Growing Up In the Valley July 2016

*Birthdays

Issue 11 | July 2016 | FREE

from A to Z

*Are You a Perfect Parent?

The Comeback Mayor 3 Questions with Ava Rosa & Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers

*

Food Additives to

Avoid

Now EnrollIng for Fall!

Preschool, Pre-K & After School

After school program serves over 40 area schools 12 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

(540) 344-4543 HoneyTreeELC.com

TOT ROCK

Rainbow Rock

at the

SPOT

a summer concert series presented by:

July 23 Einstein’s Monkey

Growing Up In the Valley

Spend Saturday mornings with us at The Spot on Kirk, as we rock out with great kid friendly bands all summer.

July 9 Rocknoceros

Tickets start as low as $5!

August 27 Robbie Schaefer

ALL SHOWS 11 AM The Spot on Kirk Kirk Avenue - Roanoke TICKETS ON SALE NOW GROWINGUPINTHEVALLEY.COM

August 13

Editor’s Note

Growing Up The Fit Family Challenge is over, and Roanoke, you should be proud of yourselves! As a city, competing against some major markets, we finished 5th, just behind Nashville, Tennessee with over 800,000 minutes logged! In fact, we beat the entire state of Kentucky!

We are looking forward to topping One Million minutes in next year’s challenge with your help! Keep your eyes and ears open for next year’s event and of course STAY ACTIVE! With the Fit Family Challenge over our focus shifts to some other big events coming up. Star Games, Tot Rock at the Spot and the Back 2 School Blast!

The fun starts with Star Games on July 16th at the Roanoke Main Library. Moms and their sons will team up to battle it out in an amazing race style event to win great prizes and of course, have fun!

Tot Rock at the Spot presented by Honeytree Early Learning Centers, comes back on July 9th with local favorite, Einstein’s Monkey and then again on July 24th with D.C. based Rainbow Rock! Tickets start at only $5 - Cheaper than a movie!

Lastly, our Back 2 School Blast event is August 13th with pre-registration on August 3rd at the Rescue Mission. This collaborative effort between us, the Rescue Mission, Coca-Cola and Parkway Church on the Mountain, collects and distributes school supplies to children who are in need so that they can start the school year off right. Find out more by visiting www.back2schoolblast.org.

We hope to see you at one - or all - of these events!

Until then - May the force be with you…...

The Eagan Family

In The Valley

Publisher

Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com Anika and Evelyn’s Dad

Editor

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

Creative Director

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

Sales

Dee Reynolds dee@growingupinthevalley.com Aleyna’s Mom

Cassy Childress cassy@growingupinthevalley.com Jackson and Payten’s Mom

Distribution

josh@growingupinthevalley.com

Contributors

Clifford Jackson • Teresa Martin • Amanda Powers Rachel Robinson • Katie Lewis • Kevin Hurley Stefanie Weber • 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.

© Copyright 2016 MoFat Media

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Contact Us Phone: 540-251-1660 Fax: 540-808-1568 Mail: P.O. Box 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024 Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com Request Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com Advertise: dee@mofatmedia.com Submit An Event: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com General Inquiries: info@growingupinthevalley.com

f T @GrowingUpMag C Share Your Photos With Us #GUITV

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From L to R -Anika and Evie dancing while remodeling office; The GUITV team at a Fit Family event; Evie and guitar teacher Jason Cohen.

In This Issue: Features

15 3-Questions with Ava Rosa

Ava sits down with Roanoke Mayor David Bowers

9 Birthdays from A to Z

Learn about some great birthday and party options right here in Roanoke

Family Living 6 Food Additives to Avoid

Read about what to avoid when choosing your food

11 It’s A Money Thing

7 Co-Operative principles of credit

Family Fun 20 Toilet Paper Tube Fireworks 12 Healthy Summer Berry Smoothie 22 Kid’s Korner

Education 18 Are you a Perfect Parent

No one is perfect - don’t worry!

Stars of the Valley 24 Mom of the Month: Tracy Fisher

Creative Director and mom who ‘s kicking cancer’s butt

Local Guide 28 Kids Eat Free 31 Calendar On The Cover Georgia Garten Photo by Kevin Hurley Photography

Family Living

Food Additives to Avoid With the recent food and nutrition movements encouraging us to buy from local farms, grow our own produce, and lessen our processed food intake, most of us have heard something about preservatives and other food additives. Growing Up in the Valley decided to take a look at some of the more common chemical additives. We researched what they are, how they can affect our bodies, and why they’re even added in the first place.

By Rachel Robinson

Food+What?

The US Food and Drug Administration breaks chemical additives into two groups: Food Additives and Color Additives.

A food additive refers to “any substance that becomes a component of or affects the characteristics of any food.” These substances include direct additives, or components that are added intentionally, as well as indirect additives. The indirect additive seems to refer to accidental or residual trace amounts of packaging or other elements that may become part of the food during handling or storage. Eating packaging material may sound pretty gross, though the FDA assures that 6

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

these minute amounts are safe. Still, it likely doesn’t make you want to jump at the chance to eat a diet comprised of mainly processed foods.

Color additives are dyes or pigments which alter the color of the food in some way. Companies often use color additives to maintain or enhance color during changes in temperature, moisture, and light. They are also used to “provide color to colorless and ‘fun’ foods.” The FDA explains that without adding color to foods like mint chocolate chip ice cream, cake frosting, cola and margarine, foods would look less appealing because of their lack of color or strange color.

Is it Necessary?

The FDA identifies three main reasons why certain ingredients are added to foods: 1) To maintain or improve safety and freshness.

2) To improve or maintain nutritional value.

3) To improve taste, texture and appearance.

To Add or Subtract?

Granted, there are certain foods that would be difficult to have access to without preservatives. Fish, for

Family Living example, will spoil quite quickly unless preserved in some way. Whether frozen, smoked, or put through another process, inland-dwellers may not have the opportunity to enjoy this healthy protein. However, there are natural preservatives such as the afore-mentioned smoke, vinegar, sugar or salt, which can be better alternatives to chemically-processed food products.

There is a school of thought and research increasing in popularity, which has challenged food additives’ unquestioned acceptance in the average American diet. Nutritional consultants from Hungry for Change, explain that because many commonly used chemical additives are manmade substances, our bodies are not designed to process them, which can cause adverse health effects, including diseases and weight gain.

6 Additives to Avoid Aspartame Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, often found in diet sodas, are at the top of the list of additives to avoid. Though the FDA believes that the research is inconclusive, many nutritionists argue Aspartame to be carcinogenic. There are also studies which have deemed Aspartame a neurotoxin, and attribute consistent long-term use with diabetes, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Food Dyes So what about those color additives?

Despite the claims of the FDA, some studies have shown that these artificial colors can lead to behavioral problems and hyperactivity in children.

Joel Fuhrman, M.D. and nutrition specialist, sites 16 studies from 2004 in which children who struggled with hyperactivity had increased hyperactive behavior after ingesting color additives. Several of these dyes are even banned in European countries because of their negative effects on laboratory animals. Hungry for Change sites Blue #1 and Blue #2 with chromosomal damage, Red Dye #3 with thyroid cancer and Yellow #6 with kidney and adrenal gland tumors.

Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite Some bacon, hot dog, and lunch meat packages claim that they are Nitratefree. Sodium nitrate is the same as sodium nitrite, and is said to be highly carcinogenic to the liver and pancreas. The USDA apparently tried to ban sodium nitrite nearly forty years ago, but food companies argued that there was no alternative to meat preservation. Sodium nitrate also acts as somewhat of a disguise for older, unfresh meats, as it turns them more red in color.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Though this ingredient hides under several aliases; hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable protein, natural flavorings, and spices, MSG is likely one of the most controversial ingredients.

Found in most convenience foods such as pizza, soups, chips and canned goods, this flavoring can make even the most bland foods taste delicious.

It works by overstimulating the nervous system and is classified as an excitotoxin. Glutamate is said to be an amino acid that when in overabundance, can cause neurons in the brain to die. An excitotoxin acts as a neurotransmitter and much like a drug, over-excites excites our neurons.

MSG has been added in great quantities to less than nutrient-rich foods, in order to cause our brains to crave them.

Trans Fat The American Heart Association explains that there are two main types of trans fats: those which occur naturally, and those artificially made.

Animal proteins may contain a small amount of natural trans fats as a result of fat produced in the digestive system of the animal. The main source of trans fats comes from partially hydrogenated oils. Doughnuts, cookies, crackers, and other packages carbohydrate-rich foods often contain these artificial trans fats. Even the FDA has declared that partially hydrogenated oils are not safe for human consumption.

Companies continue to use these oils in packaged and fried foods mainly because they are inexpensive taste enhancers. This barely seems worth raising LDL cholesterol levels and lowering HDL cholesterol levels. Trans fats also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Added Sugars Perhaps one of the most ignored and most accepted food additives is sugar. Breakfast foods like muffins, cereals, milk, and even fruit juices often contain heavy amounts of added sugar. We get natural sugars from fruits (fructose), and since added refined sugar is not a source of nutrients, our bodies don’t actually need it to function properly. It’s super easy to consume five, ten, or even more times the amount of sugar your body should be consuming in one day. Significant sugar consumption over time can lead to obesity and insulin-resistance, which causes diabetes and heart disease, among other illnesses.

Sugar is disguised as maltose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, and many other names, which can be difficult to identify. A good place to start, is to look at the beverages that your family consumes each day.

Replacing juice, milk, or flavored coffee drinks with tea or water and lemon can decrease your sugar intake significantly.

Try It

One of the best ways to avoid ingesting harmful chemical additives is to eat fresh organic vegetables, fruits and meats, and to lessen the amount of convenience foods we purchase on a regular basis. This can take some rewiring at first, but instead of just subtracting additives, think about eating more of the fruits and veggies your family already loves. Introduce new recipes and grab some celery and peanut butter instead of that pudding cup for snack time. Try a weeklong additive detox by eliminating some of the processed foods in your pantry and adding more fresh produce and see how good your family feels at the end of the week.

Visit Growingupinthevalley.com for more healthy & kid-friendly snacks and meal recipes

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

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Birthdays from

A to Z Amazement Square Dave’s Moonwalk

The local children’s museum is a great location for birthday parties. Prices start at $110 for a 90 minute party and all-day admission for you and your guests. The museum also offers afterhours parties and party entertainment options such as a scavenger hunt or photo booth.

Big fun events

They have everything from jump houses to obstacle courses, djs to party games. Your one stop source for everything FUN.

C-burg Aquatic Center

Splash & slide down in the New River Valley! The new Christiansburg Aquatic Center offers birthday packages starting at $180. Their packages include 1 hour in a community party room and 1 hour in the pool with spray nozzles, swimming lanes and a 3 story slide. Splash Valley also offers similar packages in Roanoke.

Planning your own backyard party?

Dave’s Moonwalk has inflatables and party games galore. Inflatables range from huge 65 foot long obstacle courses to themed bouncy castles.

Their prices include set up, take down and event insurance.

Evite.com

Save on postage, paper and time with a simple evite. You can pick from hundreds of designs, including free ones!

Fun Times

Parties mean you’ll need supplies.

Fun Times has you covered no matter your theme or location. They carry everything from paper products, candies, favors and costumes.

Gift Wrap Ideas

Stuck in the rut of shoving your presents in a gift bag with a little wrinkled tissue paper on top? Have your kids decorate a roll of butcher paper for an easy custom wrap!

Hilltop Lanes

A bowling birthday party is an American classic! AMF Hilltop lanes offers party packages starting at $13 per guest that includes at least 2 hours of bowling and a wide variety of food and party options. There are also grown-up and corporate party options.

Ice Cream Tip

Scooping ice cream while surrounded by a hoard of sugar-hungry guests is never a good idea. Save time and prescoop your frozen treats into a lined muffin tin and pop back in the freezer.

See our full Party Guide online at Growingupinthevalley.com and get all the contact information for the listed businesses & more!

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

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Jared Mickle

Your teen having a party but too old for a clown or princess? You need to check out Lynchburg local, Jared Mickle’s work as a caricaturist. He can create great keepsakes for you and your guests.

Let’s Party

One of the largest selections of items around! Their interactive website allows you to book from the convenience of your home. Rent concession equipment, games, jumpies and more!

K&T Entertainment Want your party to be a huge hit?

K&T Entertainment specializes in inflatables, but also offers great party games like a rock wall, laser tag, velcro wall, snow-cone machine rentals, pony rides and more!

Laser Tag Source

Laser Tag source is the world’s largest supplier of laser tag games and they are locally based in Lynchburg! They offer a huge range of laser guns and you can have the fun right in your own backyard or local playground. Rental packages start at $99 (Individual gun rentals are available.)

Melody Makers

Melody Makers is a great option for your little one’s birthday. The famous puppeteers will even travel to your location (some restrictions apply).

Your tots can boogie down with their puppets in a special birthday party show. Parties start at $150.

NRV Superbowl

Another great option for indoor party fun! NRV superbowl has bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, and an arcade!

Birthday packages are customizable for you and your guests and start at $199 for 10 guests.

Oh, Goody Bags

Goody bags are a childhood classicbut don’t send your guests home with cheap plastic toys that will just clutter the back seat of the car! Instead create a craft for them to take home or personalize the treats to your guests interests.

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Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

Quick Cake Decor

So you’ve set up the party, but forgot the cake until the last minute? Turn a simple sheet cake from a grocery store into a fun birthday cake by using a little frosting on clean action figures or dolls to match your theme.

Not interested in plastic in your food?

Then turn the cake into a decorateyour-own-slice project for your guests with a sprinkle & frosting bar!

Roanoke City Parks & Rec

Did you know that you can reserve any picnic shelter at the public playgrounds and parks in Roanoke City by calling (540) 387-6078? Most parks cost $50 for up to 50 guests.

Sally’s Facepainting Fantasy Sally is well known in the area for providing amazing and intricate face paint and henna tattoo designs. Price available upon request.

TRampolines

Launching Pad in Salem offers the region its only trampoline park!

Featuring a huge trampoline, dodge ball court, arcade, jousting and more, Launching Pad is the choice for your birthday party destination.

Under the Sea & Other Theme Ideas

Need a theme for your party? Why not draw inspiration from your children’s favorite books or theme your party around the birthday child’s favorite color for simplicity. Maybe your child is a budding scientist and would want a wild and wacky laboratory for their party, or your winter baby may want to celebrate with a beach theme?

Virginia Museum of Transportation Make your train lover’s year with a party at the transportation museum!

You and your guests will receive free admission to the entire museum, as well as time in the party room for cake and presents. Prices start at $120 for non-members.

Wish Upon a Star Entertainent

Have your child’s favorite character stop by their party and entertain!

Characters will tell stories, sing songs and play games as well as pose for photos! Prices available upon request.

X-mas Lights

Don’t have a huge budget for decor?

Those Christmas lights you have in storage will make any room seem fancy and ready for a party!

YMCA

The local YMCAs all offer a wide variety of great party packages, including swimming, arcade games and sports-themes. Packages range from $125-$275, member discounts are available.

Zoo

Make your animal lover go wild with a zoo birthday at Mill Mountain Zoo! For $250 you and your guests will get free admission to the zoo, 2 hours in the picnic shelter for cake and presents and tokens for the famous Zoo Choo!

Co-operative

PRINCIPLES

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

How do the 7 co-operative principles shape my credit union experience?

Credit unions put their values into practice by following the 7 co-operative principles on this page. This sets credit unions apart from all other financial institutions, strengthens the community and benefits you too!

2

3

1

Voluntary and open membership What it means to you: No matter what your financial situation looks like, the door is open, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

4

Democratic member control

Member economic participation

Autonomy and independence

What it means to you: You help call the shots by electing a board of directors.

One member equals one vote. This is local democracy in action.

What it means to you: Better rates, lower fees and services that benefit the entire credit union. The more that members participate, the more there is to go around.

What it means to you: As a financial co-operative, your credit union is controlled by real members like you, instead of outside shareholders.

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6

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Education, training and information

Co-operation among co-operatives

Concern for community

What it means to you: Access to financial literacy tools and resources. Credit unions believe that education contributes to personal growth.

What it means to you: Your credit union strengthens the co-operative movement by partnering with organizations that share the same important values.

What it means to you: Knowing that your day-to-day banking translates into benefits for charities, local businesses and the entire community.

B R O U G H T TO YO U BY

Laurissa resides in Roanoke with her family and is the Director of Marketing for Blue Eagle© Credit Union. She has worked in credit unions for more than 20 years, The International Co-operative Alliance is the caretaker has a passion for financial education, and believes stronger individuals make a of the internationally accepted co-operative principles. stronger community.

Visit ica.coop to read the full principles.

It’s a Money Thing is a registered trademark of Currency Marketing; the co-operative visual identity is the property of the International Co-operative Alliance

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

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Healthy Summer Berry Smoothie

Ingredients: ž cup of fresh blueberries ž cup of fresh blackberries 5.3 ounce package of plain Greek yogurt 1 cup of vanilla soy milk 1 whole banana, sliced Directions: Add all of the ingredients to a blender.

Pulse for 30 seconds, stir and pulse for an additional 30 seconds.

Pour into two glasses and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Learn

Play Learn

Learn

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BlueEagleCreditUnion.com | 540.342.3429 or 800.342.3429 | Facebook.com/BlueEagleCreditUnion Limited time offer. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA.

Children’s Trust and the Historic Grandin Road Association are bringing the Running of the Bulls to Roanoke! It’s just like the one in Pamplona – only with an exciting spin!

Join us on July 23, 2016 for Rolling of the Bulls, a fun and frantic run through the village. Our “bulls” will be none other than the Star City Roller Girls! — Fast! Tough!

And Mistresses of Motivation!

Run for your life while the bulls chase you down Grandin Road and try your hardest to reach Grandin Village unscathed! The runner who gets there first without being gored (and by “gored” we mean “touched”) will be our winner. It’ll be a hot-wheeled spectacle you won’t want to miss! People of all ages are welcome, including those in strollers, but please leave your pets at home.

After the run, join us for more fun at a special Grandin Village Chillage, including a concert, food and beverages – plus a kids’ play zone!

TO REGISTER, GO TO ROACT.ORG/BULLRUN

bull run

CHILLAGE

DON’T MISS THE FIRST ANNUAL ROWDY, RUMBLING ROLLING OF THE BULLS!

prizes

FOOD TRUCKS BENEFITING CHILDREN’S TRUST PROGRAMS

roact.org/bullrun

3

Questions with Ava Rosa

An interview with David Bowers, Roanoke City Mayor Today, I am standing outside Roanoke City Hall, where in a few minutes I will be meeting with Mayor David Bowers.

The Honorable David A. Bowers has been a Roanoke citizen since 1961, when at the age of 9, his family moved here and settled in Raleigh Court. Mr. Bowers graduated from Patrick Henry High School and pursued a career in law, which continues today.

In 1984, he began his first term as a Roanoke City Councilman. Since then, he added 4 terms as Roanoke’s Mayor from 1992 to 2000 and from 2008 to later this month. Altogether, Mayor Bowers has served the city in official office for 24 years.

His service has not been without controversy. Late last year, many people demanded he resign after Mayor Bowers made a statement comparing Syrian refugees with Japanese- American internment camps. World famous actor and one of the thousands of Japanese American citizens who were imprisoned during World War Two, George Takei, was highly critical of the Mayor’s statement.

Despite that difficult period of time, Mayor Bowers has carried on as the friendly mayor Roanoke citizens have known for so many years. In May of this year, Mayor Bowers met Mr. Takei at the Mill Mountain Star and later presented him with the key to the city.

Many call my guest, “Roanoke’s Comeback Mayor”. I am pleased to introduce you to Mayor David Bowers.

Ava Rosa: Thank you for inviting me to see you today Mr. Mayor. You have been in office off and on since 1984, 16 of those years, as mayor. As you end

your time as mayor, what unfinished business or goals do you hope Mayorelect Sherman Lea and the incoming city council will address?

Mayor Bowers: Well, number one would be Amtrak, number two would be Center City development, and number three would be protection of Mill Mountain.

I’ve worked for 20 years or more to bring Amtrak passenger rail service back to Roanoke. It

hasn’t been here since 1979 and I really would like to have been mayor when the Amtrak came back into the city, but Mayor Lee will be. I hope I’m there for the grand celebration when Amtrak passenger service returns to Roanoke.

Secondly, 20 years ago we were talking about downtown development but we’re really now talking about Center City Roanoke development. That’s an area not just including the downtown, but the south side down to the Virginia Tech Carillion Medical School and all of that development that’s going on down there and the Valley View development with the new interchange and the opening of Evan Spring. Over the next 20 years I think you’re going to see a huge difference in the development of the skyline of Roanoke, all along I 581

from Valley View to downtown and then on to the medical school complex.

The third thing would be the protection of Mill Mountain. I am opposed to having any development up on the mountain.

I’m in favor of development here on the valley floor and along Jefferson Street and along I 581. I want people to enjoy the natural beauty of Mill Mountain and the Zoo and the star, but then to stay down here in our downtown Center City area and to go to the shops and the restaurants down here. So I think it’s important for us to make sure that we protect Mill Mountain.

Those would be the three issues that I want to see the next mayor and the council be sure to take care of.

Ava Rosa: In November, I remember many people in Roanoke were angry at you for what you said. There was a meeting where citizens came and expressed their desire for you to resign for what you said. I was also in the audience, many months later, when you stood next to George Takei, gave him the key to the city, and received a standing ovation from a full house at the Jefferson Center. How did it feel to get through that period of time and what does it say about your relationship with the people of Roanoke?

Bowers: Well, that’s a good question.

I would say that I’ve been very blessed to have been elected four times as the mayor of Roanoke. I’m finishing 16 years, so I’ve had a great run at it.

As I tell folks, “I guess I had 16 years and one bad week.” That’s still a good record, I think, but I mangled that situation back in November. I just didn’t say what it was in my heart to say. To the extent that it might have hurt JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

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my reputation for being very friendly and outgoing, you know, that hurt. To the extent that it might have hurt the good reputation of our city for being a welcoming city; that was something I was determined to try and rectify and put back in place.

Roanoke is a great city. It’s the only six-time All-America city in the United States and we welcome, through our Local Colors and all the other different programs that we have in Roanoke, we welcome and have welcomed over a hundred different nationalities to Roanoke. I’ve been a part of that. I want to make sure that we continue that.

So, it was not the right thing to say.

People had the right to be angry with me. It was right for me to apologize.

What’s right for me also, was to let folks know that I felt obligated to put that situation back in order, so I was pleased to then invite George Takei. I talked with him right away, following his broadcast through the internet and all of the sources that he has, of those really unfortunate remarks. He was most gracious to me on the phone, over email, and when he came to Roanoke in May, we had a chance to visit up at the star and I was able to share some thoughts and ideas about him. He was a terrific visitor for Roanoke. He came once as Mr. Sulu for the Star Trek convention. He came the second time because of what I had said and I was glad that he came and was able to set the record straight. I hope and I think we did and I think he’ll come back.

I think the people of Roanoke, when he came in May, were most hospitable to him. He was just overwhelmed with the beauty of our city and with the wonderful people that we have and the different nationalities that live here. So, by and large, I hope it was something that is not something I did that was wrong, it was something that I said that was wrong, and I hope we did put that back in proper order.

Roanoke is a very welcoming, diverse, six-time All-America city. We celebrate that diversity in Roanoke and we’re going to continue to do that in the future.

Ava Rosa: On your website and in many interviews, you have discussed the importance of being a friendly Mayor.

What has being friendly meant to you 16

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

and why does it seem like friendliness is missing in wider politics in Virginia and America today?

Bowers: Well, the first part of that question is easy to answer. The second part may be a little more difficult. I think I like to think that I am a friendly guy and that I’m visible to the public.

I think the public needs to know who their mayor is and how he thinks and what he stands for. I like to be a mayor who is accessible. That’s why I’ve always had office hours here in the mayor’s office and I’ve been all over the city.

I think of the mayor’s office as being like a key. It opens doors to synagogues and temples and churches and businesses and homes all across the city. I like to be out there among the people and hear what they have to say because it’s important for me and I’m not the person who just says this, I believe it’s not just my agenda that I have to take care of as the mayor. I have to figure out what is the people’s agenda and then I’ve got to, as the mayor, try to move their agenda along.

So I think it’s important for a mayor and it’s been important for me, to be visible and accessible, responsive, and friendly with our citizens and I hope that’s what I’ve been able to project over the many years.

public. In my view, we just need to be more like Aretha Franklin used to sing, “r-e-s-p-e-c-t”! That’s a good policy.

I think that’s a good policy. So I would hope that in the future, people will just be more respectful of each other. We’re all in this together.

A lot has happened since 1984, when the Mayor first took public office.

Roanoke is a much different city than it was back then. When my family and I moved here last year, we immediately noticed an uncommon level of kindness.

The fact that a 10 year old can have anyone paying attention to her attempt at journalism, let alone getting to interview the mayor, speaks to that friendliness.

Mayor Bowers, like everyone, is not a perfect person. I can’t help but think he has to be part of the reason Roanoke is so friendly. Time will tell what his legacy might be, but I was one of the people who stood up and clapped when he gave George Takei the key to the city. I want to thank the Honorable Mayor, David A. Bowers, for his service to the Star City of Roanoke.

For 3 Questions with Ava Rosa and Growing Up in the Valley, see you next time!

About Ava Rosa

I’m just a working-class guy. I don’t make any pretense of being anything, but a working class guy. I’ve got diplomas and a great education and I’ve been practicing law for 37 years. I’ve taught at three different colleges and I’ve been mayor for 16 years. I’ve had a great record, but when you scratch under the surface with me, I’m still just a working-class guy. That’s what I think of and I think it’s important for people to relate to their elected officials and when I run for office, I promise people that I’m going to give them my heart and my honesty and my hard work and my good sense of humor, which is sorely needed in this business. So that’s the answer to the first part of your question.

Ava Rosa is a 10 year old student journalist from Roanoke, Virginia. Her online news show, Three Questions with Ava Rosa, videos, and interviews can be found at www.ar3q.com or facebook. com/3qavarosa.

The second part is… God help us, people just do not seem to be respectful of each other and we see it on the streets, we see it in in the court system, we see it in Congress, and we see it in politics. So the politics of the people who we elect, are really, I guess, reflecting some of the mood of the

Ava Rosa has built a following of hundreds on Facebook and her shows have reached tens of thousands of viewers there and AR3Q.com. When asked why she does the show, she says, “You can learn a lot from three questions.”

Ava has interviewed Chris Hurst from WDBJ-7, Sara Gregory at Roanoke Times, Miss Roanoke Valley, Andolyn Medina, and Virginia State Delegate Sam Rasoul. Ava Rosa also notably asked George Takei a question in a packed Jefferson Center, “A certain politician has said that he will “make America great again”. What does he mean by that and what do you think makes America great already?” Surely, Mr. Takei must have thought “Oh My”!

FARM DAY

Located at the farm of course* October 3rd, 10am-4p

Fresh milk or chocolate, Or ice cream, Or fresh cakes and pies, Or casseroles, Or fresh produce, Or bratwurst, Or GMO Free chicken, Or deli meats, Or cheeses, Or egg nog,

Now serving: SW Roanoke County, Salem, Rocky Mount, Smith Mountain Lake (Westlake), Troutville, Bonsack/Blue Ridge, SW Roanoke City.

Find out how you can get Home Delivery. Call 540 721-2045

540-505-1073 holli@hollidance.com

2890 North Franklin Street, Suites B & E Christiansburg, VA 24073

Summer Camps & Classes Summer Camp & Class Registration

Wednesday, June 8, 4:00-8:00pm.

Fall Registration

Saturday, August 13, 10:00am-3:00pm

Princess & Prince Camp Monday, June 20 - Friday, June 24 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Ages 3-7

$150

Animal Safari Camp Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Ages 3-7

$150

Happily Ever After! Sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida Disney Cruise Line is sailing year-round out of Port Canaveral, conveniently located near Walt Disney World ® Resort. On board, discover magic for every member of your crew. You can choose an enchanting Bahamian or Caribbean getaway—with a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, a private island paradise.

Improvisation Conditioning Camp Monday, June 20 - Friday, June 24 Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm Ages 8+

$100

Adult Beginner Tap Class Tuesdays, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

$55/Monthly

DCL-16-51016 ©Disney Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

To book your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation, contact us today!

Just a Dream Away Travel, LLC Jennifer Harris, Owner 504-293-5132 • jenn@justadreamawaytravel.com www.justadreamawaytravel.com

Irish Dance Classes*

Mondays/Wednesdays 4:00 pm-5:45 pm & 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Tuesdays 4:00 pm-5:45 pm, 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm & 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm * contact for pricing

Education Station

Are You a Perfect Parent?

By Katie Lewis

S

ometimes I question my parenting.

Don’t we all at one point or another?

Likewise, I have quietly judged another parent’s decisions. But I recently realized something that deep down I have known all along: there is not one way to parent. There is not a right way or a wrong way. I often read columns just like the very ones I write. Sometimes I agree. Sometimes I don’t. I never really stopped to think about the fact that some people are very likely reading my columns with a “you’ve got to be kidding me” reaction. But that’s okay. What works for me, may not work for you and vice versa.

I want to give a couple of examples that solidified my so-called epiphany.

A parent recently told me that he did not make his child do school assignments that he deemed pointless. I don’t agree with this point of view. I want my children to respect adults, even when it’s hard. I also want them to learn that they are not always going to like the things they have to do at school or even at work, but sometimes it’s best to bite your tongue and do it anyway. With that said, this other parent had his reasons too.

Another example involves travel sports. I have read several articles on how travel sports negatively affect families. Articles cite things such as over-involvement decreasing quality family time. While I can see this being the case, I have encountered 18

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

a different experience. One of my children recently joined a travel team and it has been great. Not only does he have great coaches and college athletes serving as role models, but it has also allowed us to spend more time together. The road trips open up time for conversations that may not have happened otherwise, as his 14-year-

Parenting is not one size fits all. old self would have probably chosen friends or television or his phone or longboarding had we been home.

Instead, I’m there with him. Watching him play, watching him interact with his peers and adults. I know that when taken to the extreme, travel sports could have a negative impact. But even when taken to the extreme, it might still work for some families. It is simply not my place to judge.

I have witnessed my own family disagree on what is “right” in regards to raising children. This is unfortunate.

Of course, there are definitely wrong ways to parent that we can all agree on. Recently, I was walking down the Greenway and witnessed a presumed mother chasing her toddler. The young child was laughing as her mother chased her. To her it was a game. To the mother it was not. The mother caught up with her, snatched her up, and spanked her several times (Spanking, by the way, would be one of those debatable parenting tactics.)

But then came the unarguably wrong behavior. She screamed at the little girl and told her over and over how bad she was. It broke my heart. We can all agree this was bad parenting. While I wish there was something I could have done, I had to keep walking. But when it’s something simpler, sometimes moving on is what’s best.

We have all quietly judged someone else’s parenting, just as we have each been judged. But none of us will ever be perfect parents. We learn from our mistakes just as our kids do. We need to remember that there just might be a reason behind another parent’s strategies. We also need to not base our parenting on what the majority says or does. Parenting is not one size fits all. There is no room for judgement… as long as we are willing to change, adjust, improve and work at it. As long as we are willing to give it our all. As long as we have our children’s best interest at heart.

As long as love drives our actions and decisions.

RAPS BASICS

Uniforms: Required Registration Fee: $325 2016-2017 Annual Tuition: $3,400 Can our family afford RAPS?  A sizable subsidy allows tuition rates to be family-friendly and among the lowest for Christian education in the Roanoke Valley.

 RAPS participates in the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit Program.

Contact us for enrollment information Our principal is available to meet with you for a FREE Educational Success Consultation.

The purpose of the Consultation is to listen to your goals and understand the unique needs of your child.

Together we can identify the best path to quality education and spiritual growth for your child.

Roanoke 540-400-8505

Cell: 540-798-6061 Office: 540-977-0346, Ext. 110 rapsprep@gmail.com

Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School 4120 Challenger Avenue Roanoke, VA 24012

 Payments may be made in 10 monthly interest-free Installments.

connectionsatc.com

Celebrating over 75 years of Christian Education in the Roanoke Valley 1938—2016

Grade Levels: K - 8 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 3:00 Friday: 8:00 - 12:- 00

4120 Challenger Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24012

Cell: Academic 540-798-6061 Year 2016-2017 Office: 540-977-0346, Ext. 110

rapsprep@gmail.com for Grades K-8 www.rapschool.org

School starts August 15th

The purpose of the Consultation is to listen to your goals and understand the unique needs of your child.

Summer

Camps

540-928-2130

Now Enrolling Now Enrolling for 2016-2017 Academic Year

Our principal is available to meet with you for a FREE Educational Success Consultation.

Botetourt

Art, Dance Golf, Archery Volleyball Football Soccer, Karate Cheerleading Outdoor Adventure STEM Academics Gymnastics & More! botetourtva.gov/recreation

Learning in a Learning in a Christ Centered Christ-centered Environment Environment

Together we can identify the best path to quality education and spiritual growth for your child.

if your goal is a successful celebration, make Let’s Party your destination!

Inflatables, Games, Tents, Concessions, Tables & More

(540) 342-4440 letspartyva.com

Our school’s mission is to educate, love and nurture its students in a way that will bring glory to God. 4120 Challenger Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24012 Cell: 540-798-6061 Office: 540-977-0346 Ext 110 rapsprep@gmail.com www.rapschool.org

Toilet Paper Tube Fireworks

Supplies: paint toilet paper tubes scissors construction paper Instructions: Carefully cut 1/4 inch strips around one end of the toilet paper tube.

Bend back the strips and dip into a thin puddle of paint.

Stamp the tube onto the construction paper to create a firework pattern.

You can also paint the tube with a soft brush with multiple paints to create a gradient design.

20

Growing Up In the Valley • JULY 2016

Family Fun

Patriotic Pinterest

Celebrate the USA with these adorable red, white and blue crafts & projects from Growing Up in the Valley’s Pinterest Feed.

Simple Red, White & Blue Necklace from buggyandbuddy.com

Popsicle Stick Flags from apumpkinandaprincess.com

Lady Liberty Paper Crowns from tutusteaparties.com

American Flag Spinners from melissaanddoug.com

Confetti Poppers from piikeastreet.com

Patriotic Handprints from b-inspiredmama.com

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

21

Kids Korner

Can you solve the secret message?

22 Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

Kids Korner

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.coM

23

Parent of the Month Tracy Fisher

Tracy has been Growing Up In the Valley’s Designer since day 1. She is as much a part of this magazine as our family is. Without Tracy, Growing Up In the Valley would not be as popular as it is today. We are an award winning publication because of her work - and we are proud to work with her.

It is with an amazing amount of sadness that we have learned that Tracy has Ovarian Cancer. Tracy and her family are dealing with this news with an amazing amount of strength and positivity. We are amazed at how strong she is and how positive her family has been. Her husband Michael and daughter Charlie are helping her everyday - but they need more help. Tracy and Michael do not have the insurance necessary for treatment. This is where the Growing Up In the Valley readers can help them.

We ask you, our readers, to help this young family pay for the treatment she desperately needs. This is your chance to make a difference in a young families life.

If you have ever picked up our free magazine and received any enjoyment, benefit or useful information from the pages, we ask you contribute whatever amount you can.

Tracy is a wonderful, amazing person who has changed our lives with her loyalty and work. Please join us and help her in her time of need.

www.gofundme.com/tracylambert

Free Kids Meal

4913 Grandin Rd. SW Roanoke 1716 W. Main St. Salem 2221 Crystal Spring Ave. SW Roanoke 3737 Challenger Ave. Roanoke

24

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

6499 Williamson Rd. Roanoke 323 E. Virginia Ave. Vinton 2104 Wards Rd. Lynchburg 1353 S. Main St. Blacksburg

Bring this ad in and receive one free kids meal with the purchase of each adult meal. Dine in only. Valid for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Expires 9/30/2016 Coupon Code GUITV2

Family Fun

12 Ideas for Summer Fun on a Budget Too often summer goes so fast that before you know it the kids are back in school and schedules start filling up again with sports, lessons and other activities. If you’re looking for some cheap, fun activities to do with your kids during the summer that lend a little bonding time, read on for a dozen ideas. Some can be done in the evening and all can be done on weekends, so whether you work fulltime or have the summer off with your kids, pick and choose a few of your favorites from the list below and turn them into summer traditions!

1. Plant a garden as soon as school is out and your family will see the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labors by the end of summer. If you don’t have a backyard or much space, many vegetables can be grown in pots on a deck railing or even inside. Head to www.KidsGardening.org to get started.

2. Read all about it when you join a summer reading program, like one your local library system might offer (check www.publiclibraries.com).

Other organizations that offer rewards for reading over the summer are Chuck E. Cheese’s (www.chuckecheese. com), Scholastic (www.scholastic. com) and Barnes and Noble (www. barnesandnoble.com).

3. Do the drive-in. Head to Drive-Ins.com to find your nearest drive-in movie theatre, then pack up

some chairs and a cooler of drinks, wrap some hot dogs in foil and pop some popcorn before you go.

4. Get wet. Take a swim at your local pool or beach. You could also go jump in a lake (with lifejackets), set up a cheap backyard pool or hook up a sprinkler to a hose.

5. Go to a park you haven’t been to before. Wait for the perfect windy day, then head to a wide open space with a park for some kite-flying fun. Parks are also great for their playgrounds, for hide-and-seek and for an evening game of flashlight tag.

6. Pick some fruit. Blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, or whatever you can find in your town make for a fun day. We like to go at dusk when it’s cooler and fewer people are around.

7. Act like a monkey. No kid is ever too old to enjoy a trip to the zoo! Don’t overlook small zoos that may be a bit of a longer drive from your home.

Usually they are cheaper and have a lot of cool animals. Check out www.

AmericanZoos.info.

8. Camp out. Camping doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. In fact, it can be as simple as setting up a tent in your own backyard (or Grandma’s or someone else’s if you live in an apartment).

Don’t forget the flashlights, snacks, sleeping bags and scary stories!

9. Chill out. One of my kids’ favorite parts of summer is our ice cream dates. You can simply grab a cheap soft-serve cone on the fly. If you’re looking for healthy, try out one of the new flavored frozen yogurt places where you can add your own toppings.

Another option would be to borrow or buy an electric ice cream machine and make your own ice cream in any flavor you like!

10. Catch a fish. Buy (or borrow) a rod, reel and bait and head to any small or large lake to fish off the bank. Keep the fish for dinner or throw them back.

(You may need a fishing license, so check first with your state.) Fishing provides a great opportunity to just hang out and talk with your kids.

11. Hit a carnival or fair. If a carnival never comes to your town, consider making a weekend trip to a fair. Every kid will forever remember the games, the attractions, the greasy food and the fast rides.

12. Tee off. An evening game of miniature golf is a great way to top off the summer. Make the game competitive and keep score, or just play for fun.

Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com), her husband and 5 kids attempt all 12 summer traditions above every year.

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

25

Parent of the Month Nomination

WINS Wednesdays

Nominate a worthy parent to be featured as Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month in an upcoming issue by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 12263, Roanoke, Virginia 24024.

You could win:

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

Your Name:________________________________ Your Email Address:__________________________

Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Facebook for a chance to win a great prize EVERY Wednesday!

Splash Valley Passes Tickets to Star Games: A Mother and Son Adventure Tot Rock Tickets Back-to-School Prize Packs Gift Certificates to local businesses & More!

Nominee’s Name:___________________________ Nominee’s Email Address:_____________________ Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Parent of the Month? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ________________________________________

Newsletter Exclusives

Need ideas on entertaining the family this weekend? Planning a birthday party or maybe you just want to know which park is having a festival soon?

Sign up for Growing Up in the Valley’s weekly newsletter to get the details about the best family friendly events in the valley! Subscribers to our newsletter are the first to see our newest issues, receive special deals & coupons from advertisers, and hear all the news from the Roanoke, Lynchburg and New River Valley areas.

For the love of cake 20 baking tips for the perfect birthday cake 1. To get the perfect golden brown

edges, use a shiny metal pan rather than a dark one.

2. Always grease and flour your pans

(unless making a foam-style cake) to prevent sticking.

3. Measure your ingredients accurately and preferabbly by weight rather than volume.

4. When cooking more than one pan

at a time, carefully place them in the oven with at least 1 inch space from oven edges and the other pans. Do not place pans directly over one another or the cakes will not bake evenly.

5. Always allow cakes to cool completely before frosting or adding a filling.

6. For best

results, ingredients should be room

temperature (unless stated otherwise in your recipe.)

recipe’s baking time.

7. You can substitute milk with yogurt

avoid an unslightly dome on your cake.

or sour cream, to experiment with different textures.

8. Add a pinch of salt to brighten your sweeter recipes.

12. Cool your cakes upside down to

13. 150 hand strokes is the same as

about one minute of electric mixing.

14. Prepare all your tools, ingredients

9. Always preheat your oven entirely

before placing your pans in the oven.

and supplies before you start mixing ingredients- some recipes are dependent on time!

10. To avoid over baked and dry

15. Do not refridgerate your cake

cupcakes, remove them from the pan immediately and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

11. Most ovens cook

unevenly. To prevent uneven cakes rotate your cake pans about 2/3 the way through your

overnight. Instead, wrap your unfrosted cakes tightly in plastic wrap and leave at room temperature.

16. For long-term storage, you can

also freeze plastic-wrapped unfrosted cakes.

17. Having problems with under or over cooked cakes? Invest in an external oven thermometer to get a more accurate reading and adjust your methods.

18. You can use cocoa powder instead of flour to dust your cake pans for chocolate cake.

19. When working with sticky

ingredients such as honey, spray your utensils and measuring cups with a non-stick spray (or grease) to make it easier to mix and pour.

20. Use unflavored floss to cut cakes evenly and neatly.

The Guide

Roanoke

Kids Eat

Free!

Everyday Mama Maria’s 11 AM - 2 PM 3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848 Golden Corral All Day 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826 The Great 611 Steak Company All Day 3 & under, 1 child buffet per paid adult 3830 Franklin Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-4675 Shoney’s All Day 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400 Lil Cucci’s All Day (Closed Sunday & Monday) 10 & under, 1 child per adult meal 1396 Roanoke Rd., Daleville (540) 966-5923 Monday Country Cookin 4 PM - Close 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199 Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400 McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke 28

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

Choose from over 35 restaurants for an affordable family night out on the town!

G r o w i n g u p i n t h e v a l l e y. c o m / K i d s - E a t - Fr e e (540) 204-4407 Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464

IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289 Brit and Bud’s Specialty Subs 6 PM - 8 PM 12 & under eligible for half off kids meal 4208 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 206-3684 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 only 800 University City Blvd, Blacksburg (540) 961-0371 Tuesday Brambleton Deli 11 AM - 9 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554 Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074 Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884 Town Center Tap House All Day 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult

90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 The Barbecue Grill All Day 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030 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 Valley View & Electric Rd. Locations (540) 265-9301 Wednesday Dogwood 4 PM - Close 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549 The Quarter All Day 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990 Pizza Pasta Pit 4 PM - 9 PM 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included.

1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885 IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

The Guide Thursday CiCi’s Pizza All Day 10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711 The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746 Jerry’s Family Restaurant 4 PM - Close 6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400 Friday See Everyday Deals!

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

Steak n’ Shake All Day 12 & under 1 free per paid $8.00 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 IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289 Sunday Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase All locations Roanoke, Salem (540) 389-1111 Local Roots 5 PM -9 PM 12 & under eat for free (family style meal) with adult purchase 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke

(540) 206-2610 Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM 10 & under w/paid adult 3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022 T.G.I.Fridays All Day 12 & under 1 w/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 w/paying $8.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Kids Eat Free Inquiries andrea@growingupinthevalley.com Editor’s note:

Restaurant deals change quickly and often without notice. Growing Up in the Valley strongly recommends calling ahead to confirm any deal listed. This listing is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a discount.

In the Heart of Downtown Roanoke

Locally Grown Vegetables • Fruits • Plants Fresh Meats • Baked Goods • Handcrafted Items

Join us every Wednesday and Saturday for FREE, family-friendly activities & entertainment!

Live Entertainment • “How-to” Workshops Cooking Demos • Crafts & Activities • Plus Much More For full schedule visit DowntownRoanoke.org JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

29

STAR

GAMES

A Mother and son adventure

July 16, 6 PM -9 PM

Roanoke Main Library The light and dark sides will compete in Growing Up in the Valley’s 1st annual Star Games: A Mother & Son Adventure!

Mother and son teams will compete to defend the galaxy!

$25 for Mom & Son $10 additional son

growingupinthevalley.com/star-games Locations Throughout Southwest and Central Virginia

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

Roanoke - Valley View Roanoke - Tanglewood Blacksburg Christiansburg Lynchburg - Wards Road Lynchburg - Lakeside

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

Sw im

Learning to swim is an essential life skill that will benefit your children throughout their life.

Su rv ive

Knowing survival and swim skills can save your child’s life. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children in the United States.

Thrive

Summer Registration Open Now! 2007 Oak Grove Plaza Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-0520

Having competent swim skills builds info@ijustswim.com confidence in children leading to success in many other aspects of life. fb.com/swimsurvivethrive

Calendar of Events Share your own event for free on growingupinthevalley.com

Rolling of the Bulls

Satuday July 23rd, 11 AM Grandin Village, Roanoke VA

Join us Saturday, July 23, 2016 for Rolling of the Bulls! A fun and frantic run through the Grandin Village. Our “Bulls” will be none other than the Star City Roller Derby Girls! Fast and Tough ... The Rolling of the Bulls is a fun run, it will not be timed. The bulls will chase you down Grandin Road as you try your hardest to reach Grandin Village unscathed! The runner that gets there first without being gored (by gored we mean touched) will be our winner. People of all ages are welcome, including those in strollers. Just please leave your pets at home!

Children in strollers are free.

Children’s Trust and the Historic Grandin Road Association are bringing the Running of the Bulls to Roanoke! It’s just like the one in Pamplona – only with an exciting spin!

Join us on July 23, 2016 for Rolling of the Bulls, a fun and frantic run through the village. Our “bulls” will be none other than the Star City Roller Girls! — Fast! Tough!

And Mistresses of Motivation!

Run for your life while the bulls chase you down Grandin Road and try your hardest to reach Grandin Village unscathed! The runner who gets there first without being gored (and by “gored” we mean “touched”) will be our winner. It’ll be a hot-wheeled spectacle you won’t want to miss! People of all ages are welcome, including those in strollers, but please leave your pets at home.

After the run, join us for more fun at a special Grandin Village Chillage, including a concert, food and beverages – plus a kids’ play zone!

TO REGISTER, GO TO ROACT.ORG/BULLRUN

bull run

CHILLAGE

DON’T MISS THE FIRST ANNUAL ROWDY, RUMBLING ROLLING OF THE BULLS!

prizes • •• •• • • • • • • • • ••••••••••••••••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FOOD • • •TRUCKS •••••••••• BENEFITING CHILDREN’S TRUST PROGRAMS

roact.org/bullrun

Star Games: A Mother-Son Adventure

Saturday, July 16th 6-9 PM Main Library, Roanoke VA

WATCH FOR A WINSDAY GIVEAWAY!

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

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

Calendar of Events On Going:

Movies in the Market. July 22 downtown at Roanoke City Market. Festivities begin at 6 PM. The movie starts at dusk.

Bring your own chairs and blankets. June’s movie is The Goonies. FREE Party in Elmwood. Every Thursday, 5:30 through 8:30 PM. Roanoke’s favorite beach music dance party is in Elmwood Park! Kids 12 & under are free. $5 per person ages 13+.

Salem Fair. June 29 through July 10 at the Salem Civic Center. Admission prices and entertainment vary by day.

Visit Salemfair.com for more details.

Free Summer Concert Series. 7 PM at Bisset Park in Radford. Grab a chair and/or blanket and head on down to the Gazebo for a beautiful, relaxing evening of great entertainment.

FREE Kid Yoga. 11 AM on every first and third saturday at the Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center in Christiansburg.

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

City Market Saturdays.

Every Saturday at 11 AM through 2:30 PM at the City Market Building. Head to historic downtown city market for fun each weekend with live entertainment, street performers, “how-tos”, and more. FREE 32

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

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

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

All ages are welcome, $17 per person.

Sunday Samplings. 12 PM through 5 PM every sunday at Imagination Station, in Roanoke. FREE FloydFest. July 25 through 28. A 5 day musical celebration at the Meadows of Dan, Floyd, VA. Children’s Universe with ample children’s activities, childcare, food, workshops, healing arts, mountain biking, camping and more.

Something for everyone.

Prices range from $30 for full festival kids passes and $80 and up for adults.

For more info and pricing visit: www.FloydFest.com New River Valley Fair. July 25 through 30 at the New River Valley fairgrounds, Dublin VA. There’s a lot going on at the fair this year. There will be great entertainers, fun contests, great exhibits and don’t forget the breath-taking midway rides. $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 7-11 and 6 & under are Free!

Gate admission allows you entry into the fair, rides are an additional cost.

3rd Annual Appalachian Laser Tag Festival. July 28 through 31 at Caldwell Fields, Blacksburg. This family friendly event provides fun for all and is free! Come for a morning, afternoon, evening, or the

Splish Splash!

All the information you’ll need to know about local swimming pools and splash parks.

Splash Valley Water Park

Frog Pond Pool

7415 Wood Haven Rd. Roanoke, VA 24019 splashvalleywaterpark.com (540) 777-6306

390 Cinnabar Road Christiansburg, VA 24073 montgomerycountyva.gov • (540) 382-6981

Weekdays: 11 AM to 7 PM Weekends: 10*/11 AM - 7 PM * Early admission for County Residents only.

July 4 Splash Valley will close early at 5:00pm

Hours: Monday through Saturday: 11 AM - 6 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM Extended Hour Tuesday: 11 AM - 9 PM

Non-Resident: Ages 18 to 54 $9 Ages 3-17 $8 Ages 55+ $7

Ages 1 and under - FREE Ages 2 to 4 - $3 Ages 5 to 54 - $5 Ages 55 and up - $2

County Resident: Ages 18-54 $7 Ages 3-17 $6 Ages 55+ $5

Roanoke City Pools

All Ages: $5 after 4 PM

Friday & Saturday: 12 PM - 7 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM

Elmwood Park Fountains 706 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24011 downtownroanoke.org Daily, 11 AM - 11 PM* Free Admission

* Fountains are not turned on when an event is being held at the amphitheater.

Christiansburg Aquatic Center

595 North Franklin St Christiansburg, VA 24073 Christiansburg.org • 540381- POOL (7665) Hours Vary Weekly. Check online for full schedule.

Ages 2-11 $2 Ages 12-17 $3 Ages 18-59 $5 Ages 60 + $3

Fallon Park Pool 2150 Dale Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24013

Washington Park Pool 1919 Burrell St NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 12 PM - 6 PM Friday & Saturday: 12 PM- 7 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 6 PM Ages 4 and under: FREE Ages 5-15: $2 Ages 16+: $3

Randolph Park Public Pool 5100 Alexander Road, Dublin, VA 24084 randolphpark.org (540)-674-1513

Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday: 12:30 PM - 6 PM Late Swim: 7 PM - 9:30 PM

[Note: Public swimming pool hours are subject to change with little or no notice. Call ahead of time to ensure they are open.]

BFG

ger. We’re Better.

Our 2016-2017 Season: We’re Big

AT THE JEFFERSON CENTER!

BFG

THE

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iggie’s

Elephant & P

PLAY! A N I E R A E W

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BABIES

Seussical More details online:

SEASON PARTNERS

SEASON SPONSORS

The

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Calendar of Events

Free (or Cheap!)

Movie Nights Regal Cinemas. 10 AM on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for 9 weeks. $1 per person.

Carmike Cinemas. 10 AM on Thursdays, June 9 through August 11. $1 per person or $4 per person + concessions.

Grandin Theatre. 10 AM on Fridays & Saturdays throughout summer. See grandintheatre.com for full schedule. FREE The Lyric Theatre. See full calendar of community events at thelyric.com.

FREE. Movies in the Market. 6 PM on July 22 and August 12.

Movie starts at dusk. Bring your own chair & blanket.

FREE Movies At Virginia Western. 2 PM & 6 PM on the first Thursday of each month at Whitman Theater.

FREE Movies at Longwood Park.

7 PM on July 7 and August 4. Movie starts at dusk.

First 50 families get free concessions. FREE [On Going Events Continued] entire event. Hosted by the Laser Club at Virginia Tech.

All ages are welcome, but event organizers will not assume responsibility for youth under 18 years of 34

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

age. A parent or designated guardian should be present.

Playing is free, AA battery donations are always appreciated! For more info & to register: sites.google. com/a/vt.edu/alf Blacksburg Steppin’ Out Festival. August 5 and 6.

Three stages of live entertainment, more than 200 craft vendors, merchant’s sidewalk sales and your favorite restaurants providing great festival foods. FREE Into the Woods Jr. July 27 through August 7 at Mill Mountain Theatre.

The Brothers Grimm go Broadway at Mill Mountain Theatre as Sondheim and Lapine offer up a cockeyed fairy tale in Into The Woods JR, an adaptation of one of Sondheim’s most popular works. All of your favorite characters—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch—meet and interact in this whimsical original story. An epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. Tickets range from $15-$22.

Food Truck & Tunes. Every Friday at 6 PM at Sweet Donkey Coffee, Roanoke.

Stop by for some great music and delicious food from Sweet Donkey Coffee and local Food Trucks! FREE (food costs extra)

10 • Sunday Kids In Training Youth Triathlon. 8 AM through 11 AM at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center (625 Patrick Henry Drive, Blacksburg) The TriAdventure Kids In Triathlon (KIT) was created to provide an educational platform for youth to have fun staying active. Distances are appropriate for all children to successfully complete the race. This event is open to children ages 4–10, all levels of ability. Early Registration is $35 per runner and on site Registration will be $45.

For more info and registation please visit: www.triadventure.com/kityouth-triathlon/

11 • Monday Make Paracord Bracelets.

2 PM through 3 PM at the Salem Library. Come hang out with youth (Grades 7 - 12) and make Paracord Braclets! All supplies and instruction are provided.

FREE

13 • Wednesday

Summer Arts Film Festival Classic Movies- Breakfast at Tiffany’s. 3 PM at The Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg.

A lonely, struggling writer becomes enchanted with his neighbor: an independent young woman who strives to be a high-climbing socialite with a penchance for highfashion and wild parties.

But, soon he uncovers the vulnerability she has at heart. FREE

16 • Saturday Kid Made Market. 8 AM through 11 AM at Paychecks Plus. (3716 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke VA 24018) Join us in supporting local kids that have created their own art, food, jewelry, gardening, music, sewing, crafts or any creative creation that they want to sell to the community. FREE Breakfast with the Animals.

8:30 AM at Mill Mountain Zoo. Come enjoy a light breakfast buffet and the chance to meet some of the zoo animals. The zoo keeper will be there to answer questions and you can also see them prepare breakfast to feed to the animals.

Note: Registration required at least 3 days prior to event $15/non-member adult $12/non-member child $45/non-member family of 4 $12/member adult $9/member child $35/member family of 4 Art & Jazz Festival.

3 PM through 9:30 PM at Longwood Park in Salem.

Bring your chairs, a blanket, and a picnic and join us for some of the area’s best Jazz music!! Food will be available to purchase from several area vendors.

Free family, friendly kids activities from 4-7 PM presented by Salem Art Center, Taubman Museum, Salem Library & YMCA. FREE

see full calendar online at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar more! FREE

21 • Thursday Car Seat Safety Check.

4 PM through 6 PM at Roanoke City Fire Station #6 (1333 Jamison Ave).

We highly encourage ALL parents to stop by as motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children, and because 7 out of 10 car seats installed by parents are not installed properly. FREE

23 • Saturday Rolling of the Bulls.

11 AM through 4 PM at Christ Lutheran Church (2011 Brandon Road) Children’s Trust and the Historic Grandin Village are bringing the Running of the Bulls to Roanoke! It’s just like the one in Pamplona - only with an exciting spin! Our “bulls” will be none other than the Star City Roller Girls! After the run, join us for the Kids Zone, a special Grandin Village Chillage, food and beverages! Runners $30 per runner, Spectators are free.

For more info and to register please visit www.roact.org/ bullrun/

30 • Saturday Touch-a-Truck: Wings, Wheels and Water. 10 AM through 4 PM at Green Hill Park, Salem. The annual Touch-a-Truck event is back! Come out and get up close and personal with fire trucks, helicopters, trains, boats, and over 200 vehicles! Plus water spray areas, face painting, balloon sculptures, food vendors and

Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight Party. 8 PM at Tanglewood and Valley View Barnes and Noble stores. Join us for a special Countdown to Midnight Party leading up to the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two, a special rehearsal edition script book, which goes on sale at midnight. The party will feature a special Muggle Wall where customers can share their favorite memories of Harry Potter as well as amazing giveaways and fun activities! FREE

Aug 3 • Wednesday Butterfly Walk. 12 PM at the VT Hahn Horticulture Garden. We will enjoy a walk through the garden getting a close look at different butterfly species, learning about their life cycle, and plants that attract them. This program will be outdoors if weather is nice, indoors if it rains.

FREE

Aug 5 • Friday Jerry Seinfeld. 7 PM at The Berglund Center, Roanoke. America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his signature stand-up routine at Berglund Center. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Ticket prices start at $50.

Thank you.

Immediately after the recent tragedy involving two of our students, Patrick and Logan McKinnon, the following people and organizations were instrumental in the healing process for our students, faculty, staff, and community.

Family Service of the Roanoke Valley iCAT—The Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology at Virginia Tech Lyn Day, Ph.D. Sheri Meixner, LCSW Sarah Hill St. John’s Episcopal Church Second Presbyterian Church They were there for us, and we want them to be there for you. Please support them, in any way you can, so they can continue to provide the type of support that makes a difference in the lives of people throughout the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia.

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com GUITV_Thanks_ThirdPage.indd 1

35 4/29/16 1:21 PM

Family Fun

Growing Up In the Valley at local events in the months of May and June.

36

Growing Up In the Valley • JUly 2016

Family Fun

Royal Ball pictures taken by Marcie Krisha and Click, Create, Connect.

Fit Family Challenge photos by Molly Hagan Photography.

Tot Rock at the Spot featuring Einstein’s Monkey - next shows are July 9th and July 24th.

JUly 2016 • growingupinthevalley.com

37

WE ALL SHINE ON SUMMER CAMPS 2016

YMCA OF ROANOKE VALLEY

CAMP KIRK

SUMMER CAMPS 2016 YMCA OF ROANOKE VALLEY ymcaroanoke.org/camp

Swimming, swim lessons, field trips, lunches and snacks are included.

Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm M: $115 / NM: $138* 9:00am-2:00pm M: $90 / NM: $113*

PRE-SCHOOL CAMPS – AGES 4-5

YOUTH CAMPS—AGES 6-7

TWEEN CAMPS – AGES 8-11

JUNE 6-10 PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOS JUNE 13-17 SECRET GARDEN JUNE 20-24 OUT OF THIS WORLD JUNE 27-JULY 1 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN JULY 5-8 HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE JULY 11-15 SUPER HERO SQUAD JULY 18-22 Y’S GOT TALENT JULY 25-29 H2O-WOW! AUG 1-5 MOVIE CRAZE AUG 8-12 Y OLYMPICS

JUNE 6-10 PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOS JUNE 13-17 SECRET GARDEN JUNE 20-24 JEDI EXPLORERS JUNE 27-JULY 1 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN JULY 5-8 HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE JULY 11-15 SUPER HERO SQUAD JULY 18-22 Y’S GOT TALENT JULY 25-29 H2O-WOW! AUG 1-5 MOVIE CRAZE AUG 8-12 Y OLYMPICS

JUNE 6-10 Y NINJA WARRIOR JUNE 13-17 SECRET GARDEN JUNE 20-24 JEDI EXPLORERS JUNE 27-JULY 1 Y MASTER CHEFS JULY 5-8 HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE JULY 11-15 Y TWEENS, ASSEMBLE! JULY 18-22 Y’S GOT TALENT JULY 25-29 H2O-WOW! AUG 1-5 TECH CRAZE AUG 8-12 Y OLYMPICS

CAMP SALEM

Each special camp or clinic theme includes water fun, games, arts & crafts and more!

CAMPS: Mon-Thu CLINICS: Mon-Wed 9:00-12:00pm M: $70 / NM: $87 9:00-2:00pm M: $90/ NM: $113

PRE-SCHOOL CAMPS—AGES 3-4

YOUTH CAMPS—AGES 5-7

TWEEN CAMPS—AGES 8-11

JUNE 13-16 JUNE 20-23 JULY 5-8 JULY 11-14 JULY 25-28

JUNE 13-16 JUNE 20-23 JULY 5-8 JULY 11-14 JULY 25-28

JUNE 13-16 JUNE 20-23 JULY 5-8 JULY 11-14 JULY 25-28

CLAWS, PAWS & JAWS STAR WARS & SPACE EXPLORER OCEAN COMMOTION TINY EINSTEIN KNIGHTS, DRAGON & PIRATES

MAGIC PLACE CAMPS—AGES 5-12 MAY 30-JUNE 3 JUNE 6-10 JUNE 13-17 JUNE 20-24 JUNE 27-JULY 1 JULY 5-8 JULY 11-15 JULY 18-22 JULY 25-29 AUG 1-5 AUG 8-12 AUG 15-19

BLAST OFF TO STAR WARS MINION MAYHEM ADVENTURELAND WELCOME TO SEUSSEVILLE PARTY IN THE USA MINECRAFT MADNESS Y CULINARY CLINIC WET N WILD GREEN THUMB ALOHA TO SUMMER MAD SCIENTISTS WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

CLAWS, PAWS & JAWS STAR WARS & SPACE EXPLORER SOAKING WET SCI KIDS KNIGHTS, DRAGON & PIRATES

CLAWS, PAWS & JAWS STAR WARS & SPACE EXPLORER SURF’S UP (Tue-Fri ONLY) DESTINATION SCIENCE VARIETY PACK

YOUTH CLINICS—AGES 6-8

TWEEN CLINIC—AGES 8-11

JUNE 27-29 JULY 18-20 AUG 1-3 AUG 8-10 AUG 15-17

JUNE 27-29 JULY 18-20 AUG 1-3 AUG 8-10 AUG 15-17

LEGO MANIA & MORE CLINIC KIDS IN THE KITCHEN CLINIC ART MANIA CLINIC SUMMER OLYMPIC CLINIC HIT THE ROAD CLINIC

Swimming, swim lessons, weekly field trips, breakfasts and lunches are included.

LEGO MANIA & MORE CLINIC KIDS IN THE KITCHEN CLINIC ART MANIA CLINIC SUMMER OLYMPIC CLINIC HIT THE ROAD CLINIC

Mon-Fri $125 registration fee 7:00am-6:00pm M: $100 / NM: $125 *sibling discounts are available

GOAL :

Schyler Sitton was afraid her scoliosis would keep her from playing soccer and competing with her friends.

Our doctors thought differently. To see how our team worked together to help Schyler reach her goal, visit CarilionClinic.org/Goals.

Common ground. Common goal.

Blacksburg Christiansburg Franklin Galax Giles Lexington Martinsville Roanoke Rocky Mount Wytheville

Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences 800-422-8482 | CarilionClinic.org/ION