Back To School 2021
Leading Off
Last issue we celebrated our 100th issue. This month we mark another milestone, the start of our 10th publication year!
It has been a wild ride over the past ten years! We have made tons of friends, met thousands of parents and hosted dozens of events!
Kids who were in 2nd grade when our first issue went to print - are entering their Senior Year in high school! Our daughters are in 11th and 9th Grades respectively.
The past year has taken it’s toll on us as a business though. Revenues are down, distribution spots have closed and all of our events have been cancelled.
However, we believe that the 10th year of Roanoke Valley Family (formerly Growing Up In the Valley) will be the strongest and best one yet.
We have lots of great things in mind for our 10th year and we hope we are able to accomplish them!
Lastly, school has started all throughout the region. For students and teachers, things are different. Last year was mostly virtual and many students never went into a class.
We thank the teachers for all their hard work keeping our kids safe and we hope that this school year is a safe one for you as well.
Best of luck to all the students out there - we hope to see you around the Valley soon.
The Eagan Family
Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn
Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.
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
Sales Assistants
Ani & Evie Eagan
sales@virginiafamily.com
• Bauer and Chloe’s Owners
Webmaster
John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com
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.
Share your story ideas with us by emailing jeanne@virginiafamily.com © Copyright 2021 Mofat Publishing /roanokevalleyfamily @rvfamilymag @roanokefamily /roanokefamily
Celebrating Great-Grandma’s 87th Birthday
Inside September
TO US, YOU’RE FAMILY
At Mills & Shannon Dentistry, WE CARE ABOUT MORE than just your smile. By combining dental excellence and warmth, we are building a dental home for you. FIRST PLACE IN COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR NINE YEARS IN A ROW
Next time you visit, you might notice we changed a little. While we have always been accustomed to following strict infection control precautions , we’ve made a few changes that you may notice. From our temperature and screening station to our new and improved N 95 surgical masks and face shields and medical grade air purifying filters in each treatment room, to fewer people in the waiting room, we’ve made changes to keep you and your family safe and comfortable. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Michele Mills, DDS Travis Shannon, DDS
September Things to do
Layman Family Farm Fall Festival
Layman Farms
Blue Ridge
The Addams Family
LFA Kids Consigment
Sinkland Pumpkin Festival
Sinkland Farms Christiansburg
The Royal Ball October 16
Taubman Museum Roanoke
Wednesday, September 1
Choose Kindness, Find Wonder: Summer Reading Program 2021
Ongoing Event | Roanoke County Public Library, Roanoke
Registration opens June 7, 2021! To complete the program, just read three books. Want to keep reading? Go for it! The more books you read, the closer we will get to our community reading goal.
History Hunt SW VA
10 AM|Ongoing Event | Salem Museum, Salem
Explore the past in SW Virginia this summer with a historic scavenger hunt! Sixteen history museums, from Bedford to Wytheville, are partnering to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the Batts & Fallam Expedition.
Never Too Old for a Story
10:30-11:30 PM|Jackson Park Branch, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, September 01, 2021 - 10:30 PM - 11:30 PM Where: Belmont Branch Library at Large Meeting Room
An all ages storytime. Everyone is welcomed to come and hear stories
Roanoke County Genealogy Club
10-11 AM|South County Library, Roanoke
Are you new to genealogy and looking for tips to get started?Are you a seasoned genealogist who wants to share your knowledge?
Roanoke Valley Chess Club
5:30-7:30
PM|Roanoke
When: Wednesday, September 01, 2021 - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Where: Raleigh Court Branch Library at Community Room Play Chess!!!
Thursday, September 2
Drama Club
5-6 PM|Ongoing Event | Roanoke
Come hang out, learn theater concepts, and work on a fun acting project for teens. Register online. http:// www.roanokecountyva.gov/calendar. aspx?EID=16753
Party in Elmwood
5:30-8:30 PM|Ongoing Event | Elmwood Park, Roanoke
After canceling our 2020 season of Party in Elmwood, we are excited to announce Party in Elmwood will return for 2021 bringing 22 weeks of outdoor, live music to Elmwood Park. http://www. roanokeva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=6134
Plot Threads Book Club
6:30-7:30 PM|Ongoing Event | Vinton Library, Vinton
Bring a fiber craft project to work on while chatting about acraft book you’ve read. Call the library for a list of books!
Register online.
Please note that all in-person programming is subject to change.
Roanoke (The Band) at The Spot on Kirk
7:30-9:30 PM|The Spot on Kirk, Roanoke
After years spent rising through the ranks of the independent rock scene, Roanoke has grown into a road-tested rock outfit, retaining an affinity for raising energy and rich vocal harmony that has won over audiences time and again.
Storytime @ Home
10-10:45 AM|Ongoing Event | Roanoke
Children’s staff from RCPL engage kids and parents in storytime! Sessions focus on introducing and practicing early literacy skills andactivities for children and caretakers.
Friday, September 3
First Fridays at 5
5-9 PM|Ongoing Event | Franklin Road between Jefferson Street and Williamson Road., Roanoke
Come enjoy live music, amazing vendors, and great company while supporting your favorite non-profit organization! Gates open at 5 p.m. and the event runs to 9:00 p.m.
Flat Pickin’ Fridays
Ongoing Event | Roanoke
08/27/2021 to 09/24/2021 - The Bank of Botetourt - Flat Pickin’ Fridays country concert series is back for our 7th annual series at Daleville Town Center! Presented by Duncan Automotive with incredible country music from
Free Yoga for the People
7:30-8:30 AM|Ongoing Event | Elmwood Park, Roanoke
As a public health and better living initiative, we offer the people of the Roanoke Valley a one-hour yoga class, 3x a week, in a convenient public space, or online, at no charge.
Heart of the Child Music Education
10:30-11:30 AM|Ongoing Event | Roanoke
08/06/2021 to 09/10/2021 - Welcome back Joy Jammers! Join us for this special outdoor Joy Jammers session that will take place Fridays from 10:3011:30am on the back deck at The Floyd Country Store. Dates are subject to
Saturday, September 4
2021 Roanoke Festival in the Park
11 AM-7 PM|Ongoing Event | Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Roanoke Festival in the Park IS BACK!! When the Park comes to life on Saturday September 4th, it will mark 613 days since we last celebrated Roanoke’s longest running annual tradition, Festival in the Park!
34th Annual Roanoke Valley Mopar Car Show
8 AM-4 PM|Salem
FREE To attend. 34th All Mopar Outdoor Show Rain or Shine Event $25 Car Show - $25 Car Corral - $25 Swap Meet Special Raffle for Pre-Registrants - One in Ten will Win! Gates Open at 8 A.M. Registration Open until 1 P.M.
Blue Oyster Cult
8 PM|Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount
General Admission - $61.50 (plus fees) Gold Section - $81.50 (plus fees) Standing Room Only (no seat) - $41.50 (plus fees) ticket prices increase by $5 on day of show (if available) For over four decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been
Paint Your Pet Home Kits
10 AM-5 PM|Ongoing Event | Taubman Museum, Roanoke
10:00am - 5:00pm Register Now Those big, sweet eyes. Those lovable, furry paws. A long, swishy tail that instantly wags when you enter the room. You have the best pet in the world, don’t you?
Winterfest Beach Bash in the Summer
7-10 PM|The Salem Civic Center, Salem
The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department, Q99-FM and P.A. Short Distributing are once again gearing-up for the 14th “Winterfest Beach Bash” only this year it is taking place in the summer.
Tuesday, September 7
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
10 AM-1 PM|Main Library, Roanoke
When: Tuesday, September 07, 2021 - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Where: Main Library at Teen Classroom The Virginia Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer) for ages 12 and up.
Wednesday, September 8
Cafe & Coloring
10:30 AM|Jackson Park Branch, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, September 08, 2021 - 10:30 AM - 10:30 AM Where: Belmont Branch Library Spend a relaxing morning at the library by coloring and enjoying a few snacks.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
3-5 PM|Jackson Park Branch, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, September 08, 2021 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Belmont Branch Library at Large Meeting Room The Virginia Department of Health is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer) for ages 12 and up.
Thursday, September 9
9/11 Documentary Showing of Rebirth
6-8 PM|South County Library, Roanoke http://www.roanokecountyva.gov/ calendar.aspx?EID=16858
Blackberry Smoke at Dr Pepper Park
6-10 PM|Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, Roanoke
Tickets can be purchased at www. DrPepperPark.com. You can also purchase them at the Bank of Botetourt Box Office on site the night of the concert. We accept cash or credit cards. We do have an ATM machine on site.
Friday, September 10
Collective Soul, Better Than Ezra, and Special Guests Tonic
7 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Elmwood Park Ticket Prices: $608 and $39
Collective Soul and Better Than Ezra w/ special guest Tonic: Just Looking Around
COLLECTIVE SOUL’s 25-year tradition of non-stop touring will continue throughout the rest of the year.
Tom Petty Tribute: The Wildflowers
6-10 PM|Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, Roanoke
SHOW SCHEDULE: (Subject to change without notice) Dr Pepper Park Shuttle sponsored by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. service begins from the Carilion Riverwalk Parking Garage at 5:45pm. Final pick up is 10:05pm.
Tonic
7 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Saturday, September 11
Brunch with the Animals
11 AM-12:30 PM|Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke
Belk at Valley View brings the animals to you! Join Mill Mountain Zoo’s animal ambassadors at Belk. There will be a craft, light refreshments, and photo opportunities. Books will be given away to the first 50 kids!
Cody Johnson
7 PM|The Salem Civic Center, Salem
Family Fun Day!
10 AM-12 PM|Taubman Museum, Roanoke
10:00am - 12:00pm Looking for something creative and hands-on that you can enjoy as a family? Join us for the Museum’s new Family Fun Days!
Josh Turner
7:30 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
For nearly two decades, Turner has been one of country music’s most recognizable voices, selling more than 8.5 million units and amassing more than 2.5 billion global streams.
Life in a Log (Ages 5+)
1-3 PM|Explore Park, Roanoke
Trees that look like they are no longer growing are still a very important asset to the forest. Find out what lives and grows in, on,and under seemingly dead trees.
Old Salem Days Car Show
10 AM-4 PM|Main Street, Salem
Palmyra at The Spot on Kirk
8 PM|The Spot on Kirk, Roanoke
Drawing from the sounds of Appalachia and Midwestern Americana, Bostonbased folk trio Palmyra captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives.
Monday, September 13
MOTA Meeting
6-8 PM|Melrose Branch, Roanoke
When: Monday, September 13, 2021 - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where: Melrose Branch Library at Community Room An open community meeting for those who live, work, play, and pray in the Melrose Orange Target Area.
Tuesday, September 14
Island Foods for a Cool Night 1-2:30 PM|Gainsboro Branch, Roanoke
When: Tuesday, September 14, 20211:00 PM - 2:30 PM Where: Gainsboro Branch Library at Community Room Prepare these recipes, play Caribbean music, and banish the coming of winter blues.
Thurssday, September 16
Teen Takeout Book Club
5-6:30 PM|Roanoke
It’s a book club with a bonus! Each participant will get a spe cialized bag with library books, snacks, activities, and goodies to ke ep. Library books
selected are middle & high school reading levels.
Tesla at Dr Pepper Park
6-10 PM|Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, Roanoke
That they are still roaring and soaring should be no surprise. That’s just how they are built. TESLA may have been born in the mid 80s eruption of leather, spandex, and big hair, but this band has never been about those things. Hardly.
Friday, September 17
2021 Franklin County Agricultural Fair
4-10 PM|Ongoing Event | Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount
Welcome to the 8th annual Franklin County Agricultural Fair!
Join us Sept 17-18, 2021 for an abbreviated version of our beloved fair, to savor the Franklin County flavor of tradition, fun, and discovery.
Audacity Brass Band
7:30 PM|Olde Salem Brewing Company, Salem
Babes in the Woods
10 AM-12 PM|Fishburn Park, Roanoke
(Age 4 and under + parent/guardian/ grown-up) Calling all parents, guardians, and grown-ups! Do you have a little one 4 years or younger and want to meet other fellow hikers with kids?
Car B Que
5:30-8 PM|Virginia Museum of Transportation, Roanoke
Don’t miss the VMT Car-B-Que & Summer Concert Series
Sept 17 – featuring live music by Hoppie Vaughan & the Ministers of Soul!
Each event runs from 5:30–8:00pm featuring live music, open car show, 50/50 raffle, food and beverages!
Heather McMahan
8 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Put the phones down! Your favorite, high functioning hot mess comedian, Heather McMahan, is coming to a city near you. She’s live, liberated and lubed up--doing the most and the least at the same damn time. Heather McMahan’s Farewell Tour
Jefferson Center Presents: Bela Fleck “My Bluegrass Heart”
8 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Béla Fleck returns to Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall with an allstar group of bluegrass musicians performing music from My Bluegrass Heart.
Saturday, September 18
Breakfast with the Animals
8:30-10:30 AM|Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke
Join us at the Mill Mountain Zoo every 3rd Saturday, May-October for a unique opportunity to have breakfast with the animals. Guests will be treated to a light breakfast buffet and a chance to meet one of the zoo’s education outreach animals.
Celebrate International Red Panda Day and Children’s Literacy
11 AM-4 PM|Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke
Come celebrate children’s literacy and International Red Panda Day with fun activities for the whole family. Roanoke Public Libraries will be here handing out free books, and there will be crafts, keeper chats and more!
Code with Pepper
11 AM-12 PM|South County Library, Roanoke
Learn about robotic programming as you code with Pepper. Space is limited. Register online. http://www. roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.asp x?EID=16860
Cricut for Beginners
11 AM-12 PM|Glenvar Library, Salem
Learn Cricut basics and how to use Design Space. Register onli ne. Space is limited.
Some events require registration via online or by calling the library. Please note that in-person programming is subj ect to change.
Henry Street Music Festival
3-10 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
The Henry Street Music Festival promises to be a great communi ty event presenting an array of diverse entertainment, educational forum s, and exposure to African-American heritage as expressed through the pe rforming arts, crafts, cuisines,
Little River Band
7:30 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
The Eagles founding member, the late Glenn Frey, knew what he was saying when he dubbed Little River Band “the best singing band in the world.” Through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, LRB enjoyed huge chart success with multiplatinum albums and chart topping
NAPA Auto Parts Cruisin
10 AM-3 PM|LAKESIDE PLAZA, Salem
Door Prizes, Food, Face Painting and Family Friendly.
National Public Lands Day: Trail Work at Mill Mountain
9 AM-3 PM|Mill Mountain Discovery Center, Roanoke
(18+, 14+ with an adult) Join fellow trail enthusiasts—hikers, bikers, and equestrians—to maintain the trails at Mill Mountain.
New Life Presbyterian Church Annual Yard Sale
8 AM-2 PM|New Life Presbyterian Church, Salem
Annual church yard sale: crafts, furniture, appliances, house and garden items, toys and games, books, etc. Brunswick stew will be make onsite and for sale-$8 per quart and $4 a bowl.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at Dr Pepper Park
6-10 PM|Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, Roanoke
Tickets can be purchased at www. DrPepperPark.com. You can also purchase them at the Bank of Botetourt Box Office on site the night of the concert. We accept cash or credit cards. We do have an ATM machine on site.
Stop Litter, Save Animals! (Ages 3+)
1-3 PM|Explore Park, Roanoke
Puppets, activities, crafts, and a walk in the woods will h elp families learn about the dangers of litter to wildlife. Using animal puppets, participants will help with a fun story that illustrates the pe rils of litter to wild animals.
Sunday, September 19
Jefferson Center Presents: Gladys Knight
7:30 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Few artists over the last fifty years have matched the unassailable artistry of Gladys Knight.
Monday, September 20
Melissa Etheridge
8-10 PM|Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount
When: Sept.20, 2021 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM) Door Time: 7:00 PM Show Type: Rock General Admission$102 (plus fees) Gold Section - $127 (plus fees) VIP Front Row/Photo Op Package - $399 (plus fees) VIP Photo Op Package -
Tuesday, September 21
Roanoke County Schools College Fair
6-8 PM|Salem Stadium, Salem
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Representatives from dozens of colleges and universities will be here to provide information and answer questions about college, ...
Wednesday, September 22
An Evening with Amy Grant
8-10 PM|Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount
When: Saturday, Feb.6, 2021 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM) Door Time: 7:00 PM Show Type: Christian General Admission - $72 (plus fees) Gold Section - $92 (plus fees) ticket prices increase $5 on day of show (if available, plus
Legally Blonde the Musical
7:30-9:30 PM|Ongoing Event | Elmwood Park, Roanoke
OHMIGOD YOU GUYS! Mill Mountain Theatre is excited to announce the second MainStage musical of 2021: Legally Blonde!
Legally Blonde The Musical @ MMT
Ongoing Event | Mill Mountain Theatre, Roanoke
OHMIGOD YOU GUYS! Mill Mountain Theatre is excited to announce the second MainStage musical of 2021: Legally Blonde!
Spelling Bee
6-7:30 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Large Community Room In celebration of National Literacy Month and Welcoming Week, join Roanoke Public Libraries and Blue Ridge Literacy at the
Thursday, September 23
Cooking with Herbs
Fishburn Mansion, Roanoke
In this workshop, we’ll explore how to utilize fresh and dried herbs for enhancing the flavor of any meal. Participants will create pestos, compound butters, and delicious marinades to enhance their everyday cooking.
Henrietta Lacks Seminar
Roanoke College, Salem
Race, Health, and Future Humans: Lessons from the Legacy of Henrietta Lacks
Speaker: Sylvester A. Johnson is Assistant Vice Provost for the Humanities and Executive Director of the “Tech for Humanity” initiative at Virginia Tech.
Friday, September 24
Billy Idol
7:30 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Bud Light’s Vinyl Vault Concert Series at Elmwood Park, presented by Bud light, WSLS-10 and iHeartRadio stations 96.3 ROV and 104.9 Steve FM, welcomes Billy Idol to Roanoke!
Flat Pickin’ Fridays - SJ McDonald Band
5-9 PM|Town Center St, Daleville, VA 24083, United States, Daleville
The Bank of Botetourt Flat Pickin’ Fridays Country Concert Series returns for 2021!
Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neill
8-10:30 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Mick Flannery is one of Ireland’s most acclaimed songwriters and singers. The award-winning, double-platinum selling artist has released six studio albums, three of which reaching No. 1 status.
Prince Tribute: Dean Ford & The Beautiful Ones
6-10 PM|Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, Roanoke
Due to concerns regarding travel, Flashback Rewind featuring Dean Ford & The Beautiful Ones has been canceled. They have canceled their 2020 tour dates. The show was scheduled for September 25, 2020.
Saturday, September 25
Grayson Highlands Bouldering
8 AM-6 PM|PLAY Roanoke, Roanoke
(18+, 12+ with adult) The mountains are calling! Will you answer? Break out of the gym this August and join us for a day of bouldering fun! Bouldering is a great way to get started with climbing without committing to purchasing all the gear.
Latin Night
6:30 PM|Roanoke Ballet Theatre, Roanoke
You are invited to Latin Night at Roanoke Ballet Theatre! Join us for an evening with heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and a performance!
Mill Mountain Zoo at Kids Square Children’s Museum
10 AM-12 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
We’ll have Mill Mountain Zoo animal ambassadors at Kids Square Children’s Museum from 10-12pm Saturday September 25th ! Come and see our furry friends FREE with admission ticket to Kids Square Children’s Museum
The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
8 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Founded in 2003, Who’s Bad’s live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King.
Sunday, September 26
Painting in the Garden: Van Gogh Fishburn Mansion, Roanoke
Enjoy an afternoon in the beautiful garden at the historic Fishburn Mansion. Follow along step-by-step to create a one-of-a-kind painting based off the style of Van Gogh. Please bring along a chair or blanket to sit on.
Rock of the 70’s Tour
7 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
The ’70s Greatest Artists performing their biggest hits LIVE! This jam packed event will feature legendary bands such as FOGHAT, ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION, FIREFALL, and PAT TRAVERS BAND.
Sharp Top Sunrise Hike and Peaks of Otter Breakfast
6 AM-12 PM|PLAY Roanoke, Roanoke
(18+, 10+ with adult) We will start our day by taking in the 360-degree views from the summit of Sharp Top on a 3.2 mile hike followed by a hearty breakfast at the Peaks of Otter Restaurant. Sounds like a nice Sunday to us!
Wednesday, September 29
Friends and Family Celebration
5-8:30 PM|Salem Farmers Market, Salem
Tickets for his Salem appearance are just $8 in advance and $12 the day of the show. They can be purchased in person at the Salem Parks and Recreation office at 620 Florida Street or online at Brown Paper Tickets. Gates
Thursday, September 30
Mike Super - America’s Favorite Mystifier
7:30 PM|Jefferson Center, Roanoke
As the winner of NBC’s hit TV show ‘Phenomenon’, Mike Super is the only magician in history to win a LIVE magic competition on primetime US network television and voted America’s Favorite Mystifier!
The Touchy Subject of Bullying
by Dexter Hall
I believe empathy to be one of the most important things we can ever teach. I believe it is one of the most important things we can ever learn. “ “
There is a certain awkwardness in talking about bullying. It’s unpleasant by nature. Bullying represents humanity at its worst — the strong needlessly inflicting pain on the weak, the big oppressing the small, the attractive making fun of the less attractive, the haves laughing at the have-nots. It makes us feel uncomfortable to focus on such an inherently painful subject.
When considering bullying, we generally feel badly for the one who is bullied and angry and judgmental towards the bully. We are then left feeling angry and somehow embarrassed at the terrible intimacy that this awareness creates. To be aware of a situation in which someone is being actively bullied demands an action from the observer: attempt to stop the bullying. Thus, being aware of ongoing bullying puts an obligation upon the observer that may be undesirable. In a modern world where many feel overwhelmed with too many tasks already, taking on the onus of standing up for the little guy seems to add one more straw upon the camel’s back. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons it’s so much easier to pretend not to notice it at all.
On top of that, if we personally know the person in the role of the bully, we are forced to redefine our perception of her. We may have thought this person to be of good moral stature, and then suddenly we are confronted with behavior that must be condemned. This may also create a feeling of blame towards one’s self — that we were too blind, naïve, or busy to not have noticed this inappropriate conduct earlier. We simply assumed that because this person was behaving positively towards us that therefore she was behaving positively towards everyone else when no one was watching. Suddenly, we are knocked out of our comfort zone and forced to stare directly into the agonizing plight of the victim.
Such abrupt and painful shifts in our awareness are generally unwanted and unwelcome, so these are just a few of the many reasons discussions of
bullying are difficult by default.
However, as anyone who has ever been bullied can tell you, often the victim of a bully is desperately hoping that someone, anyone, will attempt to stop the terrible injustice being done to him. An outsider stepping into salvage their situation is often the last and most desperate hope for those unable to ask for help at all. Therefore, we are compelled by the common bond of humanity to attempt to end the needless suffering of others — even if that means confronting the terrible fact that this suffering has been created by another human being simply for personal pleasure.
So yes, bullying is a hairy subject.
All that being said, let’s get right into it. What causes someone to act as a bully in the first place? Is it simply hyper-aggression, or could it be from a need to express dominance? Do bullies behave the way they do from a feeling of wanting to be in control? Are they merely acting out from violence witnessed firsthand? Is this desire to cause pain to others purely internalized insecurity masking as superiority? There are probably more reasons than can be listed that would motivate one of us to want to torment another.
However, there are certain methods used by bullies that separate them from random attackers.
Bullies are selective. They never “pick on someone their own size.” Their victim is always someone who is physically weaker, or less confident, or has less social status. The bully has to know he’s going to win the fight, or he won’t start it in the first place. Oftentimes, the strategy of the bully is to make the victim feel “less than” by pointing out supposed flaws and inadequacies. Saying phrases full of condemnation, such as “You’re so fat,” “Nobody likes you,” “You’re pathetic,” or “You’re the ugliest girl in school” can intimidate the victim into submission.
Like many other predators, the bully
will often attempt to separate the prey from the pack. A bully knows that in a group of people, someone may strive to stand up for the little guy, which is why she prefers to attack either on a one-onone basis or with the superior numbers of like-minded bullies. In either case, the bully avoids a fair fight at all costs. Once the victim has been isolated from the safety of the group, the bully can harm her chosen victim as she pleases, without fear of repercussions.
As someone who was occasionally bullied as a child, I feel that I can speak of bullying with some authenticity. One aspect that is hardly ever discussed on this topic is the shame that the victim feels in addition to the actual bullying. There is shame in being bullied. To be bullied means that you are weak, and that you could not successfully defend yourself. It means that you have failed as a person because you could not stop the aggressor. This causes feelings of inadequacy, humiliation, and despair. I felt ashamed that I could not prevent my bully from attacking me. I felt “less than” sometimes. The only thing in my mind that could have made my situation worse was other people finding out about it. That would mean everyone would know what a little wuss I was, a little wimp who couldn’t even stand up for himself. That would have added a whole layer of embarrassment to the symphony of anguish I was already experiencing.
As a child, I remember hearing over and over again that the only way to end a bully’s reign of terror was to oppose him directly. “You have to stand up to a bully!” was the refrain I heard so many times. What a load of crap. If I could have successfully stood up to my bully, I would have. I tried and failed more than once. After my attempts would fail, I would be pushed to the ground and pinned to the floor, where I would then be verbally taunted. Eventually, my bully would tire of the game and I would be released to sulk away and dream of a day when I would be big enough to defend myself properly.
The day eventually came when I was big enough to stand up for myself, but by then my bully had moved on to other
interests. But at least I never got bullied anymore. That was good enough for me. I just wanted it to stop so I could live my life like a normal kid. And I did.
All of this was many years ago, and I have long since forgiven the person who bullied me for a time. I now realize that individual was also going through many hardships that I was then unaware of. If you can believe it, this person and I have become close friends and we talk frequently. We can even laugh about the old days and how different we are now from the kids we were then. Such is the power of forgiveness and the watering down of emotions through exposure to long amounts of time.
I suppose this gives me some unique perspectives on bullying and what it is inherently. For the sake of argument, if you wanted to classify bullying under some sort of criminal charge, I believe that the crime would be theft. A thief takes something from someone else, something that does not belong to her. The thief takes without permission, regardless of protestation from the rightful owner. How does this relate to bullying? The bully takes something from his victim and adds it to himself. Perhaps he takes some self-esteem from the victim to add to his own general self-regard. Perhaps he removes some peace of mind from his sufferer and adds it to his own psyche for an increased feeling of calm. Maybe the bully belittles her victim publicly so that she can increase her own social standing and superiority. Clearly after each bullying encounter, the victim is left feeling violated and taken from and robbed of her basic human dignity.
Many times, when a bully is asked why he demonstrated this behavior, his answer is simply that it felt good. Yes, it does feel good to take something from others against their will. To be able to do so means that you are more powerful than they are. To superimpose your own will upon another is to control the universe around you. It’s like an addictive drug that tells you that you’re in charge, that you’re okay. Our universe is infinite, and maybe being able to bully someone smaller makes one feel less insignificant and stronger
Roanoke City Public Schools takes bullying seriously, and they want to make sure every child feels safe at school. For that reason, they have a Bullying Hotline. The Hotline is open to anyone who experiences or observes bullying that is school-related. Bullying is defined as any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim, involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim, and is repeated over time or caused severe emotional trauma. Call (540) 853-1700 to report bullying. You can remain anonymous.
Salem City Schools is committed to each student’s success in learning within a caring, responsive, and safe environment that is free of discrimination, violence, and bullying. We request that you report any concerns directly to your student’s principal or your child’s school counselor.
Roanoke County Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning/ working environment free from bullying. All Roanoke County schools have school counseling services. School counselors and administrators can speak to you about specifics regarding your child.
and more able to withstand whatever life might deal out. It feels good to feel stronger than, more attractive than, more popular than.
It plays upon one of the ugliest sides of human nature: cruelty. The desire to express superiority through the domination of others is an old story seen throughout every culture. Perhaps it is intrinsic in our nature, but bullying must be recognized and called out every time. It’s like a social cancer that our species carries within its genome. Every time it manifests as a tumor of cruelty, it must be excised.
Recently, I finished writing a children’s book that deals with the topic of bullying. The main character is a little blue crab who is mercilessly tormented by his older sister. While doing research on this topic, I started asking people if they had ever been bullied before. About half of them said no, but the other half had a lot to say on the subject. Every adult who had been bullied could give me descriptions of the circumstances in great detail. From events decades ago, they could remember the bully’s first and last names. They would tell me what their bully looked like and what was done to them with crystal clear descriptions. It was still as fresh in their minds as if it had happened this morning. Some people even got a little emotional about it, actually. It was the first time that they had spoken of it as adults, and they seemed almost surprised at how vivid their emotions were. Childhood
paints feelings in brilliant, primary colors that seem glaringly bright compared to our muted adult tones.
I became curious as to how we could attempt to cure bullying. Surely, there had to be some way to prevent this trauma from happening on such a daily basis to so many children. After months of research and talking to some mental health professionals, I believe I may have part of the answer.
Empathy.
Empathy is the key. It is, quite simply, the ability to understand and be sensitive to the feelings of others. Oftentimes, the bully has no concept of the true damage he is doing to his victims. This is not to excuse his behavior with ignorance so much as it is to explain that if children can learn to put themselves in another’s shoes, they may not want to make another feel so badly in the first place. When there is a disconnect between a child and the others around her, it is easier for her to inflict pain because she hasn’t imagined how it might feel to her if the roles were reversed.
There is a school of thought regarding the term “empathic pedagogy” — it basically means teaching empathy to children. The premise is that children can learn to have empathy for others by observing the behavior of adults around them. They can learn to be empathic not by being told, but rather by watching others demonstrate empathy
on a daily basis. They can learn this kindness from watching their parents, grandparents, teachers, and other adults involved in their lives.
There are certainly professional mental health authorities far more qualified than I am to speak on empathic pedagogy with much greater detail and clarity. I have no degree in the field, nor I do consider myself to be any kind of expert on the subject. I encourage you to go online and research it for yourself. All I can say is that this is the best idea I have come across to address the subject of bullying. I believe we can teach our children to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others, not by merely saying it, but by demonstrating kindness to them every day through our interactions with one another. I believe empathy to be one of the most important things we can ever teach. I believe it is one of the most important things we can ever learn.
Dexter Hall lives in Roanoke. After working in the food and beverage industry for more than 25 years, he now works as an interior house painter, which gives him plenty of quiet time to contemplate literary endeavors. Keep an eye out for his upcoming children’s book, Soft Sheldon!
occer for All!
5 Home Projects with Big ROI
Fall is the ideal time of year to take on a project in or around your home. Read on for ideas designed to add value without breaking the bank.
These five projects are designed to add value to your home, without breaking the bank at the same time. Tackling them now will make your home more comfortable for the coming months, while ensuring that you can get maximum ROI when the time comes to sell.
1. Fix Window Leaks. Old or leaking windows can cause you to lose as much as 20% of the energy you use to heat and cool your home, which can also make it less comfortable as well. There are two ways to fix window leaks: installing new replacement windows, or installing weatherstripping around your existing windows. While both will help you save money on your energy bills, replacement windows will also help you recoup about 73.9% ROI at time of resale.
Cost: Weatherstripping your windows costs around $168 on average, while replacement windows cost between $650 and $1,500.
Money Saving Tips: Get an energy auditdone on your home before you start replacing windows. You may find that only a few need to be replaced, while the rest can be caulked or weatherstripped to save.
2. Replace Your Roof. Don’t wait until fall storms send water pouring in through your ceiling; have your roof taken care of at the start of the season to ensure that it’s in good condition for the rain to come. A new roof will help you recoup about 68.8% at time of resale as well.
Cost: The average cost of a roof replacement is around $6,000.
Money Saving Tips: If the majority of your roof is in good condition, you may want to opt for a partial replacement or roof repair to save money.
3. Universal Bathroom Design. Universal design is one of the newest trends that’s recouping costs in a big way. In many cases, universal design costs less than a complete bathroom remodel, but can make your home easier to sell because it appeals to a wider group of people. This type of project also recoups about 68.4% at time of resale.
Cost: The average cost of universal bathroom design is around $9,000.
Money Saving Tips: Many things in a universal bathroom can be installed DIY for less, including lever handles on faucets and a universal height toilet.
4. Replace Your Siding. Siding is just as important as your roof when it comes to both protecting your home from the elements, and to giving it its curb appeal. Replacing your siding can recoup you as much as 76.4% at time of resale. Replacing your siding can also help you take care of other issues such as rotting fascia, and can improve the appearance of your home at the same time.
Cost: The average cost of replacing your siding is around $7,510 for vinyl siding.
Money Saving Tips: If your siding is in decent condition, consider making repairs to those areas that require it, and painting the entire exterior to give it a fresh look for less.
5. Basement Remodel. Remodeling your basement is a great way to increase your existing living space, without the hassle or expense of a major addition. A basement remodel featuring things like waterproofing or french drain installations can also recoup you about 70% at time of resale.
Cost: A full basement remodel including a new bathroom can cost around $50,000. However, waterproofing costs around $5,000, while installing a new set of stairs costs around $1,000 to $2,000.
Money Saving Tips: Simply waterproofing your basement will help make the area livable, allowing you to simply paint the concrete walls and floors, and begin furnishing the room for less.
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.
We HEART It
The Gotta-Have-It Products for September
Nixplay Seed 10.1 inch Widescreen $149.99; www.shop.nixplay.com
Share photos and videos from anywhere in the world using WiFi and the mobile app, then enjoy them on
$179.99, www.uppababy.com
This is one of the lightest full-size umbrella strollers available, with a mesh sling seat that adds comfort with
My Audio Pet Splash $39.99, www.myaudiopet.com
These adorable go-anywhere, waterproof speakers
battery for up to 8 hours of play time, plus True Wireless Stereo Technology.
Honest Company’s Organic AllPurpose Balm $12, www.honest.com
A blend of certified organic oils, extracts and beeswax, this versatile hypoallergenic salve helps soothe dry, rough skin.
The New Rules of Pregnancy: What to Eat, Do, Think About, and Let Go Of While Your Body Is Making a Baby $19.95, www.workman.com
In this tribute to and celebration of moms to be, two leading OB-GYNs cover all aspects of pregnant life in an easy-to-digest and compassionate way.
The Story of Rap and Rock Series $8.99, www.silverdophinbooks.com
From Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar and Elvis Presley to David Bowie, this series from Silver Dolphin Books introduces little ones to the greatest musicians of our time.
All About Me at My Age $34.99/hardcover, $24.99/softcover, www.iseeme.com
Create a keepsake gift for a special child in your life with the personalized birthday book. Fill in the blanks, draw your own pictures, and play fun seekand-find illustration games.
Write to Me
An Australian brand entering the US for the first time, Write to Me started with just $400 by two friends. They create beautiful journals and keepsakes centered around family time, including family gratitude, pregnancy, wedding and baby, and even one for funny things your kids say!
These beautiful capsules are unlike anything you’ve seen with chic bindings and cases. Journal in your handwriting and create heirlooms to pass down to the people that love you the most. Handwriting keeps a piece of you alive long after you are gone with the ability to retell stories that are so important to capture.
Loog Guitars
In 2017, Loog Guitar’s Kickstarter was the best-selling guitar ever. Designed to make it fun and easy for all ages to play music, Loog is driven by a passion for music
and sustainable design Flashcards and an app are integrated with 3-string guitars to gets kids (and adults!) playing songs on day one, making it fun and stimulating to learn music, especially for kids so they can develop the cognitive and social skills that help them live a better life. We recommend the Electric Pro for those 8+ and the and Acoustic Mini for kids ages 3-8.
Rockit Rocker
Say goodbye to driving around the block until the baby falls asleep and say hello to a free hand when out and about. The Rockit by Rockit Rocker was developed by three regular dads with seven children between them and is the solution to all parents’ tired hands. The Rockit Rocker is a portable baby rocker which attaches to any stroller to provide a gentle rocking motionsoothing babies and helping them sleep. This handy device can be purchased on Rockit Rocker USA
and Amazon. Attach vertically to your stroller for best use. They even encourage rechargeable batteries which are also better for the environment.
Tinkering Labs
Toys with step-by-step instructions aren’t always kidfriendly. That’s why Tinkering Labs created a STEAM kit that gives children a way to build stuff without having to worry about getting it “right.” The Tinkering Labs kit, also called Electric Motors Catalyst (EMC), provides challenges to get kids out of a rigid, model-building mindset, and into open-ended play. It allows kids to build doodling robots, power electric model cars, add motors to legos, and more! For example, they can “make a machine that can scramble an egg,” or “build a creature with spinning arms.” Tinkerers are provided markers that can be used in the building process. Why? Because
the company learned that when kids feel stuck, having an artistic avenue helps them recalibrate and then solve the problem. There is even a Tinkering Camp that kids can attend, and they work with schools to integrate the kit into the curriculum. Great for girls and boys ages 8 and up, and tinkering adults!
Wishing Pixies
No gift can be better than the one that encourages kids to be better people, for themselves and others. Created by a teacher with over 20 years of experience in education, Wishing Pixies is the only child management and educational behavioral app designed to help parents raise calm, emotionally resilient and kindhearted children.
The Wishing Pixies app is specifically geared toward children from 2 to 10 and is coupled with Pixie Dolls; parents act as the Pixie Doll and kids can play with them. Win-win! What started this unique idea? One mom who pretended to be the tooth fairy with her child,
writing notes back and forth. She learned more about her child than she ever would have as her mother. This is why her favorite feature is the chat section, where parents can talk to there kids as if they are the Pixies. Through the app, the parents can set personalized goals for the child, such as cleaning their room, taking the trash out or being nicer to their brother or sister. The child will receive these goals from the pixies via a notification on their tablet and they must complete them to ensure the happiness of the pixies. Once completed, they are awarded “fairy dust” and when enough dust is earned, the pixies can grant the child’s wishes. The wishes are customizable by the parent and can be anything from ice cream, to a sleepover with friends.
Healthy soil = Healthy food. Started by a husband and wife team in Charleston, White Leaf Provisions is a family run business bringing the first 100% regeneratively farmed, Biodynamic®, Organic & GMO-Free baby food line to market in the U.S. The result is pure, transparent, nutritious and delicious foods. Their line of baby food blends and applesauce transforms not only how we feed our children but also encourages farming methods that can help to heal the planet that our kids will inherit.
Dear Teacher
By Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts
The Way to Diagnose ADHD
Question: My third grader’s teacher recently suggested that my third grader has ADHD because she is so inattentive in class. I thought that the symptoms of ADHD were hyperactive impulsive behavior. Could the teacher be right? – Unsure
Answer: Your child’s teacher may or may not be right about this. You do need to find out as soon as possible for it is these children who have suffered the greatest learning loss during the Pandemic. There are a number of professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, school counselors, doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers who have the expertise to make an exact diagnosis. Diagnosing for ADHD may not be covered with your health insurance.
The additude.mag website describes three presentations of ADHD. One is the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive where a child is blurting out answers in class. There is also the predominantly inattentive in which focus and attention are the primary symptoms rather than hyperactivity. And the
third presentation is where both inattention and impulsivity go hand-in-hand.
Unfortunately, the signs of inattentive ADHD, which is found predominantly in girls, is often overlooked by parents, teachers and medical professionals so they rarely get the treatment that they need. Look at the signs of inattentive ADHD below to begin investigating if your child has this type of ADHD.
The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual for ADHD, the DSM-V, lists nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. At least six of these must be present and must significantly disrupt a child’s life in order to merit a diagnosis. They are: Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, etc.
Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or activities (e.g., easily distracted).
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked). Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that re-
quire mental effort over a long period of time.
Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, lunch, mobile phone).
Is often forgetful in daily activities. If your child has ADHD, you must become an expert on the subject to ensure she gets the best possible help at school. Fortunately, there are several very excellent organizations that will help you do this. They are Attention Deficit Disorder Association, CHADD, National Resource Center on ADHD, the Council for Exceptional Children and the American Psychiatric Association. And you must get acquainted with Wrightslaw to find out all the legal aspects of getting the best help for your daughter at school. While some blogs on ADHD can be extremely helpful, others contain misleading or inaccurate information. Be sure to avoid any that are selling cures for ADHD.
The Value of Homework
Question: What’s wrong with a lot of homework? It gives the children a structured activity that is far more beneficial than playing video games, texting or watching TV. Parents need to reinforce the importance of homework; not whine with their kids about how much there is. They should just do it; get it done; and then they can play. – Teacher and Guidance Counselor for 37 years.
Answer: You may be assigning far more importance to homework than it deserves. Hundreds of studies have been done on the relationship of homework to academic achievement. The studies find a correlation between homework and achievement; however, they do not find that doing homework causes achievement. There is no unequivocal connection between homework and learning.
What the studies have almost universally shown is that in the early elementary grades homework does not seem to improve test scores, but it may help young students develop good study habits and learn to be responsible. It also can teach them that learning does not just take place at school. In middle
school and high school, doing a moderate amount of homework can improve performance on tests.
You also need to be aware that homework does not just have advantages. There are disadvantages. It may cause a loss of interest in school due to burnout. It definitely impinges on leisure time that could be devoted to beneficial physical exercise and social interaction. We will admit, of course as you say, that for many students free time is often devoted to using technological devices. Another disadvantage of homework is that some students cheat to get it done. Plus, it can cause discord between parents and their children.
Studies on homework have shown no particular benefit to a heavy homework load. In fact, in middle school any benefits diminish after 90 minutes of work, and for high school they diminish after 90 minutes to 2 ½ hours. Most education organizations support our homework rule of 10 minutes of homework for every grade in school. Thus, a fifth grader should have no more than 50 minutes of homework.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com and to learn more about helping their children succeed in school visit the dearteacher website. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021
If your child is entering 7th grade they must have the Meningitis, HPV, and Tdap vaccines in order to enroll. Talk to your doctor and vaccinate them now!
Kids Eat Free
or cheap
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
• 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) 6854343
• 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
• 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
Thursday
• 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
• Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal
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
• 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.
5 Basic Car Seat Rules Every Parent Needs to Know
by Lorrie Walker
Ioften get calls from parents planning a big road trip, asking about the car seat laws in every state they plan to visit. Of course, I tell them all the specifics but before I hang up, I make sure to let them know about what might be the most important law of them all: The Law of Physics.
An object in motion (like a child in a moving car) stays in motion until acted upon by an outside force.
Working in the field of child passenger safety for the last 30 years, I have recited this law too many times to remember. It’s the same law that makes car crashes so dangerous and the same law that makes car seats so important.
When driving, a child is moving along at the same speed as the car, so the child is the object in motion. In a crash or sudden stop, that child stays in motion until something stops it from moving. In a best-case scenario, a child is held in place by a harness –that’s the outside force that slows and eventually stops the child’s movement. By slowing down before the actual hard stop or crash, injuries are reduced and, many times, lives are saved. Adults benefit from a seat belt in much the
especially important for kids under age two, who are safest when rear-facing. Just follow the instructions on the car seat.
3. Pick the safest location in the car, which for kids under 13 is always the back seat. Some states have a law, others do not. Regardless, studies show that kids under 13 are five times safer when they are secured properly in the back seat.
4. Use the harness correctly and exactly as the instructions recommend. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child›s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you›re good to go.
same way. The seat belt keeps them in the car and keeps them positioned in front of an airbag.
A car seat is most effective when it’s used and installed correctly, so for Child Passenger Safety Week, I’m asking parents, grandparents, and caregivers to take a good look at their child’s car seat to make sure it follows these 5 basic rules of correct car seat use:
This month, the Family Talk is all about keeping kids safe in cars. We’ll see
you on September 24, where a nationally certified car seat safety technician will show you how to keep your most precious cargo as safe
as possible when on the road.
1. Select the right car seat for your child’s age, weight, height, and development. This means no booster seat for babies. Buy and use the seat that fits your child now.
2. Use your car seat in the correct direction. This is
5. Install correctly in the car. There are different rules based on science for your car, your car seat and your child, so pay attention to the instructions. Use the Top Tether for every forwardfacing child in a seat with a harness. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base where the seat belt fits. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
Lorrie Walker, one of the country’s most respected authorities in child passenger safety, oversees the national training program for more than 300 Safe Kids Coalitions throughout the United States.
Safe Eyes and Ears for Summer and Beyond
by Irene Myers-Thompson
Summers in Virginia offer an overture of sensory delights. The sights, sounds, and tactile pleasures of these languid days — from the beach to the mountains — can be filled with adventure and relaxation alike. But summer activities also can carry with them a degree of risk, risks that can have both short- and long-term health consequences.
As a medical professional, I wanted to offer a few reminders on how to best protect yourself during the dog days of summer (and beyond!), particularly in helping ensure that you are not damaging your eyes and ears.
A Day in the Sun . . . or Not
Most folks are well aware of the damage that sun can wreak on your skin. Too much sun can cause burns, accelerate aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. But lengthy exposure to the sun during outdoor activities also can affect your vision, and so in addition to sunscreen to
protect your skin, it’s also a good idea to invest in some quality eye protection.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can contribute to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, which can impact your vision and even cause blindness. Many people are not aware that intense shortterm exposure to UV light may cause what we call “eye sunburn,” a painful condition often acquired as a result of outdoor activity. Too much long-term exposure may contribute to skin cancer around the eyes and other sight-threatening conditions. To help reduce these risks, protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses that block out 99 percent or more of UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat is a worthwhile precaution, as well.
Then there’s the opposite problem: not getting enough sunlight, a condition that affects children who spend hours — even hours on beautiful sunny days — consumed
by digital devices. Studies show that natural light promotes healthy vision, especially among children and teens whose eyes are still developing. Spending time outside may be a protective factor against nearsightedness. And adults are not immune, either. Partly due to extended periods of up-close reading and screen time, more than 40 percent of Americans have nearsightedness (myopia), which is the inability to see far-off objects clearly. It’s a condition that also is on the rise.
Sounds of Summer
Summertime activities can make our ears as vulnerable as our eyes. Attending live sports events and music concerts can expose our ears to sounds at decibels that can damage our hearing. Crowd noise at some sporting events can exceed 90 decibels, while the volume at music concerts can exceed 115 decibels. What we know is that prolonged exposure to sounds
above 85 decibels may contribute to gradual hearing loss. That makes using ear protection — something that may seem counterintuitive when you are at a concert — a cautionary idea. Earplugs or earmuffs will enable you to still hear your favorite music but give you enough protection to forestall damage to your eardrums. This type of protection is especially important for babies and children attending loud events, as young people’s hearing follicles are more easily damaged compared to those of adults.
Live music or noise are not the only threats. Extended listening to music or digital content through headphones or earbuds also may damage hearing over time. To help prevent that, a general rule of thumb is to turn the volume on your electronic device to 60 percent or lower and listen for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. That means giving your ears a rest as you would other parts of your body. And another
cautionary piece of advice: when using power tools or a lawn mower, never listen to earbuds. The cacophony of sound is more than we should ever subject our ears to.
Even with the Fourth of July behind us, it’s worth noting that fireworks are another summer tradition that can be dangerous one for both the ears and eyes. These explosions can exceed 150 decibels, so make sure to always view fireworks from a significant distance. Hospital ERs annually treat nearly 13,000 people for fireworks-related accidents, with eye injuries — such as burns, lacerations, contusions, and foreign objects in the eye — in many cases causing permanent damage.
Let’s make sure that as we enjoy our summer and the rest of our year, that we’re not exposing our eyes and ears to risks that can have serious consequences — now and in the future.
Irene Myers-Thompson is the Regional Wellness Director of UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic
Rachel’s Reads
by Rachel Levine
Soccer, softball, and basketball. Gymnastics, swimming, and track. Dancing, hiking, and lacrosse. These are all ways you can keep your kids active in the Roanoke Valley. Athletic opportunities abound, and the real challenge is finding time to be active on top of school and work! Being active is obviously good for our health, but sports can also inspire us to work toward goals, provide a way to challenge ourselves, and give us role models to look up to. Celebrate physical and emotional strength with these inspiring books, and then head outside and play together! Make sure to keep a lookout for Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall in Little Free Libraries around town!
Jabari Jumps
by Gala Cornwall
Can you remember the first time you jumped off a diving board? The fear? The nervousness? The butterflies in your stomach as you tried to gather your courage? Jabari Jumps perfectly captures the experience of jumping off a diving board for the first time. Readers will cheer Jabari on as he slowly works his way up the ladder, then to the end of the diving board, and finally takes a big leap into the pool below. Cornwall’s stunning illustrations help the reader experience Jabari’s worry, determination, and hard-earned pride alongside him.
Wilma Unlimited
by Kathleen Krull
Wilma Unlimited is a book you don’t want to miss. Wilma Rudolph was one of the strongest women in American history. When she was just four, she contracted scarlet fever and lost the ability to walk. Wilma and her family fought racism and poverty to get her the care she needed. Through pure determination, Wilma regained her ability to walk, learned how to play basketball, and then began to run track — and wow, was she fast! Wilma’s hard work led to her winning three gold medals in track at the 1960 Olympic Games. Learn about Wilma Rudolph and be prepared to have your whole family inspired!
Hoop Genius
by John Coy
Do you know the story of how basketball came to be? Hoop Genius tells the true story of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball! James had taken over a wild PE class that had already driven two teachers to quit. He was desperate. He needed a high-energy game that would be exciting but would limit the amount of physical contact between the players. He wanted a game that required skill and focus. Through experimentation and lots of trial and error, James Naismith came up with basketball, an exciting and challenging game now played all around the world!
The school year brings new opportunities and challenges for children, parents, caregivers, and teachers! As responsibilities add up, it seems like we start to become objects in motion that stay in motion. That can get exhausting! Instead of following the law of inertia, the field of occupational therapy promotes participation in meaningful daily activities by finding a balance between work, play, rest, and anything else that can occupy your child’s time.
In the spirit of the new school year, it’s important to focus on strategies that create an after-school routine to promote self-regulation and self-care. While routines will differ from family to family, here are three helpful tips that I share with my patients and their families:
Make a realistic schedule and stick to it!
Even if they don’t want to admit it, kids love routine. A schedule helps them know what to expect and helps to develop their own sense of organization. I am obsessed with the book The Sensory Child Gets Organized by Carolyn Dalgliesh! It’s a quick read with great strategies on how to break down challenging tasks, eliminate distracting stimuli, and utilize visual supports to improve a child’s overall performance. It also includes examples of visual schedules. For instance,
AfterSchool Routines
by Lauren R. Pittard, MSOT, OTR/L
a younger child may benefit from pictures, whereas an older child could follow a written schedule or be told expectations.
A schedule should be consistent to help reduce resistance from the child. Additionally, when making the schedule, consider when your child has the most motivation to get stuff done. Does your child have enough patience to pick up their toys after dinner, or should that be done before you sit down to eat? You can also create some time in the evening to plan for the next day if mornings are challenging, like picking out clothes the night before or packing their backpack for the next day.
Replace tech time with movement!
According to Psychology Today, the more time children spend on technology, the less emotional intelligence they develop and the less personal connections they create. Children that are glued to the screen are more likely to experience social isolation, poor social skills, impulse problems, sleep disorders, low selfesteem, and unstable moods. These difficulties could present as big meltdowns when technology is taken from them.
I highly recommend limiting tech time to no more than two hours a day, though even less is preferred. As more tech restrictions are enforced, your child may demonstrate more behavioral difficulties. This will improve with time, so don’t give up!
Replace the tech time with family time or movement time.
Playing on a regular basis helps increase a child’s strength, body awareness, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and complex social play skills. Decreased play during the week can present as decreased attention and increased fidgeting in the home and classroom setting. Check out the book Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom to read more about the benefits of play, specifically outdoor play. Try out some of these activities in your home: create an obstacle course from furniture, have animal walk races or use different animal walks to clean up toys, have the siblings take turns pulling a blanket while the other sits on it, build something out of your Amazon boxes, or have a dance party! Pinterest is a great way to get inspired for more creative play activities. In the long term, less tech time will help make it easier for your child to sit down at the dinner table, build family bonds, and fall asleep at night.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
Even losing just one hour of sleep negatively impacts a child’s emotional functioning, behavior, and cognitive skills. Different ages require specific hours of sleep each night; refer to the sleep chart below for the recommended hours for your child. Try to schedule your child’s bedtime with the time they need to wake up in the morning.
Common strategies to make falling asleep easier include restricting screen time two hours before bed, calm movements (such as yoga), using a white noise machine, reading books, and rubbing their backs. Children who tend to wiggle from excitement or nervousness could potentially benefit from a weighted blanket (weighing up to 10 percent of the child’s body weight) or a set of compression sheets so they feel like they are in a nice, calming hug to help fall asleep. For the kids who try to procrastinate bedtime, it might be good to keep toys outside of the bedroom or even schedule
some “quiet time” before bed. It might be helpful to start getting ready for bed earlier to get enough sleep throughout the night. Try to consider this while making your routine.
Making changes to a routine can be tough so take your time to decide what will work best for your family. It is important to remember that every child is different so these tips may need to be adapted based on your child’s individual needs and abilities. If you have concerns related to your child’s development, consult with your pediatrician to determine if an occupational therapy evaluation would be beneficial to help incorporate sensory, motor, and/or environmental strategies into your routine so your family can live life to the fullest.
Age Hours needed per night 0-3 months 14-17 hours 4-11 months 12-15 hours 1-2 years 11-14 hours 3-5 years 10-13 hours 6-13 years 9-11 hours 14-17 years 8-10 hours
Lauren Pittard, MSOT, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist who works at the local children’s hospital in the outpatient clinical setting. She is currently pursuing her occupational therapy doctorate degree to pursue her dream of bringing occupational therapy strategies into areas of need within the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.
Learn for yourself why people who send their children here say that North Cross has the BEST
• overall educational experience for your child.
• college preparatory curriculum and services.
• Junior Kindergarten program.
• remediation program for students with diagnosed learning differences.
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Does Soap Float? Kids Science Experiment
Supplies:
• 4 different bar soaps (one of which must be Ivory Soap)
• Knife
• 4 cups of water
• 4 disposable plates
• Microwave
Directions:
1. Open each soap and cut them with the knife so that they will easily fit into the cups of water.
2. Observe each soap and compare them. Do they smell different? Do they have different textures or colors? What is similar about each soap? Does the soap look solid or are their large air bubbles inside?
3. Make a prediction about each soap sinking or floating in the water.
4. Place each soap in its own cup of water and make observations. Does anything else happen when the soaps are in the water?
5. Cut a new, equal sized chunk of each type of soap and place them in the middle of their own plate.
6. Make a prediction about what each soap will do when microwaved for one minute.
7. Microwave each soap for one minute and see what happens! You should see that the Ivory soap expands and turns into a fluffy soap cloud.
Try this:
Try timing how long it takes each soap to dissolve or break down in the water, what do you think this means about each type of soap? You can also use the results of your experiment to create a sensory dough called clean mud. To do this, fist crumble up your ivory soap cloud into small pieces and then add ito to just enough warm water that it gets mushy. Next pull the toilet paper off of a roll and shred it into small strips. Mix the ivory soap and water mixture with the paper and knead it until you have a clay and you will have created clean mud!
What’s happening:
Ivory soap is one of a very few types of soap that float but it does this without there being large visible air bubbles inside the soap. This is because Ivory soap is a whipped soap meaning that it has tiny bubbles of air mixed into the soap like whipped cream. If you break the soap open with your hands and not a knife, you may even be able to see these tiny pockets of air. Both the air in these bubbles and the soap itself have water trapped inside which will vaporize in a microwave. This means that in the microwave the soap gets softer and the air bubbles expand which creates a fluffy ivory cloud in the microwave. Other soaps tend to just melt because without the trapped air to expand, the soap just gets soft until it melts. This process is especially cool because its a demonstration of a very important physical law called Charles’s Law which says that as a gas (like air) heats up, its volume increases. This law is the same reason that marshmallows puff up in the microwave.
Experiment provided by
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