIVE RATES

With savings programs available for the entire family and bankers here to help you (not sell you), we invite you to experience a new kind of modern banking.

Things look different when you’re local and that’s where our vision begins.

GROW

local Member FDIC

www.hometownbank.com (540) 345.6000

Included With Admission:

Growing Up in the Valley’s

NEW YEARS

AT NOON

presented by Freedom First Credit Union

December 31 • 10 AM - 2 PM

Berglund Special Event s C enter

$11 per person | Children 2 and under are FREE

Details at www.Roanoke.family

100,000 Bouncy Ball Drop!

Character Appearances Live Music with Einsteins Monkey $10,000 Safe Crack Competition Face Painting Ventriloquist Show Balloon Art Jugglers Stilt Walkers Magic Show Fun Inflatables Photobooth

$2 OFF COUPON available at local Kroger Stores!

(Nov 15- Dec 15)

Publisher’s Note November 1st to our Newsletter subscribers and November 15th to EVERYONE! This year, we we welcome Kroger in to our family as they will be offering $2 off admission coupons at ALL LOCATIONS! These coupons will start popping up around November 15th and be good through December 20th!

This will bring the normally $11 Ticket down to just $9!

We have lots of fun in store this year for our biggest event and we look forward to hosting you all at the Berglund Center on December 31st.

Enjoy this issue of Growing Up In the Valley and be sure to check out our newly redesigned website at www.roanoke. family!

It is that time of year again! Time to start getting ready for the Holidays and sharing time with family and friends.

Although we love all of the holidays coming up Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays, a day full of fun, food and family! We can live without the shopping!

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

We are also getting ready for New Year’s at Noon presented

by Freedom First Credit Union as tickets go on sale

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

Copy Editor • Jacqueline Moon

jacqueline@virginiafamily.com • Elijah’s Mom, and Luke and Blair’s Stepmom

Web Master • Johh Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Contributors

Peg McGuire • Kimberly Emory • Courtney Pugh Beth Farnsworth • Takoda Poindexter • Stephanie Ogilvie Shannon Dean • Jacqueline Moon • Nicole Bruch

Read Our Other Publications

Connect With Us /growingupinthevalley

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

© Copyright 2018 Mofat Publishing

/growingupmag

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

We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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 represent those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. While multiple businesses, schools, and organizations are represented in our pages, and magazines are often distributed to students according to the policies and procedures of each school district, this is not a publication coordinated or endorsed by any public or private school district, nor is it a publication with any religious or political objectives. As a mass media outlet, it is our oath and responsibility to communicate with due diligence, through our content, the plurality of views and opinions reflected in our audience of Central and Southwest Virginia.

Readers are strongly encouraged to verify information with programs and businesses directly.

Parents are urged to thoroughly research any decisions involving their children. Copyright 2018

by MoFat Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements and editorial may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

/growing_up_mag

/GUPinthevalley

Inside This Issue November 2018 Features 26 Kyrie’s Journey

A young child’s battle with

infantile scoliosis and her

family’s faith that keeps them going.

29 Celebrating Together

Learn how a family celebrates and respects the holiday traditions of both Jewish and Christian faiths.

Learn and Grow

6 Midterm Elections

What’s so important about these in-between elections and the voting process?

20 Black Friday and Cyber

Monday Shopping

How to grab the best deals for your holiday shopping list!

Just For Fun

Resources 42

Go. Play. See. The lagest family event calendar in the valley! Create some magical holiday memories.

54 32 Better Butter Experiment

Make your own butter for the Thanksgiving table!

11

2018 Holiday Shopping Guide

Discover the must-have gifts for everyone in your family.

38 Best Books of 2018

2018 was a year of great novels, memoirs and childhood classics!

Kids Eat Free What’s for dinner tonight? We have a list of great restaurants offering incredible deals for your families.

WHY MIDTERM ELECTIONS MATTER Article by Tallulah Costa

6

Growing Up

November 2018

Midterms are rolling around, and for many citizens, these are some of the most important elections to participate in. However, if you’re a teenager today, anything relating to elections and politics may seem incredibly boring—on the surface. The truth is, not many teens are involved in politics because they can’t do this cool thing called voting. As a fifteenyear-old, I have had my fair share of jealous feelings as my parents walk up to the polls and I stay behind.

On the surface, these elections may not seem important to young people, but they influence our lives just as much as those of the adults in our communities. These elected officials even create laws that affect us directly, sometimes jeopardizing our safety and our basic equal rights. This is why adults who can vote must vote. Voting is our way of practicing democracy, and without it none of our voices would be heard. Many people think their vote doesn’t influence the outcome of elections, but if everyone thought like that, where would we be? In 2017, only 47.6% of the Virginia Commonwealth turned out to vote!

This is why if you can vote, you must—your vote matters.

In 2017, only 47.6% of the Virginia Commonwealth turned out to vote! This is why if you can vote, you must—your vote matters.

Though a lot of teens stop here, there’s actually a world of opportunity waiting for them in local and national politics.

First of all, what are the midterms?

It’s a scary question to ask—maybe even something you have to secretly Google when your family starts talking about it. Midterm elections are general elections in the middle of a president’s fouryear term. The midterms focus on electing representatives to the House of Representatives and the Senate. These elections are incredibly important because the representatives that we elect will represent us for a number of years (two for the House and six for the Senate) and make decisions that affect our everyday lives.

Okay, so we talked about those who can vote, but what if you can’t? If you’re like me, an interested and slightly jealous teen of Roanoke, you may not always know where to start when it comes to being involved in our elections. It’s okay not to know, because I’m here to tell you about all the opportunities available to teens in the Roanoke Valley relating to politics!

interested in interning, there are spots available for students at the offices of Tim Kaine and Mark Warner—our two Virginia senators.

Tim Kaine is running for re-election right now against Corey Stewart, an election included in the midterms!

You can intern and canvass for Kaine, or alternatively, canvass for Stewart. Taking advantage of these opportunities is incredibly easy: just go to any of the officials’ websites or to their Roanoke offices, and apply to become an intern.

Additionally, our Virginia House of Delegates representative Sam Rasoul has internship spots available. Lastly, Jennifer Lewis and Ben Cline are both running for the 6th District Congressional seat. Both need as much canvassing as possible to get the word out before midterms! If your views do not align with any of these politicians, you can always help register people to vote all throughout the Valley. Joining your school’s activist or political clubs are also fantastic ways to learn more before committing to anything.

So, whether you can vote or not, the midterms are always an important event to pay attention to and learn more about. Make your voice heard!

Tallulah Costa is a student at Community High School in Roanoke.

Interning is a simple after-school activity, and a great way to experience the inside of political campaigns and offices. If you’re

Growing Up

November 2018

7

WAKE UP YOUR DAY

WEEKDAYS STARTING AT 5AM

Provided by Alexa Wootten from Blue Eagle® Credit Union THE EFFECT OF TIME ON INVESTING Investing can seem like a risky, complex and fast-moving process. With endless combinations of investment vehicles to choose from, it can be difficult to take your first step as an investor—especially with the knowledge that all investments carry the risk of losing some or all of your money. So why bother?

Well, there are many reasons to make investing a part of your financial plan.

Investing can help preserve wealth by overcoming the effects of inflation, help you save for long-term goals, and can even generate income. So how can you get past all the negatives associated with investing? A helpful first step is to realize that, as a young investor, you have time on your side.

TIME AND LUCK The Myth We’ve all heard the stories about people who took a chance on a risky investment and by some stroke of luck woke up the next day as millionaires. It’s easy to be drawn to “get rich quick” stories because we all secretly wish we could be the stars of those tales. Those success stories help establish the myth that being a successful investor is a lot like being a hotshot gambler—that you need to risk it all to get a worthwhile reward, and that some people are born with the innate ability to predict the market, make the right moves, buy and sell at the exact right time, and strike it rich.

The Reality The truth is that serious investing requires a lot of time. There’s an entire education behind active trading.

If you were to invest into the stock market without any prior research, you might as well be playing the lottery.

Educating yourself about the stock market is no simple task and requires ongoing research. It’s not only about understanding the way economies and global marketplaces work—it’s also about staying up to date on what’s happening

in our world. Environment, technology, politics and culture all have the ability to influence economic forces. Beyond understanding those interactions, a smart investor also keeps very close tabs on the industries and companies they invest in by monitoring things like performance, governance, public opinion and industry trends. Now, imagine all that data changing and updating daily; suddenly, it’s clear why it can—and should—take so much time to make educated investment decisions.

When we acknowledge that preparation takes an incredible amount of time, it minimizes the role that luck plays in investing. Suddenly it’s less about taking a gamble and more about making calculated and educated decisions, which means investing is something you can practice, explore and ultimately improve on, over time.

TIME AND RISK The Myth For every investing success story, there’s an accompanying horror story. This myth comes in different flavors—acting on bad advice, losing every last dime, and getting taken advantage of by an evil or incompetent financial advisor are just some of the common scripts. This myth perpetuates the idea that investing is so scary and unpredictable that it’s simply not worth the risk.

The Reality It can be tricky trying to separate this myth from the truth, because risk and loss are both very real outcomes of investing. No investment is ever guaranteed, meaning your invested money is never absolutely safe. Some investment types may be safer than others, but the risk of losing your money is ever-present.

After making smart, thoroughly

researched investment choices, your next best protection against risk and volatility is the amount of time you have for your investment to mature.

The narrower your investment time frame, the more vulnerable you are to sudden and unpredictable changes in the market. By contrast, if your investment is long term, day-to-day changes suddenly hold less influence. Plus, there is time to recover from market declines; the same cannot always be said for short-term investments.

TIME AND RETURNS The Myth Yet another investment myth is that it’s impossible to find a combination of investment products within your risk tolerance level that will result in a high yield. In other words, playing it safe with your investments means measly returns.

The Reality Do you remember learning about compound interest? Time is compound interest’s best buddy. Together, they can put your money to work. This is especially important for long-term savings goals. Even products with a relatively low expected yield can accumulate a lot of wealth over long periods of time, so do not get discouraged by low interest rates on investment products.

Look for opportunities to maximize the effect of compound interest, such as reinvesting your dividends or refraining from cashing out your investment early. ________________ As you can see, time plays a significant role in investing. It can give you more control over your investments, increase your tolerance for risk and your ability to recover from any losses, and can maximize your returns. By starting early, investing wisely and giving yourself the time you need to reach your goals, you will discover the positive impact that a little bit of planning today will have on your lifestyle in the future.

Growing Up

November 2018

9

85% of a child’s core brain structure forms before the age of 5,* yet we invest only 4% in early education.

It doesn’t add up.

85% of a child’s core brain structure forms before the age of 5,* yet we invest only 4% in early education.

The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we have to impact a child’s future. Yet we spend the least on our children when they need it most.

Investments in early childhood development help reduce teen pregnancies, improve dropout rates, lower crime, and produce a stronger, more productive future workforce.

United Way of Roanoke Valley

It doesn’t add up.

Our children are worth the investment. Help make sure our community makes early childhood development a priority.

*Source: Child and Family Policy Center & Voices for America’s Children, Early Learning Left Out: An Examination of Public Investments in Education and Development by Child Age, 2004

The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we For more information, Beginnings have to impact aplease child’s contact: future. YetSmart we spend the leastGreater on our Roanoke sbroanoke@uwrv.org children when they| (540) need it283-2781 the most.| smartbeginningsroanoke.org Investments in early childhood development help reduce teen pregnancies, improve dropout rates, lower crime, and produce a stronger, more productive future workforce.

Our children are worth the investment. Help make sure our community makes early childhood development a priority.

* Source: Child and Family Policy Center & Voices for America’s Children, Early Learning Left Out: An Examination of Public Investments in Education and Development by Child Age, 2004

Gift Guide 2018 Holiday

Discover the newest trends, hottest toys, and coolest gifts to give your family and friends this holiday season

Gift Guide 2018 Holiday

Cinemood Portable Projector $399 | Ages 6+ Cinemood is the world’s first noiseless, 3-inch ultralight standalone projector that converts any flat surface into up to 12-feet of cinema bliss.

Totally portable, it doesn’t need to be connected to a computer, phone or wall outlet. Stream your favorite Netflix shows on the ceiling while luxuriously watching from bed or anywhere else the moment strikes you. Cinemood has tons of educational options too so it’s perfect for your little ones and you control all content.

12

Growing Up

November 2018

Educational Insights Sculptapalooza Sculpting Party Game $19.99 | Ages 10+

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog $14.99 | Ages 18 months +

Squish and squash your way into sculpting superstardom with Sculptapalooza from Educational Insights. This fastpaced, hands-on game gets teams racing against the clock to sculpt their way through hilarious challenges for laughout-loud family fun.

Develop important motor skills and prepare your toddler for dressing themselves, writing and other important skills!

Soapsox $12.99-$26.99 | Ages 2+ A patented soap pocket transforms lovable SoapSox into sudsy wash cloth – just add soap and scrub.Snuggle, cuddle, and play together all day and when it’s time for your bath, bring them with you!

King of Dice $21.99 | Ages 8+ From HABA, players will want to gain new citizens for their kingdoms by fulfilling the various requirements on the cards with three rolls of the dice. Special cards provide benefits. But watch out for village idiots and dragons!

The player with the best citizens at the end wins the game and makes their kingdom thrive! Do you have what it takes to be King of the Dice?

Mini Maker Tubes $6.99 | Ages 5+ This Mini Maker Tube includes step-by-step instructions and all the pieces you need to build a fun design.

Everyone will love using their imaginations with Plus-Plus Tube mixes. Just one simple shape will give them endless possibilities and hours of fun.

Kanoodle® Duplexity™ $21.99 | Ages 8+ Put your brain power to the test with 200 magnetic puzzle challenges from Educational Insights! Includes 28 two-color, magnetic pieces; 100 double-sided challenge cards; and a carrying case that doubles as a play board.

Totally portable—perfect for playing on-the-go and Perfect to tuck into any puzzle lover’s stocking!

Fun fogres! all a

Indestructible Book Series $4.99 | Ages 0+ Indestructibles are the books built for the way babies read.

They are 100 percent baby-proof, chewproof, rip-proof, and drool-proof.

Printed on a unique nontoxic, paperlike material that holds up to anything babies can throw at it— gumming, spilling, dragging across the floor— Indestructibles are the little books that could. They’re indestructible. And if they get dirty, just throw them in the washing machine or dishwasher.

Growing Up

November 2018

13

Chickapig $34.99 | Ages 8+ Chickapig is a highly social strategic board game where Chicken-Pig hybrids (that’s what you get when a chicken and a pig fall in love) attempt to reach their goals while dodging opponents, hay bales, and an ever-menacing pooping cow. Think chess meets checkers meets hilarious fun.

locally owned

Gift Guide 2018 Holiday

14

Growing Up

November 2018

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Globe Featuring Bindi Irwin Learning Toy $129.99 | Ages 4+ Set out for adventure and discover faraway places, fascinating animals, and more with the Talking Globe from Educational Insights!

The Talking Globe takes little learners on a high-tech, highfun, interactive introduction to geography. Featuring the voice of Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin, kids can play and learn in 3 different modes with over 10 hours of interactive audio. Simply touch the smart stylus pen to the globe to hear fun facts kids will love to learn with.

Featuring Bindi Irwin!

Growing Up

November 2018

15

Making Holidays New

by Sharon Probst

It’s here—the change has come.

You know it before you see it on the calendar. It’s autumn, and with it come the blessings of cooler, drier air, open windows, and the approaching fall and winter holidays. We’re lucky, aren’t we? That just as we might be wondering what to do with ourselves as the outdoors becomes a bit less accommodating, here come the holidays—with buckets of opportunities for family time both indoors and outdoors, and a coming back together after the chaotic events of summer and back-to-school obligations.

16

Growing Up

November 2018

The perspective is what I dig here.

You and I, well, we’ve done how many Thanksgiving dinners? Twenty? Thirty?

More? But your precious grandchildren are seeing this from a totally different point of view, maybe even for the first time, or maybe for the first time that they can remember. You’ve become accustomed to that luscious scent of cloves and nutmeg in the kitchen, but their memories are just now being established. You are a part of that! It’s exciting!

Whatever the holiday or occasion

you’re celebrating with your family, this is the thing: Make it new. Possibly it is new to someone there, so see it that way in your preparations.

Close your eyes and remember your experiences growing up. Remember how you felt when gathered up in the arms of relatives that you only saw at these special times of the year. Remember how warm it all felt.

Cherish those memories and bring them to life now.

Kids are kids, and you know, they love to have fun. Don’t neglect the

“easy” moments, the ones you don’t have to plan. There are leaves in the yard, right? Well, you don’t have to be in the kitchen every minute—get outside! Rake ‘em up and jump in ‘em! You’ll hear belly laughs that are never produced by video games, and you might be surprised to find they are coming from your own belly!

Once they (and you) are sufficiently “energied out,” bathed, and fed, gather everyone around for a fun, allinclusive, diversion.

didn’t matter. We made (and she won’t remember, as she was only one) god’s eyes ornaments of yarn and toothpicks.

A tradition of making, saving, and displaying handmade treasures for the tree is one that will keep families talking about old times for years to come. Gather friends, family, children, and grandchildren for a tree-trimming party, and memories will flood to the times that this one or that one was fashioned, and what was happening in people’s lives at those times.

My favorite is cookie decorating, because everyone can participate—and who doesn’t love cookies? This is easy prep (make the cookie dough ahead and store in the fridge until whenever the moment arises), and fill small bowls with whatever toppings your mind can conjure. The kids will do the rest, and the results are truly priceless (but alas, will disappear, leaving only crumbs in their wake).

Whatever your holidays are, whatever your traditions already encompass, this season offers us the structure to bring our divergent lives together in a collective spirit. The Roanoke Valley presents opportunities for families to share time together and make positive memories that can be handed over from year to year and generation to generation. From the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning (drumstickdash.net/), to Dickens of a Christmas downtown during the first three weekends of December (downtownroanoke.org/ events/signature-events/dickens-

To provide longer-lasting memories, try ornament-making. I remember the very first Christmas with my daughter. Money was tight, but that

of-a-christmas), to ice skating at Elmwood Park (downtownroanoke. org/events/elmwood-on-ice), there are really no limits to how we can engage with our families, our children, our grandchildren, and even our great-grandchildren, to make lasting memories that will survive us and carry forward our love to future generations.

Look through the eyes of the children that surround you, and in doing so, look through your own eyes and see what is magical. Bring it to life in stories around the fireplace, around the table, or at bedtime. Bring it forward in traditions that have been carried on from prior generations, and in new traditions that reflect the lives of your family members—with an eye to the common past from which we have emerged together. And tie it all together with love.

Sharon Probst lives in Roanoke with her husband, Dave. They have three children and three grandchildren who live in the Roanoke Valley.

Enjoy the little things Enjoy your time. Enjoy your friends and family. Enjoy being present. Enjoy life.

Retirement shouldn’t be filled with worry. What if I need more care? What if my spouse needs a different level of care?

How do I plan for those expenses?

Let us help. As Roanoke’s premier Life Plan community, we offer a complete continuum of care. Call us today to schedule a private tour: (540) 777-5602.

3804 Brandon Ave, SW • Roanoke, VA 24018 • (540) 777-5602 • www.brandonoaks.net Growing Up

November 2018

17

A History of Christmas Traditions

by Kimberly Emory

M

any Christmas traditions began long before the birth of Christ and Christianity. Various sights and events associated with the Christmas season began hundreds of years ago in ancient civilizations.

Winter solstice was celebrated by Celtic Druids in France, Britain and Ireland. This festival honored the sun on its shortest day in the sky, encouraging it to return for longer periods. In Persia, the god of light, Mithra, was born on December 25th and this time was accompanied by feasts and celebrations. The Roman god of agriculture symbolized by the sun, Saturn, was honored in a weeklong festival in Rome during this season, and in Scandinavia, yuletide was held as a 2 week-long festival for their god Thor. All of these festivals passed on holiday traditions through the years and as the world expanded. Immigrants traveling across Europe and eventually to America brought their traditions with them, which are still seen today.

Greenery

Both the Romans and the Scandinavians used evergreens to decorate during their winter festivals. They felt that this plant was the most honorable because it stayed green through the winter when other plants did not. The Druids also believed that mistletoe was magical- that it brought love and good luck. They also wore holly in their hair during their celebrations.

In colonial American times, decorations at Christmas were sparse, but holly was most often used, especially in churches. Later, during the restoration of Williamsburg, women created

18

Growing Up

November 2018

Christmas wreaths from fruit, nuts, and evergreens. Many across the country wanted the ‘Williamsburg look’ in their own homes at Christmastime, but this is not historically accurate to early American celebrations.

In 1828 Dr. Poinsett returned from Mexico where he was ministering with the lovely red blooms on beautiful greenery we commonly see during the holidays today. This poinsettia flower was renamed for him. There is a Mexican legend about a girl who had nothing to give to the Christ child as a gift one Christmas eve. An angel appeared and told her to gather weeds and take them to the manger. While others laughed and scoffed at her gift, after she laid them down they miraculously bloomed the lovely red blossoms of the poinsettia plant!

Christmas Trees

Trees were first used during Saturnalia in Rome, when they decorated evergreen trees with candles and figures of Saturn. The Druids also decorated trees with candles and golden fruits to symbolize the sun during the winter solstice. Later, in the Middle Ages of Europe, plays about Adam and Eve travelled through northern Europe. One of the features of the play was called a paradise tree, often decorated with red fruits like apples. Since these plays were performed at Christmas time, the tree was linked with Christmas this way.

Martin Luther is well known for having Christmas trees in Germany, where they hung cookies and candles on their boughs. Later, German professor Charles Minnigerode brought the

Christmas tree to America when he stayed with an American family while teaching at William & Mary in 1842.

The early Americans decorated their trees with paper chains, candles, popcorn and cranberry garlands, and cornhusk figures.

Lights

Since all of the ancient festivals had to do with the sun and light, candles were used frequently as decorations.

After the arrival of Christianity, as Jesus declared himself the ‘light of the world’, candles and lights continued to be utilized during the Christmas season. In the Middle Ages candles were placed in windows as a symbol of welcome to the Christ child searching for lodging. Candles were also used to decorate Christmas trees, but as they were a very real fire hazard they were replaced with electric lights when available. Additionally, the Norsemen burned a Yule log on December 21st to encourage the return of light and heat on the darkest day of the year.

Food and Feasting

All of the ancient winter festivals were a time of feasting. Often wild boar was eaten during winter festivals, which translates to modern day Christmas hams. The yule log of the Norsemen is often times now celebrated as a rolled ice cream or cake dessert instead of an actual log in a fireplace. In the Middle Ages pie and plum pudding was popular during the Christmas season.

In colonial America, life was hard and there was much work to be done.

However, at Christmas time the harvest was in and the people could relax a bit more, which brought about the

twelve days of Christmas. This was a time of much dancing, feasting, and fox hunting for the colonists.

Their feasts were always laid out very symmetrically on the tables, and usually included 12th Night Cake, which was very much like fruitcake and was served on the culminating and most exciting day of the holidays.

Santa

Most people know that Saint Nicholas was a real person who lived in Greece in the third century. A devout Christian, orphaned when he was very young, he gave away most of his inheritance and was well known for his good deeds.

One of the best known stories about his generosity was providing the dowries for some young girls- some legends say he threw the money through a window and it landed in the girls’ shoes on the hearth (thus why the Scandinavians leave their shoes out on Christmas eve). Other versions say he tossed the money down the chimney and it landed in the girls’ stockings drying over the hearth (thus why the British and Americans hang stockings from the mantle). People in the Middle Ages began to give credit to St. Nicholas anytime they got an unexpected gift, but the legend really caught on in 1823 after the poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ was published. From there, the modern St. Nick was born and over the years morphed into the Santa Claus we know and love today.

The Spirit of Christmas

Rome’s Saturnalia festival included gift giving, known as strenae, which after the birth of Christianity was later connected with the magi’s gifts to the Christ child and continued.

In colonial America, Christmas was more a time of merriment for the adults and not much gift giving was involved. It wasn’t until the 1800s that the holiday evolved into a time

for children and families. This was the time when not only was the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas’ was published touting the charitable legend, but also Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, which included a general feeling of giving and generosity that became linked with the Christmas season.

There are so many great traditions that surround the holiday season.

Whether you enjoy caroling with your family (which was based on the tradition of wassailing in England, where people went door to door singing and given something to eat or drink in return), making gingerbread houses (which were romanticized and modernized from Grimm’s Fairy Tales), or helping others who are less fortunate (as so many have done for centuries on Boxing Day), make sure to focus on your family and making great memories- and maybe some new traditions too!

The Roanoke Star

Our valley has a very unique Christmas historical artifact- our very own Roanoke Star! The star was sponsored by the American Merchant’s Association in 1949 and meant to shine during the holiday shopping season and then dismantled. It was first lit on November 23rd, 1949, and quickly became so popular it was decided to keep it lit all year. Though the star has become an icon of our area and often has reflected our valley’s patriotism by being lit red, white, and blue for 6 years after September 11th, or sorrow, such as turning red for traffic fatalities or darkened completely on the first anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, its origins are in the festivities of the Christmas season.

Race through beautiful Downtown Roanoke!

5K and 1Mile R u n o r Wa l k Kids Fun Run

Jingle All the

Way to a Cure!

Saturday, December 1 Post-Race Party at The Patrick Henry

611 S Jefferson Street Roanoke, VA 24011

The original festive race for charity.

Arthritis warriors fight everyday battles most people can’t even imagine. Whether you’re a warrior yourself or know someone who is, be there with bells on to fuel research for a cure and provide life-changing resources. Fundraising has never been more fun or festive – and conquering arthritis was never more important. Come jingle with us!

Register today at jbr.org/roanoke

Signature Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Growing Up

November 2018

19

BLACK FRIDAY CYBER MONDAY Cashing in on Super Holiday Savings

by Kimberly Blaker

20

Growing Up

November 2018

T

here may be no other aspect of the holiday season regarded with such strong and varied opinions than Black Friday. Lovers thrill over the freebies and super savings that lure them in. Haters berate it for getting in the way of the Thanksgiving holiday tradition, for being a big gimmick, and for leading people to behave badly, insisting it’s a symbol of excessive American consumerism.

Whether you’re a hater or an enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to cash in on holiday savings on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and throughout the holiday season. Follow these tips for deep holiday savings.

Subscribe to store email lists.

Decide at least a couple weeks in advance at which stores you’ll want to shop for the holidays. Then visit each store’s website and subscribe to their email list. Signing up early will ensure you receive all special emails for the season’s big Black Friday and Cyber Monday events, as well as ongoing savings right on through Christmas Eve. Buy discounted gift cards.

Visit Raise.com and order discounted gift cards for the stores you’ll be frequenting. Then use these cards to purchase sale and special-buy items to increase your total savings. The caveat: Be certain the gift cards are for stores you’ll definitely shop at.

Otherwise, you’ll defeat your savings by being forced to use the cards on unnecessary purchases to recoup your investment. On the other hand, gift cards can also make great gifts.

Start collecting deals.

Keep track of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that show up in your newspaper, mailbox, and email. Also, visit your favorite stores online a few days in advance to find out what kind of deals they’ll be offering. Print out any coupons you find online or in your email. Then, store them together in a safe place.

Organize for the big day.

Once you’ve collected all the deals, sort through and match them up to your holiday shopping list. Compare deals and determine when the sales or doorbusters begin and whether there’ll be limited quantities. Then,

strategize. If you can’t stand in line for hours for a limited-quantity doorbuster, skip it altogether and focus on the other deals that’ll be easier to fetch.

Prepare a ‘second best’ list.

You can’t be everywhere at once, so you’re sure to miss a deal or two. If you’ve prepared in advance for that possibility, you’ll know where to go and what to look for as an alternative.

Many stores offer the same deals online as they do in their stores. Not to mention, many online stores don’t even have storefronts. Keep in mind, however, that supplies are often limited, even online. By the time you reach checkout, an item in your basket may be sold out.

If you’re shopping for multiple items from a single online store, do multiple checkouts to ensure the items in your basket don’t disappear while you’re busy clicking around.

Some stores mark up merchandise before reducing it only to make it look like a great bargain.

Watch for early bird freebies.

Many stores offer free gifts to the first 25 or 100 people in their store. It’s true, there are some pretty nice prizes to fetch—but they’ll likely require hours of waiting in line, starting well before the crack of dawn. Before succumbing to these lures, consider whether losing out on savings elsewhere is worth it.

Do your research.

Black Friday isn’t always the best or only day for hot bargains. Stores tout their Black Friday deals to get consumers into a buying frenzy early in the season. Some even offer their super deals starting Thanksgiving evening, and even reduce their prices on Wednesday. Remember also that those Black Friday deals can often be found online on Cyber Monday.

In fact, many of the hot deals—and even better ones—stretch well into December.

Shop late in the day.

If you’re like many people, shopping on Black Friday isn’t even a consideration for no other reason than the intrinsic chaos. But realize that on Black Friday, the vast majority of shoppers start out at the crack of dawn or earlier. By 5:00 p.m., malls and stores are dead. Early birds have already shopped ‘til they dropped. So Black Friday evening is a great time to get in your early shopping, with plenty of great deals still going on.

Shop online.

This is another option if you don’t want to participate in the madhouse.

Arrange your finances in advance.

If you plan on paying by credit card, plan well in advance so the credit will be available to you.

Make credit card payments at least two weeks in advance to allow time for processing. Use your credit cards that offer cash back or reward points to increase your savings. If paying with a debit card, double check your balance before heading out to avoid unwelcome surprises. Carrying cash isn’t advisable, as chaotic crowds increase the potential for pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Leave the kids at home.

The chaos of the holiday shopping season, especially Black Friday, poses risks to your children. There’s the slim but potential risk of trampling by crazed crowds on Black Friday, and an increased risk of losing your child among the mob. Add to this that shopping for long hours is stressful and exhausting for children; not to mention, it will increase your own stress level and deplete your energy.

Avoid carts.

On Black Friday, carry shopping bags or totes instead, unless you’re buying heavy items. Carts will slow you down through crowds unwilling to budge for you.

Hold off on toy purchases.

Black Friday doesn’t offer the best deals on toys. The first week of December usually offers much bigger savings on these items.

Growing Up

November 2018

21

Use social media for extra savings.

Many retailers offer special coupons and discounts to people who like them on Facebook or other social media.

Look for the social media accounts of the stores you plan to shop at.

Check on return policies.

Most major retailers have liberal return policies, but not all do. Do your homework before making purchases.

Also, be sure to ask for gift receipts to make exchanges and returns easy for gift recipients.

Avoid impulse buying.

For many shoppers, their savings go down the drain because they grab unnecessary ‘great buys’ at the spur of the moment. Prepare yourself mentally before you head out.

Get extra savings with instant store credit.

This is a double-edged sword. You can save 10 to 25% by opening a store credit card at checkout. If you pay your charges off immediately and don’t use it for unnecessary purchases, it’s well worth the savings.

Otherwise, the long-term cost of

interest will exceed the savings you initially gained.

Make sure a sale is really a sale.

Some stores mark up merchandise before reducing it only to make it look like a great bargain. Furniture chains are especially known for this tactic. Many other stores do it as well on select merchandise. Again, do your homework.

Don’t waste time trying to price match.

On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, stores typically don’t honor price matching. Outside of these two days, it’s well worth your time to do so.

Be prepared for long lines.

Bring entertainment on your phone for waiting in long lines. Before heading out, add your email account, music, e-books, or games to your phone— or spend your waiting-in-line-time visiting online stores to watch for rotating deals. Also, you can download a Black Friday deals app, such as Dealnews, Slickdeals, Shopkick, Flipp, or The Coupons App.

Organize yourself for rebates.

Print out rebate forms in advance so you don’t lose track of them. Also, request duplicate receipts for rebate purchases, and store them in a safe place in your wallet or purse. If shopping online, download the Ebates app for automatic rebates when shopping on participating websites.

Forego the extended warranties.

With a few exceptions, extended warranties are a waste of money.

Most electronics already come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Defects usually show up within the scope of the manufacturer’s warranty.

The accidental damage that might be covered under a store’s extended warranty tends to occur rarely. Cell phones or small personal electronics people carry with them that are likely to get dropped, lost, or run through the washing machine tend to be the exception.

Something FUN For Everyone!

Roller Skating Arcade Games Kids’ Play Zone Snack Bar Free Wifi KidsSkateFree.com Participating Center

540-890-2250 |1620 E. Washington Ave Vinton, VA 24179 | FirehouseSkate.com Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Comprehensive Eye Care for the

Whole Family

Our services include: • Laser Cataract Surgery • Premium Lens Implants • LASIK • Glaucoma Laser Treatment • Glaucoma Surgery • Diabetic Retinopathy • Macular Degeneration • Retinal Detachment

• Cornea Transplant • Botox • Eyelid Surgery • Facial Fillers • Forehead / Eyebrow Lift • Pediatric Eye Surgery • Adult and Pediatric Strabismus Surgery

540.855.5100 | 866.615.5454 | VistarEye.com

Prevent These 4 Winter Home Problems Now When you start feeling those first hints of winter, the instinct to get ready kicks in. You may dig out your car’s snow brush, blanket, shovel and winter survival kit and place them in the trunk of your car.

The winter coats and boots come out of storage, and you may pick up some extra mittens.

But what do you do to protect your house against the hazards of winter? If you don’t take time for maintenance and winterization now, you can end up paying for it later, in the form of higher energy bills, frozen pipes or fixing a broken furnace.

Here are four common problems that can hit home during the winter and how you can ward them off.

24

Growing Up

November 2018

Sky-High Energy Bills Do your electric bills rise during the wintertime?

Heating your home accounts for about half of your home’s energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Combat the cold by sealing off any cracks or gaps with caulk and inspect entrances for worn or broken weatherstripping. Schedule a

furnace inspection with an HVAC contractor and consider installing a smarter thermostat. Learning thermostats can remember your favorite temperatures, turning down when you leave for work, and returning to your favorite temp at the end of the day.

Water Leaks According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounts for half of all property damage claims.

Add winter’s freezing temperatures to the mix, and you can end up with a

big problem if your home has a power outage or your furnace malfunctions.

For extra peace of mind, there’s now a leak and flood protection system you can purchase that shuts off your water main’s supply when it detects leaks - and sends an alert to your smart device. LeakSmart Snap installs in seconds without any tools or the need to cut into the main water supply line. Wireless sensors placed around the house can detect a leak or temperature changes and shut down the whole house water supply in seconds. It is compatible with LeakSmart Hub 3.0, which offers battery back-up and built in Wi-Fi for 24/7 whole home protection.

Power Outages When a winter storm hits, the ice and wind can break power lines and interrupt the supply of electricity to our homes. It’s not uncommon for some outages to last for days, which is why it’s always smart to be prepared.

Before winter hits, make certain your generator or other backup power source has ample fuel and is in good working order. Keep basic supplies at the ready, so you can keep your family comfortable. Make sure you have extra blankets, stocking caps, batteries and fully charged power banks for your mobile phones. It’s also good to have a few gallons of fresh water and some cans of ready-to-eat chili and stew. If you have a camp stove, keep it in an easy-to-reach place, along with a fuel supply.

the damage they can cause. First, make sure the gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and other yard debris, so the snowmelt has a place to go. Next, poke your head into the crawlspace of your attic and see if the insulation layer is still thick enough to keep the heat from escaping through the roof. While you’re up there, look for gaps and leaks. Finally, this is an appropriate time to invest in a simple snow rake, so you can easily remove wet, heavy snow from your roof before the dams can start forming.

Ice Dams

Now that you know the most common winter hazards that can hit home, you can take the steps to protect your investment and keep your family comfortable and safe.

Another thing to watch for in the winter are pools of water forming on your roof. These can be caused by ridges of snow and ice, and eventually cause leaks to the interior of your home. Ice dams can also lead to the formation of large, pointy icicles that hang from the gutters, which can fall and injure people.

To learn more about protecting your home, visit LeakSmart.com.

A little work upfront can go a long way toward preventing ice dams and

Get your home ready for the holidays.

VALLEY VIEW 1945 Valley View Blvd.

CHRISTIANSBURG 220 Laurel St NE

TANGLEWOOD 4235 Electric Rd.

LYNCHBURG 5401 Fort Ave

Growing Up

November 2018

25

Kyrie has been covered by God since she was in the womb. She came into the world six weeks early due to complications with my pregnancy.

When the doctors pulled her out, they exclaimed that she was a miracle.

She was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck three times— with three knots in the cord. Doctors informed us that she should never have made it eight months in the womb, but nevertheless, Kyrie was a very healthy baby and came home shortly after delivery.

Kyrie’s Journey

At the age of one, Kyrie was diagnosed with progressive infantile scoliosis.

Progressive infantile scoliosis is a rare spinal condition which causes a curve in the spine. If left untreated, this can cause the chest wall to deform, in turn crushing the lungs, heart, and other organs. Naturally, as a result, it can cause decreased life expectancy and is potentially fatal. Infantile scoliosis is classically defined as scoliosis that is first diagnosed between birth and three years of age. This category comprises about one percent of all idiopathic scoliosis in children.

by Shantay Rutland

MAKE FRIENDS

STAY ACTIVE

ACHIEVE A HEALTHY BALANCE

HAVE FUN You do so much for so many people. Now it’s time to take care of you. Join the Y to meet new friends, stay active, have fun and reconnect with you.

Learn more: www.ymcavbr.org

Kyrie was first diagnosed in February 2018 with a 37-degree curve in her spine. She then received another X-ray in May, which showed her curve at 45 degrees. This means that her curve is very progressive. The severity of Kyrie’s curve was unknown to us until we were seen at Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. We found out that her condition was very severe due to the deformities of her rib cage where it never fully developed. The doctors advised us that Kyrie should have all type of health issues, and that it is taking everything in her just to breathe. Preparing us for the worst, the doctor advised us that it would be a matter of time before she would need oxygen and a machine to assist with breathing. Scoliosis left untreated can lead to death. He reassured us that he would do any and everything to prevent this from happening.

On August 27, Kyrie started her journey at Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in Greenville, SC. She was put in a Mehta cast, which is specifically made for children with infantile idiopathic scoliosis. A Mehta cast is a plaster cast

that is applied in the operating room from the patient’s collarbone to the bottom of the spine. When the cast is applied, pressure is placed that causes the spine to straighten. When the cast hardens, it holds the spine in this position. Subsequent casts each progressively straighten the patient’s spine. Kyrie wears her cast for 6 weeks at a time, with a two-day break, which means we have to travel ten hours every six weeks to have the cast put on. She is expected to wear the cast until the age of six. At that time, if the spine is straight, she will have growth rods put in.

On a day-to-day basis, caring for a toddler with a Mehta cast can be very difficult. Kryie has a lot of discomfort and limited mobility. Simple things, like bending over and walking up and down stairs, have their challenges. The cast can’t get wet, so she is limited to a bed bath and wipe-downs. The cast has to be flossed three times a day to keep objects and food out. Any food or object in the cast can cause the cast to break down.

Taking this journey with Kyrie are my husband, Gregg, and I, and her two sisters, Ashlei (age ten) and Jordyn (age three). As a family, we deal with a lot of ongoing medical bills and extended hospital stays. All three of our daughters deal with major and life-threating health issues—our other daughters suffer from sickle cell anemia.

As parents, it is hard to have children with major health issues. In the back of our minds, we hold onto the knowledge that God picked us because he knew we could handle it. We are a very strong family with even stronger faith. We know in our hearts that Kyrie will see this through, as she has always been protected by God. Please follow Kyrie’s Journey on Facebook. We want to share her journey with everyone, we want to bring awareness to infantile scoliosis, and we want to give other parents hope.

Shantay Rutland lives in Roanoke with her husband, Gregg, and three daughters.

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

Bulk Candy Chocolate Novelty Gifts The Candy Store Center in the Square 1 Market ST SE Roanoke, VA 24011 thecandystoreva.com (540) 904-5580

Celebrating Together: A Roanoke Interfaith Family’s Holiday Traditions

by Rachel Levine

This season brings flickering lights and holiday cheer all across the Roanoke Valley.

My family is lucky to get double the holiday joy and family traditions. As an interfaith family, we are part of a growing number of households across the country who practice two religious traditions. My husband Uri is Jewish, and I am Episcopalian. When we fell in love fifteen years ago, it quickly became clear that neither of us could ask the other to give up their religion or traditions, and instead we wanted to honor and support each other’s faith. We wanted to pass on both of our traditions to our children. The path forward would mean attending both synagogue and church, Friday night Shabbat dinners with challah, as well as Easter Egg hunts, and, of course, celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah.

The concurrence of Hanukkah and Christmas in December is so famous in interfaith families that it even has its own name: the “December Dilemma.”

Families struggle with questions like, “How do we do both holidays justice?

Can we fully honor both traditions?

How do we find the time to do it all?”

Christmas is a joyful time when Christians celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Christmas lights and Christmas trees sparkle. “Holy Night” and “Away in a Manger” play on the radio and everywhere you go.

Families bake their favorite cookies and decorate gingerbread houses. There are Christmas books to read together, crafts to make, and presents to wrap. On Christmas Eve, there are joy-filled church services with candlelit choruses of “Silent Night” before bundling little ones to bed before Santa comes.

Hanukkah is a festive Jewish holiday commemorating an extraordinary wonder. About 1,800 years ago, the Greeks desecrated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. After many years, the Temple was finally restored to the Jewish people. As they rededicated this most holy of places, they had only enough oil to burn the required sacred menorah (or candelabra) for one day.

Miraculously, however, the oil lasted for eight days, until more oil could be made. This miracle is celebrated by Jewish people around the world with the nightly lighting of the menorah.

For eight days the candles flicker and glow and impart a beautiful light.

Hanukkah is a time for devouring foods fried in oil to remember the miracle of the oil long ago. Jelly doughnuts and potato latkes fill happy bellies while families play dreidel. Dreidel is a traditional game in which players spin a four-sided top to win nuts, coins, or chocolates. Families cuddle up to read Hanukkah storybooks and make menorah pictures with little handprints. Hanukkah is eight days of sweet, cozy family time to remember all the miracles, big and small, in our lives.

Trying to do justice to two such wonderful holidays as an interfaith family is a major undertaking. First, my husband and I had to educate ourselves on each other’s holidays and find rituals that spoke to us in our spouse’s religion. I found I love lighting the menorah with the kids and watching the candles slowly burn out. Uri discovered he loves the annual quest with our daughters for the perfect Christmas tree at a local farm.

Over time, Christmas was no longer just my holiday, and Hanukkah wasn’t just Uri’s holiday.

They became both our holidays. They became our family’s holidays.

Our next goal was surviving the Growing Up

November 2018

29

logistics of organizing both a satisfying Hanukkah and Christmas celebration.

In order to not overextend ourselves, we have to pick and choose which holiday traditions are most meaningful for us and prioritize those. I have found I don’t have the energy to make latkes in December, so we just enjoy those at our synagogue’s annual Hanukkah party. I also find the thought of Christmas baking overwhelming, so I limit my baking to gingerbread muffins on Christmas morning. On the other hand, we all treasure reading aloud, and so we display Christmas and Hanukkah books on our coffee table and try to read at least one a day all December.

Sometimes, Christmas and Hanukkah are not just in the same month, but actually directly overlap. Luckily, the daily lighting of the Hanukkah menorah can take place anytime in a twenty-four-hour window, which gives us flexibility. When Christmas Eve is also one of the nights of Hanukkah, we simply light the menorah later than usual.

Embracing the two religious traditions in our family requires an extra level of commitment. Decembers in our house are insanely busy, as we have double the responsibilities of most families. They are happy days, though, filled with tradition, beauty, and love.

Sharing both our Jewish and Christian traditions with our children is a

precious and holy thing. It is our own holiday miracle.

Rachel Levine and her husband, Uri, live in Roanoke City. They have two daughters.

NOW PLAYING

grandintheatre.com The Grandin Theatre • 1310 Grandin Road • Roanoke, VA 24015 • 540-345-6377

30

Growing Up

November 2018

Get Your Savings Off The Sidelines.

You don’t often see numbers like these on the savings scoreboard.

Our all-new Money Market account rates are here and astoundingly high.

And, all it takes is a minimum deposit of $2,000 to earn more on the money you’re already saving. Open your account today to start scoring dividends.

Call, click, or come in to get your savings in our lineup.

memberonefcu.com 800-666-8811 *APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Refer to the Member Account Agreement for the Truth in Savings Disclosure related to these accounts. Rates effective October 1, 2018 and are subject to change without notice. Minimum deposit required to earn dividends is $2,000. Minimum deposit to earn 2.10% APY is $100,000. Fees may reduce earnings. Please speak to a member representative for more information. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA.

Growing Up in the Valley’s

NEW YEARS Better Butter Experiment

AT NOON

presented by Freedom First Credit Union

December 31 • 10 AM - 2 PM

Berglund Special Event s C enter

Supplies:

Clean jars or containers with tightfitting lids 1 cup heavy cream Select at least one other liquid from this list: • 1 cup light whipping cream • 1 cup half and half • 1 cup whole milk Optional: clean glass marble

Directions: 1. Taste the first heavy cream, then pour it into one of the containers until the container is approximately half-full.

2. If using a marble, add it now, and then put the lid on the container.

3. Check that the container is firmly closed and will not leak.

4. Shake the container and listen closely. What does it sound like? (It should sound like liquid sloshing.)

5. Keep shaking until the sound changes and it stops sloshing. Open up the container to look at the stuff inside. What does it look like? Does it taste different than it did at the beginning of the experiment?

6. Tightly close the container and shake again until you hear sloshing.

Open the container and taste the liquid and the solids. What do they

taste like? What do they smell like?

7. Pour off the liquid (which is now buttermilk) and you have made butter!

Your butter should keep in the refrigerator for a few days.

Note: some people recommend rinsing and kneading homemade butter to help prevent spoiling. You may also add salt during this step, if you prefer salted butter.

in liquid. When you shake the milk or cream, all of the bits of fat bump into one another and clump together.

Eventually, this makes butter—and the leftover liquid is buttermilk. While you were making the butter, there was also a part in the middle where you ended up with a thick foam.

This was actually whipped cream! When you shake the container that is half-full of liquid, you are mixing air into your milk or cream, which makes another type of colloid!

Some of the types of milk or cream that you tested may have worked better than others. This is because of the amount of fat in the liquid. Whole milk, which probably didn’t work, doesn’t have a high enough fat content to use to make butter. We also use a process called homogenization on our dairy products in the US, which means that the colloid has very, very tiny pieces of fat which may make it harder or impossible to create butter.

Colloid: a substance microscopically dispersed evenly throughout another substance.

8. Repeat this process with the other milks and creams, making sure to use a clean container and marble). Can they all make butter? Does the butter each one makes taste different?

Try This: The temperature can affect the speed at which butter is made. If you warm up the liquid before shaking it (cream works best), does it turn into butter more quickly? Does the taste change?

Why the Marble?

The marble acts as an extra agitator and may help you create the butter more quickly.

$2 OFF COUPON available at local Kroger Stores!

(Nov 15- Dec 15)

$11 per person | Children 2 and under are FREE

Details at www.Roanoke.family

Experiement provided by

What’s Happening?

Milk and cream are not actually all one liquid but instead are a colloid: there are tiny bits of fat suspended

ADOPTION IN VIRGINIA: THE GIFT OF FAMILY Years ago, when Judy Bingham first explored the idea of fostering, she really only envisioned welcoming one child into her home. That was, in fact, before she received a call from her local department of social services informing her that three siblings were in need. She still vividly recalls her husband waving his hands behind her whispering, “No, no!” The memory is something they all laugh about today as the proud, adoptive parents of those children from that fateful call. “We really didn’t want these kids to become separated,” Bingham said. “Now we can’t imagine our lives without them.”

In Virginia, there are currently 4,800 children in foster care, more than 600 of which are permanently and legally separated from their birth parents. These children are waiting for safe, permanent homes with a loving family to call their own.

Many misconceptions exist about the foster care and adoption process, but the facts remain that you don’t have to be rich, own your home, or even be married to adopt in Virginia. Apart from time and energy, the most important requirement is that you are willing to provide a lifetime of love to a child so they may grow and thrive as adults.

It’s okay— and quite frankly, normal — if you’ve never considered adoption before. Some seasoned foster or adoptive parents will share that they always knew they would welcome an adopted child into their world, but many others can attest that sometimes the right timing and the right child find their way in to your life and alter your original path for the better.

In Virginia, there are currently 4,800 children in foster care, more than 600 of which are permanently and legally separated from their birth parents.

WHO ARE VIRGINIA’S WAITING CHILDREN? The average age of children in care of the Virginia Department of Social Services is 8. Pre-teens are the largest population of the more than 600 youth who are legally available for adoption.

Virginia’s waiting children are in foster care due to no fault of their own. They have colorful stories sometimes tinged with loss, financial instability, abuse or neglect.

Many of the real-world problems we hear about every day on a national scale, inevitably trickle down to localities, communities and of course, families. When parents are afflicted or embattled, vulnerable children are often displaced, and their lives disrupted.

These children are siblings, teens, only children, extroverts, introverts, readers, math enthusiasts, musicians, athletes, bookworms, and more.They may have unique hobbies and individual personalities, but all have the goal of finding a home with a family that will support them in achieving their dreams.

A PARTNERSHIP FOR LIFE. Adoption is a collaborative, community-based effort and your local department of social services is your partner every step of the way. The process to becoming a foster or adoptive parent isn’t an overnight journey (nor should it be to ensure safety and compatibility for all). Throughout these steps and even after an adoption is finalized, the Virginia Department of Social Services ensures there are tools, resources and support networks available to help you and the child(ren) in your care be successful.

Resources can include foster and adoptive parent training, family counseling, support groups, case management, crisis intervention, adoption search and more.

You don’t have to be perfect to be the perfect parent for a child in need.

WHAT IS THE ADOPTION PROCESS LIKE? The first step in learning more about the adoption process is to submit an inquiry to www.adoptuskids.org/states/va/browse.aspx or call 1-800-DO-ADOPT. Once your initial inquiry is submitted, you’ll have the opportunity to attend an orientation where you’ll learn details about the foster care and adoption process. There’s also an application process and thorough training for foster/adoptive parents that will provide you with tips, best practices and resources to be successful in this new role.

While completing a home study with your local department of social services, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, expectations, fears and anticipation before submitting your final paperwork. When approved, you are then contacted for a placement based on the best fit for your family and the child coming into your home.

Whether you’re interested in adopting down the line or not, meeting one of the many great youth in care doesn’t have to be an immediate commitment. The foster care period of the adoption process benefits both you and the child. It’s a period of getting to know one another and experiencing the world together to see if you’re a right fit.

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY BY VISITING ADOPTVA.COM

FRIENDSGIVING and Solitary Celebrations to Make the Most of Thanksgiving Day

by Kimberly Blaker

The long-held tradition of the family gathered around the table for a savory Thanksgiving feast carries fond memories for many Americans.

Still, many will spend the day alone either out of circumstance or by choice. Whichever the case, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday without family. Consider one of the following ideas for going it alone, or celebrate a Friendsgiving instead.

Solitary celebrations The upside to spending Thanksgiving alone is it’s your day to do whatever you want. But do plan ahead so you don’t waste it away – unless wasting it away is exactly what you’d like to do – which is perfectly okay too.

One of the benefits of spending it alone is that you can feast on exactly what you want. If you enjoy cooking, it’s the perfect day to pull out your favorite recipes and treat yourself to a gourmet meal.

If cooking isn’t your thing, you can still indulge by eating out. A few restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving, and some will serve a special Thanksgiving dinner. Just be sure to make your reservation a week or so in advance because restaurants book up early for the holiday.

One thing that doesn’t shut down on Thanksgiving is the movie theater.

So it’s a great day to catch a flick and treat yourself to hot buttery popcorn. If weather permits, get

“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.”

RVCS Offers: Renovated School Buildings Smaller Class Sizes Dual Enrollment Opportunities International Exchange Student Program Christian-based Education

(540) 366-2432 ext. 127 | rvcs@sbcfamily.org | 6520 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24019

36

Growing Up

November 2018

some fresh air and exercise by going for a hike.

On the other hand, you might just want to stay in where it’s cozy and warm. If so, why not bask in luxury by giving yourself a home spa treatment?

Do a manicure and pedicure, give yourself a facial, and try out a new hair color.

It’s also a good day for a trip down memory lane. Pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some music from your past, pull out your photo albums, and reminisce.

Plus, don’t forget about that good book you’ve been dying to read.

Thanksgiving is also a good reason to call friends you haven’t spoken with in a while. So give them a ring.

If you’d really like to do something good for the soul and for others, offer to help in a soup kitchen.

Another idea is to take up a coat collection in advance.

Then on Thanksgiving deliver the coats to a shelter or distribute them in areas populated with the homeless.

Friendsgiving Even if you don’t have family around for the holidays, it doesn’t mean

you have to spend it alone. In fact, many people choose to avoid the hot political climate that all too often erupts at family Thanksgiving gatherings.

There’s a good chance you have friends, co-workers, neighbors, or acquaintances who’ll also be spending the day alone. So why not have a Friendsgiving?

Even for those who will spend Thanksgiving with family, Friendsgiving has gained so much popularity, many people are now holding a Friendsgiving on Friday or Saturday so they can jump in on the action.

There are many ways to do a Friendsgiving. It may depend in part on the size of your guest list. If there’ll be only a couple of you, split the grocery list and then plan to cook together. Although you might prefer to skip the hassle and enjoy dinner out. If so, be sure to make reservations well in advance.

If you have several friends, a potluck is the best idea. The key to making it a success without a ton of work and stress on your part is to plan ahead. As the host, do the Turkey or meat yourself. Then

ask each person to bring one or two specific types of dishes. For example, ask two or three friends to bring a vegetable dish. But have them to tell you in advance what specifically they plan to bring to avoid multiples of the same vegetable. Assign two other guests dessert, and another could be in charge of dinner rolls and snacks.

For the beverages, you might offer to supply soda. But ask everyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages. On the other hand, if you know everyone likes beer or wine, ask each person to bring something to share so guests can enjoy tasting and variety.

Additional items to consider asking guests to bring include ice, coolers, tableware, serving utensils, folding chairs, folding tables, and tablecloths.

In addition to the day’s main event – the mouthwatering food – plan for some form of entertainment. If it’s music, put together a variety to fit everyone’s taste. You could also play cards or games. If all your guests are football fans, that may be just the ticket.

If any of your guests have children, have a clean childproof room available where they can play away from the adult ruckus.

However you choose to spend your day, just remember to relax and enjoy it.

Whether or not all goes as planned, know you’re in good company – may it be friends or the company of yourself.

Do you have room in your heart and your home?

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT STARS is a collaboration between Roanoke City and Roanoke County/Salem Departments of Social Services and Youth Advocate Programs. We provide ongoing support and training for foster families providing care to children with higher medical, emotional and behavioral needs, including: 24/7 on-call support from YAP

Respite services

Access to Licensed Professional Counselor for foster parents

Individualized services and training to meet to family and child's needs

Seasonal celebrations and recognition

Monthly support group meetings

540-853-2408

Kristin Rickman, Roanoke City kristin.rickman@roanokeva.gov

540-283-8844

Ben Jones, Roanoke County bsjones@roanokecountyva.gov

Growing Up

November 2018

37

BEST BOOKS OF 2018 Rhett & Link’s Book of Mythicality: A Field Guide to Curiosity, Creativity, and Tomfoolery

by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal “Internetainers” Rhett & Link met in first grade when their teacher made them miss recess for writing profanity on their desks, and they have been best friends ever since. Today, their daily YouTube talk show, Good Mythical Morning, is the most-watched daily talk show on the Internet, and nearly 12 million subscribers tune in to see the guys broadcast brainy trivia, wild experiments, and hilarious banter (not to mention the occasional cereal bath).

Now the award-winning comedians are finally bringing their “Mythical” world to the printed page in their first book.

Jane Austen at Home

by Lucy Worsley

One of Us Is Lying

by Karen M. McManus

This new telling of the story of Jane’s life shows us how and why she lived as she did, examining the places and spaces that mattered to her. It wasn’t all country houses and ballrooms, but a life that was often a painful struggle. Jane famously lived a ‘life without incident’, but with new research and insights Lucy Worsley reveals a passionate woman who fought for her freedom. A woman who far from being a lonely spinster in fact had at least five marriage prospects, but who in the end refused to settle for anything less than Mr Darcy.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yalebound and never breaks a rule. Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom.

Before the end of detention, Simon’s dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?

Give a Girl a Knife

by Amy Thielen Before Amy Thielen frantically plated rings of truffled potatoes in some of New York City s finest kitchens for chefs David Bouley, Daniel Boulud, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten she grew up in a northern Minnesota town home to the nation s largest French fry factory, the headwaters of the fast food nation, with a mother whose generous cooking pulsed with joy, family drama, and an overabundance of butter.

Amy Thielen’s coming-ofage account brims with energy, a cook s eye for intimate detail, and a dose of dry Midwestern humor.

Give a Girl a Knife offers a fresh, vivid view into New York s high-end restaurant before returning Thielen to her roots, where she realizes that the marrow running through her bones is not demi-glace, but gravy honest, thick with nostalgia, and hard to resist.”

38

Growing Up

November 2018

Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries

by Kory Stamper

From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death

by Caitlin Doughty Fascinated by our pervasive terror of dead bodies, mortician Caitlin Doughty set out to discover how other cultures care for their dead. In rural Indonesia, she observes a man clean and dress his grandfather’s mummified body. Grandpa’s mummy has lived in the family home for two years, where the family has maintained a warm and respectful relationship.

She meets Bolivian natitas (cigarette-smoking, wishgranting human skulls), and introduces us to a Japanese kotsuage, in which relatives

use chopsticks to pluck their loved-ones’ bones from cremation ashes.

With curiosity and morbid humor, Doughty encounters vividly decomposed bodies and participates in compelling, powerful death practices almost entirely unknown in America. Featuring Goreyesque illustrations by artist Landis Blair, From Here to Eternity introduces deathcare innovators researching green burial and body composting, explores new spaces for mourning— including a glowing-Buddha columbarium in Japan and America’s only openair pyre—and reveals unexpected new possibilities for our own death rituals.

While most of us might take dictionaries for granted, the process of writing them is in fact as lively and dynamic as language itself. With sharp wit and irreverence, Kory Stamper cracks open the complex, obsessive world of lexicography--from the agonizing decisions about what and how to define, to the knotty questions of usage in an ever-changing language. She explains why small words are the most difficult to define (have you ever tried to define is ?), how it can take nine months to define a single word, and how our biases about language and pronunciation can have tremendous social influence. Throughout, Stamper brings to life the hallowed halls (and highly idiosyncratic cubicles) of Merriam-Webster, a world inhabited by quirky, erudite individuals who quietly shape the way we communicate. A sure delight for all lovers of words, Word by Word might also quietly improve readers grasp and use of the English language.”

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between

by Lauren Graham In Talking as Fast as I Can, Lauren Graham hits pause for a moment and looks back on her life, sharing laugh-out-loud stories about growing up, starting out as an actress, and, years later, sitting in her trailer on the Parenthood set and asking herself, “Did you, um, make it?” She opens up about the challenges of being single in Hollywood, the time she was asked to audition her butt for a role, and her experience being a judge on Project Runway. Including photos and excerpts from the diary Graham kept during the filming of the recent Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, this book is like a cozy night in, catching up with your best friend, laughing and swapping stories, and—of course— talking as fast as you can.

Growing Up

November 2018

39

Star City Little Library Need a Book? Take a Book. Have a Book? Leave a Book.

Little Libraries are a great way to spread literacy and entertainment throughout our communities. Every month Growing Up in the Valley will restock the little libraries with great books for your whole family and we welcome your donations as well! Stop by our locations to see what surprises we have in store, and maybe leave a gently used book for someone else to enjoy.

Locations:

Hometown Bank – 3521 Franklin Rd SW - Roanoke, VA 24014 & 4225 Colonial Ave – Roanoke, VA 24018 Roanoke Ballet Theatre – 1318 Grandin Rd SW – Roanoke, VA 24015 Launching Pad – 1300 Intervale Dr – Salem, VA 24153 LewisGale Medical Center – 1900 Electric Rd – Salem, VA 24153 Amtrak Station – Downtown Roanoke Kirk Family YMCA Lower Entrance – Downtown Roanoke Roanoke Main Post Office - 419 Rutherord Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24022 Bounce Roanoke - 3424 Orange Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24012 Smart Beginnings/United Way - 325 Campbell Avenue SW - Roanoke, VA 24011 Prestige Gymnastics - 2726 Lee Highway - Troutville, VA 24175

Everyone Deserves a Party.

Fun Times Party Warehouse has party supplies, decorations, rentals and entertainment services for all occasions.

(540) 725-8200 1409 • S. Colorado St. Salem, VA • www.funtimesvirginia.com

BEECHTOWN YOGA STUDIO

Why would you want to learn about fostering?

because you make the difference.

Let's talk about how you & your family could help locally and #jointheconversation about foster care. Learn more about fostering locally by calling (540) 283-8850.

ROANOKECOUNTYVA.GOV/FOSTER

Go. Play!

See.

Southwest Virginia’s Largest Family Event Calendar

Theater & Live Shows Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven & Shostakovitch rso.com

November 17 and 18 at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. The beauty and drama of Beethoven’s monumental Seventh Symphony is truly mind altering. Russian-born virtuoso Natasha Paremski joins the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra in her debut performance as part of the RSO premier of Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2. Admission starts at $34.

The Christmas Cup Millmountain.org

December 5-23 at the Mill Mountain Theater in Center in the Square. The love between a young girl and her wise grandmother is brought to life on stage from the pages of a story

by Nancy Ruth Patterson, Roanoke’s beloved author and educator. The

story revolves around a beat up old milkshake cup where Megan collects a year’s worth of scrimped money. Her meager savings and the anonymous gift she buys with them are a metaphor for this season of love and generosity. Rated G for Family Entertainment. Tickets start at $20.

Midsummer Night’s Dream Ferrum.edu

November 8-10 at Sale Theatre at Ferrum College. Shakespeare’s comedy brings together a group of unfortunate lovers, a clumsy crew of performers led by the pompous Bottom, and the King and Queen of the fairies and the mischievous Puck, who creates mayhem for all.

Experience the fantasy world of Ferrum College Professor Rebecca Crocker’s NEW production of Shakespeare’s most performed and loved comedy! An evening sure to be filled with magic, laughter, and love!

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

The Nutcracker Jeffcenter.org

December 14-15 at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. The sensational sold out performance returns! From adorable angels to scurrying mice, a sweet sugar plum and a stilt-walking gingerbread doll, Roanoke Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker is a treat for classic ballet lovers of all ages.

Tickets start at $27.

Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story Radford.edu

December 7-8 at the Pridemore Playhouse at Radford University.

The story of frontier heroine Mary Draper Ingles’ escape from Shawnee captivity in 1755 and her extraordinary journey to reunite with her family is an inspiring one of hope, courage, and love of family. Here it is adapted especially for Porterfield Ensemble. $10 per person (senior and group discounts available.)

Toby Mac

Therberglundcenter.com November 1 at 7 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. Admission starts at $23.

Annual Fall Choir Concert Vt.edu

November 11 at 4 PM at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

The VT Women’s Chorus, Tech Men, and Chamber Singers present their annual fall choir concert. Admission is $10 for general audience and $7 per student.

Discovery Concert

bit.ly/Discovery18-19 November 12 at 10 AM and 12 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.

Bring your students to a live symphony performance in a concert hall setting during the school day for only $5 per person! Discovery Concerts align across the curriculum with Virginia Standards of Learning

44

Growing Up

November 2018

in grades 3-5 and all elementary students and music students in grades 6-12 are recommended to attend.

Performed by the young artists of the Roanoke Youth Symphony Orchestra, these concerts are not to be missed.

Tickets are $5 per person and seats are first-come, first-serve.

Peppa Pig’s Big Surprise Theberglundcenter.com

November 13 at 6 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. Surprise! Peppa Pig is hitting the road for her all new theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Surprise! The brand new production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! Admissions starts at $30.

Aziz Ansari

Theberglundcenter.com November 17 at 7:30 PM at the Berglund Civic Center in Roanoke.

Come laugh on your perfect night out!

Broadway Christmas Wonderland Theberglundcenter.com

November 27 at 7:30 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.

Broadway Christmas Wonderland is one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows ever.

This most loved Christmas show features glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking Chorus Girls this side of the North Pole.

Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic Christmas journey. Songs Include “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “Jingle Bells,” “Away In A Manger,” “Silent Night,” “Deck The Halls,” “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” “O Holy Night”

and many more. This sparkling Holiday Show is ideal for the whole family.

Handel’s Messiah Jeffcenter.org

November 27 at 7:30 PM at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. A Triumph of music, Handel’s “Messiah” is a matchless Holiday tradition. The exquisite choral writing and the finale “Hallelujah” chorus--featuring David Stewart Wiley and the brilliant sounds of our own Roanoke Symphony Chorus. Tickets start at $34.

We’re ready for the holidays!

Come to Downtown Roanoke for the best holiday shopping and entertainment!

30+ Stores with One-of-a-Kind Gifts

Elmwood on Ice presented by ValleyStar Credit Union Ice Skating Rink Opens November 21 Dickens of a Christmas The Valley’s Largest Holiday Celebration December 7, 14, 21

For details, visit DowntownRoanoke.org

Growing Up

November 2018

45

Remember to turn your clocks back an hour on November 4!

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Salemciviccenter.com

November 29 at 7 PM at the Salem Civic Center. “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer: The Musical is a wonderful new way to experience this family tradition,” says producing partner Jonathan Flom. The national tour is a family favorite -- a “holiday staple” (The Boston Globe) and an “utterly charming, top-notch production” (Orlando Sentinel). “The familiar story elements from the television special are addressed with a talented cast and puppeteers who help recreate the magic on stage,” says Flom.

The show even includes a 12’ tall Abominable Snow Monster. Since the special itself is a classic musical, the stage show does not feel at all like an adaptation and audiences are surprised and delighted when they see performances of songs such as “Fame and Fortune” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” that are heard but not performed in the TV special. Admission starts at $38.

Stuart Little Radford.edu

December 1 at 10 AM and 2 PM at the Pridemore Playhouse at Radford University. Stuart Little knows it isn’t how big or small you are… it’s “temperament and ability that

count!” Join the feisty little mouse on his epic quest to find his friend as this charming adaptation of the E.B. White classic comes to the Pridemore Playhouse in an energetic production sure to delight all, big or small! $8 per adult and $4 per child. (senior and group discounts available)

Library Events Teen Titans Go - The Movie!

November 6 at 3 PM at the Melrose Branch Library in Roanoke. Enjoy a free lunch (for viewers 18 and under) Free screening of the movie for all participants.

The Power of Forgiveness Documentary & Discussion November 7 at 7:15 PM at the Grandin Theater. Join us at the Grandin Theater for a showing of “The Power of Forgiveness”. This documentary shares stories of various trangressions and the need of forgiveness and the power of letting go. Following the showing there will be a discussion with fellow viewers.

Cranberry Keepers: Capture the taste of the holidays for Thanksgiving and beyond November 12 at 6 PM at the Jackson

See full details 46

Growing Up

November 2018

Pakr Branch Library in Roanoke Supermarket produce departments are stacked sky high with fresh Thanksgiving cranberries, then they go away. But you don’t have to give up this delicious and healthy fruit for a year. Learn more. We’ll explore and taste some year arounds canny way with cranberries. How about a year around cranberry barbecue sauce for Thanksgiving. You’ll use this recipe for your red, white and blue July 4th too! (It even works with veggie fritters) You’ll leave with lots of cranberry know-how as well recipes for 25 ways to put a little tang into your new year.

D.I.Y. Thanksgiving Table Centerpieces November 14 at 11 AM at the Melrose Branch Library in Roanoke. Create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Nightmare Before Christmas November 24 at 2 PM at the Melrose Branch Library in Roanoke. Enjoy the spooky holiday classic - Nightmare Before Christmas!

Stress Management During the Holiday Season November 27 at 6 PM and December 8 at 1 PM at the Williamson Road Branch Library in Roanoke. Join us as we host a program geared to having you stress free during the Holiday Season. In this program we will discuss what stress is and isn’t, why today’s stress is different, what works and what doesn’t and what ways you can relieve stress now. This class will be led by Irene Malachowsky, the lead of the Chair Yoga Class with RPL FIT.

Turkey and All That Jazz December 24 at 6 PM at the Williamson Road Branch Library in Roanoke. Join us for our annual Turkey and All That Jazz! Come on out and enjoy live jazz music and a tasty Thanksgiving Dinner!

Festivals & Fairs 2018 Fall Festival at Layman Family Farms Laymanfamilyfarms.com

September 15 through November 10 at Layman Family Farms in Blue Ridge. Admission is $12 for ages 3-64, $10 for ages 65+ and free for children 2 and under. Group discounts and field trips available by reservation.

Gingerbread Festival

s-rcchamber.org/gingerbread-festival December 1 at 10 AM at the Salem Public Library. Share the magic of Christmas at the Gingerbread Festival.

This event features a gingerbread house competition, live holiday entertainment, craft activities for kids, a marshmallow roast, arts & craft vendors, and food vendors! Fun for ALL ages!

The Holiday Village

roanokecounty.org

December 14-24 at Explorer Park in Roanoke. Explore your holiday spirit! We’re filling the park with exciting activities, crafts, food, music and more. Start out at the village of lights for one of the area’s best Christmas light displays and a preview of an even bigger event to come int 2019. Experience time with Santa and let kids shop on their own

and more events at growingupinthevalley.com/events Growing Up

November 2018

47

at the North Pole Emporium. Have a taste of the holidays with food vendors and a beer and wine pavilion on sites. Relax by the campfire for stories and s’mores while listening to live music each night. Browse the work of local artisans at our Christmas Market. This is a FREE event, and all concessions and merchandise proceeds go to benefit Center in the Square and Explore Park.

Races & Exercise Open Public Skate

Theberglundcenter.com Come enjoy Public Skate at Berglund Center Coliseum on Sundays (2 PM - 5 PM) and Wednesdays (5 PM - 8 PM) throughout November. Join us for Superhero Night on 11/11 and Disco night on 11/28. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2.

2nd Annual Run for Donuts 5K & Fun Run svhservices.org

November 3 at 8:30 AM at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. Fun for the whole family and a great opportunity to support a GREAT cause - SVH Services’ Programs! All participants will get to pick out a yummy donut to munch on at the finish line - and those running the 5K will have munchkins to munch on at different spots along the course route. Eating donuts is not required, however, it will be A LOT of fun if you do! Have fun with the run & wear your sprinkle colors or anything donut themed & be entered into our NEW Costume Contest for 2018!

Girls on the Run Celebration 5K girlsontherunroanokevalley.org/5KDetail

December 1 at 8 AM at Green Hill Park in Salem. Anyone who has been to a Girls on the Run 5K knows that it is unlike any other running event.

It is a celebration of and for the girls who are completing a season of Girls on the Run programming. By the day of the 5K, their enthusiasm is so unbridled that they are running

48

Growing Up

November 2018

around before the race! Positive energy abounds as the girls dance to warm-up music, get their hair “happied” and “tattoos” on their faces, put on their tutus, and gather with their teammates to hold hands as they head to the starting line. Our 5K is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! You will be so glad you joined us! $30 per runner or $35 on race day.

Classes Night Howls Mmzoo.org

Third Thursdays, October through February from 5:30-7 PM at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. Bundle up and bring your friends to the zoo to hear the wolves howl, the owls hoot and the big cats call! Participants will begin the night indoors enjoying hot cider and cookies while learning about nocturnal animals and the noises they make. Guests will then proceed outdoors for a guided tour of the zoo in the dark to observe the creatures and enjoy spectacular views of the city at night.

Members: Children $9/Adults $12 Non-Members: Children $12/Adults $15

Sales & Fundraisers The Stocked Market Jlrv.org

November 9-11 at the Berglund Special Events Center in Roanoke.

This holiday market boasts over a hundred vendors from across the country. This fundraiser has raised over $3.5 million over the past 29 years. All funds raised stay within the Roanoke Valley and are used to further the JLRV’s mission. $10 per person for all three days.

A Simple Gift

Millmountain.org November 10 at 6:30 PM at Mill Mountain Theater in Center in the Square in Roanoke. A one-night only fundraiser for Mill Mountain Theatre, A Simple Gift returns to

stage in a new variation written especially for Roanoke and directed

by Travis Kendrick. Before the show begins, you are invited to enjoy a catered Standing Supper full of delicious delights and an open bar in the Atrium of Center in the Square. Then, experience the exclusive performance of Nancy Ruth Patterson’s A Simple Gift on the Trinkle Main Stage. After the curtain call, join the cast for a star-studded celebration with dessert, bubbly, and Broadway favorites on the piano.

The goal of this fundraiser is to supplement generous grants from the Fishburn Foundation and the Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson, Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust to renovate the Waldron Stage into a “green space” venue both for performances, as the home of the MMT Conservatory and to support other needs of Mill Mountain Theatre. $100 per person.

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair Theberglundcenter.com

December 1 at 9 AM through 4 PM at the Berglund Special Events Center.

Come shop 238 vendors from all over the East Coast while completing that Christmas list! Free admission and free parking!

3rd Annual Mistletoe Market December 15 at 10 AM at the Salem Civic Center. Shop with local small businesses with handmade craft and art items as well as the brands you love such as Paparazzi, Avon, Tupperware, Scentsy, Lularoe and so many more! Food concessions will be on site. Come and learn about new items and sign up for the raffle. There will be 119 booths of fun for all ages. Kids activities will be provided. Free to the public, but please bring a non perishable food item and or an unwrapped toy for underprivileged families this season.

DROP - IN

PLAYCARE, BOARDING, & GROOMING M-F SAT SUN

6:30AM- 7:30PM 9AM - 5PM 10AM - 12PM 4PM - 6PM (no playcare)

Come in anytime for a tour Close to downtown 8 minute drive to Carilion hospital campus All staff is certified in pet first aid and CPR 801 Norfolk Ave SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540-206-3299 | citydogsroanoke.com

Poinsettias: The Star of the Season No plant heralds the approach of the Christmas season more than the elegant and festive poinsettia.

With more than a hundred varieties, it holds the title for the best-selling flowering plant in the US and Canada, and is found gracing homes, businesses, and churches during the holiday season.

We know the plant by the botanical name: Euphorbia pulcherrima. A member of the spurge family, this popular plant can be traced back to Central America, where the ancient Aztecs called the poinsettia “Cuetlaxochitl.” In the Aztec culture, it represented purity and was prized for its everyday uses: its dyes were extracted for cosmetics, and its sap was used to treat fevers.

We can credit the poinsettia’s introduction to our country to Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American physician and botanist, who served as the first US ambassador to Mexico.

Poinsett became enamored with the flower, which grows as a perennial shrub in Mexico, while traveling in the southern part of the country. He began propagating the plant from cuttings and sent them to friends and botanical gardens.

In Poinsett’s honor, December twelfth was named National Poinsettia Day by Congress.

While three-quarters of poinsettias sold today are red, colors can range from reds, pinks, and whites to yellows, oranges, and salmons. The showy, colored part of the plant is thought of as the flower, but they are actually colored bracts or modified leaves. The actual flower is the small yellow part in the middle, called the cyathium.

Taking care of your poinsettia can be carefree. If you are mindful of a few simple tips, a well-tended

50

Growing Up

November 2018

poinsettia can bloom up to six months.

At your local nursery, such as Townside Gardens in Roanoke, employees are trained and can assist you in your poinsettia selection and advise you about its care. Your plant will thrive in a sunny window with bright, indirect light. It will need to be protected from heating vents or cold drafts. The plant can suffer from root rot if kept wet, overwatered, or left sitting in water.

To avoid this, water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch or when the pot feels lightweight.

Getting your poinsettia to rebloom takes a little more time and effort, but can, with patience, yield results.

Your plant will require short hours of daylight to flower again. In October, for an eight- to ten-week period, the plant should be kept in total darkness for fourteen to sixteen hours, then moved to a sunny spot for six to eight hours.

Townside Gardens carries a large selection of poinsettias during the holiday season. They range in size from two-inch “minis” to larger, teninch pots. David Winston, owner of the nursery, stresses the benefit of purchasing a quality plant that can last longer due to better root structure and freedom from insect and fungal disease.

One of the most often-asked questions at Townside Gardens is whether the poinsettia is poisonous to children or pets. This myth persists despite the fact that there is no data or research to support the plant’s toxicity. While ingesting plant leaves could cause some stomach irritation, and the sap could cause minor skin irritation, a child would have to eat fifty pounds to have any harmful effects.

Whether purchased as a gift for someone else or to deck the halls of your own home, poinsettias are sure to brighten the Christmas season.

Barb Nelson is the manager of Townside Gardens nursery in Roanoke.

She holds a horticulture degree from Virginia Tech, with an emphasis in landscape design.

Every Parent is a Hero to us.

Nominate someone who is making a difference in a life of a child for Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month Award.

Nominee’s Name____________________________________ Nominee’s Email Address____________________________ Nominee’s Phone Number___________________________ Your Name:_________________________________ Your Email Address:_________________________ _______________________________________ Your Phone Number:______________________ Why are you nominating them? _________________________________________ __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________________ _____________________________________ ___________________________________ Growing Up in the Valley never shares your private contact information with any third parties.

Expires February 28, 2019

Growing Up

November 2018

51

“the winter months are probably the most important time to get outside” Pete Eshelman Roanoke Outside Foundtain

Your Guide to Enjoying the Outdoors in Colder Months

By Carrie Cousins

Just because temperatures have started to dip doesn’t mean you and your family can’t continue to plan outdoor adventures. Sometimes cooler days—and nights—are the best time to get out and play.

“Yes, it’s a pain to make it happen, but winter months are probably the most important time to get outside,” said Pete Eshelman, director of the Roanoke Outside Foundation. “It’s easy to stay inside where it’s all nice and warm, but that’s also where the TV, video games, and phones are. There’s no doubt people—kids and adults— spend more time in front of screens

52

Growing Up

November 2018

during the winter, so make a conscious effort to get outside.”

So, where do you start? Lucky for you, there are plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities right here in the Roanoke region.

Photograph winter colors The location of the sun in the sky provides a whole new perspective— and set of colors—for photos. Hit your favorite spot along a trail or on the greenway and take some photos with the family.

Bike on the greenway Rent a bike or bring your own and pedal along the greenway. These paved trails are easy to navigate with fewer leaves, and have more sunlight than some of the more wooded trail options.

Take a hike along a blueway You and the kids will delight at finding icicles and frozen waterfalls on hikes along some of the region’s best blueways during the winter months.

Make a game of it to see who can spot floating ice on the water or the most icicles hanging from trees.

Go cabin-camping

Did you know Explore Park has pod cabins and campsites that you can visit year-round? These new camping options are perfect for families (pod cabins include heating), so there’s no excuse not to take that trip.

Make a fire Ditch the starter bricks and build a fire the old-fashioned way in the backyard with the kids. Gather sticks and wood together, sort into tinder (for burning) and kindling (to get the fire going).

Bring out some marshmallows and enjoy the warmth outdoors.

Plan a ski trip There’s one outdoor activity that’s perfectly winter-appropriate—skiing.

With plenty of locations within a day’s drive, it’s easy to take advantage of snow-capped slopes. Liberty Mountain in Lynchburg is an easy option for beginners, with both ski and tubing options; Wintergreen Ski Resort and Homestead Ski Area are local favorites for natural snow.

Go to the climbing gym On the coldest of days, hit the River Rock Climbing Gym and learn

everything you need to know about navigating boulders and vertical terrain. There are special activities for kids’ climbing as well (including a climbing team) that can introduce your family to the sport. If you get started now, your whole family will be ready to climb outdoors in the spring.

You can participate in almost any warm-weather activity in cooler months. Don’t use it as an excuse not to get outside.

“Your body will thank you, and your kids will, too,” Eshelman said. “You will get some needed fresh air and vitamin D, and your kids will burn off some pent-up energy.”

The key to enjoying the winter outdoors is making sure to dress appropriately. (No one will have any fun if the cry of “I’m cold” is more common than laughs or smiles.)

Wear thin layers that you can adjust as the temperature changes. If you are planning to do something more strenuous, such as hiking or jogging, dress for conditions about ten degrees warmer than actual temperatures. This

will help you stay comfortable once you start moving.

Consume a few extra calories Eating just a little bit more will help you stay in peak condition as your body burns extra calories to stay warm.

Snacks such as dried fruit and nuts are easy to carry on outdoor adventures.

Stay off the ground as much as possible If you are going to take a break, sit on something insulated so you don’t lose body heat. When your adventure is over, don’t hang around in cold clothing or in layers that might have gotten a little sweaty.

So what are you and your family doing this winter outside?

Carrie Cousins is a Roanoke-based freelance writer who blogs for the Roanoke Outside Foundation.

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24012

www.rapschool.org RoanokeAdventistPrep@gmail.com (540) 798-6061 Growing Up

November 2018

53

How can

I memorialize my pet?

We provide urns, markers, keepsake jewelry and other products to help you honor your pet. Also, it is our pleasure to post your pet‘s obituary on our website. Stop by our facility or visit oakeypetloss.com to see customized items to remember your beloved pet.

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

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

Monday

• 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

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

54

Growing Up

November 2018

• 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

• 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

November 15 10 a.m.

R.S.V.P

Admissions@ CommunitySchool.net

• 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

Sunday

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase Salem (540) 389-1111

COMMUNITY SCHOOL’S ANNUAL INTERACTIVE OPEN HOUSE

Offering progressive education to children ages 3 through middle school.

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

7815 Williamson Rd. Roanoke, VA 24019 540-563-5036 CommunitySchool.net

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

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

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.

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!

NORTH CROSS

4524 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-6641 • Ages 3-18 years www.northcross.org Preschool, K-12 North Cross School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school that serves children from early childhood through twelfth grade. North Cross provides a rigorous academic curriculum, competitive with the best college-preparatory schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While we explicitly recognize the importance of intellectual development and academic achievement, we also strive to promote personal integrity, empathy, and responsibility to self and community. Through this, our graduates will act as leaders in the local and global communities, persons of intellectual and moral courage, and scholars in the service of others.

FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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

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.

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!

ABA Programs ABC'S OF ABA 1630 Braeburn Dr. Salem, VA 24153 540-588-9582

56

Growing Up

November 2018

ABA CLINIC IN HOME TRAINING SUPERVISION CONSULTATION WWW.ABCSOFABA.COM

"Designed to transition children to the school environment."

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.

Just a little pinch today

Keeps the Flu away!

Call (540) 344-9213 for your flu vaccination appointment at our Roanoke and Westlake locations Learn about our services & providers at physicianstochildren.com

Growing Up

November 2018

57

25% off grocery store prices* every day.

(Before you even clip a coupon.)

BJ’s Business or Inner Circle®

BJ’s Perks Rewards®

Now $55**

Save $55 on a 12-Month BJ’s Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal.® • Earn 2% cash back on most BJ’s purchases†

Now $35**

Save $20 on a 12-Month BJ’s Membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal.

Join today at our new Club.

1419 Hershberger Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 Hours: Mon. – Sat.: 9am – 9pm; Sun.: 9am - 7pm Or sign up online at BJs.com/Roanoke

You’ll enjoy all these ClubVeniences.

Fresh Choices A delicious variety of produce, meats and bakery items.

Surprising Finds Electronics, home goods, seasonal and so much more.

Coupon-Friendly We’re the only club that accepts all manufacturers’ coupons.

Low Gas Prices Filling up at BJ’s Gas® saves time and money.

Digital Conveniences BJ’s App • Add-to-Card Coupons • Shop BJs.com – Pick Up in-Club in 2 hours†† • Same-Day Delivery of fresh groceries‡

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 at the Roanoke Club or on BJs.com/Roanoke only, may not be combined with other offers, is not redeemable for cash and is only good for new Members.

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: 2/2/19. † 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 at checkout at BJ’s 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. †† Orders placed 2 hours prior to Club closing or later will be available our next business day. Visit BJs.com/PickUp for details. ‡ Same Day Delivery is not available in all ZIP codes. Visit delivery.BJs.com to determine if Same Day Delivery is available in your location.

©2018 BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. 21502719

HAVE YOU HEARD!?!

WE HAVE ADDED MORE BENEFITS TO YOUR KIDS SQUARE MEMBERSHIP! Members only coffee breaks (once a month) Members only after hour nights Members only early admission days Members only face painting (once a month) Members only cookies and story time with Mrs. Claus (Dec. 2018) Members only free admission to Kids Square Christmas event (Dec. 2018) Invitation to special members only activities Bring a buddy for free day (twice a year) Don’t forget, you already receive discounts for special events and birthday parties.

BUY YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY!

Me

mb

er

sh

ip

KidsSquare.org | 540.342.5777

Fa m

ily

mb

In

id div

ua

e lM

hip

s er

We Pay YOU for Checking!

Cash* BaCk Or earn up to APY** Freedom Cash or Freedom Stash Checking.

Open an account today!

(540) 389-0244 (866) 389-0244

FreedomFirst.com

Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000.

FEaTUREs • NO MINIMUM BALANCE REQUIRED • Free debit card & CardValet® • Freedom First Mobile app • Deposit AnywhereSM • Access to 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs • Up to 4 out-of-network domestic ATM refunds GET sTaRTED TODaY! Enroll in Direct Deposit to access perks

*Monthly Direct Deposit of $5,000 or more to receive the 2% cash back on debit card purchases of up to $1,000. Monthly Direct Deposit of $1,000 or more to receive the 2% cash back on debit card purchases of up to $500 and to avoid a $9 fee. **Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 9/17/2018. Monthly Direct Deposit of $5,000 or more to receive the 5.00% APY on Average Daily Balance (ADB) up to $10,000, 1.00% APY on ADB above $10,000 up to $1,000,000.

Monthly Direct Deposit of $1,000 or more to receive 2.00% APY on ADB up to $10,000, 0.50% APY on ADB above $10,000 up to $1,000,000 and to avoid a $9 fee. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.

Enroll in eStatements to avoid a $2 paper statement fee. Network of free ATMs includes every ATM in the U.S. that displays the CULIANCE, MoneyPass, and Allpoint logos.