Growing Up In the Valley July 2014 by Roanoke Valley Family Magazine

Growing Up

S o ut h w est & C ent ral Vi rg i nia ’ s P remi e r Fa mi l y Ma ga z i ne

In the Valley Volume 2 Issue 9 • July 2014 • FREE

Sunscreen

101 CuteKid Cover

Contest Roanoke Students

in Bolivia

Teaching Culture and

Diversity

decisions... decisions...

Grass Pollen... Tree Pollen... Weed Pollen...

Allergy Relief Now or Later?

Same-Day Appointments The Doctor will see you now. Geoffrey T. Harter, M.D.

Paul W. Lenkowski, M.D., Ph.D.

540.283.6000 | jeffersonsurgical.com

Gregory C. Zachmann, M.D.

Growing up Publisher

Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com

Southwest &Anika Centraand l VirgEvelyn’s inia’s PremiDad er Family Resource

Growing up

Editor

Andrea Eagan andrea@growingupinthevalley.com Anika and Evelyn’s Mom

Design

Tracy Fisher tracy@growingupinthevalley.com Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom

Sales

Ellen Prillaman ellen@growingupinthevalley.com Lyndsay Bella’s Mom Natashia Pierson natashia@growingupinthevalley.com Royce and Raeanna’s Mom

Distribution Leigh Anne Woods

law@growingupinthevalley.com Ryan, Krystal, Braydon, Kailey, Rome, and Sage’s Aunt

Events

Sierra Lewis sierra@growingupinthevalley.com Johnathan’s Mom

Writers

Laura Wade Kim Castner Katie Lewis Heidi Blackwelder Courtney Cutright

April Collini Teresa Martin Amanda Powers Rachel Robinson

Photographers Jessica Farmer Amanda Robinson

We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsiblity for unsolicited materials. Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley.com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.

Southwest and Central Virginia’s Premier Family Resource! V.A.E.C.E

Rising Star Award

2014

WINNER

Proud to be Part of Your Family Since 2012! There is so much going on with Growing Up In the Valley - it is hard to keep up! As we put this issue out we are now 5 months from our largest event of the year - The Run For Education. As the school year approaches, it is very important for you as a parent to tell your local school and PTA to participate. Each school will be individually contacted in August when school starts, but it is best to be ahead of the curve and start planning early. We anticipate a VERY large crowd and we want to make sure you get the best chance and longest amount of time to raise money. We also are now THE ONLY publication in the area to have gone through a CVC Audit. What this means is that we print what we say we print and we are 100% accurate with our readership numbers. No one else can say this to local advertisers. We thank you, our readers for helping us acheive such strong numbers! July continues are weekly events

Phone: 540-251-1660 Fax: 540-977-1433 Mail: PO Box 823, Blue Ridge, VA 24064 To Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com To Request Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com To Advertise: natashia@growingupinthevalley.com

Flutter and Woolie taking in the sites at the Science Museum’s Butterfly Garden

WE ARE NOW VERIFIED! with Viva La Cupcake and the Grandin Theatre as well! Every Saturday (except July 12th), the Grandin Theatre is showing free cartoons at 10AM. Right after the show, Viva La Cupcake will be hosting our craft party! The first 100 kids get a free cupcake and get to make a special craft with us! Even better - on July 19th - Melody Makers will come and perform two special shows for our guests as well! Lastly, our Birthday Party Showcase returns this month with a special contest to attend the coolest new birthday spot in the Valley, Sassafrass! Check out page 23 for more info. Only 16 kids will be selected! Thanks for reading, happy summer! The Eagan Family Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

To Submit An Event: sierra@growingupinthevalley.com To Nominate: info@growingupinthevalley.com

Visit our website for new posts daily

Growingupinthevalley.com

In This Issue of

Growing Up

In the Valley July 2014 • Travel & Culture

Stars of the Valley

14 Pen Pals From On the Cover Charlotte Fisher, Age 4 Photo by Tracy Fisher

Education Station

Around the World

21 Teaching Culture and Diversity 24 Roanoke Students in Bolivia Family Fun

20 The New 8 Crafty Corner

American Dream

Kidz Corner

41MadLibs 15Cute Kid Contest

Your child can be on the cover of our magazine and win a family 4 pack of tickets to Lego Fest this September!

The Guide

6 Media Mommy

Reviews on the latests movies and books

33 Family Calendar

Wishing you could have a snowball fight in July? Make these sponge water bombs and have a blast!

12 Little Chef’s Recipe Make these cute racecar teddy bear candy treats for your next road trip!

Family Living

38 Mommy Files 18 Sunscreen 101

The FDA has new regulations on sunscreen labels- we’ll help you decode them!

Find fun events to do this summer with your family!

29 Kids Eat Free

Find out all the details where kids dine for free

The Guide

by: Heidi Blackwelder

Counting by 7s

by Holly Goldberg Sloan Grades 5-8 Willow Chance is a 12-year-old girl who lives with her adoptive parents in Bakersfield, California. She’s obsessed with plants, human medical conditions, and the number 7, and if you ask her school counselor, she’s also a genius. She’s just started at a new middle school and has high hopes of finally being able to make some friends. But then she makes an unprecedented perfect score on a standardized test and is accused of cheating, and so once a week she has to see a counselor for troubled teens. And yet again, she finds that she doesn’t fit in. But then a bright spot appears in the form of high-schooler Mai Nguyen, whose brother has been seeing the

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Grades 9 and up Hazel Grace Lancaster is a 16-year-old girl living with terminal stage IV thyroid cancer. Thanks to an experimental drug, her condition has relatively stabilized, but Hazel doesn’t feel very free with the oxygen tank she has to drag behind her wherever she goes. Worried that Hazel might be depressed, her mother forces her to start attending a weekly support group for cancer survivors. And it is there that Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a one-legged survivor of bone cancer. The two are drawn to each other through their mutual love of existential discussions and obsession with correct word usage (“Literally!”), and it isn’t long before they begin to fall in love. 6

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

same counselor for his behavioral issues, and the unlikely duo become fast friends. Then one tragic afternoon, Willow’s entire life is turned upside down in an instant: her parents are killed in a car accident. Since she has no other family, Willow is sent to live in a group foster home until more permanent arrangements can be made. But when she runs away and Mai is the only person who can find her, Mai hatches a plan to bring Willow home. This is the story of an observer, who turns out instead to be a catalyst for change as she brings unexpected people together in unexpected ways -- surprising both herself and others in the process. Sloan’s storytelling is engaging and heartwarming, evoking tears as often as laughs while Willow learns about love, moving forward, and just how far-reaching an effect she can have.

When Gus learns about Hazel’s fascination with a novel called An Imperial Affliction, he sets out to help her solve the mystery of its abrupt, unsatisfying ending -- a mission that soon becomes the adventure of a lifetime. Bold, poignant, raw, and funny -award-winning author John Green explores the consequences of living, losing, and loving in this heartrending bestseller.

Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne Grades 4-7

July 28, 1914 is Alfie Summerfield’s fifth birthday -- and the beginning of World War I. They said it would be over by Christmas, but four Christmases later there’s still no end in sight. Every night, now nine-year-old Alfie thinks about what life was like before the war, when his dad was still home. And every night it gets a little harder to remember. Alfie’s father hasn’t written home in years, and though his mother tells him it’s because he’s on a secret mission for the government, Alfie knows it’s because he’s dead. To make ends meet, his mother gets a job as a Queen’s Nurse at the hospital, where she cares for injured soldiers. And when she’s not at the hospital, she’s washing and repairing clothes for wealthy families. But it’s still not enough to pay the bills, so Alfie decides to take matters into his own hands, and unbeknownst to his mother, he skips school to shine shoes at King’s Cross four days a week. All is well until one day while shining shoes, Alfie stumbles across a bit of unexpected information. And from that moment on, he hatches a plan to perform a rescue and reunite his family. From the acclaimed author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, this is a triumphant, moving story about overcoming prejudices, healing from mental illness, and above all, the power of love.

The LEGO Movie - Rated PG Directed by: Chris Miller and Phil Lloyd The Lego world is in danger when evil mastermind Lord Business steals a mysterious super weapon known as the Kragle. But prophecy speaks of one called “The Special”, a young master builder who will be in possession of the Kragle’s only weakness: the Piece of Resistance. Enter Emmet, an ordinary, unimaginative construction worker who lives every day according to the instructions. It’s life as usual until he finds an unauthorized girl in his construction site after hours. He decides to investigate and falls down a strange tunnel in the process, where he stumbles upon the Piece of Resistance -- marking him as The Special and putting the fate of the world in his hands. And given his inexperience with original thought and tendency to panic when the going gets rough, this is something his new master builder friends aren’t too sure about. Emmet soon discovers that there’s more to his world than he ever dreamed of, as he meets new people from far-off lands who teach him to lay aside the instructions once in a while. But when disaster strikes and his friends’ usual master builder methods fail, it’s up to him to think of a solution. Featuring big voices (Morgan Freeman!), stunningly creative animation, and enough detail to make your head spin, The Lego Movie is truly one of those films that gets better every time you watch it. A silly adventure that is hilariously entertaining.

Family Fun

Sponge Snowballs Want all the fun of a water balloon fight and none of the mess? Or do you find yourself wishing you could have a snowball fight in the middle of July? Make our simple Sponge Snowballs and have a blast! Supplies: •Two 4”x6” sponges per ball •Sharp scissors •cotton yarn or elastics Instructions: 1. Cut clean sponges into 1 inch x 6 inch strips 2. line 3-4 strips and stack more strips on top until you create a cube. 3. Cinch the middle of the strips using an elastic or thick cotton thread. 4. pull strips into a ball shape, you may need to use more string or elastics to help it keep the shape. 5. Soak in water and toss at your nearest sibling! Don’t want to get soaked? Use the balls as water darts! Draw a bullseye in chalk on your drive way and try to get your sponge to land in the middle!

Share your summer fun photos on our Facebook page www.fb.com/growingupinthevalley 8

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Crafty Corner

Family Fun

JUly 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ growingupinthevalley.com

Family Living

On t h e Ro ad Aga i n Tried and true tips and tricks for keeping the whole family happy while you’re cruising on route 66.

“The license plate game. Try to find a license plate for each state.” -Jennifer Oliver Smith

“Cookies. lots and lots of cookies.” - Josh Eagan

“I make sure their car seat is installed properly and snug. Then I pack extra water, a change of clothes for accidents and a first aid kit.” -Melanie Haiken

“The Frozen soundtrack has saved my sanity in traffic jams!”Tracy Fisher

“We drive at night that way the kids sleep!”- Kara Hogue

Art by: Tracy Fisher

“I bring (the kids) a special bag filled with car friendly busy activities: coloring books, stickers, a doll, pez candy, cards, and a buckle toy etc. We have the dvd player with all her favorites playing. Sometimes we sing or play toddler version of I spy” -Carrie Thomas

Share your road trip ideas on fb.com/growingupinthevalley Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

It all started with a simple comment from their father. Sixteen-year-old Ryan Smith said they had been in Boones Mill when his father Dan saw a trailer and said, “That would make a good trailer for a snow cone shack.” The idea caught Ryan’s attention and his 19-year-old sister Sarah quickly got on board. “We loved the idea and just ran with it,” Sarah said. The Liberty University student explained that Roanoke County, unlike Salem and Roanoke City, didn’t really have a snow cone place. “Ryan and I love snow cones and there is nothing like it in Roanoke County,” she said. “We thought it would be a great way to raise money for college.” With two younger siblings, Eric, 15, and Hannah, 13, also approaching college, their parents were willing to help. Dan and his wife Maria provided the start-up costs to get the business, deemed Miami Ice, up and running. Appropriately, the Miami Ice name, a play on the title of the 1980s television show, is somewhat of a tribute to them. “We chose Miami Ice because my parents were fans of the show Miami Vice,” Sarah said. “Our dogs are even named Crockett and Tubbs after the cops on the show. They were such fans and it fit perfectly with the snow cone idea.” After being open for just a month, the sibling crew had already reached the goal they had set for the end of summer. “We’re doing really well,” Sarah said. “We have lots of repeat customers.” Sarah explained that the hardest part was getting the new business up and running. Upon securing a location, the property had to be rezoned. “The rezoning set us back,” Sarah said. “We were planning to open last summer, but we had to go before the Board of Supervisors. It was kind of scary, but fun.” The snow cone stand’s location behind Melody Makers on Brambleton Avenue was a no-brainer. Still, it proved an advantage and a disadvantage. Their mother owns Melody Makers making the property rent free, yet the location is not very visible from the road. Sarah said they relied heavily on social media to spread the word about their new business. The four siblings said they get along well and that the business has only brought them closer; still, they admit to having the occasional sibling disagreement. After all, they work in close quarters and have ample responsibilities. After their parents’ initial help, the business became

Stars of the Valley

A Family Business

by: Katie Lewis

From left, Ryan, Eric, Sarah and Hannah the sole responsibility of the kids. They handle the scheduling, payroll, ordering of supplies and all of the business’s financial needs, not to mention splitting shifts amongst the four. As the oldest two, Sarah and Ryan work opposite one another to make sure things run smoothly. However, the youngest, Hannah, seemed to have things down pat. “I like working here. It’s not hard,” she said. Ryan admitted that the managerial tasks could be a challenge. “For me, remembering to take the bank deposit…” he said, as Hannah interrupted him with a laugh. To ensure that they can be open all summer, with the exception of one week due to the family’s beach trip, the Smith’s hired three additional teens to work alongside them at the stand. Patrons that visit Miami Ice will have a somewhat different experience than visiting the typical snow cone stand. Behind the trailer, an inviting, fenced-in area includes picnic tables, corn hole and a bouncy house for children twelve and under to enjoy at no extra charge. Sarah said on Friday nights, which tends to be the busiest, the small site is typically full of patrons and lit up like the fair (thanks to some overhead string lights). “My friends love it,” Hannah said. “They said it’s a relaxing place and they like to come see me at work.” The stand offers a variety of snow cones, featuring 60 flavors, ranging from traditional cherry and blue raspberry to the more unheard of caramel and honey dew, and includes sugar-free options and a plethora of toppings. They also sell kettle corn, which is made on site. For those seeking a challenge, they offer a $12 giant snow cone and a chance for some friendly competition. Any patron who finishes the Avalanche Challenge gets a refund and their picture on the Miami

Ice Facebook page. Plus, the customer who holds the record for finishing the Avalanche in the shortest amount of time gets one free snow cone a week until their record is beaten. One of the businesses other draws is the texture of its ice. “It’s funny to watch the customers’ reactions when they eat our snow cones,” Sarah said. “Many of them are like ‘Wow, it’s so smooth.’ Our goal is to make the ice less chunky than normal snow cones.” Sarah admitted that when they first opened the siblings typically each had a snow cone a shift. Prior to opening, they headed Downtown Roanoke to get their snow-cone fix. The sampling has “slowed down a little bit,” she said, “be we still have ‘product development’ sessions where we try out new flavor combinations.” Sarah could not stress enough that the primary goal of the business is to raise money for college. “We are hoping to continue until Hannah is in college,” she said. “It’s so weird to think about where we will all be at that point.” Despite her new found business experience, Sarah is studying nursing at Liberty; Ryan, a senior at Cave Spring High School, hopes to study engineering at the University of Virginia or Virginia Tech; Eric, a Cave Spring sophomore, is undecided about his specific college plans; and Hannah, an eighth grader at Cave Spring Middle School, already has her sights on studying education at Liberty. “I’m so glad our mom and dad helped us get this business started,” Eric said. “Even though I’m not in college yet, I know it will help a lot in the end.”

JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

Family Fun

Ingredients Fun size chocolates

M & Ms or other Candy

These teddy bear race cars are sure to be the victor at snack time or your next party. They are simple to make, fun to eat and quick to disappear! Follow these simple steps to create your own race track of teddy bears!

Instructions

Lay out all of your ingredients. It is best to assemble in assembly line form. Cut the life savers in half & chop the legs off the Teddy Grahams (make sure to say your sorry!) If you are using homemade icing you can make your own piping bag by putting it in a Ziplock bag and snipping the corner edge. Pipe a dollop of icing onto each candy.

Life Savers

Teddy Grahams

Choclate Frosting

Glue the candies onto the side of each chocolate bar. Put a little dollop of icing on the ends of the life saver and stick your steering wheels on the front of the cars. Lastly put a little icing on the cut ends of the Tiny Grahams and put the drivers behind the steering wheels. You might need to push the bears down into the chocolate bar, but don’t push too hard or you’ll end up with smashed cars. Refrigerate to set the icing.

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Family Fun

7815 Williamson Road Roanoke, VA 24019 www.communityschool.net - 540-563-5036

CASA Program Looking for Volunteers CASA Volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. CASA Volunteers are people like you, who want to make a difference and give back to their community. There are 19 CASA programs throughout the state of Virginia. Children’s Trust—the Roanoke Valley’s CASA program— is looking for new volunteers. Recruitment is now underway for our fall class.

A LITTLE OF YOUR TIME CAN CHANGE A LIFE. Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can’t—or won’t—take care of you. Be the difference in a child’s life. For more information, visit our website, roact.org, or call (540) 344-3579, ext. 22. JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

Stars of the Valley

from around the world

by: Tracy Fisher

Pen pals are a childhood tradition that is slowly being forgotten. With the invent of the computer, connecting with the world is easier than ever before and yet children hardly talk with anyone outside the town limits. Some of my favorite memories is writing a weekly letter to my pen pal in fourth grade and the weekly emails between myself and a foreign exchange student in Nancy, France while we were in high school. Pen pals help children not only connect and make friendships with other children around the world, but can help them boost their communication skills, spelling, penmanship, grammar

Growing Up In the Valley â&#x20AC;˘ JUly 2014

and even teach them a new language. It can open their eyes to whole new cultures and traditions. And in some cases, lead to lifelong friendships. Many tout the increased technology in classrooms as the reason behind the downfall of pen pals, but I disagree. Emails, blogs, Skype, and websites have made finding a compatable pen pal a thousand times easier. There are dozens of websites dedicated to finding penpals of all ages and languages. Of course, with more technology there should be more caution. If a child is to find a pen pal on their own outside of the classroom their parents should

be invovled in the communicationespecially online. Children should be taught practical online safety, and limit what information they share with pen pals or on public forums. It is extremely important to me that my own child understands that the world is larger than her backyard. I want her to not only learn about all the differences in the cultures around the world but also the similarities. I remember fondly talking about my favorite band in a letter to the french exchange student, only to find out it was her favorite as well. I think pen pals is a great first step in making sure that happens.

CUTEKID

Cover Contest 1. “Like” GUITV on Facebook

w w w. i n t e r p a l s . n e t

InterPals is one of the oldest online pen pal services online. It is 100% free and has reviews from PBS, eHow and many other blogs. You create an online profile for your child and the services matches you with a pal.

w w w. p e n p a lw o r l d . c o m Pen Pal World has two levels of accounts, free and paid. both levels allow you to make a pen pal profile, and find new writing pals. The paid level is allowed to send more messages per day. There are also great parental controls that allow users to block adults from seeing minor profiles.

Having Writer’s Block? • Write about your school • Talk about your favorite books, TV shows, etc. • Write about your family’s traditions • Send photographs (With parent’s permission) • Remember to ask questions! • Decorate your letter and evelope with drawings and doodles!

2. Upload a Photo of your child (ages 3-17) on August 1. 3. Vote EVERY day until Sept 13. 4. Entry with most votes wins! See official rules and details at growingupinthevalley.com/cute-kid-contest

Family Fun

Native American Ankle Rattles A Family Music Moment from Creative Starts - by: Angie Yates

The Native people of America use music primarily to accompany “dances, religious rites, tribal ceremonies and celebrations, healing rituals, games, or personal and private rites”. Dances done by various Native American tribes include ankle rattles or dresses adorned with jingles. Ankle rattles might be constructed with turtle shells, deer hooves, cocoons, jingles or beads attached to a leather band. The dancers, with the musical ankle bracelets tied to their legs, stomp in rhythm to the sound of voices and drum. Information taken from “Native American Music and Dance”. by Enetta Nelson Rose. The Yale National Intiative. < http://teachers.yale.edu/curriculum/viewer/initiative_06.04.09_u#i >

Materials Needed: empty cereal box thin hemp twine or yarn 2 pipe cleaners hole puncher wooden or plastic pony beads or jingles wire cutters

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Roanoke

Taekwondo

America $50 off summer classes exp 8/31/14

Cut a band of cardboard from an empty cereal box. The band should be about 3 to 4 inches wide and long enough to wrap around your child’s ankle. Using a hole puncher, punch six holes across the edge of the length of the band. Cut 3 pieces of hemp twine or yarn to 1 foot length each. String five beads or jingles on each string. Loop each string through the holes and make a knot on the back. Be sure the beads are hanging so they bang against the cardboard to make a sound. Lastly, punch a hole on each end to make a fastener. Insert a pipe cleaner through each hole and bend the wire in half. This will enclose the ankle rattle around your leg.

Taekwondo builds •Conﬁdence •Concentration •Respect •Integrity •Leadership

First class is Free Free uniform with Registration

One LOW Rate fo r t h e WHOLE FAMILY!

Have fun stomping and dancing to make music.

2907 Brambleton Road Roanoke, VA

540-989-6765

RoanokeTKD.com

see our class schedule online

T t A

Family Living

Sunscreen 101 1. Waterproof vs Water Resistant Due to FDA guidelines changing, sunscreens can no longer label themselves as waterproof. Using that term caused many customers to believe that the product would continue to protect them after a dip in the pool. Water resistance is now labeled with a time limit that must be confirmed with a test with the FDA. As always, you should reapply immediately after towel drying after taking a swim.

2. Not all SPF is equal Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be blinded by ridiculous claims of SPF 100 or above. FDA again has strict regulations on how the sunscreen can be presented. An SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UBV rays and SPF 45 blocks 98 percent. After SPF 45 there are no regulation tests to prove the sunscreens claims. Remember- you cannot block over 100% of the UBV rays that cause a sunburn.

3. Sprays, wipes, and sticks oh my! Technology in sunscreen has changed a lot since the days of gloopy oily creams. Now the market has sprays, wipes and solid sticks. While they help greatly in the appliation, especialy with wiggly children, they can give you a false sense of sun security. Sprays, wipes and sticks should still be rubbed in by hand, as their application can miss crooks and crannies of the skin.

4. When in doubt, reapply! Most sunscreens are effective for 60-90 minutes, which means reapplying is an absolute neccesity! Sun screens are most effective 15-20 min after applying for the first time, so remember to slather it on before heading out to the lake!

5. Broad Spectrum For a sunscreen to be labeled borad spectrum they must follow the new FDA guidelines and pass a test that proves that the product protects not only from sunburn, but also skin cancer and premature aging. Any product not labeled as broad spectrum only protects you against a sunburn. 18

Growing Up In the Valley â&#x20AC;˘ JUly 2014

Family Living

Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple SPF 50 $8.99 at Major Retail Stores

Sometimes you don’t need to mess with perfection. Coppertone has set the standard in sunscreen for decades. Their water baby formula is tear free, so even if sweat drips the lotion into sensitive eyes, it won’t sting or burn. This lotion is also perfect for budget shoppers, as the larger bottle should last a long time!

Aveeno Baby Natural Protection SPF 50 $10.99 at Major Retail Stores

Delicate baby skin can be difficult to keep protected during the summer. This lotion is made of 100% naturally derived ingredients. This lotion is made also with Aveeno’s trademark oat based, gentle creams. Also available in a solid stick form.

Kiss My Face 100% Natural Sunstick SPF 30 $10.99 at Major Drugstores

The kids will get a kick out of this sunscreen. It comes in three colors, blue, magenta and white. As you rub in the lotion it becomes transparent- so you know when you’re fully protected. Kiss My Face also has a kid spray and wipe version.

MD Moms Baby Silk Sunscreen Towelettes SPF 30 $26.99 at Major Retail Stores

MD Moms have these silky smooth sunscreen wipes that are perfect for travel. They are TSA approved for flight, and unlike their cream counterparts won’t spill all over your carry-on. They are perfect to toss in your diaper bag and use at the park. You’ll be the envy of all the other moms!

JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

Education Station

The New American Dream

school, one was moving on to middle school, one was moving to high school, and the oldest, my former student, was moving on to college. Through translation, I learned that their father would be extremely upset if any of his children stopped their education. The seriousness of his father’s voice was evident. He, after all, hadn’t had the chance to continue his education and simply expected this from his children. He thanked his children for working hard up to this point and thanked their mother for raising them. It was a very beautiful moment.

by: Katie Lewis

This is our culture-themed issue, so it seemed timely and appropriate to share what I am about to share. I worried about whether or not it would come across as politically correct, and then I thought, who cares? Well, the truth is, I do care. Yet, as long as I am speaking the truth and from the heart, it shouldn’t matter, right? The fact of the matter is, a couple of weeks ago, I found myself the racial minority at a social function. While this story is really not so much about race, I felt it needed to be stated. My husband, son and I were attending a celebratory party for one of my former students—a student who is very special to me, one whom I taught for four straight years. He happens to be black, thus, the three of us were three of five white people in a group of 50 plus. I am not going to lie; this is not a situation in which I usually find myself, but it made me realize that my student finds himself in this situation on a somewhat regular basis. And while he never seems to be put out by it, I am sure there have been times when he has felt a little uncomfortable. In fact, I have to admit, I was slightly concerned as to whether his friends would accept me. Was I really feeling this way because of the color of my skin? It seemed so ridiculous, yet the bottom line is, as most of us know, racial issues are not just a thing of the past. My husband and I initially hung out in the gym of the recreation center 20

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

where the party was held and watched my son play some relaxed, yet still competitive, basketball with the other teens and pre-teens that were there. He was easily accepted on the court and later laughed as he told me how one of the other kids called him Larry Bird most of the evening. He said it was somewhat meant as a compliment as the other kids thought the lone white boy was a decent player. Racist? Slightly. Kind of funny? Yes. A big deal? Not at all. Once again, however, the racial context is really more to set the scene for the story that follows. Later, my student’s father told him to invite us to sit at the table with him and his sisters. I appreciated this, as I didn’t know anyone else there, and most of them spoke English only as a second language. Prior to the feast, my husband and I listened carefully as my student translated his father’s speech for us. We stood respectfully as he prayed to a different God than my family and I worship and then listened intently. No translation was needed for me to see the emotion in his father’s eyes as he tip-toed past the hardships that he and his family faced before coming to America from Tanzania, Africa. He announced that he and his wife were celebrating 19 years together and tears formed in the corners of his eyes. My student mentioned that he had only seen his father cry one other time. His father spoke of each of his four children. One was about to start pre-

You see, this family has only been in America for six years, and their appreciation for the world around them radiates from each member. In fact, the majority of the people in the room were friends of theirs from Tanzania, some whom had been here for 10 years, others who had only been here for six months. My student told me some of their stories: “That man was our tailor in Tanzania,” he told me, pointing to a well-dressed man in a suit. “That one lost both of his parents… that one was hit by a car.” They all had stories. My husband and I originally didn’t plan on staying long. The party started later than anticipated, and we had some other things planned for the evening. But somehow those things were put on hold as we engrossed ourselves in a culture extremely different, yet somehow the same, as our own. This was a group of friends coming together to celebrate the milestones of a family. They listened to music, feasted, played games, and chatted. As I sat and watched my student’s four-yearold little sister playing patty cake with her siblings, I reflected on how blessed I am to have been born in America. “She can be president one day,” my student said to me. The importance of this statement was simple, yet powerful. It revealed how grateful he was that she had been born in America and would not have to face some of the things he had. She climbed on my lap for a moment and then retreated to her brother, obviously one of her best friends. The family dynamic was perfect. A strict, hard-working father, a caring mother, siblings who seemed to get along—a family of six living their version of the American dream.

Stars of the Valley

Teaching Culture and Diversity by: Courtney Cutright

In the third grade, I had a pen pal from China. I was enthralled to be receiving mail. At nine years old, I doubt I could really grasp the distance of some 7,000 miles between us. The exchange had been orchestrated by the sponsor of my elementary school’s international club, an after-school gathering at which we explored cultures from around the world. This experience was important to my development, as I grew up in a semi-rural area where most of us looked the same and fell into a similar clump of socioeconomic categories. My third grade year must have been the year of an Olympic competition/ The international club staged our own parade of nations and mock athletic competition in the school gym. I was Japan and I competed in the javelin throw. In the parade, I carried a poster board drawing of the country’s flag, which bears the round red sun on a solid white background. I have a vivid memory of marching around the gym’s perimeter as parade music spilled from a CD player. Technology no doubt has changed our lives and enabled us to become a more global people. But let’s face it -- we reside in a multicultural community, right here in the Roanoke Valley. It is a small world, after all. People from dozens of diverse nationalities call Roanoke home. That likely means your children are sharing public

school classrooms with students whose first language was not English. At Roanoke’s Monterey Elementary School, which is the hub for the city’s English Language Learners, there were students enrolled from 17 countries

realize that we are all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate.” Children can learn about culture through games and lessons at school. Monterey Elementary Schools hosts an annual Multicultural Day, in which the English Language Learners display photos, crafts, flags, and other items from their home country. The students and teachers wear clothing representative of different countries, while the rest of the student body peruses the displays. Parents also prepare ethnic foods for the students to taste. “All students had opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, such as dancing, playing drums, making crafts, and having their names written in different languages,” Johnson explained.

last school year. Among those students, 10 languages other than English were spoken. Diversity abounds, which reinforces the inherent value of teaching children about culture in order to promote respect for and appreciation of the differences. “When diversity is embraced, young children learn to respect and celebrate differences in all people,” said Monterey Elementary School Principal Morgan Johnson. “Learning about different cultural aspects offers new experiences for children. Students quickly begin to

There are many activities you can find online to do at home that teach children about culture; some of these may be especially fun this summer. One idea is to teach your child about a passport and what its use is. Then help him or her make a small booklet of blank pages to serve as a passport. Consult a globe, map, books, and the Internet to virtually explore countries around the world. After “traveling” to a country, let your child draw or glue a picture of that country’s flag onto a page of the passport. You can explore a range of topics about each country, including climate, physical location, population, language, customs, etc. JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

Stars of the Valley

Dad of the Month Tony Seale Wife

Chasity Seale “I want to nominate my husband Tony Seale. We have 4 daughters ages 14, 9, 8 and 3. My husband works as a full time salesman for Blue Ridge Beverage and is also a well known coach in Vinton. He coaches basketball and softball and this season has taken on 2 teams so he was able to coach both of our daughters. He’s an amazing man, very dedicated to our family.” - Chasity Seale

Daughters Hannah Kendal Grace Charley

What do you do for a living? I’m a sales rep for a beverage distribution company.

You can nominate a Mom, Dad or Teacher for one of our monthly awards! Simply send us an email and tell us why he/ she is the best and if chosen, we will feature them in a future issue! Info@growingupinthevalley.com

How do you find balance in your life? My faith.

What is the one thing most people don’t know about you? I’m afraid of mice.

Do you have any advice for other Dads? Always be there for your children.

What are you passionate about? My family.

Where are you from originally? Roanoke, Virginia.

How has fatherhood changed you? It has put life into perspective and made me realize just how precious every day really is.

What is the biggest challenge in your life? Keeping up with an ever changing world.

How do you banish stress? I just try not to stress. What inspires you? My wife and kids. Along with your job as a Dad, what do you do? I coach youth sports and stay active in my church. What is on your wish list? To visit Alaska. What are you most proud of? The life that I have built. What motivates you? My desire to be the best at anything I do. 22

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

How do you help others? Just by being there for anyone who needs me. What is your parenting style? Stern but loving. What is your favorite quote? God gave you two ears and one mouth. So you should spend twice as much time listening as you do talking. QUICK FACTS ABOUT TONY What’s on your IPod? Country music. What can you not live without? My wife and kids. What is your favorite date night venue? A ball park. What is always in your pocket? My wallet. What is your favorite movie? Field of Dreams. What is your favorite sport? Baseball. What is your favorite team? Philadelphia Phillies.

Co ! lor n i a Cupcake & W Send your decorated cupcake to PO Box 823, Blue Ridge, VA, 24064 16 winners will be chosen to attend a FREE party at Sassafras with Growing Up in the Valley in August. Winners be be notified by email by August 5th. If you have any questions please visit www.growingupinthevalley.com/sassafras-party

Child’s Name: Child’s Age: Parent’s Name: Email: Phone Number:

Stars of the Valley

Roanoke Students in Bolivia

by: Kim Castner A student exchange program offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for students who take part in an exchange program to another country. Students spend time away from home and travel abroad to another country to learn more about the culture, lifestyle, and language in their host country. One such program in our area which is marking its fifteenth year anniversary is Community Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bolivian Exchange Program hosted by Elena Isler, the Spanish teacher at the local private school near Hollins University. Elena was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia. After coming to the United States and starting a family of her own, Elena always felt strongly it was important for students to learn more about a different culture by traveling abroad. Planning for the first Bolivian Exchange Program took quite awhile with the planning phase lasting over two years. The first group of Community School students went to Bolivia in 1998 to take part in an exchange program with a local school in Santa Cruz called Colegio Domino Savio. 24

Growing Up In the Valley â&#x20AC;˘ JUly 2014

Community School students take part in the exchange during winter, giving them the chance to experience the summer season in Bolivia. Elena travels with the Community School students and meets with them through-

The first group of Community School students went to Bolivia in 1998 out the exchange program. Exchange students from Community School attend classes with their host siblings at the private and co-ed school, which goes from pre-k all the way through high school. Students from Community

School are eligible for the program when they turn twelve, but sometimes other students in the middle school take part in the exchange program as well. While at the Bolivian School, exchange students from Roanoke must wear school uniforms and attend school from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 pm and then resume classes from 2:30 pm6:00 pm. During the midday break, all students return home to eat lunch and visit with their host families. At 5:00 p.m., the exchange students participate in recreational activities at school like sports, chess, or music. Students from Roanoke also take part in trips around Bolivia with their host families to places like La Paz, Sucre, Cochabamba, San Ignacio, San Xavier, and Concepcion. Visiting different villages, cities, and towns in Bolivia gives the Community School students a change to experience the culture throughout Bolivia. The students from Colegio Domino Savio also participate in the exchange program, visiting Roanoke during the Fall. This allows the Bolivian students

Stars of the Valley to experience Fall foliage, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and ice skating for the first time. The Bolivian students stay with host families from Community School and participate in classes and extracurricular activities after school. Many host families also take their Bolivian students on special trips around the area to places students have never visited before. Bolivian students learn English, experience the culture here in Roanoke, and participate in classes throughout the school. By participating in the exchange program, Community School students and Bolivian students from Colegio Domino Savio get to experience a culture that is very different from their own. Students from both schools learn independence while visiting the other country, learn the value of families and the environment, and most come back from the exchange program with a new maturity and outlook on life. Elena hopes that students who participate in the Bolivian Exchange program gain a new love of travel that will help them get to know other parts of the world. The highly praised Bolivian Exchange program will begin again in the fall at Community School.

Is my child on track?

Complete an Ages & Stages Questionnaire

via the Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke Family Access Page Because your child's first 5 years of life are so important, we want to help you provide the best start for your child. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ3), can help you keep track of your child's development, ages birth-5. The ASQ-3 includes questions about your child's communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal social skills. Once the ASQ is completed, SBGR will send you the results, along with age-appropriate activities for optimal development. If the results indicate any areas of concern, you will be provided with additional information and resources available to parents with young children in the Roanoke Valley.

To get started, visit www.asqonline.com/family/f51923 or contact us at #540-777-4211 JUly 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ growingupinthevalley.com

Family Living

ACTIVE KIDS,

HEALTHY TEETH

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed this brief guide to help parents and caregivers be prepared for the most common types of childhood tooth injuries.

WHAT TO DO IF… A BABY TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT

A PERMANENT TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT

Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as

Find the tooth. Rinse it gently in cool water.

possible. QUICK ACTION can lessen a child’s

DO NOT scrub it or use soap.

discomfort and PREVENT INFECTION. REPLACE THE TOOTH in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you

Rinse the mouth with water and apply

cannot put the tooth back in the socket, place the

COLD COMPRESSES to reduce swelling.

tooth in a clean container, preferably with cold milk. If milk is not available, put it in a container with the child’s saliva, but NOT IN WATER.

Spend time COMFORTING THE CHILD rather than looking for the tooth. Remember, baby teeth should not be replanted because of potential

Take the child and the tooth to your pediatric

damage to developing permanent teeth.

dental office IMMEDIATELY or call the emergency number if it is after hours.

AN ACTIVITY INVOLVES RISK OF FALLS OR COLLISIONS

A TOOTH IS CHIPPED OR BROKEN Contact your pediatric dentist IMMEDIATELY. Fast

Wear a MOUTH GUARD when activity involves

action can save the tooth, prevent infection and

a risk of falls, collisions or contact with hard

reduce the need for extensive dental treatment.

surfaces or equipment.

Rinse the mouth with WATER AND APPLY

Pre-formed mouth guards can be

COLD COMPRESSES to reduce swelling.

purchased in sporting goods stores, or CUSTOMIZED MOUTH GUARDS can be made by a pediatric dentist.

If a parent can find the broken tooth fragment, it is important to TAKE IT TO THE DENTIST.

You can find additional information on our website at OURwww.PediatricDentistryRoanoke.com PEDIATRIC DENTIST or contact our office at (540)-989-3639. This Name Phone Number information is provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Visit MYCHILDRENSTEETH.ORG to locate a pediatric dentist near your home and to join AAPD’s Monster-Free Mouths Movement. TOOTH D.K.

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

GINGER BITE-US

TARTAR THE TERRIBLE

SAVE THE DATES!

FOLLOW THE LATEST VIRGINIA SCIENCE FESTIVAL NEWS!

www.VirginiaScienceFestival.org

Kids Eat Fr ee Here is our list all the Kids Eat Free (or cheap!) meal deals from all around the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Know of one we’re missing? We’ll list it for free!

Monday McAllisters • Famo

Tuesday Macado’s** • All Locations

10 PM

Roanoke • 5-

• 5PM-Close • All Locations us Anthony’s

Country Cook

ns • All Da ’ • All Locatio

M cations • 5-8P Wings • All Lo ild W lo ffa Bu y leville • All Da Lil Cucci’s • Da

Thursday e • 4-6PM The Roanoker • Roanok • All Day Lil Cucci’s • Daleville

• 4-7PM Firehouse Subs+ • V. View/Keagy /Salem • All Day Brambleton

Deli • Roanoke • All Day Denny’s • All Loca tions • 4PM-Close Ragazzi’s • Roan oke • 4-10PM Applebees * • All Locations • All Da y Lil Cucci’s • Dalev ille • All Day Town Center Tap House • Daleville • All Day Crumb & Get It • Radford • All Da y

Friday y

leville • All Da

Lil Cucci’s • Da

W ed n es d a y Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day Cork & Crust • Roanoke • 5PMClose

S aturday & S unday

•Saturday• Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day Steak N Shake*** • Roanoke • All Day

Famous Anthony’s • All Locations • 12PM-Close

•Sunday• Lil Cucci’s • Daleville • All Day Friday’s • Roanoke • All Day Steak N Shake*** • Roanoke • All Day

Listings are subject to change without notice!!!

We d o o u r b e s t t o k e e p o u r Ki d s E a t F r e e l i s t i n g s u p t o d a t e • b u t o f t e n r e s t a u r a n t s o f t e n change their promotions based on location and without notice. Please call ahead of time to confirm that the deal is still taking place. This listing does not serve as a guarantee by us or the restaurant to any discount!

* * M a c a d o ’s charges $1 per child on Tu e s d a y

* A p p l e b e e ’s c h a r g e s $0.99 per child on Tu e s d a y.

*** Steak N Shake requires an $8 adult purchase per child to eat free.

+ Firehouse offers 2 kid meals per adult p u r c h a s e . TO W E R S N O T INLUDED.

Check out our up-to-date listings online on Growingupinthevalley.com/kids-eat-free

Family Fun

Newton’s Law of Inertia The Egg Drop by Franklin Stinson - Science Museum of Western VA

The Egg Drop is a classic science demonstration that illustrates Newton’s Laws of Motion, namely inertia. The challenge sounds so simple... just get the egg into the glass of water, but there are a few obstacles. The egg is perched high above the water on a cardboard tube, and a pie plate sits between the tube and the water. Stil think it’s easy? Sir Isaac Newton does.

Materials: Cardboard tube Pie pan Eggs Water A large drinking glass Tray (optional) Coloring Tablets (optional)

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

DIRECTIONS Fill the large drinking glass about three-quarters full with water. Center a pie pan on top of the glass. Place the cardboard tube on the pie plate, positioning it directly over the water. Carefully set the egg on top of the cardboard tube. With your writing hand, smack the edge of the pie pan horizontally. Don’t swing up, and don’t swing down! It’s important that you hit the pie pan horizontally and use a pretty solid hit, so plan on chasing the plate and tube. Your astonished guests will watch the egg plop nicely into the water. It’s even more fun to watch someone else try to drop the egg. Science is so cool!

HOW DOES IT WORK? Credit for this one has to go to Sir Isaac Newton and his First Law of Motion. He said that since the egg is not moving while it sits on top of the tube, that’s what it wants to do - not move. You applied enough force to the pie pan to cause it to zip out from under the cardboard tube (there’s not much friction against the drinking glass). The edge of the pie pan hooked the bottom of the tube, which then sailed off with the pan. Basically, you knocked the support out from under the egg. For a brief nanosecond or two, the egg didn’t move because it was already stationary (not moving). But then, as usual, the force of gravity took over and pulled the egg straight down toward the center of the Earth. Also, according to Mr. Newton’s First Law, once the egg was moving, it didn’t want to stop. The container of water interrupted the egg’s fall, providing a safe place for the egg to stop moving so you could recover it unbroken. The gravity-pushed egg caused the water to splash out.

Education Station

Building a Child’s Brain: A Parent’s Privilege Parents are the most important and enduring influence in the lives of children. Excellent parenting does not demand perfection—but does require loving involvement and sensitive interaction, responsive to the unique nature of each child. Researchers in neuroscience now realize “brains are not born, but built.” Unlike most other organs, the brain is not complete at birth! Although the brain cells are all in place, the “wiring” of the brain is not fully formed, but emerges over time through stimulation in the context of nurturing relationships, with the most rapid explosion in synaptic connections between cells occurring in the first few years of life. This period builds either a sturdy or a weak foundation for all learning that follows. Scientists stress several things: (1) Both nature and nurture are involved in brain development. (2) The care a child receives in the early years has a lasting impact on development and the ability to learn and manage emotions. (3) Though the brain is adaptable, there are sensitive times for optimal development. (4) Negative experiences or the lack of stimulation may have lasting consequences. Why is this important for parents and caregivers to know? Parents are the very first teachers a child has—and, in fact, are co-architects of the brain. The loving interaction between a young child and the parent builds on and expands nature’s basic foundation. Scientists describe this interaction as a “serve and return” action: the child naturally reaches out to the parent in some way, and adults respond with words or gestures. This back and forth exchange strengthens the architecture of the brain, affirms the child’s sense of worth, and enhances social development. With repetition and stimulation, these connections are not only dramatically increased, but become permanent. Without appropriate stimulation the child will fail to achieve full potential. The foundation for success in school and life begins at or before birth, with parents enjoying the privilege of being the very first teachers for their child, followed by additional partners in the educational process.

We have always known parents are important—science simply confirms and gives practical definition to their impact. So what is a loving parent to do? Fortunately, this is not rocket science—here are some tips: • Give consistent, loving care, with gentle, affectionate touch, promoting both physical and brain development. • Engage in language with your child from the moment of birth, using words, songs, books and rhymes. Watch for and respond to cues from your child, practicing “serve and return” interaction. Repeat whatever your child says, adding additional words. Note: passively watching TV does not have the same impact! • Look for teachable moments all through the day, using ordinary actions as “windows for learning.” Name items, identify colors, count, describe things outdoors and concepts such as bigger/ smaller, hot/cold. • Introduce children to music, which develops the areas of the brain required for math and spatial reasoning. • Mirror the behavior you want to see in your child: a soft voice, patience in solving problems, ways to handle a variety of emotions. A child’s healthy attachment to the parent provides the necessary foundation for trust, independence, and effective relationships with others later in life.

Learn more at www.smartbeginnings.org JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

Roanoke Public Libraries

Free programming for children and teens.

2014 Summer Reading Program

Call 853-2955 for more information.

PAWS TO READ

Large groups, call ahead at 853-2955.

Tuesday, July 1 10:30 1:00 2:30 6:30

Einstein’s Monkey Band @ Jackson Park Mill Mountain Zoo @ Melrose Einstein’s Monkey Band @ Williamson Road Einstein’s Monkey Band @ Raleigh Court

Wednesday, July 2 5-7:00

1:00 4:00

Wednesday, July 16 10:30 2-4:00

Mill Mountain Zoo @ Raleigh Court Read, Write, Relax @ Gainsboro

Saturday, July 5

10:30 4:00

Where the Wild Things Are Storytime @ Raleigh Court Read, Write, Relax @ Gainsboro

10:30 1:00

Kid’s Craft @ Raleigh Court Viking Mythology for Teens @ Williamson Road

10:30 1:00 1:00

Shadow Factory Puppet Show @ Gainsboro Shadow Factory Puppet Show @ Melrose Dog Clothes Teen Craft @ Gainsboro

Red Sox Mugsy @ Melrose

Friday, July 18

Monday, July 21

11:00 2:00

Einstein’s Monkey Band @ Melrose Einstein’s Monkey Band @ Gainsboro

10:30 12:30

Animal Antics Reptile House @ Gainsboro Animal Antics Reptile House @ Jackson Park

10:30

Tuesday, July 8

10:30 10:30 10:30 3:00

Monday, July 7

10:30 10:30 1:00

Facepainting @ Melrose Storytime @ Gainsboro Mill Mountain Zoo @ Williamson Road

Tuesday, July 22 Wednesday, July 23

Wednesday, July 9 10:30 12:00 12:30

Animal Antics Reptile House @ Williamson Road Lunch & Learn Bullying Prevention @ Melrose Animal Antics Reptile House @ Raleigh Court

Thursday, July 10 12:00 4:00 4:00

Lunch & Learn Bullying Prevention @ Jackson Park Read, Write, Relax @ Raleigh Court Lego Playtime @ Gainsboro

Sensory Playtime @ Gainsboro

2:00 5:00

Silly Storytime & Craft @ Gainsboro Light Painting Teen Craft @ Raleigh Court

10:30 3:00 4:00

Chalk Art @ Gainsboro Gaming Unplugged @ Melrose Mythical Costumes Craft @ Gainsboro

Saturday, July 12

Tuesday, July 15

Star City Greyhounds @ Jackson Park Puppy Storytime @ Gainsboro Do-it-yourself Pet Toys @ Raleigh Court Cookie Decorating @ Melrose

Thursday, July 24 10:30 10:30 10:30 12:00 4:00

Police K9 Unit @ Williamson Road Red Sox Mugsy @ Gainsboro Family Pet Storytime @ Raleigh Court Lunch & Learn Bullying Prevention @ Gainsboro Read, Write, Relax @ Raleigh Court

Friday, July 25 10:30

Friday, July 11 10:30

Fire-breathing Dragon Craft @ Raleigh Court Scratch Dragon Craft @ Melrose

Thursday, July 17

Little Critters Petting Zoo @ Melrose

Thursday, July 3

••••

St. Francis Service Dogs @ Raleigh Court

Saturday, July 26 11:00 2:00 2:00

Shadow Factory Puppet Show @ Williamson Road Shadow Factory Puppet Show @ Jackson Park Lego Playtime @ Gainsboro

••••

Family Calendar

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Does your family need something to do this month? Check out our listings and find Casses, Festivals, Movie Nights & Story Times- we have them all! View our complete listings and submit your own events at Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Free Bowling All Summer AMF Bowling Roanoke, NRV SuperBowl All Summer, Times Vary.

There are two ways to bowl for free this summer! Visit freesummergames.amf.com and register your children (15 years and under) and receive THREE free games at participating AMF bowling programs every weekday this summer. Also visit www.kidsbowlfree.com for TWO free games every day this summer at the NRV SuperBowl! Be sure to check the website for available game times. Bowling is a fun way to keep active this summer while staying indoors and away from the heat!

Summer Movie Deals June-August, various locations

Summer is the time for great movie deals! Regal Cinemas has $1 movies every Tuesday and Wednesday until July 30th. You can check the movie lisitings at www.regmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express. Carmike Theaters has $4 movies om Thursdays until August 8th, and the admission includes a free kids snack pack (popcorn & sm. drink). Carmike’s line up can be found at www.carmike.com/Events/Category/8. Finally, our very own Grandin Theater will be showing FREE cartoons on the 1,3, and 4th fridays & saturdays of every month this summer at 10am. (Don’t forget to stop by Viva La Cupcake afterwards for a free mini cupcake and craft from Growing Up in the Valley!)

Share your event with over 65,000 readers in Southwest & Central Virginia for FREE!

Growingupinthevalley.com/Calendar

The Guide

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Share your own event for free on Growingupinthevalley.com

•••••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •or•craft • • •skills. • • • •The intention of this drawing, sculpting, and crafting all

Saturday • July 12

while learning artistic terminology and art history. Children will also sing and dance and learn how to play & work together in a group setting. Taught by experienced preschool teacher Renee Rippe of Central Methodist PreSchool and experienced K-12 art teacher Langley Anderson.

Kids Night Out

Romp N’ Roll, Blacksburg VA 6:00 PM - 9:00-PM All Ages $20/Child $35/Siblings (540) 552-7667 Rompnroll.com/blacksburg Every kid deserves a special night out, and so do you! That’s why we created “Kids Night Out.” Kids will enjoy 3 hours of Romp n’ Roll fun in the gym, playing music, and eating a pizza dinner.

Little Hands Art Class

Green Heron Art Center, Radford VA 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM Ages 3.5-6 $14 per class Budding artists will learn how to creatively use a variety of mediums and materials and work on painting,

FREE Kid’s Zone Warren G. Lineberry Memorial Park 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM All Ages Free julia.d.berger@gmail.com

weekly event is to increase the use of the beautiful town park, by people of all ages. Adults are encouraged to grab a coffee and treat from a local business or the Farmer’s Market or bring a snack from home and come to the park to socialize with other adults, while the children play. Participating children will need to be accompanied by an adult. Rain will create opportunities for craft activities under the pavilion. During severe weather, activities will be cancelled.

Partnership for Floyd announces FREE Kid’s Zone activities in the Warren G. Lineberry Community Park, most Saturdays from 9-1, May 31st through September 2014. Kid’s Zone will provide balls, hula hoops, Frisbees, and games facilitated by official Play Facilitators, with special guests from time to time invited to share their play

COME

IT H PL AY W AT T H E

ER! S CENT DUMA

s p m a m er C

Sum

Show June 21ST, 10AM

K-2 ND : LITTLE MERMAID, THE MUSICAL! June 23RD-28TH Morning 8:30-12PM Afternoon 1:30-5PM Shows June 28TH, 10:30AM & 12:30PM

3-5TH: JUNGLE BOOK, THE MUSICAL! July 7TH-12TH 8:30-12PM Show July 12TH, 11AM

6-9 TH : GREASE! July 14TH-19TH 8:30AM-12PM Show July 11TH, 11AM

6-9TH SHAKESPEARIENCE: MACBETH! July 14TH-19TH 1:30-5PM Show July 11TH, 11AM

HIGH SCHOOL ALLSTARS: PIPPIN! July 21ST-26TH / 9AM-2PM Show July 26TH, 12PM

RCT KALEIDOSCOPE CAMP (K-6TH) July 28TH-August 2ND 9AM-12PM

SPECIALTY CAMP: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! (10+) August 4TH-9TH 8:30AM-12PM Screening Party August 9TH, 10AM

Cost includes Camp Tee-Shirt & Photo!

We offer a 10% discount for siblings!

Call 540-400-7795 to book your classes today!

PRE-K: LITTLE RED HEN, THE MUSICAL (4 & 5 YRS) June 16TH-21ST 9AM-12PM

OFFICE: 540-309-6802 · BOX OFFICE: 540-224-1200 · 108 FIRST STREET (HENRY ST) NW ROANOKE, VA 24016 · ROANOKECHILDRENSTHEATRE.ORG

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

The Guide

Tuesday • July 15

Monday • July 14

FREE Radford Park Concert Bisset Park, Radford 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM All Ages Free

2014 Kids Art Camp

radfordpl.org/parks/2014-summer-concert-series

The 2014 Radford Parks & Rec Free Concert Series continues with a concert featuring singer/songwriter Leslie Brooks at the Bisset Park Gazebo. All concerts will begin at 7 pm and will end at 8 pm. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a beautiful evening of great entertainment. In case of inclement weather, please contact the control desk staff at the Rec Department at 540-731-3633 for the latest and updated information for weather related cancellations.

Jacksonville Center for the Arts, Floyd 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Ages 8-14 Jax Members: $230.00 General Public: $290.00 540-745-2784 The Jacksonville Center for the Arts presents their 2014 Kids Art Camp! Children ages 8-14 are creativity encouraged in multiple mediums at this week long art day camp with students attending three or four different classes each day. Students will work in a morning session, have a packed lunch and then continue in an afternoon session. Jax members can register their child for $230 for this week of creativity and the general public fee is $290 with a $75 deposit. All materials are included.

Family Jump Night Pump-it-Up, Roanoke 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Ages 10 & Under $7.50/Kid

Don’t wait for a birthday to have fun at Pump It Up. We have Open Jumps throughout the week where your child can have the time of their life. Our massive inflatables spark their imaginations and let them burn off energy. Our Open Jumps are safe, indoor, climate-controlled, and fun. Held EVERY Monday night in May, June, July & August! Grab you friends, your friends friends, your family, your cousins, your grandparents and anyone else you know and head to Pump It Up of Roanoke on Monday nights for a jumping good time!

JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

The Guide

Wednesday • July 16 Wildlife Wednesday Lunch Cruise

Smith Mountain Lake State Park Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina 11:30 AM- 2:00 PM All Ages Call (540) 297-7100 for reservations, information & cruise pricing. All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled & informative lunch cruise. Join us on the third Wednesday of each month from June thru October to enjoy a delicious lunch while hearing from our Park interpreter about the wildlife that calls Smith Mountain Lake home. They even cruise close to several Osprey platforms on the lake.

Saturday • July 19 FREE Summer Arts Festival Classic Movies: The King and I

540-231-5921

Sunday • July 20

The 2014 Summer Arts Festival presents a free showing of the classic film “The King and I”!

Family FUNday @ Salem Red Sox

The King and I starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr was released in 1956. The film is a musical about a widow who accepts a job as a live-in governess of the King of Siam’s children. The film is rated G. FREE Cupcakes, Crafts & Cartoons Downtown Grandin 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM All Ages Free

Come watch Cartoons for free The Grandin Theatre at 10 AM – then head next door for a free craft with Growing Up in the Valley and get a free cupcake from Viva La Cupcake!

Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg 3:00 PM - 5:15 PM All Ages Free

Virginia Tech researchers are conducting a study to determine the validity and reliability of a beverage intake questionnaire and an added sugar biomarker in adolescents. In addition we are seeking to understand the beliefs and attitudes behind beverage choices adolescents and their parents make. Your child may be able to participate if they are between the ages of 12-18 years. You, as a parent/ guardian, are also invited to participate in this research. The study involves 5 visits to the VT campus, and the total time commitment will be about 5 hours. Adolescent participants will be compensated $50 upon successful completion of all study visits.

For more information please contact Carly at 540-231-7916 or carlym@vt.edu

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Lewis Gale Field 4:05 PM All Ages General Admission: $9 Call 540-389-3333 or email info@salemsox.com Red Sox vs. Potomac Nationals. Bring out the whole family to Family FUNday’s, which will include a player autograph session and post-game Kids Runs the Bases!

Friday • July 25 Salem After Five

Salem’s Farmer Market 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM All Ages $5 for Adults Children 12&under are FREE (540) 375-4098 market.salemva.gov

Saturday • July 26

August 1-2

Music in the Park - Friday Nite Bluegrass Band

FREE Steppin’ Out Festival Downtown Blacksburg Friday & Saturday, 10AM-8PM All Ages Free & Free Parking!

Smith Mountain Lake State Park 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM All Ages $5/person Free/Children 12 & under Bring the whole family to Smith Mountain Lake State Parks Beach Pavilion to enjoy an evening of great music with the Friday Nite Bluegrass Band. The Old Dominion Cloggers from Martinsville, Va. will also entertain. Hot dogs, sausages, ice cream, drinks and other refreshments are for sale. Don’t forget lawn chairs. Sponsored by Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Friday • August 1 Parents Night Out Pump-it-Up, Roanoke 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Ages 10 & Under $20 per child + $15 for each sibling

Time for you to relax and drop off the kids and take a night off! Let us watch the kids – they will jump, slide, and play games. We’ll even have pizza so they don’t go home hungry!

33rd Annual Draper Mile Road Race Draper Road, Blacksburg 6:30 PM All Ages $16/ early registration $25/ day of registration

civic.bev.net/striders/drapermile.html

The 33rd annual Draper Mile is Friday August 1, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. The Draper Mile is a one-mile road race. The course is mostly downhill, starting and ending on Draper Road in Blacksburg, with the finish in the middle of the street festival. A faster “race” is at 6:30 and “open run” is at 6:40. There is a short children’s race available for children 8 & under as well.

Three stages of live performance, make Steppin’ Out one of this region’s premiere arts events. Remember, Steppin’ Out happens “Rain or Shine”! The Main Stage provides continuous live music on College Avenue, both Friday and Saturday. The Acoustic Stage brings folk, contemporary, and utterly unique sounds to the festival area of Main and Lee Streets. The Community Stage showcases local and regional performers from cloggers to belly dancers. This is also where children’s activities are centered. The Community Stage is located in Roanoke Street. In addition to the wide variety of scheduled events, there are all-day activities planned for Friday and Saturday. Children’s Activities located in the Starbucks Parking lot on Lee Street including inflatables, crafting activities and more. Both days, 10 am-8 pm. NRV Scuba Experience Friday and Saturday, all day, next to Top of the Stairs (TOTS). Bring your own swimsuit. Must be age 10 or older to participate. The BIG Latch On - Saturday at 10 am, at the grassy area across from the Farmers Market. http://biglatchon.org/ We love dogs, but Steppin’ Out gets crowded so leave your dog in the Canine Corral on the Henderson Lawn on College Ave.

Cupcakes, Crafts & Cartoons by Growing Up in the Valley

Join us at 10AM every Saturday in June & July In Grandin Village

for a FREE cartoon on the big screen! Free cupcakes to first 100 kids at Viva La Cupcake & a free craft provided by Growing Up in the Valley

Family Living

Being Healthy and Active on the Go by: Amanda Powers

It seems the lives of mothers everywhere consist of one period of busyness to another. This usually doesn’t lend itself well to living and keeping a healthy lifestyle. There are a few mothers who do this naturally, for the rest of us it takes some hard work. From eating what’s leftover on your kid’s plate to just falling down on the sofa after a long day of diaper changes and taxing, there seems to be an endless list of things against us. Still, for our health and the best interest of our families, it is important to take care of yourself. Trying to cut things out cold turkey or add daily workouts can be a bit much all at once, but following just a few of the tips below can make a big difference in the long run.

The Problem with Food The shopping for, preparing, and cooking of food is usually a big part of a mother’s responsibilities. This provides both pros and cons in the realm of healthy eating. On one hand, you are able to control the foods that enter the home and make their way on the plates of your dinner table. On the other hand, you spend a significant amount of time around food. This can lead to a lot of unnecessary eating. This is even more so if you keep junk food easily accessible. For a healthy change try these tips: 38

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Keep a food journal Write down everything you eat for a few days. You will be able to see where you are taking in useless calories. Avoid the temptation to taste test foods All those extra bites or sips can add up to having an extra serving by meal time.

Don’t make different meals for everyone in the family Make one healthy meal with plenty of kid friendly options. This not only keeps you from making and being around unhealthy options, it also teaches your children to try and enjoy new and healthy things.

Keep the junk food out of reach and out of sight Keeping these things hidden makes them a treat when you do pull them out. Plus, it keeps kids from seeing them and choosing them over healthier options. Keep plenty of healthy snack option in the house Keep ready to serve fruits and vegetables in the fridge. Separate things like nuts, crackers, and cheese cubes in single size servings to remind yourself not to overindulge. Drink plenty of water I know this is repeated by every doctor, diet plan, and health guru, but there is a good reason! It keeps you fuller and helps your body function. If you think you are hungry, try drinking a glass of water to see if it curbs the craving before reaching for a snack.

Make food fun! Making healthy food choices shouldn’t be a chore. Try mixing all sorts of colors (via fruits, veggies, and healthy grains) in your food. Grow your own food or try visiting one of our many great local farmers markets. (Double

Family Living perk alert!! You also support local business this way!)

little for your actual sleep quality. While on the topic of sleep…. Get some! It’s important to keep up your energy when you are striving on staying active on a busy schedule. No one can function properly without enough sleep.

There’s No Time to Exercise This one may be even harder than the eating portion of staying healthy with a family in tow. However, I have found so many creative ways to get in some activity every day. So even if you can’t make it to the gym 3 times a week or you can barely get out bed when your alarm goes off, much less get up early

Avoid the afternoon energy drop with quick stretch Take deep breaths through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. This triggers the brain to stay awake, kind of like yawning. Plus, the stretching gets your body moving.

Wake up when your alarm goes off This is less about exercising as it is about feeling healthier. Although that snooze button feels so good at the time, the extra eight minutes does

See, none of these things required more than a few extra minutes of your time, but all of them can make a big impact on how you feel every day. As mommies we are often so much more concerned about the others in our lives that we forget how important it is to make sure we are able to stay on our “A” game! So, what do you do to stay active and healthy as a parent? Share your thoughts and ideas over at our blog on Growingupinthevalley.com!

Reading Struggles? Learning Disabilities? ADD/ADHD? We have been trained by The LEADING EXPERTS IN THE WORLD

Wendy Wall

to run, you CAN do these! Take it from me; my youngest still doesn’t sleep through the night! Take the stairs If there is an option between elevator and stairs it can be tempting to take the easy way, but the extra two minutes is well worth it. Just a little bit of extra walking can burn a lot of extra calories!

JMU, B.A. 1991 University of Arizona, M.A. 1994

Margarette Yeager

UNC B.A. 2001 Vanderbilt M.Ed. 2005 U.S. Fulbright Grantee 2004-2005

www.LearningandBehaviorSpecialists.com

540-985-0876

er Exp

ained by: tly Tr

Dr. Samuel Kirk, Father of Learning Disabilities Dr. Nancy Mather Dr. Esther Minskoff Dr. Candace Bos Dr. Margaret Pysh Dr. Jim Chalfant Dr. Anthony DeFeo Dr. Doug Fuchs Dr. Alfredo Artiles Dr. Don Compton Dr. Loulee Yen Haga Dr. Kathleen Lane Dr. James Cunningham Dr. Laura Brader-Araje

Play with your kiddos I bet you are already doing this one! Now you can consider it exercise. Make sure to run when they do, jump along with the game and dance to the music. Get the family involved Play videos like “Just Dance Kids” or “Zumba” on You-tube and make a game out of exercising. The fun music and popular kid movies will make it something everyone will end up enjoying. JUly 2014 • growingupinthevalley.com

Kids Korner

c w e r t y A s u d i o

What is so delicate that even mentioning it breaks it?

f p g l h j _ _ __ _ __

2 5 4 3 4 1 3 k m z n x c q b v s t a Help Flutter Get to Woolie!

40 Growing Up In the Valley â&#x20AC;˘ July 2014

Kids Korner

Woolieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mad Lib I love to listen to Mr. _____________ , because he has been Silly World

everywhere! He has been to __________ and _________ and Place

Place

everywhere in between. He tells us great stories about eating ________________ and standing on top of the ________. He has Plural Noun

Noun

met all kinds of people who ______ and ______. He always has Verb

Verb

interesting pictures of _______________ from the places he has Plural Noun

been. My mother often tells me that he is _______________ and Adjective

____________. She used to listen to his stories when she was Adjective

a kid too! I know everything he says is true because I saw his souvenir collection! He has knickknacks of all kinds and beautiful __________________ from everywhere. He has traveled by Plural Noun

____________________ and _______. He traveled around Europe Form of Transportation

Verb

with nothing but his _______ and a pair of ____________. Once Noun

Plural Noun

he gave me a ______ he got in ______. One day I want to travel Noun

Verb

the _______ just like him! Noun

JUly 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ growingupinthevalley.com

Kids Korner

FREE T-SHIRTS to first 100 ENTRIES Send all entries to FLUTTER!

flutter@growingupinthevalley.com PO BOX 823 BLUE RIDGE, VA 24064

42 Growing Up In the Valley â&#x20AC;˘ July 2014

Take Flutter and Woolie on Vacation with you! Help them see Virginia, The U.S. and the World!

Kids Korner

The Adventures of Flat Flutter Where have Flutter and Woolie Visited Already?

JUly 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ growingupinthevalley.com

The Guide

Wendy A. Wall, M.A., Owner/Director 540-985-0876

Jamberry Nail Wraps

Ashley Tommason

540-793-4003

laylaraesmom@yahoo.com

Amy’s Piano Studio

Amy Allen

540-588-7953

musikwithamy@gmail.com

ACE WEIGHT LOSS & ENERGY Kelly Campbell 540-691-5355 SAMPLES AVAILABLE facebook.com/aceskinny

www.acedietpillsletsgetskinny.com

ASHLEY MULLEN 540-312-7556 ashleymullen8@gmail.com

Advertise your business to EVERY MOM in the region! All for as little as $50 an issue! Contact Natashia natashia@growingupinthevalley.com

Keep It Simple Cleaning Services ASHLEY MULLEN 540-312-7556 ashleymullen8@gmail.com 44

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Now Enrolling For Fall!

PollyWally Doodle

Clare Himphrey

Teresa Martin teresa.familyfunnight@gmail.com

540-313-1881

pwdgifts@outlook.com

FIND YOUR VOICE. childrenschoir.com

Roanoke Valley Montessori believes that Mo aďż˝ warm and supportive atmosphere will allow each child the freedom to develop at his or her own pace, as such we maintain a safe and secure ssetting in which children learn to respect others as well as themselves, and in the process, develop a strong sense of self-worth. Education starts early, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be left behind!

research. The study involves 5 visits to the VT campus, and the total time commitment will be about 5 hours. The Guide Adolescent participants will be compensated $50 upon successful completion of all study visits.

For Less than the cost of 1 Party You can reach 30,000 Parents!

For more information please contact Carly at 540-231-7916 or carlym@vt.edu

ellen@growingupinthevalley.com

Professional Balloon Artist Speaker / Author / Big Kid at Heart Gospel Presentations - Shows - Parties - Events

434-473-5904 www.balloondudetravis.com

Now registering for daycare in the fall Roanoke • Salem • Vinton

Dance Classes $5 per class

$70 Jumpy

Birthday Package

Stress Free Party Planning We Set Up and Clean Up

Unlimited Kids

Find us on Facebook! baadabing@rocketmail.com Call Miss Leslie: (540) 526-3341

Orange Avenue Roanoke 540-345-7867

baadabing.wix.com/baadabing

PLAN THE BEST PARTY ...EVER growingupinthevalley.com

Book Today! 540-362-5195 www.StarCitySkateCenter.net 140 Hershberger Road Roanoke, VA 24014 46

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2014

Gigantic Inflatable Bounce Houses, Slides & More

Birthday Parties STart at just $120

540-342-5670

Melody Makers Only $150 for a 45 Minute Party

Have a Melody Makers Birthday! Tons of Music Fun with Puppets, Rhythm Instruments, Streamers and More!

Earn Money for your school!

Run For Education

November 1, 2014 • 1:00PM-6:00PM • Fallon Park Includes: 5K Race Race T-Shirt 1 Mile Race Custom World’s Largest Laser Tag Game $20/Child Free Post-Race Snack Music & Entertainment $10/Runner Live Children’s Activities $26/Adult After the race, participants will be part of the WORLD’S LARGEST LASER TAG GAME! There will also be food, entertainment, live music, games, & children’s activities at the park- all available to everyone. Hosted by:

Growing Up In the Valley with support from:

for more information and registration visit

Runforeducation.org

Keeping Babies Safe While They Sleep Kohl’s Infant safe sleep program

For parents, keeping our children safe is a top priority. But that doesn’t just mean trying to prevent bumps or bruises. We also need to protect them while they sleep. Every year, over 4,500 infants die while sleeping. That’s why Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is committed to helping keep babies safe through the Kohl’s Infant Safe Sleep (KISS) program.

When it comes to infant safe sleep, always remember the A, B, Cs.

A B C

Alone A baby should always sleep alone in a crib, never in a bed with parents or other children. Back

Babies should always be placed on their backs while sleeping.

Crib

Cribs should have a firm mattress, tight-fitted sheet, and be free of blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or bumper pads.

In partnership with Kohl’s Cares, we’re offering classes to parents, in both the Roanoke and Lynchburg communities, who are in need of a safe sleep environment.

K .I. S . S .

J1866 KISS 2014 Updated Ad_8 125x10 25.indd 1

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For more information, please call 800-422-8482 or visit CarilionClinic.org/kiss.

K .I. S . S .

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 6/26/14 2:10 PM