Roanoke Valley Family Magazine March 2020

Learning Disabilities March 2020 • Volume 8 • Issue 7 • FREE

Summer

Camp Guide Spring Green Cleaning keeping your home clean with non-toxic, natural methods

What to Know & Do

There are 92 days of summer

Don’t waste a single one of them worrying over your real estate experience.

Let my expertise help bring you

Home

BURCHETTHome HOMES Bringing Families CURTIS BURCHETT

| WWW.BURCHETTHOMES.COM |

540.354.6323

leading off: publisher’s note It’s finally almost spring—one of our favorite times of the year here in the Roanoke Valley! You can finally get out and enjoy some of the amazing outdoor activities that our region offers.

One of our most beloved is the Roanoke River Greenway! Get out your bikes and enjoy a springtime ride through the heart of Roanoke, and maybe stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream along the way if it’s hot enough.

Museum of Western Virginia!

What you hold in your hands marks our eighth annual camp issue. It’s so hard to believe that we’ve compiled this great list of camps for our readers seven times already, but it’s true, and the list gets better every year.

Flip through the pages to learn about what camp offerings are out there for your child this year.

Come join us—it’s April 25th at the Salem Civic Center.

Some of the these camps will be at the Roanoke Family Expo, which is just around the corner!

We plan to have TONS of FUN at the Expo, with one hundred booths, activities for kids, and performances for all ages. Many camps will be there to make sure you can get your child registered for their awesome summer programs.

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Anika and Evelyn Taking Selfies on Dad’s Phone

We also have an article on how to prepare for camp and articles on some of our favorite camps; Honeytree and The Science Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.

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C o n t a c t Us: P.O. Box 4484, Roanoke, VA 24015 540-251-1660 www.roanoke.family

Publishers

Josh & Andrea Eagan

josh@virginiafamily.com • Anika and Evelyn’s Parents

Creative Director Tracy Fisher

Read Our Other Publications

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Contributors

Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober Susan Baldani • Georgianne Vecellio Rachel Levine • Jacqueline Moon • Grace Partin

Connect With Us /growingupinthevalley

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

Community Relations Director

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

jeanne@virginiafamily.com • Parker and Connor’s Mom

We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us as 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.

Jeanne Lawrence

Editor

Jacqueline Moon

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

Sales Assistants Ani & Evie Eagan

sales@virginiafamily.com • Bauer and Chloe’s Owners

Webmaster

John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Roanoke Valley Family and www.roanoke.family are published by MoFat Publishing. Roanoke Valley Family is published monthly.

The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Roanoke Valley Family, its staff, or its 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 2019 by MoFat Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements, and editorials, may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

@roanokefamily

@rvfamilymag

/roanokevalleyfamily

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

© Copyright 2020 Mofat Publishing

On the Cover

Community High offers…

• • • • • • • •

Small class sizes Highly qualified faculty Individualized attention College preparatory environment Unique, student-driven liberal arts curriculum Diverse arts offerings Affordable tuition and needbased financial aid Strong, close-knit community …and much more!

Schedule a visit today!

Marley Mazurek Marley is a 5th grade at Colonial Elementary in Botetourt County. In her free time at home, she enjoys creating various art and doing STEM activities like building robots. Marley also likes riding her bike and hanging out with her puppies, Jasper and Penelope. She is an active member in Girl Scouts (Troop 25) and in her church (Journey). Marley also loves to play sports — she has played soccer and basketball, but her primary sports jam is softball, playing travel for Virginia Extreme Force.

Photos by Beth Farnsworth Photography

Community High School of Arts & Academics 302 Campbell Avenue SE Roanoke, VA 24013 info@communityhigh.net (540) 345-1688 www.communityhigh.net

Inside March 8 News in the ‘Noke 20 Meet Your Neighbor 22 Summer Camp Guide

From arts, sports, traditional to technology- we have the summer camp information for any kind of adventure you are looking for!

44 Spring Green Cleaning Use these tips to keep your home clean with safe, non-toxic materials you probably already have on hand.

60 Rachel Reads Discover how to introduce Mindfullness to even the youngest in your family.

38 Finding Your Purpose at Summer Camp

Children can discover who they are and develop their talents when at summer camp.

42 One Week to an Organized Child’s Room 10 BUDGET HEADLINE 10 Calendar

Spring is just around the corner and the Valley is buzzing with activties for the whole family.

Learning Disabilities What to Know and What to Do Read on page 56

Access for All Read on page 54

the valley News. In Your Neighborhood. Calendar

At The Grandin... We Know How To Make You Smile!

Our Kids Deal comes with popcorn, a drink, and candy for just $5.25!

Thank You For Watching Local!

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

In the ‘Noke

News from around the valley Sam Rodriguez, an eighthgrade student from Hidden Valley Middle School, won the 2020 Roanoke County Spelling Bee in the 22nd round with the word “syndicate.” Rodriguez was the last student standing among seven students who competed for the title — one school-level winner from each middle school and two elementary school students who were finalists in the elementary school spelling bee held in December.

Daniel Han, an eighthgrade student from Cave Spring Middle School, is the alternate.

Rodriguez will advance to compete in the Roanoke Valley regional spelling bee in March at William Fleming High School.

Did you know that more than 85% of brain development happens before a child reaches age 5?

Smart2Start joins public school systems, Head Start programs, and private providers to give all families access to early care and education resources. Working together, we can ensure every child enters kindergarten with the skills needed to succeed in school and in life. Fill out a Smart2Start application for your child, from birth to 5 years

old, to find affordable, high-quality childcare and preschool for the upcoming school year. Signing up is easy and free! There is just one application to fill out, and this single application can also inform families of their eligibility for publicly-funded programs that may provide free or reduced-cost options. For more information, visit smart2start.org.

The biggest day of giving is back!

Roanoke Valley Gives, an initiative of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, is a fantastic way to boost area nonprofits’ fundraising efforts. The 24-hour online giving event has inspired and grown philanthropy across the Roanoke Valley, helped participating nonprofits share their story, reached many new donors, and provided visibility that only this type of communitywide initiative can generate.

Let’s make this the best Roanoke Valley Gives ever!

the 24-hour online giving day, the Community Foundation encourages you to give generously to one or more of the 150 participating nonprofits that make our community a great place to live, work, and play.

Why should you give to Roanoke Valley Gives? During

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Family • March 2020

Be a part of the fun and support #rvgives20 on March 18 between midnight and 11:59 p.m.! It’s easy.

POINT. CLICK. GIVE. Here is the complete list of participating organizations. You can learn more about each of these amazing local nonprofits at rvgives. org!

The fundraising page for nonprofits can also be found at rvgives.org. If your organization has registered, remember to visit the website for the Nonprofit Toolkit’s training sessions, Getting Started guide, helpful support articles, planning guide, and more resources for participating nonprofits!

Fallon Park Construction Last year, the City of Roanoke selected the Belmont and Fallon neighborhoods as the focus of community development funding for revitalization activity over the next five years.

This area is located between I-581, Fallon Park, and runs from Tazewell Avenue south to Highland Avenue. By targeting neighborhood improvements in one area for up to five years, the intent is to jumpstart long-term neighborhood improvement that will continue even after we move on to the next neighborhood. The city typically invests about $1.7M in a target neighborhood each year through a variety of community development programs, mostly related to the construction of new housing and improvement of existing housing. Other projects may involve street improvements or economic development.

Residents are invited to take a survey to provide input on the

type of improvements desired; this survey can be found at planroanoke.org. Monthly community meetings will be held to report progress and get ideas from residents about community needs.

The demolition of the old Fallon Park Elementary is underway.

Crews say it will take several weeks to knock down the 40-year-old structure.

During Phase 3, crews will construct a bus loop and playground. They are also renovating the current gymnasium and converting the old cafeteria into a Fine Arts wing. Phase 3 should be completed by the end of the summer.

Phase 2 opened in December 2019. It includes a new cafeteria, administrative offices, and a two-story wing with 13 additional classrooms.

Traditional Medicinals Traditional Medicinals, the leading seller of organic herbal wellness tea in the US, will invest $29.7 million to build an East Coast manufacturing and processing operation at the Summit View Business Park in Rocky Mount. The company will build a 125,000 square foot facility on 30 acres and create 56 new jobs. Traditional Medicinals, Inc., a Certified B Corporation, is a pioneer of the wellness tea category in the U.S. and Canada. Traditional Medicinals is also the leading seller of both organic tea and Fair Trade Certified™ herbal teas in the U.S. and Canada. More than 50 high-quality wellness teas are formulated by herbalists using medicinal grade herbs. Founded in 1974 in Sonoma County, California, Traditional Medicinals is an independent company that embraces sustainability, ingredient purity, and social and environmental activism.

Coswell named Police Chief Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell has named Deputy Chief Chester R. Smith Jr. to serve as acting police chief. Smith will fill this role upon the retirement of Police Chief Tim Jones, which was effective on January 31. Smith has served on the City’s police force since 1985 and currently commands the Uniform Operations Division. He is a graduate of Radford University and has completed training at the National Criminal Justice Command College, the FBI-LEEDA Executive Leadership Training Program, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond. A national search process continues for Chief Jones’ successor.

Family • March 2020

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MARCH

Date Night Idea: Cheer on the Harlem Globetrotters as they defend their championship title against the Washington Generals!

Looking for a fun way to Celebrate Valentines as a family? You can satisfy your sweet tooth at the Blacksburg Chocolate Party on February 9, Spend time together at the family friendly paint party on February 13; Get some alone-time with your sweetheart while the kids play at the Parents Night Out at Star City Taekwondo, or have a night on the town seeing a live performance of Peter Pan on February 26!

Dreamgirls March 25- April 11 Mill Mountain Theatre millmountian.org

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Family • March 2020

Roanoke Arts Pop! March 6-8 Taubman Museum of Art taubmanmuseum.org

Sox Fest 2020 March 28 | Salem Memorial Ballpark salemredsox.com

Shamrock Hill Run March 14 | Downtown Roanoke Roanokecatholic.com

Sou t hwe st Vi rg i ni a’ s LAR GES T 4-day Se aso nal p o p -up co nsi g nm e nt e v e n t !

Gr e at d e a l s on ba by, childre n’ s, p re -t e e n, f ashi o ni st a, ho m e de co r and m at e ri nt y it e m s.

L FA kids.c om M A R CH 26-29 • BERGLUND CENTER Buy tickets fo r o u r sp e c i al VI P P r e - Sa l e Sh o ppi n g E v e n t & R e g i st e r t o b e t h e n e w e st c o n si g n o r at

your creativity! This activity is designed for children grades 2-5. salemlibrary.info

March 5

Sven leave Arendalle to travel to an ancient and enchanted land. Rated PG. Everyone is welcome, no tickets needed!

BYOS! (bring your own snacks). virginiawestern.edu

Roanoke Children’s Theatre 2020-2021 Season Reveal Event 5:45 PM, The Penthouse at Center in the Square, Roanoke

Be the first to hear our new season! RCT’s Producing Artistic Director, Brett Roden, will announce the productions to be included in our upcoming 20202021 Season. roanokechildrenstheatre.org

March 2

Moms March Madness Huddle Up Mom’s Monthly Series - focusing on Parenting Survival. This will be an informal meeting with community vendors and resources focused on getting your kids out of the house and getting them moving.

March 24, 5:30 PM- 8:30 PM at 5 Points Music Sanctuary huddleupmoms.org

Child Nutrition Workshop 6 PM- 7:30 PM Roanoke Public Library Main Branch

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Party!

10:30 AM-11:30 AM Roanoke Public Library Main Branch

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a special storytime! Some of our favorite Dr. Seuss books will be read and there will be special snacks. Attendess will get to take a FREE Dr. Seuss book home! roanokeva.gov

Do you have questions about whether your school-age child is eating right? Want to learn tips and tricks for feeding your family healthy and tasty meals?

Come to this FREE family health workshop, and bring the kids!

We’ll provide a free, healthy meal and a book for your family to keep! roanokeva.gov

March 6

March 3 Kids Paint Rocks

Frozen II: Free Friday Movie

3:30 PM- 4:30 PM, Salem Public Library

2 PM & 6 PM, Whitman Theater at Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke

Join the rock painting craze!

Supplies provided, just bring

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and

Transcendent Mozart March 29 • 3:00 PM Shaftman Performance Hall Jefferson Center

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Family • March 2020

Kids Night Out

5 PM - 8:30 PM, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke

Give your kids ages 5-12 a night out at the Museum (which frees you up for your own night out)!

Drop off your children and our professional education staff will provide an evening of fun art-making activities, gallery tours, and playtime in Art Venture. Dinner options + multikid discounts available, too!

Advance registration required.

Reservations are $30-$35. taubmanmuseum.org

March 6-8 40th Annual MDA Car Show Berglund Center, Roanoke

A three day indoor/outdoor event featuring two full floors of vehicles, commercial vendors, silent auction, car club alley, local racing section, model car contest, raffles and MORE. Outside, check out the automotive flea market and car corral. All proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Admission is $12, Children under 12 are free. Weekend passes are $25! mdacarshow.com

March 9 Roanoke Arts Pop! Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke

Experience the best in arts and culture with Roanoke Arts Pop!, a special new winter celebration in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. More than 20 arts and cultural organizations from around the region will offer pop-up performances, talks, demos and hands-on activities throughout this free, familyfriendly weekend. From the performing and visual arts to science and technology, and from literature to our region’s rich history, come discover what makes Roanoke the cultural heart of Southwest Virginia. taubmanmuseum.org

March 7 Girl Scout Tough Cookie Challenge Race 9 AM - Noon, Green Hill Park, Salem

Help Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline kick off National Girl Scout Week with their first annual Tough Cookie Challenge Race! This timed 5K challenge course is sure to be loads of cookie fun! Equipped with cookie-themed obstacles, The Tough Cookie Challenge Race is open to all: kids, adults, families, companies, and running groups. Registration is $25-$35

March 11

March 13

Pokemon Club for Kids

School’s Out - Day Camp!

Garden Brothers Circus 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM, Berglund Center, Roanoke

This year’s show is packed with breathtaking special effects, concert style sound and lighting and 3 RINGS bursting with excitement, laughter and memories that families will always cherish.

Tickets are $12$39.

4 PM, South County Library, Roanoke

Trade cards, talk all things Pokemon, and more! roanokecountyva.gov/library

The Harlem Globetrotters 7 PM, Berglund

Center, Roanoke

Plant a Seed Day

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to Berglund Center during their 2020 World Tour. Tickets are $26-$39

4 PM - 5 PM, Glenvar Library Roanoke

theberglundcenter.com

Celebrate National Plant a Seed Day!

March 12

theberglundcenter.com

Family Fitness Workshop

6 PM - 7:30 PM, Roanoke Public Library Main Branch

Lego Club 4 PM, Hollins Library, Roanoke

Drop in to build with LEGOs. Mega Bloks available for younger kids. roanokecountyva.gov/library

gsvsc.org

Schools are out! Bring the kids over for a day on the farm!

Weather permitting, we will have a fruitful day on the farm full of horses, goats, cows, and even a visit from Sid the camel!

Campers must be 8 years old or older. Registration is $10. svhorsefarm.com

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Free Friday Movie 2 PM & 6 PM, Whitman Theater at Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke

Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist of Tom Junod. Rated PG. Everyone is welcome, no tickets needed!

BYOS! (bring your own snacks). virginiawestern.edu

roanokecountyva.gov/library

March 10

8 AM-4PM, Spring Valley Farm, Moneta

Do you have questions about physical fitness? Want to make sure the whole family is getting enough exercise? Come to this FREE family health workshop, and bring the kids! We’ll provide a free, healthy meal and a book for your family to keep! roanokeva.gov

Superhero Party Zone

5 PM- 8:30 PM, Green Ridge Recreational Center, Roanoke

Come dressed as a future superhero! No costume-no worries! We will be making superhero masks! We will do some superhero training and eat like one of our favorite superheroes-TMNT with a pizza party! And we cannot forget becoming Aquaman/Aquagirl in the indoor pool! Designed for heroes ages 3-10. Registration is $25. roanokecountyparks.com

Every Breath You Take The Music of Sting and the Police April 24th - 7:30 PM Salem Civic Center

tickets and information at rso.com Family • March 2020

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presenting the 7th Annual Backpack Run. Proceeds will be used to provide scholarships for graduating seniors and grants for teachers. Registration is $12.50-$30

Tail Chaser 5K & 1 Mile Walk 10 AM, Wasena Park, Roanoke

Come join the Roanoke Valley SPCA for a tail-wagging good time! Put your paws to the pavement and run for their lives at Wasena, Smith & Vic Thomas Parks along the Roanoke Greenway. Registration is $10$35. rvspca.org

Senses & Scienceability Festival

10 AM - 4 PM, Taubman Museum, Roanoke

March 14

Shamrock Hill Run 8:30 AM, Roanoke Catholic School

Annual 5K & 1 Mile event that supports Roanoke Catholic School! Registration is $25-$35 roanokecatholic.com

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival 10 AM- 5 PM, Downtown Roanoke

One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the East Coast! Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 11:00am featuring a very special appearance by The Budweiser Clydesdales! The Shamrock Festival takes place all day with live music, adult beverages, and more. The Freedom First Kids Zone is from noon until 5pm and includes games, inflatables, face painting, & more!

winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award-winning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters, Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. artscenter.vt.edu

Stomp 7:30 PM, Berglund Center, Roanoke

The International Sensation STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

Part of the Broadway in Roanoke series. Tickets are $42-$72. theberglundcenter.com

March 19-22 March 18 Shrine Circus Broadway in Blacksburg: Finding Neverland

7:30 PM, Moss Arts Center, Virignia Tech, Blacksburg

Directed by visionary Tony-

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Family • March 2020

Salem Civic Center

The return of the circus! 62nd Annual Kazim Shrine Circus will have 7 different show times!

Tickets are $10-$24 salemciviccenter.com

March 20 Night Howls

5:30 PM - 7 PM, Mill Mountain Zoo, 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. Tickets are $9-$15. mmzoo.org

Dolittle: Free Friday Movie

2 PM & 6 PM, Whitman Theater at Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke

A physician discovers that he can talk to animals. Rated PG. Everyone is welcome, no tickets needed! BYOS! (bring your own snacks).virginiawestern.edu

March 21 2020 Backpack Run 5K and 10K 9 AM, Green Hill Park, Salem

Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation is

Join Roanoke County Public Libraries and Radford University Carilion with a day of immersion in the arts and sciences! The museum will be packed with science and art activities plus storytimes, popup libray and lots of fun! taubmanmuseum.org

Spring Fling

11 AM - 4 PM, Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke

Spring is in the air! Come up to Mill Mountain Zoo to celebrate the beginning of spring with activities related to gardening, birding and other fun things to get you thinking about springtime! Enjoy spring themed crafts, get your face painted and of course see our great collection of animal residents.

All of the activities are included with regular zoo admission! mmzoo.org

March 23

Happy Pig Day Party!

4 PM, Glenvar Library, Roanoke

Celebrate Happy Pig Day with fun crafts, games, stories & real farm animals! roanokecountyva.gov/library

Saturday, March 14 Downtown Roanoke 11am - Freedom First

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

10am - 5pm

Shamrock Festival

One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on the East Coast!

Details at DowntownRoanoke.org

12pm - 5pm

Freedom First Kids Zone

10am - Corned Beef

Celtic Celebration ®

March 25- April 11 Dreamgirls

Mill Mountain Theater, Roanoke

A dazzling journey through 20thcentury American popular music, Dreamgirls follows the rising stardom of The Dreamettes, an all-girl Motown group from Chicago. Known for its 2006 feature film adaptation starring Jennifer Hudson, and filled with show-stopping musical numbers from the genres of gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco, and more, Dreamgirls explores themes of ambition, hope, and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry.

Dreamgirls has music by

Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger, with book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Tom Eyen. Songs include, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “I Am Changing,” “One Night Only,” and “Steppin’ To The Bad Side.”

Tickets are $15$38. millmountain.org

March 26 Child Dental Health Workshop

6 PM-7:30 PM, Roanoke Public Library Main Branch

Did you know that dental problems are a leading reason why kids miss school? Learn more about ways to take care of your child’s teeth! Come to this FREE family health workshop, and bring the kids! We’ll

MORE THAN 85% OF BRAIN DEVELOPMENT HAPPENS BEFORE THE AGE OF 5.

Prepare your child for success in school and in life.

Fill out a Smart2Start application for your child, from birth to age 5, to secure affordable, high-quality childcare for the upcoming school year. Signing up is easy and free!

Visit smart2start.org or call (540) 283-2785 for more information or to enroll your child today!

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Family • March 2020

provide a free, healthy meal and a book for your family to keep! roanokeva.gov

Blue Man Group

7:30 PM, Berglund Center, Roanoke

BLUE MAN GROUP is the global entertainment phenomenon, known for its award-winning theatrical productions, iconic characters and multiple creative explorations. BLUE MAN GROUP performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through

art, music, comedy and nonverbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, the live show has expanded and reached more than 35 million people worldwide. BLUE MAN GROUP is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. Tickets are $42-$82. theberglundcenter.com

Your family can save a lot at LFA Spring & Summer Consignment Sale March 26-29 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke

FAMILY FOUR PACKS TM

2020 MARVEL

March 26-29 LFA Kids Consignment Spring/Summer Event Berglund Center, Roanoke

The hottest deals on children’s apparel, infant gear, maternity, books, games, shoes, home decor and more! Up to 90% off retail! lfakids.com

March 27

Grandin Chillage 6pm-9pm, Grandin, Roanoke

Admission is $5; under 12 free.historicgrandinvillage.com

March 28 Sox Fest 2020

10 AM -1 PM, Salem Memorial Ballpark

Join us at the first Salem Red Sox event of the

year as they kick off another exciting season!

Sox Fest presented by Coke will feature games, concessions, ballpark tours, National Anthem tryouts, and more.

Roanoke College baseball will be playing a game at Noon for everyone to enjoy. salemsox.com

Sesame Street Live

6 PM, Berglund Center, Roanoke

Join your favorite Sesame Street friends on this magical adventure when Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic comes to your neighborhood. Tickets are $21-$56. theberglundcenter.com

April 2

April 4

Light it up Blue for World Autism Day

The Big Flea

Join the community for an evening of celebrating Autism Awareness and turning Roanoke BLUE! We will be lighting up Roanoke blue in Elmwood Park with the help of the City of Roanoke! Everyone is welcome! Bring a blanket and your picnic basket filled with your dinner & join the community fun activities for the kids!

Organized by the AfricanAmerican Affinity group at North Cross, the deals abound in housewares, clothing, books, sports equipment, furniture and electronics! One day only starting at 7am on the campus of North Cross School. All proceeds benefit the school and its support of a diverse community of learners.

6 PM - 8 PM, Elmwood Park, Roanoke

svhservices.org

7 AM- 1 PM, North Cross School, Roanoke

northcross.org

military night

STARTING AT

$29 TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE

RAILYARDDAWGS.COM *PACKS NOT AVAILABLE DAY OF GAME*

Family • March 2020

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l ley ’s a V e k o n a o R Pa r k e n i l o p m a r On ly T

B o o k Yo u r rty Bi r t hday Pa To day !

Kids Eat Free cheap or

Every Day • Mama Maria’s 11 AM - 2 PM • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848 • Golden Corral All Day • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826 IHop 4PM-10PM • 12 & Under All Locations • Shoney’s All Day • 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400

Monday

launchingpadsalem.com 1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153

540-404-9235 18

Family • March 2020

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

• Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400 • Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464 • 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 • The Green Goat All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

Tuesday • Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under,

1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074 • Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884 • 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 • The Quarter All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

Thursday

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

Sunday • Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase Salem (540) 389-1111 • Local Roots 5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610 • 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

• Moe’s Southwestern Grill All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471 • 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 Roanoke Valley Family Magazine publishes these deals for informational purposes only. A Listing here does not guarantee a discount at any of the mentioned restaurants.

Promotions often change without notice and we recommend calling the restaurant to confirm any discount before arrival.

Trampolines

& More!

Bumper Cars Ninja Warrior Course Basketball Dodgeball Jousting Pit Fidget Ladder Airbag Pit Launch Tower Arcade with prizes Flight Training Wall Snack Bar 5 Party Rooms

• The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 10 & 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 • Tokyo Express 11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303 • Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal Family • March 2020

19

“Many people run into barriers that prevent them from having the quality of life (emotional, physical, and social well-being) they really want,” Noel said. She uses evidence-based music therapy, art therapy, and counseling to empower people to overcome those barriers and be their best selves at home, work, and in the community.

Meet Your Neighbors

Noel Anderson

When Noel Anderson MMT, MT-BC, moved

to Roanoke in 2011, it didn’t take long for her to notice the challenge families had in getting services for their children with special needs.

So she created Anderson Music Therapy to fill that need and be a resource in helping families find the support they required within the community. ​

​

Serving people with diverse needs, birth through older adult, is Noel’s passion. Part of serving those individuals is also supporting their families. Anderson Music Therapy exists to be a community and support system for families in Southwest Virginia. ​ Noel began singing do-wop songs and songwriting before she could read or write legibly. At the age of ten, she began singing publicly — and hasn’t stopped performing since. While her main instrument is voice, she also plays the guitar, piano, and flute.

Noel received a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Immaculata University after

20

completing her clinical internship at Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy in Philadelphia. She earned a Master of Music Therapy degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and continued her education by obtaining certification in Neurologic Music Therapy at Colorado State University. Along with her music therapy certification, she is also certified in music education.

Family • March 2020

Noel has been a music therapist for more than a decade. Before founding Anderson Music Therapy, she established and developed a school-based music therapy program for children and adults with multiple disabilities. During this time, she loved working closely alongside speech, occupational, and physical therapists, as well as teachers and paraprofessionals (she misses them a TON). ​

You can learn more about Anderson Music Therapy Services on Facebook or at amusictherapy.com.

Fun Fact about Noel: Her passion for music therapy has been shared globally; she has used music therapy in both Africa and India.

THE PHOEBE NEEDLES CENTER Residential summer camp programs for rising 5th through 12th graders. Activities include hiking, rock climbing & rappelling, climbing tower, caving, swimming, low & high ropes courses, games, arts & crafts, music, archery, camping, nature activities, and more. Only $225 for a week of camp!!!

Middler Camp - June 9th - 15th Rising 7th - 8th Graders Senior Camp June - 16th - 22nd Rising 9th - 12th Graders Drama Camp - June 23rd - 28th - Rising 5th - 8th Graders Outdoor Expedition Camp - June 23rd - 28th Minimum age 13 First Year Camp - June 30th – July 6th Rising 5th - 6th Graders Rock Climbing Camp - July 7th - 13th Minimum age 13 Art Camp - July 14th – 20th Rising 7th - 12th Graders Nature Camp - July 14th - 20th Rising 7th - 12th Graders Outreach Camp - July 21st - 27th Rising 7th - 12th Graders All Around Camp - June 10th – 14th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Art Day Camp II - July 1st – 5th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Art Day Camp I - June 17th – 21st Rising 1st – 4th Graders Swim Day Camp I - June 24th – 28th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Swim Day Camp II - July 8th - 12th Rising 1st - 4th Graders

CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

Day camp programs for rising 1st through 4th graders focusing on ART and SWIMMING. Camp sessions are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday though Friday. The cost is only $90 per session.

REGISTER TODAY!!

Applications are on our web site: www.PhoebeNeedles.org Call ~ 540-483-1518 Email ~ PNCenter@gmail.com Visit ~ 732 Turners Creek Road Callaway, Virginia Need based scholarships are available.

540-966-3990 lenkortho@gmail.com www.lenkbraces.com

Misty D. Lenk, DSS, MS, PC 228 Commons Parkway Daleville, VA, 24083

fb.com/lenkortho instagram.com/lenkorthova Family • March 2020

21

NOW ENROLLING!!

SUMMER CAMPS In these unique and dynamic camps, children will build incredible motorized creations, play games and have lots of fun using LEGO® Bricks.

WORKSHOPS CAMPS BIRTHDAY PARTIES AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES

540-380-2485

www.bricks4kidz.com/roanoke

We Learn. We Build. We Play.

Summer Camp Guide 2020 Discover the perfect summer camp for your family.

Whether they are interested in sports, adventuring, arts or science- there’s a camp nearby for you!

4-H Camp Southwest VA Boys & Girls • Ages 9-1.

775 Hermitage Road, Wirtz, VA (540) 721-2759 retreatatsmithmountainlake.com

Summer camp at the Skelton 4-H Center provides countless opportunities for learning more about the natural world around us. Days are filled with instructional-based camp classes, unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, and evening programs.

Alta Mons

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-17

2842 Crockett Springs Road Shawsville VA (540) 268-2409 altamons.org

Alta Mons is the outdoor ministry of the Roanoke District of the United Methodist Church and encompasses over 850 acres of beautiful land in Shawsville, VA. Every year we have summer camp, which offers week, half-week, or day-long camping experiences for children and youth from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Throughout the week our chaplain speaks to the campers about Christian topics like prayer, the church, and the love of Jesus.

At night campers worship together around a campfire. Campers experience small group bonding with their units during arts

and crafts, field games, and sessions at the Nature Hut. Events like Staff Hunt and Thursday Skit Night bring the whole camp together to bond and laugh no matter what their age. Don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime—register today!

Camp Scholarships are available!

Camp Bethel Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 992-2940 CampBethelVirginia.org

Camp Bethel in beautiful Fincastle, VA is an ACA-accredited, Christian summer camp offering three- and six-day resident camps, adventures, and trips for ages 4-18, plus day camps and single-evening family adventures. Camp Bethel is also home to Carilion’s Camp Too Sweet for children and youth with diabetes, and the Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio Camps. Adventure Camps and Trips include backpacking, mountains-to-beach-to-bay trip, canoeing (day & week-long), caving, equestrian, horseback, kayaking, mountain biking, river tubing, rock climbing & whitewater rafting.

Camp Blue Ridge Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17

529 Old Mill Road, Montebello, VA (540) 466-1583 campblueridge.org

Camp Blue Ridge offers six different styles of camp to fit your family! We offer everything from aquatic adventure to arts and crafts! We have a Family Summer Camp so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful nature God has given us.

Bricks 4 Kidz Boys & Girls • All Ages

2009 Electric Road, Suite J, Roanoke, VA (540) 380-2485 bricks4kidz.com/virginia-roanoke-salem

Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp & Retreat Center Boys & Girls • Ages 6-17

2239 Camp Roosevelt Road, Fort Valley, VA (540) 449-0012 CarolineFurnace.org

Summer Camp at Caroline Furnace is a place that supports new experiences, close friendships, limitless fun, and faith made tangible. Campers engage in daily worship and Bible study, plus a wide range of activities. They’ll get to swim, canoe, fish, creekwalk, play small- and large-group

Roanoke Valley Family 23 Summer Camp Guide 2020

games, hike, cook over a campfire, create crafts, and so much more! Each week, chaplains from supporting congregations join us in leading the campers in morning worship, Bible study, and campfire & evening devotion. Sincerely we say, “All are welcome.” YOU are welcome here.

Camp Carysbrook Girls Only • Ages 6-16

educational field trips and projects with their friends.

leaders who will turn the world upside down.

Country Bear Day Care Summer Camps

Camp Easter Seals UCP Boys & Girls • Ages 7-22

Boys & Girls • Ages 0-12

201 E. Main Street, Salem, VA (540) 777-5750 campeastersealsucp.com

5220 Starkey Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-2547 countrybeardayschool.com

Ferrum College Camps

Divine Dance Center

3500 Camp Carysbrook Road, Riner, VA (540) 382-1670 campcarysbrook.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 9-13 215 State Rte 602, Ferrum, VA (888)-508-7822 ferrum.edu/fcsec

Boys & Girls • Ages 3+

Chatham Hall Riding Camp Girls Only • Ages 10-16

800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA (434) 432-5605 chathamhall.org

3513 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-0296 divinedancecenter.com

Come learn with an award-winning competitive dance company! Professional staff and friendly atmosphere!

Childcare Network Summer Camps

Camp Eagle

Boys & Girls • Ages 0-1.

4335 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3459 childcarenetwork.com/virginia-roanoke-va-65

Childcare Network’s Adventure Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a fun and exciting environment for your child, while continuing to help them explore and discover the world around them. While at our kids’ day camp, your child will have the opportunity to participate in different weekly themes with engaging activities,

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

458 Camp Eagle Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 473-3117 campeagleva.org

A short drive away from Roanoke, VA, Camp Eagle has been ministering to folks of all ages for more than 30 years through summer camps, retreats, and specialized group events. We desire to use the elements of Christian camping to provide fun and fulfillment for the present, hope for the future, and develop strong, impactful

Located 35 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia, Ferrum College provides a relaxed, informal atmosphere with the conveniences and security of a small campus. Residence halls, classrooms, dining hall, and recreational facilities are located within easy walking distance. Campus security is maintained by campus police officers.

Specially selected camp counselors are assigned to each group of eight to ten campers and provide supervision at all times. Campers and staff are housed in an air conditioned residence hall.

Kids Square camps promise to offer a Summer of FUN! In addition to themed activities each week, participants will enjoy water fun two days out of each week, outside on our rooftop (weather permitting).

ONLY 15 SPOTS AVAILABLE PER CAMP

PRICE: $135/MEMBERS | $160/GUESTS RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! 50% DOWN PAYMENT (NONREFUNDABLE) & REMAINING BALANCE DUE TWO WEEKS BEFORE CAMP.

The Best of the Best Camp May 26 It’s - Mayall 29

about relationships: with God, each other, and the Earth.

We will invite the magic of some of the best Disney Movies ever made. Disney themed activities all week long. But wait, it gets better. Meet and greet with a special character is in the works.

(Ages 3-4) (Tuesday-Friday)

Super Hero Camp June 8 - June 11

Camp Alta Mons Ninja Training Camp June 15 - June 18

Shawsville,Virginia

Participate in a Super Hero training like you have never seen before and experience super powers that will blow your mind! (Ages 4-6)

Are you the next Kids Square Ninja Warrior?

Let’s challenge ourselves mentally and physically each day. Training takes place in the museum and outside our doors. Earn a Ninja Warrior medal at the completion of our training. (Ages 4-6)

F L I P O V EJune R F O R21 M -O17 R E K I D S S Q U A R EKC-A12 MP OPTIONS

www.altamons.org

Roanoke Valley Family 24 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Camp Friendship

four different camps to chose from based on age and outdoor experience. Call and talk to Dina for more information about a camp where all Girls are GEMS!

Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17

573 Friendship Road, Palmyra, VA (434) 589-8950 campfriendship.com

GEMS - Girls Empowered

by Mountain Shepherd Girls Only • Middle & High School

Global Youth Village Boys & Girls • Ages 14-18

1020 Legacy Drive, Bedford, VA (540) 871-0882 globalyouthvillage.org

Girl Scout Summer Camps

57 Hemlock Ridge Lane, Catawba, VA (434) 238-4094 allgirlsaregems.com mountainshepherd.com

Girls Empowered

by Mountain Shepherd (GEMS Camp) gives girls in middle and high school empowering opportunities to learn survival skills and explore outdoor recreation -- like backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, paddle-boarding and more -- while learning about themselves surrounded by peers and positive women role models. GEMS come to camp to expand their comfort zones in the outdoors and grow into courageous, confident, compassionate leaders! We have

Girls • Ages 5-17

Various camp locations through Roanoke, Salem and New River Valley gsvsc.org/en/camp/ summer-camps.html (540) 777-5100

Girl Scout Camp is an outdoor program designed to give girls a positive and fun experience in the great outdoors. Under the guidance of trained and enthusiastic leaders, each camp provides ageappropriate activities allowing girls to experience a variety of Girl Scout programs in an outdoor setting. Activities include archery, arts, games, nature study, outdoor cooking, hiking, overnight camp-outs and

lots more! Some camps offer swimming, boating and/or high-adventure activities for teen girls. Summer Camp Leadership Training is also offered for girls currently in the 6th grade and above who wish to learn more about becoming a camp staff member.

Local camp themes are :Friendly Hollow Day Camp, Cave Hill Day Camp, Dark Hollow Day Camp, Greene Summer Camp, Sugar Hollow Day Camp, Camp Adventurers, Camp Friendship, Martinsville-Henry Weekend Camp, Rainbow’s End Girl Scout Camp, and Trefoil Academy of Magery and Sorcery: The Summer Session 2020.

Camp Greenbrier Boys Only • Ages 7-17

100 Camp Greenbrier Drive, Alderson, WV (304) 445 7168 campgreenbrier.com

A Tradition of Fun Since 1898, Camp Greenbrier is located in the Alleghany Mountains along the beautiful Greenbrier River in Alderson, West Virginia, about 30 minutes from the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. It’s a wonderful, safe place, where boys have fun, develop self-confidence, and make lifelong friends.

Owned and operated by the same family since 1948. Come join the fun!

AR! E Y 1 OUR 3 st

JUNE 21–27 ● AGES 8–14 ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Cooking 101 Make-up Artistry, Special Effects Crime Scene Investigators The Music in My Head Equine Studies: All About Horses Mythology Graphic Design Pet Care Hogwarts Academy I: O.W.L. STEM Projects Hogwarts Academy II: N.E.W.T. Summer Theater Living, 1800 Style The Ferrum Challenge

(888) 508-7822 ● ferrum.edu/fcsec FOLLOW us on Facebook and Twitter @FCSEC! Roanoke Valley Family 25 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory Boys & Girls • Ages 4-17

1 Market Sq SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 540-342-5766 millmountain.org/age/summer-camp/

Green Ridge Summer Camps Boys & Girls • All Ages

7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, VA (540) 387-6078 roanokecountyparks.com/camps

Choose your adventure, with more than 200 weeks of programs for ages 3-17, including full-day, half-day, and overnight camps from Roanoke County Parks.

Camp Holiday Trails

through age 12. A private swim club, plus special interest groups, arts and science projects, field trips, and more keep The Hive buzzing with activities each weekday.

With more than 35 years of service to Roanoke Valley families, HoneyTree provides a quality program in a safe, supportive environment. Treat your youngster to one active summer—and yourself to peace of mind—at The Hive.

Camp Horizons Boys & Girls • Ages 9-16

3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA (540) 896-7600 camphorizonsva.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-20

(434) 977-3781 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, VA campholidaytrails.org

Hollins University Camps Girls Only • Ages 14-18

7916 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-6212 hollins.edu/academics/hollinssummer

HoneyTree Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12

Little Leapers

Boys & Girls • Ages 3-9

1460 S. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA (540) 200-8573 thelittleleapers.com

Melody Makers Boys & Girls • Ages 0-5

3540 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-9177 melodymakersroanoke.com

Multiple Locations (540) 344-4543 honeytreeelc.com

The Hive Summer Camp at HoneyTree is for students who have completed kindergarten

Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory is proud to present its 2020 Summer Camp Series, running June 1 – July 10. Camps provide burgeoning artists of all ages the opportunity to hone their creative skills in acting, musical theatre, dance, and technical theatre disciplines at the only equity professional theatre in the valley.

Camps are weekly sessions with full- and half-day options, which offer students from pre-K to adult a variety of ways to explore their creativity and selfexpression. Each camp culminates with a performance for family and friends.

All classes are taught by working theatre artists. Get a chance to flex your collaboration muscles and put on a show with a variety of differently styled courses. Need-based scholarships are available upon request: email travis@ millmountain.org for more information.

Mill Mountain Zoo Boys & Girls • Ages 6-13

2404 Prospect Rd. SE Roanoke, VA 24014 540-343-3241 mmzoo.org

Mill Mountain Zoo’s popular spring and summer camps are a terrific way to introduce your child to the animal kingdom or to foster an existing interest in the feathered, furry, and scaly critters we share the planet with. Each threeday camp is designed to encourage a child’s respect and enthusiasm for the natural world through hands-on, fun, and educational activities. Besides shadowing and assisting keepers, campers will experience up-close animal encounters, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, scientific explorations and OH SO MUCH MORE! There are camps available for ages 6-13.

Camp Mont Shenandoah Boys & Girls • Ages 7-1.

mmer!

tart an

S

Su re this u t n e v Ad

218 Mont Shenandoah Lane, Millboro Springs, VA (540) 997-5994 campmontshenandoah.com

North Star Childcare Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12

5407 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 366-3629 northstar4kids.com

Join us for a mashed up summer of fun! Your child will enjoy STEAM activities, field trips, exciting games and creative projects.

4225 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24018 • Childcarenetwork.net

Roanoke Valley Family 26 Summer Camp Guide 2020

OPEN HOUSE FREE EVENT SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH 10AM-3PM FREE LUNCH G U I D E D TO U R S C L I M B I N G TO W E R ARCHERY GA M E S CRAFTS

WHERE ADVENTURE BEGINS Give your children a traditional summer camp experience and memories to last a lifetime!

Choose from day camps for rising grades K-7 with satellite transportation from Tanglewood Mall or overnight camps for grades 3-11 with progressive adventures and off-site trips.

SAVE $25

A facility of:

Off each week when you sign up 60 days or more in advance!

OVER 200 WEEKS OF FUN C h o o s e f ro m ove r n i g h t , f u l l - d a y, h a l f - d a y s u m m e r f u n a n d a t h l e t i c s p ro g ra m s a t l o c a t i o n s t h ro u g h o u t o u r a re a . We ’re t h e re g i o n ’s l a rg e s t p rov i d e r o f s u m m e r e n r i c h m e n t .

RoanokeCountyParks.com/Camps

EARLY BIRD

REGISTRATION Enroll by April 30 to save $10 per week of camp.

Four camp locations near you! Visit www.ymcavbr.org/camp.

Pathway Christian

Camp Rim Rock

1550 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, VA (540) 394-7300 pathway-academy.com

343 Camp Rim Rock Road, Yellow Spring, WV (304) 856-2869 camprimrock.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

Girls • Ages 8-16

Phoebe Needles Summer Camps

River Rock Climbing Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

Boys & Girls • Ages 12-18

806 Wasena Avenue SW #100, Roanoke, VA (540) 685-2360 riverrockclimbing.com

732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA 540-483-1518

Our programs are for rising fifth through twelfth graders. We operate nine camp sessions during the summer. In addition to our basic camp activities like hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, campfires, etc. We also have special camps focused on nature and the environment, rock climbing and rappelling, community service, backpacking and camping, caving and climbing.

Prestige Gymnastics Girls & Boys • Ages 3-18 2726 Lee Highway, Troutville, VA (540) 759-1403 prestigegymnasticsacademy.com

Randolph-Macon Academy Summer Programs Boys & Girls • Rising 6th - 8th graders 200 Academy Drive, Front Royal, VA (540) 636-5484 rma.edu/summer-camp

Looking for something completely different?

We have just the thing at the River Rock!

Indoor rock climbing promotes confidence, coordination and balance, muscle development, teamwork, and problem solving skills. The social and athletic skills acquired through climbing will last a lifetime. We have camps for all age ranges that will keep your kids moving and having fun. Our walls are professionally engineered and certified by the Climbing Wall Association. All our equipment meets or exceeds industry standards. Our River Rock Staff has been carefully selected, extensively trained, loves working with youth, and are certified in first aid and CPR. It is our privilege to work with your children.

Camp Roanoke

Boys & Girls • All Ages

Randolph-Macon Academy offers a Summer Enrichment Camp for rising sixth through eighth-grade students. Campers spend part of the day rotating through fun-filled courses of their choices, ranging from robotics and flight to language arts and science. The rest of the day is spent in engaging activities like sports, swimming, laser tag, hiking, or field trips to local area attractions. The theme for 2020 is Under the Sea Exploration. Also available: Flight Camp and summer school courses, both for high school students.

6498 Dry Hollow Rd Salem, VA (540) 387-6114 roanokecountyparks.com/219/ Camp-Roanoke

Since 1925, our campers have enjoyed outdoor adventures like canoeing, field games, hiking, campfires, and a challenge course -- complete with a 44-foot climbing tower. Older campers will enjoy off-site excursions like rock climbing and caving. Younger campers can stay for just the day with free satellite transportation. Our affordable tuition includes lodging, meals, and everything needed for a week of outdoor adventure

and fun. Camp Roanoke offers a full season of residential summer camps for youth that will create memories to last a lifetime, all in an environment that is accredited by the American Camp Association.

Roanoke Children’s Theatre Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

The Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave SW Roanoke, VA (540) 400-7795 roanokechildrenstheatre.org

RCT Theatre Academy seeks to show young people a world where imagination and creative expression thrive: The theatre!

Our classes are perfect for serious, aspiring performers, as well as for students who just want to have fun. If you’re not sure which class is right for you, call 540-309-6802 for help. Register early!

Roanoke College Soccer Camp

Girls & Boys • Ages 4-18

221 College Lane, Salem, VA (540) 375-4955 roanokesoccerschool.com

Our youth camps offer players from a wide range of ages and abilities an opportunity to develop at Roanoke College. Sessions at the camps are created age-specific to provide knowledge and enthusiasm for the game in a fun and challenging training environment. These camps will feature the staffs and players from the highly successful Roanoke College men’s and women’s soccer programs, as well as top youth and college coaches.

Roanoke Valley Family 29 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Roanoke City Summer Camps

Camp Tall Timbers

Camp Twin Creeks

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-13

1115 Reflection Lane, High View, WV (304) 856-3722 camptalltimbers.com

9235 Huntersville Road, Marlinton, WV (914) 345-0707 camptwincreeks.com

playroanoke.com

Taubman Museum of Art

Boys & Girls • Ages 7-16

215 Church Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 510-4056

Roanoke County Summer Camps Girls & Boys • All Ages

1206 Kessler Mill Road, Salem, VA (540) 387-6078 roanokecountyparks.com

Roanoke Star Soccer Camps Girls & Boys • Ages 5-18

2800 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-7820 roanokestar.com

Salem Summer Camps

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-17

110 Salem Avenue SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 540-342-5760 taubmanmuseum.org/camp

Imagination. Creativity. Fun! The Taubman Museum of Art’s summer camps are the perfect option for your emerging artist or child who loves learning in a creative, hands-on environment. Featuring half- and full-day camps with weekly themes, your child can experiment with new forms of art, spend time in the galleries with professional artists, enjoy free time in Art Venture, and more. Camp sizes are kept small to ensure individualized attention. Book your camp today since these always sell out quickly!

Boys & Girls • Ages 7-16

Camp Tuk-A-Way Boys & Girls • Ages 8-18

2262 Craig Creek Road, Blacksburg, VA (540) 961-4100 camptukaway.com

Located on 65 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Montains, Camp Tuk-A-Way seeks to provide a clean, wholesome environment for quality Christian camping. We will engage our teens and children in a fun-filled week of physical, mental and spiritual exercises that will help them grow, like David, into the Giant-Killers God has called each of us to be.

Girls & Boys • All Ages 110 Union Street, Salem, VA (540) 375-3054 parksandrec.salemva.gov

NEW Flying Squirrels Advanced Camp!

Summer camps for kids aged 5-12

(540) 685-2360

www.riverrockclimbing.com Discounted rate if you sign up before May 31!

Roanoke Valley Family 30 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Mak e

Me

u O mories

t s i d e To da ! y

Fishing & fly fishing - ages 6+ all skill levels welcome and all equipment provided! virginiaoutside.com • 540-761-9847 • ben@virginiaoutside.com

Jump into Summer Camps!

Life’s What You Bake It June 1-5

Kamp Kartwheel July 6-10

Mad About Science June 8-12

Just Beachin’ July 13-17

Going for the GOLD! June 15-19

American Ninja Hero July 20-24

A Fair to Remember June 22-26

Light’s Camera Action July 27-31

Full Day runs 7:30 am through 5:30 pm for ages 5+ Half Day runs 7:30 am through Noon for ages 3+

540-759-1403 www.prestigegymnasticsacademy.com

Science Museum

Valley AFC

Camp Watonka 328 Wangum Falls Road, Hawley, PA (570) 226-4779 watonka.com

Boys & Girls • Pre K-5

Boys & Girls • Ages 3-18

1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5710 smwv.org

PO Box 20045, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-7272 valleyafc.org

The Science Museum of Western Virginia has Summer Camp programs for PreK-5 that encourage critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork. With a huge variety of hands-on day camps to choose from, and trained educators and volunteers offering individual support, parents can easily find programs that will engage an. inspire their child. Several programs will also feature excursions to VT and professional guest speakers who demonstrate, educate and motivate. Go to www.smwv.org to see our list of 2020 programs and sign up before spaces run out!

The focus of the program is to provide soccer training for boys and girls that would like to improve their technical, tactical, and speed of thought/play abilities during the off season in a professional environment with US Soccer (USSF) licensed instructors.

SING! Summer Choir Camp Boys & Girls • Grades 2-8 Bethel Baptist Church, Salem singsummercamp.com

An enriching and fun musical camp based on the choral experience of the nationally recognized Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Do you like to sing in the shower? Can you do some awesome jazz hands? Then this is the camp for you! It’s better than Karaoke – it’s SINGING with all your friends!

Camp Strawderman Girls • Ages 6-17

2494 Dellinger Acres Road, Edinburg, VA (540) 984-4738 campstrawderman.com

Camp Strawderman is about riding horseback, swimming in freshwater streams and hiking on mountain trails. It’s about belly laughs and Indian stories, sitting by roaring campfires and igniting lifelong friendships. It’s about cuddling with fourlegged friends, climbing mountains, and singing at the top of your lungs. It’s about being who you are and liking who that is.

Virginia Outside Boys & Girls • All Ages virginiaoutside.com 540-761-9847 Roanoke, VA

Virginia Outside offers both day and overnight fishing, fly fishing, and general outdoor exploration camps throughout the Roanoke region. All equipment is provided and all skill levels are welcome!

Virginia Western Kids College Boys & Girls • Grades 4-10 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 857-6076 virginiawestern.augustsoft.net

STEAM Ahead to Summer Fun. Kids College is our summer enrichment series which offers unique workshops for rising 2nd – 10th graders that are designed to teach new skills, develop new interests and hobbies, and explore future career opportunities.

Boys• Ages 8-16

Camp Watonka is the only program in America offering the traditional overnight experience combining crafts, sports, dirt-bikes, adventure and waterfront with a hands-on science program. This unique combination makes us the ideal program for all boys looking for fun summer focused on their personal interests.

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing Boys & Girls • Ages 8-17

11176 Peaceful Valley Road, New Castle, VA (540) 864-6792 wilderness-adventure.com

Participants will leave Wilderness Adventure with an increase sense of autonomy. Being able to live in the outdoors for a week, carry all you need in a backpack, and get out of your comfort zone with challenging activities will help participants to know their limits and see how capable they are.

YMCA

Boys & Girls • All Ages

Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt and Daleville (540) 342 9622 ymcaroanoke.org/kirk-family-ymca

Camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories.

Sing! Summer Choir Camp!

The BEST camp for children who love to sing!

Disney Songs Spectacular!

June 22-26, 2020 Camps available for Ages 4 - Rising 8th Graders • SingSummerCamp.com

Roanoke Valley Family 32 Summer Camp Guide 2020

SUMMER ART CAMPS FOR KIDS + TEENS

• NEW! Half and Full-Day Camps • 20+ camps to choose from:

Clay, pottery, drawing, painting, printmaking, jewelry-making, and more!

• Small groups for individualized attention

spectacular TaubmanMuseum.org/Camp saturdays

Roanoke Valley FamilySE, Summer Camp Guide 2020 33Downtown 110 Salem Avenue Roanoke | 540.342.5760

Featured Summer Camp

HoneyTree Early Learning Centers Are you thinking about summer yet?

HoneyTree is and they are already gearing up for what they are calling the BEST SUMMER EVER! They have a brand-new summer camp theme in development that they just can’t wait to tell us about. They have added MORE activities, MORE trips, MORE adventure and packed even MORE FUN into their summer camp program.

HoneyTree Early Learning Centers are thrilled to announce that they are gearing up to travel back in time this summer with their new summer camp theme “Jammin’ thru the Decades.” Each week, summer campers will time warp through different decades with fun action-packed activities as they explore the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

There will be STEAM challenges, cooking classes, arts and crafts and more in addition to activities related to the decade they have time warped into.

Summer Campers will get to explore their creative side this summer through activities focused on music, art and dance. They will learn famous dances like The Mashed Potato, The Hustle and The Moon Walk, participate in a sock hop, paint pet rocks and SO MUCH MORE! Each week, Summer Campers will visit HoneyTree’s private swim club and skate center. Both locations are exclusively available to HoneyTree summer camps and are not available to the general public.

Summer Campers will also explore the Roanoke Valley and all of the wonderful

destinations it has to offer including experimenting at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, exploring Roanoke’s most well-known and beloved landmark the Roanoke Star and meeting the Red Pandas at Mill Mountain Zoo.

In our increasingly plugged-in and screenoriented world, HoneyTree offers a summer alternative that allows children to spend their time exploring, playing, imagining and learning while being mentally and physically active instead of being cooped up inside playing video games.

We are excited to see what HoneyTree brings with this fresh, new, fun filled summer theme of ‘Jammin’ thru the Decades’. Check out HoneyTree’s Summer Camp 2020 for a (sock) hoppin’ time!

Roanoke Valley Family 34 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Roanoke Valley Family 35 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Featured Summer Camp

Make-it-Or-Break-It Science Camp At the Science Museum’s ‘Make-It-Or-BreakIt’ Summer Camp, your child will dive deep into the world of engineering and product design. They will get the opportunity to discover the hidden workings of electronic items by taking them apart and putting them back together again. Make-It-OrBreak-It gives your child the chance to do what you got in trouble doing growing up, and gain the experience that has been lost over the years as they have! Tinkering and curiosity are encouraged in this Summer Camp as we find out how things work from the inside out.

Make-It-Or-Break-It is a Summer Camp Program for children with inquisitive minds who enjoy using their curiosity to find answers to engineering mysteries. How do

machines actually work? What components control different functions? And how do all of those pieces fit together beneath the machine’s outer casing? Instead of them sitting on the couch, watching videos of other people tinkering with electronics, we will provide your child with all the tools to find the answers to all these questions themselves!

It all begins with learning the basics.

With guidance from museum instructors and guest speakers, your child will learn tool proficiency and learn how take apart machines, such as radios and microwaves, before putting them back together again.

By the end of the camp, they will be able to confidently identify each component that make up different machines and

distinguish what functions they perform. We have a strong emphasis on teamwork and helping each other to find the answers to challenges.

Campers will use this new-found knowledge and the Engineering Design Process to come up with a challenge and design a machine that will offer a solution to that challenge.

After creating a prototype, campers have a chance to test their creations and modify their designs before presenting their final product to parents at the end of the week!

Go to www.smwv.org to register your child for our Make-It-Or-Break-It Summer Camp, and to explore our other Summer Camp programs. For more information, call 540.342.5710 or email frontdesk@smwv.org.

Roanoke Valley Family 36 Summer Camp Guide 2020

Roanoke Valley Family 37 Summer Camp Guide 2020

How Children Find Their Purpose At Camp

By Sandi Schwartz

Roanoke Valley Family 38 Summer Camp Guide 2020

W

e all want our children to be happy and successful. Would you believe that letting them spread their own wings — without us by their side — may be the most effective way to do this? Our job as parents is to give our children the tools they need to go out in the world and discover who they are and what they want to become, that is, to discover their purpose in life. A child can only truly grow if given some freedom and the chance to gain confidence by exploring new ideas and activities.

The Gift of Sleep-Away Camp What better place for children to begin this process than sleep-away camp?

Sending children away for camp may seem daunting at first, but if you ask kids who have spent several weeks bunking with their friends, they will tell you how it positively transformed their life and how lucky they are that their parents gave them that gift.

According to Michael Thompson, a clinical psychologist and author of Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow, “parents can sometimes seriously impede their children’s development. As a parent there are many things you cannot do for your children. You cannot give your child confidence, you cannot pick or manage his or her friendships, you cannot always be his or her advocate/agent/ manager/coach...and most important, parents have a hard time urging their children to take psychological risks.”

In the book, Thompson goes on to explain how sleep-away camp succeeds at doing all of these things and how critical it is that children and teens have these experiences. He says that true independence is something parents cannot give their children; they must live it on their own.

Benefits of Sleep-Away Camp There are five invaluable aspects

of sleep-away camp that can lead children and teens to discovering their purpose:

Confidence

Finally, many children will purposely choose to attend a camp where they do not know any other campers when they arrive. This special experience gives them the chance to start fresh and explore who they truly are in a different environment. All of this confidence-building brings them closer to figuring out their interests and goals.

One of the most important benefits of sleep-away camp is that Broader children build Perspective confidence and selfAt camp, esteem children begin while living to see the away from world a bit their parents. differently. They These positive are away from attributes stem their comfort zone from belonging, and learning, and exposed contributing. to new One of the most important Camps provide people and many unique benefits of sleep-away camp is experiences opportunities that children build confidence that give for children them a new, and self-esteem while living to succeed in broader these three perspective. away from their parents. areas: 1) They They realize belong to their that they sports team and bunk; 2) they learn are part of something bigger than from trying new activities and making themselves and their immediate new friends; and 3) they contribute family. They meet people from by helping during meals and serving as different backgrounds, locations, and team leaders. interests. They may participate in community service projects that they Camp also provides ways for children would have not otherwise had the to feel a sense of accomplishment. chance to do. Sleep-away camp is so When they succeed, they are valuable in how it introduces children empowered and have more confidence to new ways of seeing the world and when faced with the next challenge. themselves.

They also learn from their mistakes and failures, which only makes them Community more resilient in the future. Also, the kind of encouragement kids Children benefit from being part of the receive at camp makes it the perfect special community found at sleepenvironment for them to overcome away camp. It gives them a sense setbacks, try new things, and see of belonging, which will ultimately improvement. Some camp experiences improve their ability to cooperate, even allow them to conquer their contribute, and serve their future fears, whether it be learning to swim communities as caring citizens. in a lake or climb a ropes course.

Campers also gain new social skills from being in a group setting. They

Roanoke Valley Family 39 Summer Camp Guide 2020

SUMMER CAMPS 2020

JUNE 1ST - JULY 10TH Half Day & Full Day Offerings OFFERINGS: PRE K - ADULT Camps in Acting, Voice, Dance, Music Theatre, and Technical Theatre

must share a room with others, manage chores, resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, and be kind and accommodating to their fellow campers. Being part of a close-knit community can be challenging at times, but children who learn how to adapt and get along with others will benefit for a lifetime.

Peter Scales, Ph.D., a senior fellow with the Search Institute in Minneapolis, said, “Camp activities and group living in a natural environment are the tools used to create camp communities that provide for successful, healthy development...

They learn to work together, make choices, take responsibility, develop creative skills, build independence and self-reliance, and gain confidence. All are necessary steps on a child’s path to a healthy, productive life.”

Skills Sleep-away camp is chock-full of unique activities and events that children can’t find anywhere else.

Going to camp allows them to learn new skills, whether it be in sports, art, or outdoor exploration. Being exposed to so many new programs enhances their knowledge and capabilities, allowing them to get closer to finding what they enjoy most.

JOIN US THIS SUMMER: millmountain.org/class

Camp also helps children become more independent. They learn how to make their own decisions without parents and teachers always telling them what

to do. They are expected to manage daily chores, show up on time to activities, and keep their belongings neat and clean. These are life-long skills that will help them succeed in whatever they do.

Self-Reflection The school year is a busy time, but camp provides a chance for kids to slow down and listen to their own thoughts. Camp is the perfect environment for self-reflection and meditation because kids unplug and soak in the beautiful nature around them. When kids take a break from television, video games, texting, and surfing online, they become more mindful of their surroundings and their own emotions. They are able to focus on the simple things in life like going for a hike, watching a sunset, singing around the campfire, and talking in depth to their friends.

Camp also provides a time for unstructured play. Campers are encouraged to use their creativity to solve problems and have fun. They learn how to keep busy with activities that have been used for centuries, such as swimming and boating in a lake, woodworking, and theater performances. This carefree living gives them a chance to relax and laugh without the pressures of their hectic, overly-scheduled lives back home. This change of pace can lead to emotional and spiritual growth.

Roanoke Valley Family 40 Summer Camp Guide 2020

family.

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Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2019 GEICO Family • March 2020

41

ONE WEEK

to an organized child’s room Curtis Burchett, REALTOR Keeping your children’s toys, clothes and books under control can seem like a never-ending job. The minute you put them up, they pull them all out again.

If you’re reading up and planning summer camp options for your children – now is also the perfect time to start planning a reorganization project for your child’s room. When the the kids are away at camp is the perfect time to tackle this project in peace. Without the kids around, you have a little more freedom to purge and reorganize the toys, books, clothes, and crafts in the room.

Let’s get started with the basics – the books. You can’t have an organized kid’s bedroom, without enough space to store their books. You can go a

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Family • March 2020

traditional bookshelf route or try something like adding some headboard storage. Put that large space to work by making a headboard out of a bookcase. Use the space to store not only books but also keeping other décor or stuffed animals handy for bedtime. Add a small lamp or nighlight for cozy comfort.

Small toys, crafts and other low-profile items can be stored easily under the bed and out of the main floor area in flat plastic storage bins. Look for clear ones and label them, so that children know what’s in them and remind them where to put things away when done. Use these to store items that aren’t played with frequently. You can even get them with slides or rollers or add your own anti-scuff adhesive strips.

Wire baskets, buckets and pails are great ways to organize other small items. They can be found at most Dollar Stores, or you could even recycle ones you already have with a fresh coat of spray paint to color coordinate with other room décor.

Kids are prolific artist, so don’t forget a space to display their artwork. Whether it’s a string with clips or a magnetic or cork board, but sure to create an area where they can display a few pieces at a time, and then pack away (or toss).

Finally, a curtain shelf over top of the windows provides unexpected space to display things like sports or other trophies, treasured mementoes or other items that aren’t needed often.

Put these quick tips into play and start fresh when your camper returns home from their summer camp experience.

A native of the area, Curtis Burchett has more than 15 years experience as full-time Realtor. He currently lives in Southwest Roanoke County with his wife and 3 kids, so he’s stepped on a Lego or two over the years.

Family • March 2020

43

Green Cleaning

by Susan Baldani

N

ot only does springtime evoke thoughts of flowers and sunshine, it also gets us motivated to give our homes a good purge and do some deep cleaning. In addition to throwing away old clothes and organizing our closets, we also want to make sure we have a clean and healthy place for our families to thrive.

detrimental to the environment, too.

However, concern about the toxicity of certain chemicals found in popular cleaning products has led more and more consumers to search for alternatives. Some of these cleaners contain ingredients that can exacerbate asthma and cause skin irritation and other adverse health conditions.

They have also been responsible for accidental poisonings in children. Of course, they’re

Here are six natural cleaning ingredients that can be safely used as often as needed. You probably even have most of these items in your pantry already.

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Family • March 2020

Well, it turns out that those old-fashioned products our ancestors used are just as good as some of the name-brand cleaners lining store shelves today. And even better, they’re all-natural — and inexpensive to boot.

Vinegar Vinegar is one of nature’s most versatile cleaners. Just put some in a spray bottle, add the same amount of water, and

you have a great solution to disinfect and deodorize. And don’t worry about your home smelling like an Italian deli; the odor dissipates as it dries.

Use in the kitchen on countertops, sinks, floors, and appliances. Just avoid getting on marble or granite; it can cause damage.

Bring a bowl of vinegar and water to a boil in the microwave to deodorize and remove baked-on foods.

Spray in your bathtub and shower to remove soap scum and to clean grout. For mildew, use undiluted vinegar for the best results and leave on for at least 30 minutes.

Pour 1 cup into the toilet and

let sit for a few hours before scrubbing.

Baking soda Every baker knows the importance of baking soda, but it’s also great for absorbing odors and dissolving dirt and grease.

Make a scouring paste by adding to water and use to scrub countertops, dishes, sinks and tubs.

Sprinkle in garbage cans, and place some in an open container in your refrigerator to absorb odors.

Soak pots and pans with baking soda to remove cooked-on food.

Add ½ cup into your washer to

help remove dirt and odors from clothes.

Lemons Lemons have antibacterial properties, and they also make your house smell fresh and clean.

Slice in half and put both pieces down your garbage disposal to cut down on odors and bacteria.

Dip half in coarse salt and use as a scrubber on copper-coated pots and pans.

Rub the other half inside your sink to remove soap and hard water stains.

Cut one in half and use it to clean your wooden cutting boards and stains on countertops. Let the juice sit for a while before wiping off.

As an alternative to bleach, add 1/2 cup of the juice to the rinse cycle, which will brighten and freshen your laundry.

Salt This common staple is well-known for making food taste better as well as acting as a preservative, but it can also be used as a scrubbing agent. Just pair with a good sponge and you’re ready to go.

Use on stovetops to remove caked-on food and spills.

To easily clean messes from pots and pans, add salt to water and let them soak.

Use as a scrub on cast iron pans while retaining the seasoned finish.

Scrub and remove mildew from bathtubs.

To clean and whiten items at the same time, mix with baking soda.

Tea tree oil From Australia, tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties.

For an effective

multipurpose cleaner, add 15 drops of tea tree oil and a quart of warm water to a spray bottle. Use with a cloth to clean surfaces in your home.

Spray mold with a mixture of 2 teaspoons oil and 2 cups water and leave on.

This solution is also great to clean toilets.

To help prevent bacterial and fungal infections, add 1 teaspoon to a load of laundry.

Castile soap This natural soap is made from vegetable oils and originated in Castile, Spain, hence the name. You’ll find it mentioned in many homemade natural cleaning products.

However, don’t combine with vinegar since it cancels out the potency of both ingredients and can leave objects and surfaces with a white film that’s hard to remove.

For a healthier home this spring and all year round, here are a few recipes to get you started on making your own natural cleaners: All-Purpose Cleaner

1/2 cup white vinegar 2 Tbsp. baking soda 10 drops tea tree or lavender essential oil 12 oz. glass spray bottle Mix vinegar and oil in a bottle and add a splash of water. Then add baking soda and fill the rest with more water. Shake to mix. After using this spray, wipe with a cloth.

Oven Cleaner

½ cup baking soda 2 – 3 Tbsp. water ½ cup or so of white vinegar Mix baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Rub all over the oven walls and let sit overnight.

Then, spray vinegar onto the paste and watch it foam up. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Dusting Spray

1 Tbsp. Castile soap 15 drops lemon essential oil 2 cups water Mix ingredients in a spray bottle and shake gently. Use as you would any other dusting spray.

For Sale: Local Florist / Gift Shop Owner’s Cash Flow: $150K Contact: TheHopkinsGroup.biz / 540.354.2791 We “Add Value” When Buying or Selling a Business...

Family • March 2020

45

Make Magic With Sesame Street!

Sesame Street LIVE! Make Your Magic is coming to Roanoke on April 2, and we are so excited!

Along with all your favorite characters from Sesame Street (plus a new-to-the-stage fuzzy friend!), this show promises to take its audience on an amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” — the lesson that with perseverance and practice, nothing can stand between you and your dream.

In the show, Elmo meets a magician named Justin and is inspired to learn a magic trick of his own. But there’s one problem . . .

Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Justin encourages Elmo to practice, work hard, and never give up, and this leads Elmo on a wonderful journey. He learns that it’s okay to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what’s yet to be.

Maddie Wheatley, the actor who portrays Elmo in the show, said that her favorite part of being in this production is that she’s out there as many kids’ favorite Sesame Street character. “I love being up on that stage and seeing their reactions,” said Maddie, who grew up watching and loving Elmo’s World on TV.

by Jacqueline Moon

Justin the magician — and host of the show — is Justin Baret, who has been performing on one stage or another since he was 12 years old. He, too, grew up watching Elmo’s World.

About being involved in Sesame Street LIVE!, Justin said, “It’s a dream come true. It hardly feels like work!” He wasn’t a magician prior to taking on this role, but was coached by a professional magician in order to do the tricks on Make Your Magic.

The show’s magic continues with Cookie Monster and Gonger, the lovable sous chef of the Sesame Street segment Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck, as they uncover the science and fun of baking, and Abby Cadabby, who experiences the transformative abilities of caterpillars. Rosita orchestrates a rhythmic beat using everyday objects around her while Big Bird learns about the magnifying magic of shadow puppetry. And artist Grover mixes up the pigment power of the three primary colors.

Big Bird is portrayed in the show by aerial artist Brandon Wagner, who absolutely adores his character. “What I love about Big Bird is the childlike wonder and awe he invokes in both children and adults,” Brandon said. “He’s

a favorite of young and old alike, a bridge between generations of Sesame Street fans.”

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic has high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, and it’s an inspirational introduction both to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family — even big kids — will enjoy.

“Bring older brothers and sisters,” Justin said. “Kids of all ages, and parents, will love it.”

fun, engaging way.”

Another message kids (and everyone) will walk away with, Maddie said, is that it’s okay to struggle. “It’s the power of yet. Everybody struggles. Just never give up.”

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic will be on the Berglund Performing Arts Theater stage on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. And before the show, at 5:00, there’s an Elmo & Friends Meet & Greet, where you can interact with Elmo and other characters, get pictures with Elmo, walk on stage to experience Sesame Street, participate in a scavenger hunt (with a special prize upon completion!), and experience an in-person magic trick.

Tickets for the Meet & Greet are $25, and tickets for Make Your Magic range from $21 to $56, depending on seat selection. You can purchase tickets by calling the Berglund Center box office at 877-482-8496, going to theberglundcenter.com, or visiting the box office at 710 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24016. (Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.)

“Everybody struggles. Just never give up.”

“One of the messages of the show,” said Brandon, “is that you can find magic in everyday life — in baking cookies, in shadows, in butterflies. Life really is magical, and we’re helping people learn that in a

every smile

comes from a place of safety and security that only a home can bring.

FREE Class: Ready, Set, Sing!

A class to help young singers prepare for their audition.

May 7 & 14 6:00-6:45pm

Bethel Baptist Church

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better life.

Donate or volunteer at habitat-roanoke.org

Ad Generously Provided by BURCHETT HOMES

RVCC Newcomer Auditions (for Ages 7-17) May 15 | 3:30-6:00 May 16 | 10:00-1:00 Schedule your audition Join.ChildrensChoir.com or (540) 724-6787

Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir

Shaping Children’s Voices and building character since 1987 Family • March 2020

47

What All That Noise is Doing To Your Health

by Corinne Asturias

Once upon a time, a person could seek out silence and find it. But nowadays, silence has become a rare and elusive thing. Without humans protecting it, quiet appears and disappears like an endangered species. That which used to dominate the earth for miles at a stretch and days on end is on the run.

The last time silence turned up in my life was in a chain drugstore.

I was standing in a brightly lit, 8,000-square-foot room of strangers when suddenly the cash registers stopped humming, the fluorescent lights ceased buzzing, and the refrigerators whirred to a halt. After a few random exclamations in the dark, an elderly woman could be heard in the next aisle informing everyone in a calm voice that this was a planned blackout by the utility company.

The mystery solved, the store fell silent. Most of us shared the moment without speaking, and those who spoke dropped their voices to near whispers. Without even communicating, it seemed that some universal, mostly dormant part of human nature came back to life in all of us. Quiet is a commons. It feels good. And instinctively, no one wanted to ruin it. The entire place, it

48

Family • March 2020

seemed, was heaving a communal sigh of relief.

In contrast, on the day when I go searching for quiet and visit the cemetery where my mother is buried, a gardener driving a motorized lawnmower rips around trying to set what appears to be a new world’s record for box turns at high speeds.

A hike to the mountains gets invaded by the thumping of a helicopter. Vows at an outdoor wedding are drowned out by a jet’s overhead roar. A picnic in the park is crashed by tree trimmers.

Weekday mornings in the neighborhood, after all the commuters have left for work, used to be a predictable haven for solitude. But suburban gardening has taken on the sounds of a full-fledged

massacre. Landscape crews roar in with power edgers, mowers, hedgers, weed whackers, and the dreaded leaf blowers. In trimming up lawns that no one sits on, bushes no one eats, and sidewalks that mostly dogs walk on, they have made more noise in one morning than a person living 200 years ago might have heard in an entire lifetime.

Noise has taken over the space once dominated by quiet. Our motorized, highly useful, time-saving tools have destroyed it. And, despite the fact that there are numbers and data to support lowering our societal noise levels, the world is far from taking serious steps to get it back.

Researchers classify 20 percent of the population as “supersensitive” to noise and 25 percent as “imperturbable.” The rest of us, I suspect, are just annoyed by the

stereos, and jackhammering road crews. Home we went to our coffee grinders and food processors and Interplak toothbrushes.

Noise has become a fact of life, and few of us would know where to begin to turn down the volume in our lives.

Next week I have planned a getaway for myself and a friend to the mountains of the Southwest. We are staying, appropriately enough, in a place called Solitude, which I do not convince myself for one minute is any guarantee of anything at all. It only takes a construction project, a music system run by teenagers, a rug shampooer, or a bevy of landscapers to reduce solitude to a word.

increasingly loud drone of existence.

For years, the case against noise centered around hearing loss.

Mounting evidence, however, suggests that intrusive, irritating sounds are linked to higher blood pressure, lower productivity, and higher serum cholesterol levels.

Studies have also shown that in the presence of continuous noise, people are less caring, communicative, and reflective. Extreme noise has been found to give the listener a sense of helplessness and powerlessness.

Hospital noise has been shown to slow healing. Basically, noise causes so many horrible things that it’s a wonder there aren’t warning labels tacked to the sides of vacuum cleaners.

These reactions occur because humans evolved in quieter environments, where loud sounds were rare and

often signaled danger. There was a time when the sound of something as loud as a jet meant that an avalanche was about to bury the village. When the extended whine of something as high-pitched as a two-stroke engine meant that the clan was under savage attack.

Canadian scientist R. Murray Schafer believes that we ignore or passively adjust to what he has identified as the “soundscape” rather than notice it and pay attention to our reactions to it. But by shutting out sound, he asserts, we shut out other perceptions as well. Perceptions about our feelings and our health. It’s what you might call the “numbing down” of the population.

But still, I’m willing to risk a flight, several hundred dollars, and valuable time off work for the chance that I will find myself suspended in that ancient and precious space where the absence of bombardments peels away my layers of resistance, one by one.

Where I can reclaim my God-given right to hear the Earth, to hear myself think, to find peace in the quiet.

This story from the YES! Media archives was originally published in the Summer 2001 issue of YES! Magazine. Reprinted by permission.

Hence it was easy for all of us, after our experience in the drugstore, to fire up the engines of our cars and drive home through traffic, beneath the jets and past the sirens, thumping

Family • March 2020

49

THE MORE YOU UNDERSTAND HER WORLD, THE MORE POSSIBILITIES YOU SEE. For Julia’s family, early screening for autism made a lifetime of difference.

Find out more at ScreenForAutism.org

© 2019 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved.

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Access for All: Unifying Early Childhood Education to Prepare Children for Success

A

ccording to the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program, about forty percent of the commonwealth’s kindergarten students enter class without the basic skills they’ll need to succeed.

age five,” said Atif Qarni, Virginia Secretary of Education, on a recent visit to Roanoke.

“That’s why a big state investment is needed with a focus on really ramping up early childhood programs.”

providers. At the center of Smart2Start is a coordinated system engineered to streamline recruitment, eligibility, and enrollment in early care and education programs.

Among low-income kindergarten students, half enter school unprepared.

To significantly improve the odds for children, United Way of Roanoke Valley, with Smart Beginnings of Greater Roanoke, is leading an innovative new pilot program benefitting families in the Roanoke Valley region through Virginia’s allocation of the federal Preschool Development Grant awarded in 2019.

“Parents can apply to both public and private programs at once. The family’s needs and preferences come first and foremost in working to find open spots,” said Vivien McMahan, Director of Early Learning Strategies at United Way of Roanoke Valley. “We’re not doing children any good if they’re remaining on waiting lists, so we want to get rid of those and put them in a provider slot as soon as possible.”

Previously, parents trying to enroll a child in a preschool or early care program

By third grade, if a child is not reading at grade level, he or she is more likely to drop out of school without graduating.

“The early years present the best opportunities for a child’s brain to develop the crucial connections they need to become healthy, successful adults. Eightyfive percent of brain development occurs by

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Family • March 2020

Known as Smart2Start, it’s a single point of entry collaboration between area school systems, Head Start, and private

had to fill out individual applications for each location. If the program reached maximum enrollment, they had to search for another option, with a new application.

“Not all families have the convenience of finding quality care that fits within their needs. It can be a difficult, expensive, and frustrating experience,” said Abby Hamilton, President and CEO of United Way of Roanoke Valley. “Smart2Start is our way of supporting the call to action from Governor Ralph Northam to give all children the best opportunities, including those who are most at risk.”

by assisting parents as they navigate the process of applying for tuition assistance.

The Smart2Start application is supplemented by a list of more than one hundred fifty providers in Roanoke, Botetourt, Franklin, and Craig counties, as well as the cities of Roanoke and Salem.

Chris Chase is the Roanoke Regional Mixed Delivery Preschool Pilot Coordinator at United Way of Roanoke Valley. He talks daily to parents who express appreciation for the one-stop-shop approach.

Children and their families in our region deserve a better solution

The program also levels the playing field for economically disadvantaged children

“I just talked to a mom who had several questions about the application and was also having computer problems at home and couldn’t fill it out online. We got the paper application to

her, and she was so relieved that she was able to get all her questions answered and everything taken care of right on her lunch break,” said Chase. “She said it was a very different experience from what she went through with her two older children.”

The Smart2Start collaboration wasn’t designed with just the applicant in mind.

Hamilton says it serves the region’s entire economy since more than two-thirds of parents are now in the workforce. It also helps early care providers, many of which are small businesses, to more effectively advertise their services and quickly fill open seats.

“Children and their families in our region deserve a better solution,” said Hamilton.

“And their success has widespread impact.

It influences economic, health, and social outcomes for our entire community.”

The Smart2Start application is now available for the 2021 school year. More information can be found at Smart2Start. org.

Join Us on Campus this Spring!

FREE Bilingual Storytime

Middle School Information Session

April 20 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

April

2

7:00-8:00

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R.S.V.P Admissions@CommunitySchool.net or call 540-563-5036.

Open to children ages 3-5.

Enjoy English/Spanish story time, a craft and refreshments.

Putting children at the center of the learning process since 1971.

Serving students ages 3 through middle school.

COMMUNITYSCHOOL.NET

Family • March 2020

55

Learning Disabilities What to Know and What to Do article provided by North Cross

As sure as the sun rises and sets, most kids are going to complain about having to read and do homework. At what point should you, as a parent, be worried that their complaints are a sign of a deeper problem?

If you notice that your elementary-aged child is avoiding homework, is easily distracted from the task at hand, or takes a long time to complete their nightly assignments, it might be time to dig a little deeper.

Other cues may also indicate that your child’s situation is more complicated than typical “homework woes” or an aversion to reading. You may be surprised to learn that the quality of a child’s working memory (the brain’s ability to hold onto information for a short period to use it in some way) is linked to learning differences. If you have noticed that your child has a hard time remembering directions or following directions with more than one step, along with other red flags, this might be a sign of a learning difference.

Though all children learn at different speeds, if you, as a parent, are noticing persistent patterns that prevent your child from enjoying school and succeeding, you should take the steps necessary to get to the bottom of the issue.

First, talk to your child’s teacher. He or she will have a good understanding of your child’s academic performance and their relative success when compared to their peers. If questions still remain about the source of your child’s struggle, seek professional help. An educational psychologist will be able to administer a thorough evaluation and identify your child’s progress, abilities and deficits.

By diagnosing a learning disability early on, remediation for these differences is much more effective—and faster. “Remediation” refers to a set of strategies a child is taught in order to deal with his or her learning difference so they can succeed in a traditional classroom. While a student may be offered a set of accommodations for their specific learning disability, remediation is the only way to offer these students lasting tactics for coping. It’s

like the difference between a lifevest and learning to swim: Accommodations, like reading to a student or allowing them extra time or a quiet room in which to take a test, make the necessary allowances for your child’s disability, but do not address the root of the problem.

“When students come to us in the early grades, it makes such a difference in helping improve their ability to contribute and succeed in their daily classroom lives,” notes Kit Prillaman, teacher and director of the CrossWalk Program at North Cross School. At CrossWalk, remediation and accommodations go hand in hand to help each student progress.

“A young child’s brain hasn’t yet landed on the best way to understand and dissect the written language, so we’re able to help give them the tools to make sense of language in a way that we know works for them,” she adds. “Additionally, outside of CrossWalk, their teachers are made aware of what they need in terms of accommodations to help them succeed in class.”

What does remediation look like? At CrossWalk, the teachers employ the OrtonGillingham (OG) approach to remediation.

This cognitive strategy, comprised of systematic multisensory techniques, is seen as the “gold standard” in instructing students with language-based learning differences.

Because OG is an approach and not a prescribed curriculum, it is tailored to each student’s needs. Prillaman adds, “Each child is unique, so having a method of instruction that allows for a lot of flexibility is critical.

We meet each student where they are and repeat and review skills to achieve mastery.

The OG approach is called an ‘approach’ because it truly is adaptable to each child and changes with them. Think of it as a map, and depending on where a child turns, a new road may appear that requires a new set of directions.”

CrossWalk is ideally situated on the North Cross campus, an independent preK-grade 12 school, where enrolled students with a diagnosed learning disability meet daily during the school day to work with their instructor in the CrossWalk space. “Our location also helps us easily stay in touch with our students’ homeroom teachers so we can share the strategies that work for each student,” Prillaman says.

These strategies, along with in-class accommodations, help remove the barriers that previously caused these students frustration and poor self esteem in the classroom. “These kids are incredibly bright,” Prillaman adds, “Most people don’t realize that having a learning difference has absolutely no relationship to an individual’s IQ. In fact, some of these students end up being gifted in other areas because they are so used to coming up with creative ‘work-arounds’ for everyday obstacles; they are the epitome of creative problem solvers.”

Think of it as a map, and depending on where a child turns, a new road may appear that requires a new set of directions.

“Our approach gives meaning to what our students are learning by weaving together tactile (touch), visual and audible memories,” she describes. As the International Dyslexia Association points out in an article detailing multisensory language instruction: “Teachers and their students rely on all three pathways for learning rather than focusing on a whole word memory method, a tracing method, or a phonetic method alone.”

Discovering whether your child has simply a lackluster affection with homework or a diagnosable learning disability can offer a great deal of relief, not only to the student but to the family as well. “Very soon after she started at CrossWalk, we saw a nightand-day difference in her enthusiasm and excitement to go to school,” remembers parent Kelly Dalaski whose daughter started

Family • March 2020

57

in the program three years ago in fourth grade. “No longer were we fighting to get her ready in the morning, or hammering her to do homework every night. CrossWalk not only helped her with her reading and writing, it took away a lot of stress in our family’s day-to-day life. She was confident.

She was herself again. I had my kid back.”

What’s a parent to do?

Talk to your child’s teacher. Teachers are your best window into your child’s academic life. Find out how long assignments should take and if they have noticed your child struggling in class. Kids who are challenged with a learning difference tend to figure out how to “fly under the radar” to avoid unwanted attention. Their teacher may not be completely aware there is a problem, but they may have noticed some withdrawn behavior. They may also see your concern as motivation to personalize your child’s instruction further.

Don’t do the work for them. Stepping in and helping is one thing, completing their homework to alleviate anxiety and avoid an argument is detrimental. It is a band-aid approach that won’t address or solve the larger problem.

Be patient. A lot of children with learning differences are very aware of their challenges and might be embarrassed that they cannot keep up with their classmates.

This can cause anxiety which may manifest itself in increased behavior problems or a dislike of school. Encouraging your child through patient guidance and positive reinforcement will help increase their self confidence and give them an ally as your family navigates the next steps.

Seek help. Save notes of your child’s progress to show to your child’s school administration or an outside professional.

If you have written letters of concern, or emails to teachers, save them also.

You should request to have your child tested at the school. If you are not able to have this done, you should obtain a private evaluation. The Federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, was amended in 2004 to give parents and guardians of children in public schools the right to request an evaluation for a child when there is a suspicion that a child has a disability. This evaluation can provide the proof needed to obtain the instruction your child needs.

Common Learning Differences

Dyslexia The most common learning disability in the U.S., people with dyslexia usually have trouble making the connection between letters and sounds and have difficulty with spelling and recognizing words. Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. Dyslexia is not something a person grows out of or a condition that gets better on its own with age.

Dysgraphia A child who has trouble writing or has very weak handwriting skills may have dysgraphia. This disorder may cause a child to be tense and twist awkwardly when holding a pen or pencil. You may notice him or her using the same words repeatedly in the same assignment.

Dyscalculia Signs of this disability include problems understanding basic arithmetic concepts, such as fractions, number lines, and positive and negative numbers.

Think outside the book.

NORTH CROSS SCHOOL was founded on the belief that a classroom is a concept, not a room. With small groups, teachers are inspired and empowered to curate lessons, not follow them. Children pursue their best selves in a community that supports and respects curiosity and imagination.

With programs designed to engage, question and surprise, every North Cross graduate is a product of our ceaseless evaluation of what works—and, a commitment to embrace what’s next.

BEST OF 2018

Voted Best Private School and Preschool in the Valley for four years running.

More happens here.

NORTH CROSS SCHOOL · A PRIVATE, NON-SECTARIAN JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 PREPARATORY SCHOOL DAY & BOARDING PROGRAM · ROANOKE, VIRGINIA · WWW.NORTHCROSS.ORG

58

Family • March 2020

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Rachel’s Reads

by Rachel Levine

Stress is a normal and unavoidable part of life. Pressures from school, homework, extracurricular activities, and relationships can all feel like too much for our kids. Part of our job as parents is to help our children find healthy ways to manage the stress they experience. By giving our children tools to handle the stress in their lives, we can help them to become more resilient. The following books are helpful tools families can use to begin the conversation and start learning stress management skills together, because—let’s be honest—us parents could use a few more tools in our anti-stress toolbox too! Keep a lookout for A Smart Girl’s Guide: Worry in Little Free Libraries around Roanoke!

Wemberly Worried

incredibly intense worry can feel for kids.

Wemberly is an expert worrier. You name it, she worries about it. Danger and disaster loom everywhere she looks. Will the playground equipment fail? Will she leave her doll somewhere?

Will there be enough cake for everyone at her birthday party? And now, Wemberly has a new challenge ahead: her first day of school.

Wemberly’s worries go into hyperdrive until she gets to school and finds a friend who understands and helps her refocus. Henkes’ thoughtful story and expressive drawings expertly capture how

American Girl’s A Smart Girl’s Guide: Worry

by Judy Woodburn and Nancy Holyoke

by Kevin Henkes

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Family • March 2020

The A Smart Girl’s Guide series by American Girl has a book for almost every issue preteen girls struggle with, and they are all well done. A Smart Girl’s Guide: Worry is no exception. It is written in an approachable style that feels like you’re getting advice from your kind big sister. Magazine-style quizzes and fun illustrations draw kids in and keep them engaged. The information is

top-notch and covers the nature of worry, stress, perfectionism, and fear, while teaching practical skills to help manage stress and worry.

This book is a must-have for girls ages 9 to 12. I just wish there was a version that would appeal to boys, too.

Breathe Like a Bear

by Kira Willey Mindfulness activities for preschoolers? How could you ever get them to pay attention? Well, Breathe Like a Bear’s author, Kira Willey has found a way.

This incredible collection has exercises for calming, focusing, reenergizing, and relaxing. Each exercise takes only a minute or two, and almost of all them involve the imagination. You can drink a cup of hot chocolate, act out a rainstorm, breathe like a snake, fly like a bumblebee, or float like a cloud. This delightful book makes meditation accessible for the very young in a fun and joyful way.

Calm Mindfulness for Kids

by Wynne Kinder Do you have a visual or kinesthetic learner at home? If so, this book is for you! Large photos show real kids practicing deepbreathing exercises. The kids demonstrate each activity in step-by-step photographs that make the directions clear and easy to understand. In between the breathing exercises are instructions for hands-on projects that promote mindfulness, including glitter jars, breathing buddies, energy slime, gratitude chains, and bubble wands. Calm Mindfulness shows that mindfulness can be both enjoyable and creative. As a

bonus, the included projects offer wonderful opportunities for some family memory-making!

The energy slime was a HUGE hit at our house.

Sitting Still Like a Frog

by Eline Snel Mindfulness as a way to reduce stress is a new (or newish) skill for most adults. Sitting Still Like a Frog is a parenting book that explains the whys of meditation, provides tools on how

to integrate mindfulness into your life as a parent, and teaches you how to share this new knowledge with your child. It’s a quick read, with just over 100 pages, and is packed full of information. As an extra bonus, a CD is included with 11 different guided meditations to help get you started. This is a wonderful introduction to meditation that can help make mindfulness a part of one’s family culture.

Family • March 2020

61

Kid’s Fun Pages That Sneaky Leprechaun needs more clovers for his hat- can you help him find his way along the maze?

Magic Math Problem With a little Irish Luck, our leprechaun can predict the answer to this math problem- no matter what number you choose!

1. Choose a number, any number!

2. Multiply the number by 100.

3. Subtract the original number from the answer.

4. Add the digits in your answer.

5. Check under the magical Leprechaun’s pot of gold for the answer.

Your answer will be 18.

Bring in this completed puzzle to Firehouse Skate before April 15th, and receive 50% off skating or playground.

Ages 12 and under - One Coupon per person 62

Family • March 2020

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Supplies: •

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2. Leave the first glass empty.

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4. Place two ¼ cups of water into the third cup.

5. Place three ¼ cups of water into the fourth cup.

6. Place four ¼ cups of water into Play a song! Each color is a different note, and you may be able to play some simple songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

Try blowing over the tops of the glasses instead of hitting them. Does the sound change? Are the same glasses still the lowest and highest?

the fifth cup.

7. Place five ¼ cups of water into the sixth cup.

8. Place six ¼ cups of water into the seventh cup.

9. Place seven ¼ cups of water into the eighth cup.

10. If desired, add 1-2 drops 64

Family • March 2020

Try changing the sound by adding or removing water. Are there some water levels that sound better than others?

YOU CAN DO IT

of food coloring to each

should have its own sound.

container—our favorite

Which glass has the lowest

thing to do is to add color in

sound and which one has the

rainbow order, starting with violet and moving through

highest?

12. Try tapping the glasses with

blue, green, yellow, orange

the different kinds of spoons,

and red.

or even with your hands. Does

11. Tap each glass with the

the sound change?

wooden spoon. Each glass

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Sound is made up of vibrations called sound waves, which we hear. Lower sounds or lower pitches are caused by things vibrating slowly. As vibrations speed up, the pitch or sound gets higher. When you tap the glass, the water inside vibrates, causing a sound. The glass with the most water vibrates more slowly, causing a lower sound, whereas the empty glass has the fastest vibrations and so has the highest pitch.

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April 25• Salem Civic Center • 10am-3p

FREE Admission

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Saturday April 25th 10 AM - 3 PM Salem Civic Center

discover local businesses dedicated to serving families!

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with face painting, live performances, inflatables, scavenger hunt, character appearances and more!