Growing Up In the Valley April 2017

Growing Up S O U T H W E S T & C E N T R A L V I R G I N I A’ S P R E M I E R FA M I LY R E S O U R C E

In The Valley Volume 5 Issue 8 • April 2017 • Take One

Celebrate Everything From Strawberries, Greek Culture, Kites And Chili!

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COMMUNITY SCHOOL’S

Strawberry Festival SaveeDate

Friday, May 6th, 10 AM - 5:30 PM & Saturday, May 7th, 10 AM - 4 PM www.strawberryfestivalroanoke.org Tickets a Activities a Schedules a Maps

Letter from the Editor

S

Evelyn, Andrea and Anika in on a recent class trip.

Facebook Facebook.com/ growingupinthevalley Follow Us on Instagram @Growingupmag Tweet Us on Twitter @GUPinthevalley Email The Editor andrea@ growingupinthevalley.com Story Ideas Share your story ideas with us by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com

pring is finally here and with the warmer weather comes festival season here in Roanoke! The staff of Growing Up In the Valley is super excited to be involved in two of the biggest and best festivals in the area in the coming months; Community School’s Strawberry Festival and the Roanoke Harry Potter Festival! This issue features a rundown of these and other great festivals that take place in our region. Make sure to not miss out on the fun!

In addition to festivals, spring to us means the start of the baseball season, America’s Pastime and our family’s favorite sport! The Salem Red Sox are back in action on April 6th!

Check out their promo and game schedule featured in this issue and make sure to catch a game this spring and cheer on the future stars of Major League Baseball.

Lastly, we want to update you, our loyal readers, on the health of our amazing and award winning Creative Director, Tracy Fisher. As you may remember, Tracy was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer last March, exactly one year from the day that this Editor’s Note is being written. We are happy to say, that one year later, Tracy is cancer free! She has battled through chemo treatments, surgery and even some setbacks, but she has risen above and persevered to come out on top! Tracy and her family missed their family vacation to Disney last summer, but she was able to recover in time to head down there this spring and enjoy a much needed vacation and celebrate her health. We are so happy for Tracy’s recovery and we thank each of you who have reached out to Tracy over the year to offer support or donated to her GoFundMe page!

Have a great spring - enjoy our beautiful region!

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Growing Up In The Valley PUBLI SHER Josh Eagan EDI TOR Andrea Eagan CRE AT IVE DIRE C TOR Tracy Fisher ADVER T I SING Info@growingupinthevalley.com C ON T RIBUTOR S Peg McGuire Katie Lewis Tracy Fisher Ava Rosa DeVries Kevin Hurley Clifford Jackson Marla Robertson C ont ac t Us : Phone: 540-251-1660 Fax: 540-808-1568 Mail: PO BOX 12263 Roanoke, VA 24024 General Inquiries: Info@growingupinthevalley.com We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers.

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

Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley. com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.

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Inside This Issue

April 2017

Win Tickets!

On Facebook!

The Best Virginia Festivals Pg. 7 Features 7

13

Pg. 10

The Best Virginia Festivals Discover where you can

celebrate your love of strawberries annually!

Lead Poisoning in the Valley Lead paint dust could be affecting your family’s mental health and safety.

10

3 Questions with Ava Rosa Roanoke’s youngest journalist learns the history of Grandin Theatre from Ian Fortier.

29

Just For Fun

18

Kate’s Take Everyone needs to take a break and recharge sometimes.

Magnolia Kids Decorate your home with the help from Chip and Joanna

23

Harry Potter Schedule Learn all about the exciting festival coming to Roanoke in May!

Learn and Grow

21

The Internet is Making Me Look Bad Social media makes parenting seem easy.

It’s A Money Thing

42

16

28

Book Review by Children Stephen King once said “Books are uniquely portable magic” and we could not agree more!

Hair Conditioner Play Dough A fun D.I.Y project for those rainy April days.

27

The Perfect Easter Egg How to cook, color and display your holiday eggs.

Resources 35

Go. Play. See. Learn what is going on in your own neighborhoods this spring!

32

Kids Eat Free What’s for dinner tonight?

40

Education Guide Find the perfect school for your child in our monthly listings of local education options.

The Best Virginia Festivals

Editor ’s Pick Strawberry

Festival

Elmwood Park, Roanoke Free to attend • Individual strawberry treats range from $2 -$6 May 5, at 10 AM - 5:30 PM May 6, at 10 AM - 4 PM

37 years ago, parents at Community School started the Strawberry Festival as a small school fundraiser. It has grown every year

Discover where to celebrate your love of cheese, learn about new cultures, dress up as your favorite fictional characters and support wonderful local charities and causes.

and now boasts a 20,000+ attendance.

Families, young professionals, and kids of all ages come out for two fun-filled days of scrumptious berry-filled treats, children’s games and activities, live musical entertainment, food, arts and craft vendors.

Hogwarts on May 13! There will be dinners, quidditch scrimmages and demonstrations, themed activities throughout downtown, speciality menus and live entertainment. For the most up-todate information (and those hard to get dinner tickets) follow Roanoke Harry Potter Festival on Facebook.

Roanoke Harry Potter Festival

Blue Ridge Kite Festival

Roanoke has been going wild over any piece of news from the valley’s newest festival. Downtown Roanoke will be transformed into

Green Hill Park really is the best location for this fun festival.

There is a large field for kite fliers of all skill levels to

Downtown Roanoke May 13, 10 AM - 4 PM

Green Hill Park, Salem April 15, at 10 AM - 4 PM Free to attend

Chocolate Festival

Downtown Blacksburg April 15, at 11 AM - 4 PM Free to attend • Chocolates require tasting tickets

enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain breezes.

Surrounded by art & craft activities, many vendors and food trucks, it is a great way for your family to usher in spring!

Indulge your inner Willy Wonka and attend the 4th year of the Blacksburg Rotary Club’s Chocolate Festival!

Last year they had 50 different types of chocolate treats for you to taste, as well as a wide array of family friendly vendors and activities such as complimentary dance and music classes.

See our full event calendar at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar Growing Up • April 2017

7

Steppin’ Out

Downtown Blacksburg August 4 at 10 AM -11 PM August 5 at 10 AM -10 PM Free to attend

Blacksburg knows how to celebrate the end of summer in style. This festival features 200+ artists and crafts vendors selling unique handcrafted items.

The local stores and restaurants often hold sales and specialty menus.

Steppin’ Out is known for wonderful live music and entertainment.

Go Outside Festival River’s Edge Park, Roanoke October 13-15 Free to attend

One of the few festivals your family can actually spend the night at! Go Outside Festival offers tent and RV camping, as well as demos for a multiude of outdoor activities such as slack lining, paddle boarding,

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Growing Up • April 2017

and understanding througout the entire Roanoke Valley.

FloydFest motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, antique tractor buffs, and old-time gamers for a celebration of the rich heritage and traditions of the region. rock climbing, biking, and more.

Folklife Festival Ferrum College October 28 $10/adults and $5/children

Editor ’s Pick

One of the area’s longest running festivals, The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is 43 years old! This event brings together a host of musicians, cooks, moonshiners, coon dog racers, craftspeople,

Local Colors

Elmwood Park, Roanoke May 20 at 11 AM - 5 PM

Local Colors is

a multi-cultural festival that celebrates people of diverse origins,races and ethnic backgrounds.

Stop by and enjoy a day full of sharing and learning of cultures through music, arts & crafts, and a parade. Local Colors helps promote cultural diversity

Floyd July 26-30 Weekend & single day tickets available

Floyd is normally a sleepy little rural town, but for 5 days in the summer, it becomes the epicenter of music and art. With dozens of musical acts, art installations, live entertainment, great food and camping, there is something for everyone of any age to enjoy.

Olde Salem Days Downtown Salem September 9 Free to attend

Olde Salem Days is one of the best known arts and crafts event in the region. The downtown streets

of Salem are transformed into a showplace for the most talented artisans. In 2016, the Rotary Club of Salem earned $50,000 to donate as grants to local service organizations.

Greek Festival

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Roanoke September 15-17 Free to Attend

Chairman Peter Simopoulos says it best, “As you attend our festival, you will experience the sights, sounds and tastes of proud people whose

Virginia hosts a festival for every interest. Even Cheese.

cultural history goes back over 4,500 years. [we] worked very hard to prepare authentic foods, costumes, dances and prepare our festival grounds so that you can become Greek for a Day.” The Roanoke Greek Festival raises money to help local charities such as The Roanoke Valley SPCA, and the Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley.

Lynchburg Beer & Wine Festival

Sept 16 at 12 PM - 7 PM Lynchburg City Stadium, Lynchburg $25 per person or $15 for a nondrinking ticket.

Drawing in thousands to the Hill City for this one day event, this festival has grown by leaps and bounds since its conception in 2010. Over 12 area

wineries are on hand with samples of their finest Virginia wines.

Breweries from the state & beyond will have craft ales and lagers on tap with 60+ different varieties for you to sample and buy.

There is also live entertainment, activities and music for everyone to enjoy.

Festival in the Park

Elmwood Park, Roanoke May 26-28 2017 prices have not been released, usually around $10/ adult and $5/child.

Since 1969, Festival in the Park has provided fun for the residents of Roanoke. There are many performances, activities, and events for kids and adults alike. The fireman foam pit and toucha-truck have been particular favorites of the families of Growing Up in the Valley.

Virginia Science Festival

Downtown Roanoke, Virginia Tech & Select locations throughout the state.

2017 Dates to be released.

Virginia Cheese Festival

Downtown Blacksburg 2017 dates to be released

It’s cheese, why wouldn’t you be interested?

Admission gets you a tasting from local cheesemongers, beer pairings and delicious food to put that cheese with. There is also a petting zoo and live entertainment for everyone.

Summer Arts Festival Virginia Tech, Blacksburg June-July 2017

For over 25 years,the Summer Arts Festival at Virginia Tech has provided

entertainment during the hot summer months.

They partner with local musicians, entertainment groups, theatre productions throughout June and July. The Steppin’ Out Festival, Summer Solistice, The Blacksburg Independence Day Celebration, and Art in the Market are all a part of the Summer Arts Festival as well.

You can get up close and personal with science experiments, astronauts, scientists and explorers at the Virginia Science Festival. While still young (2017 will be it’s third year!) this festival draws huge numbers and important guests.

NASA has visited, given lectures and provided activities for children. The local science museums have either free or discounted admission for the day and dozens of booths explaining scientific principles with fun activities.

Not to mention great food, lectures, group projects and educational experiences.

Growing Up • April 2017

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Let’s All Go to the Movies

Three Questions with Ava Rosa at Roanoke’s Historic Grandin Theatre In 1932, the Grandin Theatre opened and sold tickets to “the talking pictures” to the people of Roanoke for 25 cents apiece, 10 cents for kids.

A lot has changed since that day in 1932, in Roanoke and in the movie industry. One thing that has mostly stood firm as a part of the community is the Grandin Theatre itself. It has had challenges, changed owners, been renovated, and relaunched more than once.

Since being bought in 2002 by the Grandin Theatre Foundation, with the help of Roanoke citizens including Ed Walker and Warner Dalhouse, The Grandin Theatre is here to stay.

I am here to take a look around this amazing piece of Roanoke history and to meet with the Executive Director of the Grandin Theatre Foundation, Ian Fortier.

Three Questions is going to the movies!

Ava Rosa: Thank you for meeting me Mr. Fortier. The Grandin Theatre is celebrating it’s 85th anniversary this year. What do you think has allowed the theatre to stay open for so long?

Ian Fortier: I actually think that the location of the Grandin Theatre, in Grandin Village, has been the reason for it’s longevity. Many of the independent

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Growing Up • April 2017

nonprofit cinemas that once existed in Roanoke were all downtown or in and around the downtown area. Because of real estate concerns and developers, they struggled to stay open and became vulnerable to being knocked down and having parking lots or buildings put on top of them. Here in the Grandin Village, the Grandin Theatre acts as the economic, the geographic, and the cultural anchor for the village, so I think that it’s role that it plays in this particular neighborhood

has been really prominent in it’s viability over time.

Ava Rosa: When my family wants to go out to the movies, we always look up what’s playing online and hope that it is playing here. As a nonprofit movie theatre, what are the biggest differences between the Grandin Theatre and most other theaters around town?

Ian Fortier: As a nonprofit movie house,

we have an opportunity because we are backed by a foundation, to engage the community in many different ways.

Corporate movie theaters are often housed in national big cities or even internationally and they’re more focused on product, they’re more focused on profit. Nonprofit cinema houses like the Grandin are based in the community.

We’re run by the community in the sense that we want to make sure that what we’re showing is what the community wants us to show. This is more of a cultural community center than it is a movie theatre. So, ensuring that our doors are open to the people in our community for things that are more than just movies, like birthday parties and business seminars, weddings, and other opportunities like community conversations to participate in the theatre are important in the nonprofit world and this is why independent nonprofit cinemas are more relevant, in my opinion, than the corporate, product models.

Corporate theater’s have their place. They provide products that are interesting to certain demographics, but their movies are more about entertainment, our movies are more about the experience.

Ava Rosa: Since you became the Executive Director of the Grandin Theatre Foundation, you have talked about other ways the Grandin Theatre can be a part of the cultural future of

the Roanoke Valley. What are some things you see the Grandin Theatre doing in the next 85 years?

Ian Fortier: This is a big question, Ava Rosa. In the next 85 years? Well, let’s see, in the next 85 years there’s all sorts of potential for us. I’d like us to continue to diversify the way that we engage the community. I’d like for us to think about building exhibits in this organization and building that speak to the last 85 years.

I’d like to think about jazz clubs and green roofs where we grow vegetables on top. Elevators for our patrons. I’d like to think about more diversified programming and more series that are free to the public. I’d like to think about ways we can be more involved in our community, the Grandin Village and Raleigh Court.

I’d like to think about having young filmmakers who are supported by the theatre and developing their films and using that medium to go out into the world and tell their story and find their voice.

Ava Rosa: Thank you for your time today Mr. Fortier. As promised, I have asked just three questions. After my questions, though, I always give guests the opportunity to speak directly to my readers and share anything they would like everyone to know.

Ian Fortier: I just wanted all of you to know that this young lady is fantastic and we hope to have her as a documentarian in the Grandin Theatre Film Lab in the next year or two, before she gets snatched up by some other program.

Come on down to the Grandin Theatre!

Enjoy the best popcorn in town. See ya!

Movies can take the viewer anywhere to experience anything. Movies are a shared culture and the Grandin Theatre is a beautiful place to experience that culture.

I can’t help but think about how much has changed since 1932? Aside from a 25 cent ticket costing 9.75 now, the world is different in just about every way. The way we receive “talking pictures”, as they called it back then, is in everyone’s hand and in every home. The technology has changed, but much of the moviegoing tradition remains.

The Grandin Theatre remains a living window to our past, but also as a window into the experiences, stories, and adventures of other people and the creations of all the dreamers who continue to make the movies an experience people love today.

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Growing Up • April 2017

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

It doesn’t add up.

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

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

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

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

United Way of Roanoke Valley

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

The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we For more information, please contact: Meg Fitzwater, Director, Early / Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke have to impact a child’s future. Yet weLearning spend theStrategies least on our mfitzwater@uwrv.org children when they/ (540)283-2786 need it the most./ smartbeginningsroanoke.org

It doesn’t add up.

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

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

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

Lead Poisoning in the Valley Written by: Marla Robertson The Flint, Michigan water crisis drew national attention to the topic of lead poisoning when, in 2014, the Flint River became the drinking water source for the city. Due to insufficient water treatment, more than 100,000 residents were potentially exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water. However, water is not the only source of lead poisoning as there are many other ways lead can be introduced into the human body.

The major source of exposure today is invisible dust from old lead-based paint. In 1978, lead-based paint was banned in the United States for residential use, but more than 50 billion square feet of lead paint still remain today on our schools and homes. It surprises many to know that Roanoke has an extremely large number of homes built before 1978.

These older homes give Roanoke historic significance and fantastic character; however, we need to make certain our housing stock is free from lead-based paint hazards.

Lead-based paint is still present in many homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. When the paint is undisturbed, the risk of exposure to the lead is very small. But when the paint is disturbed, lead dust is created. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, and cracking) is the

lead hazard that needs immediate attention. Don’t ignore your own walls because you think poisoning from lead-based paint only happens in substandard housing, for leadbased paint dust can exist in even the most meticulously maintained home. Lead-based paint dust is particularly dangerous because it is invisible and one particle the size of a grain of sand can poison a small child.

Young children under the age of 6 are the main victims of lead-based paint poisoning. Because lead is a heavy metal, the dust particles from deteriorating lead-based paint fall naturally onto surfaces like floors, furniture and other play surfaces. Young children are at risk in these homes because they play and crawl around on floors and often times put their hands or objects into their mouths which creates an easy pathway for lead ingestion. Lead also has a sweet taste and it is not uncommon to see children chew on window sills, or even eat paint chips off floors. Unfortunately, it only takes a minimal amount before a young child becomes poisoned, which is only detectable through a blood test.

According to the EPA, the amount of lead dust equal to the size of a sweetener packet is enough to contaminate a space one-third the size of a football field.

Growing Up • April 2017

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Young children often show no signs of lead exposure or lead poisoning, which makes diagnosis difficult. Children absorb more lead than adults, and because their brains are still rapidly developing before the age of 10, lead poisoning at this stage of life creates permanent health issues such as reduced IQ, ADD, ADHD behavioral problems, hyper activity, impaired growth, learning disabilities, hearing loss, and significantly impaired intellectual functioning, coma, and even death. But there is good news as lead poisoning is 100 percent preventable!

The City of Roanoke offers a Lead Hazard Control program called Lead Safe Roanoke to assist families in eliminating lead hazards from their homes. The program is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is free to families who qualify. As a participant in the Lead Safe Roanoke program, families may receive new energy-efficient windows, interior and exterior paint, soil remediation, and much more at no cost to them. The process may take 5 to 10 days and is performed by licensed construction professionals.

The City of Roanoke also offers a Healthy Homes Initiative that supplements the Lead Safe program to protect children and their families from housing-related health and safety hazards. The Healthy Homes Initiative builds upon Roanoke’s Lead Safe program by addressing a variety of environmental health and safety concerns including mold, lead, allergens, asthma, carbon monoxide, home fire and safety, pesticides, and radon. More than 18,000 Americans die every year from injuries that take

place in their home and Roanoke’s Healthy Homes Initiative can help prevent such accidents.

Stephanie was a recent participant in the Lead Safe Roanoke program.

She was extremely concerned because her young daughter, who is naturally curious about everything, explored their home with intense vigor, including amongst the pots and pans under the sink, as well as, the paint chips around their window sills.

Stephanie became concerned about her daughter’s safety and contacted the Lead Safe Roanoke program. The program tested her home for lead and safety hazards to identify possible lead, household toxins, and health threats. Extremely dangerous levels of lead were found on the home’s windows. Lead-based paint certified contractors were dispatched to remove and replace window sashes, as well as painted areas within the interior and exterior of the home.

Fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were also installed as part of the program’s Healthy Homes Initiative.

Upon arriving home following receipt of the home’s certification of being lead safe, Stephanie and her daughter were thrilled with the results. A sense of relief and security meant the world to her.

Months later, Stephanie was awoken by an alarm sounding from one of the detectors installed in her home.

She rushed into her daughter’s room and they immediately vacated their home. Fire and rescue teams arrived to find that the newly installed carbon monoxide detector had identified enough poisonous carbon monoxide

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

• Pain in the abdomen or joints • Constipation, nausea, or vomiting • Developmental learning disability or slow growth • Constant fatigue or loss of appetite • Hyperactivity or irritability • Colic, headache, insomnia, or memory loss

“I was shaken up with the reality that today my daughter and I could have died.”

concentration that could have easily taken their lives if they had not been awoken. Stephanie stated, “My heart dropped. I was shaken up with the reality that today my daughter and I could have died...The CO detector saved my family’s lives.”

Carbon Monoxide is often called the Silent Killer because of its ability to take lives quickly and quietly as its victims never know they are at risk.

It is undetectable to humans, being both tasteless and odorless, and in high enough concentrations, can kill within minutes.

The Lead Safe Roanoke program is currently accepting applications from interested city residents. Find out if you qualify by contacting Lead Safe Roanoke today! For additional information, visit our website at www.roanokeva.gov/leadsafe or call 540-853-5682.

Give a child the chance to soar!

COMMUNITY SCHOOL’S

Strawberry Festival SaveeDate

Friday, May 6th, 10 AM - 5:30 PM & Saturday, May 7th, 10 AM - 4 PM www.strawberryfestivalroanoke.org Tickets a Activities a Schedules a Maps

Roanoke County

Foster Parent Program

Local Families - Local Solutions

#FosterLocal • 540-283-8850

BOOKS

ARE UNIQUELY PORTABLE MAGIC Start Spring Off Right With A Good Book.

This week I had to read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds for my homework. I really liked this story. It has great pictures. It is about a girl named Vashti who thinks she is not good at art. One day her teacher frames a dot she drew. Then she draws a lot more dots in a lot of different ways. She even made a dot out of CLAY! Vashti learns that everyone can be an artist. She even inspires someone else to be an artist too. When I grow up I want to be an artist like Vashti.

About the Author

Charlotte Fisher is 7 years old and attends Crystal Spring Elementary. She loves books about animals, nature, fairies and adventure. When she grows up she wants to be an artist like her mother. She can often be found staying up late with a flashlight and her books in her bed.

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Get The Look Shabby Chic with Magnolia Kids HGTV’s Joanna Gaines introduces a children’s furniture line

Joanna Gaines is well known for her country insprired interior design and shabby chic asthetic.

And her new furniture line, Magnolia Kids (locally available in the Roanoke area at Grand Home Furnishings) is no different. The furniture is youthful, without being childish. It’s a perfect combination for those with young children who want their furniture to grow up with them.

Magnolia Kids also offers unique storage solutions with beautiful armoires, dresses and shelve systems. The Cameo Armoire is a wonderful option for those with limited or no closet space.

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Growing Up • April 2017

In Gaines’ designs, everything has a purpose, but is still beautiful. This makes the rooms seem less cluttered and messy while keeping a sense of fun and humor. A persons belongings suddenly seem like a part of the entire design, rather than a distraction.

Gaines also uses natural woods skillfully with multiple shades of whites and creams. Color is used sparingly and is easily changeable to fit anyone’s tastes. Your child can go from loving everything pink to only liking green without ruining the entire room’s effects.

We love these primitive school desks! They are an interesting storage solution for supplies and books.

Shut the Front Door!

Some of our favorite front door decor, motifs and trends.

making you happy

making you happy

LYNCHBURG 5401 Fort Ave

ROANOKE Valley View

ROANOKE Tanglewood

www.grandhomefurnishings.com Growing Up • April 2017

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Kate’s Take The spring days remind a local teacher that everyone needs to take a break.

Today, the second day of spring, it was 70 degrees and partly sunny. I rushed home from a doctor’s appointment with a plan of attack. I was headed straight for my tennis shoes. I needed to go for a walk. It was as if my life depended on it. Then, I needed to read a book, outside, for pleasure. I am in the midst of teaching The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to my juniors, and though I love the book, and reread it along with my kids each year, I needed an escape. I needed some alternative reading. Normally, I ignore these urges.

These menial desires I have. I don’t have time for that stuff. I have dinner to cook, and papers to grade, and laundry to do. But I have decided to do some true spring cleaning. Cleaning of the soul, that is. I’m going to find some ways to incorporate small bursts of these pleasurable things in my life.

You see, spring is an extra busy time for me at work. It’s my own personal March Madness, which actually continues into April and May. Each year, I let it get the best of me until I almost crash and burn. It is easy to do.

Yearbook deadlines have to be met, units have to be covered, SOLs have to be passed. But am I truly giving my best if I come crashing down into summer? So I’m going to try to veer of course every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

Taking a short walk, watching a favorite show, listening to music— it’s amazing how these simple things can be the rejuvenation you need to power through the tasks that lie ahead. For me, they can boost efficiency, focus and mood. I know this, yet I so easily forget. But this time, I am really trying.

My hope is that these moments will also help reduce my overall stress and worry. I want to practice what I so often preach to my students. It seems to be human nature to give good advice that we don’t choose to heed.

our best selves collapse beneath it.

At least that is often a big part of my story. And I don’t want the end of my story to be one of regret. One that was consumed primarily by work and worry.

So I have decided that there has to be a way to carve out more time for just me and more We all need to find time for spending with my family.

My students recently took the first of their two our river and hop English SOLs. Some were nervous and uneasy. I gave aboard the raft once I am certain there are a brief speech that went things that I can remove in a while. something like this: “It’s from my schedule—that just a test. Life is too short time spent scrolling on social to get worked up over a test. I media being at the top of my feel like each of you is prepared, but list. And I doubt anyone has ever if you fail, I will get you there. Take looked back on their life and listed your time and try your best, but don’t their top regret as not having a spic worry.” and span house, right? So if have to cut back on the cleaning, then I will make Some of them looked relieved. It’s that sacrifice. Very willingly. as if I let them off the hook. I let Huck Finn had the right idea. His them know everything would be okay. biggest pleasure was floating down the Yet, in the back of my mind, I was Mississippi on his raft. It was an escape worried, hoping everything would go from the crazy world around him. And smoothly. Hoping they remembered to he had some big problems. Most of use transitions, incorporate examples, them bigger than any one of us will and proofread their essays carefully. ever have to face. Just like Huck, we Hoping I reviewed commas and all need that escape. We all need to semicolons enough. As adults, very find our river and hop aboard the raft often, we don’t have someone to tell once in a while. It might just take us us to take a deep breath and remind further than we could ever imagine. us that everything will be okay. We put so much pressure on ourselves until

Growing Up • April 2017

21

April Schedule

April 6 Opening Night Join us as we kick off our 50th Season in the Carolina League.

April 8 Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat 1

Home Away

Halfway to Halloween Bring the kids out to Trick or Treat! Gates open at 4:45PM. The first 1000 children will get a FREE Trick or Treat bag.

April 27 2

3

4

5

6 VS Down East 7:05 PM

9

10

11

12

13

7 VS Down East 7:05 PM

14

8 VS Down East 6:05 PM

15

Bark in the Park Bring out your furry friends for Bark in the Park Night!

Fans wishing to bring their pups can purchase a “pooch pass” at the gate for $5 which will be donated to area SPCAs.

April 28 VS Down East 1:05 PM

16

VS Down East 2:00 PM

23

VS Frederick 2:00 PM

30

VS Potomac 1:05 PM

VS Lynchburg 6:30 PM

17

VS Wilmington 7:05 PM

24

VS Lynchburg 6:30 PM

18

VS Wilmington 7:05 PM

25

VS Lynchburg 7:05 PM

VS Lynchburg 6:30 PM

19

VS Wilmington 7:05 PM

26

VS Lynchburg 7:05 PM

VS Down East 7:00 PM

20

VS Frederick 7:00 PM

27

VS Lynchburg 7:05 PM

VS Down East 7:00 PM

21

VS Frederick 7:00 PM

28

VS Potomac 7:05 PM

VS Down East 6:00 PM

22

VS Frederick 2:00 PM

29

VS Potomac 6:05 PM

Power Rangers Night Come together as we work to save the world, or at least Salem Memorial Ballpark from the evil alien, Rita Repulsa. Go, Go, Power Rangers!

April 29 Star Wars Night Calling all Jedi! The Empire has taken over Salem Memorial Ballpark and the Rebellion needs your help!

Encouraged light sabers are.

al appr tiv ov es

gicroa ma no of

the minist by ry ed

rry potte ha r f ke

Ministry Of Magic

Roanoke, Virginia Division Of Frivolity And Muggle Relations

To Whom it May Concern;

All inhabitants of Roanoke and the areas thereabouts have been cordially invited to attend the Ministry of Magic’s Roanoke Harry Potter Festival. This festival has been organized to strengthen the relationships between wizards, witches and non-magical citizens (otherwise known as “muggles”).

Please be advised that this festival is to occur on the 13th of May, from 10 AM until 5 PM in Downtown Roanoke; with ticketed feast and ball in the evening at the Charter Hall in the City Market Building.

Tickets are required to attend the festival and can be purchased through the muggle invention called “the internet” Details are available at Facebook.com/roanokepotterfest. Witches and Wizards should send an owl immediately.

Muggles do not need to wear wizarding attire, but may if they choose to do so. All visitors, muggles and magical alike, must have tickets to attend due to security and safety mandates from the Ministry.

Many magical items and delicious fare will be for sale during this festival. Wizards should be sure to bring plenty of Galleons from Gringotts before arrival. A few vendors and expected activities are listed below.

Gallop 4 the Greenways

Join team Harry Potter and break the record of most magical persons in a muggle race.

Live W*rock Bands from Noon through 5 PM on Salem Avenue

Butter Beer Garden (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)

Muggle Food Trucks Honeydukes, Zonkos, & the Leaky Cauldron

And other favorite Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley shops

Quidditch

William Fleming High School at 9 AM on Saturday, May 13th.

End of Term Feasts Yule Ball The Super Carlin Bros Live Live Podcast and lectures from Hogwarts Professor, John Grainger Potions Classes Wand Making

The Ministry thanks the City of Roanoke for hosting this festival as well as Growing Up in the Valley Magazine, Dash2Events, and the Roanoke City Library. All Ministry approved activities will bear our seal, beware there are those who wish to confuse and confuddle the muggle public.

Sincerely,

Summer is coming.

We’re ready. Are you?

NEWCOMER AUDITIONS ROANOKE VALLEY CHILDREN’S CHOIR

U i h t s!

W g

AWARD WINNING AND NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

North Cross School’s Summer Programs offer a wide variety of athletic, outdoor, creative, and academic day camps for children in preschool through ninth grade—all summer long.

Our schedule is flexible and built around yours, with morning and afternoon care.

Now, with online registration, we’ve made it even easier to win summer.

n i Come , S

Singers should come prepared to sing the first verse of, “My Country Tis of Thee” and a short song of their choice. The audition is quick and fun and takes about 5 minutes. To schedule an audition, please call or text 540-RChorus (540-724-6787) or email Auditions@childrenschoir.com after April 1, 2017 to set up an appointment.

Auditions are open for boys and girls ages 7 – 17.

May 8 and 11, 2017 from 3:30 – 8:30 PM and May 15, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Auditions are held at duPont Chapel at Hollins University.

New!

Online catalogue and registration www.northcross.org/ summer-programs.html

Win summer.

4254 Colonial Avenue Roanoke, VA · 540-989-7299

Directed by Kimberly R. Davidson

Find out more at: childrenschoir.com/auditions

DISCLAIMER: These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored by the School Boards of: Roanoke City, Roanoke County, or any other public school system.

Teacher of the Month Nomination

Nominate a worthy teacher to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Teacher of the Month by emailing info@ growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024.

Winners receive a gift card to Famous Anthony’s for a well deserved night out!

Your Name:________________________ Your Email Address: _________________________________

summer camps AGES 5-8 Sculpt, Build & Explore: June 5 - 9 Clay Creations: June 26 - 30

Soccer Shots Soccer - April 6th

Paint, Print & Play: July 10 - 14 Textile Adventures: August 14 - 18

AGES 8-11

Lead Safe Roanoke April 13th

Clay Creations: June 12 - 16 Nominee’s Name:___________________

The Art of Upcycling: July 17 - 21

Nominee’s Email Address:

Textile Adventures: August 7 - 11

_________________________________ Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Teacher of the Month? _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _______________________________

AGES 10-14 Clay Creations: June 19 - 23 Drawing: Textures, Animals, Landscapes, Figures & Manga: July 24 - 28 The Art of Upcycling: July 31 - Aug. 4

_______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________

Taubman

______________________________

Museum of Art

_______________________________

Mon-Fri | 8:30am-12:30pm

_______________________________

$175/week for non-members $150/week for members

_______________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________

Addy Grace Foundation April 20th

$10 off each subsequent camp or sibling registration.

Register Online Today!

TaubmanMuseum.org/Camp 110 Salem Ave SE Downtown Roanoke

Thursday Mornings 8:30 AM

The Perfect Easter Egg Hardboil The Eggs

1. Place eggs in a large saucepan. Cover them with cool water by 1 inch.

2. Slowly bring water to a boil over medium heat; when the water has reached a boil, cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 12 minutes 3.Transfer eggs to a colander; place under cool running water to stop the cooking. Eggs can be colored and decorated once cool to the touch.

dye after 5-10 minutes and allow to dry. Carefully remove elastics and string to reveal pattern.

3. Use a small piece of dish sponge to stipple on different acrylic paints.

4. Draw a design on the egg with a white crayon. Dip the egg into a coloring dye to reveal the design.

5. Fill a large shallow dish with shaving cream. Drip food coloring and swirl into a marbled pattern. Place eggs into the foam and let them sit for 10-20 minutes.

Carefully remove eggs and dab off excess moisture. (Do not wipe or color may smear.)

7 Ways To Decorate 1. Use liquid food coloring in a cup of water with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Completely submerge egg for 5-10 minutes; the longer the egg is in the solution the darker the color will be.

2. Wrap eggs with elastics or string tightly, careful not to crack the shell, and submerge in coloring dye. Remove from

6. To add a speckled look to your eggs, dip a toothbrush into brown acrylic paint and use your thumb to flick the bristles around the egg.

7. Glue long strips of decorative napkins with modge podge on to the eggs.

Photobooth Balloons Party Supplies Favors Rentals & More! (540) 725-8200

Funtimesvirginia.com 1409 S. Colorado St. Salem, VA

(540) 798-5406 | 2305-A Colonial Ave, Roanoke, VA 24015 (besides Towers Mall)

REVIVEORGANICSALON.COM Summer Camps for grades K - 12 June 25 to July 21 Register Today!

Day Camp & Resident Camp Shawsville, VA •540-268-2409 www.altamons.org/summer-camp

NERF

Call Now To Reserve Your Party

Parties 540-525-7671 www.playfitstayfit.net

D.I. Y .

Hair Conditioner Dough You Need: Slowly mix 2 cups Hair Conditioner of cornstartch Cornstartch into 1 cup of hair conditioner. You can also add essential oils and food coloring as desired.

28

Growing Up • April 2017

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

“When I grow up, I want to be a ___________.”

Depending on who you are, filling in the blank above can be an exciting, troubling or outright confusing task. If you happen to be a kindergartner, filling in the blank is awesome, because at that age, dinosaur and superhero are both perfectly viable career options. If you happen to be in high school, filling in the blank can be motivating because it takes all your talents and interests and captures them in a single goal that you can pursue through high school and past graduation day. If you happen to be an adult, filling in the blank can be a little bit terrifying because that could mean you’re now a grown-up (regardless of whether or not you feel like one) and here you are, still secretly looking for ideas.

Choosing a career path is a big deal. Even if you don’t consider yourself career-driven, your choice of vocation will inevitably influence your lifestyle. Income is only part of the equation— your career also has the ability to determine where you end up living, who you end up meeting, and the activities you end up having time for. So why is it so challenging to choose the right career? Read on.

Because careers can’t be prescribed Did you ever have to take one of those career aptitude tests in school or online? Do you remember what your result was, and whether or not it holds true? We often expect our perfect career to be prescriptive, as though there’s a single perfect job for each individual combination of skills (“Oh, so you’re a people person with great communication skills? You should be a sales manager!”). The truth is that the link between your abilities and the career that’s right for you is a lot more complex and nuanced. The same set of skills and interests (i.e., a steady hand and a love of art, science and technology) can be a springboard for completely different career paths (i.e., a digital artist or a neurosurgeon). It’s also important to note that interests can be enjoyed and actively developed outside of your day job (so perhaps the person in our example becomes a wildly successful veterinarian who creates oil paintings on weekends). Career aptitude tests can help generate some job ideas, but don’t let a simple quiz have the final say.

The takeaway: In order for you to be happy and successful, a career path doesn’t have to be a perfect translation of your unique signature of experience, skills and interests.

Because of career choice overload It’s not often that we look back on medieval times with nostalgia and envy (they definitely had their share of bummers), but career choice was certainly a simpler process. Mainly because there were fewer career paths and, in many cases, the choice would be made for you! Today, there are hundreds of thousands of different occupations to choose from, and more are being created every day to keep up with new demands and technologies. There are many lucrative career fields today that did not even exist 15 years ago. How mind-boggling is it to think that you might be a good match for a job that hasn’t been invented yet? The sheer amount of career paths out there can cripple your decision-making process. And when you do finally make a decision, doubt starts to creep in. What if you

had gone with that other option? In the context of choosing a career, the fear of missed opportunity can be overwhelming.

The takeaway: At the end of the day, we all want reassurance that we’ve made the best possible decision, but that requires a lot of comparison, analysis and headspace. Instead, define your goals and use them to guide your decision-making. Focus on meeting your career criteria without worrying about the possibility of there being something better.

Because “Occupationism” is everywhere “Occupationism” is a relatively new term used to describe an age-old concept: discriminating against someone based on their career. Even if you don’t judge others based on their field of work, you may have caught glimpses of occupationism in conversations with friends or family who use job titles as shorthand for how successful or educated someone is (doctors and lawyers seem to be the go-to stereotype in these situations). Occupationism may have even affected your own career choices in the past if you’ve ever felt the need to choose a job based on its prestige, not on your genuine interest in it.

On the surface, occupational prestige seems to be linked to money, success and purpose—but when you really think about it, it is possible to achieve all three of those in any given field.

The takeaway: Career stereotypes are pervasive, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy into them. Define your own success.

Because it’s easier to be passive Choosing a career is not something we see a lot of because most career choices are made “by default.” Think back on your choice of after-school activities, high school electives, and even your college major. Odds are that those choices resulted from a combination of pressure from your parents, influence from your friends, pursuits based on your interests at the time, and maybe a little bit of the occupational prestige mentioned above. It’s highly unlikely that you approached intramural volleyball from a perspective of how it would factor into your career path 10 years down the line. All this isn’t to say that every single activity needs to come from the perspective of career building. It just illustrates how easy it is to coast on others’ expectations of us rather than actively making decisions ourselves. Acknowledge that carving out your career path is important, and that each decision deserves your thought and energy.

The takeaway: Get to know yourself. You’ll find that it will help you make career decisions that are in your best interest.

You might also find that you’ll be less likely to blindly follow the pack. ________________ Finding your dream career is challenging on its own, and only made more difficult by others’ expectations and our own biases. Be mindful of your goals—any job that helps you achieve them is a benchmark for success. Remember that interests and skills change and develop over time, and therefore the need to make and reassess your career goals will continue through high school, college and beyond.

Growing Up • April 2017

29

HAVE A HAPPY EASTER The Game Room Activities presented by

Fill in the puzzle with the colors of the eggs!

KIDS TO PARKS DAY WASENA PARK MAY 20 1 - 4 P.M.

30

Growing Up • April 2017

HAVE A HAPPY EASTER The Game Room Activities presented by

Easter Word Search

1. Bunny

5. Family

Candy 2. Cansy

6. Hop

3. Easter

7. Spring

4. Egg

8. Sunday

J G G E Z H Y E

Y F F K K G D A

B N H A N E N S

L O N I M B A T

P G R U K I C E

Connect the dots to complete the picture!

N P U K B T L R

S U N D A Y M Y

Q L J Y L A U V Growing Up • April 2017

31

(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 • Town Center Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 • The Barbecue Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030

Kids Eat Free Roanoke

kidseatfreeroanoke.com

Kids Eat Free Choose from over 35 restaurants for an affordable family night out on the town! kidseatfreeroanoke.com

Every Day

Monday

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

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

• Golden Corral All Day • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826

• Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400

• Shoney’s All Day • 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400

• McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407

• Lil Cucci’s All Day (Closed Sunday & Monday) • 10 & under, 1 child per adult meal 1396 Roanoke Rd., Daleville (540) 966-5923

32

Growing Up • April 2017

• Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131

• Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464 • IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

• Pizza Hut 5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834

Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289 • El Rio Mexican Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343

• Ruby Tuesday 5 PM - Close • 11 & under, 1 child per paid adult Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 265-9301 Please

Take Note:

• Firehouse Subs • K&W Restaurant deals All Day • 11 & All Day • 12 & change quickly and under, 2 children under, 1 child often without notice. per paid adult per paid adult Growing Up in the Valley combo,dine in Hershberger strongly reccommends only Rd. Roanoke calling ahead to confirm 800 University any deal listed. This listing (540) 563-4977 City Blvd, is for informational Blacksburg purposes only and does (540) 961-0371

not guarantee a discount.

• The Green Goat All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

Tuesday

• Brambleton Deli 11 AM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554 • Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem

Wednesday

• Dogwood 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549 • The Quarter All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

• Pizza Pasta Pit 4 PM - 9 PM • 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included.

1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885

• Jerry’s Family Restaurant 4 PM - Close • 6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400

• IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Friday

• T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

• Steak n’ Shake All Day • 12 & under 1 free per paid $10.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Thursday

• CiCi’s Pizza All Day • 10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711 • The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

Sunday

See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

• Tokyo Express 11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303 • IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

How Is Your Story Going?

Let Us Help You Add A Chapter!

• Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400

80 years

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase All locations Roanoke, 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 • Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM • 10 & under with paid adult 3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022

• Jimmy V’s Restaurant All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311 • Steak n’ Shake All Day • 12 & under 1 free with paying $10.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825 • Moe’s Southwestern Grill All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471 • O’Charley’s All Day • 10 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-563-9870

• T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

Start Yo ur Stor y Wi t h Us

SALEMVAFCU.ORG 540.344.4419

Three locations to serve you!

112 West Main Street | 1970 Roanoke Blvd in Salem | 2042 Electric Road in Roanoke Growing Up • April 2017

33

COMING THIS SUMMER...

SALEM EASTER EGG HUNT THURSDAY, APRIL 13TH LONGWOOD PARK – 6 P.M.

In the Heart of Downtown Roanoke Since 1882

Locally Grown Vegetables • Fruits • Plants Variety of Fresh Meats • Baked Goods + Handcrafted Items Purchasing from a trusted food source at the market = fresh quality products.

Visit RoanokeMarket.com for more information!

Paw Patrol Live April 29-30

GO. PLAY. SEE. On-Going Events: Pscyhadelic Saturdays.

8 PM through 10 PM at the Launching Pad in Salem.

Jump in lasers and black lights and turn up the beat!

All ages are welcome, $17 per person.

City Market Saturdays.

Every Saturday at 11 AM through 2:30 PM at the

City Market Building in Roanoke. Head to historic downtown city market for fun each weekend with live entertainment, street performers, “how-tos”, and more. FREE Kid Yoga.

11 AM on first & third Saturday at the Life in Balance Center in Christiansburg. Join us for

a relaxing yoga class aimed at children ages 5-9. Classes are $8 each.

Kids Make Art. First Saturdays at 1 PM through 3 PM at Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Hollins University, Roanoke, VA. Kids Make Art is a once-a-month first Saturday program offering opportunities for the whole family to connect

with art. Children require parent/guardian supervision at all times, and we encourage everyone to take part in the activities – adults and children alike! Local artists and educators design and lead art-making projects and movement-based activities for participants of all ages. Kids Make Art is free and for the whole family. FREE

Birthday Parties • Group Events • Glow in the Dark Parties • Fundraisers

Trampolines & So Much More!

Basketball • Dodgeball • Jousting Pit • Fidget Ladder Pit • Airbag Pit Launch Tower • Arcade With Redemption Prizes • Bumper Cars Snack Bar • Lounge With Free Wifi • Electronic Lockers • 5 Party Rooms

540-404-9235 L J Launchingpadsalem.com I 1300 Intervale Drive, Salem VA, 24153

Growing Up • April 2017

35

Go. Play. See. Sensory Sensitive Sundays.

First Sundays. 9 AM at Roanoke Chuck E Cheese’s.

For children with autism and other special needs there will be reduced lighting and noise, food and games and trained staff on hand.

For more details call 540989-8193 Harry Potter Film Festival.

Tuesdays, March 14 through May 2 at Charter Hall in the Market Building in Roanoke.

Watch all 8 Harry Potter Movies before the Roanoke Harry Potter Festival on May 13! Tickets start at $5 per person.

Monster Jam. April 7 and 8 at 7 PM at Berglund Center, Roanoke.

The event will feature 8 trucks and drivers vying to be the Roanoke champion including: Grave Digger, Northern Nightmare, Nitro Menace, Jailbird, Midnight Rider, Wild Thang, Instigator, and Backdraft.

Tickets start at $15. Parking is $5.

PAW Patrol Live! April 29th & 30th at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke.

PAW Patrol is on a roll with the first-ever live tour!

It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s

Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! For the mission, Ryder summons Chase, Marshall, Skye, Zuma, Rubble, Rocky, and the newest pup, Everest.

Their mission is to rescue Mayor Goodway and run the race in her place. Using each of their unique skills and teamwork, the pups make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Ticket prices range from $18- $102.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

April 1 and 2 at 2 PM at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg. E.C. Glass Theatre presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” perfect

for all ages. Performances are March 29-April 1at 7:00 PM., and matinees April 1-2 at 2:00 PM. $12 per adult, $8 per student. Tickets are available at Givens Books and Blooms by Doyle. Online tickets and information at www.ecglasstheatre.org or (434) 522-3712.

Family Fun Nights.

The second saturday of every month at Amazement Square in Lynchburg.

Families are invited to enjoy Family Fun Night at Amazement Square at 4:00 to 7:00 pm when admission is just $3. Family Fun Nightis made possible through the museum’s Sponsored Admission program. www.AmazementSquare.org or (434) 845-1888

MAY 5-7 Tickets: 540-345-2550, or go online!

SHOW SPONSORS

SEASON PARTNERS

SEASON SPONSORS

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Visit our full event calendar online at Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar Saturday | April 8 Camp Roanoke Open House.

10 AM through 3 PM at Camp Roanoke Grounds, 6498 Dry Hollow Rd in Salem. Visit us for the Camp Roanoke Open House! Meet the staff, get a guided tour, try out camp activities, and enjoy lunch on us.

No reservation needed. FREE Where in the World.

1 PM through 3 PM at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke.

Apr 8, 2017 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Travel the world using the animals

Play over 45 Pinball Machines All Day Long No Quarters Needed

roanokepinball.org #roanokepinball

at Mill Mountain Zoo! Child and caregiver will follow clues on a scavenger hunt around the zoo as they learn fun facts about the animals, including where they come from. As parent and child travel the globe, they can stamp each country they visit in a special passport they make at the start of the program.

Designed for ages 4-6.

Member admission is $15 for one child and one caregiver. Non-Member admission is $20 for one child and one caregiver. $5 for each additional child.

Sunday | April 9 Spring Wildflower Hike.

Green Hill Park in Salem.

Enjoy a leisurely hike with a naturalist at one of the best spots in the valley to see spring wildflowers. We will see what is blooming along the hiking trails of Green Hill Park as we talk about these unique flowers and the habitats that support them. Recommended items include: sturdy shoes, warm clothing, snacks and a water bottle. Pre-registration is required. Registration is $5 per person.

Friday | April 14 Glow in the Dark Eggstravaganza.

5:30 PM through 9 PM at the

Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke. Art Venture activities include Glow in the dark egg hunt for ages 2-5 and 6-10, a scavenger hunt with prizes, facepainting and photos by The Ultimate Selfie Station.

The first 200 families will receive a tote bag for the egg hunt. A portion of all admission sales will be donated to continuing the children’s educational programs at The Taubman Museum. Every child over the age of 1 must have a ticket to participate. Cost is $5 per child.

Parent’s Night Out. 6 PM through 9 PM at River Rock Climbing in Roanoke.

What a great night for Parents and Kids alike!!

20th Anniversary of the Greenways

GALLOP 4 THE GREENWAYS & TRIATHLON ’

’

’

Register at www.Gallop4TheGreenways.com ’

’

Great for day trips and overnight packages!

Six trains, three depots. Trains depart from Elkins, Cass and Durbin.

866.946.8287 • MTN-RAIL.COM

Summer may be over...

swim.

Learning to swim is an essential life skill.

survive.

Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for children in the United States.

2007 Electric Road Oak Grove Plaza Roanoke, Va 24018 (540) 989-0520 info@swimsurvivethrive.com

fTC

Register today!

thrive.

But we are just getting started!

Swim skills build confidence, help promote success, and can save your child’s life.

Go. Play. See. Parents can drop off their kids at the River Rock and enjoy an evening to themselves. Children ages 7-12 will enjoy supervised climbing games and activities. Cost is $20 per child. Sibling discounts available.

in each age group, and at the end of the series an overall male and female winner will be named for each group. Participants can register for the whole series or individual races.

Saturday | April 15

Free Car Seat Safety Check.

4 PM through 6 PM at the Roanoke City Fire Station #6. We highly encourage ALL parents to stop by as motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children, and because 7 out of 10 car seats installed by parents are not installed properly.

19th Annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival.

10 AM at Green Hill Park in Salem. See why kite enthusiasts from all over the East Coast travel to Green Hill Park every year for this FREE event. Bring your kite and lawn chair as you enjoy a day of outdoor fun. The Richmond Air Force Kite Club will be there for livedemonstrations. Free kids kite & event shirts available while supplies last.

Roanoke Valley Comicon.

11 AM through 5 PM at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke.

Admission is $5 per person, children 10 and under are free with a paid adult admission. For details visit roanokevalleycomicon.com

Wednesday | April 19 Fishburn Youth Mountain Bike Race.

5:30 PM through 7:30 PM at Fishburn Park in Roanoke.

We are teaming up with East Coasters Bike Shop and offering for the fourth year in a row a FREE mountain biking race series aimed at novice racers from ages 2 to 14. Riders will compete on a short, spectator friendly course against kids of their own age and skill level.

Medals will be awarded to the top three boys and girls

Thursday | April 20

Saturday | April 22 Carilion Children’s Family 1 Miler.

7:35 AM at Elmwood Park in Roanoke. Now everyone can participate in the excitement of race day during “America’s Toughest Road Marathon”. Thanks to Carilion Children’s and Kirk Family YMCA we are now offering families with kids of all ages a one miler event.

The race starts right when the gun goes off for the Blue Ridge Full & Half Marathons, as well as the Anthem 10k so kids can experience the thrill that comes with a big time race. We’ve designed an out and back course that will take participants past hundreds of cheering fans, and then back to cross the official Blue Ridge finish line. After the race, 1-Milers can stay to cheer on 10k and half marathon finishers who will be right on their tails! $8/child, $12/adult and $35/family (4+ members)

Saturday | April 29 Party for the Planet.

11 AM through 4 PM at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke.

Come celebrate Earth Day with a Party for the Planet at Mill Mountain Zoo. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family! See our wonderful collection of animals, including vulnerable or endangered species and chat with zookeepers. Participate in neat earth friendly art activities and learn what you can do to help the planet!

All activities are included with regular Zoo admission!

Friday | May 5 Glow for Hope 5K Run & 2K Fun Walk. 7:30 PM at HopeTree Family Services in Salem. The Glow for Hope is a timed 5K night run and 2K fun walk that will light up the streets of Salem to raise awareness and support for HopeTree Family Services.

This family-friendly event will feature music, food, great raffle prizes, face painting, a photo booth, and a bouncy house for the kids. We’ll also offer a shorter campus walk for those who’d like to stay close by but still show their support for HopeTree. The highlight of the evening will be the Glow Party! This is our annual community fundraiser. All proceeds go directly toward providing vital services to people in need. The 2K course is FREE (walkers will need to donate or fundraise $25 to receive a t-shirt). 5K registration is $25.00 and includes a t-shirt.

Playground Review

Randolph Park, Dublin, VA

It’s a large park, surrounded by gorgeous farmland. The playground is always clean, and it’s spacious enough that, even when it’s crowded, kids aren’t bumping into each other. It has two play structures; the large one is a little scary for our toddler, but the smaller one is just the perfect size. It’s challenging physically, but still safe. Each structure has multiple climbing sections, slides, bridges, and tunnels. There are tons of swings and benches and some picnic tables if you want to have snacks.

The ground is a light color mulch, which is better than the dark mulch at some playgrounds that ends up on clothes and shoes and little faces. The playground is located next to a large shelter and the bathrooms, which is very convenient for our potty training 2 year old. The only complaint about the playground is that there is no shade. On hot summer days the equipment gets hot, and so do we!

We asked daughter, Layla, about the park, and she said, “I slide! And swing!

And play with friends!” It is our go to playground, and we just love it!

-Brittney Tilsen

Education Guide DAY CARE - Pre-K - K-12 Private Schools - For Listings email andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

SOUTH COUNTY ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

621 N. Jefferson St. Roanoke 540-982-3532 www.roanokecatholic.com Ages: 3-18, Preschool, After School, Private School K-6, Private School MS-HS We are dedicated to excellence in education and to the spiritual development of youth within the framework of the Gospel and the tradition of the Catholic Church.

Our mission is the education of the whole person, blending learning with faith and faith with daily life.

CHILDCARE NETWORK

4225 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-0144 www.childcarenetwork.com Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Yrs. Preschool, Day Care, After School Come join us at Childcare Network #65!! We pride ourselves on being the working parent’s best friend!

COUNTRY BEAR DAY SCHOOL

5220 Starkey Road, Roanoke 540-797-1456 www.countrybeardayschool.com Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Yrs. Preschool, Day Care, After School Country Bear Day School has a thirty year tradition of offering an exceptional program for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. A child’s happiness and development is our main objective, offered in a secure, nurturing enviroment with opportunities to grow. learn, and play. Your child’s well being is not only your top priority--it is ours as well. Please visit us soon to see why we lead in creative educational programs, parental service and an environment that is loving, safe and secure.

FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke 540-769-5200 www.fcsva.com Ages: 4-19, Preschool, After School, Private School K-6, Private School MS-HS We are one of fewer than 200 school across the nation implementing a powerful & proven classical method of education that for over 2,000 years has developed some of the world’s finest authors, scientists, mathematicians, artists, philosophers, theologians & composers. At Faith Christian School students are encouraged to love God and be captivated by His created world.

Check out our new indexed tuition program~private education may be more affordable than you think!

NORTH CROSS

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

GRANDIN GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491 http://grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool Grandin Court Baptist Church Preschool partners with families to provide a high-quality learning environment and to begin fostering an understanding and appreciation of God’s presence in each child’s life. As a VA Quality participant, we achieve this goal by providing environments and student-teacher interactions which promote a child’s natural curiosity and we delight and encourage them in their discoveries.

NOAH’S LANDING PRESCHOOL

2011 Brandon Avenue, SW, Roanoke 540-982-2254 www.noahslandingpreschool.com Ages: 12 Months - 5 Yrs, Preschool Noah’s Landing Preschool offers Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) as well as classes for 2, 3, and 4 year olds (Pre-K). Space is limited due to small pupil/teacher ratio per class. Our program runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday Thursday. We have an early drop-off at 8:30 am and an extended day Lunch Bunch program during the week until 1:00 pm for additional fees. Our philosophy of education is based on the belief that children learn and grow best through hands on experiences.

HOLLINS

GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491 http://grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool Grandin Court Baptist Church Preschool partners with families to provide a high-quality learning environment and to begin fostering an understanding and appreciation of God’s presence in each child’s life. As a VA Quality participant, we achieve this goal by providing environments and student-teacher interactions which promote a child’s natural curiosity and we delight and encourage them in their discoveries.

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491 2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491

www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience.

We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

7507 Plantation Road, Roanoke 540563-1724 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience.

We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

7815 Williamson Road, Roanoke 540-563-5036 www.communityschool.net Ages:3-14, Preschool, Private School K-8 Founded in 1971, Community School is an independent, non-profit institution. We provide education of the highest quality for children of all racial, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.

Community School provides a program that is unique in the Roanoke Valley and a rarity statewide, a haven for those who value experiential education over standardized test results. Our school nurtures children’s individual learning styles and fosters creative and analytical thinking. Our students develop personal responsibility for their education and a passion for learning.

SOUTHVIEW PRESCHOOL

3539 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke 540-362-1767 svumpreschool.webs.com Ages: 2-5 Yrs Our purpose is to provide a warm, nurturing, yet challenging atmosphere in which children can learn and develop physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. We offer Lunch Bunch, Curbside Drop Off and Pick Up, Music, Weekly Chapel, Field Trips, Multiple Child Discount, and Referral Discounts.

BONSACK BONSACK BAPTIST PRESCHOOL

4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke 540-977-0485 www.bonsackpreschool.com Ages: 2.5-11Yrs, Preschool, Afterschool Bonsack Preschool/After School is a faith based, developmentally appropriate program focused on Kindergarten Readiness for preschoolers, half and full day. After School Care for Bonsack, Cloverdale and Colonial Elementary Schools offered with priority on gym time, devotions, creativity and homework completion. Summer Camps available for both Elementary and Preschool

CHILDREN’S CASTLE

3743 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-977-1282 www. childrenscastleearlylearningcenter.com Ages: Birth-12 Yrs, Preschool, Daycare, Afterschool We offer social development, preschool education, and after school enrichment for our community in a safe and engaging atmosphere. Our experienced and educated teachers foster and build upon children’s natural interest and curiosity to teach and engage them within their environment and surrounding community.

Our curriculum builds upon the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning to fully prepare children to be successful upon entering Elementary School.

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1530 Patrick Road, Roanoke 540-344-4730 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience.

We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

ROANOKE ADVENTIST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-798-6061 www.rapschool.org Private School: K –8 Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School (RAPS) has been offering quality Christian education at family-friendly prices in the Roanoke area for over 75 years. RAPS mission is to foster academic excellence, passionate spirituality and outstanding character in each student. Our school is a small classroom environment where students receive grade-level appropriate individualized instruction. RAPS is fully accredited and key learning standards are available by grade level.

Tuition rates are highly competitive and scholarship opportunities are available.

SALEM

help your child grow cognitively, physically, spiritually , and socially/emotionally. We know that young children learn best through play, so all of our learning activities are planned to be educational and fun!

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1980 Electric Road, Salem 2111 Roanoke Road, Salem 540-769-2300, 540-344-6811 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience.

We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

SALEM MONTESSORI

107 Corporate Blvd., Salem 540-387-1521 www.salemmontessori.org Ages: 1yr-Pre K, Preschool Salem Montessori School - Bringing Joy to Learning!

Children are eager, spontaneous learners, curious about the world around them. The primary goal of a Montessori education is to help every child reach their full potential in all areas of life.

Research shows that children learn best in an environment that encourages them to explore, create, and discover without fear of making mistakes, or being teased. In a classroom at Salem Montessori School, children are encouraged to ask questions, develop ideas, and learn at their own pace. Learning is active and fun!

Montessori educated children become self-confident young people, who face future challenges with optimism and who enjoy a lifetime love of learning!

VINTON HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1918 Washington Avenue, Vinton 540-890-7200 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience.

We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

NORTHWEST GREENVALE SCHOOL

627 Westwood Blvd. NW, Roanoke 540-342-4716 www.greenvale-school.org Ages:3-5, Preschool Greenvale School’s mission is to provide affordable, accessible, top-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare and educational services for children of working parents, according to each family’s ability to pay. By promoting the highest standards of education and responsible behavior, Greenvale School’s program cultivates the growth of each child to his or her full potential. By providing a comprehensive range of services, Greenvale School supports parents’ efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for their families.

ST. ANNES EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

42 E. Main Street, Salem 540-389-4087 http://www.stpaulssalem.org/stannes Ages: 18 Months -5, Preschool St. Anne’s curriculum is based on developmental learning and the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning. We are dedicated to the total development of each child; intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical. Our desire is that each child knows that he/ she is loved and accepted. Registration is now open for the 2017-2018 school year! Call today to register or schedule a tour!

WESLEYAN PRESCHOOL

125 W. Main St., Salem 540-389-5144 FUMCWesleyanPreschool ( Facebook) Ages: 1yr-Pre K, Preschool “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 This is the verse on which we base our preschool. Our State LIcensed Preschool’s purpose is to

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

7000 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Wirtz 540563-1724 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience.

We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

Slice of Life

The Internet Is Making Me Look Bad Written By Peg McGuire My Facebook feed gave me an anxiety attack last week. A casual friend posted a picture of her beautiful kids baking cookies in her beautiful kitchen with marble countertops, custom cabinets, and no clutter. Her youngest was clapping her flour-covered hands together, creating a halo of dust that made them look angelic.

“We’re making memories!!!!!!” the caption said.

I looked around my kitchen, with its Formica countertops and forty-year-old dingy cabinets and clutter so vast that I often think about treating it like it’s a third child.

My boys had their noses buried in their tablets. The youngest wasn’t wearing pants. The oldest wore pants but didn’t have a shirt. Or socks. They were covered in what I hoped was mud.

“We should do something fun!” I shouted.

“You’re not fun, Mom,” was the reply.

I banged my head against the wall for thirty minutes and then replied to my friend’s Facebook post.

“You’re making the rest us look bad.”

While I wasn’t looking, “making memories” became a parenting goal.

Any day now the medical community will create a syndrome called “Childhood Without Memories” I am intellectually incapable of orchestrating anything. My go-to strategy is prayer, luck, and hope.

As it stands now, my kids will have memories of their mother sending

42

Growing Up • April 2017

them off to school with mismatched shoes or consistently showing up five minutes late to everything. They’ll remember how I threatened to tie them to the roof of the van during stupid long road trips. And they’ll grow up thinking that stale Goldfish crackers are an integral part of minivan interiors.

got to work. “I’m creating a schedule for making memories!” I proclaimed, scanning Pinterest for ideas.

When my husband got home from work, I told him that we needed to change up our investment strategy.

“We need to save for their future therapy,” I said. “I’m giving our kids a syndrome and they’ll need therapy. You can borrow money for college. Not so much for therapy.”

I want my children to remember how I smiled whenever they walked into the room. Or when they built forts out of blankets and couch cushions, dug for rocks in the creek and played pirates with their neighborhood friends. I want them to remember how I rubbed their backs until they fell back to sleep in the middle of the night, and the spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen at the end of a chaotic day.

“What on earth are you talking about?” he asked.

“Making memories is now a parenting goal — like keeping them alive,” I said.

He walked out of the room, muffling laughter.

I threw my kids some peanut butter crackers and banana for dinner and

“What do you want us to remember?” the youngest asked, spewing peanut butter cracker crumbs onto the floor.

I stopped searching.

None of these memories are orchestrated. They happen on their own, in their own time, and in their own way. My hope is that I’m there with a camera to capture those moments. And if I’m not there, I hope the picture is forever etched in their minds, so easy to recall and relive.

May 8 –12

Teacher Appreciation Week The Virginia Lottery is inviting Virginians to send thank-you notes to as many Virginia teachers as possible!

Visit valottery.com/thankateacher starting April 3rd to send a thank-you note and learn how one lucky teacher will win a Virginia vacation!

HERE FOR THE

moments watch me go!

Playing sports and going to summer camp are all about having fun, but you want to make sure your child is ready for physical activity. Carilion Clinic offers sports and camp physicals by appointment at all of our primary care locations. Or, for more flexibility, visit any of our VelocityCare locations—no appointment necessary.

CarilionClinic.org | 800-422-8482