Growing Up In the Valley December 2018

S O U T H W E S T A N D C E N T R A L V I R G I N I A ’ S P R E M I E R F A M I LY R E S O U R C E

Volume 7 Issue 4 • Dec 2018

TAKE ONE

How Local Businesses Are Supporting The Communities And How You Can Help!

HELPFUL BANKERS +YOUTH SAVINGS START TODAY.

THE POWER OF LOCAL ONLINE + MOBILE BANKING COIN MACHINES COMPETITIVE RATES

With savings programs available for the entire family and bankers here to help you (not sell you), we invite you to experience a new kind of modern banking.

Things look different when you’re local and that’s where our vision begins.

GROW

local Member FDIC

www.hometownbank.com (540) 345.6000

Included With Admission:

100,000 Bouncy Ball Drop!

Growing Up in the Valley’s

NEW YEARS

AT NOON

Character Appearances Live Music $10,000 Safe Crack Competition Face Painting Ventriloquist Show Balloon Art Jugglers Stilt Walkers Magic Show Fun Inflatables Photobooth

SENSORY BALL DROP 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Presented by Centra

$2 OFF COUPON

presented by Freedom First Credit Union available at local Kroger Stores! (Nov 15- Dec 15)

December 31 • 10 AM - 2 PM

Berglund Special Event s C enter

$11 per person | Children 2 and under are FREE

Details at www.Roanoke.family Towne Square

Publisher’s Note Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Every year at this time, the Growing Up In the Valley family reflects on the year of publication and our work in the community. We evaluate how we helped the community, how many parents read our pages and how our advertisers benefited by being in our pages.

In general, every year we feel pretty good about what we have done and the impact that we have made. But there is always more ways to help, more parents to guide and new businesses to work with.

This year to cap off our successful SEVENTH year in existence, we are giving back in the month of December more than we ever have. We have teamed with Blessing Bags to help deliver presents to kids in need throughout the region. Learn more at http://www. blessingbag.net.

We are also helping Roanoke City Schools send a few families in need to see Santa at their Breakfast with Santa fundraising event.

To learn more about how you can help Roanoke City Public Schools, please visit https://www.rcps.info/news/what_s_new/help_the_ homeless

Lastly, as we do every year, we will be purchasing 15 complete Christmas dinners for families in need the week of Christmas. If your family is in need or you know someone who is, please have them contact josh@virginiafamily.com and we will attempt to help.

We also cap our year off with our biggest event of the year - New Year’s at Noon - presented by Freedom First Credit Union! More information on this great event can be found on page 3, on our website, www.roanoke.family and on our facebook page. Be sure to stop by any local Kroger to pick up your $2 off coupons by December 20th!

Thanks for your support in 2018, we look forward to 2019 and helping the Roanoke region continue to thrive!

May you and your family have the most wonderful of Holiday Seasons!

“Christmas Gift Suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.”

-Oren Arnold

C ont ac t Us :

P.O. Box 4484, Roanoke, VA 24015 540-251-1660 www.roanoke.family Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.

Publishers • Josh & Andrea Eagan josh@virginiafamily.com • Anika and Evelyn’s Parents

Creative Director • Tracy Fisher

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

Sales Executive • Lisa Bowers lisa@virginiafamily.com • Noah’s Mom

Sales Assistants • Ani & Evie Eagan sales@virginiafamily.com • Bauer and Chloe’s Owners

Community Relations • Jeanne Lawrence jeanne@virginiafamily.com • Parker and Connor’s Mom

Copy Editor • Jacqueline Moon

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

Web Master • Johh Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Contributors

Peg McGuire • Kimberly Emory • Courtney Pugh Beth Farnsworth • Takoda Poindexter • Stephanie Ogilvie Shannon Dean • Jacqueline Moon • Nicole Bruch

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Read Our Other Publications

Connect With Us /growingupinthevalley

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

© Copyright 2018 Mofat Publishing

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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 responsibility 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 represent those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or 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 2018

by MoFat Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements and editorial may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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charitable traditions are a great way to celebrate the holiday season!

DECEMBER 2018 34

Blue Eagle’s FUN-draiser

A local credit union is raising money to make local teacher’s classroom dreams come true!

58

Shine a Light, Share a Night

42

Teach Children Their Civic Responsibility

Learn how the Ronald McDonald House supports families during the hardest time of their lives.

Do you and your children understand the government systems?

19

Grandin Film Lab

Young filmmakers getting a taste of the industry in Roanoke

24 Fostering The Future Discover how can you and your family help the hundreds of local children in the foster care system.

10

Small Acts of Kindness

18 simple things your family can do to brighten the day of others.

26 Create a season of Joy Keep the holidays stress-free this year!

In Every Issue: 37 Simple Crafts 7 Small Talk 32 Book Recommendations 30 Science Experiment 46 Family Event Calendar 54 Kids Eat Free Guide 56 Education Directory

SMALL TALK

Caroline Eschenbach, a third grade teacher at Virginia Heights Elementary School

in Roanoke City, won the national Milken Educator Award and a $25,000 prize last month at a surprise assembly at the school. The Milken Award, which has been called the “Oscars of Teaching,” celebrates great teachers who prepare their students to be America’s leaders of tomorrow.

Eschenbach’s method of teaching is hands-on and project-oriented, and individualized. “I love kids,” she said. “I love making a difference in their life. I feel like this is the best profession to make an impact with kids’ lives and to watch them grow.”

Construction has begun on a new Carilion facility that will expand biomedical research and provide enhanced experiential learning opportunities and additional stateof-the-art research laboratories to students. Located on the Virginia Tech Carilion Health Sciences and Technology Campus at Jefferson Street and Reserve Avenue, the Virginia Tech Carilion Biomedical Research Expansion will be a 139,000-gross-square-foot building. It will physically connect to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute via an elevated walkway.

“I congratulate Virginia Tech and Carilion Clinic for their commitment to biomedical research in our Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.

“This new facility will allow scientists and clinicians to intersect and exchange ideas that will provide tremendous benefits to the people of Virginia and the world.”

“She is a fabulous teacher. She expresses caring and concern for students every day. We are so proud of Caroline,” said Rita Bishop, Roanoke Superintendent of Schools.

Eschenbach is one of forty honorees nationwide this school year, and the only one in Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from Virginia Tech in 2010 and a master’s in elementary education from the University of Virginia in 2012.

Seventy-five new jobs are being created in Franklin County, thanks to Empire Bakery

Commissary, LLC, a producer of ready-made cakes, cookies, and other desserts. Its Rocky Mount facility is doubling its capacity, thanks to a company investment in the location of $10.4 million. Empire Bakery, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, provides readyto-sell products to retailers throughout the United States, and has been in Virginia since 1997.

Since May, three juniors at the Burton Technology

Center in Salem have been working on creating a prosthetic leg for Spartacus, a three-month-old

golden retriever puppy who was born with a malformed foot. The students, with guidance from Dr. Mark Wadstrom of Salem’s Animal Care Center, are making the prosthesis using a 3D printer.

“We’re going to try to make a prosthesis, so it keeps his leg straight and helps him with his growing in both legs,” said Wadstrom.

One of the students, Nabeel Raza, from Hidden Valley High School, said that by using X-rays

and measurements, “we were able to see how, for example, the radius and ulna are curved out, and how we may need to adjust for that.”

Since Spartacus is still growing, this prosthetic won’t be the last one the students make for him. He currently weighs twenty pounds, but by this time next year, he’ll probably be four times as heavy. Joanne Wang, also from Hidden Valley, said that more flexible materials will likely need to be used in future versions of the prosthetic.

Growing Up

December 2018

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Provided by Alexa Wootten from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

Pay Yourself First: How to Automatically Start Saving More Money Like going to the gym or eating a healthy diet, saving money is one of those concepts that’s simple to grasp but challenging to put into practice.

We understand its benefits.

We agree that it’s essential to our well-being. We know that it’s something we should be doing. But paycheck after paycheck, it’s the same routine: after the bills have been paid and the regular expenses have been looked after, there just isn’t quite enough left over for savings. We blame our lack of financial willpower and promise ourselves we’ll do better next time, but more often than not, the cycle repeats. If this scenario seems familiar, consider automating your finances to pay yourself first.

Paying yourself first is an effective savings strategy because it takes willpower out of the equation. Rather than struggling to increase your self-control, you simply reduce your need to put it in action. When you get paid, a portion of your income is immediately funneled into your savings (the size of that portion is up to you—to figure it out, take your total monthly income and subtract your essential monthly expenses, then decide how much of the remainder you want going toward your savings goals). That portion may be small at first, but it will add up over time and get you in the habit of saving consistently. As your savings grow and as you make progress on your financial goals, you’ll see your cashflow in a new light and prioritize your budget more responsibly. The best part is that you’ll be protected against future moments of budgeting weakness.

You can further reduce your reliance on financial willpower by automating your savings plan. By setting up a strategic system of automatic deposits

and transfers, you’ll be saving money without having to think about it.

Consider incorporating one or more of the following tips into your automatic savings plan: Before you begin Automation is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to saving money—but not if it ends up costing you! Be aware that some bank account types may limit the number of free transfers (between your own accounts) or free checking transactions (online bill pay) available to you in a month. This is something to consider when designing your savings plan. If you’re unsure of the limits of your specific account, talk to your credit union—you may even find that it offers account types better suited to your savings plan.

Automate your paycheck Your employer can help you reach your savings goals before your paycheck even hits your account. Take advantage of any retirement savings plans offered through your employer—especially if they include employer match.

If you get paid by direct deposit, ask your employer if they accept multiple deposit accounts. If so, have a portion of your paycheck deposited directly into your savings account each payday.

Automate your checking account If your employer doesn’t have the ability to deposit some of your paycheck into your savings account for you, do the next best thing: set up a repeating automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account.

Schedule the transfer for shortly after payday—that way, as you budget out your month, your savings will already be safely tucked away out of sight and out of mind.

Automate your savings goals Admittedly, throwing money into a generic savings account every month isn’t a particularly imaaginative experience.

It’s not representative of the future happiness you’re creating with your savings goals. Increase your motivation and excitement around saving money by reminding yourself of the specifics of your goals. If you have the ability, create additional savings accounts or subaccounts for each of your goals and give them custom titles; alternatively, split your savings into subcategories within a budgeting app or spreadsheet.

Watching the numbers grow beside “Surfing in Costa Rica” or “Dream house with patio and fire pit” is more compelling than simply “Saving.” Get even more granular by setting up regular automatic transfers into each of your subaccounts.

Automate your bills Your savings won’t be able to accumulate if late fees and missed payments keep eating into your budget—set up automatic bill pay for your recurring expenses. Organize and streamline the process by calling companies to adjust your billing dates. Grouping billing dates together can make them easier to manage.

Bonus tip: Look for extra opportunities to save Once your automatic savings plan is in place, look for little ways to make additional contributions to your savings accounts. Empty the contents of your spare change jar once a year and deposit it into your savings. If you participate in any sort of cashback rewards program, consider putting that “extra” money toward your savings instead of spending it elsewhere. Also consider putting any future income tax refunds toward your savings. You can get creative in finding additional sources of income to help your savings along.

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December 2018

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Teaching Grandkids About Kindness:

by Kimberly Blaker

Small Gestures to put Smiles on People’s Faces Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the little things we can do to make the world a gentler, kinder place for others. As a result, our grandkids miss out on golden opportunities to emulate such kindness and its rewards. So why not set a goal with your grandkids the next time they visit and see how many acts of kindness they can rack up in a single day? Here are some ideas to get them started.

Visit an elderly neighbor. Many older

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people are shut in because they can no longer drive, and even those who do drive often don’t get the social interaction they need. There’s likely someone in your neighborhood who could use some company.

Offer a compliment. It couldn’t get any easier than this. However, remind your grandchildren not to offer praise they don’t mean, because it’ll come off as disingenuous. Have them think about something they like about what the

person is wearing, their personality, or something they’ve done.

Make a donation. This could be a small monetary donation to a good cause, or the kids could donate toys or clothes they no longer need to a homeless shelter, animal rescue, or Toys for Tots collection box.

Help someone with homework.

Does your granddaughter know a classmate who struggles with a particular subject? Suggest that she

offer to help that person study for a test, or to understand a concept for a homework assignment.

Stand up for someone. Does your grandson know a student who’s being bullied or always seems to be left out? Encourage him to look for an opportunity to tell those who are being judgmental that they should be a little nicer, or that they’re being unfair.

Offer someone your support. Do you know someone who’s going through a hard time, such as a serious illness, or a child whose parents are going through a divorce? Take the grandkids along as you lend your shoulders together and offer to listen.

Make friends with someone who seems left out. Does your grandchild have a classmate who’s always standing alone on the playground, or who sits alone at lunch? Encourage him to join that person.

Offer to help out a mom. Do you know someone with young children? Offer to spend a couple of hours watching and entertaining them, with the help of your grandchildren, while the mom catches up on things she needs to do.

Bake cookies for a teacher. Help your grandkids show their appreciation by baking their teacher’s favorite cookies or some brownies.

(Just make sure you find out the dog’s energy level to make sure she’s able to handle it, or to ensure she doesn’t over-exercise the dog.)

Buy a homeless person a meal. If you see someone wandering who clearly looks homeless or is standing on a street corner with a sign, go with your grandchildren to pick up a meal and deliver it to the person in need.

Do a chore for your brother or sister.

What a great way to get back in a brother or sister’s good graces! And who knows—maybe sometime they’ll return the favor.

Hold the door for someone. This is another super easy gesture that’s sure to be appreciated by the elderly, the disabled, or really anyone.

Write an apology to someone you’ve hurt. We’ve all said and done things on occasion that hurt someone’s feelings. Help your grandchild take ownership of it by writing a heartfelt apology.

Buy a friend a candy bar. It’s a simple way for your grandson to show a friend he’s thinking of him.

Volunteer for a good cause. There are many opportunities right in your community. Together with your grandchildren, you could volunteer at a soup kitchen, pick up trash at a park, or help with a canned food drive.

Help someone carry something. If you see someone trying to juggle multiple things or carry a heavy object, you and your grandkids can offer assistance.

Help someone with their yard work.

Do you have a neighbor who’s handicapped or elderly? Offer to mow, rake, pull weeds, or shovel snow with your grandkids.

Take a neighbor’s dog for a walk. Is there a dog in your neighborhood that rarely gets to go for walks? Have your granddaughter offer to take him out.

Kimberly Blaker is the author of a kid’s STEM book, Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery?

She also writes a blog, Modern FamilyStyle at modernfamilystyle.com

Enjoy the little things Enjoy your time. Enjoy your friends and family. Enjoy being present. Enjoy life.

Retirement shouldn’t be filled with worry. What if I need more care? What if my spouse needs a different level of care?

How do I plan for those expenses?

Let us help. As Roanoke’s premier Life Plan community, we offer a complete continuum of care. Call us today to schedule a private tour: (540) 777-5602.

3804 Brandon Ave, SW • Roanoke, VA 24018 • (540) 777-5602 • www.brandonoaks.net Growing Up

December 2018

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Winter Weatherproofing Preparing your home to stay safe and save energy

The heat will certainly be on this winter. With winter storms hitting many parts of the country early in the winter season, furnaces are plugging away, causing heating bills across the country to increase. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical U.S. family spends at least $2,200 per year on energy bills - with nearly half of that going toward heating and cooling.

To help homeowners combat the cost of heating a home during the winter months, Valerie Mastalka, a home

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heating and energy efficiency expert at Lennox, suggests looking at areas around the house to keep the warm air in and the cool air out.

“There are many simple, inexpensive ways consumers can save money on utility bills this winter, and still stay warm and cozy as temperatures begin to drop,” said Mastalka. “By taking the initiative to weatherproof their homes before the start of the cold weather season, homeowners will be able to enjoy a warmer and more energy-efficient house. The little time

it takes to make a few quick checks and adjustments can yield dividends in savings and comfort in the long run.”

Repair the roof.

It’s important to inspect the roof to make sure shingles are in place to prevent water from seeping inside the house. Mastalka emphasizes that it can be dangerous to be on the roof once cold weather ensues, so check it out before the onset of winter. If large gaps are found, hire a professional roofing company to repair the problem areas. In addition, avoid covering roof

vents or turbines for the winter as this will prevent air from circulating properly through the attic and will reduce the overall energy efficiency of the home.

Dodge the drafts.

Air leaks caused by cracks or holes around windows and doors can enable warm indoor air to escape and cold outside air to seep in, preventing you from maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. To identify air leaks in outside-facing walls or doors, try holding a candle near suspect areas to reveal drafts and then seal leaks with caulk or weather stripping.

always make sure the damper is fully opened before starting a fire. Look for any gaps in the mortar between bricks, as they can allow moisture to build up and compromise the roof’s integrity. Also check for soot accumulation in the chimney, and if needed, hire a professional chimney sweep to perform a thorough cleaning before the start of winter.

the typical U.S. family spends at least $2,200 per year on energy bills

Mind the (chimney) gaps.

To prevent warm indoor air from escaping the home, Mastalka reminds homeowners to keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use; however,

Don’t forget the furnace.

Mastalka recommends having your furnace thoroughly inspected by a certified technician. In addition, changing furnace air filters at least once a month and vacuuming the heater vents in the living areas of the home will help keep your heating system clean and running efficiently. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, Lennox recommends upgrading to a high efficiency system, such as one

of its variable-speed furnaces, which can save hundreds of dollars on utility costs.

Attend to the attic.

The attic is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss.

If you are experiencing high heating bills and having difficulty keeping your home warm, it could be time to add additional insulation to the attic. Mastalka says that attic insulation should be approximately five inches deep. Homeowners can hire a professional or add insulation themselves with portable blowing units available for rental at home improvement stores.

By making a few minor adjustments around the home, homeowners can help lessen safety concerns and reduce the amount of wasted energy - all while staying comfortable during the chilly season. To learn more about home energy efficiency and how you can save money on utility bills during the winter months, visit lennox.com/ lennox-life or facebook.com/Lennox.

Unwrap comfort this holiday season with

VALLEY VIEW 1945 Valley View Blvd.

CHRISTIANSBURG 220 Laurel St NE

TANGLEWOOD 4235 Electric Rd.

LYNCHBURG 5401 Fort Ave Growing Up

December 2018

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Celebrate the special times you’ve had with the person to whom you’ll present it.

As holidays and birthdays approach, are your kids scrounging to buy gifts they can hardly afford? Offer them these fun ideas for gifts from the heart!

Tell a story with photos.

Create a memory page to add to a friend’s or relative’s scrapbook.

Buy a package of blank scrapbook pages, then choose a theme like “my best friend,” “sports car shows,” or “when I was little.” Design each page using stickers, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, photos, magazine pictures, and fun sayings or descriptions that fit your theme.

Make service coupons.

Offer a free evening of babysitting, a week of taking out the trash, making your sister’s bed, pet sitting, lawn mowing, ironing, or another task you can do.

Shape decorative soaps.

Personalized Affordable D.I.Y Gifts

by Kimberly Blaker

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Grate bars of inexpensive white soap.

Then mix approximately one-half cup of warm water with a cup of shredded soap. Add food coloring to the water to create colored soap.

Knead the mixture, adding additional warm water as necessary until it forms a kind of dough. Next, on top of waxed paper, fill cookie cutters with the mixture. Or, simply flatten the “dough” on a sheet of waxed paper and trim it into shapes. Let the soap dry slightly, then press it with small leaves or other designs. Allow the decorative soaps to dry for 24 hours, flipping them occasionally to help the drying process.

Design your own pens and pencils.

Purchase sheets of large white labels and cut them into one-and-ahalf-inch strips. Decorate the strips with colored markers, then wrap the design around the length of the pens or pencils. Personalize them by adding a smaller label to the center of the pencil with “World’s Greatest Grandma” or another phrase. To protect your pencil design, wrap it with clear Scotch tape.

Make a placemat.

Choose a subject of interest to your gift recipient, such as model cars or Barbie dolls.

Clip pictures of these things from magazines and catalogs, then glue them to an 11” x 17” (legal size) sheet of paper. Overlap the pictures to create a collage, or spread them apart and write details about each. When you’re done, laminate the design with self-adhesive laminating sheets, or have it laminated at a local office supply store.

Create bookmarks.

Cut colored paper into 2” x 7” strips, then design the strips with colored pencils and markers. Find out your gift recipient’s favorite author, artist, or historical figure, and look up quotes by that person. Select a quote, type or write it out, and add it to the bookmark. Finally, laminate it

for protection.

Give magnetic photos.

From a cereal box, cut a piece of cardboard that matches the size of your photo. Then glue the cardboard to the back of your photo for support. Last, glue a small magnet to the cardboard.

Fashion a holiday pin.

Buy a package of large safety pins and a small package of multicolored beads from the craft store. Open one safety pin, then dangle several safety pins onto it through the eye at the bottom of those pins. Close the open pin.

Then thread colored beads onto the dangling safety pins. You can design a Christmas tree, heart, flag, or whatever your imagination desires.

Construct a puzzle photo frame.

Cut a piece of firm cardboard to your desired frame size. Then ask an adult to trim out the center with a razor knife, leaving a 1” to 2” thick frame. Next, trace the outside edge of your frame onto another piece of thin cardboard, and cut it out. Place a sheet of colored paper between the two pieces of cardboard. Next, glue the paper and two pieces of cardboard together. Glue jigsaw puzzle pieces around the frame, overlapping each other to cover the entire thickness of the frame. Let the frame dry, then brush a layer of glue over the puzzle pieces to prevent them from falling off. Stick your photo in the opening of the frame with double-sided tape.

Make glittery pens.

Buy a package of pens and different colors of glitter. Pour glue onto a sheet of waxed paper. Roll one side of the pen lightly in the glue, leaving one inch from the tip without glue.

Coat the pen with glitter, and then let it dry. When the glue dries, repeat these steps on the other side of the pen.

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SWIM LESSONS basketball

COOKING CLASSES

camp

GIVE EXPERIENCES RATHER THAN STUFF

gymnastics

DANCE

soccer

Toys...Clothes...Electronics...

Having a hard time deciding what to get the child or teen on your list? Consider one of the many youth programs the YMCA offers.

A year later, they’ll still be talking about their experience at the Y.

ymcavbr.org

Everyone Deserves a Party.

Fun Times Party Warehouse has party supplies, decorations, rentals and entertainment services for all occasions.

(540) 725-8200 1409 • S. Colorado St. Salem, VA • www.funtimesvirginia.com

Get Your Savings Off The Sidelines.

You don’t often see numbers like these on the savings scoreboard.

Our all-new Money Market account rates are here and astoundingly high.

And, all it takes is a minimum deposit of $2,000 to earn more on the money you’re already saving. Open your account today to start scoring dividends.

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memberonefcu.com 800-666-8811 *APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Refer to the Member Account Agreement for the Truth in Savings Disclosure related to these accounts. Rates effective October 1, 2018 and are subject to change without notice. Minimum deposit required to earn dividends is $2,000. Minimum deposit to earn 2.10% APY is $100,000. Fees may reduce earnings. Please speak to a member representative for more information. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA.

Every Parent is a Hero to us.

Nominate someone who is making a difference in a life of a child for Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month Award.

Nominee’s Name____________________________________ Nominee’s Email Address____________________________ Nominee’s Phone Number___________________________ Your Name:_________________________________ Your Email Address:_________________________ _______________________________________ Your Phone Number:______________________ Why are you nominating them? _________________________________________ __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ _________________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________________ _____________________________________ ___________________________________ Growing Up in the Valley never shares your private contact information with any third parties.

Expires February 28, 2019

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INT. GRANDIN COLAB – EARLY EVENING A handful of students sits at tables scattered throughout a small conference room.

Some tables have desktop computers on them, displaying video editing software. High schoolers mill about; TYLER LYON, the program coordinator of the Grandin Theatre Film Lab, sits at a table across from me.

TYLER The Film Lab is in its third year, but the idea was first conceived by the Grandin Theatre projectionist, Jason Garnett, ten years ago – back before we went digital. The idea stewed under the surface until Ian Fortier became the Grandin Theatre’s executive director. Ian ran with it – Film Lab was something he was very interested in.

The Grandin Theatre of 2018 is on an exceptionally positive trajectory, and the staff hopes to make it a national example of what an independent theater can be. Creative ideas like the Film Lab are part of that goal.

GUITV Is this kind of program not something you’d commonly find?

TYLER Not at all. It’s a very new thing for the Roanoke Valley, and there are no other program like it in Southwest Virginia at all. We really only know of a handful of programs like it anywhere.

The high school students who participate in Film Lab are on either the beginner track or the advanced track. The beginner track is all about the basics of film production, the lifecycle of a film, coming up with an idea and turning it into a script, learning how to use cameras and how to record, producing a film, editing a film, post-production, and sound effects. By the end of the year, every student will have been a part of a completed short film.

The advanced track is more project-oriented than topic-oriented. Instead of learning a new discipline, students learn a new format.

Last year, it was documentary film; this year, Film Lab students are making music videos for songs created by the Jefferson Center’s Music Lab students.

GUITV The program sounds amazing – and pretty intense.

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TYLER It is both of those things!

Both beginner and advanced students meet twice a week for three hours at a time.

But kids aren’t each trying to make their own film.

They break down to teams – it’s inherently a very collaborative, team-based program. It would be next to impossible to pursue anything in Film Fab as a solo endeavor - it doesn’t work because there are just too many things going on.

From a table where he has been working on editing a music video, Film Lab student NABEEL RAZA speaks up.

NABEEL Screenwriting is at the top of my list, but also filmmaking. I’ve always been kind of a book-knowledge person, and this has helped me expand my creative wings.

Being able to think visually like film lab teaches me to do is extremely helpful. One of Tyler’s buzzwords is visual literacy - when you’re trying to speak or write, it’s good if you can visualize what you’re trying to say before you say it. Film Lab helps you take those skills not only to writing and directing, but also to the rest of your life.

A film Nabeel directed last year, Freedom Abriged, was just screened in an Australian high school film festival. His film was also played at the Iowa independent film festival this year.

Part of the program’s mission statement is that it exists to provide students access to cinema arts education who don’t receive it in school. There is a healthy mix of kids from public and private schools, as well as homeschoolers.

GUITV What kind of student would you say Film Lab is for?

TYLER It’s for anybody who has an interest in how movies get made, and it’s definitely of high benefit to students who are interested in film as a career path. But mostly, our real focus is just on

TYLER

training talented, creative, thoughtful students, and cinema is just the way we approach that. The real goal is simply to have really awesome teenagers.

Film Lab is a lot of things, but a movie club it is not. Students rarely watch a full movie, but rather watch clips to get examples and then talk about it. How did they do that? the students will inquire, and then will go out and do it.

TYLER

Ian says he’s never seen a bigger crowd at the Grandin Theatre than at the Film Festival.

In addition to the Grandin Theatre Film Lab Film Festival, students have been accepted to multiple film festivals nation- (and even world) wide, and some have won awards! One film was recently nominated for the National Student Production Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It was one of the finalists nationwide.

TYLER

We try to mix head knowledge with hands-on knowledge.

That means some days are going to feel more like a classroom environment, where you’re learning about different topics, and other days have more of a lab feel, where you’re hands-on with equipment as you learn how to use it. Or you’re actually having to learn by doing.

We didn’t win, but that’s OK. We don’t put the pressure on for that kind of thing. I’m just super proud when they finish the film and survive the process, because it’s tough – really, it’s a minor miracle that any film ever gets made, from the lowest budget to the biggest, so just getting through the process is something worth celebrating. It’s always nice when someone on the outside recognizes your hard work, too.

A student sits on top of a desk near the table where Tyler and I are seated. This is CARTER SCHAEFFER. CARTER

The number one thing for me is the access to equipment you wouldn’t have the opportunity to use in school - and along with that you get expertise from people who have spent years in the industry.

GUITV Is there a limit to how many students Film Lab can have per year?

TYLER

There is, but it’s flexible we don’t want to turn people away. We do usually speak to applicants first and review things with them, because our current model is really rigorous. It takes a lot of commitment from students and families to really get something out of it.

The program runs September to May, with an end-of-the-year bash the week before memorial day. At the end of the program, students’ films are screened at the Grandin Theatre Film Lab Film Festival, followed by an audience Q&A session. It’s a complete red carpet affair.

The Film Lab program works closely with Joe Boucher, who is the director of student activities at Roanoke College – and, notably, was a Hollywood producer for twenty years (producing, among other things, The Simpsons and King of the Hill.) Tyler, with his expertise from a film and video studies degree, has taken a curriculum Joe developed in California and has molded and adapted it for the Grandin Theatre Film Lab, creating specialized lesson plans and activities for his students.

In addition to student participants, interns may be involved with Film Lab for college credit.

TYLER

Interns learn alongside the students.

It’s pretty much a college-level opportunity, or like an AP class, except we don’t do grades or an end- of-year-test.

At this point in the interview, IAN FORTIER enters. He greets the room with a pleasant smile; it is obvious that he is excited about the Film Lab program.

GUITV How many schools are represented in Film Lab? Growing Up

December 2018

21

IAN Well, we have the homeschool community, North Cross School, high schools from as far away as Botetourt and Glenvar, Hidden Valley, Cave Spring, Bent Mountain Christian, Salem . . .

I think the only schools we haven’t yet had a student from in the valley would be Northside and Bird.

Film Lab is probably the most collaborative program that we have in the valley.

I don’t know anybody else that’s sending this many kids from so far away. This is a niche program there’s just nobody else doing this right now.

Film Lab has summer programs, as well. Last summer was the first one, and it was a massive endeavor. A team of five professionals shot a short film with twelve Film Lab students. The kids worked side-by-side with these professionals from the film industry to make a movie with them. It was a one-of-a-kind experience for students at the high school level.

The school-year program tuition is $325, and scholarships are available for students who have financial need. The application for next school year’s program will be available on the Grandin Theatre website in April (grandintheatre.com).

THE END

BEECHTOWN YOGA STUDIO

Why would you want to learn about fostering?

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Fostering the Future article by Kimberly Emory

Fostering is a topic that is often very unfamiliar to people in the community.

Most understand that there is a need for foster families, but don’t always know everything that’s involved, or what to expect. There are many organizations and individuals who want to make known what’s being done to help foster kids and the families that shelter them in our valley, as well as families that want to tell the stories of changed lives—including their own!

What kind of help does DSS want from the community?

Steven Martin, director of the Roanoke City Department of Social Services, says that Roanoke City has the second or third (the number fluctuates) largest number of children in foster care in the state of Virginia. As of election day, there were 217 children in foster care in the city.

Martin says the biggest need DSS has is for more foster families! Those 217 children need places to stay, and for the majority of them the best placement is in a family’s home. There are also therapeutic homes, which are for children who need a higher level of care due to the trauma they have sustained.

Sometimes, because of a lack of foster family placements available, children who don’t need this type of care are sent to therapeutic homes, as well. If no placement is available locally (which is ideal for kids who have been removed from their home and their family, in order to maintain a sense of consistency and security), they may be moved to an entirely different part of the state to an open placement. DSS needs families to step up and be willing to take in these foster children and provide them with a safe and nurturing environment for however long is needed.

Martin points out that many times, foster families end up adopting the

24

Growing Up

December 2018

children placed with them, which is great (Roanoke City had the highest number of children adopted last year in the whole state!), but then they no longer have the room and resources to take in other foster children who come along. Therefore, the need for new foster families is constant. DSS is always looking for those willing to provide good temporary homes for these children.

How can the community help and support kids in foster care and the families they are staying with?

Martin says the very best thing the community can do is show they care for foster kids and the families taking them in. Logan Walker, a foster parent in Roanoke, says, “The most immediate need for us was meals. When a child is placed in your home, it is a big adjustment for everyone, so having some meals already prepared was one less thing we had to think about.”

Church ministries like Fellowship Community Church’s Empty Chair strive to support foster families in their church by providing a meal train for families with new foster placements. This can last up to a few weeks, and provides meals for the whole household, giving them one less thing to worry about while adjusting. Michelle Warren of Empty Chair says, “Get to know foster families and what their needs are, so they can focus on the new child and bond with them.”

family during this time of transition can be very helpful.

Corinne Paxton, longtime foster parent in Franklin County, says, “These kids come to you with nothing. I mean nothing! So families are often in need of clothes, and for babies and toddlers, diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby equipment. And older kids need school supplies.” Basically, think of the things your own children need; foster children don’t have anything, but they still have the same needs as other kids.

Matthew’s Child is an organization that provides a clothes closet, a first night meal/gift card program, survival kits for kids of various ages (and for foster families, too), and a car seat program for foster families. Paxton also reminds us that getting a placement around the holidays can be complicated because of the need to provide gifts for the child, so help in this area is also appreciated with donations of toys and clothes.

Paxton also pointed out that for rural foster families, transportation can often be an issue. Many foster children have appointments and visitations they need to be taken to. In the cities, there is usually some type of public transportation to help with this need, but in rural areas this can be a burden.

Helping out with transportation can be a huge benefit to these foster families.

“Be positive and supportive. It’s ok to ask questions, but know we won’t be able to answer everything about the kids. And if you know someone who is fostering or adopting, say something kind, get to know them, and ask if there’s anything you can do to help!”

This can include acts besides providing food, like mowing their lawn and helping with cleaning and other chores—any service to support the

Another need, especially for teenagers who are about to age out of the foster system, is for mentors who can help them transition to adulthood. Empty Chair is always looking for volunteers to teach a one-time skills class on topics

pertaining to independent living, such as cooking, budgeting and paying bills, and job skills. These kids, who often don’t have much of a family, need positive role models to bond with and look to when they need help. Paxton says, “They need to get involved in positive activities, because otherwise they remember and draw from what their parents did,” which oftentimes was behavior that led the children to be placed in foster care.

not crazy, not rejects. They’re not what they came from. They have issues, but they want a family. They want a chance to succeed. Even if they don’t realize it right away, they will get there.”

Another way to get involved and support foster families is to train to be a respite family. This is a family that has gone through specific training and is able to watch all the children in a foster family so the parents can have a much-needed break. Even offering to babysit for a few hours while the parents enjoy a night out can be a huge help to foster families.

Should I foster?

In general, Warren says, “be positive and supportive. It’s okay to ask questions, but know we won’t be able to answer everything about the kids. And if you know someone who is fostering or adopting, say something kind, get to know them, and ask if there’s anything you can do to help.”

What do foster kids wish the community knew about them?

Warren says the community needs to remember that kids are not in care because they did anything wrong—it’s that their parents can’t care for them.

Her foster daughter added that she wishes people knew “it isn’t their fault that they’re in foster care.”

Paxton’s experience is that “they want people to see they’re normal people—

Martin advocates for them, saying, “They’re not bad kids, they’re just coming from bad situations.”

But Warren sums it up best: “They want to be like every other kid.”

“If you are on the fence about foster care, or have been thinking about how you could play a part in helping a child, you should definitely reach out for more information,” says Walker. “We feel like it is our duty to care for these children, and we can’t ignore the need. We wanted to be a safe place for children to come and feel loved and cared for, whether temporarily or forever.”

Warren points out that often people say they couldn’t foster because they would get too attached, but “that’s just what these kids need!” she exclaims. Walker states, “We love hearing success stories of families who are reunited and back together, and think there is something special about being a small part of that story. We were blessed to have a precious child in our home, and were also able to witness her returning to her family and the sweet reunion that was.”

Warren also mentions that kids in foster care can sometimes exhibit some bad behaviors. However, Martin reminds us that these behaviors are the result of the traumas they’ve been through, and they just want to belong to a family.

“People see the behaviors and want to see [the kids] as throwaways, and

they’re not,” says Paxton about the children she’s fostered. She goes on to add, “For years, we had ten kids in our home, trying to keep siblings together.

However, it’s not a business—it’s a family. Show them what a family feels like. Don’t do it otherwise!”

Warren reminds us that “parenting is hard—all parenting is hard! Fostering has changed me and helped me prioritize what’s important. It’s also shown me that these kids are so resilient!”

Paxton has fostered for 18 years. She speculates she’s had between 50 and 55 foster placements, 10 of which she has adopted. All of her adopted kids who are old enough to have graduated have done so with honors and are doing well in out in the world. Once or twice a year, she’ll hear from former placements who are now adults, or they’ll come to visit. “We know we’ve made a connection. We didn’t do a thing except give them food, shelter, clothing, and family. I don’t regret any of it.”

Walker concludes, “Choosing to foster has turned out to be the biggest blessing in our lives. It is not easy by any means, but it is so worth it.”

As a community, let’s take care of our foster kids and give them a better chance at a bright future.

“These are our kids,” says Martin.

Do you have room in your heart and your home?

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT STARS is a collaboration between Roanoke City and Roanoke County/Salem Departments of Social Services and Youth Advocate Programs. We provide ongoing support and training for foster families providing care to children with higher medical, emotional and behavioral needs, including: 24/7 on-call support from YAP

Respite services

Access to Licensed Professional Counselor for foster parents

Individualized services and training to meet to family and child's needs

Seasonal celebrations and recognition

Monthly support group meetings

540-853-2408

Kristin Rickman, Roanoke City kristin.rickman@roanokeva.gov

540-283-8844

Ben Jones, Roanoke County bsjones@roanokecountyva.gov

Growing Up

December 2018

25

Create a Season of Joy 10 Ways to Stress Less this Holiday It’s supposed to be the most joyful time of the year, full of friends, family and festivities. But research confirms a different reality—most Americans have elevated stress levels during the holiday season. Instead of being full of good tidings and cheer, families often feel drained of time, energy, and peace. Stressors like crowds and lines, party planning, financial concerns, and trying to make the holidays perfect can make the end of the year feel hectic and overwhelming.

These ten tips will help you simplify the season and make it merry and bright.

Focus on your reason for the season.

Why are you celebrating? Is it for religious reasons?

Maybe you want to spend time with friends and family, or enjoy the spirit of giving during the holidays.

Keep what is most important about the

holidays at the center of your celebration. Reconsider any task or commitment that takes your time, energy, enjoyment, or finances away from your reason for celebrating in the first place.

Set firm boundaries around your time.

With all the holiday volunteering, office parties, and family gatherings, it’s easy to overcommit yourself.

This year, pick one project you want to volunteer your time to, or pick a variety of simple acts of kindness you can do with your family. Spend time with your friends and loved ones, but don’t feel guilty if you don’t go to every party or gathering.

Let go of Martha.

One of the most stress-relieving things you can do at the holidays is set the bar a little lower. Martha Stewart is an elegant hostess, but you don’t have to do everything the way Martha would to have a beautiful season. Embrace simpler decorations, meals, and gift-giving than you have in the past. Try quick shortcuts or holiday hacks. If you let go of expectations, you may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself content with a celebration you hadn’t even envisioned.

Farm out your to-do list.

By Janeen Lewis

At the beginning of the season, make a to-do list of the things you want to accomplish. If you find that it’s too long for the amount of time that you have, consider delegating some

of the items. If you contribute to a Christmas club at your bank, you might even consider setting aside some of the money specifically so you can hire others to help with your holiday tasks.

Have groceries delivered and buy gifts online to avoid the holiday rush.

Grocery stores also have a plethora of pre-packaged holiday foods that make delicious sides, cutting down on your time in the kitchen. Buy desserts from your local bakery, and shop at stores that provide wrapping stations.

No time to clean the house? Hire a cleaning service just for the holiday season or ask for this service as a gift.

outdoors, away from screens, phones, and to-do lists, can clear your mind and help you keep what’s important in perspective.

Gift others with experiences.

Do something kind for someone else.

Shopping at the holidays can be timeconsuming and nerve-wracking with crowds and traffic. If you don’t start early, coveted items sell out, leaving you scrambling for another gift. Ask those to whom you give gifts if there is an experience they would like to have. Tickets to the theater? Family passes to an amusement park or aquarium? A relaxing day at the spa?

Experiences give friends and family the opportunity to make memories and pamper themselves—unique gifts that are much appreciated.

Set a holiday tea time.

Recent research shows that drinking green and black tea has many health benefits, including promoting relaxation. Herbal teas, while not true tea, still help with anxiety and stress. In keeping with the holiday spirit, sip some calming peppermint tea, or try chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower.

Reconnect with long lost friends and relatives.

Meet with an old friend you haven’t talked to for years, and catch up.

Take some time off and visit relatives you miss seeing on a regular basis.

Surrounding yourself with people you love is powerful when you want to combat holiday stress.

You don’t have to overcommit yourself to a charity or fundraiser to be kind. Small, random acts of kindness can make another person’s day.

Let someone in front of you at the supermarket line or let someone drive her car in front of yours in the parking lot. Send an anonymous Christmas card with cash or a gift card to a college student or elderly person that you know is struggling financially. Throw change in Salvation Army buckets when you pass them. Having a kind spirit chases away stress and keeps the season warm and hope-filled.

Celebrate memories more than material possessions.

Take a hike.

Material gifts are nice, but most of us quickly forget gifts we have received in past years. The things we remember the most are the memories we make with friends and family. Make some happy memories this holiday season and bid stress good-bye.

One way to tell your stress to take a hike might be to actually take one yourself. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins that trigger a happier, more relaxed mood. Aerobic exercise

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist, teacher, and mom to Andrew and Gracie.

She has been published in several parenting publications across the country and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Christmas Magic.

Holiday Hacks

1

If you have an artificial tree, wrap the center pole with a strand of lights. This will make the tree shine brighter.

2

Use a wastebasket to hold rolls of wrapping paper.

3

Use egg cartons to store small ornaments and ornament hooks.

Use wine boxes to store larger, fragile ornaments.

4

Spread a thick layer of whipped cream on a cookie sheet. Freeze it for several hours and remove.

Cut hearts out of it with a cookie cutter and serve in hot cocoa.

Put a ball of sugar cookie dough between two sheets of wax paper. Roll it out between the papers so the dough doesn’t stick to the pan. While it’s still in the wax paper, put the flattened cookie dough in the refrigerator until you are ready to cut cookies.

5

6

Store cookies in an air-tight tin with flour tortillas between layers to keep cookies from drying out.

7

If you don’t want to put nail holes in your fireplace mantel, fit a tension rod in the wood frame and hang your stockings with shower hooks.

8

Hang lightweight ornaments on long ribbons from your light fixture or chandelier to make an elegant holiday decoration.

9

Add water and natural ingredients like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks or cloves to a crockpot and heat. Enjoy holiday scents that aren’t overpowering.

10

To keep Christmas lights from getting tangled, wrap them around a clothes hanger or power cord holder.

Growing Up

December 2018

27

Growing Up in the Valley’s

NEW YEARS Not What You Might Think

AT NOON

presented by Freedom First Credit Union

December 31 • 10 AM - 2 PM

Berglund Special Event s C enter

by Jacqueline Moon An immune system that attacks a arthritis, or SJIA. And their parents, child’s body.

Morgan and Michael, are desperate to spread awareness of what SJIA A recurring high fever and rash. actually is.

Stomachaches and severe dehydration.

In order to combat the pain and inflammation of the joints, You might be surprised heart, lungs, lymph nodes, at what condition is and other areas of the characterized by such body, and in order to dismal symptoms. prevent the disease Unless you know a child from progressing, it’s affected by the disease, necessary to undergo you might have pictured intensive medication a much less serious treatments. Every condition when you Sunday, four-yearheard the words juvenile old Kinsleigh has a arthritis—but you’d have methotrexate injection, been mistaken. and once a month, she gets an injection of the Kinsleigh and Emerson immune suppressor Ilaris.

Meddings of Catawba both suffer Both of these medications cause from systemic juvenile idiopathic stomachaches and headaches;

Juvenile arthritis affects each child differently

methotrexate also pitches in with a fever and a sense of dizziness. On top of the injections, Kinsleigh takes naproxen every night before she goes to bed.

Since the medications cause serious immunosuppression, Kinsleigh, who loves to be outside and play with other kids, is often isolated, away from crowds and germs.

Morgan and Michael tried preschool, but Kinsleigh was constantly sick from exposure.

When it’s necessary to take the girls out, they need to wear face masks to protect themselves.

What’s frustrating to Morgan and Michael is how easily people seem to brush SJIA off. Morgan has received advice from strangers to just give Kinsleigh some Tylenol.

Others, when informed that Kinsleigh was sick, have given Morgan a confused look and said, “She looks normal.” Even pediatricians, before Kinsleigh was diagnosed, would dismiss her parents’ concerns and tell them she was fine. It took a seizure when Kinsleigh was seventeen months old for doctors to finally pay attention.

There are six subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis which altogether affect about 300,000 children in the United States—that’s approximately one in 300. About ten percent of those children have SJIA. Early signs of JIA include warm, swollen, or tender joints, unexplained fevers, limping, swollen lymph nodes, and

a rash. Arthritis affects each child differently, so if you are concerned, see your child’s doctor.

While the science is still out on whether JIA is genetic, Kinsleigh’s nineteen-month-old sister, Emerson, recently received her diagnosis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. She is still too young to begin the injections, but Morgan expects that she will undergo the same treatment.

To other parents dealing with a form of JIA, Morgan says, “Don’t give up trying to get answers. Be your child’s advocate.”

She also encourages them to find other people going through the same thing, and lean on those people for support.

JIA Facebook groups, she says, help her retain her sanity.

What is Pre-arrangement for pets?

Pre-arrangement includes planning for the final care of your pet in advance of a loss, so you don’t have to make these decisions at a difficult time. We provide this as a courtesy and details covered can include burial or cremation, urn or casket selection, memorial items and charitable donations.

Call 540-265-7297, and we will help you pre-plan for your beloved pet.

We’re here so saying goodbye is a little easier.

Now that you are more aware than you might have been about juvenile arthritis, you may be wondering how you can help. You can donate to the Arthritis Foundation to support research for a cure at arthritis.org, you can participate in events like this month’s Jingle Bell Run, and you can spread the word to your friends and family.

Another helpful act, says Morgan, is to ask questions when you come into contact with a person suffering from JIA. Understanding and empathy make a real, positive difference.

540.265.7297 www.oakeypetloss.com M-F 8 am-5 pm | Sat. 8 am-12 pm Sun. Noon-5 pm | 24/7 BY PHONE

Local Talent!

Insulation Experiment Supplies: • 5 ice cubes • 5 containers (as similar in size and shape as possible) • Cotton balls Roanoke children’s author M.R. Hooley is back, with a Christmas book just in time for the holidays! In A Star City Christmas, Santa finds himself “hung up” in Roanoke on Christmas Eve, and a festive holiday adventure ensues.

“For the past two years,” said Hooley, “I’ve had the idea of a Roanoke Christmas story in my head. It all came together when I came across Brook Ludy’s Roanoke City print. I wanted to make the book a ‘local’ book: local author, local illustrator, local photographers. There is a lot of great talent in Southwest Virginia!”

A Star City Christmas is available now at Book No Further in downtown Roanoke and at hooleybooks.com. At Dickens of a Christmas on December 7, and at the Third Annual Mistletoe Market at the Salem Civic Center on December 15, you can pick up a signed copy and meet the author!

M.R. Hooley is a retired US Navy veteran, an award-winning artist and woodcarver, and the author of several rhyming children’s picture books. Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Hooley and his wife now call Roanoke home. He earned a degree in anthropology and is currently pursuing a master of fine arts degree in creative writing.

Illustrator Brook Ludy is a 2018 graduate of Cave Spring High School and an award-winning artist. She has created numerous paintings of downtown Roanoke and surrounding communities. Brook is attending Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond.

• Aluminum foil • Newspaper • Feathers Directions: Place each ice cube in a separate container.

Completely cover the first ice cube in a piece of aluminum foil and replace it in the container.

Completely cover the second ice cube in cotton balls and replace it in the container (be sure to rest the ice cube on cotton balls as well).

Completely cover the third ice cube in newspaper and replace it in the container (be sure to rest the ice cube on newspaper as well).

Completely cover the fourth ice cube in feathers and replace it in the container (be sure to rest the ice cube on feathers as well).

Leave the fifth ice cube uncovered in the container to track how fast the ice cube melts without any insulation.

Place all of the ice cubes in an area where they won’t be disturbed and check them every few minutes. Which ice cube melts the fastest? Which one melts the slowest?

Try this: Are there other materials that might stop the ice cube from melting? Are there any that speed it up? Try testing other materials and see what happens.

What’s happening: This experiment is exploring insulation. Insulation is something that reduces heat transfer or stops heat from moving into or out of things.

Insulation can be used to keep things hot (like a thermos) or cold (like a cooler). Some materials work better as insulators than others. The best insulators have a way to trap air in between the spaces, like styrofoam. Insulators are a huge part of winter because our coats are insulators for our bodies!

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Nontransferable. Limit one offer per household. Photo identification required when applying for Membership. Plus state and local taxes where applicable. This discounted Membership offer is contingent upon your enrolling in BJ’s Easy Renewal. By enrolling in BJ’s Easy Renewal, you authorize BJ’s to charge the debit/credit card first used at BJ’s after accepting this offer an annual recurring charge in the amount of the then-current 12-month Membership fee for all active Memberships on your account, plus tax where applicable, on the first day of the month your Membership expires. Cancel or manage your BJ’s Easy Renewal anytime by logging on to your account on BJs.com or by calling Member Care at 844-268-8093. Must provide email address upon enrollment. Expires: 2/2/19. † BJ’s Perks Rewards Members earn 2% cash back on most BJ’s purchases. Cash back is in the form of electronic awards issued in $20 increments that are used at checkout at BJ’s and expire 6 months from the date issued. Cash back can be requested in the form of a check prior to awards expiring by contacting Member Care at 800-BJS-CLUB. Some exclusions may apply. Visit BJs.com/terms for details. †† Orders placed 2 hours prior to Club closing or later will be available our next business day. Visit BJs.com/PickUp for details. ‡ Same Day Delivery is not available in all ZIP codes. Visit delivery.BJs.com to determine if Same Day Delivery is available in your location.

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Reading in the Valley

fabric illustrations throughout Mama Miti are stunning enough to earn a permanent place on your bookshelf all by themselves.

by Rachel Levine

Shoebox Sam

by Mary Brigid Barrett Shoebox Sam is the big-hearted owner of a shoe store with a mission. With the help of his two young friends, Delia and Jesse, Shoebox Sam repairs used shoes to give to people in need.

Providing shoes to others is wonderful in itself, but what makes Sam’s work even more profound is HOW he gives.

He treats his nonpaying customers with such deep respect and honor that you will probably get teary-eyed while reading. Shoebox Sam is a phenomenal way to demonstrate serving others with humility and love.

Raising caring children is one of our top goals as parents. We try to raise daughters and sons who will be compassionate to others and care about the world around them. Books can be wonderful tools for teaching kindness and encouraging public service in our kids.

Here are some not-to-be-missed inspirational books to share with your family!

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Mama Miti

by Donna Jo Napoli Mama Miti is the incredible true story of Wangari Maathai. Wangari won the Nobel Peace Price in 2004 for her fight to stop the deforestation of Kenya. Mama Miti tells how Wangari taught women how to improve their country—and their personal lives—by planting trees. (Under her influence, the women of Kenya have planted over 51 million trees and transformed the Kenyan landscape!) As an added bonus, the gorgeous oil paint and

Miss Rumphius

by Barbara Cooney Miss Rumphius has been touching the hearts of parents and kids for more than thirty years. It begins with Alice

Rumphius, a young girl filled with big dreams to travel to faraway places and then, one day, retire by the sea. Her beloved grandfather challenges Alice with a third task—to make the world more beautiful. Readers get to follow along with Alice on her marvelous life journey as she pursues her dreams and finds her own way to make the world a more beautiful place.

A Chair for My Mother

by Vera B. Williams

A Chair For My Mother is the tale of a family whose home is destroyed in a fire and how they begin to rebuild from

their tragedy. It is a story of people coming together to support each other.

Their family and friends step up and bring them food, a kitchen table, a bed, pots and pans, and even a well-loved teddy bear to help replace what they have lost.

One thing is still missing, though: a cozy armchair for Mama to sit in after long days at work. The rest of this marvelous book shows how the family works together to get Mama the very best chair in the world.

Beatrice’s Goat

by Page McBrier Beatrice’s Goat is the inspiring true story of Beatrice, a young girl from Uganda. Beatrice’s dream is to go to school, but no matter how hard

her family works, they cannot afford school fees. One day, Beatrice’s family receives a wonderful gift—a goat Beatrice names Mugisa. The name “Mugisa” means luck, and the goat certainly lives up to her name, for with time and effort, having Mugisia enables Beatrice to fulfil her dream of going to school. The organization Heifer International, the sponsor of this book, makes it possible for people to send gifts of animals like Mugisia to families around the world. Reading this book is a great way to help kids understand this process and get them excited about contributing. Saving money for chicks or a goat to help another child go to school could be a powerful family project!

Star City Little Library Need a Book? Take a Book. Have a Book? Leave a Book.

Little Libraries are a great way to spread literacy and entertainment throughout our communities. Every month Growing Up in the Valley will restock the little libraries with great books for your whole family and we welcome your donations as well! Stop by our locations to see what surprises we have in store, and maybe leave a gently used book for someone else to enjoy.

Locations:

Hometown Bank – 3521 Franklin Rd SW - Roanoke, VA 24014 & 4225 Colonial Ave – Roanoke, VA 24018 Roanoke Ballet Theatre – 1318 Grandin Rd SW – Roanoke, VA 24015 Launching Pad – 1300 Intervale Dr – Salem, VA 24153 LewisGale Medical Center – 1900 Electric Rd – Salem, VA 24153 Amtrak Station – Downtown Roanoke Kirk Family YMCA Lower Entrance – Downtown Roanoke Roanoke Main Post Office - 419 Rutherord Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24022 Bounce Roanoke - 3424 Orange Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24012 Smart Beginnings/United Way - 325 Campbell Avenue SW - Roanoke, VA 24011 Prestige Gymnastics - 2726 Lee Highway - Troutville, VA 24175 CHIP Roanoke - 1201 3rd Street SW - Roanoke, VA 24016

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Blue Eagle Credit Union:

Supporting Education in the Valley

Rebekah Flora

3D Printer for STEM lab Boones Mill Elementary School Franklin County This project helps kick off the school’s brand new STEM lab, which each student in the school attends twice per month. With this grant, the school will purchase a 3D printer, which will run off the filament of recycled milk cartons. With the printer, students will gain insight into project design, coding and programming, and computer-aided design and drafting. This project will impact 330 students this year, as well as numerous students in future years.

Emilee Graham

Outdoor Sensory Walk Breckinridge Elementary School Botetourt County

As funds become more limited for schools, programs like Blue Eagle Credit Union’s Report Card Rewards, Alexander Scholarship, and Teacher Grant become more important. Recent research shows that teachers, on average, spend about $500 out of their own pockets each year for classroom supplies.

In response, staff at Blue Eagle Credit Union have created an employee-funded Teacher Grant program to support local teachers. Each week, credit union staff voluntarily donate a minimum of $2 per week in exchange for the privilege of wearing jeans on Friday. Collectively, Blue Eagle employees have funded nearly $10,000 in the last three years.

Each fall, teachers in the greater Roanoke and Lynchburg areas are able to apply for a Teacher Grant up to $500 to fund classroom projects.

Jeff Thompson, Blue Eagle Credit Union CEO, said, “Teachers play a critical role in the development of children. I believe most choose to teach because they have a servant heart and understand the impact they’re having on each child goes far beyond bringing home a paycheck.

Teachers help shape the future of their students and our community.

The Blue Eagle Teacher Grant program is just one way our staff lives the credit union philosophy of people helping people, our vision of enriching lives, and our core value of education. I’m proud to be a part of such a passionate team of people who genuinely care for others.”

This year, the number of applications submitted nearly doubled that of last year, and represented public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. Because of this increase, the Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant committee decided to double the number of recipients and more than double the amount awarded to $5,155.

So who will be receiving a 2018 Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant?

This year’s recipients are listed below, along with their respective projects.

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With an increasing need for a safe and accommodating space for students with sensory processing needs, the school plans to use the funds to revitalize an abandoned area of the school yard to resurface the asphalt and paint it with a multitude of colors and tools for a sensory walk for these students. In addition, the school will repaint a foursquare space, hopscotch, and basketball courts for activities on the new asphalt. Students—both with sensory processing needs and without— will be able to move and interact in ways that involve several senses at once. This project will impact all 215 students currently at the school, as well as those in future years.

Cheri Spahr

Interactive Accounting Simulation Brookville High School Campbell County Funds for this project will go toward the purchase of GoVenture software, an online simulation tool

that accounting students can use to learn real-world skills about accounting, business, and finance.

GoVentu allows students to put skills learned in textbooks and workbooks to the test through experiential, gamified, and social learning in a competitive environment.

This project will impact an estimated 11 students in the spring semester.

Janet Barney

4th Grade Science Hands-On Activities Burlington Elementary School Roanoke County Funds will go toward purchasing materials to make science lessons more meaningful, engaging, and relevant for students. These materials will be geared toward various learning styles, including hands-on investigations, DVDs, and STEM activities, helping minimize classroom distractions and interruptions. These materials will help students develop curiosity, believe in their own abilities, and foster a love of learning and passion to grow. These materials will impact all 70 4th grade science students.

is estimated that this project will impact 165 students this year, with the potential for more students in the years to come.

Allison Gray

Spanish Literacy Building Project Fairview Elementary School Roanoke City

Funds will be used to purchase chapter books for Spanishlearning students to read as they progress in their studies.

Currently, the school only offers picture books that were printed on a regular copier, which have proven to be at a reading level below the observed skill level of the students in the class.

Purchasing chapter books will allow for students to improve deciphering skills, spelling, basic literacy, vocabulary, and confidence as they work through the books, while offering them the ability to discuss the topics and information they read in the books with other students. This project will impact 100 students during this school year, with the ability to impact more students in the school years to come.

Brandon Angle

Mobile STEM Station Eagle Rock Elementary School Botetourt County

Little Libraries Franklin County High School Franklin County

This project involves building a mobile STEM maker station that will allow students to explore and discover in a way that engages their imagination and creative thinking. This maker space will challenge students to engage and adapt as they learn, while asking questions of themselves and their peers to find solutions to problems they see in the world around them.

This project will help students solve 21st century skills while simultaneously developing critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, conviction, and community skills. It

Funds for this project will go toward purchasing materials such as plywood, plexiglass, shingles, and nails to construct little free libraries in the Franklin County community.

Students will not only practice fine woodworking skills, but will also be participating in a meaningful community service project while developing team-building, time

Amy Warren

management, and construction skills.

In conjunction with the materials purchased to construct the libraries, students will have the opportunity to practice using hand tools, power tools, measurement tools, and basic math to read and carry out a plan.

In partnership with rural elementary schools, these little free libraries will provide children and adults with access to free books. While this project will allow an estimated 40 students to implement their woodworking skills, the little free libraries will impact many children and adults in the community.

Alexandria Yarley

Teen Cuisine Project Jefferson Forest High School Bedford County This project will help students of Jefferson Forest High School learn and practice the impacts and importance of proper nutrition and wellness.

With these funds, students will gain a hands-on understanding of preparing and tasting healthy snacks and meals from various recipes, and will spend a day rotating through eight stations, highlighting different sections of the program and various kitchen skills.

These stations include cutting skills, PowerUp with Protein, an omelet station, Rev your Bev, whole grains, smart snacks, and How Fat is in your Diet, which aim to teach students good lifelong eating habits. This project will impact 31 students.

Janet Baker

Fitness through Pounding Liberty Christian Academy Lynchburg City

Funds for this project will go toward the purchase of 40 drumsticks and a Bluetooth speaker for physical education classes.

Through pounding the drumsticks on the floor to the beat of the speaker, students who are not typically inclined to participate in sports will reap the Growing Up

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benefits of exercise in a therapeutic way. This method of exercise will allow students to apply fundamental skills and knowledge of movement principles to build movement competence and confidence through acquisition, performance, and refinement of skills. These small-group fitness, dance, and rhythmic activities will motivate and maintain unity within the class through whole-brain learning. It is estimated that this project will impact 150 students in the 2018-2019 school year, with many more to come in future classes and grades.

Kristin Sink Wiggle While We Work Oak Grove Elementary School Roanoke County

Funds for this project will allow the school to purchase alternative seating for students.

These new seats will serve as an alternative to traditional chairs, which don’t allow students the ability to move, sway, and rock while learning. Alternative seating has proven to improve students’ focus and engagement, while stimulating core strength, brain health, and

physical health. The school will purchase various types of alternative seating, offering students the opportunity to differ their seating arrangements each day, both at their desks and around the classroom. Allowing students to choose their own seats will encourage them to minimize distractions and maximize their learning potential.

This year, the project is estimated to impact 17 students; however, these seats will be used for many years to come.

Michael Ramsey

Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Lab Patrick Henry High School Roanoke City In a classroom full of 28 students and 28 different courses, students find it difficult to concentrate on the work needed to earn credits for classes. Funds for this project will purchase noise-cancelling headphones and a storage case for students who are re-taking classes that they previously did not pass. Many students in these classes use audio as an aid for the content being presented on the computer screen.

With noise-cancelling headphones, students will experience minimal noise distractions and maximum sound aid needed in support of the visual presentations, which will further their understanding of course content.

Tina Joyce

Middle School Life Skills Class Timberlake Christian School Bedford County This project is an effort to replace traditional study halls with an academic enhancement class that promotes critical thinking and active learning through exposure to real-life challenges and solutions. In this class, students will learn a cross-curriculum approach, which combines skills and competencies from other academic courses and real-world life skills.

Funds for this project will be used to purchase supplies such as sewing kits for students to keep, safety goggles, wood supplies, and measuring cups to be used in the course curriculum. This curriculum involves teaching students to think about the future, learn United States Postal Service mail and mailrelated concepts, learn basic sewing skills, learn time, numbers, and various money skills, learn basic measuring and building skills, learn nutrition and wellness concepts, and learn about Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and maps. This project is estimated to impact 50 students.

You can call 800-342-3429 or visit BlueEagleCreditUnion.com/the-educated-choice for more information on the Blue Eagle Credit Union Teacher Grant program and other educational programs, such as: the Report Card Rewards program, in which the credit union paid more than $4,000 to students for good grades in 2018; the Alexander Scholarship, which awards ten $1,000 scholarships annually; or the It’s A Money Thing program, offering free, engaging “FUNancial” education resources on a variety of topics.

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Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

‘Tis the season for baking and crafting - the perfect ways to feel festive and bond with loved ones of all ages. From trying new recipes to creating crafts that will be cherished for years to come, plan a date for some holiday fun and let the memory-making with friends and family begin!

PEEPS Snowy S’mores Classic s’mores get a holiday makeover with a tasty and adorable twist thanks to PEEPS marshmallow and its fun seasonal shapes. Just follow the simple instructions and everyone will enjoy a delicious treat. Don’t forget to make a few extras to give away! See instructions below: Servings: 3 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: less than 1 minute Ingredients 1 pack of PEEPS Marshmallow Snowmen 9 graham cracker squares 1 pack of mini candy canes 6 chocolate squares Directions 1. Turn on the oven broiler and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Arrange six graham cracker squares on the baking sheet and top each with a square of chocolate. Place a PEEPS Marshmallow Snowman on top of each chocolate.

3. Place the tray in the oven for 35 seconds. Check to see how toasted the Snowmen are - they should be slightly puffed, looked melted around the sides, and begin to form a goldenbrown crust on top. If they don’t look melted enough, leave them in for another 5 to 10 seconds. Keep a very close eye on them and use extreme caution when pulling them out of the hot oven.

4. Remove the tray from the oven and immediately begin to build the PEEPS Snowy S’mores by stacking two melted PEEPS topped graham crackers.

5. Finish off with a clean graham cracker and top off with a PEEPS Marshmallow Snowman. Adhere the Snowman to the top of the graham cracker with a dab of melted chocolate, and then adhere the candy cane to his hand with chocolate - to appear as if the Snowman is holding the candy cane.

6. Break up a candy cane and sprinkle bits to the melted chocolate and PEEPS Marshmallow Snowman.

Gratitude Tree The family tree gets a thoughtful update in this project that serves as a reminder of what matters most during the holiday season. Use cardboard or poster board to cut out a tree trunk and branches to hang on the wall. Then cut out leaf shapes with construction paper and ask each person to write down what they are grateful for. Then share with each other before adhering the leaves on the branches to create a one-of-a-kind family tree. For a holiday theme, place an evergreen tree on the wall and decorate with paper ornaments with notations of gratitude instead.

Gather everyone and paint the palms and underside of fingers and press each family member’s hand firmly on the canvas to create various prints in a beautiful wreath shape.

Cup of Joy Want a simple project that is as much fun to create as it is to give? From neighbors and the mail-carrier to teachers and school friends, it’s easy to show you care when you create a treat that lets everyone enjoy a cup of joy. Simply get packets of classic hot chocolate and PEEPS marshmallow in seasonal shapes like gingerbread men, snowmen and holiday trees. Tie together with a bow and add a tag with a holiday greeting or fun saying like, “You’re our favorite ‘PEEP’le, thanks for being great neighbors!”

Salt-dough Ornaments Kids love to play with clay, so they certainly will enjoy creating saltdough ornaments. All you need is flour, salt and water to get started.

Look up “salt dough ornament recipe” on the internet and you’ll find quick and easy recipes. Traditionally, you’ll roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters before baking and painting.

You can also make three-dimensional ornaments like snowmen or people, too. Get creative by using household utensils like a garlic press to create hair or beards.

Spending time with loved ones is the best part of the holidays. Let these five DIY activities inspire your friends and family to get together and feel the joy of the season.

Hand-print Wreath Every person is unique and so is the size and shape of their hand. Outline each person’s hand on green felt and cut out individually. Then use glue to adhere the hands together in a circle shape to create a wreath, adding in a few red circles for berries or a bow if you desire.

Alternatively get a white canvas and green acrylic paint from the local craft store.

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Give an Experience Growing Up in the Valley’s

NEW YEARS

AT NOON

presented by Freedom First Credit Union

December 31 • 10 AM - 2 PM

Berglund Special Event s C enter

Don’t clutter up your house with more toys, books and gadgets this holiday season. Give the gift of togetherness and fond memories!

Mill Mountain Zoo

$9/$7 Daily Admission $100 Annual Family Membership www.mmzoo.org Our local zoo is wonderful for all ages, but particularly recommended for those 2 through 6 years old. The zoo offers great educational classes on a regular basis. The zoo is atop Mill Mountain, neighboring the famous Star outlook and playground.

Science Museum of Western Virginia $15/$13.50 Daily Admission $95 Annual Family Membership www.smwv.org

Everyone can learn something at our local science museum!

With interactive exhibits, classes and a large butterfly garden there’s always something new

to do for all ages.

Virginia Museum of Transportation $10/$6 Daily Admission $60/$100 Annual Family Membership www.vmt.org

Roanoke is well-known for it’s love of trains. The Transportation Museum is a must-have membership for the train fanatic in your life!

Kids Square Children’s Museum $9 Daily Admission www.kidssquare.org

The newest addition to the Center in the Square, Kids Square will be a fast favorite in any family. With exhibits appropriate for children ages 1 through 10, it’s a great option for a sibling gift!

Taubman Museum of Art

Roanoke Children’s Theatre

While many exhibits are open to the public for free, Art Venture holds themed events, crafts, and activities throughout the year.

Looking for a family friendly theatre experience? The RCT hosts several shows a year in the historic Jefferson Center in Roanoke. You can also enjoy classes and summer camps with the Roanoke Children’s Theatre!

$5 Art Venture Admission $70 Family Membership www.taubmanmuseum.org

O. Winston Link Museum

$6/$3 Daily Admission $60 Annual Family Membership www.roanokehistory.org Interested in our local history?

Wondering which famous historical figures walked around Roanoke and the surrounding areas? O. Winston Link,the Roanoke History Museum, has exhibits on it all.

Mill Mountain Theatre

$20-$30 Average Ticket Admission www.millmountain.org One of the largest local theatres in the area hosts several shows every year. Ranging from date nights to family experiences, musicals, plays, poetry and comedy. The theatre also offers classes and summer camps for children and teens.

Berglund Civic Center Ticket prices vary www. theberglundcenter. com

Broadway comes to Roanoke at the Berglund Center!

Touring shows from Disney, Broadway shows, magicians, comedians, PBS and more can be found here! Not interested in a show? Berglund also hosts festivals, expos, hockey games and open ice skating!

$20/$15 Average Ticket Admission www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Riddle Me Roanoke

$20 per person riddlemeroanoke.com Can you collect the clues, solve the puzzle and escape the room in time?

Perfect for families who love ot play games together!

Firehouse Skate-n-Play

Prices range from $4-$16 per person depending on chosen activities www.firehousesk8.com Need to get up and move during the holiday break? Firehouse Skate-n-Play has arcade, play zone and a roller rink to beat the winter cabin fever!

Launching Pad Trampoline Park

Prices range from $10-$24 per person depending on chosen activities www.launchingpadsalem.com Jump on massive trampolines, dodge ball courts and into foam block pits.

Test your courage on the three story launch tower.

Earn prizes in the large arcade!

Launching Pad has something for everyone.

$2 OFF COUPON available at local Kroger Stores!

(Nov 15- Dec 15)

$11 per person | Children 2 and under are FREE

Details at www.Roanoke.family

Karaoke Trivia & Game Nights Costumed Characters DJ for all occasions AFFORDABLE & Mobile!

434.489.2741

fb.com soundwaveentertains soundwaveentertains@gmail.com

Get Up | Get Out | Escape You enter a themed room, collect clues and solve puzzles in an attempt to complete the room’s objective!

Only $20 per person Enjoy a holiday themed room this December!

2067A Electric Road Roanoke VA 540-523-1771 | www.riddlemeroanoke.com

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24012

www.rapschool.org RoanokeAdventistPrep@gmail.com (540) 798-6061

PARENTS INFLUENCE UNDERAGE DRINKING

3 OUT OF 4 TEENS DON’T drink alcohol if their PARENTS think it’s wrong.1

START TALKING

TO PREVENT UNDERAGE DRINKING 1

2017 Roanoke City Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 74.5% of 10th and 12th graders that reported their parents think it is wrong for them to drink alcohol did not drink in the past 30 days.

Sometimes we need a shake up to wake up.

One major positive that has come out of this interesting time in American history is the immense uptick in people getting involved in politics and their local communities.

This is major progress, since a Washington Post article printed just before the election in September 2016 discussed the fact that many Americans know little to nothing about their government. For example, the article referred to a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, which found that only a quarter of Americans could name all three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial— in case you were wondering).

Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids About Civic Responsibility

By Sandi Schwartz

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But this trend has been taking place for many years. Since the 1950s, Americans have been drifting further apart and have been less engaged in their communities. A report even back in 2001 explained how Americans sign fewer petitions, belong to fewer organizations that meet in person, do not know their neighbors, meet with friends less frequently, and socialize with family members less often. This has only gotten worse with technological advances. Spending all our time glued to screens and communicating in brief snippets on our computers and phones does not make for much personal interaction and civic engagement.

But now that more and more people are concerned about what is happening in Washington, DC and throughout our country, they are coming out from behind their screens to attend meetings and organize together. Local groups are sprouting up all over, and people are really connecting and talking about their hopes and fears. This new energy is ultimately a positive change for society because research shows that we are happier when we build relationships and open up with others in our community. How can we use this time to teach our children the importance of civic engagement?

Benefits of Civic Engagement There is a clear link between social connection and happiness, so when we interact with our neighbors on issues that impact our lives, we can experience a greater sense of connection to those we otherwise would not have met.

individuals in a community had higher civic engagement, the whole community was happier overall.

Family Civic Resources

The connection between community involvement and happiness for children and teens has also been evaluated.

Experts have found that civic involvement helps us build personal connections in addition to the typical ones we have through family, work, and leisure activities. When we participate in social action, community service, and political groups, we increase personal satisfaction as we engage with others on issues of mutual interest. These activities also involve participating in the decision-making process, which has been found to boost our happiness as well. Another connection with happiness comes from helping others less fortunate than ourselves, because it gives us a sense of living a meaningful life.

According to youth.gov:

iCivics provides a platform to engage students in meaningful civic learning. They provide free, inventive resources to ensure every student receives a high-quality civic education.

The largest provider of civics curriculum in the country, it is used in 50 states by over 110,000 teachers.

The largest survey on American civic engagement from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government revealed that quality of life and happiness are highest in communities where residents are more socially connected.

Approximately 30,000 individuals were asked about their community involvement. The survey found that levels of civic engagement—such as how much residents trusted, socialized, and joined with others— predicted the quality of community life and residents’ happiness better than education or income levels.

The survey also showed that if other

· Youth who volunteer are more likely to feel connected to their communities, do better in school, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior. · Youth are more likely to volunteer if their entire family is involved and this experience results in strengthened family bonds. ·Students who performed voluntary community service were nineteen percent more likely to graduate from college than those who did not.

Additionally, Tufts University Professor Peter Levine studied the relationship between civic engagement and psychosocial wellbeing among college students. He concluded that people are happier if their daily activities tend to be helpful to and valued by society.

They also need to feel a sense of belonging and support from their community. Moreover, students who engaged in civic activities that impacted social change had significantly better happiness scores.

They felt more connected to others, were more motivated to learn, and managed stress more effectively. He expects civic engagement programs to boost happiness.

Kids in the House is a public service website provided by the Office of the Clerk of the US House of Representatives. Its mission is to provide educational and entertaining information about the legislative branch of the United States Government to students of all ages. Topics covered include the role of the US House of Representatives, the legislative process, and House history.

Kids.gov is the official kids’ portal for the US government. It links kids, parents, and teachers to information and services from government agencies, schools, and educational organizations, all geared toward children’s learning levels and interests. It is organized into four audiences: kids (Grades K-5), teens (Grades 6-8), teachers, and parents. Each audience tab is divided into educational subjects like arts, math, and history.

A Kid’s Guide to Running for President at rendellcenter.org is a cute, kid-friendly document that explains the presidency, voting, and the inauguration.

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

Enjoy this Holiday Season Watching Local!

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

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Something FUN For Everyone!

Roller Skating Arcade Games Kids’ Play Zone Snack Bar Free Wifi KidsSkateFree.com Participating Center

540-890-2250 |1620 E. Washington Ave Vinton, VA 24179 | FirehouseSkate.com Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Supplying real, simple, wholesome, locally sourced high-quality dog treats baked with simple ingredients that pet parents can trust!

131 Campbell Avenue SW Suite D, Roanoke, VA 24011

@UnleashedLLC www.unleashedva.com

Hours of Operation: Thursday 12pm-6pm Friday 12pm-6pm Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 2pm-6pm

MOTHER

SON

DANCE February 23 6 PM- 9 PM Firehouse Skate-N-Play $45 per couple, $15 additional guest Tickets and info at growingupinthevalley.com

Go. Play!

See.

Southwest Virginia’s Largest Family Event Calendar

Theater & Live Shows The Christmas Cup Millmountain.org

December 5-23 at the Mill Mountain Theater in Center in the Square. The love between a young girl and her wise grandmother is brought to life on stage from the pages of a story

by Nancy Ruth Patterson, Roanoke’s beloved author and educator. The story revolves around a beat up old milkshake cup where Megan collects a year’s worth of scrimped money. Her meager savings and the anonymous gift she buys with them are a metaphor for this season of love and generosity. Rated G for Family Entertainment. Tickets start at $20.

The Nutcracker

person (senior and group discounts available.)

December 14-15 at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. The sensational sold out performance returns! From adorable angels to scurrying mice, a sweet sugar plum and a stilt-walking gingerbread doll, Roanoke Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker is a treat for classic ballet lovers of all ages.

Tickets start at $27.

Chris Tomlin Christmas

Jeffcenter.org

Walk to Freedom: The Mary Draper Ingles Story Radford.edu

December 7-8 at the Pridemore Playhouse at Radford University. The story of frontier heroine Mary Draper Ingles’ escape from Shawnee captivity in 1755 and her extraordinary journey to reunite with her family is an inspiring one of hope, courage, and love of family. Here it is adapted especially for Porterfield Ensemble. $10 per

theberglundcenter.com

December 14 at 7:30 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. From his rural Texas roots, cutting his chops on his father’s Country-Western record collection, to the small Baptist church where he was first compelled by congregational singing, and now in his current position as the definitive worship leader for the worldwide church, Chris Tomlin has always been motivated to provide spiritual seekers a voice to talk with God through music. “Even as a kid, when I played at church, I loved the sound of people singing,” Chris says, remembering his first impressions of hearing his home congregation raise the roof in praise. “I had no clue I would become a worship leader. I just loved to play music that people could sing with, and I loved it when people

would sing to God.” Tickets start at $28.

Stuart Little Radford.edu

December 1 at 10 AM and 2 PM at the Pridemore Playhouse at Radford University. Stuart Little knows it isn’t how big or small you are… it’s “temperament and ability that count!” Join the feisty little mouse on his epic quest to find his friend as this charming adaptation of the E.B. White classic comes to the Pridemore Playhouse in an energetic production sure to delight all, big or small! $8 per adult and $4 per child. (senior and group discounts available)

Annie

roanokechildrenstheatre.org December 20-23 at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Based on Little Orphan Annie, Annie, the classic American musical, will fill the audience with joy this holiday season. Little orphan Annie is saved

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from the orphanage and the cruel Miss Hannigan when she goes to stay with billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ for the holidays. While searching for the parents that abandoned her years ago, she reminds us that love and family are all you need. Tickets start at $15.

Southwest Virginia Ballet presents: The Nutcracker December 8 at 2 PM & 7 PM December 9 at 3 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. Southwest Virginia Ballet, now celebrating its 28th season, has made the annual production of the Nutcracker a holiday tradition for families and visitors to the Roanoke Valley. The beautiful music, lush scenery and lavish costumes bring the magic to life as Clara’s Christmas

tree grows to huge proportions, mice and soldiers battle, and candies and sweets from exotic lands arrive to entertain Clara and her Prince.

Tickets start at $15/child and $20/ adult.

Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Carol Sing-a-Long taubmanmuseum.org

December 21 at 7 PM at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke. Be a part of the festivities as four choirs from the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir lead us in a lively round of carols. It’s one of Roanoke’s most beloved holiday traditions!

Performances will take place from 7-7:30 pm.

Moscow Ballet presents Great Russian Nutcracker jeffcenter.org

December 7 at 7 PM at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. “Kids wide-eyed with delight!” says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!

Tickets start at $36

Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Presents “Songs Of The Season” jeffcenter.org

December 9 at 1:30 PM and 4 PM at Shaftman Performance Hall in the

Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Treat yourself to the angelic sounds of the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir this holiday season! The RVCC concerts are celebrated for their purity in tone, artistic performances, and varied repertoire. Let the sounds of well-trained fresh voices usher in your holiday season! The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir, under the direction of Kimberly Ruse Davidson, presents its 32nd annual holiday concert, “Songs of the Season”.

The doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance. Tickets are available through the Jefferson Center. Tickets begin at $16 with a $3 child ticket discount available.

RENT

theberglundcenter.com January 3 at 7:30 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke.

RENT, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning landmark rock musical written by Jonathan Larson, will return to the road in a 20th Anniversary production that promises

to be as impactful and exciting as the original. Tickets start at $37.

Library Events Turkey and All That Jazz December 24 at 6 PM at the Williamson Road Branch Library in Roanoke. Join us for our annual Turkey and All That Jazz! Come on out and enjoy live jazz music and a tasty Thanksgiving Dinner!

Songs from Annie December 6 at 4:30 PM at the Williamson Library in Roanoke. Come be entertained with songs from the cast of Roanoke Children’s Theatre Annie.

We’re ready for the holidays!

Come to Downtown Roanoke for the best holiday shopping and entertainment!

30+ Stores with One-of-a-Kind Gifts

Elmwood on Ice presented by ValleyStar Credit Union Ice Skating Rink Open Thru January 27 Dickens of a Christmas The Valley’s Largest Holiday Celebration December 7, 14, 21

For details, visit DowntownRoanoke.org

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The Nutcracker Storytime December 5 at 10:30 AM at the Roanoke Main Library. Head to the library for a special storytime featuring The Nutcracker.

Festivals & Fairs Buchanan Christmas Parade townofbuchanan.com December 8 at 4:00 pm through 5:00 pm at Main Street in Buchanan.

For more than sixty years folks have gather along Main Street to meet with friends and cheer during the parade as marching units, floats and familiar faces make their way up Main Street. Come early to shop and dine along Main Street where you will find mom and pop shops filled with unique gifts, great food at locally owned restaurants and plenty of Christmas cheer. This year’s parade features the Botetourt County Sherrif”s Department acting as Color Guard, marching units and flo578ats as well as antique autos, clowns, horses and our most honored guest, old St. Nick.

Gingerbread Festival

s-rcchamber.org/gingerbreadfestival December 1 at 10 AM at the Salem Public Library. Share the magic of Christmas at the Gingerbread Festival. This event features a gingerbread house competition, live holiday entertainment, craft activities for kids, a marshmallow roast, arts & craft vendors, and food vendors! Fun for ALL ages!

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The Holiday Village roanokecounty.org

December 14-24 at Explorer Park in Roanoke. Explore your holiday spirit! We’re filling the park with exciting activities, crafts, food, music and more. Start out at the village of lights for one of the area’s best Christmas light displays and a preview of an even bigger event to come int 2019. Experience time with Santa and let kids shop on their own at the North Pole Emporium. Have a taste of the holidays with food vendors and a beer and wine pavilion on sites. Relax by the campfire for stories and s’mores while listening to live music each night. Browse the work of local artisans at our Christmas Market. This is a FREE event, and all concessions and merchandise proceeds go to benefit Center in the Square and Explore Park.

2018 Vinton Christmas Parade vintonchamber.com

December 6 at 7 PM in downtown Vinton.

Enjoy over 100 parade entries and kick off the holiday season! The tree lighting will be at 6 pm at the Vinton Municipal Building.

Candy Cane Express vmt.org

December 1 and 2 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke.

Take your picture with everyone’s favorite Santa! Ride the Cactus Joe Train. Write letters to Santa in Railway Post Office Car. Train Rides by the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society ($3 per person with paid admission). The last train leaves the station at 3:30 pm. Enjoy Model Train Displays by the Roanoke Valley Model Railroad Club. Take a Cab tour of the 611 and 1218. Holiday photo ops with the Norfolk & Western Big Three — 611, 1218 and 2156. There

Sing a long with Santa himself!

wll be crafts, games, and holiday activities. Stop by storytime: The Gingerbread Train: Santa’s Secret Gift. Watch holiday movies in the Safety Car Theatre.

Try your luck at the raffles for VMT gift baskets. Regular admission rates apply or join the museum to receive complimentary admission for an entire year.

Fantasyland

roanokehistory.org December 1,8,15,18,19 and 20 at O. Wintson Link Museum in Roanoke.

Fantasyland entertains adults and children each year with wonderful exhibits of elves, igloos, reindeer and holiday scenes “retired” from downtown merchants in the 1960s and 1970s. Histories of some of the exhibits donated by Grand Home Furnishings have been added to this year’s display. The same Santa who has played guitar and sung at the shows from the beginning returns to teach about love and sharing through fun activities. Three shows are scheduled each public day, beginning with a special Santa Sing-a-long for very young children, ages 0-3, at 10 AM. The regular Fantasyland programs are at 11 AM and noon all days, except for Dec. 8, when programs are only at 11 and noon.

Tickets are $7 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 4-12 and $3 for youngsters 3 and under. Tickets go on sale in early

November and can be purchased through the Historical Society of Western Virginia website, www. roanokehistory.org, by calling the museum or by visiting the museum’s Gift Shop.

New Year’s Eve at Noon growingupinthevalley.com

December 31 at 10 AM through 2 PM Celebrate at Noon - with a bouncy ball drop of 100,000 Balls!

The BIGGEST and BEST NEW YEARS CELEBRATION In Roanoke! Enjoy a Family Friendly celebration that’s Alcohol Free!

SENSORY BALL DROP 1:30pm-3:30pm Ball Drop of thousands of soft and fuzzy pom pom balls. This event is full of fun for children with special needs! Lower Light, Less noise, no crowds, Quiet Rooms and activities!

All activities included in price- $11 per person, $2 off coupons available at local Kroger Stores.

Races & Exercise Open Public Skate

Theberglundcenter.com Come enjoy Public Skate at Berglund Center Coliseum on Sundays (2 PM 5 PM) and Wednesdays (5 PM - 8 PM)

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throughout November. Join us for Superhero Night on 11/11 and Disco night on 11/28. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2.

K-Guard Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament salemciviccenter.com

December 27-29 at the Salem Civic Center. This high school basketball tournament features the best teams from around the region! 3 day passes start at $15, single day passes start at $6. Tickets sold at the gate only.

Girls on the Run Celebration 5K girlsontherunroanokevalley.org/5KDetail

December 1 at 8 AM at Green Hill Park in Salem. Anyone who has been to a Girls on the Run 5K knows that it is unlike any other running event.

It is a celebration of and for the girls who are completing a season of Girls on the Run programming. By the day of the 5K, their enthusiasm is so unbridled that they are running around before the race! Positive

energy abounds as the girls dance to warm-up music, get their hair “happied” and “tattoos” on their faces, put on their tutus, and gather with their teammates to hold hands as they head to the starting line. Our 5K is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! You will be so glad you joined us! $30 per runner or $35 on race day.

Classes Night Howls Mmzoo.org

Third Thursdays, October through February from 5:30-7 PM at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. Bundle up and bring your friends to the zoo to hear the wolves howl, the owls hoot and the big cats call! Participants will begin the night indoors enjoying hot cider and cookies while learning about nocturnal animals and the noises they make. Guests will then proceed outdoors for a guided tour of the zoo in the dark to observe the creatures and enjoy spectacular

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

It doesn’t

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The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we For more information, Beginnings have to impact aplease child’s contact: future. YetSmart we spend the leastGreater on our Roanoke sbroanoke@uwrv.org children when they| (540) need it283-2781 the most.| smartbeginningsroanoke.org Investments in early childhood development help reduce teen pregnancies, improve dropout rates, lower crime, and produce a stronger, more productive future workforce.

views of the city at night.

Members: Children $9/Adults $12 Non-Members: Children $12/Adults $15

be provided. Free to the public, but please bring a non perishable food item and or an unwrapped toy for underprivileged families this season.

Sales & Fundraisers

Winter Wild

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair

mmzoo.org

Christmas Kid-Made Market

Theberglundcenter.com

December 15 at 10 AM through 4 PM at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke.

Warm up with hot cider and cookies for the kids and holiday lager for the adults. Enjoy the zoo’s holiday splendor, live music and lighting.

Learn about our animals through keeper chats and visit a few up close with our animal encounters. Families will have the chance to make Christmas wrap and organic bird feeders. Finish up your Christmas shopping from our wide variety of vendors. Family memberships make great gifts, and they will be reduced to $65 for the event! Even Santa will make an appearance and be available for photos. Regular admission prices apply.

December 1 at 9 AM through 4 PM at the Berglund Special Events Center.

Come shop 238 vendors from all over the East Coast while completing that Christmas list! Free admission and free parking!

3rd Annual Mistletoe Market salemciviccenter.com

December 8 at 9 AM through 1 PM at Colonial Presbyterian, 3550 Poplar Drive in Roanoke. Need a HANDMADE with love Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? Support local kids that have created their own art, food, jewelry, gardening, music, sewing, crafts, toys, woodworking or any creative creation that they want to sell to the community for Christmas.

December 15 at 10 AM at the Salem Civic Center. Shop with local small businesses with handmade craft and art items as well as the brands you love such as Paparazzi, Avon, Tupperware, Scentsy, Lularoe and so many more! Food concessions will be on site. Come and learn about new items and sign up for the raffle. There will be 119 booths of fun for all ages. Kids activities will

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

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Kids Eat Free • 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

Monday

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

• 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

• Brambleton Deli 11 AM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554

IHop 4PM-10PM • 12 & Under All Locations

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

• Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074

Every Day

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

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• El Rio Mexican Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343 • Firehouse Subs All Day • 11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in Blacksburg (540) 961-0371

Tuesday

• Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884

• McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407 • Town Center Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131 • Pizza Hut 5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834 • Ruby Tuesday 5 PM - Close • 11 & under, 1 child per paid adult Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 265-9301 • K&W All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Hershberger Rd. Roanoke (540) 563-4977

Wednesday

• Dogwood 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549 • Pizza Pasta Pit 4 PM - 9 PM • 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included.

1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885 • The Quarter All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

Thursday

• CiCi’s Pizza All Day • 10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet Roanoke (540) 344-7711

• The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 12 & 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

• Steak n’ Shake All Day • 12 & under 1 free per paid $10.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825 • Tokyo Express 11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303 • F.P.S All day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke (540) 400-6879 • Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400

• T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475 • Jimmy V’s Restaurant All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311 • 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 • 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

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

Education Innovation Exploration Progressive education for children ages 3 through middle school since 1971.

These listings are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee a discount. As restaurants change promotions often, we recommend calling ahead.

www.CommunitySchool.net 540-563-5036

Growing Up in the Valley’s Guide To Daycare, Preschools & Private Education ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

621 N. Jefferson St. Roanoke 540-982-3532 • Ages: 3-18 www.roanokecatholic.com Preschool, K-12, After School

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 persona, blending learning with faith and faith with daily life.

CHILDCARE NETWORK

4225 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-0144 • Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Years www.childcarenetwork.com 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 Rd, Roanoke 540-797-1456 • Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Years www.countrybeardayschool.com Preschool, Day Care, After School Country Bear Day School has a 30 year tradition of offering an exceptional program for children ages 6 weeks - 12 years. A child’s happiness and development is our main objective, offered in a secure, nurturing environment with opportunities to grow. 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.

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTERS

2660 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke 628 Townside Rd, Roanoke 1824 Jefferson Street, Roanoke 4330 Franklin Rd, Roanoke 2230 Electric Rd, Roanoke 7507 Plantation Rd, Roanoke 217 Hershberger Rd, Roanoke 1531 Patrick Rd, Roanoke 1980 Electric Rd, Salem 2111 Roanoke Rd, Salem

1918 Washington Avenue, Vinton 7000 Booker T. Washington, Wirtz 229 Central Avenue, Christiansburg (540) 344-4543 Ages 6 weeks-12 years www.HoneyTreeELC.com Preschool, After School HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks - 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!

NORTH CROSS

4524 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-6641 • Ages 3-18 years www.northcross.org Preschool, 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.

FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3585 Buck Mountain Rd, Roanoke 540-769-5200 • Ages: 4-19 years www.fcsva.com Preschool, K-12, After School

GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491 • Ages 2-5 years grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com 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 • Ages 12mo - 5 years www.noahslandingpreschool.com 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 philosophy of education is based on the belief that children learn and grow best through hands on experiences.

ROANOKE VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

7060 Williamson Rd, Roanoke 540-366-2432 119 • Ages 2-18 years www.rvcs.info Preschool, K-12, Before/After School

Roanoke Valley Christian Schools (RVCS) was established in 1973 by Shenandoah Baptist Church and now recognizes over 1,200 alumni. Its mission is to develop disciples of Christ who will influence the world for the glory of God. RVCS accomplishes this through a partnership with each family. We serve preschool, ages 2 through grade 12 and offer both an advanced program and resource program that can come alongside each student’s individual needs.

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!

ABA Programs ABC'S OF ABA 1630 Braeburn Dr. Salem, VA 24153 540-588-9582

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ABA CLINIC IN HOME TRAINING SUPERVISION CONSULTATION WWW.ABCSOFABA.COM

"Designed to transition children to the school environment."

SOUTHVIEW PRESCHOOL

3539 Peters Creek Rd, Roanoke 540-362-1767 • Ages 2-5 years svumpreschool.webs.com 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.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

7815 Williamson Rd, Roanoke 540-563-5036 • Ages 3-14 years www.communityschool.net Preschool, K-8 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.

BONSACK BAPTIST PRESCHOOL

4845 Cloverdale Rd, Roanoke 540-977-0485 Ages 2.5-11 years www.bonsackpreschool.com Preschool, After School

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 • Ages 0-12 years childrenscastleearlylearningcenter.com Preschool, Daycare, After School We offer social development, preschool education, and after school enrichment for our community in a safe and engaging atmosphere.

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

ROANOKE ADVENTIST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-798-6061 • ages 5-14 www.rapschool.org 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.

ST. ANNES EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

42 E. Main Street, Salem 540-389-4087 • Ages 18mos-5 years www.stpaulssalem.org/stannes 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 2018-2019 school year!

WESLEYAN PRESCHOOL

125 W. Main St., Salem 540-389-5144 • Ages 1 - 4 years fb.com/FUMCWesleyanPreschool 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 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!

SALEM MONTESSORI

107 Corporate Blvd., Salem 540-387-1521 • Ages 6 weeks-12 years www.salemmontessori.org Preschool, k-6 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. Montessori educated children become self-confident young people, who face future challenges with optimism and who enjoy a lifetime love of learning!

GREENVALE SCHOOL

627 Westwood Blvd. NW, Roanoke 540-342-4716 • Ages 3 -5 years www.greenvale-school.org 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.

Mineral Springs Christian School

1030 Bible Ln, Vinton (540) 890-4465 • Ages 1-16 years www.mineralspringschristianschool.com

It is our goal at Mineral Springs Christian School to provide your child with an affordable Christian education. Mineral Springs Christian School is one the most important ministries of our church.

The school has been serving families for 25 years. Mineral Springs Baptist Church felt the need to provide a ministry of alternative and affordable Christian education to their church members and the community.

Just a little pinch today

Keeps the Flu away!

Call (540) 344-9213 for your flu vaccination appointment at our Roanoke and Westlake locations Learn about our services & providers at physicianstochildren.com

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Bulk Candy Chocolate Novelty Gifts The Candy Store Center in the Square 1 Market ST SE Roanoke, VA 24011 thecandystoreva.com (540) 904-5580

Shine a Light, Share a Night

By Anna M Semonco, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia Doctors told Makayla and Steven Lester that if their twin boys were not delivered immediately, at 24 weeks, they would lose them both.

On February 15, 2017, Keaton, weighing one pound, 6.8 ounces, and Kade, weighing 14.1 ounces, were born.

From that day forward, the brothers fought for their lives.

The Lesters lived an hour and a half away from Carilion Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where their boys were delivered and then admitted.

Makayla described it: “To be that far away from them seemed like an eternity. Then, an answered prayer came along in the name of The Ronald McDonald House. Little did we know this house built of love would become our home for over seven months.

Every day that we were there, I cannot remember a time when

the staff didn’t ask us about the wellbeing of our boys. This home made it possible for our family to be close.”

During the holidays, we remember those we love, and our hearts reach out to help those in need.

Shine a Light, Share a Night enables givers to do both. Shine a Light on the grand tree on the front lawn of the Ronald McDonald House in honor of a loved one, and your donation shares the cost of keeping families close when they need it the most. In 2017, that was 8,742 overnight stays!

Simply donate in honor of a loved one to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia. They will receive a handwritten, personalized card that includes an invitation to the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a special note from one of our families, and a message letting them

know that because of your gift, a light shines brightly for them and into a family’s darkest days—a family like the Lesters.

Ronald McDonald House Charities invites everyone to participate in our Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 2nd at 6 p.m. The evening will feature a talk by the Lesters, a ceremonial tree lighting by candlelight, a special choir performance, and refreshments to follow.

The Shine a Light, Share a Night honorees’ names will be listed in the Tree Lighting Ceremony program (also available on our website rmhc-swva. org).

Additionally, Ronald McDonald House Charity Holiday Cards are on sale now! For more information, go to rmhc-swva.org, or call 540-857-0770.

CenterintheSquare.org

DECEMBER 9, 2018

1PM - 5PM R

In celebration of Center in the Square’s 35th Anniversary our beneficiary museums will have FREE ADMISSION on December 9, 2018 from 1PM - 5PM ONLY!

One Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24078 | 540.342.5700

We Pay YOU for Checking!

CASh* BACk Or earn up to APY** Freedom Cash or Freedom Stash Checking.

Open an account today!

(540) 389-0244 (866) 389-0244

FreedomFirst.com

Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000.

FEATURES • NO MINIMUM BALANCE REQUIRED • Free debit card & CardValet® • Freedom First Mobile app • Deposit AnywhereSM • Access to 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs • Up to 4 out-of-network domestic ATM refunds GET STARTED TODAY! Enroll in Direct Deposit to access perks

*Monthly Direct Deposit of $5,000 or more to receive the 2% cash back on debit card purchases of up to $1,000. Monthly Direct Deposit of $1,000 or more to receive the 2% cash back on debit card purchases of up to $500 and to avoid a $9 fee. **Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 9/17/2018. Monthly Direct Deposit of $5,000 or more to receive the 5.00% APY on Average Daily Balance (ADB) up to $10,000, 1.00% APY on ADB above $10,000 up to $1,000,000.

Monthly Direct Deposit of $1,000 or more to receive 2.00% APY on ADB up to $10,000, 0.50% APY on ADB above $10,000 up to $1,000,000 and to avoid a $9 fee. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.

Enroll in eStatements to avoid a $2 paper statement fee. Network of free ATMs includes every ATM in the U.S. that displays the CULIANCE, MoneyPass, and Allpoint logos.