leading off: publisher’s note
Hello at home, Roanoke families! We come to you this month 100% through the magic of the internet — no physical copies for our May issue, in an effort to keep everyone safe. We plan to be back in tangible form for June, though!
The COVID-19 lockdown hasn’t been easy for families — trust us, we know — but one of the reasons our region has seen comparatively little of the virus is your continued perseverance. So good job, and keep on social distancing, face-covering, and hand-washing, because it’s working!
We are here for you as you continue to do work and school and everything from home. Remember to check out Roanoke Valley Kids, our digital magazine with resources you need right now — from educational videos to family entertainment, from
activities to crafts to school information.
In this issue, the votes have been tallied and it’s time to take a look at the winners of the 2020 Family Favorite Awards! Next month, we’ll turn our attention to the Valley’s high school seniors in honor of their graduation. We’re excited to recognize and celebrate the hard work students throughout our area have put in to achieve this milestone!
Love from our family to yours,
The Eagan Family
Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn
Contact 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 tracy@virginiafamily.com
• Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom
Community Relations Director
Jeanne Lawrence jeanne@virginiafamily.com • Parker and Connor’s Mom
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
Contributors
Kimberly Emory • Sandi Schwartz
Susan Baldani • Lesley Butterfield-Harrop Rachel Levine • Jacqueline Moon
We welcome reader comments, submissions, and the support of advertisers.
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.
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.
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© Copyright 2020 Mofat Publishing /roanokevalleyfamily @rvfamilymag @roanokefamily /growingupinthevalley
Submit Your Ideas
Share your story ideas with us by emailing jackie@virginiafamily.com
Our family at Hollywood Studios - right before the Pandemic, February 28th.
Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.
Inside May
12 Fun At Home
While we can’t gather for our annual festivals or parties in the park, you can celebrate fun holidays throughout May with our Fun at Home Calendar!
10 Teacher of the Month
Virtual School still needs real teachers and we think they are even more amazing now!
16 Enduring Endometriosis
A local woman shares her story of dealing with pain, fatigue and frustration about how little is known about her condition, endometriosis.
28 Words & Phrases of Coronavirus
Roanoke City Manager, Bob Cowell, shares his message of hope and inspiration as the local area deals with the cascading effects of the Conoravirus response.
40 Rachel’s Reads
This month we honor legendary children’s book author, Tomie dePaola.
34 Virginia Commonwealth Games
Virginia Amateur Sports will still host this summer’s games. Find out more.
36 Home Buying and Selling during Covid-19
42 Activity Pages
Can you spot all 10 differences in our picture puzzle or complete our animal crossword?
Teenagers & Cats
They are the exact same thing, and we can prove it.
Read on page 27
Anxiety in Children
Can you recognize the signs and symptoms of an anxious child?
Read on page 38
‘Noke in the
Noteworthy news from around the Valley
Support the Community
Take-Out Tuesdays
Every Tuesday is Takeout Tuesday to Support Local Restaurants! Go to visitroanokeva.com/covid19 for interactive maps of restaurants throughout the region that offer takeout, curbside, and delivery service. Remember that purchasing gift cards to restaurants that can be used at a later date is another great way to show your support!
The Roanoke Kiwanis Club invites the public to attend their now virtual weekly Club meetings. Attendance is free of charge, no obligation, and does not require providing any personal information whatsoever. Roanoke Kiwanis has been serving the Roanoke community for 100 years, is one of the largest and most active Kiwanis Clubs in the world, and would be delighted to provide an hour of civic engagement to all who are interested. Community service is what they do — and what they continue to do during a pandemic. Their membership includes civic, nonprofit, and corporate leaders, as well as motivated area residents. Each Club meeting addresses Club business and includes a noteworthy speaker. Visit their website at roanokekiwanis.org for information about attending their weekly virtual meetings. Missing Your Local Library?
Do you need something new to read? Remember that you can install the Libby app on your smartphone for free and have access to the library’s digital collection in no time! It’s easy to use and you can read directly on your phone.
Watch out for frauds and scams related COVID-19! Scams are coming in the forms of text messages, emails, and phone calls, including:
• Treatment scams purporting to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
• Supply scams with fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, like surgical masks.
• Provider scams that contact people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
• Charity scams soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
• Phishing scams posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and sending emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
• App scams that manipulate apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 by inserting malware on your device that will compromise your personal information.
• Investment scams offering online promotions claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19.
SCAM ALERT! SCAM ALERT! Race Rescheduled Way to Go!
The local Orvis operations center is utilizing its resources to help the community. Using the part of their facility where they would normally personalize Orvis gear, they’ve implemented the small-scale manufacturing of face masks for the Rescue Mission. They’re currently producing 200 a day and ramping up to 300-400 masks per day. They’ve also ramped up the fly fishing learning center webpage so you can virtually hone your skills or even learn fly fishing basics right from your computer at howtoflyfish.orvis.com .
Global Youth Service Day
On Saturday, April 18, kids all over the world, including right here in our hometowns, took part in Global Youth Service Day. While folks were stuck at home, Family Service of Roanoke Valley encouraged children and teens to do at-home community service activities.
One Roanoke teen, Brooklyn Morgan, painted inspirational quote sheets and made cards for the elderly in nursing homes for her service project. “It’s just nice to
know you can do a little bit in this chaos. It’s really nice — it warms my heart,” Morgan said.
“I feel for everyone who’s had their lives just turned upside down, and this is just such a great way to do something positive and feel connected,” Sarah Lawrence, Youth Development Program Manager for Family Service of Roanoke Valley, said. Other service projects include writing letters to children at local homeless shelters and writing thank-you notes to those on the front lines.
(Written by Lindsay Cayne, WDBJ7 reporter. Reprinted with permission.)
IRONMAN announced on Friday, April 10, that the inaugural Carilion Clinic IRONMAN 70.3 Virginia’s Blue Ridge triathlon will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2021. The event was originally scheduled for this summer, June 7, 2020, but was postponed because of concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. More details regarding the 2021 race will be available in the coming weeks. Refer to ironman.com for more details.
Congratulations to our May teacher of the month, Stephanie Huff! Mrs. Huff is a third-grade PLATO teacher at Highland Park Elementary in Roanoke City.
Teacher of the Month Stephanie Huff
Flipgrid, a platform where students can respond in video form to teach others about a topic or show what they know about a given topic.”
Third grade, she says, is a “pivotal moment in a student’s school career, where they become a ‘big kid.’” It’s her favorite part of teaching this age group; the kids change and grow so much during this year.
Mrs. Huff started teaching 28 years ago and has been in the PLATO classroom for eight years. While she’s taught all subjects over the years, this year, she’s teaching math to two classes. (When she was in third grade herself, Mrs. Huff’s best subject was reading. She says, “I teach math in hopes that my students will be better at it than I was at that age!”) She also teaches language arts, spelling, science, and social studies to her homeroom. Of course, now that schools are shut down, Mrs. Huff is using Zoom, email, and more virtual tools to teach her classes.
“We’ve distributed novels, paper packets on reading and math, and a logic packet for gifted learners,” she says. Her students log in to their Clever portal to find links and apps — including Highland Park’s very own YouTube channel. “Our newest tool is
If you can imagine a room full of twenty or so eight-year-olds, you might wonder how one teacher can hold the attention necessary for learning, especially during the year SOLs start up. Her tactic? “I create lessons I would enjoy doing myself. I like to keep students active and engaged. I also share lots of stories about myself at that age, as well as tales of my two grown sons.”
It works. Just take it from one of her current students, Alasdair Hackworth, who nominated her for this teacher of the month recognition. “Mrs. Huff is nice and makes learning fun, especially when we get to do STEM activities.”
in their classrooms! That, or working with animals. (One of the things she loves doing when she isn’t at school is spending time with her pets — her dogs, Daisy and Lavender, and four cats.)
Of all the lessons Mrs. Huff teaches her students, the one she hopes sticks the most is that they be problem-solvers. “I also want them to learn it’s okay to make mistakes,” she adds, “and to dream big.”
Sometimes, the lessons we learn from our mistakes can be humorous, like when one student recently tried to “save” their popsicle for later in their lunch box. “A great lesson was learned that day,” Mrs. Huff says.
Mrs. Huff doesn’t teach music, so her students might be surprised to know that when she was in high school, she played the flute and was even the drum major in the band!
“I want them to learn it’s okay to make mistakes, and to dream big.”
The 1989 film Steel Magnolias is Mrs. Huff’s favorite movie, and it’s also the source of her favorite quote: “I’d rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” She also loves reading mysteries and watching shows that are suspenseful or that make her laugh. “I also like to see Tom Brady play football, cheer on UVA basketball, and hang with my family and teacher friends.”
Lesson planning is absolutely Mrs. Huff’s forte. As a matter of fact, if she wasn’t a teacher, she says she’d be creating lessons for teachers to use
We love educators like Stephanie Huff, who make learning fun and engaging, whose classrooms are places of warmth and laughter, and whose passion for teaching makes a real difference in the lives of our kids and communities.
Nom inatedbyAlasdair
Hackwo rth
I MADE A PROMISE .
tomymother tomysister tomydaughter tomypartner tomyfriend to the future to me
tomymother tomysister tomydaughter tomypartner tomyfriend to the future to me
tomymother tomysister tomydaughter tomypartner tomyfriend to the future to me
May 1
School Lunch Hero Day
While our children may not be in school buildings, every school system is working to make sure they are fed! If you see a school lunch worker either delivering or preparing meals, be sure to thank them! Your family can create yard signs or draw chalk apples on the sidewalks to show their appreciation.
May 5
Cinco De Mayo
May 6
National Nurse’s Day
Lego Build-a-Thon
Split your family into teams and each build a bridge structure at least 8 inches long and 4 inches tall. Use canned vegetables and see which bridge design can hold the most weight!
FUN at HOME
Can your family build a Lego tower tall as the tallest family member? How tall can each family member build a tower in 60 seconds?
Cinco De Mayo landed on Taco Tuesday this year! Celebrate Mexico’s independence day with delicious Mexican food. You can learn how to make homemade tortillas on our Cooking with Kids page! After dinner, gather together and watch Disney’s Coco.
Roanoke Valley Family Magazine wants to thank all the nurses in our area keeping our families and friends healthy and safe. Your hardwork is often overlooked, but we all know you devote your time to our health. The best way to show our thanks to the local medical professionals right now is to stay home, wash our hands often, and wear masks or bandanas when it’s necessary to go out.
May 7
World Password Day
Nearly every home is dealing with virtual meetings, tele-medical appointments, and distance learning, and our technology has never been at more of a risk. Today, take the time to secure your accounts by updating your passwords. Don’t forget to update your security questions and recovery information as well. Many children
Transcendent Mozart
NEW DATE
JUNE 26 • 6:00 PM
Shaftman Performance Hall Jefferson Center
Recreate a board game board with Lego pieces, and then play the game! Sorry, Chutes & Ladders and Battleship work well!
Have a family mamber strike a pose as the rest of the family tries to recreate their likeness with bricks. The poser then judges and awards the winner.
Play Build-a-nary. One player creates an everyday object or famous character out of bricks while the others on their team attempt to guess correctly. Remember — no talking!
Memorial Day is May 25
Create a cereal box float and share it on our instagram @ Roanoke.Family #RoanokeFamily
have email, video conference and document sharing accounts now too, so make sure you’re following your school’s guidelines with their passwords and they understand the importance of keeping that information safe.
May 9
National Mini-Golf Day
Have your children create simple mini-golf courses with recyclable materials such as toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes and packaging supplies. We’d love to see your creations on our Facebook page!
May 10
Mother’s Day
Honor the mothers in your life today. In this time of quarantine, nearly every motherfigure we know would love a day of rest and peace (and maybe even some alone time).
May 11
Eat What You Want Day
Throw out the meal planners, forget the diets. Today, eat what you want. Do you want breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast? You do you!
May 15
Pizza Party Day
It’s time for a national pizza party! You can make one at home or order from your favorite local delivery place and join in on the fun!
May 20
National Dog Rescue Day
We know these furry goofballs are a part of the family! Take your fluffster out on an extra long walk today, and maybe sneak a dog-safe treat or two. Don’t have a dog? Have a dog-themed movie marathon by watching Beethoven, The Incredible Journey, Bolt and Up!
“While it’s not littlekid friendly, we’ve been enjoying Netflix’s Locke & Key after the kids go to bed. It’s a slightly horror mystery series. Great for fans of Stranger Things.”
Josh Eagan Publisher
“My family cannot get enough of Nailed It and the Great British Bake-Off, both on Netflix. Though be warned, both shows make us crave cake!”
NEW DATE
JUNE 19 - 7:30 PM
Salem Civic Center
Tracy Fisher Creative Director
•
•
•
• College preparatory environment
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• Diverse arts offerings
• Affordable tuition and needbased financial aid
•
Ingredients:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup lukewarm water
Directions:
1. Mix the flour, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Add the oil and water and mix well until the dough starts to come away from the sides of the bowl and form a ball.
3. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for 3 to 5 minutes or until dough is smooth. Add a little more flour if it is too sticky.
4. Shape the dough into a sausage shape about 40cm long.
5. Divide the dough in half and half again and so on until you have 16 pieces roughly the same size.
6. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it out with the palm of your hand.
7. Cover the dough pieces with a clean tea towel and allow them to rest for 15 minutes.
8. Heat a large frying pan over mediumhigh heat.
9. Working on one at a time, roll out each dough piece on a lightly floured surface (or try a tortilla press if you are making a big batch). Try to get them nice and thin.
10. Place the dough circle into the hot frying pan and cook for 1 minute or until a few golden brown spots appear on the underside. Some bubbles will also start to form on top.
11. Flip the tortilla over and cook for another 30 seconds. If the tortillas are browning too fast, turn the heat down a little.
12. Remove the tortilla from the pan and place in a large zip seal plastic bag or covered container. This will keep them flexible and warm.
13. Repeat steps 9 to 12 with the remaining dough circles.
14. Serve warm with your favorite taco fillings.
Unusual Tortilla Fillings
“My hope, is that others with this illness can get a proper diagnosis and the care and treatment they deserve as quickly as possible.”
Enduring Endometriosis
by Jacqueline Moon
No matter your level of familiarity with endometriosis, you’ve probably heard some untruths about the disease. Some of it is old info that is no longer considered accurate, some is lazy journalism, and some is misinformation spread by well-meaning (or even less-well-meaning) physicians. The people with endometriosis, however — well, they understand the truths quite clearly. And the truth matters because millions of women in the United States suffer from the disease and are ignored time and again.
Okay, so what is endometriosis?
The lack of understanding with this common illness needs to be cleared up. Here’s what endometriosis is, as explained by Roanoker Laura Ann Mericle, who has been living with it for years: It’s a “disease in which tissue that’s similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside of the uterus.”
So then, it’s a woman’s pelvic problem — like really bad cramps?
Mericle gives an emphatic no. “It isn’t just a pelvic disease, because it affects the whole body. It has been proven to affect every organ and structure in the body except the spleen.” And while endometriosis has been waved away as a case of “killer cramps,” even by doctors, it is absolutely not that simple.
There certainly is pelvic pain involved, but
the symptoms a woman with endometriosis can experience are many. “Common ones,” says Mericle, “are pelvic cramps, back pain, bowel and bladder pain, constipation/ diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, infertility, heavy periods, and painful sex. It can have a lot of co-existing conditions, as well, like interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, PCOS, fibromyalgia, and adenomyosis, to name a few.”
“Personally,” she goes on, “I have it on my bladder, both ureters, bowels, uterosacral ligaments, ovaries, and much more. The pain and symptoms are debilitating and affect every aspect of my life. It has robbed me of my education and career goals. I have lost friends and loved ones because of it. Over the last decade, I have had six surgeries in an attempt to find relief, along with countless procedures, medications, and even hormone injections like Lupron and Depo-Provera — which have proven to be damaging and ineffective, considering endometriosis creates its own estrogen. Bloating is another issue. Endometriosis bloat, or endo belly, is what we call it when our abdomen swells up due to inflammation. It happens drastically and in an instant. We can go from nothing to looking like we’re seven months pregnant in a matter of minutes.”
According to the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta, Georgia, endometriosis can spread to the lungs, diaphragm, lower back,
hips, buttocks, and other areas. It also isn’t just a grown woman’s disease; girls can have endometriosis too — even ones who aren’t menstruating yet.
Why is there such a lack of understanding?
“Federal funding has largely ignored endometriosis, leaving research stymied, misunderstanding rampant in the medical community, and patients with huge bills not covered by insurance,” The Guardian’s Jessica Glenza reported in 2015. “The sheer scale of the disease puts its number of sufferers on par with well-known ‘quality of life’ maladies such as diabetes, which impacts roughly 13.4 million women according to US Centers for Disease Control figures.”
The most common reason women with endometriosis first head to the doctor is chronic pelvic pain. The problem is that a lot of things can cause pelvic pain, and there isn’t a checklist doctors can go down to determine whether or not the issue is endometriosis. The only way endometriosis can be diagnosed is through surgery. That’s why most women who have the disease (a full three-fourths of them) are misdiagnosed. They go on to suffer intense pain for an average of seven to
Signs & Symptoms of Endometriosis
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. You may also have lower back and abdominal pain.
Pain with intercourse.
Pain during or after sex is common with endometriosis.
Pain with bowel movements or urination. You’re most likely to experience these symptoms during a menstrual period.
Excessive bleeding. You may experience occasional heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding).
Infertility. Sometimes, endometriosis is first diagnosed in those seeking treatment for infertility.
You may experience fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea, especially during menstrual periods.
Source: mayoclinic.org
ten years before ever getting an accurate diagnosis — and long-term damage results.
“Doctors are dismissive of symptoms,” says Mericle, “especially in younger girls. Most pediatricians, gastroenterologists, ob/gyns, and even school nurses are not equipped with the proper knowledge to know when endometriosis is a possibility or what to do about it. I missed so much school, spending day after day during my middle and high school years in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. I was dismissed, lied to, and neglected. My pediatrician brushed my symptoms off as constipation and told me to exercise more. I’ve learned over the years that this is all too common a dismissal for women with endometriosis. I suffered from symptoms for four years before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis. Even after finally being diagnosed, the medical mistreatment didn’t end. Some doctors even refuse to see patients if they hear the word endometriosis. After a decade, I had to move because of the lack of medical care provided where I lived.”
How is it fixed?
Endometriosis has no cure. Mericle says, “If a doctor tells you that a pregnancy, hysterectomy, or any medications will ‘cure’ your endometriosis, you need a new doctor.”
What can be done is surgical removal, or excision, of the endometriomas. One of the top gynecological surgeons performing these surgeries is Ken Sinervo at Atlanta’s CEC. “Many surgeons claim to be excision specialists, when they are, in fact, not. People travel to the CEC from all over the world for proper expert excision surgery,” says Mericle. “I’m currently in the process of trying to make a surgery happen there.”
Excision by laparoscopy is an advanced technique that requires specialized training. Extreme competency is also required in recognizing the endometriomas; if any are missed, endometriosis continues.
What should we do?
Education and awareness are the keys here. Educate yourself, and when you hear someone repeat an endometriosis myth, gently correct them. Help raise awareness for the sake of the millions who deal with this agonizing illness.
How does endometriosis happen?
Some articles and television media (and even endometriosis foundations!) have said the disease is a result of backflow menstruation implanting pieces of endometrium tissue (the lining of the womb that is shed when a woman menstruates) in places outside the uterus. The thing is, that’s not what it is at all. Endometrium tissue is structurally different from the growths found in endometriosis (which are called endometriomas).
The truth is that we don’t actually know the exact cause of endometriosis. There is some evidence that affected women have had endometriosis their entire lives — even in utero — but that rising estrogen levels during puberty trigger the symptoms. There may be a genetic component to the disease, but more research is necessary, and again, funding for that research is lacking.
“The amount of damage endometriosis does to a girl’s or woman’s body is tremendous,” says Mericle, “especially the longer it takes to have it properly removed, and with all the failed surgeries most of us have along the way. Failed surgeries, harmful medications, and a lifetime of pain and suffering just trying to live one day from the next is no real life. Spreading false definitions and misinformation leads to delays in treatment and proper awareness.”
If you have questions about what it’s like to live with endometriosis, write to me at jackie@virginiafamily.com. I’ll put you in touch with Laura Ann Mericle, who is passionate about getting the truth out there. “My hope,” she says, “is that others with this illness can get a proper diagnosis and the care and treatment they deserve as quickly as possible.” You can also follower her on Instagram at @ livingwithendometriosis_ (don’t forget the dash at the end!).
Congratulations to the Class of 2020
Though we cannot celebrate your accomplishments in person, we want to honor your hard work! Visit www.roanoke.family to submit your senior photo to be mentioned in our June issue.
Favorite Performance Venue
Mill Mountain Theatre
1 Market Square, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5740 millmountain.org
Favorite Museum
KIDS Square
1 Market Square, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5777 kidssquare.org
Favorite Weekend Trip
Gatlinburg, TN gaitlinburg.com
Favorite Local Professional Sports Team
Salem Red Sox
1008 Texas St, Salem, VA (540) 389-3333 salemsox.com
WINNER!
Favorite Museum
Kids Square Children’s Museum
The Don and Barbara Smith Children’s Museum - Kids Square exists to further Center in the Square’s mission to enhance education, economic development and quality of life by providing a premier destination where curiosity is stimulated. Families are motivated to explore, play and learn together in a hands-on learning environment. Kids Square serves as a necessary community resource that is well-funded and well-supported by the community. The 15,000-square-foot museum is home to a kids-sized town, a forest, theater, building zone, 811 zone, sensory cove, black light exhibit and more.
Favorite Festival
Community School Strawberry Festival
Elmwood Park, Roanoke, VA strawberryfestivalroanoke.org
Favorite Attraction or Entertainment Venue
Berglund Center
710 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 853-2241 theberglundcenter.com
Favorite Food Truck
Mama Crocketts Donuts
500 5th Street, Lynchburg, VA (434) 215-3275 mamacrocketts.com
Favorite Pizza Place
New York Pizza
708 Hardy Road, Vinton, VA (540) 342-2933 newyorkpizzainc.tripod.com
Favorite Ice Cream Shop
Blue Cow Ice Cream
1115 Piedmont St, Roanoke, VA (540) 400-8558 bluecowicecream.com
Favorite Hamburger Joint
Farmburguesa
Vinton and Grandin Village (540) 595-7778 and (540) 566-3377 farmburguesa.com
Favorite Family Restaurant
Famous Anthony’s
Multiple Locations throughout VA (540) 772-1023 famousanthonys.com
Favorite Date Night Restaurant
Billy’s
102 Market Street, Roanoke, VA (540) 206-3353 billysroanoke.com
Favorite Kids’ Menu
Famous Anthony’s
Multiple Locations throughout VA (540) 772-1023 famousanthonys.com
Favorite Party Entertainment
Launching Pad
1300 Intervale Drive, Salem, VA (540) 404-9235 launchingpadsalem.com
Favorite Party Spot
Bounce Roanoke
3424-C Orange Ave NE, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-7867 bounceroanoke.com
Favorite Place to get Cupcakes
Bubblecake
2073 Colonial Ave. Roanoke, VA (540) 343-2253 bubblecake.com
Favorite Photographer
Delanie McKeel
Roanoke, VA (540) 494-2365 facebook.com/delmckeel
Favorite Place for Children’s Clothes
Once Upon A Child
4092 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-3639
onceuponachildelectricroad.com
Favorite Place for Women’s Clothes
La De Da
102 Church Avenue SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-6131 ladeda.net
Favorite Consignment Shop
Once Upon A Child
4092 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-3639 onceuponachildelectricroad. com
Favorite Consignment Sale
LFA Consignment
Held twice a year at the Berglund Center lfakids.com
Favorite Family Hair Salon
Hair Gallery
26 Tinker Mill Road, Daleville, VA (540) 992-4648
Favorite Teacher
Mrs. Weddle, Round Hill Elementary
Physicians to Women provides women’s health care to adolescents, women of reproductive age, and menopausal women in the Roanoke Valley. As the only privately owned OBGYN practice in the area, we can provide you and your family the best health recommendations regardless of hospital affiliation. Our office has on-site mammography, ultrasound, minor surgical, and laboratory services. Our board-eligible and certified physicians can help you by answering your individual care questions during the day and your emergencies at night. We recognize establishing and continuing care with a medical practice is an important decision and appreciate those who choose better health with us.
North Cross
Founded in 1944, North Cross School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school located in Roanoke, Virginia, that serves children from early childhood through twelfth grade. North Cross provides a rigorous academic curriculum, competitive with the best collegepreparatory schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While we explicitly recognize the importance of intellectual development and academic achievement, we also strive to promote personal integrity, empathy, and responsibility to self and community. Through this, our graduates will act as leaders in the local and global communities, persons of intellectual and moral courage, and scholars in the service of others. The School also houses the CrossWalk Program which, through the Orton-Gillingham approach, teaches students with diagnosed language-based learning disabilities the necessary methods and strategies to thrive in their traditional classrooms. The School offers a boarding program, housed in the historic Boxley Building in downtown Roanoke, for its students in grades eight through twelve.
Favorite Child Care Facility
Honeytree Early Learning Centers
Multiple Locations throughout VA honeytreeelc.com
Favorite Preschool
Bonsack Baptist WEEC
4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 977-0485 bonsackpreschool.com
Favorite Private Elementary School, Middle and High School
North Cross
4254 Colonial Ave, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-6641 northcross.org
Favorite Tutoring Service
Learning and Behavior Specialists
820 Apperson Dr, Salem, VA (540) 389-2223
learningandbehaviorspecialists.com
Favorite Summer Camp
Honeytree Early Learning Centers
Multiple Locations throughout VA
honeytreeelc.com
Favorite Youth Sports Organization
YMCA of VA Blue Ridge
5 Locations throughout SWVA area ymcavbr.org
Favorite Gymnastics/Cheer Facility
Prestige Gymnastics
2726 Lee Hwy., Troutville, VA (540) 759-1403 prestigegymnasticsacademy.com
Favorite Dance Studio
Floyd Ward
1221 E. Washington Ave,Vinton, VA (540) 345-1633 floydwarddance.com
Favorite Martial Arts Studio
Super Kicks Karate
3565 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 384-0770 superkickskarate.net
photo credit: North Cross School Facebook
Favorite Music Program
Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir
1601 S Colorado St, Salem VA (540) 676-7265 childrenschoir.com
Favorite Place for Music Lessons
Hale’s Music School
902 S. College Avenue, Salem, VA (540) 397-0707 halesmusicschool.com
Favorite Family Friendly Gym
YMCA of VA Blue Ridge
5 Locations throughout SWVA area ymcavbr.org
Favorite Place for Swim Lessons
Aquatic Adventures
2007 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-0520 aquaticadventuresswimschool.com
Favorite Car Dealer
First Team Auto Mall
6520 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-4800 floydwarddance.com
Favorite Grocery Store
Kroger
Multiple locations throughout VA kroger.com
Favorite Bank
Freedom First Credit Union
Multiple Locations Throughout Region (540) 389-0244 freedomfirst.com
Favorite Cleaning Service
Cleaner World
679 Brandon Ave SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-2634 acleanerworld.com
Favorite Real Estate Agent
Lori McCaren
1202 Electric Rd, Salem, VA (540) 819-7388 roanokevahomesearch.com
Favorite Real Estate Company
MKB
3801 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-4555 mkbrealtors.com
Favorite Furniture Store
Grand Home Furnishings
902 S. College Avenue, Salem, VA (866) 472-6343 grandhomefurnishings.com
Favorite Insurance Agency
Meador Insurance
3801 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 904-7833 meadorinsurance.com
Geico
4750 Valley View Blvd, Roanoke, VA (540) 985-6550 geico.com
Favorite Home Improvement Business
Northwest Hardware
Multiple Locations Throughout Region
northwesthardware.com
Favorite OB/GYN
Physicians to Women
21 Highland Ave SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 982-8881 ptow.com
Dr. Misty D. Lenk has launched her own dental business from the ground up. Lenk Orthodontics provides care to patients of all ages, from seven to 70 years old. They provide all forms of orthodontic care from braces to aligners to fixed functional appliances. Dr. Lenk values her education and strives to continue the learning process to provide her patients with the most modern and proven types of orthodontic treatment. Dr. Lenk also dedicates between 60-80 hours every school year, giving back to the community in various ways. As a mom of four, she empathizes with struggles of our modern families. Her office strives to run and finish treatments on time, make treatment as affordable as possible, offer numerous payment plan options and provide individualized and gentle care. Her fun, familyfriendly office is open to patients five days a week and it is a convenient location for people not only in Botetourt County but in all surrounding areas.
Favorite Pediatrician
Family Favorite Therapist & Counseling WINNER!
Roanoke Valley Counseling Center
Lasting positive changes are the primary focus of counseling at Roanoke Valley Counseling Center. We invite only the best therapists to join our firm, based on counselling excellence and career specializations. This allows our clients to learn, gain professional insight, experience personal growth, and bring joy back into their lives and relationships. With specialties in EMDR, trauma, anxiety, depression, Christian counseling, electronic dependency, grief, loss, life-cycle issues, marriage, and relationship counseling, we have extensive experience in our chosen areas of expertise. Our commitment to excellence gives us the opportunity to pass that knowledge on to you and your loved ones. Call us today (844) 782-2863.
Physicians To Children 21 Highland Ave SE #100, Roanoke, VA (540) 344-9213 physicians-tochildren.com
Favorite Orthodontist
Dr. Misty Lenk 228 Commons Pkwy, Daleville, VA (540) 966-3990 lenkbraces.com
Favorite Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Corey Sheppard 6112 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, VA (540) 904-7833 roanokepediatricdentistry.com
Favorite Optometrist
Favorite Allergist
Dr. Thomas Fame 1002 Apperson Drive, Salem, VA (540) 404-9598 drtomfame.com
Favorite Chiropractor
Back Resort - Dr. Dan Davidson 1216 Electric Road, Salem, VA (540) 389-2225 backresort.com
Favorite Counselor or Therapist
Roanoke Valley Counseling
2727 Electric Road #103, Roanoke, VA (540) 782-2863 rvcctoday .com
Favorite Pet Boarding
Vinton Vet 1309 E Washington Avenue, Vinton, VA (540) 342-7821 vintonvet.com
Favorite Pet Training
High Hopes 1713 Arlington Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 343-3849
Favorite Veterinary Clinic
Vinton Vet
1309 E Washington Ave, Vinton, VA (540) 342-7821 vintonvet.com
Dr. Neal Jessup 2205 Orange Ave. Roanoke, VA (540) 343-2197 doctorjessup.com
Family Favorite Music Lessons
Hale’s Music School
At Hale’s Music School, our focus is music education through private lessons and group classes for students of all ages and all levels from beginner to advanced. Kris Hale has been teaching music for more than 20 years and opened Hale’s Music School in 2018. Our university educated faculty provide lessons for electric, acoustic, classical and bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, ukulele, piano and keyboard, violin, viola, cello, drum/ percussion, voice, saxophone, flute, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone and music theory. We work to support our students as well as those in the wider community through instrument sales, rentals, repairs and by working with local band directors to ensure that we have what their students need to excel throughout their musical education. New for 2020 ONLINE Music Lessons. See more about our wonderful faculty at www.halesmusicschool.com
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Teens and Cats Are The Same Creatures
It was 11 a.m. on a beautiful Saturday morning. Humming a little ditty about Jack and Diane, I opened the blinds in my teenage son’s room. As the sunlight streamed in, I changed both my volume and my tune, belting out “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi in hopes of waking my sleeping son.
Neither the sunlight nor my singing roused him. He slumbered deeply, his head cockamamie, pretty much at a 90-degree angle to his neck. His limbs splayed under the bed covers in all directions. I glanced at the chair in his room to find our cat snoozing, her belly exposed, legs jutting every which way. Her head was cocked to the side. She was equally as dead to the world.
That’s when it hit me. Teens and cats are the same creatures.
It’s not just sleeping at all hours of the day, in the craziest positions. No, there are a lot of ways my teen and kitty are alike.
For instance, both will swat you away when they don’t want to be touched. Yup, there was that moment the other day when my son’s face looked just like it did when he was a toddler. Lovingly, I reached out to touch his cheek. Swat, swat. Just like, oh, pretty much every time I think it would be nice to pet my cat and she disagrees. Swat, swat.
Then there are all the times I come home from work or the store. I’ve heard dogs welcome you with love and affection. But cats and teens? Nothing. In fact, usually, I call out to both, hoping to see them as I walk through the house. Just when I think my teen must be lying on the floor choking on a pretzel (because why else wouldn’t he answer?) he replies with a subdued “Hi.” Sort of how the cat barely opens her eyes from her nap when I find her.
Of course, that indifference melts away when it’s dinnertime. Suddenly, both teen and cat are extremely affectionate and interested in what I’m doing. “This
lady gives me food!” you can see them both think, the teen hovering around the kitchen as I get out ingredients, the cat winding her way through my legs, purring. Until they realize it’s meatloaf for the teen and Savory Seafood Guts for the cat. Suddenly, I’m persona non grata with such unfathomable mealtime choices. They both sulk away with nary a backward glance.
(I can’t serve pizza and Tantalizing Turkey Paté every night, can I?)
Teens and cats are both night owls, too. While I’m struggling to keep my eyes open after 10 p.m., these two kindred souls are just getting going. Run through the house jumping on the furniture and playing with a dust bunny at 1 a.m.? Check for the cat. Play video games while hooting and hollering at friends through a headpiece at 11 p.m.? Check for the teen. Maybe if the cat and teen just played quietly with each other in the midnight hours I could get some sleep.
I could go on and on about how teens and cats are similar. Both still surprise me with the mess they make after
by Katy M. Clark
eating. They are easily distracted by text messages or bugs, especially if these appear while I am expressing affection to them. Neither one can make a doctor’s appointment and go without me.
Yet, just one look at my teen and my cat and I am filled with love for these amazing creatures. I am proud to be their mom and have them in my life. And those sweet times they tell me they love me, whether through actual words or purring? There is nothing better.
Words and Phrases of the Coronavirus
by Bob Cowell, Roanoke City Manager
We’ve all heard them more times than we probably care to remember and, with most, we have probably uttered them a time or two ourselves. They have become a vocabulary shared worldwide — COVID words and phrases.
COVID Words
Social distancing, PPE, self-isolation, essential workers, flattening the curve, in times such as these, the new normal, and many more. What does it all mean? Will such words and phrases become part of our language or existence? Will they themselves become part of a new normal?
Other Times, Other Words
To gain some perspective, we need not go farther back than September 11, 2001, when similarly the world as we knew it changed overnight. Suddenly words and phrases such as first responder, TSA, homeland, twin towers, and 9/11 became all too common additions to our daily lives, and remain powerful and full of meaning to this day. Even the financial crisis of 2008 created its own lexicon: too big to fail, stimulus, subprime mortgage, and TARP, to mention just a few.
to one another from their balconies, Brits stepping outside and clapping for their healthcare workers, and city skylines and monuments the world over bathed in blue light honoring those tending to the ill. We see this as we walk our neighborhoods, check on our neighbors, and worship virtually. We need each other. Physical distancing, yes; social distancing, never.
Essential work is something I often talk about with new employees at the City, how they have the responsibility and privilege to make a difference in people’s lives every day. This may at times be someone’s actual safety or, at other times, the quality of their life. We have seen recently just how essential the people we often take for granted — clerks, laborers, delivery persons, etc. — are to our very existence.
“By words we learn thoughts, and by thoughts we learn life.” —Jean Baptiste Girard
What I share with the new employees is that while a police officer or firefighter is readily identified as essential, it is a mistake to fail to acknowledge the 911 operator, the mechanic, the technician, the HR clerk, the payroll clerk, the purchasing agent, the attorney, and so many others who make their response possible. The truth is, they are all essential in the delivery of these lifesaving services. So if we can’t rid ourselves of the phrase, can we at least acknowledge its comprehensiveness and honor all it encompasses?
Some Old and Proven Words
How many of the current words and phrases will remain with us after the threat of the virus passes? How many will shape the way we talk about the current times, or even about viruses or pandemics that may yet lie in the future? I want to focus on two particular phrases to offer some thoughts: social distancing and essential worker.
About Two of These
Social distancing seems to be a problematic statement and one, frankly, I wish would leave our vocabulary. While physically distancing ourselves from others is necessary to slow the spread of the virus and ease pressure on our health care system, being socially distant or isolated from one another is the last thing needed at this time. Indeed, for most, it isn’t even an apt description of what is taking place. In many ways, we have never been closer to our family, friends, even those folks we haven’t seen or talked to in years.
Closeness in heart, mind, spirit, and voice is needed now more than ever. We see this portrayed by Italians singing
I don’t know what lies ahead in our struggle with the coronavirus, what words and phrases may yet be spoken, or what will remain long after, and how we and our places may be altered as a result. I do know words have meaning, convey values and significance, and help us manage through challenging times. Along with selfisolation, flattening the curve and COVID, I hope we find a place for a few old and proven words and phrases such as hope, compassion, honor, love, and kindness. Stay strong and healthy, Roanoke!
Budget-Friendly Backyard Acvtivities
by Dolores Smith
“Mom, I’m bored!”
Those three words strung together can trigger waves of anxiety and eye-rolls in any parent, especially during the summer months when a child’s daily schedule is wide open.
If summer camp isn’t a feasible option, your patience may have peaked to the point where you’re tempted to jump ship and let the kids get glassy-eyed for hours in front of their screen of choice.
If you’re looking for another option, look no further than your own backyard for enjoyable and affordable ways to have summer fun. Here are six budget-friendly activities to keep your kids busy having a blast in your own yard.
Set up an obstacle course. Backyard obstacle courses are loads of fun, can be easy or elaborate depending on the age of the child, and can consist entirely of objects you already own. For younger children, an obstacle course can include:
Hula hoops to hop in and out of Buckets to weave around slalom-style Yoga mats spread on the grass for forward rolls
A low balance beam to walk across Balls to toss into laundry baskets
An inflatable pool to jump into at the end of the course
For older kids, a more challenging course can consist of:
Folding tables to crawl under Planters to jump over
Water balloons to transport by spoon without dropping
Balls to toss into boxes of decreasing size
A hose to knock down items lined up on a table
Newspaper pages to place underfoot with each step while racing across the yard toward the finish line!
Channel a classic with a game of lawn Twister. To make a grass-version of this classic game, purchase cans of marking spray paint in red, blue, yellow, and green from your local hardware store.
Use a plate to trace a “Twister dot” on a piece of cardboard or poster board. Trace a small circle for the smaller hands and feet of young children or a large circle for older players. Cut the circle out to create a hole in the cardboard or poster board and, voila, you have a Twister dot template.
Place the cardboard or poster board template on the grass and spray paint through the hole in the template to create rows of dots. Be sure to place the dots close enough so that children can easily reach over from dot to dot, and be sure the game grid area is large enough to accommodate the number of children playing.
Once the dots are all painted onto the grass, grab your (indoor) Twister spinner and start playing! If you don’t have a Twister spinner, write down each of the four
directions (left hand, right hand, left foot, or right foot) for each dot color on separate index cards or slips of paper. For example, one card will read, “Right hand. Green.” Call out each direction and watch players stretch, reach, and balance as they strive to be the last kid standing on your lawn Twister board!
Make a slippery splash pad. Have your kids change into their bathing suits for some slipping and sliding with this giggle-inducing activity. All you’ll need is a large tarp and a hose. Lay the tarp down in an area with plenty of space around all sides of the tarp. Run the hose on the tarp until it’s soaked and slippery. Keep the hose running as your kids splash on the tarp and slide on it barefoot or Superman-style. Give the kids boogie boards if you have them for added slippery fun.
Throw a fiesta with water balloon piñatas. Your kids can keep their bathing suits on for this wet and wild game of water balloon piñatas. For this activity, you’ll need water balloons, string, a strong piece of rope, and a plastic bat.
Tie the rope between two trees or two other sturdy structures.
Fill the water balloons with water, tie into a knot, and then tie a string around each knot.
Tie several water balloons to the rope using the attached strings so that the balloons hang overhead like a row of piñatas.
Have each child take a turn swinging the plastic bat to see how many balloons she can burst in 30 seconds. Use a blindfold with older children to further test their skill.
Blast the sprinklers. For more water play, your kids can stay cool in this at-home spray park, courtesy of your lawn sprinklers. If you have an oscillating sprinkler system, scatter water-friendly toys around the sprinkler unit for each child to scoop up before getting soaked by the swinging water stream.
Get creative with colorful water art. Bring out your child’s inner artist with this game of water squirter art. Fill water squirters with water mixed with food dye, using a different color for each water squirter. Set down sheets of paper on the grass or tape sheets of paper onto trees and enjoy watching your kids paint colorful masterpieces.
Dolores Smyth is a mother of three who finds inspiration for her writing from everyday life. Her work has appeared in numerous print and online publications. You can read more of her work on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth.
NORTH
Enhanced or Exaggerated?
Have you ever chosen a product for your children because you were promised it would make them smarter? Ever wonder if it really works?
If you walk the grocery store aisle looking for baby formula, you will notice that most brands claim your children will benefit from the DHA added to their product. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an Omega-3 fatty acid naturally found in fish and fish oil that is necessary for babies’ brain and eye development. During pregnancy and the first few years of life, DHA accumulates in the brain and retina of the eye and plays a critical role in neural and vision development. Breastmilk contains DHA in varying concentrations, depending on how much is in the mother’s diet.
During the 1990s, studies found that formula-fed babies had lower levels of brain DHA than breast-fed babies. At the time, experts suggested that adding DHA to formula would improve cognitive and vision development. This advice became so widespread that in 2002 the Food and Drug Administration approved
adding DHA to infant formulas. Eventually the market took over, and DHA supplements in formula and milk marketed to kids has become the norm.
But now recent studies indicate that this promise of enhancing your child’s intelligence with the addition of DHA does not ring true, according to a recent New York Times article. A review of multiple studies released in March by Cochrane Neonatal Group concluded that there was no clear evidence that formula supplementation with DHA has any effect on children — good or bad.
“They found no evidence that the DHA supplements affected the children’s intelligence.”
The review combined data from 15 randomized controlled trials into a meta-analysis including 1,900 children who were tracked from infancy to mid-childhood. Some studies found small improvements in vision or cognition, but many did not. When the results were assessed overall, researchers found no clear pattern of any benefit from DHA added to formula. They did indicate, however, that it is completely safe to add DHA to formula.
These findings are consistent with two other recent studies. The first was published in
October 2016 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It involved a review that covered the effects of omega-3 supplements in pregnancy and infancy. Researchers found little evidence of any benefit from adding DHA.
Next, an Australian study on prenatal DHA supplements looked at 800 women and their children. Researchers randomly supplied women with either a daily DHA supplement or a placebo during the last half of their pregnancy. Then they tested their children’s cognitive abilities at 18 months, 4 years old, and 7 years old. Overall, the study’s authors found no evidence that the DHA supplements affected the children’s intelligence.
It is not clear if this new evidence will cause the industry to stop adding DHA to children’s products, because it does slightly increase the cost of the products. The overall message for pregnant women is to make sure to consume enough DHA directly from food, because that is the most effective and proven way to ensure that your baby receives adequate amounts of DHA during development in the womb. This means eating 8-to-12-ounce servings of fish like salmon, trout, or sardines at least twice a week, but avoiding highmercury fish like swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tilefish, and tuna.
It also means that next time you are choosing between the more expensive DHA milk or regular milk at the grocery store, it is probably safe to pass on the DHA one because it does not guarantee that your children will score higher on their IQ test. Instead, serve them some tasty fish at dinner.
5 Tips for First Foods for Babies
Ask any parent what he or she remembers most about a child’s first year and you’re likely to hear quite a bit about sleep schedules. However, a baby’s eating schedule is just as important as his or her sleep.
Let babies eat as much as they need, when they need it.
Be prepared to feed your baby soon after he or she shows signs of hunger, like rooting, sucking on hands, toes, clothes or toys, or reaching for food. Let your baby tell you when he or she is full — like turning away, falling asleep or losing interest in eating. This helps your baby learn to eat when hungry and stop when full, even if it means not eating everything you offer.
Choose a feeding style that meets you and your baby’s needs.
Whether you breastfeed or use a bottle, the important thing is your baby is fed. If you breastfeed, it is a good idea to express some milk now and again so your baby will take a bottle if someone else needs to feed him or her.
Understand when it is time to start baby food.
While most babies are introduced to solid foods around 6 months of age, it depends on their individual development. Generally, if your baby can sit up on his or her own, has good neck and head control and shows interest, like reaching for food during mealtimes, it may be appropriate to try solid food.
Focus on exploration.
It is important to provide your baby with a variety of foods free from added sugars, sodium and artificial ingredients, and let him or her explore rather than focusing on how much is eaten.
Make the transition gradual and fun.
Hines recommends gradually exposing babies to a wide variety of whole, unprocessed foods with varying flavors and textures, and talking with your baby about the taste, feel and look of the foods he or she is trying. Starting with soft foods like mashed potatoes, avocadoes, sweet potatoes, cooked rice and bananas can give you an idea of what your child can handle.
It is easy to focus on baby food stages, but transitioning to solid foods will take place over time, making it important to continue offering your baby a bottle before mealtimes, in addition to solid food. Once your baby reaches his or her first birthday, talk with your family doctor about transitioning from breast milk or formula to unflavored, whole-fat milk.
It is important to remember that every baby develops at his or her own pace. Talk with your child’s doctor about the right pace for your baby, and find more tips to navigate your child’s milestones.
The Virginia Commonwealth Games Continues Breaking Records
In the world of sports, breaking a record is a phenomenal feat. Proudly, the Virginia Commonwealth Games not only showcases athletes breaking records, but also continues to break participation and economic impact records themselves since moving the Games to Liberty University and the Lynchburg area four years ago.
Any age or skill level can participate in the Virginia Commonwealth Games and a number of well-known athletes, like baseball star Justin Verlander, with his MLB record of 200 career strikeouts, got an early start playing in the Virginia Commonwealth Games - High School All Star baseball showcase. Many other athletic hopefuls have been breaking their own records in the past few years during the Games, like Stafford High School indoor pole vaulter Gennifer Hirata (2018 Games) and 12-year-old long jumper Elizabeth Dean (2019 Games) with the state record of 17’7”. Dean also holds the 12-year-old world record in the long jump at 20’11”. Age records have additionally been set at the Games, with impressive performances by Lynchburg pickleball player Joe Lindsoe, who turned 90 on the first day of competition this past July and 92 year old figure skater Ray Carmines with the
Hampton Roads Iceplex. Regardless of age or skill the Virginia Commonwealth Games, the largest multi-sport festival in the state, encourages everyone to “Get Out and Play!”
Since 2016 Virginia Amateur Sports (VAS), organizers of the Virginia Commonwealth Games, have seen a record 46% increase in participation numbers and a 233% economic impact increase, including the 2019 State Games of America. “We have dedicated partners and volunteers that have provided our Olympic style festival with a formula for growth, as well as an opportunity to provide health and wellness benefits to thousands of families across Virginia. Our mission is strong, and our future is purposeful,” states Dan Foutz, Virginia Amateur Sports President. Organizers are optimistic the trend of record-breaking performances will continue for the Games this summer.
Athletes and families from across Virginia will be uniting this summer to contend for gold, silver and bronze medals in nearly 50 sports, from pickleball, swimming, softball, and baseball to new sports like kickball. Another new sport to the Games this year will be a basketball skills challenge in partnership with the Twin Hoops Basketball Camps. “We are so
excited to partner Twin Hoops Sports with the Virginia Commonwealth Games - Going for the “Gold” Skills Challenge!” at our summer basketball camps. This will add another dimension to our championship day. VAS represents the best in all sports competitions not only in the state of Virginia but throughout the country,” states Directors of the organization Ramon and Damon Williams. Basketball has been the most participated sport in the Games since their inception 30 years ago, and planners are excited about offering another opportunity in the popular sport.
Modeled after the Olympics, the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University main Games weekend is expected to be held July 24-26. As part of the weekend festivities at Liberty University, an athlete parade will kick off the celebration on July 24, followed by a free Tailgate Party and Opening Ceremonies.
For up to date information and changes, or to volunteer, visit www.commonwealthgames.org.
Home Buying and Selling
How to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis
Curtis Burchett, REALTOR
Stay at home orders, quarantine regulations and other concerns have many people questioning what is and is not possible during this COVID-19 pandemic. Real estate transactions have been deemed as essential business, and REALTORS understand that we have a special responsibility and opportunity to continue operations while we adapt to these extraordinary circumstances.
We’re taking all the necessary precautions when meeting with clients and showing propertiesmaintaining social distancing and minimizing touching objects. We provide gloves and masks (as are many sellers) and ask that folks try to minimize their presence in a home while still viewing all the necessary rooms and amenities before an offer. When
we show properties, we ask clients not to touch things, or bring outside family members with them. If children do come, we’re asking the parents to keep them close by at all times. We advise our sellers to leave doors to bathrooms and closets open when they know we have a showing to minimize hands touching surfaces.
Overall, we’re experiencing a tremendous increase in internet traffic to home listing websites. Whether it’s from bored folks trapped at home doing research on their dream home, or those truly in the market, internet traffic is significantly up.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers? It is still possible to buy a new home and sell your home
during this time. There are a few important things we’ve discovered. During this time, we’ve discovered planning and preparation are crucial. Here’s an outline for both buyers and sellers on how to be prepared for the best outcome.
For sellers: Remember when I mentioned that internet traffic is significantly up? What this means is that when you list your home, it’s crucial that the home is Open House Ready from the start. Right now, it’s more important than ever to get it right — the right preparation and the right price. You want it to photograph well, and you should plan to take care of any to-dos before you list the home. More houses are selling very quickly first day or the first week more than ever before if they’re priced right and prepped right. If you do that, the pain of having your house on market is minimized by selling rather quickly.
I’ve recommended that sellers purchase hand sanitizer to have available, and also to have gloves and/ or booties at the door. I have also had sellers put a sign asking viewers to minimize touching as much as possible. Finally, I encourage all my sellers to wipe the house down if they’ve had a showing that day.
For those looking to buy a home, almost all REALTORS are capable of conducting tours virtually via FaceTime or Zoom if you prefer. Personally, I used to drive my buyers in my car to look at three or four houses and discuss showings in between. For everyone’s protection now, now we go in individual cars — and are having that conversation on the phone between houses, then we wrap up in person or via email.
If you’re serious about buying, I strongly advise doing the preparation and planning ahead of time. Have a prequalification letter from your lender ready, be ready to buy and be ready to jump if you see something you like. Inventory right now is low, and for the first time in a long while, we’re seeing multiple bids on top properties, many selling on the first day on the market! I know of one home that within 24 hours had seven showings and four offers to contract. You also want to make sure that you’re working with an agent that has hourly knowledge of inventory so you don’t fall in love with something that’s already under contract.
Times are different, but we will prevail and do what we can to continue our way of life. If you have any questions about how you can stay safe and still find the home of your dreams, talk with your REALTOR to develop a plan that allows you peace of mind.
A native of the area, Curtis Burchett has more than 18 years experience as full-time Realtor. He currently lives in Southwest Roanoke County with his wife and 3 children.
Anxiety in Children
Compared to years past, when parents and caregivers were better able to shelter children from some of the horrors of everyday life, children today often have access to this information right at their fingertips. With the popularity of smartphones, they can see and hear things that they’re not always equipped to handle. Also, children are facing issues that are hard even for adults to comprehend, such as active shooter drills in school and global pandemics.
So it’s no wonder that children are increasingly experiencing anxiety issues that go way beyond the fear of failing a test or not getting chosen for their favorite school sports team. Some parents aren’t even aware that their children are suffering. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a great resource for professionals, parents, and caretakers when it comes to dealing with kids’ mental health issues. Its site, aacap. org, is full of up-to-date and insightful information.
But how can you tell if your child needs help? Here are some signs that may present themselves when children are experiencing anxiety:
Separation anxiety — not the normal kind, like when a child goes to school for the first time or is
left with a new babysitter. And this issue can begin at any time, no matter the child’s age.
Unrealistic or extreme fear of routine occurrences, like seeing a doctor, going for a ride in the car, or encountering insects or animals.
Social avoidance — being afraid to see other people or go to areas where they congregate.
Repeated intense physical reactions, such as breaking out in a sweat, a pounding heart, trouble breathing, and/or feeling dizzy.
Constant and exaggerated worry about the future or a feeling of impending door or dying.
Headaches, stomachaches, and other ailments that occur often.
Of course, many children can suffer from these issues occasionally and not have an anxiety
disorder. Fear and uncertainty are a normal part of growing up. But if the above signs and symptoms happen on a continual basis, the child needs more help than just being reassured that everything is going to be okay. And it’s imperative that parents don’t minimize children’s fears or dismiss them as ridiculous, no matter how farcical they may be. Acknowledging that they feel this way and
Children
are legitimately frightened gives children a sense of security that you will help them through this situation.
Anxiety can also cause changes in behavior that can sometimes mask the signs of anxiety and/or depression. Parents may just think their children are being willful or disobedient instead. Here are some symptoms that may occur when children are anxious or sad:
Anger Irritability Trouble sleeping Self-injury or self-destructiveness, such as cutting or abstaining from food Inattentiveness Unwillingness to take part in things they once enjoyed Crying or feeling sad Exhaustion
It’s important to stay on top of these situations, since anxiety and depression go hand in hand. Steps parents can take to help their children manage their fears include:
Speak with your child’s primary healthcare provider to rule out any underlying
by Susan Baldani
What parents need to know
medical issues that may be causing or exacerbating the issues (for example, trouble focusing could be due to attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD).
Ask for a referral to a mental health specialist. Work with this specialist to determine a treatment plan for your child. This may include a combination of individual and family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Devise an exercise plan to help manage and decrease stress levels.
Have your child draw his or her fears on paper so they have somewhere to put them.
Follow the recommended amount of sleep guidelines based on age, and ensure your child is getting that amount every night. Include foods with high nutritional values, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and beans; keep sugar and caffeine to an absolute minimum.
Let school administrators and teachers know what types of therapy are taking
place so they can be involved as well.
Anxiety can last for weeks or years, and many experts don’t know exactly why it happens to some people and not others. Of course, some obvious things like a traumatic event can set it off, such as losing a parent, being bullied or abused, or living in a household with high levels of stress. There is believed to be a biological component, as well. However, anxiety often develops from out of the blue.
Parents should not waste time blaming themselves and/or feeling guilty. Instead, reassure your children that they are loved and safe. Listen to their worries and talk each one through. Then come up with a plan to deal with the issues should they ever arise. Giving your child control of his or her fears can work wonders. Lastly, hug your children and promise you will always be there for them. It may not get rid of the fear, but it can make it make the world feel like a much less scary place.
Rachel’s Reads: A Tribute to Tomie dePaola
by Rachel Levine
On March 30, 2020, Tomie dePaola passed away. During a 40-year career, Tomie wrote and illustrated over 260 children’s books. His books included elegant retellings of legends, magical new folktales born from his imagination, ancient spiritual tales, engaging nonfiction, and intimate autobiographical stories. The breadth of his work is impressive, and the emotional impact of his work is unquantifiable. Tomie’s death has left me and his other readers gutted because, through his books, we have come to know him personally.
Tomie’s heart shines through his stories. In them, readers find kindness, humor, a love of all that is beautiful, and a little bit of mischievousness. In his autobiographical stories, we got to know his Nana Upstairs, his Nana Downstairs, and his beloved grandpa whom he called Tom. We shared his joy of music and dancing and attended his first dance recital. We waited with Tomie to meet his new baby sister Maureen when she came home from the hospital with a red bow in her hair. It has been a privilege to get to know Tomie dePaola through his work, and a wonderful way to celebrate his life is to read his stories. He spent his life making the world more beautiful, and I trust he’ll make your family’s life a little more beautiful, too. Here are just a few of my favorites!
Strega Nona
Strega Nona, the magical wise woman of Calabria, Italy, is an icon of childhood. Come and enjoy Strega Nona’s sweet, magical adventures with her clumsy assistant Big Anthony, who is always making mistakes and getting into mischief. Strega Nona takes care of the medical needs of the people in Calabria (in addition to making a few love potions), but one day she has to leave Big Anthony in charge. How much trouble do you think Big Anthony can get into in one afternoon? After enjoying this wonderful tale, make sure to check out Strega Nona’s five sequels!
Now One Foot, Now the Other
Bobby and his grandpa Bob are best friends. Bobby loves it when Bob tells him stories, and his favorite is when Bob recounts how he taught Bobby to walk, saying, “Now one foot, now the other.” One day, Bob has a stroke and loses the ability to communicate. Bobby is scared. He doesn’t understand why his grandpa can’t talk to him. After some time, Bobby starts to try to engage his grandfather. With first one step,
and then another, Bob and Bobby find a way forward together. Now One Foot, Now the Other helps families talk about the illness of loved ones and honors the deep bond between grandparents and grandchildren. This beautiful book should not be missed.
Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs
In Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs, Tomie dePaola once again tackles a painful topic with beauty and love. Based on the true story of Tomie’s relationship with his grandma and great-grandma, we see the sweet, loving relationship Tomie had with both his grandmas, how he experienced their loss, and then continued to remember them. It is a profound story of love and grief that both parents and children who have lost a loved one will relate to and treasure.
26 Fairmount Avenue
26 Fairmount Avenue is the true story of Tomie dePaola’s adventures when he was four and five years old. And what an exciting time that was! In 1938, his family lived through a hurricane, saw Disney’s
Snow White in the movie theater, built a house at 26 Fairmount Avenue, and Tomie began kindergarten. Tomie perfectly captures the ups and downs of being a kid with humor and sensitivity, while introducing the reader to life in the 1930s. This is my favorite first chapter book of all time, and seeing as it won the Newberry Honor Award, I must not be alone! If your family loves it too, you can go on to read the rest of the eight-book series!
Oliver Button is a Sissy
Oliver Button is a Sissy is an inspiring story about being true to yourself, even when facing bullying. Written in 1979, it is based on Tomie dePaola’s own experiences of being mistreated by his peers for being a “sissy.” Oliver Button doesn’t fit boy stereotypes. He would rather dance than play baseball, draw than play football, and play dress-up than basketball. Other boys in his school turn on Oliver because of his love of the arts. Oliver joins a dance studio despite the mean words, and there he finds pure joy. This powerful book can help open up discussions with your family on gender stereotyping, bullying, and keeping your light shining bright in the face of adversity.
Tic Tac Toe
Dot-to-Dot War
Players take turns drawing a single horizontal or vertical line between neighboring dots. If their line completes a box, the player writers their initials inside and gets another turn. The player with the most claimed boxes when the grid is complete wins!
Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
Spot the Difference
Find 10 differences between the two images.
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What makes Bubbles POP?
an at-home science experiment
Whether a bubble pops when it comes in contact with a solid surface depends on many factors, including the surface properties of the material. You probably know that different materials have different properties, some of which you can see or feel, like color or hardness. However, materials have other properties that are harder to detect directly. Surfaces can be hydrophobic (repel water) or hydrophilic (attract water). You can observe this by dropping water onto it and seeing whether the drops form big beads (hydrophobic) or spread out in thin sheets (hydrophilic). Whether a material is hydrophobic or hydrophilic depends strongly on its surface roughness.
Some materials, like sandpaper, have macroscopic surface features, meaning you can feel the bumps and see them with your naked eye. However, other materials have microscopic surface features. Even if a material looks and feels
smooth to you, it might have very tiny bumps or pores. These can actually help the material repel water, because the surface of the water, held together by surface tension, is unable to penetrate the tiny gaps in the material. Other materials, like paper or sponges, have larger gaps that help them absorb water.
All of these properties, along with factors like how fast the bubble is moving and whether the surface is wet, can affect the likelihood that the bubble will pop when it lands.
Our Questions:
Look at the materials in the room around you. What properties can you see? What properties can you feel? Do you think any of the materials will catch a bubble without popping it?
Materials and Equipment
Bubble solution. You can buy some or make your own at home by mixing 1 cup of water with 2 tbsp of dish soap and 1 tbsp of glycerin or light corn syrup.
Bubble wand
Small bowl or other container to hold your bubble solution
Different horizontal materials and surfaces to test, such as: paper, aluminum foil, wax paper, the floor (wood, tile, carpet, etc.), tables/ countertops, etc. You can try any material or surface that you can find around your house — just make sure it is large and flat enough that you can easily blow bubbles onto it.
Directions:
Try to blow a single bubble onto your first material. It is OK if you blow more than one bubble, but you will have to keep track of all of them, so try not to blow too many.
You can ask a volunteer to watch the bubbles if that helps. Record your results, making sure to test each material 3-4 times each.
Based on your results, which material was best at catching bubbles? Which material was the worst? How do your results compare to your predictions?
Terms & Concepts
You will Learn:
Hydrophobic
A material that tends to repel or fail to mix with water.
Hydrophilic
A material that has a tendency to mix with, dissolve in water.
Macroscopic
Something visible to the naked eye.
Microscopic
Something so small as to be visible only with a microscope.
Surface tension
The tension of the surface film of a liquid caused by the attraction of the particles in the surface layer.
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