Growing Up In the Valley June 2015

Growing Up

Southwest & Central Virginia’s Premier Family Resource

In The Valley Volume 3, Issue 10 | june 2015 | FREE

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All About

Baby

Ways to Keep

Baby on Track

Born Too Soon local families share their experiences with premature birth

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Congratulations to the

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Class of 2015 Fourteen students in the 2015 senior class started Roanoke Catholic in Kindergarten.

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Congratulations to them and the entire Class of 2015 as they all head to college with more than $3.3 million in scholarships and grants.

1 Blake Connell

Nick Goad

2 Catherine Cullum

Jordan Grinde

3 Ryan Gerstemeier

Marie-Laure Hengelhaupt

4 Mallorie Noell

Matt Kuehler

5 Morgan McAllister

Angela May

6 Harry Russell

Michael McInnis

7 Julia McDaniel

Arthur Oh

8 Patrick Hager

Libby Patterson

9 Allison George

Sadie Pilgreen

10 Gabriela Arellano

Caroline Poff

11 Marilyn Steinbach

Allison Poggendorf

12 Alexandra Arnold

Vincent Pyle

13 Patrick Strelka

Catalina Rubio

14 Ryen Beach

Christina Rubio

Caleb Amstutz

Connor Snow

Spencer Callaway

Cameron Thompson

Thomas Choi

Gigi Vaccaro

William d'Castrique

Sam Welch

Nick Fittz

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www.roanokecatholic.com

From the Editor

School is out and the summer has begun! Growing Up In the Valley has some great things in store for our readers this summer and we kick it all off with a great Father’s Day giveaway and Father’s Day event, The Royal Ball.

Check out page 26 in this issue to see some of the amazing prizes that Roanoke area fathers can win simply by reading our magazine! While you are checking out prizes for Dad, why not see what prizes you can win, too, in our Contests and Giveaways section, (which is a new addition in this issue)?

Then, flip to page 46 to check out info on The Royal Ball, a Daddy/Daughter Dance, brought to you by Growing Up In the Valley at the Taubman Museum, This one of a kind princess extravaganza is the perfect way for dads to share a special night with their little princesses! Tickets are still available up until the day before the event, so don’t delay!

In this issue we also are focusing on babies. From planning for baby to making sure your baby is on the right developmental track, experts in our area have provided great content for you to read. For even more articles on bringing up baby and resources in our area for new moms and their babies, be sure to visit our website at www. growingupinthevalley.com.

Growing Up Publisher

In The Valley

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

Director of Sales Dee Reynolds dee@mofatmedia.com Aleyna’s Mom

Community Relations

Shelley Sawyer shelley@growingupinthevalley.com Troy and Tucker’s Mom

Social Media

We wish you and your family a very happy and healthy summer vacation!

Savannah Jones savannah@growingupinthevalley.com Kinsley’s Mom

Distribution

Leigh Anne Woods law@growingupinthevalley.com

-Andrea, Josh, Anika & Evelyn Eagan and the rest of The Growing Up In the Valley Team

Photographers

Stefanie Weber, Jessica Farmer, Amanda Robinson

Writers

Teresa Martin, Amanda Powers, Rachel Robinson, Laura Wade, Katie Lewis, Kim Castner, Heidi Blackwelder

Interns

Brad Tomlinson, Daniel Castillo, Marissa Vitulli

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 expressed written consent of the publisher.

© Copyright 2015 MoFat Media

Contact Us Phone: 540-251-1660 Fax: 540-808-1568 Mail: 3812 Concord Place, Roanoke, VA 24018 To Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com To Request Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com To Advertise: dee@Mofatmedia.com To Submit An Event: shelley@growingupinthevalley.com General Inquiries: info@growingupinthevalley.com

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www.Facebook.com/growingupinthevalley @GUPintheValley www.Pinterest.com/Gupinthevalley

In This Issue: Features

22 Born Too Soon March of Dimes families share their stories.

16 Fathers First: A True Fairytale Ending

Health

34 Baby Milestones

Is your baby on track in their development?

37 Bonding with Your Baby Through Touch

Education

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20 Education Beyond School

Preventing summer learning loss & boredom blues!

Family Living 6 Baby Sign Language 10 It’s a Money Thing

Make compound interest work for you.

14 4 Treats for the 4th of July Delicious red, white & blue desserts.

12 Dad of the Month 18 Co-Housing Communities

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The Guide 45 Family Calendar The biggest and best local event calendar

43 Kids Eat Free

Find out all the details where kids dine for free!

Kidz Corner 31 Adventures of Eliza & Joey

The Story continues with Joey & Eliza in King Arthur’s Court

Bradley and Lauren Foster are the proud parents of our cover twins. Peyton and Madison were born on April 17, 2015, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Bradley owns Lighting Ninja, Inc., located in Roanoke. Come see his amazing work at our Royal Ball on June 19th at the Taubman Museum!

Photo by Olinda Pully Photography

Family Living

Benefits of Baby Sign Language Article by Heidi Blackwelder

It sounds too good to be true, right?

But research shows that teaching a baby sign language actually helps their language development, reduces frustration (for both you and your baby), and is also a great bonding experience!

Babies are able to sign much earlier than they can speak. You’ve probably noticed that long before they can say “bye bye” or “pick me up”, babies are able to wave their hand or lift their arms up to you. That’s because motor skills and language comprehension develop much sooner than the ability to speak.

Dr. Joseph Garcia was one of the first to discover the benefits of sign language. His 1986 thesis investigated the role that sign language could play in language acquisition in early childhood. He noticed that babies of deaf parents were able to communicate in sign language at a very young age, and that these infants also seemed less demanding and more at ease than their non-signing counterparts.

So teaching your baby sign language gives you a sneak peek into his mind!

This is especially helpful during the ages of 8 months to 2 years, when babies start to know what they want but still lack the ability to tell you verbally. But with the help of sign language, your baby is able to show you what he is thinking and feeling before his first birthday. Signing is a wonderful tool for opening the lines of communication.

Language Development Some parents worry that teaching their baby sign language will interfere with and delay his speech development.

On the contrary, research shows that signing actually improves vocabulary and language comprehension. Dr. Garcia points out that signing is used in tandem with the spoken word, not replacing it. You talk to your baby when you teach them signs, you explain what you’re looking at or what that strange noise is that you’re hearing, so that your child can form a link between the word(s) and the gesture. And since your child has to be looking at you to see the sign, he is more focused on not only what you’re saying, but what 6

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

you’re doing with your hands as well.

In this way, signing is used to enhance comprehension.

Less Frustration A lot of fussiness is caused by an infant’s inability to tell you what she wants. You want to help but you can’t figure out what she needs, and this can lead to a frustrating situation for both of you! Signing eases this frustration by giving your baby a way to effectively communicate with you. Is she hungry?

She signs “milk”. Is she looking for her favorite toy? She signs “bear”. Suddenly, she’s able to communicate her needs. Life just got a whole lot easier for both of you!

A Closer Bond It’s so fun to see your toddler come running to tell you that he heard a plane outside (swooping his hand) or that he saw a bird at the birdfeeder (pinching thumb and forefinger together beside his cheek). It’s comforting to know that instead of crying because she doesn’t know how else to tell you, your 1-year-old can actually communicate with you if there’s something she needs. Signing is great because in teaching your baby signs, you hold them close and help their little hands make the right motions. These teaching moments are special moments, and parents and children both benefit from this kind of interaction.

I’ve seen in my own life how signing has helped my daughter. It was so exciting to see her learn a new sign and so gratifying when she used it in the right situation, because I knew that she really understood. Being able to make two-way communication possible at such an early age (she started signing back at around 9-10 months) was truly, wonderfully life-changing. Even now at 2 years old while she’s talking up a storm, she will still occasionally incorporate a sign into her dialogue.

How to Do It Your signing “curriculum” can be as structured or as free-form as you want. For those who like to go more in-depth, there are programs like Dr. Garcia’s Sign2Me (www.sign2me.com) or Baby Signs (www.babysignstoo.com).

Or for those who prefer a simpler, more relaxed approach, there are websites like www.signingsavvy.com with video dictionaries of words in ASL, so you can pick and choose which signs to teach, and focus on those that are relevant to your family and lifestyle. My daughter loved the Signing Time series with Rachel Coleman, and that one is a great resource because it pairs signs with fun songs and cartoons. Check out your local library to see if they have any of the DVDs available.

It’s easy to get started! Choose a few signs that hold some significance for your child, such as “mommy”, “daddy”, “milk”, “eat”, or “all done”.

“More” is another common one, and is often the first sign babies learn because it can be used for so many different things. Or if you have a pet, “dog” is a good one to know. You only need a few to start out, 3 or 4 should

do the trick. When your baby becomes more adept at forming them, you can expand his repertoire.

Once you have your initial signs chosen, simply begin integrating them into your daily routine to give them context. For example, during mealtimes, ask your baby if he wants some more while doing the sign at the same time. Or when daddy gets home from work, make the sign for “father” while you exclaim “Daddy’s home!” The key is repetition.

Be sure to make signing fun! Babies love interaction, so involve your child in signing. Sit her on your lap or in front of you, hold her hands in yours, and form a sign with her hands while you say the word for it. Alternate between talking and not talking when you sign.

Feel free to start signing with your child at any age, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. Keep in mind that most babies cannot sign back until they are about 8 months old. And when they do sign back, acknowledge it! Give lots of encouragement and praise.

Don’t lose heart if your child sometimes forms signs incorrectly. It takes practice! The goal is a happier baby with improved communication skills, not perfection. Before you know it, you and your baby will be understanding each other like never before!

Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ baby-sign-language/AN02127 http://www.babysignlanguage.com/ http://www.babycenter.com/0_signing-with-your-baby-or-toddler-how-tocommunicate-before_1449533.bc

Choosing the right school is a monumental decision that will impact the rest of your child’s life.

We are amazed each day by what our son learns and how this CHRISTIAN CLASSICAL approach is teaching him so much. Learning from a perspective with God as the center of everything gives our son the ability to REASON and UNDERSTAND what he is learning.

Our son is in the right place.

He is at Faith Christian School. ~ Marvin & Michele Bright& MicheleBright

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JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

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The Guide

Through the years, he’s always been there to help you along. Show your appreciation for Dad with special gifts he would love to receive.

Check out these gift ideas to make this Father’s Day one he won’t forget.

Give a Moment, Not Just a Gift Louis M. Martini Winery reminds us to “Seize the Cabernet” and share a moment over a glass of wine this Father’s Day. Give the wine, share a glass and enjoy a special moment with your 8

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

dad - or any dad. For a limited time, the winery is offering two Seize the Cabernet collections: a Seize the Cabernet Trio ($100) and a six-bottle, Ultimate Seize the Cabernet collection ($375), each with a collector’s box.

Available at www. louismartini.com.

Ultimate Gift for the King of the Grill Give dad what

he really wants this Father’s Day steaks fit for a king. Make him smile with Omaha Steaks’ King Cut steaks, which include a 36-ounce New York Strip, 48-ounce Ribeye on the Bone, 48-ounce T-Bone and 72-ounce Top Sirloin. Available in cuts as thick as 3 to 6 inches, this is one gift he’ll love

so much, he may feel generous enough to share. For information, visit www.

OmahaSteaks.com/KingCuts.

The Gift of Smart Home Safety Give Dad peace of mind when he is away with Kidde’s RemoteLync. The Wi-Fi enabled remote notification device plugs into a single outlet and listens for a home’s existing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. A patented technology distinguishes between alarm beeps and background noise. When triggered, RemoteLync alerts you and your designated contacts through a free app on iOS and Android devices, email and text message. There is an option to call 911 directly. To learn more, visit http:// remotelync.kidde. com.

er been easier - or more stylish - than with the new AQUOS Crystal smartphone. With its stunning picture quality, vibrant display, incredible audio capability and a sleek, 5-inch edge-toedge HD screen, AQUOS Crystal revolutionizes the mobile phone experience.

The chic, compact exterior houses a smartphone powered by Android 4.4.2 KitKat and supported by the ultra-fast Sprint Spark network. Explore phone and plan pricing at www.boostmobile. com.

Protect what’s most important Hand-y Tool Set For the dad who is happiest when his hands are dirty, Husky Mechanics Tool Set gives him everything he needs to work on his car and tackle household projects. With 111 pieces, it offers two ratchets, 70 sockets, 22 bits and 14 hex keys in a case perfect for storing in the shed, tossing in the back of the truck or tucking away in a closet.

Visit www.homedepot.com for additional details.

Sound on the Go A portable speaker is the perfect gift for a dad on the go. Kinivo’s ZX100 mini speaker is small enough to fit the palm of Dad’s hand so he can take it anywhere he goes. With a price as modest as its size, this portable speaker offers the quality and features, such as a rechargeable battery, to make it a sound gift dad will surely appreciate. Learn more at www.kinivo.com.

Smart Connectivity Keeping in touch with Dad has nev-

Growing Up in the Valley is honoring Fantastic Fathers with a week long daily giveaway on our Facebook Page! Check out page 27 for the full details!

your family.

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Interest It Pays To StartCompound Saving Now MIND BEND Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

In case you haven’t heard, compound interest is the best.

You may remember it as an equation you had to memorize for math class, but it’s so much more than that. It’s the concept that powers all sorts of savings and investment products and, over time, allows you to turn your money into, well, more money!

Even though compound interest is easy to understand—compound interest = more money for you!—those who can potentially benefit most from it (those in their teens and 20s) don’t seem to be taking advantage of it. Savings contributions and retirement savings participation rates are falling among young adults.

So if we understand that compound interest translates into free money down the road, what could possibly be standing in the way?

As it turns out, it’s not so much a math or finance issue as it is a life issue—if we have trouble identifying our life goals, we’ll also have trouble planning and saving for them. At the risk of sounding like Dr. Phil, we need to understand ourselves before we can fully understand our finances.

Acknowledge the big picture This is a tough one, because a lot happens between your teens and your 30s. You’ll experience a combination of moving out, starting your career, dealing with student loans, getting married, financing a home—all these things

have their own set of stresses that make it difficult to see past them.

Details make your goals more tangiWhen you’re a new grad and job ble, more immediate therefore, Compound interest is the and, eighth wonder hunting, it’s hard to imagine yourself of the easier to commit Take a little world.

He who to. understands it, time, retiring in 40 years. If you’re living doit… a little research and turnit… your big earns He who doesn’t, pays with your family rent-free, it’s hard picture into something you can start on – Albert Einstein to imagine yourself putting down a right now. deposit on a home. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it’s hard to Don’t let decisions overwhelm you Compound interest interest on making your interest: imagine having enough to pay off yourmeans Notearning many people enjoy student loans. decisions—especially when it comes YEAR 0 YEAR 1 YEAR 2 to life changes and major financial The first step is to acknowledge that commitments.

It’s easy todeposit understand initial deposit initial + interest you want these things, even if they why—decision-making is scary (not so initial deposit seem impossible right now.

You want much the actual “deciding” part, but to retire comfortably. You want to buy more the “fear-of-making-the-wronga home. You want to live debt-free. decision-and-regretting-everything-forYou may even want to travel or go ever” part). back to school. These goals may seem moreto earned interest earned interest far away, but they’re definitely there Savings goals require you make a lot and they’re certainly not going away. of big decisions. You need to choose a powerful concept in focus saving Every day that goes by It’s is one day goals to on,and youinvesting. need to choose closer to the time when you want to between different banking products achieve those goals. and you need to choose how to distribute your savings contributions. SomeThe good news is that a little bit of times the choices are brutally blunt, your time and energy now can go a such as choosing between owning a car long way later. Make an appointment and paying off your credit card debt. with our credit union to learn about savings products. Take 10 minutes The important thing is to not let all and set up a direct deposit into your that decision-making overwhelm you. savings account. When you’re dealing Remember: just by facing those deciwith compound interest, the longer sions, you’re making progress, because you wait to get started, the less 3 money you’re+establishing what’s most imporStrategies Takeaways you’ll earn in the long run. tant to you and renewing your commitment to your goals.

Lack of clarity is self-sabotage STRATEGY 1 If you’re already at the stage where you can see the big picture, it’s time to get specific. You know you want to VS. Laurissa resides in Roanoke save for your retirement—great! But with her family and is the how much is that, exactly? $350,000?

Director of Marketing for A million dollars? More? Do © What happens if you withdraw your interest as you earn it?

Credit Union.

Blue Eagle you have any idea?

She has worked in credit unions for more These questions aren’t than 20 years, meant to overwhelm$1,000 you, initial deposit has a passion 5% annual return but if they caught you off for financial Doesn’t touch his account guard that means it’s time education, to add some real dollar and believes $ amounts EINSTEIN and real timelines stronger to your big-picture goals. individuals For example, you could make a turn “saving for home stronger Total interest earned after 35 years: ownership” into “saving community. $50,000 in the next 12 years for a down payment $1,000 initial deposit on a home”.

5% annual return Spends the interest every year

How to make the most of

COMPOUND INTEREST

SAVING THE INTEREST

SPENDING THE INTEREST

$4,516

BLIPPY

Blippy’s spending keeps his interest from increasing

$

Stars of the Valley

Dad of the Month:

Bruce Bryan In a month where we celebrate Fathers, our “Dad of the Month” is a worthy recipient. Bruce Bryan was nominated because of the inspirational person that he is. While he struggles like most parents do from time-totime, he maintains a great sense of humor, positive attitude and an evident love for his children (and grandchild!) that is worthy of being celebrated.

“As you can see from the pictures, my family has a little different make up. I was married for over 20 years and we had three children together.

We’d always wanted to adopt and when the opportunity to add Madeline to our family arose, we were all thrilled. In fact, Danny (almost 8 at the time) jumped up and ran around the restaurant table in excitement. Tee spent his first night with us on his first birthday and he’s been ours ever since.

Obviously, the kids all look different, but they also have their own distinct personalities. As you start to think you know what you are doing as a parent, you quickly realize the different techniques that used to work on other children don’t help at all. You better learn to roll with it.”

Bruce also adds, “The one thing that is absolutely the same is our love for them. They each have a special place in my heart. I think about them all the time – laughing sometimes and crying others. My feelings for those three amazing children are interchangeable.

Complete love. Period.”

Name: Bruce C. Bryan Occupation: Advertising Czar – B2C Enterprises (a marketing and advertising agency based in downtown Roanoke)

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Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

Father of: Dan (27), Maddy (19), and Tee (13). Plus, a daughter in law Amanda (26) and a granddaughter Nora (almost 1) When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun? I’ve worked with some others to start a few area non-profits --- Help Save The Next Girl and the Down By Downtown Music Festival. I love to play basketball at the Kirk Family YMCA and I work out there. I like to hang out with friends and eat at some of the great local restaurants. I enjoy live music, traveling, and binge watching Vince Gilligan TV shows.

What music is on your iPod? Like everyone, I have a wide range of musical tastes – Counting Crows, new stuff like Scars on 45, Aloe Blacc, and James Bay, Springsteen, U2, Linkin Park, and Motown.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you? My eldest child, Dan, was born in Roanoke when I worked here for about a year and a half back in the late 80’s.

What’s your favorite book? That’s a tough one --- probably John Adams (and 1776) by David McCullough.

What are you passionate about? Equal Rights and Equality in general. I think we can do a better job as a society looking out for people who don’t have as much opportunity and making sure the playing field is a bit more level.

How has being a dad changed you? I’ve been a dad for a long time now. Early on, I thought I knew what I was doing.

As the different children come along, you realize how little control you actually have. Being a good parent is doing the best you can, admitting the mistakes you’ve made, and sharing love as much and as openly as you can. At first I was one of the young parents, now I’m one of the older parents – as I’ve grown older, I’ve determined I really don’t know as much as I thought I did. So long answer into one word – humility.

What inspires you? Seeing kids – all kinds of kids – doing amazing things.

I love watching them invent, accomplish, and achieve things our generation never could have even imagined.

It’s fashionable to complain about the next generation, but I find them inspiring also.

What is your pet peeve? In Roanoke, it’s the challenge people have merging onto our highways. It’s speed up then merge, not the other way around. In general, it’s when people make off handed racist or hateful remarks without thinking.

What’s the best memory you have with your kids? I’m not sure I have one specific memory that involves all of them. Last summer, Tee and his buddy went crabbing at my brother’s place on the Chesapeake and it was a lot of fun watching them have so much success

Stars of the Valley – plus he didn’t love eating them so I got to enjoy the bounty. It was always so much fun watching Maddy dance (I loved those recitals when she was a little girl). One thing that I’ll always remember about Dan was when he came up to me in his 10th grade year and said he was going to play soccer.

He hadn’t played since he was like six, but they needed three more boys to play to fill out the JV team. He did it and ended up playing varsity later in high school, too!

Do you have a favorite quote? “This whole thing was started by a mouse.”

Walt Disney How do you find balance in your life?

I admittedly struggle with that. A few things I try do seem to help…I try to mix time alone with time with friends.

I do what I can to focus on my children as they allow and it works into everyone’s schedules. I keep my computer off for a whole day on Saturday or Sunday.

Getting some sort of physical exercise five or six times a week seems to help me regroup as well. I find I am a better human being when I can take some time to play basketball.

What advice do you have for other dads out there? No matter what you hear back – tell your kids you love them. They can never hear it enough.

Where are you originally from? Wilmington, Delaware originally via the Midwest. So I guess you can say I was “imported from (Greater) Detroit”.

What is/has been the biggest challenge in your life? Hmmm... I think losing my Sales Manager job twice in two years (2007, 2009) while setting records at both media companies. I had to make an abrupt career change in the middle of one of the most difficult economic times our country has faced. On a personal level, I’d say it’s staying connected with my two younger children even though they live with their mother in Northwestern Ohio.

How would you describe your parenting style? Understanding, Creative, and Flexible. A lot of that comes from the distance I have and my particular situation. I’ve learned there are many things that are out of my control, but many ways I can still make an impact. I try hard to be intentional and do what I can to stay connected – even from a distance.

What is your favorite food? Chocolate Chip Cookies (but I do like a lot of different kinds of foods … ha ha)

You’re stranded on an island, what 3 things do you want with you? My iPhone, a solar charger, and a WiFi connection What is your favorite holiday? Flag Day? I’ve got a strange relationship with holidays actually. Most of my family is away from the Roanoke area, so I usually cobble together a pretty good time, but it’s quite different from most folks’ experience I would think.

Favorite movie or tv show? “Remember the Titans” is my favorite movie.

My favorite TV show is “Breaking Bad”.

What is your favorite dish to cook?

Peach Cobbler What’s your favorite thing to do with your children? With Tee, I love watching him play basketball and football.

With Maddy, I love traveling to new places. With Dan, I like seeing him with his wife, daughter and the granddogs and I enjoy working with him (he’s doing account management work with B2C Enterprises in Chattanooga, TN).

What is your dream vacation? I am ready to go back to Grenada, West Indies again. I went there twice with Dan in the 2000s and it’s changed so much. I love that island! Or if I’m really dreaming – maybe Italy or the French countryside.

Nominate a parent to be Growing Up in the Valley’s Mom or Dad of the Month

by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

13

Family Fun

4 Easy Treats for the 4th of July Everyone will be bringing something to the 4th of July picnic, but you can bring the grand finale. Each of these tasty, sweet treats captures the flair of the 4th without the fuss. In just a little time, you can add patriotic color and fun flavor to classics like cupcakes, ice cream cones and cookies.

It’s a great feeling to bring a dessert that can’t miss. The Wilton Test Kitchen developed these deliciously easy ideas to go with your summer celebration so you can enjoy the fireworks with everyone else. For more party ideas, visit www.wilton.com.

1

Dipped Ice Cream Cones Yield: 12 ice cream cones

• 1 bag (12 ounces) of Bright White Candy Melts Candy • 12 sugar ice cream cones • 1 jar of assorted sprinkles

Melt candy in microwave safe bowl. Dip cones about 1 inch deep around opening of cone. Cut small hole in tip of bag and drizzle melted candy 1 inch deep around opening of cone. Tap cone lightly to smooth, and sprinkle with sprinkles. Position cone in cone rack. Let chill, about 10–15 minutes. Add ice cream scoops at party and serve in cone rack.

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Red, White and Blue Swirled Cupcakes

3

S’mores Crispy Cereal Treats

4

Creamy Coconut Cookie Flag 14

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

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Stars of the Valley

Fathers First: A True Fairytale Ending Article by: Dee Reynolds In recognition of some great dads during the month of June, Growing Up In the Valley and Wish Upon A Star Entertainment are proud to honor two deserving dads in the “Fathers First” program with a pair of tickets to the Royal Ball: A Daddy/Daughter Dance on June 19th. This program is a part of Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) and provides fathers the opportunity for classroom/group interaction to address family issues such as healthy relationships, communication skills and parenting responsibilities.

The two fathers that we are recognizing, Ryan and Robert, both enrolled in the Fathers First Program in Alleghany County back in October of 2013. At the time, both were very young and had not yet reached their full fathering potential and needed the skills/ techniques that Fathers First had to offer. Ryan is the father of one daughter, who was struggling to stay in a relationship that he was not happy in. Through the program, he realized 16

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

being in an unhappy situation was not good for his daughter and learned how to co-parent with her mother (without court involvement). He is working parttime at Kroger, has his own place and attributes much of his success to the skills learned in Fathers First.

The other recipient, Robert, is the father of three and the stepfather of one child. Before he joined Fathers First, he didn’t have the best relationship with his two youngest children’s mother and was not able to see them at all. Overcoming a lot of anger issues, Fathers First taught him empathy and the ability to see things from another person’s perspective. He now gets to see his children two days a week, due to his willingness to take ownership of his past and his amazing growth.

Shortly after graduating from the program, both Ryan and Robert have become Fatherhood Coaches in the program. Since then, they have grown to a level of maturity that has surpassed

the expectations of the program’s leadership team. They take suggestions as positive stepping stones, and have both facilitated activities and lessons, have participated in parent-child events, recruiting events, etc. They have exemplified the meaning of the Fathers First program and have proven (through their growth and actions) that they want more for their children.

Having the opportunity to attend The Royal Ball: Daddy/Daughter Dance is not only a fairytale for their daughters, but for them as well.

For more information on the Fathers First program, please call the Fathers First Program Manager, Nick Kline, at (540) 767-6229 or (540) 767-6230. The program is available for residents of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke and Rockbridge Counties, as well as the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington, Roanoke and Salem.

 

Monday, 6/15 Tuesday, 6/16

Wednesday, 6/17

Thursday, 6/18

Friday, 6/19

Saturday, 6/20

10 am: “Happy Feet” Movie at Main 2-4 pm: Rock Wall Climbing at Jackson Park 2 pm: Guitar Pick Jewelry for Teens at Melrose 10:30 am: Mill Mountain Theatre: Rootabaga! at Main 11 am: hop  top toryme at alley iew eranch 2 pm: Teen Movie “Fame” at Jackson Park 2 pm: Guitar Pick Jewelry for Teens at Main 2-4 pm: Rock Wall Climbing at Gainsboro 3 pm: Yoga Fun (age 7-11) at Williamson Rd. 6 pm: Meet Elvis (all ages) at Main 10:30 am: “ooks with a eat” toryme at Main 10:30 am: Yoga Fun (age 3-6) at Williamson Rd. 2 pm: Guitar Pick Jewelry for Teens at Williamson Rd. 2-4 pm: Rock Wall Climbing at Melrose 10:30 am: ids Cra at Jackson Park 10:30 am: mart tart toryme at Williamson Rd. 2-4 pm: Rock Wall Climbing at Williamson Rd. 2 pm: Guitar Pick Jewelry for Teens at Gainsboro 4 pm: EG Playme at Gainsboro 10:30 am: illy toryme at Gainsboro 2 pm: Teen Movie “chool of Rock” at Main 2 pm: Guitar Pick Jewelry for Teens at Jackson Park 3 pm: ids Cra at Melrose 2 pm: Family Movie at Gainsboro 2 pm: Gaming Unplugged at Melrose

Family Living

Cohousing Communities: More Than Just A Neighborhood Article by: Dee Reynolds Photos Provided by: Jubilee CoHousing We have all seen the sitcoms depicting a neighborhood where everyone knew each other by name. They borrowed a cup of sugar for a recipe if they were running low, or stood at the mailbox and talked at length about their family, children and dinner menus. Kids played ball in the back yard and neighborhood picnics were the norm during summer months. Now, many live in their homes for months without even learning their neighbors’ names. The neighborhood dynamic has changed over the years with the hustle and bustle of busy schedules, and parents are cautious to send their children out in the neighborhood unattended. However, there are still those that hold fast the traditional values of community and see the many benefits that a close-knit neighborhood can provide -- especially from a parenting perspective. Many of these families are finding themselves more and more intrigued by cohousing communities that are becoming more and more popular across the country.

residents are actively and intentionally participating in the design, operation, etc. of their own neighborhood. They normally consist of private, small

In a nutshell, cohousing is a collaborative housing situation where the

homes, a community building/common house, and recreation areas. Seeking a

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Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

healthy blend of privacy and community, the neighborhoods are laid out with homes facing each other, children’s playgrounds, community gardens, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, etc.

While there are many advantages to cohousing communities and variations on how they are set up across the nation, many parents feel the largest advantage to cohousing can be seen from a parenting perspective.

Many parents feel that cohousing is easier, more supportive and less lonely for adults and certainly more fun, free-ranging, spontaneous, social and creative for kids, than in the typical housing situation of most of today’s families. Some advantages of cohousing from a parent’s perspective include: -Safe places for kids to play. (Many of the communities have restricted automobile access and centralized parking, allowing children to run freely without worrying about cars zipping down the road).

-Freedom for neighborhood children

to be outdoors without the need for constant, direct parental supervision.

-Parents can effortlessly trade off on keeping an eye on the younger kids at the playground or around the community.

-Instead of organizing “play dates” and all of the transportation back and forth, they can have social interaction with their peers in their own neighborhood!

-Childcare decision making (and costs!) can be eliminated with easy access to childcare from other adults/teens in the neighborhood.

-Friendships among community children blossom with elder kids watching out for (and teaching) younger kids, as you might expect to see in an extended family.

-Resources for families and children to take advantage of (i.e., a kids room or game room in the common house) where kids and adults can go to get out of the house and encounter others.

-Access to mentors and the skills of other community members that can help children discover and develop their own abilities.

Recognizing that the recent housing crisis has made it increasingly difficult for younger families with children to buy a home, many cohousing communities across the country are reaching out to help make it possible for interested families with children to become a part of a cohousing environment.

One such community is just down the road in Floyd, Virginia. Jubilee Cohousing shares in this vision and expects their community to eventually be composed of families with children. These families and their input is crucial during the community design process for this neighborhood of thirty-three Passivhaus homes (ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling) plus a common house. Future resident families will also want to have a say in the design and placement of play areas, community gardens, a dog park and other features that will be integrated into the site plan.

While the concept of cohousing may be new to many, the basis behind community-based living is something that has been around for decades! In today’s society with parents having to face more and more outside influences (crime, media, bullying, finances, etc.), a cohousing community may just be the answer to what parents have been looking for as they raise their children.

For more information about raising children in a cohousing community, please visit http://jubileecoho.com/ for information, frequently asked questions, resources, links, etc. They would love to hear from families who are interested in their community specifically, or cohousing in general.

There are tons of great testimonials from families who have embraced the cohousing community model and learning more about if this is the right fit for your family is sure to be an inspiring, eye-opening and informative endeavour!

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Education Station

Education Beyond School School’s out but your child’s brain doesn’t have to stop growing during the summer. Katie Lewis, a local high school teacher, shares ideas on keeping your children’s mind and bodies active during the lazy summer days.

By the time you are reading this, school will be out or at least almost out. Thoughts of pools, beaches, and sunshine fill most students’ minds. And rightfully so. While I don’t think it’s necessary for students to do massive amounts of school work over the summer, I think it’s important to prevent them from becoming lazy and complacent. This can be done even through play. For instance, instead of letting them sit around and play video games all day, encourage them to get outside for some physical activity: bike riding, hiking, flying a kite, etc. Depending on their age, these activities, of course, might involve you, but getting some fresh air and a little exercise is good for all of us.

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Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

Chores can also keep kids from being lazy. Make them help out more over the summer…without getting paid for it. Now that’s a novel idea! Kids expect things handed to them, and if they do chores, most expect to be paid. While an allowance isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s okay to put kids to work for free. You can also try and make it fun.

What if, over the summer, older children were in charge of making dinner on occasion? It could be sandwiches and fresh fruit, but it’s still giving them a sense of responsibility and keeping them from becoming summer bums. And giving you a break.

As an English teacher, one of my favorite summer suggestions is to have your children read over the summer.

I look so forward to my summers off because I actually have time to read.

I’m so tired during the school year that I typically fall asleep when I try to read in the evenings, no matter how good the book is. However, not everyone loves reading as much as I do. For older children, maybe try reading a slightly advanced book together or reading the same book independently so that you can talk about it. If your older elementary, middle or even high school-aged children read a novel during the school year, rent the movie and talk about it. Or, if there is a sequel, encourage them to read it. Anything to keep their expanding minds from going into summer shutdown is a plus.

I’m not telling you to manipulate your children (okay, maybe I am a little bit), but I am saying that there are ways we can keeps kids active and keep their minds engaged, so go that going back to school in the fall isn’t such a bummer and system shocker.

A few other ideas that you could put into practice: • Have your children handwrite letters to their grandparents. Yes, I said handwrite. Or have them write and mail postcards to family and friends from your vacation destinations. Many hotels give out free postcards and will even mail them for free.

• If you or your children are in need of certain items, have them do some online shopping, encouraging them to look at various stores to find the best deals, waiting for help, of course, for the final checkout.

• Plant a small garden and have them take care of it.

• Watch the occasional educational television program. Believe it or not, Discovery, History and other channels have some quite interesting programs.

• Find an art or writing contest online, and get them to produce something to enter.

• Create a list of things for them to find in nature and go on a hike in search of the items.

Be creative! There are so many easy ways to help our children have fun, productive, active, and mind-opening summers. And in the end, it will help you out, as well as them. Education goes beyond the school year. You can make this happen without your kids even knowing it.

• Get them to clean out their room and then together take the items to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army or have a family yard sale.

• Have them complete a volunteer activity, such as accompanying you to the Rescue Mission.

• Have your children go online and research some day trips for the family (places to hike, museums to visit, etc.) or have them search for healthy, fun summer recipes.

CrashCourse

• Download apps that are at least semi-educational, such as trivia and word games.

• Continuing with the writing theme, find a pen-pal program in which they can become involved.

• Have your children keep track of their steps through a digital app and set certain goals.

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JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

21

Stars of the Valley

Born Too Soon

Article provided by March Of Dimes, Photos & Stories provided by families.

For over 75 years, the March of Dimes has been the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Funds raised by March for Babies in Virginia help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, newborn intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. With chapters nationwide the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Local families supported by March of Dimes share their miraculous and heartbreaking stories. her gross motor skills. She is a true testimony of the power of God and the astonishing work that is done each day by the nurses and doctors at the Roanoke Memorial Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I can’t thank the team of doctors and nurses enough for all the love, care and support that they offered not only to Autumn, but to our family as well.”

Autumn

“Autumn spent 86 days in NICU and because of her early delivery she was diagnosed with Chronic Lung disease.

She was discharged on January 18th 2014, with oxygen and an apnea monitor. By the grace of God, our little miracle grew stronger every day. I am still amazed at how far she has come.

Autumn currently receives physical therapy monthly to help improve 22

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

Keely & Chase “Chase and Keely Mitchell entered the world at 26 weeks, March 26th, 2006 weighing in at 1 lb. 13 oz. and 1 lb. 12 oz., respectively. Three days after they

were born, Keely Marie developed a hole in her lung. This hole destabilized the pressure in her brain and caused stage 4 brain bleeding on the right side and stage 3 on the left side. The doctors gave her a grim prognosis and we were with her when she went to heaven on her 5th day on this earth.

Chase was such a little fighter. He continued to be attached to monitors, IVs, breathing tubes and feeding tubes.

He had a stage 3 brain bleed that continued to evolve. Two weeks after Chase was born, he had to undergo a PDA ligation. This meant returning to the vent for breathing and opening him twice to get to his little heart and close up the hole. He did remarkably well and was alert right after surgery.

He continued to fight and was in the hospital for a total of 80 days.

At eight years old he is over the growth charts. Chase loves to play football and baseball, and is a great student in the 3rd grade. His development is on track as of now, but we still may have to contend with development or learning issues.”

Stars of the Valley a specialist for high risk pregnancies. I again was admitted to the hospital for bed rest for preeclampsia. I was terrified! I had a one year old at home to worry about while worrying if our little man was going to make it.

On March 14, 2006, the doctor said it was time. Eli was born at 27 weeks, weighing only 2 pounds 1 ounce. Eli’s lungs weren’t ready even though I had gotten the shots to help them. I remember going to see him one day and his whole little body was vibrating with this special ventilator. He had lost weight and weighed only a pound and a half. That is a day I’ll never forget. Eli spent most of his time in the NICU on a ventilator. He was a month old before we ever really got to hold him. Once he came off the vent things seemed to move more quickly. Eli spent 96 days in the NICU. The day he came home was a very happy day.

Both Skylar and Eli are very fortunate.

Neither have any health problems, other than typical colds that seem to take longer to get over. Skylar now enjoys cheerleading and volleyball and Eli loves playing football and baseball.”

Skylar & Eli

“At the end of February 2005, I went in for a prenatal checkup and was told to go home and rest. The next day I got a call telling me they were admitting me to the hospital. I was to be on bed rest. I had preeclampsia. Two weeks passed. After some tests came back, my doctor told me it was time to have a baby. We started out having Skylar the natural way but she had other plans.

Skylar was born on March 4 2005, at 32 weeks weighing 3 pounds 4 ounces via C-section. She was on oxygen for a while, but her big issue was she didn’t want to eat. She finally would get the hang of sucking a bottle but then her stats would drop and we would have to start all over. Skylar stayed in the NICU for six weeks. I was very thankful when she was finally able to come home.

A little time passed and again we found out we were pregnant. I was very hopeful we would have a full term pregnancy, even though doctors had told me it probably wouldn’t happen. I was seeing the same doctor along with

Olivia “‘Prepare yourselves for stillborn baby’ were the words I remember the doctor telling my husband, William and me before I delivered a 26 week baby girl weighing 1 pound 13 ounces, 13 inches

long on Thursday, June 13,1991. She literally fit right in my hand. We got to see her briefly before they took her NICU where she would spend the next 10 weeks. The neonatologists and NICU nurses at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital were amazing and were attentive not only to the tiny babies fighting for their lives, but to the parents who were thrown into a world of unknown circumstances.

We work in healthcare; I’m an OB/GYN nurse at Physicians To Women and William is a med tech at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. We are accustomed to tubes, IVs, machines and ventilators, but it’s a completely different scenario when it’s your own baby. Our summer consisted of frequent visits to the NICU and phone calls for updates when we weren’t at her bedside.

Olivia was and still is a fighter as she constantly pulled out her breathing tube. Although she could breathe on her own, the nurses explained that she needed to conserve her energy to gain weight. Olivia had to learn to drink my breast milk from a bottle and breathe at the same time. Seems like a simple task but after a few days, we were pleased to capture a picture of our preemie not only drinking her nourishment but holding the bottle. Olivia received two blood transfusions during her stay and still has scars on her heels from the constant needle sticks. Olivia was constantly monitored; as she would occasional forget to breathe. We were told of numerous discharge dates only to have our dreams of taking her home dashed until she would have no spells for 5 consecutive days. We were able to use this time to prepare her nursery and for parenthood. William and I brought Olivia home on August 27, 1991 weighing 4 pounds 4 ounces.

She had bilateral hernia surgery in October, 1991 with no problems and has stigmatism in her left eye that is corrected with eye glasses and contacts.

Today, Olivia is an answer to numerous prayers. She has excelled in her scholastic career. She is a 2009 graduate of North Cross School, Roanoke, Virginia and 2012 graduate of the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia. She is presently working for the Law Offices of Daniel L Crandall in Roanoke, Virginia with plans to become a paralegal.

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

23

Stars of the Valley Olivia is our “miracle” and has a bright and promising future. She is why we support the March of Dimes in hopes that every pregnancy will produce a healthy, live and thriving baby.”

Kylie

“Kylie surprised us all when she arrived exactly 8 weeks before her due date.

She ultimately spent those eight weeks

in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Kylie faced many challenges while in the NICU; beginning with a mild case of jaundice, which lasted for several days. From there she required several IV lines to fight off infection.

Kylie’s biggest challenge was learning to eat from a bottle. Born 8 weeks early, her lungs were not fully developed and she did not have the instincts that full term babies have when feeding. She had a number of incidents in which she would forget to breathe while eating. On several occasions Kylie’s face would turn blue and nurses had to give her oxygen.

Because of these incidents, she had to see a speech therapist and a radiologist, who could determine whether there were problems with her airway.

From the speech therapist, my husband and I learned how to recognize warning signs while she was eating; how to hold Kylie so that she didn’t choke; and how to respond in the event that she did begin to choke. After several weeks, and numerous sessions with the speech therapist, Kylie was finally able to have her feeding tube removed and was able to use a bottle consistently.

The next few weeks were difficult for my husband and me because Kylie still was having incidents when her breathing was interrupted while eating, and the doctors and nurses told us that she would be kept in the NICU until she had several feedings without any such incidents. Each time Kylie ate, my husband and I were there encouraging her because we were ready to take her home!

Finally, after countless weeks in the NICU, Kylie was able to come home on October 23, 2008. However, we still faced many challenges. We had to check her temperature every hour to make sure she didn’t get to hot or cold, and we also had to monitor her feedings to ensure that she didn’t forget to breathe Kylie is now three years old, and is growing up so fast. Watching her play, you would never know she was born prematurely.”

How You Can Help

Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns and a major cause of serious health problems. Nearly half a million babies are born prematurely every year and here in Virginia, over 12,000 babies are born prematurely annually. The March of Dimes is leading a national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research to find the causes and by supporting local programs that offer hope and help to families with a baby in intensive care.

The March of Dimes is working at all levels to ensure the health of mothers and babies. By leveraging its resources as part of a large national non-profit organization, our local March of Dimes chapter is able to form local alliances and secure partnerships with government officials, state and local agencies, medical institutions and hospitals, and other groups. By working together, we have a greater impact on maternal and infant health in our community.

24

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

At all K-Mart stores located in the Greater Blue Ridge area through June 20 customers are being asked to donate to the March of Dimes with each purchase. Last year’s campaign raised more than $45,000, and, according to Jeremy Bays, manager of the K-Mart in the New Crossroads Mall on Hershberger Road in Roanoke, this year that amount will certainly increase.

“We changed the functionality of our registers this year,” Bays explained.

“The opportunity to donate is now part of our keypad so when someone pays, the machine asks if he or she wants to donate. Our cashiers cannot go on with the payment process until the question is answered.” Martina Cannon, GBR March of Dimes Director, is thrilled that K-Mart continues to be a “champion for all babies” and the March of Dimes Mission.

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Contests & Giveaways

Fantastic Fathers!

Growing Up in the Valley is honoring fathers with a daily giveaway extravaganza! Follow our Facebook Page to learn how to enter to win a fabulous prize every day June 15 - June 21.

You could win: Abuelos Gift Certificates 1 Hour Massage at Massage Envy Famous Anthony’s Gift Certificate Family 4-pack of tickets to Wet-N-Wild $25 Mastercard from Blue Eagle Credit Union 4 Tickets to Splash Valley Family 4-pack of tickets to Virginia Canopy Tours Zip The Park!

Free Oil Change From Woodson Honda

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.

Sign up by emailing guitv@getresponse.net

WINS Wednesdays Growing Up in the Valley hosts weekly flash giveaways every Wednesday on our Facebook Page. We’ve given away tickets to shows, concerts, museums, games, toys, books & more! Be on the lookout for a very special game giveaway from April Nix, Discovery Toys Independent Consultant this June. Follow us on Facebook to find out what we’re giving away this week!

Parent of the Month Nomination Nominate a worthy parent to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com, or by mailing the following questionaire to P.O. BOX 823, Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064.

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

Your Name:_______________________________________ Your Email Address:________________________________ Nominee’s Name:__________________________________ Nominee’s Email Address:___________________________ Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Parent of the Month? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Win an iPad Mini It’s time for the 2nd annual Growing Up in the Valley Star Awards!

Nominate your favorite local businesses to be in the running for the coveted Gold Star Award.

We will pick one voter to win an iPad Mini, so make sure you follow the contest at growingupinthevalley.com/star-awards to find out when voting opens!

Accepting Nominations For Best: • Car Dealership • Chiropractor • Date Night Restaurant • Dentist • Dessert Shop • Family Restaurant • Family Entertainment (Movie Theatre, Bowling Lanes etc.)

• Museum • OB/GYN • Orthodontist • Pediatrician • Pre School/Day Care Center • Private School • Public School • Realtor • Salon • Spa • Sports Complex • Teacher

Family Living

A Tradition of Cool Summer Fun On a warm sunny day, not much can beat the cool taste of a delicious ice cream bar. It probably even harkens memories of your youth, but the origins of this favorite frozen treat date back much further.

It all started in 1920, when Harry Burt created a delicious chocolate coating compatible with ice cream. After his daughter said it was too messy to eat, Burt froze sticks into the ice cream to make a handle, creating the first Good Humor bar, which was also the first ice cream on a stick.

That year, Burt outfitted a fleet of 12 street vending trucks with freezers and bells from which to sell his creations, and the original ice cream truck was born. Operators of those trucks — and many other mobile vehicles for years ahead — came to be known as the beloved Good Humor Man. In those early days, they were required to undergo a rigorous three-day training, in which they learned to tip their hats to ladies and salute gentlemen.

Known as the original ice cream truck brand, Good Humor has been reimagining America’s favorite candies and desserts as frozen treats for more than 90 years.

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Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

Just as other classic summertime traditions have modernized over the years, so has Good Humor. This year, the brand is introducing a new six-pack of Good Humor Girl Scouts Thin Mints bars, inspired by the classic Thin Mint cookie, which is available in grocery stores nationwide. Other classic favorites have also been updated to offer fans more of what they love, from more strawberry flavor in the Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake bar to more OREO pieces in the Good Humor OREO bar to more peanut butter swirl in the Good Humor REESE’S peanut butter cup.

Today, the line of classic Good Humor sandwiches, bars and cones are available in several varieties nationwide in individually-packed single servings at convenience stores, drug stores, newsstands, parks, trucks, kiosks and entertainment venues, or in multipacks at grocery stores.

Learn more about summer’s favorite frozen treats at www. goodhumor.com

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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 (ASQ-3), can help you keep track of your child's development, ages birth-5.

The ASQ-3 includes questions about your child's communication, 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 & New River Valley.

To get started, visit www.asqonline.com/family/f51923 or call #540-777-4211

New in 2015 - FREE Developmental Screenings will also be held each month at the Roanoke Main Library!

Kids Korner

Adventures of Eliza & Joey Chapter 4 In Which Which Merlin’s Beard Is Red, Not White story by Emerson Bradley Wart led them to a ginormous ancient oak tree on the outskirts of the town covered in bobbles and metal trinkets.

There was a painted blue door with a brass knob and brass hinges screwed into the bark. On the left and right sides of the trunk, there were round, glass paned windows. About twelve feet up, the small spout of a metal chimney twined around one of the tree’s limbs. But, other than that, it looked like a regular tree in size and thickness; Eliza couldn’t imagine one person fitting inside, never mind four people, even if the tree was hollowed out.

Suddenly, there was an explosion. One of the windows was opened and black smoke and the sound of coughing poured out from inside. Wart ran up to the large gnarled door and pushed through.

of the wizard’s workshop. The area was much larger on the inside than on the outside. The walls were covered in wild colored stains from other failed experiments. Shelves held multi-colored potions. Under one of the circular windows, a small potted plant had over-grown and completely taken over the wall. In the center of the room was a giant black cauldron, bubbling with a blue brew.

“Who are your friends, Wart?” Merlin asked, eyeing the newcomers.

“Oh,” Wart said, turning to his companions. “This is nine-ja Joey.”

“Hi!” said Joey brightly.

“It’s nice to meet you, your Wizardness!”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you too,” he replied, shaking Joey’s hand firmly.

“Wait,” Eliza stared, remembering the white-bearded Merlin from the story she had read recently, the very story she was in now. “You’re Merlin?”

“The one and only,” he replied, bowing.

“But your beard! It’s red!” Eliza gasped.

“Merlin?” he coughed as they entered. “Merlin?”

“Wart, is that you?” an old creaky voice answered. “I can’t see anything through all this blasted—Just a moment!” he called out.

The children heard a rumbling around them: the air began to vibrate, the smoke around them began to swirl, and then, with a whoosh, the stuff snapped into a small glass ball on the top of a staff, a staff held in the hand of an old but kindly man with a long bright red beard and wrinkled but warm eyes.

“Merlin!” Wart smiled and ran up to hug the wizard.

“Ah, much better,” he said, looking down at the boy, “now I can see you!”

With the smoke cleared, Eliza and Joey could now easily see the contents

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

31

Kids Korner “As is your hair, young mistress.”

“Oh, sorry,” Wart added. “That’s Word Wizard Eliza.”

“Really, a Word Wizard?” Merlin’s eyes sparkled.

“Very impressive. With such a powerful ally as your friend, Wart, why should you need me today?”

“Wart needs a sword for Kay to fight in the arena and become King of all Britain,” cried Joey, “or else Wart will get in trouble and have nowhere to go and he’ll starve—ooff!”

Liza nudged her brother in the side. “Don’t freak him out more than he already is,” she whispered.

Clearing his throat, Wart added, “We need to find a sword, Merlin, and we don’t have much time. Can you help?”

“Well,” said the wizard, “I’m afraid I don’t have any swords myself, but,” he added, “I know someone who can help you find one. Reggie!” he called to the rafters. From high in the trunk, a giant white snow owl glided down to Merlin’s shoulder. “This is Reginald,” said Merlin, stroking the bird’s wings. “He’ll lead you to one.”

“Cool,” Joey said in awe.

“Thanks, Merlin,” said Wart, running toward the entrance. “Come, young Joey and Wizard Eliza! We have not a moment to waste!” And he hurried out the door, followed closely by Joey and then Eliza.

“Miss, Eliza,” Merlin called, stopping the girl in her tracks. “Stay for a moment.” The door snapped magically shut behind the boys.

“I know what you are, Miss Eliza Hearthstone,” he said playfully. Liza turned around slowly.

“How do you know my full name?” she asked, nervous. Nothing like this had ever happened before. She and Joey had talked to characters in other books, but they had never known more about her than she about them.

“The same way that you know my beard is supposed to be white instead of red. Or rather, Merlin’s beard is supposed to be white instead of red. I’m not from this story,” he revealed, wiggling his eyebrows. “Good catch by the way on the whole beard thing!” he added, looking down at it and laughing. “I think Wart just thought it was a side effect of the spell that blew up in my face.”

“Who are you?” Eliza asked.

32 Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

“Now, you see, that’s a much better question.” He smiled wistfully before looking down at a modern watch on his wrist, which Eliza just noticed. “Oh, my, would you look at the time,” he exclaimed. “I’ll have to be going.”

“Wait!” she called to him, stepping forward. “You never answered my question!”

He turned to her with a trickster’s smile. “I’ll answer your question, but only with a few of my own. Did you really think that you were the only one with such an ability, Eliza Hearthstone? The only one to cross the worlds and realms of imagination?”

“Well, I never really thought about it—” she replied.

“Did you ever stop to think about what the purpose of such a gift may be?”

Liza looked down at the ground, slightly embarrassed; she really had never considered it.

“Have you seen the shadows yet?”

Eliza looked up, startled. “How did you know about—?”

But the wizard or whatever-he-was was gone. And Eliza was left alone in the wizard’s workshop.

“Have you seen the shadows yet?”

Kids Korner

Word Scramble

Tic-Tac-Toe

lettru __ __ __ __ __ __ psoctuo __ __ __ __ __ __ __ hcaeb __ __ __ __ __ lehlases __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ vawse __ __ __ __ __ rufs __ __ __ __

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

33

Health

30 Easy Ways to Keep Your Baby on Track Simple things you can do to help your baby meet developmental milestones

By Stephanie Specht of Carilion Clinic From the first smile to laughing to learning to crawl, it is thrilling for parents to see their baby reach each new developmental milestone. And while babies accomplish these milestones at their own pace, there are many simple, everyday things you can do to help your baby stay on track.

15 minutes of every awake hour. And remember, tummy time should always be supervised.

describe what your baby is touching or looking at, you are rewarding baby’s efforts to communicate with you.

6. Encourage rolling. Letting your baby get moving allows baby to explore, plus rolling is generally a predecessor to crawling.

Birth to 3 months 1. Talk to your baby. Talking to your baby is the key to early learning. Studies have shown that the more words children hear by age 3, the better they do on cognitive development tests.

7. Read to your baby. Reading aloud to your baby aids in brain and speech development, and it will help create a lifelong love of reading.

14. Encourage your baby to reach for toys. It is easy to just hand everything to your baby, but encouraging baby to reach for things will engage the different muscles that aid in balance and walking.

2. Smile at your baby. From the very beginning, your smiling face has an incredibly positive effect on your baby.

It helps you bond, it makes baby feel safe and secure, and it helps those little neurons make connections.

3. Tummy time. Think of it as baby weight training. Tummy time is one of the best things that you can do for your baby. It helps develop strong head, neck and shoulder muscles; prevents your baby from getting a flat head; and promotes certain motor skills. Aim for supervised and awake tummy time for at least 15 minutes twice a day. If your child is fussy during tummy time, try splitting the time up to just a few minutes several times throughout the day.

8. Make sounds back and forth with your baby. This back and forth game of sounds will not only thrill your baby, but it will set the stage for real words and conversations in the months to come.

9. Let your baby get messy during feeding time. You heard right. Forget the bite and wipe, letting your baby’s face and hands get messy during feeding time is important for sensory development. As your baby plays with different textures, the tactile stimulation provides meaningful information for baby’s quickly developing brain.

10. Get outside. Let your baby feel the different textures of the grass, smell different smells, and feel the wind on those chubby cheeks. It is a great way to further baby’s sensory development.

4. Massage your baby. Massaging your baby is a great way to bond. It stimulates baby’s nervous systems, reduces crying and fussiness, helps baby sleep better, and alleviates constipation and colic.

11. Play peek-a-boo with your baby.

This fun game will help your baby understand object permanence, the ability to understand that objects and people still exist even when baby cannot see them.

4 to 6 months 5. Tummy time. Tummy time will help get your little one’s muscles ready for crawling and so much more. For example, tummy time strengthens the baby’s core and trunk muscles, which in turn helps strengthen the smaller muscles that baby needs to help aid in activities such as chewing. Again this is one of the best things you can do for your baby. At this stage, aim for

12. Play the drop and pick up game.

This game might not be as fun for you, but your baby sure does enjoy it. Each time your baby drops an object for you to retrieve, your baby is learning the concept of cause and effect, setting the foundation for problem solving down the road.

34

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

13. Name the objects that your baby looks at or picks up. By using words to

15. Allow your baby to mouth toys.

Your baby’s mouth is filled with nerve endings, so mouthing toys introduces babies to their sensory world. By exploring toys with their tongue, lips, and jaw, babies find out about size, shape, surface texture, taste, and weight. Mouthing toys also prepares them for complex feeding skills.

What to Avoid Avoid using exersaucers, jumpers and walkers (exersaucers with wheels).

While it might look fun for baby, these devices cause a child to engage the wrong muscles and can cause a delay in walking.

7 to 12 months 16. Start baby signs. Baby signs will help you and your baby communicate and encourage early language development.

17. Encourage your baby to sit by themselves. This will help baby develop the balance needed for an important next step, crawling! Once sitting is mastered, your baby will learn to move forward (or backward) on all fours and soon master crawling.

18. Encourage your baby to babble and make silly sounds. Make animal sounds, car sounds, raspberries, and try to get your baby to make those sounds back to you. This allows baby to explore what different sounds sound like and it encourages baby to use different parts of their tongue, lips and cheeks.

19. Let your baby play with age appro-

Health priate toys. At this stage, toys such as blocks, stacking rings, and even your kitchen pots and pans encourage and enhance your baby’s problem solving skills, motor skills, spatial skills, and creativity.

20. Play games that use both hands.

Clapping your hands, playing patty-cake, or any kind of play that uses both hands helps establish turn taking and joint attention. Utilizing both hands also helps baby learn to use his hands and fingers to manipulate and play with toys.

21. Encourage finger feeding. Finger feeding will help baby develop manual dexterity and gain more control of the different muscles in the mouth. It will also help baby develop the skills necessary for self-feeding.

22. Encourage baby to cruise. Before babies will walk they will cruise.

Allowing your baby to cruise along the furniture will set baby up for the next big transition – walking! Push toys are another great tool to help baby learn to walk. Purchase a push toy that is very stable so baby can pull up on it, walk behind it and then sit down again.

23. Sing songs with movement. Learning songs that pair two activities together is a great way to develop your baby’s motor skills and dexterity. The “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “Wheels on the Bus” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” are great examples.

24. Let your baby turn the pages.

Letting baby turn the pages of a favorite board book helps develop fine motor skills.

What to Avoid Avoid screen time (TVs, computers, smartphones) until your baby is 2.

Babies need to feel an emotional connection to the words being spoken, so they will often filter out language from TVs, computers, audio books, etc.

Even if the program is educational, it cannot take the place of figuring out how a toy works or story time with you.

Your interaction and responses to your baby as well as allowing him to explore the world around him are what matters most. And continue to avoid using exersaucers, jumpers, or walkers (exersaucers with wheels).

12 months to 2 years 25. Ask your baby to name objects.

Whether is it pictures in a book, driving down the road, or walking down the aisles in the grocery store, asking your baby to name everyday objects will help baby develop language skills.

26. Draw with crayons. Did you know that scribbling is a predecessor to writing? Let baby start to experience holding a crayon and start scribbling.

27. Encourage your baby to pick up small pieces of food. Letting your baby pick up small pieces of food will further baby’s fine motor skills.

28. Let your baby help with dressing and undressing. Ask baby to help you pull on their sock or put an arm through their sleeve. Teaching your baby how to dress and undress is a crucial part of personal and social development and a step toward more independence.

Teaching baby how to undress could result in games of naked-baby chase, but just remember that it is a key accomplishment!

29. Let your baby climb up and down stairs. Instead of carrying your child upstairs, encourage baby to climb.

This will help develop and hone baby’s motor skills.

30. Encourage your baby to say the word when asking for something.

To further encourage baby’s language skills, ask baby to say “cracker” or “bear” instead of pointing and grunting.

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

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

Theatre Camp

During this fun filled 4 days the students will work on facial tones, improvisation, make-up styles, stage directions Monday, July 13 - Thursday, July 16 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Ages 10+

$90

Modern/Hip Hop/Jazz Camp During this fun filled 4 days the students will study modern, jazz, and hip hop techniques.

The week will end with a performance in each study.

Monday, July 20 - Thursday, July 23 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Ages 10+

$90 Both Camps: $150

You don’t have to stock up on specialty toys or videos to help your baby reach those all important developmental milestones. It is through interactions and experiences with loved and trusted adults that babies begin to make sense of the world.

All babies are different and reach developmental milestones at their own pace, but if you are concerned about your baby’s development, talk with your pediatrician. To find out more about our pediatric therapy services, visit carilionclinic.org/outpatient-therapies/pediatric-therapy.

540-505-1073 holli@hollidance.com

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

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

35

Fun Run: June 13th @ 9:00 AM Green Hill Park with FREE Homestead Creamery ice cream blueridgelandconservancy.org

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One FREE admission to our Fun Run in the Sun or an Outdoor Adventure!

for more information:

540-985-0000

mcupka@blueridgelandconservancy.org

Make her wish

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Health

Bonding With Your Baby Through Touch

By Lisa Belderes, P.T., D.P.T., C.I.M.T., of Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital Bringing your newborn baby home is both exciting and intimidating. Not only does it take time for your new baby to adjust to the outside world, it takes time and effort for you to get to know your newborn. One simple, enjoyable and relaxing way to get to know your new bundle of joy is through the nurturing touch of infant massage.

Infant massage provides numerous benefits: Helps you bond with baby.

Infant massage provides focused oneon-one time with your new baby, which will help create and strengthen your bond.

Improves communication between you and baby.

By learning how to read your baby’s cues and body language from an early age, you can better meet your baby’s needs. The eye-to-eye and skin-to-skin contact that infant massage provides will help your baby feel secure and will aid in building a loving and trusting relationship between you and your infant.

Helps calm and soothe baby.

The warm, calming touch of massage will reduce stress and help soothe a fussy baby. This is especially important in the first few weeks of life, which can be taxing for both you and baby as you adjust to your new lives.

Studies have shown that massaging your infant can reduce colic and improve blood circulation, which eases constipation and results in better digestion.

Improves baby’s sleep.

Adding a nightly massage to your baby’s bedtime routine will help baby relax and sleep deeper for longer periods of time.

Enhances baby’s neurological development.

certified infant massage teacher through the Liddle Kidz Foundation.

Visit CarilionClinic.org/calendar or call 800-422-8482 to find a class.

Lisa Belderes is a physical therapist and a certified infant massage trainer at pediatric therapy at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital.

The social interaction combined with the loving touch that infant massage offers enhances neurological development and helps baby make essential brain connections, resulting in increased attentiveness and intelligence.

Infant massage can also release feel-good hormones in you too, further strengthening your bond with baby!

To learn how to massage your baby, sign up for one of our infant massage classes. Offered through Carilion’s pediatric therapy department, classes are one hour per week for four weeks. Classes are taught by a licensed physical therapist who is a

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

37

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.

On average, an infant dies in an unsafe sleep environment every three days in Virginia. 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.

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

FIND YOUR VOICE. childrenschoir.com

This program is made possible through the purchase of Kohl’s Cares® merchandise at local Kohl’s stores.

Wh0 is The BEST in Town?

We want to know what your favorite businesses are in Roanoke! Nominate them at growingupinthevalley.com/star-awards or mail in this form to P.O. BOX 823, Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064.

Best Car Dealership: ________________________________________________________________________ Best Chiropractor:___________________________________________________________________________ Best Date Night Restaurant:__________________________________________________________________ Best Dentist:_________________________________________________________________________________ Best Dessert Shop:__________________________________________________________________________ Best Family Restaurant: ____________________________________________________________________ Best Family Entertainment:_________________________________________________________________ (Movie Theatre, Bowling Lanes etc.)

Best Museum:_______________________________________________________________________________ Best OB/GYN:_______________________________________________________________________________ Best Orthodontist:___________________________________________________________________________ Best Pediatrician:____________________________________________________________________________ Best Pre-School/Day Care Center:____________________________________________________________ Best Private School:__________________________________________________________________________ Best Public School:__________________________________________________________________________ Best Realtor:________________________________________________________________________________ Best Salon:__________________________________________________________________________________ Best Spa:____________________________________________________________________________________ Best Sports Complex:________________________________________________________________________

2015

Best Teacher:________________________________________________________________________________

Growing up in the Valley

Star Awards

N o m i n a t i o n s

& Films Reviews by Heidi Blackwelder

Annie

directed by Will Gluck Annie is a young foster kid living in the Big Apple with big dreams and an even bigger personality.

She lives in a home with several other girls and their foster mother (Cameron Diaz), who is a bitter, washed-up actress. All Annie has from her long-lost parents is a necklace with half a locket and a note from them promising to return for her someday, and that she would know it was them because they’d have the matching locket half. As a result, Annie spends every Friday evening on the curb in front of the restaurant where she was abandoned, waiting for her parents to show up. It’s not much, but it’s all she has.

Meanwhile, bachelor Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) is a billionaire business tycoon running for mayor of NYC. Right now about the only thing he has going for him are the free smart phones he hands out like candy. But after randomly running into Annie and then saving her from being hit by a bus, Will is suddenly the hero of New York. Insisting that he needs the good press, his campaign manager arranges

a lunch with Annie.

One thing leads to another, and before you know it Will has registered to be a foster parent and, in a poorly disguised campaign move, Annie comes to live with him.

Though a bit cheesy and predictable, the music is catchy and overall enjoyable, especially for kids. Annie is a fun new spin on the original Broadway musical about family, friendship, and the undeniable power of love.

Half a World Away

by Cynthia Kadohata Grades 5 - 9

Twelve-year-old Jaden is adopted. Abandoned by his mother when he was four, he jumped from orphanage to orphanage until Penni and Steve brought him to America when he was eight.

He knows his parents love him, but he doesn’t feel connected to them at all. The only connection

that makes sense to him is electricity.

Jaden is fascinated by electricity. They didn’t have it in Romania, so when Jaden moved to the States, the world seemed magical. Flip a switch and there’s light? Push a button and there’s TV? Electricity is everywhere, connecting everyone to everything, except, apparently, Jaden to his parents. He doesn’t understand what’s wrong with him, why he can’t seem to drudge up any kind of feeling at all towards them.

Now his parents have decided they want to adopt again. A baby this time, from Kazakhstan, and they already have him picked out. Jaden doesn’t understand what right they think they have to take a kid away from the only home he’s ever known, and he feels bitter and angry about being dragged halfway across the world to get a kid who has no idea who they even are.

But things don’t go as planned in Kazakhstan, his parents are devastated, and Jaden doesn’t know how to feel. But then he meets someone who changes everything.

For anyone who has experienced attachment issues firsthand or otherwise, Kadohata’s depiction of the disorder is beautifully written and profoundly moving. Half a World Away is a poignant story about a boy’s search for love and finding it in the most unexpected places. can use the prize money to save for their ticket

Growing Up in the Valley’s

Pajama Party For Boys & Girls

August 14 • 6:30 PM • Mill Mountain Theatre Dress Up like your favorite pirate or princess!

F o r M o r e D e t a i l s v i s i t g r o w i n g u p i n t h e v a l l e y. c o m / p j - p a r t y

Kids Eat Free

(or Cheap!)

Sunday

Firehouse Subs Roanoke Locations All Day 2 free kids meals per adult purchase ($8 or more, 14 and under) Queso Southwestern Grill Market Building All Day 1 free kids meal per adult ($8 or more) Town Center Tap House Daleville All Day 2 free kids meals per adult.

Brambleton Deli Roanoke 11 AM - 9 PM 1 free kids meal per adult River City Grill Radford 4 PM - 10 PM 1 free kids meal per adult (12 & under)

Monday

Wednesday

Ragazzi’s Roanoke 11 AM - 4 PM 1 free kids meal per adult (10 & under) Steak’n’Shake Hershberger Road All Day 1 free kid’s meal per adult ($8 or more) Local Roots Grandin All Day 1 free kids meal per adult T.G.I.Fridays Valley View All Day 1 free kids meal per adult (12 & under) Moe’s Blacksburg All Day One 99 cent kids meal per adult Buffalo Wild Wings Valley View 4 PM - 9 PM 1 free kids meal per adult McAlister’s Deli Towers Mall 5 PM - Close 2 free kids meals per adult Firehouse Subs Blacksburg All Day 2 free kids meals per adult (14 & Under) Famous Anthony’s All Locations 3 PM - Close 1 free kids meal per adult Country Cooking Brambleton & Melrose 4 PM - Close 1 free kids meal per adult.

IHOP Valley View 4 PM -8 PM 1 free kids meal per adult (12 & Under)

Tuesday

Macado’s All Roanoke Locations 4 PM - 9 PM One $1 kids meal per adult Town Center Tap House Daleville All Day 2 free kids meals per adult purchase

Dogwood Vinton All Day 1 free kids meal per adult (10 & under) Golden Corral Towne Square All Day 1 free kids buffet per adult (3 & under) Cork & Crust Daleville All Day 1 free kids meal per adult purchase

Thursday

The Roanoker Roanoke 4:30 PM - Close 2 free kid’s meals per adult ( 10 & under) River City Grill Radford 4 PM - 10 PM 1 free kids meal per adult (12 & under)

Saturday

Tokyo Express Salem All Day 1 free kids buffet per adult (5 & under) Famous Anthony’s All locations Noon – Close

Botetourt

Summer

Camps

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

540-473-8326

Read to the Rhythm: Jazz Week 3: June 29 - July 2

JUNE 29th

10:00AM 2:00PM 3:00PM 6:00PM

“Happy Feet 2” Movie Coffee Can Drums for Teens Yoga Fun (age 7-11) Teen Concert with Of Company

Main Jackson Park Gainsboro Main

10:30AM 10:30AM 11:00AM 2:00PM 2:00PM 6:00PM

Mill Mountain Theatre: Rootabaga!

Yoga Fun (age 3-6) Shop and Stop Storytime “Hairspray” Teen Movie Coffee Can Drums for Teens Family Concert: The Holiday Band

Jackson Park Gainsboro Valley View eBranch Jackson Park Main Main

JUNE 30th

JULY 1st

10:30AM Books with a Beat Storytime 2:00PM Coffee Can Drums for Teens 6:00PM Mill Mountain Theatre: Rootabaga!

Main Melrose Williamson Road

10:30AM SmartStart Storytime 2:00PM Coffee Can Drums for Teens 6:00PM Mill Mountain Theatre: Rootabaga!

Williamson Road Williamson Road Gainsboro

JULY 2nd

he library. Questions? Call 540-853 -295 ore at t m n r 5.

L ea

Monday, June 22nd 10 AM

Read It, Make It or Take It Storytime

Main

2 PM

Sheet Music Roses for Teens

Gainsboro

3 PM

Yoga Fun for Children

Jackson Park

Tuesday, June 23rd 10:30 AM

Mill Mountain Theatre: Rootabaga!

Gainsboro

10:30 AM

Yoga Fun for Children

Jackson Park

11 AM

Shop and Stop Storytime

Valley View eBranch

2 PM

Sheet Music Roses for Teens

Main

2 PM

Teen Movie: “Pitch Perfect”

Jackson Park

6 PM

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

Main

Wednesday, June 24th 10:30 AM

Southwest Virginia Ballet

Williamson Road

2 PM

Sheet Music Roses for Teens

Melrose

Thursday, June 25th 10 AM

Bill Thomson, Author/Illustrator

Williamson Road

2 PM

Bill Thomson, Author/Illustrator

Gainsboro

2 PM

Sheet Music Roses for Teens

Williamson Road

5 PM

Silly Storytime & Craft

Gainsboro

6 PM

Bill Thomson, Author/Illustrator

Main

Friday, June 26th 10:30 AM

Southwest Virginia Ballet

10:30 AM

Preschool Craft

Melrose Gainsboro

12 PM

Teen Movie : “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” Main

2 PM

Sheet Music Roses for Teens

Jackson Park

Saturday, June 27th 10:30 AM

Southwest Virginia Ballet

10:30 AM

Saturday Family Movie: “Hairspray”

Melrose

2 PM

LEGO Playtime

Gainsboro

2 PM

Family Flick: “Mary Poppins”

Jackson Park

Main

Sun

Mon 1

Tues 2

Wed 3

Thurs 4

Fri 5

Sat

Flick ‘N Float Friday Night

Christiansburg Aquatic Center 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Every Friday in June

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

Making Memories Mondays Splash Valley, Roanoke

Weird Al Yankovic Berglund Civic Center 7:30 PM

Eat Your Vegetables Day

6

Sleeping Beauty

Jefferson Center 7 PM

Cartoons, Cupcakes & Crafts

Grandin Village 10 AM

12

13

19

20

Royal Ball Big Lick Burger Fest Daddy & Daughter Dance Wells Fargo Plaza

Taubman Museum 7 PM - 9 PM

12 PM - 6 PM

Cartoons, Cupcakes & Crafts

Flag Day

Grandin Village 10 AM

21

22

Father’s Day

23

Chick-Fil-A Family Night Salem Chick-fil-A 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

24

25

26

Summertime Open Jump Bounce! Roanoke 10 AM- 2 PM

27

Oh So Glitzy Summer Bash

Salem , VA 10 AM - 2 PM Cartoons, Cupcakes & Crafts

Grandin Village 10 AM

Buchanan Community Carnival

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29

30

WWE Live Summerslam Heatwave Tour Berglund Civic Center 5 PM

Little Ceasars Grand Opening LOCATION 5 PM - 7 PM

Full Online Calendar Salem Fair July 1-12 Movies in the Market July 1 & August 1 Girls Rock Camp (ages 8-11) July 6-10

Buchanan Community Carnival

Girls Rock Camp (ages 12-16) July 13-17

Infant Massage

HELPING PARENTS BOND AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THEIR NEW BABY Learn how to massage your infant to assist with bonding, constipation, sleep, teething, communication, crying and colic. The $45 cost covers four one-hour classes.

We also offer Love and Logic® parenting classes.

Visit CarilionClinic.org/calendar for class schedules. To register for classes, call 540-266-6000.

Local Events Festivals Concerts Fundraisers Sporting Events Holiday Celebrations

The Guide

Local Event Calendar See our full calendar at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

June 25- July 4

Friday • June 5

Saturday • June 6

Buchanan Community Carnival Buchanan Town Park All Ages Free to attend Buchanan’s Fireworks Displays are scheduled for July 4th at 11:00 pm.

Flick ‘N Float Friday Night Christiansburg Aquatic Center 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Children (2-11): $2.00 Youth (12-17): $3.00 Adult: $5.00 Seniors (60+): $3.00

Sleeping Beauty Jefferson Center 7 PM $40/person Children’s ticket discount available

June 4 - June 14

Enjoy a family friendly movie while swimming every friday in June!

Fancy Nancy: The Musical Roanoke Children’s Theatre Thursdays-Friday - 7 PM Saturdays - 3 PM, 5 PM Sundays - 3 PM $19/Adult $13/Child

46

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

Cartoons, Cupcakes & Crafts GrandinTheatre & Viva La Cupcake 10 AM - 12 PM Free Cartoons, Mini Cupcake & Craft provided by Growing Up in the Valley, Grandin Theatre and Viva La Cupcake.

The Guide Wheels and Wagons First & Main Street, Blacksburg 10 AM - 12 PM All Ages Free

Family Tuesdays Splash Valley, Roanoke 11 AM - 7 PM All Ages $23/ Family of 4-8

Tinker Time Salem Library 10 AM- 11 AM Ages 0-5 Free

Monday • June 8

Tuesday • June 9

Happiest Baby On the Block Roanoke Memorial Hospital 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM All parents, grandparents & caregivers $25/couple Register by calling 540-266-6000

Preschool Storytime Gainsboro Library 10:30 AM Ages 3-5 Free

Making Memories Monday Splash Valley, Roanoke All Day Adults 55+ receive free admission with purchased youth ticket.

Shop and Stop Storytime Valley View Mall Library E-Branch 11 AM Ages 5 & under Free

Chick-Fil-A Family Night Salem Chick-fil-A 5 PM - 7 PM All Ages Free Activities

Wednesday • June 10 $6 Wednesday at Splash Valley Splash Valley, Roanoke 11 AM- 7 PM All Ages $6/person

s ft ra C & s e k a c p u C s, n o o rt Ca

May 30•June 6•June 20•June 27•July 25•Aug 1•Aug 15•Sept 5

Enjoy our free family fun days throughout the whole summer!

Free cartoons start at 10 AM at Grandin Theatre presented by:

JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

47

The Guide

Thursday • June 11 Drop-In Storytime Valley View Barnes and Noble 11 AM All Ages Free Teen Movie Gainsboro Library 5 PM Ages 12-17 Free Showing Jupiter Ascending

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic All Lowe’s Locations 10:00 AM Ages 3+ Online Registration Required Free Claytor Lake Festival Claytor Lake State Park 10 AM - 10 PM All Ages Free to attend $10/parking

Saturday • June 13 Blue Ridge Comic Club Jackson Park Library, Roanoke 10:30 AM Ages 12+ Free Kids Jam 2015 Roanoke City Market Building 5 PM - 9 PM All Ages $12/adult $20/couple Free/child angelsofassisi.org Virginia Cheese Festival VT Moss Arts Center, Blacksburg 11 AM - 4 PM virginiacheesefestival.com $20/Adult (presale) $25/Adult (at-the-door) Free/Child 12 & Under

$1 Movies @ Valley View Regal

June 9 & 10 Nut Job | Annie

June 16 & 17 Earth to Echo | Boxtrolls

June 23 & 24 Paddington | Turbo

June 30 & 1 Rio 2 | How To Train Your Dragon 2

July 7 & 8 Mr. Peabody | Book of Life 48

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

Sunday • June 14

Saturday • June 20

Weird Al Yankovic Berglund Performing Arts Theatre 7:30 PM Tickets start at $35

Cartoons, Cupcakes & Crafts GrandinTheatre & Viva La Cupcake 10 AM - 12 PM Free Cartoons, Mini Cupcake & Craft provided by Growing Up in the Valley, Grandin Theatre and Viva La Cupcake.

Tuesday • June 16 Salem Lego Club Salem Library 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Ages 6-12 Free

Wednesday • June 17 John Mellencamp Berglund Performing Arts Theatre 7:30 PM Tickets start at $43 Tanglewood Mall Kids Klub Tanglewood Mall 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Ages 5-11 (Parents must stay with kids) $10/Child shoptanglewood.com

Thursday • June 18 Kathy Griffin Berglund Performing Arts Theatre 7:30 PM Ticket start at $37 Car Seat Safety Check Roanoke City Fire Station #6 4 PM - 6 PM Free 540-266-6000

Friday • June 19 Royal Ball: Daddy/Daughter Dance Taubman Museum, Roanoke 7 PM - 9 PM All ages welcome! $40/Couple $15/Additional Child Kidz Night Out Bricks 4 Kidz, Towers Mall 6 PM - 9 PM Ages 5-12 $30/child RSVP required

Big Lick Burger Fest Wells Fargo Plaza, Roanoke 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm Father’s Day Fest Preston Park, Roanoke All ages & their fathers Free Light Up The Night 5K Downtown Roanoke 8 PM Race registration: $25 by June 13th $30 by June 20th squaresociety.ivolunteer.com/5k Breakfast with the Animals Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM All Ages Registration Required $13/non-member adult $10/member adult $10/non-member child $7/member child $40/non-member family of 4 $30/member family of 4

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS 2015

June 8 - July 17 Kindergarten - Adult • • • • •

Music Theatre Acting Dance Voice Technical Theatre

Family Golf Day Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course All Day All Ages $30/Family Call 540-961-1137 for a tee time

Tuesday • June 23 Yoga Fun for Children Jackson Park Library, Roanoke 10:30 AM Ages 7-11 Free (540) 853-2640 Artful Chess: Learn & Play Taubman Museum 11 AM - 2 PM All Ages Free

Register now at millmountain.org/conservatory

Saturday • June 27 Cartoons, Cupcakes & Crafts GrandinTheatre & Viva La Cupcake 10 AM - 12 PM Free Cartoons, Mini Cupcake & Craft provided by Growing Up in the Valley, Grandin Theatre and Viva La Cupcake.

Beauty & the Beast Junior

on the Trinkle Main Stage at Center in the Square

July 31 - Aug 9 Tickets on sale now! millmountain.org • 540.342.5740

The Guide Touch a Truck!

Pearisburg Community Center 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM All Ages Free Oh-So-Glitzy Summer Bash Oh So Glitzy Salon, Salem 10 AM - 2 PM All Ages Free to attend Shake, Bake, and Sprout Vinton Farmer’s Market 11 AM - 1 PM Ages 3-12 Free

Tuesday • June 30

playroanoke.com

Beach Boys Berglund Performing Arts Theatre 8 PM Tickets start at $50

Spirit of America: 4th of July Celebration Bisset Park, Radford 2 PM - 10:30 PM Fireworks to start at 10 PM

Little Caesar’s Grand Opening Williamson Rd. and Peter’s Creek Rd. 5 PM - 7 PM All Ages Free to attend

Thursday • July 2

Movies at Longwood Longwood Park, Salem 6 PM - 10 PM All Ages Free

4th of July Independence Festival Franklin County HS, Rocky Mount 6:00 PM All Ages Free to attend

Sunday • June 28

Saturday • July 4

WWE Live Summerslam Heatwave Tour Berglund Center Coliseum 5 PM Tickets start at $17.

Slide the City Downtown Roanoke All Day All Ages early bird $30 normal admission $35 late registration $40

Vinton Fourth of July Celebration Vinton War Memorial Grounds 6 PM - 10 PM All Ages Free to attend Fireworks starts at 9:30 PM TAP Hope Revolution 4th of July Festival Elmwood Park, Roanoke 10 AM -9 PM All Ages Free until 6 PM $25/person for evening entertainment 2015 Independence Day Celebration 16918 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway 3 PM -10 PM All Ages Free to attend Fireworks scheduled to start at 10 PM

Academy Our camps are perfect for aspiring performers of all ages. Come make summer memories with RCT!

BILLY GOATS GRUFF July 13 -18 / th

th

9AM-12PM

ALADDIN &

ALL STARS

THE MAGIC LAMP

THEATRE INTENSIVE

July 6th-11th, 2015 /

July 20th-25th, 2015 /

8:30-12PM Adventure Afternoon Add-On:

9AM-1PM

Students stay until 5PM.

SNOW WHITE &

PETER PAN

KALEIDOSCOPE CAMP

THE SEVEN DWARFS

June 15th-20th, 2015 / 8:30-12PM

July 27th - Aug 1st, 2015 / 9AM-12PM

June 22nd-27th / AM Session: 8:30-12PM OR PM Session: 1:30-5:00PM

More details online: 50

Growing Up In the Valley • JUNE 2015

HAMLET June 15th-20th, 2015 / 1:30-5PM

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

West V ir ginia Mountain Rail Adventur es & T he Durbin Rocket

Best for Kids!

• Ride in a Real Caboose! • Explore the Cars • Skip River Rocks • Watch the Fireman! • Ice Cream & Toys at the Rail Trail Store!

Durbin, West Virginia

• 866-502-2787 • Mtn-Rail.com

ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?

2015 CAMP Ages 8-11: July 6-10 & Ages 12-16: July 13-17 Community School

7815 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA www.girlsrockroanoke.com

Find Girls Rock Roanoke on facebook | twitter | instagram

Looking For ? n u F r e Summ (540) 622 - 2000 l www.ZIPTHEPARK.com Reservations Recommended

Located inside Shenandoah River State Park 1371 Daughter of Stars Dr. Bentonville, VA 22610

The Guide

Mom Business Directory Custom Critters Andrea Eagan customcritterz.com (540) 315-7060 Discovery Toys April Nix concordtoylady@gmail.com doTerra Valerie Angle mydoterra.com/vangle valerieangle@gmail.com doTerra Sheena Hawks mydoterra.com/sheenahawks sheenahawks@yahoo.com (304) 952-3042 Jovial Creations jovialcreations.com 4jovialcreations@gmail.com Rodan + Fields Lisa Johnson ljohnson.myrandf.com lisa.a.johnson83@gmail.com (540) 230-6898

Rodan + Fields Lindsay Tolar lindsaypursuitofpink.myrandf.com lindsaytolar@gmail.com (540) 797-4677 Simply Fun Teresa Martin teresa.familyfunnight@gmail.com Thirty One Kate Henretta mythirtyone.com/katehenretta katehenretta@gmail.com (321) 863-3859

stephanieherndon.my.tupperware.com starcitytupperware@gmail.com

(540) 293-9783

Tupperware Stephanie Herndon stephanieherndon.my.tupperware.com starcitytupperware@gmail.com (540) 293-9783

NEW AND IMPROVED MARKETPLACE COMING NEXT ISSUE!

For people who care about improving their health naturally, doTERRA provides simple, safe, and empowering solutions.

Sheena Hawks (304) 952-3042

mydoterra.com/sheenahawks business opportunity available

www.jovialcreations.com

Custom Name Art

April Nix

Independant Consultant

mydoterra.com/vangle valarieangle@gmail.com

concordtoylady@gmail.com

lisa.a.johnson83@gmail.com

lijohnson.myrandf.com

Discoverytoys.com/concordtoylady Facebook.com/concordtoylady JUNE 2015 • growingupinthevalley.com

53

Sweet Summer treats

The Best Budget-Friendly Pot Luck Recipes For Your Summer Celebrations!

k $0.24 per serving

k $0.65 per serving

k $0.57 per serving

k $1.15 per serving

See full recipes at

Growingupinthevalley.com/Sweet-Summer-Savings

Federally insured by the NCUA.

SA VE

$$

2015 Season Pass 2015 Season Pass

Kelly Rainsberger e, VA 24019 123 Fourth Street - Roanok Center Member Green Ridge Recreation

PLEASE NOTE: ntee This pass does not guara admission if the park is at be capacity. Identification may may Pass gate. the at d verifie other not be transferred to any individual.

After May 15

General Public: $95 Green Ridge members: $75

• On sale now!

• Only 500 will be sold • Early bird discounts through May 15 • Season starts May 23

Earlybird Before May 15

$84 (Save $11) $59 (Save $16)

New Multiple Pass Savings!

Purchase three or more season passes per household, and EACH member of your party will receive a commemorative cup for FREE FOUNTAIN DRINKS all season long.

HERE FOR THE

blazing your own trail

moments

Spending time outside can help improve focus, reduce stress and boost vitamin D. Not only for adults, but kids, too. Take steps toward keeping your family happy and healthy with a weekend walk in the woods. See you on the trails!

Join us the second Saturday of every month for a Health Walk and Talk at Booker T. Washington National Park in Hardy.

CarilionClinic.org | 800-422-8482