Kids Take Over
Issue
Water With
From bland to WOW in just one squeeze. Water may be the purest form of hydration, but kids want fun and flavor. New Tum-E Yummies® Kids Water Enhancers pack a flavorful punch—along with a full day’s value of vitamins C, B6 and B12. Just one squeeze makes water fruitabulous and berrylicious! Plus, it’s fun. A win-win for moms and kids.
Publisher
Editor
Design
Sales
Ani Evie
Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Dad
Andrea Eagan andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
Anika and Evelyn’s Mom
Tracy Fisher tracy@growingupinthevalley.com
Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom
Dee Shrader dee@mofatmedia.com
Aleyna’s Mom
Ellen Prillaman ellen@growingupinthevalley.com
Lyndsay Bella’s Mom
Natashia Pierson natashia@growingupinthevalley.com
Royce and Raeanna’s Mom
Distribution
Events
Writers
Interns
Photographers
Leigh Anne Woods law@growingupinthevalley.com
Ryan, Krystal, Braydon, Kailey, Rome, and Sage’s Aunt
Shelley Sawyer shelley@growingupinthevalley.com
Troy and Tucker’s Mom
Sierra Lewis sierra@growingupinthevalley.com
Johnathan’s Mom
Laura Wade
Kim Castner
Katie Lewis
Heidi Blackwelder
April Collini
Teresa Martin
Amanda Powers
Rachel Robinson
Courtney Cutright
Daniel Castillo Taylor Fitzpatrick
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 responsiblity 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 represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.
Southwest and Central Virginia’s Premier Family Resource!
Well it is finally here! THE KIDS TAKE OVER ISSUE! Evie and I have been planning to take over this magazine since our parents started it almost three years ago! They have done a great job making Growing Up In the Valley the largest and most read magazine in the area, but we are going to take this thing to a whole new level. That is because we had kids from around the valley contribute articles for this issue, making the content unique and fun!
As you can see from the cover, Evie and I kind of tied our parents up to make sure they did not work on this issue at all. As I type this, my mom is trying to get out of the duck tape we used. I hope we don’t get in trouble! Evie, while I check on them, tell them about what is in this issue.
Ani is right about the content in this issue. We have jokes, art, stories and more from local kids. Anika even interviewed a teacher for the teacher feature this month. I wrote a really cute story about Flutter and Woolie and there are so many other great parts of the magazine made entirely by kids.
One thing she forgot to mention is that in no way were our parents injured in this take over! It wasn’t hostile, but the duck tape may sting a bit getting ripped off! Ani, are they mad at us?
Mom
& Dad tied up in the sales office!
Evie editing the magazine on the iPad
Well Evie, lets just say, we gotta wrap up this editor’s welcome quickly! We hope you enjoy the contributions of kids from around the valley and if you don’t like what you read in this issue, tell our parents!
Oh, and don’t forget, please support your child’s school by running in the Run for Education on November 1st! Learn more and sign up at runforeducation.org.
Come on Evie, we have to send this off to the printers before we take off that duck tape!
-The Eagan Family Josh, Andrea, Anika and Evie Ani and Evie Eagan
Phone: 540-251-1660
Fax: 540-977-1433
Mail: 2116 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24015
To Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com
To Request Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com
To Advertise: natashia@growingupinthevalley.com
Jessica Farmer Amanda Robinson
Little Chefs Halloween Snack
Have spooky fun with these banana ghosts!
Family Event Calendar
Fall festivals, concerts & library story times
Kids Games & Puzzles
Wordsearches, mazes & more!
15 35 41 24 12 14 22 10
Kids Take Over Art & Stories
We are showcasing the works of the talented children in Southwest and Central Virginia
Easy Peasy Halloweenie
DIY costumes, yummy treats, simple decor and recipe ideas for a perfectly spooky holiday!
Halloween Safety Tips
Make sure your children are safe when they go out trick-or-treating!
Media Mommy
Reviews of recent shows, books and movies.
Arts & Culture for Kids
Museums, shows, events & festivals- perfect for the child who loves art!
On the Cover:
Anika & Evelyn Eagan with their parents.
LKJHLKHJLKJH
November 1, 2014 • 1:00PM-6:00PM • Fallon Park
5K Race
$20/Child
$26/Adult
Includes: Custom Race T-Shirt World’s Largest Laser Tag Game Free Post-Race Snack Live Music & Entertainment Children’s Activities 1 Mile Race $10/Runner
After the race, participants will be part of the WORLD’S LARGEST LASER TAG GAME! There will also be food, entertainment, live music, games, & children’s activities at the park- all available to everyone.
Hosted by:
Sponsored by:
Do you have any children?
I have two daughters, Chloe (5) and Sophie (6).
Where did you grow up and where did you go to college?
Karen Childers
October 2014 Teacher Feature Community School
Interview by: Anika Eagan
Photos by: Evie Eagan
I sat down with my teacher, Karen Childers, and interviewed her for October’s Teacher Feature. Since I assumed the Publishers role this issue, I figured who better to write about then my teacher - and who’s going to stop me anyway?
Carolina. I have also taught in Hawaii, West Virginia and Virginia.
Why did you get into teaching?
I grew up in Florida and went to school at Appalachian State.
How long have you taught and where have you taught prior to joining Community School?
I have taught for seven years. I student taught in Mexico and North
I chose teaching because I love children and I wanted to have a positive impact on their lives.
What is your favorite part about teaching?
Watching the light bulb go off above the heads of my students.
If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Albert Einstein because he was so intelligent and had a great imagination.
What things would you want if you were stranded on a desert island?
Family, surfboard, bolders and chocolate!
What are your hobbies away from school? What are your daughters’ hobbies?
I love to mountain bike, run, and rock climb. My daughters like to play soccer and play in the woods building fairy villages.
Do you have any pets?
I have two cats, Pele and Ono.
What is your favorite book and who is your favorite author?
My favorite book Born to Run and my favorite author is Barbara Kingsolver.
How about Music - Who is your favorite band and what’s on your iPod?
I only use Pandora on my iPod but my favorite band is the Avett Brothers.
What do you always have in your purse?
I have a lot of things in there! My phone, hair ties, a checkbook and my wallet. Oh, and of course a picture of my daughters!
For being the teacher feature in October, Karen has won a staff breakfast for herself and the other great teachers at Community School, courtesy of my Mom and Dad! I hope they don’t mind!
Make a Tornado Science Experiment
by: Troy Sawyer
Instructions
Dish washing liquid
1. Fill the plastic bottle with water until it reaches around three quarters full.
2. Add a few drops of dish washing liquid.
3. Sprinkle in a few pinches of glitter or foam beads.
4.Put the cap on tightly.
3.Turn the bottle upside down and hold it by the neck. Quickly spin the bottle in a circular motion for a few seconds, stop and look inside to see if you can see a mini tornado forming in the water.
Artwork by Troy Sawyer
THE STAFF KID PICKS OF THE MONTH
Troy & Tucker
Sons
of Event Coordinator
Troy and Tucker, 7 and 5 years, are some of our newest staff kids, their mom Shelley, joined our staff in August.
Tucker absolutely loves learning new words and solving puzzles while watching the TV show, Wheel of Fortune Wheel of Fortune has been on the air since 1975!
Charlie
Daughter of Designer
Anika & Evelyn
Daughters of President and Editor
Son of Event coordinator
Troy’s favorite movie is also a classic, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 1968. The music definitely stands up to the test of time, delighting fam ilies for generations.
But one thing both these boys can agree on without a doubtSuperman is by far the greatest superhero of all superheroes. You can bet these kids are excited for the 2016 release of the newest Superman movie, where the man from krypton teams up
Charlie, 4 years , absolutely loves reading. Her room is covered in wall-to-wall books. Her favorites are part of the LeapFrog Leap Reader System. The pen not only reads books aloud, but helps with writing, critical thinking and problem solving. The book collection includes classic childhood favorites like Cat in the Hat and new popular choices such as Doc McStuffins.
Anika and Evelyn, 8 and 9 years, have been having a great month as editors-in-chief of the magazine. Anika has also enjoyed reading any and all books by Judy Blume. Blume writes for all ages, and is a great author for young readers to grow up with.
Charlie loves watching Youtube comedy videos with her parents. Their favorite is Simon’s Cat, a beautiful and clever handdrawn cartoon about a cartoonist named Simon and his cats.
Evelyn recently had a birthday, and she is still enthralled with her most exciting gift- an iPad Mini. The smaller of the iPads is perfect for littler hands, and the iOS parental controls make sure your child is safe as they play and learn with the technology.
Johnathan, 1 year, may just be a baby but definitely has a couple of picks for this month! He won’t stop eating mac-andcheese!
Johnathan just turned 1 this month, and had an adorable birthday party completely themed with his favorite, and a classic- Rubber Duckies!
Johnathan’s favorite show right now is Chuggington, and we parents love it too!
Gotham’s dark
Charlie loves to draw too! Recently she drew a purple polka dotted pirate princess and sent it in to Budsies.com to have her drawing come to life as a stuffed toy! Be on the look out for her full review in the december issue of GUITV.
Both girls love to relax by playing videogames, and a family favorite is The Legend of
Zelda: Skyward Sword on their WiiU.
And both Johnathan and his mom love LUVS diapers. They don’t leak and fall apart like other brands but are still very affordable.
Johnathan
Composed by LORI LAITMAN
Libretto by DANA GIOIA
Conducted by SCOTT WILLIAMSON
Directed by BETH GREENBERG
Arts & Culture for Children
The weather is getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Fall is just around the corner. But never fear, there is plenty of fun to be had and memories to be made before its time to take out your winter clothes. Here are some fun and exciting events to bring in the fall.
HomeTrust Bank Superhero Race
Saturday, October 18, 2014 River’s Edge Sports Complex
Dress up like superheroes with your little ones for the Little Heroes Fun Run and the Superhero 5k Fun Run/ Walk! Funds raised will go to Family Promise of Greater Roanoke, benefiting the homeless of Roanoke.
Sunday Brunch Food and Culture Tour
Sunday, October 19, 2014 11:15am - 2:00pm City Market Building
Purchase your ticket for a walking tour of Downtown Roanoke’s most amazing historical sites while satisfying your appetite with delicious cuisine and beverages. All food and beverages included in ticket price.
Cirque du Soleil Varekai
Wednesday, October 22
7:30pm &Thursday, October 23 at 7:30pm Roanoke Civic Center
family to marvel at the wondrous colors, the spectacular and the mesmerizing acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil. Let the music, sound effects, and talented performances take you on a journey that will have you out of your seat and
Monday, November 10th & NovemberTuesday, 11th 7:30pm
Roanoke Civic Center
by: Daniel Castillo
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Blue Man Group is coming to town! Buy your tickets now for the concert that combines off the wall theatrics with mesmerizing visuals and a rhythmic musical score. Experience a different kind of entertainment the whole family can enjoy!
Drumstick Dash 5K Race and Family Walk
Thursday, November 27 at 9am Norfolk Southern
The family friendly 5K race will start on Thanksgiving Day. Come out and support the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Salem!
Fall for Alpacas! Tours and Event
Wednesday, October 1st from 12pm – 5pm Morewood Road in Hardy
Families come out to for a fun-filled day of learning and interacting with alpacas! Hug them, feed them, and find out more about this fascinating beast. $5 per person, kids 3 and under enter for free.
Bridgewater Plaza Fall Festival 2014
Saturday, October 4th from 10am – 5pm Bridgewater Plaza Route 122, Moneta
SML’s Fall Festival is just around the corner. Come out and enjoy your favorite restaurants, stores, art vendors and live bands!
Article by: Cathy Songer
Webster’s Child
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1990) defines parenting asnoun: the raising of a child by its parents.
So, what does “raising,” mean? Well, the same dictionary says: to bring up a child: rear.
In reference to animals though, it says: to breed and bring an animal to maturity.
So, animals are raised to maturity and children are…reared? Am I the only one who finds that understated?
As a parenting educator and consultant I would call parenting a verb. It is, after all, an action word. Unless you’re estranged from your child there is nothing static about it. Parenting is a fluid and dynamic process that requires attention and intention every day. It is often described as the single most rewarding and difficult thing that you will ever do.
To parent is to accept responsibility for guiding and nurturing a child into discovering who they are, and through encouragement, helping them to develop confidence and wellbeing. It is about being in positive and caring relationships based on honesty and mutual respect.
It’s about learning to listen so they will talk, and talking so they will listen. It’s also about providing the child with responsibilities and opportunities to learn from mistakes and teaching them how to behave by modeling selfcontrol, respect, and problem solving. That’s a lot of action for a noun.
I don’t know if Mr. Webster had any children, but if he did, would he still think parenting was a noun eighteen years later?
Tuesday, August 13 10:30 am Melrose Library ursday, September 4 10:30 am Raleigh Court Tuesday, October 28 11:00 am Valley View Mall Kiosk
Enjoy a special story time with
TAn Easy Peasy Halloweenie
DIY Costumes, Recipes, Treats & Traditions for the spookiest day of the year!
Halloween Safety Tips
In the immortal words of Edna from The Incredibles- “NO CAPES”. Or rather, no capes that drag on the ground. If your costume involves a cape or long dress or robe, make sure the hem hits no lower than the ankles, so it doesn’t trip up your little trick-or-treater. Long flowy costumes can also brush past candles and luminaries and catch on fire.
Dark costumes should be edged with reflective tape or fabric to help cars be able to see them at night. Glow sticks and flashlights should also be used to help your child find their way in the dark.
Treats & candies should be inspected by parents before being eaten. Homemade treats should be trashed if you aren’t sure who made it or what the ingredients are.
Some character costumes may come with fake swords and other weapons but make sure that they are soft and pliable, so when they inevitably hit someone, it doesn’t hurt. Also make sure fake weapons are permitted to any parties you may attend as many schools and public places do not allow them.
When trick-or-treating make sure your children know to stay with a trusted adult at all times. They may want to run from house to house but that can cause more accidents.
7
Remind children of general car safety for halloween night. They should look both ways before crossing a street, preferably at a cross walk. They should stay on the sidewalks whenever possible and walk from house to house- not run.
8
Children may be invited into your neighbors homes, as some may set up haunted houses or have their treats inside. Make sure your children know to ask one of their chaperones permission before entering a home, and to never accept a car ride from someone they do not know. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Nix the masks and go for facepainting instead. Masks make it harder for children to see and breathe, and are often forbidden at school functions and halloween parties anyway. Test the makeup the night before to make sure your child doesn’t have a reaction to the ingredients.
Article by: Tracy Fisher
Healthy Halloween Treats
vGhost Bananas & Pumpkin Oranges
Halloween doesn’t always have to include copious amounts of junk food. This snack is a healthier option that is still fun for kids and even includes a little chocolate.
Bananas
Small Oranges Celery
Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter Butter Knife You will need:
1.Cut Bananas in half, creating two ghost bodies.
2.Decorate using peanut butter and chocolate chips as their eyes and mouth.
3.Slice the celery lengthwise and then chop into short pieces. Set aside as you peel your oranges.
4.Use your thumbs to slightly open the center of your orange, making sure not to split it in half.
5.Carefully push the celery stalk into the open hole and place next to the bananas.
Last Minute No-Sew Costumes
Sometimes life just goes too fast and you find yourself on Halloween night without a costume! Try these simple costume ideas to whip something up for your family.
1. Grab a piece of red fabric (like a towel or small blanket) and a safety pin and you have an instant super hero. Add some pizzaz with swimming goggles or underwear worn on the outside. 2. Unleash your inner artist with a fancy scarf and floppy beret (a too big winter hat may do in a pinch. Add in some paint splatters and a paintbrush and you’re all set! 3. Pirates are a halloween staple for a reason. All you need are some capri pants, a striped shirt and a dollar store hat. 4. Every kid loves to cook, tie on an apron (available at dollar stores) and accesorize with kitchen utensils.
Sassafras Birthday Party
with Growing Up in the Valley
Growing Up in the Valley & Sassafras Cupcake Coloring winners had a BLAST at our birthday party showcase. Sassafras had a dress up photobooth, a fun painting craft, every one got their nails done, and we finished the day with a rousing game of pin the lips on the frog!
Growing Up in the Valley is proud to partner with small local businesses to provide such fun, free, entertainment to local children.
Learn how to have your own party at www.sassafrasparties.com
by
photos
Sassafras & Tracy Fisher
Media Mommy
A Long Walk to Water
by Linda Sue Park Grades 5
- 9
Salva is an 11-year-old boy living in southern Sudan in 1985. His country has been in the midst of a civil war for two years, but so far his village has been largely unaffected. Until now.Salva is at school one day when gunfire erupts outside. His teacher instructs them all to run and hide in the bush; at all costs, they mustn’t go back home because their villages are under attack.
And so Salva runs, and his unimaginable journey, spanning years,
countries, and continents, begins.Nya is a young Sudanese girl in 2008, and every day of her life is spent looking for water. Each day, she walks to and from the pond to get water for her family, a trip that takes half the day, and she has to do it twice.
When her little sister Akeer gets sick, Nya and her mother make the long trek with Akeer to a medical tent, where they learn that the cause of her illness was drinking dirty water. The nurse tells them they should always boil water for the count of 200 before drinking it. But with water being so hard to come by, these instructions seem impossible. Until one day, two visitors in a truck show up in Nya’s village, and they say they have a solution.
A Long Walk to Water is the true story based on the life of Salva Dut, founder of Water for South Sudan, Inc., an organization that provides South Sudanese citizens with much-needed access to
By: Heidi Blackwelder
clean water. Learn about how he survived the Ethiopian refugee camps as a child, and then later, as a teen, how he led 1,500 “Lost Boys” hundreds of miles across the Sudanese desert to another camp in Kenya. Salva’s story is incredible, heartbreaking, and eyeopening, but most of all it is inspiring. You can visit his organization’s website at www.waterforsouthsudan.org and find out how you can help.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
directed by Dean DeBlois
Five years after peace has been established between dragons and the vikings of Berk, dragons now live freely with the villagers as work animals and companions. Life in Berk has never been better, and Chief Stoick is ready to hand over his title to his son, Hiccup. But Hiccup doesn’t think he’d be any
good as a chieftain, and besides, he’d rather explore the world with his dragon, Toothless.
On one of his outings, Hiccup learns about a deranged warlord named Drago Bludvist who is enslaving dragons to build an army out of them. But when Hiccup rushes home to tell his father this news, Stoick’s response is to prepare the village for war.
Hiccup disagrees and wants to try talking to Drago first, but his father doesn’t believe Drago will listen. So Hiccup and Toothless escape at the first opportunity to track down the dragon-trapping warlord themselves. On the way to Drago’s headquarters, Hiccup meets a strange dragon rider in the sky. She lives with an enormous clan of exotic dragons that is protected by an Alpha, a gargantuan king of dragons.
But it’s not long before Drago finds their hideout, and despite Hiccup’s attempts at a peaceful solution, a war begins.If you enjoyed the first film, this is a sequel that does not disappoint. The story is still compelling, the animation is breathtaking, and the dragons are always doing something funny in the background. A thrilling, laugh-out-loud continuation of the original story.
The
School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani Grades 3 - 7
In the village of Gavaldon, fairy tales are more than just legends: they are a way of life. Every four years, two children from the village are kidnapped and taken to the School for Good and Evil, a magical
academy for heroes and villains.That’s what Sophie believes, anyway. It’s true that two children disappear every four years, but the townsfolk aren’t sure how, why, or where they’re taken. But the School for Good and Evil exists; Sophie is sure of it. And she has been preparing her whole life to be taken by the School Master and finally become what she is meant to be: a princess.
Sophie is everything a proper princess should be: slender, glossy-haired, and smooth-skinned. But her personality is not so lovely, though she’s unaware of it...beneath her looks lies a vain, catty soul. Her best friend Agatha, on the other hand, is a little lacking in the beauty department: Agatha is dark, greasy, and skeletal. But she is also brave, loyal, and smart, even when Sophie doesn’t deserve it. And when they are both chosen as the School Master’s newest students, it’s no surprise to anyone.
Their destinations, however, come as a shock to both. In this best-selling novel by a first-time author, one heroine learns the true meaning of friendship, while the other realizes the strength that lies in a good heart. A fun new take on the tales as old as time.
Knock Knock. Who’s There?
Art. Art Who?
Art Two Dee TwoMay the force be with you!
Tucker Sawyer’s Favorite Knock Knock Jokes
Knock Knock. Who’s There? Nacho.
Nacho Who? That’s nacho cheese, give it back!
Knock Knock. Who’s There?
Wa.
Wa Who? Why are you so excited?
Knock Knock. Who’s There?
Auntie.
Auntie Who?
Auntie going to let me in?
Knock Knock. Who’s There? Cargo.
Cargo Who?
Cargo beep beep and vroom vroom!
Ingredients:
1 2-Liter of Cola
8 lb of Boneless Pork
1 Bottle of your favorite BBQ Sauce
Directions:
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Place pork in crockpot and cover with Cola. Cook on low for 8 hours or until shreds easily.
1 yellow onion
2 cloves of garlic 1 lb of ground beef
1 (15 oz.) can of kidney beans
1 (15 oz.) can of black beans
1 (15 oz.) can of diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz.) can of tomato paste 1 cup water
1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add both to a large pot with the olive oil and cook over medium heat until they are soft and transparent. Add the ground beef and continue to sauté until the beef is fully browned.
Remove pork, drain remaining cola and shred pork. Place back in crockpot with entire bottle of BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 1 – 2 hours.
1 packet of Chili Seasoning
Stir occasionally. Enjoy!
2. Drain the beans and add them to the pot along with the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup water, and all of the ingredients for the chili seasoning. Stir until well combined. Place a lid on the pot and allow it to simmer over a low flame for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally (the flavor gets better the longer it simmers).
Visit Growingupinthevalley.com/savethis-recipes for more budget friendly ideas
For more delicious and budget-friendly recipes, Follow and Like Us
Teachers Say Parents Are Often “Unpleasantly Surprised” By Child’s Report Card
by: Megan Meyers, Sylvan Learning Center
The first report card of the year can create feelings of pride, happiness and excitement for many parents. It can also produce feelings of anxiety and frustration for those who are surprised by their child’s grades. However, effective and continuous communication among teachers, parents and students can help minimize the “report card surprise.”
Report cards are part of every child’s academic experience, and don’t need to be a surprise to parents. If a parent is surprised by a “poor” report card, it often means that they haven’t been effectively communicating with their child or their child’s teacher throughout the school year. Maintaining open and continuous lines of communication with children and teachers throughout the school year, and not just when report cards are issued, will help parents stay informed about their child’s progress and help them avoid the report card surprise.
Students who are surprised by their own report cards also need to improve their communication and organization patterns. A student who surprisingly receives a “D” or a failing grade on his report card learns the hard way
that he needs to regularly talk with his teachers and stay on top of school work, homework and test results. Students should never be surprised by their report card grades.
Talk about school EVERY day.
Organization is an essential part of a student’s education. By tracking test scores and all other assignments throughout the year and speaking regularly with teachers and parents, students are prepared for their grades come report card time, and can work to improve their performance prior to report cards.
It shouldn’t take a surprise report card for parents and teachers to communicate effectively. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers the following advice to help parents maintain clear communications with their children and teachers:
Tips for Talking To Children
Talk about school every day. Make it a regular part of the family’s routine.
Don’t wait until report cards are issued to talk about school and grades. Frequently discuss with her how she is doing in each subject and what grade she anticipates receiving.
Encourage your child to tell you about his day. Find out what he learned and what are his favorite activities are. Teach your child that education is important to your family.
Discuss goals and objectives for the school year. This may be a great way to learn about difficulties your child is having in specific subject areas.
If your child is having trouble in school, talk about a method to help organize her schedule, subjects and activities. A calendar can be a great way to track tests, homework, activities and study plans.
Talk with your child about his extracurricular activities, such as team sports or after-school jobs. Being overscheduled may affect his grades.
Set improvement goals for your child. This will help her work towards an attainable grade for each class. Talk with your child about his study habits and develop a study plan. Set aside specific time for studying, projects and activities each evening and make sure that he has a properly equipped and well-lit area to work. Communicate with your child about her school experiences. Know what she is thinking and feeling. Also, openly talk with her about her worries and concerns as well as her joys and achievements.
Tips for Talking to Teachers
Develop a parent/teacher relationship with your child’s teacher and talk with
Talk
child’s teacher
this teacher at least once a month throughout the year. Remember that your child’s teacher has direct contact with your child every school day and can offer invaluable insight into your
child’s day.
Your child’s teacher can benefit from background information about him –talk about activities he likes, special needs, close friends, motivation and things going on at home.
Find out what the teacher’s expectations are for the year and what type of curriculum he or she has set for the students. Have this insight at the start of school and keep track of it throughout the year.
Talk to the teacher about any major programs or activities that are set for the year. Is there an annual science fair? A field trip schedule? Major papers? Tests?
Remember – teachers are busy people, too. Find out the easiest way to communicate – by email, phone or in-person. Finding the right communication method will make it easier to speak on a regular basis.
Megan Meyers is the
The Guide
Roanoke Grocery Index
Prices Gathered on 9/22
Grocery shopping is tricky and expensive! Between different stores, coupons and digital savings, the best place to shop can change week to week. This index consists of STANDARD - NON SALE pricing. It is meant to give you a basic idea of where to shop if all things were equal. The chart is simple to read. Each item is listed with a price at each store. Next to the price is the difference vs. the overall average for that item.
For each item, the box that is green is where to find it cheapest, where the red box means it is most expensive. For example, cheese is cheepest at Kroger, $1.99 which is $0.38 cheaper then the average of all stores. Shopping at Wal Mart was the cheapest this month at $134.93 over $12 cheaper then the average and almost $20 cheaper then shopping at Kroger. Even with sale prices (not listed) Wal-Mart was cheapest.
Fill in a Monster Face
Game designed by: Charlie Fisher Is your monster a cyclops, or perhaps a vampire? Draw in his face and snap a picture. Send it into GUITV and your artwork will be featured on the website!
Kids Eat Free
Monday Tuesday
McAllisters • Roanoke • 5-10 PM
Famous Anthony’s • All Locations • 5PM-Close
Country Cookin’ • All Locations • All Day
Buffalo Wild Wings • All Locations • 5-8PM
Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day
Thursday
The Roanoker • Roanoke • 4-6PM
Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day
** Macado’s charges $1 per child on Tuesday
Here is our list all the Kids Eat Free (or cheap!) meal deals from all around the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Know of one we’re missing? We’ll list it for free! Listings are subject to change without notice!!!
Wednesday
Macado’s** • All Locations • 4-7PM Firehouse Subs+ • V. View/Keagy/Salem • All Day
Brambleton Deli • Roanoke • All Day
Denny’s • All Locations • 4PM-Close Ragazzi’s • Roanoke • 4-10PM
Applebees * • All Locations • All Day
Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day Town Center Tap House • Daleville • All Day
Crumb & Get It • Radford • All Day
Sharkeys • Radford • All Day
Friday
Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day Cork & Crust • Roanoke • 5PM- Close
Weekend
Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day •Saturday• Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day
Steak N Shake*** • Roanoke • All Day Famous Anthony’s • All Locations • 12PM-Close •Sunday• Lil Cucci’s
* Applebee’s charges $0.99 per child on Tuesday.
*** Steak N Shake requires an $8 adult purchase per child to eat free.
+ Firehouse offers 2 kid meals per adult purchase. TOWERS NOT INLUDED.
We do our best to keep our Kids Eat Free listings up to date• but often restaurants often change their promotions based on location and without notice. P lease call ahead of time to confirm that the deal is still taking place. This listing does not serve as a guarantee by us or the restaurant to any discount!
FALL FESTIVAL
Tuesday,
6:00-8:00pm
SUPER
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Family Calendar
Find where to pick your pumpkins, go trick or treating and where to find the local haunts and ghouls! See our full calendar at Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar
Haunted Lab
October 24-25, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Science Museum of Western Virginia
Looking for some spooky fun that is appropriate for the entire family? Join the Science Museum at their Haunted Lab event! There will be a Contagious Costume Contest, Evil Genius Lab Experiments, Haunted House,“Avoid It Like the Plague” Obstacle Course, Refreshments & Much More!
Halloween Tricks & Treats for the entire family!
Advance Tickets: $7.50/Members, $14/Non-members
Tickets after 10/18/14: $10/Members, $18/Non-members One
Cat in the Hat
October 16-26
Roanoke Children’s Theatre @ Dumas Center, Roanoke VA
Roanoke Children’s Theatre presents: The Cat in the Hat Thursday, October 16 through Sunday, October 26
See everyone’s favorite, The Cat in the Hat, come to life in a way only the Roanoke Children’s Theatre can deliver. This show will delight kids and adults, alike!
Cost: $13/children and $19/adults
For more info: visit roanokechildrenstheatre.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Share your own event for free on Growingupinthevalley.com
Saturday • October 4
LFA Consignment Sale
Across from 220 Walmart, next to Clearbrook Elementary
October 4-12
All Ages Free www.lfakids.com
The area’s largest consignment event! Pick up fall/winter clothes, toys, shoes, books, home goods, baby needs and maternity wear!
Storybook Science
Science Museum of Western Virginia
10:30 AM
Ages 2-5
Included in Museum Admission (Free for Members)
www.smwv.org
This new monthly program features a story and a take-home craft, designed to inspire preschoolers.
Egyptian Nights
Planetarium Show
Science Museum of Western Virginia Hopkins Planetarium
1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
All Ages
$2/Person + Admission www.smwv.org
Take a journey through the constellations of the Ancient Egyptians!
Virginia Science Festival
Throughout All Virginia October 4-12
Times & Events Vary
All Ages
Costs Vary
Statewide Science Festival featuring hands-on experiences, demos, performances and tons of science fun for the whole family. www. virginiasciencefestival.org
Tuesday • October 7
Pop-In Playtime Pre-K
Pump It Up
9:30 AM- 11:30 AM
Ages 2-6
$6.50/Child Call 540-345-7867 for more info.
This is perfect for your preschooler! Get them out to run, jump and play!
Crafty Kids Play Date
Williamson Road Library
3:30 PM
Ages 5-11 Free
Come listen to a mystery book and do a craft.
Thursday • October 9
The Book with No Pictures Special Storytime
Valley View Mall Barnes & Noble
11:00 AM
All Ages Free
Special storytime featuring The Book with No Pictures by BJ Novak. Read the book and then enjoy some fun, book-related activities.
Friday • October 10
Parent’s Night Out
River Rock Climbing
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ages 7-12
$20/Child & 10% off for siblings.
Kids can enjoy climbing games and activities and a movie in the party room while parents get a night out! Reserve your spot by calling River Rock at 540-685-2360
Bike Ride Social
Elmwood Park
5:30 PM
All Ages
Free
Looking for a relaxing bike ride to cap off the week? Check out the Friday Social ride in Roanoke – a greenway ride leaving from Elmwood Park in Downtown and ending in Wasena and the Grandin Village.
Saturday • October 11
Spectacular Saturdays
Taubman Museum of Art
10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
All Ages
Free
Bring the family out for a day at the Taubman! Featuring gallery hunts, arts and crafts, and special guests!
Star Wars Reads Day
Valley View Mall Barnes & Noble
2:00 PM
All Ages
Free
Celebrate all things Star Wars with
books, activities, and treats!
Vinton Fall Festival
Downtown Vinton
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
All Ages Free
Live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, doggy pageant, children’s area and much more!
Nature Now Playdate
Music Milestones - Christiansburg
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Ages 0-7
$12 first child/Siblings $6
Sunday • October 12
Dan Zanes & Friends
Jefferson Center, Roanoke VA
2:00 PM
All Ages
$24/Adult
$5/ Child 12 & under Jeffcenter.org for more info.
Dan Zanes is coming to the Jeff Center! He’s a children’s musician that adults will enjoy as much as the kids!
Tuesday • October 14
Chick-Fil-A Family Night
Salem Chik-Fil-A
5:00 PM- 7:00 PM
All Ages Free Activities
Come to Chick-fil-A for a fun craft or other kid’s activity!
Wednesday • October 15
Strolling Into Art
Taubman Museum of Art
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
18 months and younger
$5/ Person (Free for Members)
Perfect for bringing your little ones to the Taubman! Just for parents and caregivers with babies (18 months and younger) and bring your stroller or baby carrier!
Thursday • October 16
Roanoke Children’s
Theatre Presents The Cat in The Hat
Dumas Center
October 16-26
show times vary
All Ages
$19/Adults
$13/Children
See everyone’s favorite, The Cat in the Hat, come to life in a way only the Roanoke Children’s Theatre can deliver. This show will delight kids and adults, alike!
Artful Journeys
Taubman Museum
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Ages 5-13
$5/child (members)
$8/child (non-members)
Enjoy this new art program put on by the Taubman Museum of Art- Homeschoolers welcome!
Friday • October 17
Go Outside Festival
River’s Edge Park
October 17-19
All Ages Free to Attend
The Anthem Go Outside Festival in Roanoke, VA is an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor recreation. By combining the things outdoor enthusiasts love - camping, music, gear, races, and demos, and a beautiful outdoor setting – GO Fest is a celebration of everything outdoors. This isn’t your ordinary sit-in-your seat kind of event - you’re encouraged to get involved. Walk around, touch gear, try stuff out, and above all, have fun. So come pitch your tent, bring your dog (on leash), listen to great local music, sample craft beer, demo a bike or SUP, pick up a new piece of gear, and a heck of lot more.
Saturday • October 18
The Salem Museum Ghost Walk
Salem Museum, 801 East Main St, Salem VA
6:30 PM 8:30 PM
Ages 6+
Minimum $6/Person Donation
For more info: call 389-6760 or email info@salemmuseum.org
A living history tour to visit cemeteries and learn about Salem’s past. Tours leave every 15 minutes and guest are encouraged to call and make a reservation ahead of time.
Star-B-Q
Salem Farmer’s Market
Gates open at 6:30PM
All Ages
$12/Advanced or $15/Gate
Children under 10 Free
Featuring Chris Lane and Headlining American Young
Friday • October 24
SpookyVille
Green Ridge Recreation Center
5:30 PM- 8:30 PM
All Ages
$5/Person or $20/Family (Free for Members)
Spooky games, crafts, snacks, and more!
The Guide
Haunted Lab
Science Museum of Western VA
Oct 24 & 25 - 6-10PM
All Ages
$7.50/Members $14/Non-Members after Oct.18th
$10/Members and $18/Non-Members
Downtown Roanoke’s only family fun Halloween Party!
Haunted Hike
October 24 -26th
7:00 PM, 8:30 PM
Greenfield Park, Daleville VA
Ages 7+
Saturday:
$8/Adults
$5/Children under 6
Sunday:
$10/Person
Creepy 1 mile walk through autumn woods with stories along the way highlighting local legends and lore. Two hikes each night, starting at 7:00 and 8:30. Sunday will be a special kids and family Haunted Hot Dog Hike with a weenie roast, marshmallows and storytelling for kids. Costumes encouraged!
Activities start at 4:00 Sunday, reservations recommended.
Saturday • October 25
PumpkinFest
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Salem Farmer’s Market
All Ages
Bake Sale, Hayrides, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Trick-or-Treating and More! Sponsored by Q99
Blue Ridge Folk Festival
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ferrum College, Ferrum, VA
All Ages
For tickets call: 540-365-4412
Friday • October 31
Trick or Treat at
Tanglewood Mall
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
All Ages
Free
Enjoy trick or treating at Tanglewood Mall! Plus a costume contest and fun activities for the kids!
Boogie with best buddies!
Saturday • November 1
Run for Education
Fallon Park
1:00 PM
All Ages
Free to Attend
$26/Adults for Race
$20/Children for Race
Earn money for your school by running in the Run for Education 5k! There will also be a family festival, bouncy houses, entertainment, food and vendors. Be sure to stop by early to witness the World’s Largest Laser Tag Game provided by Laser Tag Source.
Princess Cupcake Meet & Greet
Viva La Cupcake
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
All Ages
$2/Children
$3/Adult
Additional Photography & Souvenir packages available.
Come and join our Disney Inspired Princessws and best of all eat yummy Cupcakes from Viva La Cupcake!! Our backdrop will be up for professional photographs with our wonderful princesses as well as your little ones. We will have signed photographs and we will be selling mini princess baskets. We will sing and dance and play.
November 7-8
Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance
Salem Civic Center
Show Times Vary
All Ages
Prices Start at $23/Person
Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance is coming to town! All of your kid’s favorites will be up on stage singing and dancing for your whole family to enjoy!
Halloween Picture Search
Trick or Treat Maze
Find your way throughout the whole neighborhood
Woolie's APPLE PICKING adventure
story and art by: Evie Eagan
One day Woolie and Flutter were going to pick apples. Woolie was so excited that they were going to pick apples. When they were really close, Woolie could see all of the trees with apples on them.
When they got there, Flutter got a basket. Then they were off to pick some apples. Woolie saw a lot of bees so he had to be very careful to not get stung.
They picked lots of apples and when they were done they got apple cider slushies! Woolie also bought an apple candle for his Mom. He was so tired from all of the apple picking that on the way home, he fell asleep!
Lacrosse is the best sport in the world.
To play lacrosse a person has to know about the positions, how to play, and the equipment to use. It is a fun sport.
There are four main positions in lacrosse. The goalie stands in the goal and makes sure the ball doesn’t go in to the goal. The defense stops the attack from scoring. The defenders shoot the ball the most and waits for the ball.
To play lacrosse a player has a shoot, cradle and pick up the ball. A player can shoot overhand, sidearm and underhand. To cradle a player has to have hs hands on the stick. The top hands has to be tight and the bottom’s loose. To pick up the ball a player has to bend over then he gets low and scoops the ball up. Once a player learns these skills he can play lacrosse.
To play lacrosse a player has to have a ball, shaft and head. a lacrosse ball is a little smaller than baseball. It weighs
Lacrosse
By: Hayden Burns
one pound and is made of hard rubber. The shaft is a metal stick about two and a half feet long. A head is made of hard plastic and wesh webbing. Each piece of game equipment is important.
Lacrosse players wear protective equipment to protect themselves from the ball. The most important piece is the helnet. The gloves and arm pads protect the hands and arms. The chest pad protects your chest. If a player does not have protective equpment he would get hurt.
There are many reasons to play lacrosse. One of the reasons is it has contact which means you hit people. It is a hard game which makes it fun. This is my favorite sport.
Lacrosse is a fun game. To be a good lacrosse player I had to learn about the positions, equipment, and how to play. It is easy to learn. If this is your kind of game you should join a team.
Virginia Tech researchers are conducting a study to determine the validity and reliability of a beverage intake questionnaire and an added sugar biomarker in adolescents. In addition we are seeking to understand the beliefs and attitudes behind beverage choices adolescents and their parents make. Your child may be able to participate if they are between the ages of 12-18 years. You, as a parent/ guardian, are also invited to participate in this research.
The study involves 5 visits to the VT campus, and the total time commitment will be about 5 hours. Adolescent participants will be compensated $50 upon successful completion of all study visits.
For more information please contact Carly at 540-231-7916 or carlym@vt.edu
We know how to treat patients who can’t tell us where it hurts
Our staff of 350 pediatric professionals is specially trained to care for the unique needs of children
We make going to the doctor less scary for you and your kids
Because tests, treatments, and facilities are tailored to fit your child
Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is the only dedicated hospital for children and adolescents in western Virginia. From allergy shots to stitches to cancer care, we know how to care for kids because it’s all we do!
