Growing Up In the Valley March 2019 by Roanoke Valley Family Magazine

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

ER M M U S CAMPE GUID 2019

Volume 7 Issue 7 • March 2019 • Take One

In the Valley

Kid-Friendly Gardening Create memories, stop picky eaters, and have fun!

Stop Bullying

Positive Camp Experience Prepare for homesickness, bug bites, and adventure!

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Publisher’s Note It’s finally almost spring— one of our favorite times of the year here in the Roanoke Valley! You can finally get out and enjoy some of the amazing outdoor activities that our region offers. One of our most beloved is the Roanoke River Greenway! Get out your bikes and enjoy a springtime ride through the heart of Roanoke, and maybe stop at Blue Cow Ice Cream along the way if it’s hot enough. What you hold in your hands marks our seventh annual camp issue. It’s so hard to believe that

we’ve compiled this great list of camps for our readers seven times already, but it’s true, and the list gets better every year. Flip through the pages to learn about what camp offerings are out there for your child this year. We also have an article on how to prepare for camp and amd article on one of our favorite local camps, the RVSPCA Veterinary Camp! Make sure to check them out. Some of the these camps will be at the Virginia Family Expo, which is just around the corner! We plan to have TONS of FUN at the Expo, with one hundred booths, activities for kids, and performances for all ages. Many camps will be there to make sure you can get your child registered for their awesome summer programs. Come join us—it’s April 6th at the Salem Civic Center. Lastly, some BIG changes are coming in April! Make sure to follow us on Facebook to see how we as a magazine are GROWING UP. You don’t want to miss it!

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

C ont ac t Us :

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

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

Creative Director • Tracy Fisher

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

Sales Executive • Betsy Day

betsy@virginiafamily.com • Hayden and Brady’s Mom

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

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

Associate Editor • Jacqueline Moon jacqueline@virginiafamily.com • Elijah’s Mom, and Luke and Blair’s Stepmom

Webmaster • John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Contributors

Tina Rennick • Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober Beth Farnsworth • Georgianne Vecellio • Stephanie Ogilvie Shannon Dean • Jacqueline Moon • Nicole Bruch

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

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We welcome reader comments, submissions, and the support of advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us as we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsibility for unsolicited materials. Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley.com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Growing Up In the Valley, its staff, or its contributors. While multiple businesses, schools, and organizations are represented in our pages, and magazines are often distributed to students according to the policies and procedures of each school district, this is not a publication coordinated or endorsed by any public or private school district, nor is it a publication with any religious or political objectives. As a mass media outlet, it is our oath and responsibility to communicate with due diligence, through our content, the plurality of views and opinions reflected in our audience of Central and Southwest Virginia. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify information with programs and businesses directly. Parents are urged to thoroughly research any decisions involving their children. Copyright 2019 by MoFat Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements, and editorials, may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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Ready... Set...

SUMMER!

March 2019 42 14

Veterinary Science Camp

The Roanoke Valley SPCA hosts children as they discover how to care for animals.

Gardening with Kids

Get your hands dirty with your kids and learn to grow your own food!

The Magic of Eating Together

Summer Camp Guide 2019

Making time for dinner as a family has so many benefits for you and your children.

Find the perfect summer camp program for your family.

6 25

Dancing Under the Star Star City School of Ballet has opened!

Stop Bullying

Learn the Bucket Method to help children deal with bullies and protect themselves.

16 A Recipe for Adventure Children make and sample worldwide cuisine at the Gainsboro YMCA.

In Every Issue: 54 Book Recommendations 22 Science Experiment 47 Family Event Calendar 56 Kids Eat Free Guide

ON THE COVER:

Primitive Camping Area at Explore Park Courtesy of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism More information at www.ExplorePark.org/camping

SMALL

TALK

Special Olympics Virginia Area 8 hosted the Owen Grogan Invitational Basketball Tournament February 17th. Athletes from the Roanoke Valley, New River Valley, and Carroll County brought the heat at Roanoke College in full-court, half-court, and skills competitions. Hundreds of spectators came to cheer on the players.

Roanoke City Council voted unanimously on February 19th to change the names of Jackson Park and the Jackson Park Branch Library. Residents of the neighborhood were mostly in favor of removing the Confederate general’s moniker from both city landmarks. Before the park and the adjacent school were named for Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson in the mid-1920s, the park was informally known as Belmont Park since it is located in the Belmont neighborhood of southeast Roanoke. Both the park and the library branch now both officially carry the name Belmont.

CONGRATS!

Teams of researchers competed in the first-ever Opioid Datathon hosted by the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center. Their goal: to find a way to combat Virginia’s opioid crisis through data and technology. The teams met on Friday, February 22 for a special information session led by experts in the field, and on the following day, exhibited their submissions. The overall winning team, receiving a cash prize of $1,000, was CORRIC Cares of Carilion Clinic for their social media stop-motion videos aimed at decreasing the stigma surrounding opioid addiction and recovery. All winning teams also got the opportunity to work on their business plan with the Small Business Development Center.

sports lighting, a new greenway connection, reconfigured park access, and new seating and gathering areas. Per Phase 1 renovations Roanoke Parks and Rec, (of a planned multi- “Roanoke has placed an invigorated interest in phase process) improving River’s Edge are set to begin at for multi-generational River’s Edge Sports Complex, to include and inclusive activity by new bermudagrass upgrading the northern athletic fields, wireless portion of the park.”

Plans are in the works by the Williamson Road Business Association to improve the Roanoke thoroughfare. The association’s new executive director hopes to attract new businesses and enhance the aesthetic appeal of existing storefronts as the city works on its plans to install more medians, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Many business properties are currently available on Williamson Road, and grants are available for renovating storefronts.

Saturday, March 16 Downtown Roanoke

One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on the East Coast! Visit DowntownRoanoke.org for full details! ®

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

It doesn’t add up.

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

The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we have to impact a child’s future. Yet we spend the least on our children when they need it most. Investments in early childhood development help reduce teen pregnancies, improve dropout rates, lower crime, and produce a stronger, more productive future workforce.

United Way of Roanoke Valley

It doesn’t add up.

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

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

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

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

Dancing Under the Star by Jacqueline Moon

Roanoke dancers, movers, and expressers of self, it’s time for you to rejoice. Open now, in a massive, gorgeously renovated historic space in the light of the Mill Mountain Star, is the permanent home of Star City School of Ballet. Once housing the cafeteria of American Viscose Corporation’s Roanoke rayon plant, the 15,000-plus-square-foot space has been modernized and sculpted into an ideal artistic learning environment. For those who aren’t familiar with the school, which has been training children and adults in ballet and other types of dance for more than twenty years (under the name The Dance Centre of Southwest Virginia prior to its move), this isn’t your typical ballet studio. It’s more of a conservancy, where students come to learn dance the way professionals do: with discipline, hard work, and respect. And the students love it. “Here, we provide necessary structure,” said Pedro Szalay, co-owner of the school with his husband, Mark Shepheard. Just like before learning to read and write, one must master the alphabet, or before becoming a chef, one must understand the basics of foundational flavors and culinary terms, students at Star City School of Ballet are given the base upon which their dancing futures can be built. The foundation of ballet, Szalay said, when constructed with a focus on correct terminology and awareness of space, is perfect preparation for any other form of dance. Not only is SCSB the best place in Roanoke to study dance, its new, welcoming digs serve as a home-away-from-home for its students. A common room, outfitted with ample study space and a kitchen, provides students with a place to relax before or after class, to do homework, or to socialize with their friends. “This is a place for anyone in the community,” Szalay stressed, “not only dancers.” The building includes a yoga and Pilates studio, as well as a conference

room that can be rented for meetings or birthday parties. While the interior of the building has been spruced up and recreated, the color scheme remains intentionally neutral. “The space doesn’t need a lot of color,” said Szalay, “because the beauty comes from the dancers.” And methods of bringing about that beauty include more than ballet: Russian character dance, flamenco, modern dance, tap, and more are also taught at SCSB. Szalay is one of the instructors at SCSB, and has been teaching dance in Roanoke since 2006. He is the artistic director of Southwest Virginia Ballet and the creator and instructor of Dance Español, which brings lively dance instruction to area elementary schools. Szalay, who is originally from Venezuela, is quick to point out that he hasn’t accomplished everything singlehandedly. “My father always said that you can’t do great things on your own. You need other people,” he said. With the support of others—his former dance company in Richmond, his husband, his students, and his fellow instructors—Szalay has created the Roanoke Valley’s eminent professional dance studio. Star City School of Ballet partners with other Roanoke arts organizations to offer the best artistic experiences possible. The school collaborates with Opera Roanoke, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, the Taubman Museum of Art, Southwest Virginia Ballet, and others. Szalay is also excited to bring in local individual musicians to provide accompaniment for dance productions. Current students include kids, teens, nurses, parents, office workers, alumni, and newbies to the craft, some traveling to classes from as far away as Martinsville and Buena Vista. Classes are available for beginner to advanced dancers, and for ages as young as three. SCSB provides an assessment to determine

at which level a student should begin. Head to their Facebook page or website (starcityschoolofballet.com), or call them at (540) 387-1410 to learn more about class schedules—including the upcoming summer intensive series that will feature amazing guest instructors. And take a drive to check out the new spot (1005 Industry Avenue, building 7A, Roanoke, 24013). You will be glad you did!

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Teacher of the Month:

Michelle Johnson Tell us about your family: I live with my husband; Sheldon Johnson and our adopted one-eyed Shih Tzu named Song. Which grades or subjects do you teach and at which school? String Orchestra: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade in Stonewall Jackson Middle and Lucy Addison Middle Schools How long have you been teaching? This is my 7th year teaching.

How long have you been at your current school? 6 years! What made you decide to become a teacher? I have always enjoyed helping others. Helping a student discover music and nurture their musical development is especially rewarding and fun. What advice would you give to a new teacher? Never, ever give up. If your first plan doesn’t work, something else will. Keep trying until you see the light bulbs. There is nothing wrong with adjusting your plan.

QUICK FACTS

What’s on your iPod? Everything. Instrumental music, bluegrass, hip hop.

What’s your favorite movie? Mona Lisa Smile.

What TV Show can you not miss? Chopped. What is always in your handbag? My phone!

What advice would you give to parents with children in school? Allow students to explore! I have taught many students who struggle in Academic subjects, but thrive in music class. Music and other fine arts have the capability to spark the fire of learning. What advice would you give to a student entering a new grade? Give yourself grace. Allow yourself to learn. Allow yourself to succeed. Allow yourself some mistakes. What is your favorite part about teaching? I love seeing students engaged, excited, and enthralled by the process of exploring and mastering a new piece of music. What would your students be surprised to know about you? I marched in Barack Obama’s first inaugural parade. It is an experience I will never forget. I hold that very dear to my heart.

What do you like to do when not teaching? I love to cook! I am an avid Food Network watcher and love to explore new recipes. What is on your wish list? Travel. I want to go everywhere! What are you most proud of? My sweet little family and our life that we are building together. What is your favorite quote? “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” -Elenor Roosevelt Where are you from originally? What brought you to Roanoke? I am originally from Franklin County, VA. I went to Radford and the University of Tennessee - Knoxville for graduate school, then came back here to teach. What is the biggest challenge in your life? Finding my work and life balance.

What is one thing you cannot live without? Hot tea!

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March 2019

The Magic of Eating Together

by Tina Renick, RDN, CSP

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a board specialty in pediatrics, I’ve had some experience talking with families about their eating habits. Frequently I hear phrases like “she’s a picky eater” or “I don’t have time to cook” when discussing what dinner is like at a client’s house. Life is busy, indeed, but what happened to the family meal? Here’s an interesting statistic for you: Sixty years ago, the average dinner time was ninety minutes. Today, it’s less than twelve. What has changed since the 1950s? I’d venture to guess everything—two working adults in the household, technology, convenience foods, and a pace that continues to speed up rather than slow down are a few things that come to mind. In the past twenty years, the frequency of family dinners has declined thirtythree percent, and many researchers and psychologists are looking at how this decline has affected our children—and their relationships with both the adults in their lives and with food. Everything from drug use to academic performance to eating disorders has been linked to the

Growing Up

March 2019

decline in families eating together. The research points to some significant benefits of family mealtime, so let’s dive in and see what they are.

Improved nutrition and quality of food. Eating as a family is associated with a higher quality diet among all family members, meaning that more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber are consumed. On the flip side, fewer sodas and less fast food tends to be consumed when families dine together. Less use of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol among teens.According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, children who eat dinner with their parents five nights per week are less likely to drink alcohol, smoke, or use drugs.

Good family relationships. The same research group at Columbia University found that teens who dine

with their parents regularly are 150% more likely to report having a better relationship with each parent compared with teens who do not eat dinner with their parents.

Academic achievement. Among younger children, family meals may promote language development. There are also studies linking higher grade point averages to family meals.

Less disordered eating. Having more structured meals and a positive environment during mealtimes has proven to help adolescents engage in fewer disordered eating patterns. Most parents would agree that the benefits of eating together are real, and likely already value the time they have with their children at the table. Yet, given the world in which we live, the obstacles to this magical time remain.

What are some of these obstacles, and how can they be broken down so they are less overwhelming?

Planning meals. This can be daunting, indeed. Planning ahead is key and can prevent a lot of stress around meal preparation. Come up with three to four meals for the week, shop for those meals so all ingredients are on hand, and write down somewhere in the kitchen what will be served and when.

Busy schedules. Family members arrive home at different times. Varied work schedules and afterschool activities can make a set family meal time nearly impossible. Schedule a few meals for the week, and be creative with location. You can eat together at a park between soccer games just as well as at the kitchen table.

Time is short. Drop the idea that everything has to be made from scratch and perfect. Didn’t plan anything? Use shortcut ingredients like canned tomatoes and beans, frozen vegetables, ready-to-heat cooked grains,

and rotisserie chicken. Don’t forget breakfast for dinner—think scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit. Make room in your kitchen for time-saving appliances like electric pressure cookers and slow cookers.

Various food preferences. Food allergies or intolerances need to be respected, of course, and should take precedent when planning meals. But parents need not be short-order cooks for picky eaters. Have a side dish on the table that everyone will like. In time, children exposed to a variety of foods will learn to eat what their parents eat.

No meal planning skills. No worries! Start with a simple version of a plate—you can even refer to myplate. govfor a visual. Start with a protein-rich food like meat or beans, and surround it with vegetables and a starch or grain. Build from there, and soon you will have a few favorite meals that work well for your family.

Let’s face it: Sometimes it’s not fun to sit down with small children (or big kids, too). Make it a game with “build your own pizza” night or “taco and burrito night.” Let your kids plan a meal and allow them to take charge of the kitchen that night. On the nights when adults cook, assign age-appropriate jobs to children, whether it’s washing vegetables, chopping, setting the table, or cleaning up. To get the conversation going, try conversation starters like Table Topics cards. And a word about devices—put them away. Have the dinner table be a device-free zone and a place for conversation, eye contact, and interaction. Keeping the mealtime experience simple and fun will go a long way in helping your children develop a positive relationship with food and with you, something that will last a lifetime.

Arguing, whining and general chaos at the table. Growing Up

March 2019

GARDENING WITH KIDS by Jamie Lober

If your child is craving a new, fun outside hobby, gardening just may be his calling. “Richard Louv is an author and cofounder of Children and Nature Network. He talks about the idea of ‘nature deficit disorder,’ which is not an actual medical disorder, but is about children having trouble relating to their surroundings because they spend less and less time outdoors and more and more time in front of a screen,” said

Anna Copplestone, director of the Roanoke Community Garden Association. There is a lot of research that supports the benefits of gardening. “Spending time outside changes children’s ability to cope and has direct effects on their health. Spending too much time in front of screens causes kids to develop problems with eyesight, since they’re not spending time looking at things in the distance,” Copplestone noted.

Encourage exploration. “Kids love getting their hands in the dirt and seeing the worms and bugs. For them, it’s about playing but also about learning how we get our food and what’s involved in growing and harvesting it,” said Meagan Cupka, assistant director at Blue Ridge Land Conservancy. Gardening is an educational experience. “Kids test their own boundaries and learn to make healthy choices by interacting with the environment and with other kids. They learn about their food and where it comes from,” said Copplestone. Many kids believe meat just shows up at the grocery store on a truck, prepackaged. “Kids are amazed to find out that a carrot comes from under the ground, and when you feed their curiosity, they respond and want to spend more time outside,” she said.

year-round, but early spring is the most fun. Celebrate small victories. “As it gets hot, make a reward-based system, like that you’ll spend time in the garden, and then go in the shade and have a glass of lemonade,” encouraged Copplestone. You will be amazed to see your child react as the project develops. Cupka noted, “Kids get really excited, because they can see the tomatoes starting to turn red and ripen, and they can hardly contain themselves until it is time to pick them.”

Kids love getting their hands in the dirt and seeing the worms and bugs.

Start small by growing flowers or something edible. “You can have a few plants on the windowsill, balcony, or in containers that are low-risk and low-investment,” said Copplestone. Tomatoes are usually a big hit. “Cherry tomatoes are snack-sized, and by the time July and August hit, the kids can eat them right off the plant. And they produce for a long time,” she said. A pizza garden can also be fun. “Plant what’s involved in making a pizza, like tomatoes, basil, oregano, and peppers, because they are things that are fairly easy to grow,” said Cupka. Pick something that will be rewarding and allow your child to get involved. “Buy a little shovel and garden gloves that are their size, and show them a space where they can dig a hole and not hurt anything,” said Copplestone. Make it about what piques your child’s interest. “Ask them what they want to grow, and if they are more interested in flowers or vegetables, go in that direction and see what unfolds,” Copplestone said. There is something to be done in the garden

Kids are inquisitive. “A common question is if they can eat something, so tell them to ask a grown-up first, because some plants have both edible parts and parts that will make you sick,” said Copplestone. You may find your child also wants to take part in cooking. Seeing the process to completion can be really neat. “There are moments where children put things together, like realizing that ladybugs are good for plants,” she said. If the weather gets too hot, take your gardening skills inside and grow tomatoes and peppers. “Keep it simple and look into whether the area gets a lot of sun, has a lot of shade, and if it gets hot in the summer, and then plan accordingly,” said Cupka. You are sure to have success. “Do some research and be familiar with what your plant needs to grow happy and healthy,” Cupka said. Some need daily watering, while others do not. “Peas, green beans, and string beans typically grow fairly quickly earlier in the season, but others, like squash, need a long time and a lot of space to grow,” she added. Your child will take great pride in inviting her friends over to enjoy the fruits of her labor at the next dinner party. “It can be a lot of fun,” said Cupka, “to plant your seeds in the beginning of the year and then end up with things you can eat on your dinner plate.”

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March 2019

AR E

R O A F D V E EN P I C

Little Chefs Cook up Some Fun at the Gainsboro Y! by Jacqueline Moon

Thanks to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Roanoke area kids are exploring the world one recipe at a time. Virginia Cooperative Extension is an outreach program that’s run jointly by Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, along with the USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture. It’s made up of “a network of educators whose classrooms are the communities, homes, and businesses of Virginia, where they bring

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March 2019

research-based solutions to the problems facing Virginians today,” its website explains. The Little Chefs program at the Gainsboro YMCA in Roanoke is one of the Extension’s many efforts benefiting our area. January 26th was the third installment of the six-week-long Little Chefs winter program, which was called “Take an American Road Trip!” This session, the class focus was on food cultures of

different states in the US; on this day, that state was California, and kids were going to be making sushi rolls. Kim Butterfield, with the VTCE office, teaches the class, along with “master food volunteer” Molly Gutierrez. Weaving in lessons on geography, history, and vocabulary, the instructors began by handing out small sheets of nori—dried seaweed—to the class participants for a taste test.

In this environment, with its vibe of excitement, exploration, and experiment, the kids didn’t balk at the idea of putting a “strange” food they’d never tried before into their mouths. Each one went for it. Liam had seconds, then thirds, and then said, “I’m going to be living on a diet of that [i.e. nori]. I’m going to eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” One by one, other ingredients were brought to the participants’ workspace. Before this class, none of the children had come into contact with fresh ginger. Now, they held it, smelled it, and peeled it. They combined it with vinegar and set it aside for pickling, and then peeled and sliced cucumbers and avocados. Kim and Molly enthusiastically and patiently taught each child how to properly peel the skins away and cut each item into a shape perfect for sushi rolling. Once the class was finished, Logan would proclaim that his favorite step in the sushi-making process was the cutting. As the kids worked, pressing white rice onto larger sheets of nori, then lining up carrot slices, avocado, and cucumber, Molly explained that sushi is “a beautiful piece of art you can make, and then you can eat it.” This resonated with them, as each student paid careful attention to the design of his or her culinary creation. While he loved wrapping the sushi rolls, Aiden was tentative about tasting something that included seaweed and avocado. However, at the very end, he bravely popped one into his mouth. As he chewed, his eyes lit up and he cried, “It’s delicious!” The experience of the program sticks with the kids after the hour-long class is over. Liam, who had attended this Little Chefs session since its beginning, said that it has helped him understand how to cook and has given him some ideas for preparing food at home. Isabella said, “I’m learning how to cook so that later I can cook food for kids.” She added, “I’m going to be a chef when I grow up.” March begins the next Little Chefs session, and its focus will be international foods. The classes are Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and are for ages five to twelve. For information on registering for the class, call the Gainsboro YMCA at 540-344-9622. To learn more about Virginia Cooperative Extension, which offers a multitude of exciting learning opportunities for children and adults (including financial literacy, diabetes prevention, adult cooking classes, companion planting, and how to build your own rain barrel, just to name a few), check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/ RoanokeVCE.

“what nobody else can do for you.” In a pinch, any functioning restroom will do, but if you are picky like I am, you have standards a decent restroom should meet. If you have small children or issues that require frequent pit stops, you might even plan your activities based on where you can find the best restroom access.

The

Fortunately for you, I have been gathering intel on local restrooms for a while, and, armed with my smartphone and a sense of adventure, I am ready to explore and document the best and worst of the area’s facilities, and everything in between. As I am female, my investigations will primarily focus on women’s restrooms or the unisex restrooms at smaller establishments. That is not to say I won’t include men’s restrooms; areas that are closed for cleaning or unoccupied single-occupant rooms are fair game.

You have probably seen plenty of restaurant reviews, but have you ever seen a restroom review? With so many places to go and things to do in the Roanoke Valley, it’s likely that at some point, you will have to, um, excuse yourself and do

There are several concerns I have in mind when reviewing restrooms, ranging from essential to important to frivolous. For example, safety is non-negotiable. Filth and odor are deal-breakers. Infant changing stations that are well-maintained are important. Art is a bonus! Then there are the other things that don’t occur to us until we have to deal with them: Does the restroom have multiple stalls, or is it a single? If there are multiple stalls, is there sufficient room for a mom with kids? Is the toilet paper soft, and the soap

by Georgianne Vecellio

Restroom Review

pleasant-smelling—and is there plenty of each? If there are paper towels, is the waste can close to the door, so that you can toss the towel after you use it to turn the knob? In this column, I will answer all those questions and then some, as I explore supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, event venues, and more around the Roanoke Valley, and imbue my reviews with some family-friendly bathroom humor. I’m always interested when I hear people commenting on a restroom. We all use them, but we tend to take them for granted. For example, I was talking with someone who laments the closing of a certain restaurant in downtown Roanoke, mainly because she preferred their restroom and made a point to use it any time she was downtown, whether or not she was eating at that restaurant. Clearly, their facilities were as upscale as their food. We can’t expect all restrooms to meet such high standards, but we can be aware of our options. Maybe this column will even encourage some establishments to spruce up their restrooms. See you at the sink! Georgianne Vecellio lives in Roanoke County with her husband and tween daughter, and can often be found roaming the greenway.

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Simple Home Renovations

7 projects that improve resale value

Even if you have no immediate plans for leaving your home, it’s a good idea to approach renovations with resale value in mind. Upgrades that are likely to appeal to future buyers protect your investment while also improving your enjoyment of the home. One key to a successful renovation is figuring out how to personalize the space without making it so customized that it’s not attractive to other potential owners. For example, eliminating a bedroom to create a giant walk-in closet may help achieve your dreams, but losing that bedroom can be a major hit to your home’s value. A good rule of thumb is to focus on aesthetics when it comes to integrating more of your personal tastes, because these can be easily changed with a coat of paint or minor work. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make other, more significant changes to enhance your home. These renovation ideas, which include both cosmetic touch-ups and more labor-

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March 2019

intensive suggestions, can help boost your home’s value.

Open space

Older homes were often designed with a boxy, formal layout that is less conducive to most modern families’ needs. Today’s open floor plans offer functionality for everything from keeping an eye on the kids while making dinner to entertaining guests. This type of floor plan can also make small rooms feel larger and invite more light into darker parts of the house. The most cost-effective way to create an open space is to remove non-load-bearing walls (load-bearing walls help support the roof; while they can be removed, there’s typically quite a bit more time, labor and expense involved). Removing a wall may not be that complicated unless you encounter plumbing or HVAC ductwork that needs to be relocated. You’ll likely have some electrical outlets to move, and both the floor and ceiling will need attention to remove lingering signs of the former wall.

Color change

Although paint is one of the easiest ways to personalize your home, it’s also one of the least expensive, simplest ways to improve its value and appearance. A fresh coat of paint, inside or out, can create an appealing illusion of newness no matter the age of your home. For maximum resale value, stick to neutral tones so future buyers can focus on envisioning the place as their own, without the distraction of your own vibrant choices. If you don’t like the thought of boring beige, consider adding accent walls for pops of color that can be easily changed down the road.

Climate comfort

Not every aspect of home improvement is visible at first glance like a fresh coat of paint; some value-boosting upgrades are more behind-the-scenes. One example is climate management. If you renovate a space that needs better climate control, or if you add a new room where extending the existing ductwork is impractical, a split-ductless HVAC system may be the

perfect solution. The ductless design saves HVAC contractors time during installation, therefore saving homeowners money.

Adjustable lighting A room’s ambiance can be completely transformed with lighting. For multipurpose rooms, an option like dimmer switches lets you customize the lighting to fit the use, which can vary throughout the day. A well-lit living room is essential for a large gathering or a small group gathered for game night. That same space can be

equally inviting for an intimate conversation or a casual movie night with the lights turned down low. One of the best parts is that minimal experience is needed to swap out standard switches for the more versatile dimmers. Plus, in today’s technology-driven world, there’s an app for seemingly everything—including lighting. Homeowners can control the ambiance from their phones by installing smart lightbulbs and lighting strips.

Grunge-free garage

Even though a garage’s functionality is the top concern for most buyers, a dingy, unkempt space can be a real turn-off. One way to instantly brighten and refresh the space is an epoxy coating on the floor. Applying the coating is relatively easy, and once dry, it helps prevent unsightly stains and damage in the future. Combine that with a thorough sweeping, wiping down

walls and other surfaces, and organizing the clutter to create a more inviting space you can utilize to the fullest.

Understated elegance

Features like crown molding and other wood accents such as chair rails are elegant upgrades that can elevate a home’s value with a relatively modest investment. An office or dining room is the perfect place to introduce these design elements to add a bit of formality to the space. You can also find crown molding in spaces like the living room, with the molding coordinating with built-in shelving flanking a fireplace. While getting the angles and fit just right is hardly a beginner’s endeavor, it’s a project that can pay dividends in the long run.

Better bathrooms

Many homeowners approach a bathroom upgrade with big projects in mind, like swapping out the vanity, replacing the tub or installing tile flooring. However, it’s possible to make a noticeable impact with much smaller changes. Simply updating bathroom fixtures and fittings such as shower heads, faucets, towel racks and lighting can transform the space with minimal effort and far less work and expense than a large-scale renovation.

BLUE RIDGE LITERACY'S 14TH ANNUAL

Scrabble Tournament FUNDRAISER FOR LITERACY

Thursday March 21, 2019 St. John's Episcopal Church Dinner at 5pm | Play at 6pm | Cash Bar 5:00-8:00pm

Prizes

Grand Prize Highest Score Most Creative Word Best Team Name

All proceeds benefit adult literacy learners in the Roanoke Valley! Register at blueridgeliteracy.org or call 540-265-9339! Growing Up

March 2019

•

Supplies: 8 identical glass containers • Water • ¼ cup measure • Wooden spoon • Plastic spoon • Metal spoon • Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

Experiment

1. Arrange glasses in a line. 2. Leave the first glass empty. 3. Place one ¼ cup of water into the second cup. 4. Place two ¼ cups of water into the third cup.

TRY THIS! Play a song! Each color is a different note, and you may be able to play some simple songs like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Try blowing over the tops of the glasses instead of hitting them. Does the sound change? Are the same glasses still the lowest and highest? Try changing the sound by adding or removing water. Are there some water levels that sound better than others?

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March 2019

5. Place three ¼ cups of water into the fourth cup. 6. Place four ¼ cups of water into the fifth cup. 7. Place five ¼ cups of water into the sixth cup. 8. Place six ¼ cups of water into the seventh cup. 9. Place seven ¼ cups of water into the eighth cup. 10. If desired, add 1-2 drops of food coloring to each

containerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;our favorite

should have its own sound.

thing to do is to add color in

Which glass has the lowest

rainbow order, starting with

sound and which one has the

violet and moving through

highest?

blue, green, yellow, orange and red.

12. Try tapping the glasses with the different kinds of spoons,

11. Tap each glass with the wooden spoon. Each glass

or even with your hands. Does the sound change?

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING: Sound is made up of vibrations called sound waves, which we hear. Lower sounds or lower pitches are caused by things vibrating slowly. As vibrations speed up, the pitch or sound gets higher. When you tap the glass, the water inside vibrates, causing a sound. The glass with the most water vibrates more slowly, causing a lower sound, whereas the empty glass has the fastest vibrations and so has the highest pitch.

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March 2019

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

Respite services

Access to Licensed Professional Counselor for foster parents

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

Seasonal celebrations and recognition

Monthly support group meetings

540-853-2408

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

540-283-8844

Ben Jones, Roanoke County bsjones@roanokecountyva.gov

BULLYING Bullying. Unfortunately, it seems to be part of the growingup experience, and—realistically—doesn’t stop once we’re out of our school years. In one larger study sited at stopbullying.gov, about forty-nine percent of children in grades four to twelve reported being bullied at least once during the past month, whereas about thirty-one percent reported bullying others during that time. Schools work hard to try to reduce bullying by teaching our children kindness, empathy, and character building. But in addition to schoolbased programs, there are things we as parents can do to help our children learn to cope with bullying

behaviors, find strength to stand up for themselves in a positive way, and empower them with the confidence they need to handle life’s ups and downs, both in and out of school. It can be hard to navigate our children through bullying. Just recently, my own child—Savannah, age ten—came home from school in tears. She said her stomach hurt and she didn’t feel good enough to go to school the next day. I checked her head—no fever. I asked when her stomach had started to hurt; after lunch, she said. I did a quick mental run-through of

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March 2019

her lunch. There was nothing that should have upset her stomach. She was sitting at the kitchen table, tears streaming down her face, shoulders slumped over, wringing her hands. I bent down in front of her, wiped the tears from her checks, and smiled at her warmly. I said, “Honey, I think there is something else going on here. Do you want to tell me what it is?” Her tears got bigger, her whole body shuddering with her sobs. We took some of our belly breaths together, and once she was able to take a breath freely, I gently asked again.

line was: I could save her, keep her home from school, call the teachers, have them move her lunch table, and so on, but to what end? Savannah wouldn’t learn how to handle these types of situations and those teasing behaviors if I fixed them for her. It wasn’t that the children at school were “bad kids.” It was their behavior, and that’s what I needed to help Savannah learn how to handle.

we as parents can help our children learn to cope with bullying behaviors, find strength to stand up for themselves in a positive way

This time, she shared that at lunch, kids had been teasing her and calling her ‘the invisible child.’ The teasing apparently had been going on for a while. I held the space and listened to her story. But inside, I wanted to take down names, call mothers, call the school, and kick some little punk kid’s butt for hurting my child! After a moment or two of that fantasy, I pulled myself back to reality and looked at how I could help my child. What was my role here? How could I best support her? The questions were flying through my mind. Luckily, I have a few tools in my parenting toolbox that helped me decide where to go next. The bottom

So I made use of the bucketfiller system we had taught her from about the age of three. It’s also the system we use at Unbridled Change when working with both victims of bullying and children who are doing the bullying. (If you haven’t heard about the bucket-filler system for helping teach children and teens about empathy, self-worth, and how to handle bullies, then we would love to introduce you to them! You can find great resources, from books to activity sheets, at the website bucketfillers101.com.) The short version is: Everyone has an invisible bucket where we keep all our love, warm thoughts, things we are proud of, and happy thoughts and feelings. We can help fill up each other’s buckets and our own by being nice and spreading love—instead of dipping into someone else’s bucket by being mean or unkind. The program also teaches

that most of the time a person dips into someone else’s bucket, it’s because they feel sad and are trying to make themselves feel better by taking from another person’s bucket. The result of bucket-dipping is that everyone feels bad; the result of bucket-filling is that everyone feel good and respected. At Unbridled Change, we like to point out a couple of bucket-filling concepts in particular: Put your lid on your bucket, and ask for help when you’re being bullied by peers. We know we can’t control the actions of others. Therefore, instead, we focus on helping the person find what they do have control over—themselves and their actions. To help shift our clients from feeling like powerless victims into problem-solvers who feel a sense of control, we have a four-step approach: First, hold the space for your child—allow him to share and feel seen and heard regarding what’s hurting him, without going into “fix it” mode. (For parents, this is the often the hardest step!) Second, remind your child to put her lid on and don’t let others dip into her bucket. This might look like: asking for help from a grown-up, telling the bully to stop, or walking away from the situation. Third, remind him that it has nothing to do with him personally. For some reason, the bullies are trying to dip into his bucket in an attempt to make themselves feel better. Tell your child, “Don’t let them dip in, because then, you both lose.” Instead . . . Fourth, ask, “What do you need? What do you think would change things and help you feel safe?” Then help your child brainstorm solutions. At Unbridled Change, we are always amazed at how smart and resourceful our kids really are if we hold

Call us today and schedule your

Kindergarten Entrance Exam Call (540) 344-9213 for information about Kindergarten and School Entrance Exams

at our Roanoke and Westlake locations

Learn about our services & providers at physicianstochildren.com

Growing Up

March 2019

the space and encourage them. They always come up with potential solutions. In Savannah’s case, she came to the conclusion that she didn’t want me to ask to switch her lunch table. She wanted to try and tell the bullies herself that what they were doing wasn’t okay and to stop. She also decided that she needed to reach out to some of the other kids in the class that felt left out, because maybe they could become better friends. I was floored and proud of my daughter for stepping into her power! I did give the teachers a headsup on the side and asked them to just be aware that this was going on. I asked for their support, as well, in allowing Savannah the time to try her approach out first before intervening. The result was that Savannah started to become more social and interact more with classmates. Plus, her teachers said her confidence in the classroom and her willingness to share her ideas with her peers increased, as well. A while later, I checked in about lunch and school, and Savannah said it was going great. She was proud of herself for coming up with what she calls “her good plan.” We at Unbridled Change have found similar solutions work out well for our clients, too. If you are looking for a starting place and resources to introduce empathy, kindness, and coping skills to deal with bullying, we highly recommend taking a look at the bucket-filler series. It’s a great resource for your child or teen (they have materials that target middle and high school age, as well) to empower them with the skills they need to believe in themselves. Michelle Holling-Brooks is the founder and president of Unbridled Change, a Boones Mill-based non-profit organization that provides full-time outpatient mental health sessions utilizing equine-partnered psychotherapy and coaching.

“We enrolled because of our desire for our child to be taught according to an uncompromised Christian worldview. We know that the world wants our child’s heart and mind. RVCS is on the same page with us in fighting for our child’s heart to belong to Christ.” RVCS Offers: Renovated School Buildings Smaller Class Sizes Dual Enrollment Opportunities International Exchange Student Program Christian-based Education

(540) 366-2432 ext. 127 | rvcs@sbcfamily.org | 6520 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24019 Growing Up

March 2019

Water Safety by Jamie Lober

As we enter the warmest months of the year and anticipate all the fun we’ll be having in the sun, we shouldn’t overlook the importance of water safety. “One of the important statistics we share with people is that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children ages one to fourteen,” said Brittany Madonna, communications director at the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, “and minority children are at even greater risk, with drowning being the number one preventable cause of death for African-American boys.” By teaching our children how to stay safe around the water, Virginia families can work to change the statistic. When it comes to water safety, parents don’t always have time to act. “Water safety is important because it can happen in just a couple seconds,” said Madonna. That’s why one of the best things you can do is enroll your child in swim lessons. Not only will she know how to get around in the pool, but she’ll understand how to act in a time of peril. “If a child is ever in a situation where he ends up in water that could be over his head, he will know how to save himself—whether it’s to get to the edge of the pool or float to get to safety,” Madonna said. If we as parents have a good attitude towards the water, it may be contagious. “It’s a problem in the Valley that there are kids who aren’t exposed to water at all, and there are kids who are fearful of

the water,” said Daniel Smith, aquatics director at the Salem Family YMCA. Exposing your child can make a huge difference. “The biggest thing is that parents take their kids to the pool and let them play,” said Smith. And swimming lessons can benefit more than just the little ones. “Parents can be proactive for themselves; if they don’t feel comfortable in the water, they should take swimming lessons, as well,” he said. Kindergarten through second grade is prime time to start getting accustomed to the water. “Most of it is water acclimation and being exposed, learning how to move, float, make forward progress, and become stronger swimmers,” said Smith. Every child masters swimming at his or her own pace. “There is never a set number of lessons that kids will take and then be good at swimming on their own,” Smith noted. We can encourage our children by telling them it’s a life skill. “You never know when you will need the skill of being able to swim or float on your back by yourself, so having conversations about the pool and what to do if a scenario happens in open water, or telling them that you wear a lifejacket if you’re on a boat, will help to be proactive,” said Smith. Boating safety is important as well. “If the boat should ever tip over, always stay with the boat and never swim away from it,” he said. Keep an eye on your child. “Parents should always supervise kids at swimming

pools, whether it’s a neighborhood or backyard pool, and give their undivided attention. You never know when someone could have a cramp or have an accident, even if they know how to swim,” said Smith. Unfortunately, the reality is that drownings happen a lot, among both kids who do and do not know how to swim. There is never one specific cause. “The biggest thing they can do is relax and get to a place where they can breathe, and not swallow a ton of water. Or if they have a whistle, they should blow it loudly,” Smith said. You may want to take advantage of an educational opportunity such as the second-grade Y Splash program to expose your child to the water. “There are some kids who love the pool and some who are fearful of it,” said Smith. The idea is that at the completion of this three-day program, the child will feel comfortable whether he’s in your back yard or a water park. Smith noted, “The main things with water parks are the rules and guidelines; if kids get separated from the party, they need to have a meeting place arranged so they know where to go.” Once your child is accustomed to the water, spending time at the swimming pool can be a great way to spend a hot summer day. “It might be hard to get transportation to swimming lessons, but you want to try to get your kid to as many bodies of water as possible with instructors,” said Smith. Being safe and comfortable in the water is always fun.

she loved

oh how

to be HOME

CHRISTIANSBURG 220 Laurel St NE

VALLEY VIEW 1945 Valley View Blvd.

LYNCHBURG 5401 Fort Ave

www.grandhomefurnishings.com

TANGLEWOOD 4235 Electric Rd.

EARLY BIRD

REGISTRATION UNTIL APRIL 30

www.ymcavbr.org/camp

Four Camp Locations Near You!

CAMP KIRK Kirk Family YMCA

CAMP BOCO Botetourt Family YMCA

CAMP SALEM Salem Family YMCA

CAMP WOODROW

Woodrow Wilson Middle School

4-H Camp Southwest VA Boys & Girls • Ages 9-18 775 Hermitage Road, Wirtz, VA (540) 721-2759 retreatatsmithmountainlake.com

Summer camp at the Skelton 4-H Center provides countless opportunities for learning more about the natural world around us. Days are filled with instructional-based camp classes, unstructured recreation and swim time, flag ceremonies, and evening programs.

Camp Bethel Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 992-2940 CampBethelVirginia.org

Camp Bethel in beautiful Fincastle, VA is an ACA-accredited, Christian summer camp offering three- and six-day resident camps, adventures, and trips for ages 4-18, plus day camps and single-evening family adventures. Camp Bethel is also home to Carilion’s Camp Too Sweet for children and youth with diabetes, and the Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio Camps. Adventure Camps and Trips include backpacking, mountains-to-beachto-bay trip, canoeing (day & weeklong), caving, equestrian, horseback, kayaking, mountain biking, river tubing, rock climbing & whitewater rafting.

Camp Blue Ridge Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17 529 Old Mill Road, Montebello, VA (540) 466-1583

campblueridge.org

Camp Blue Ridge offers six different styles of camp to fit your family! We offer everything from aquatic adventure to arts and crafts! We have a Family Summer Camp so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful nature God has given us.

Bricks 4 Kidz Boys & girls • All Ages 1060 23rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 380-2485 bricks4kidz.com/virginia-roanoke-salem

Camp Carysbrook Girls Only • Ages 6-16 3500 Camp Carysbrook Road, Riner, VA (540) 382-1670 campcarysbrook.com

Chatham Hall Riding Camp Girls Only • Ages 10-16

800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA (434) 432-5605 chathamhall.org

Childcare Network Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 0-12

4335 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3459 childcarenetwork.com/virginia-roanoke-va-65

Childcare Network’s Adventure Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a fun and exciting environment for your child, while continuing to help them explore and discover the world around them. While at our kids’ day camp, your child will have the opportunity to participate in different weekly themes with engaging activities, educational field trips and projects with their friends.

Country Bear Day Care Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 0-12

5220 Starkey Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-2547 countrybeardayschool.com

Divine Dance Center Boys & Girls • Ages 3+

3513 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-0296 divinedancecenter.com

Come learn with an award-winning competitive dance company! Professional staff and friendly atmosphere!

Camp Eagle Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

458 Camp Eagle Road, Fincastle, VA (540) 473-3117 campeagleva.org

A short drive away from Roanoke, VA, Camp Eagle has been ministering to folks of all ages for more than 30 years through summer camps, retreats, and specialized group events. We desire to use the elements of Christian camping to provide fun and fulfillment

CAMPS AT THE STAR CITY SOCCER CENTER starcitysoccercenter.com

Soccer Shots Summer Camp Dates: June 10-14 June 17-21 July 8-12 July 15-19 July 29 - August 3 August 12-16 Info: Ages 3-7 Half Day: 8:30/9:00-11:30 Full Day: 8:30/9:00-2:30 32

Growing Up

March 2019

for the present, hope for the future, and develop strong, impactful leaders who will turn the world upside down.

Camp Easter Seals UCP Boys & Girls • Ages 7-22

201 E. Main Street, Salem, VA (540) 777-5750 campeastersealsucp.com

Ferrum College Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 9-13

215 State Rte 602, Ferrum, VA (888)-508-7822 ferrum.edu/fcsec

Located 35 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia, Ferrum College provides a relaxed, informal atmosphere with the conveniences and security of a small campus. Residence halls, classrooms, dining hall, and recreational facilities are located within easy walking distance. Campus security is maintained by campus police officers. Specially selected camp counselors are assigned to each group of eight to ten campers and

(434) 977-3781 400 Holiday Trails Lane, Charlottesville, VA campholidaytrails.org

Hollins University Camps Girls Only • Ages 14-18

7916 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-6212 hollins.edu/academics/hollinssummer

HoneyTree Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12 Multiple Locations (540) 344-4543 honeytreeelc.com

provide supervision at all times. Campers and staff are housed in an air conditioned residence hall.

Camp Friendship Boys & Girls • Ages 7-17

573 Friendship Road, Palmyra, VA (434) 589-8950 campfriendship.com

Global Youth Village Boys & Girls • Ages 14-18

1020 Legacy Drive, Bedford, VA (540) 871-0882 globalyouthvillage.org

Camp Holiday Trails Boys & Girls • Ages 5-20

The Hive Summer Camp at HoneyTree is for students who have completed kindergarten through age 12. A private swim club, plus special interest groups, arts and science projects, field trips, and more keep The Hive buzzing with activities each weekday. The Hive opens when school is out and lasts for 10 weeks. With more than 35 years of service to Roanoke Valley families, HoneyTree provides a quality program in a safe, supportive environment. Treat your youngster to one active summer—and yourself to peace of mind—at The Hive.

We still have vacancies in Roots & Shoots, our 1 week introductory camp for girls ages 7-12!

We are a small, traditional, overnight camp for girls in Bath County, Virginia.

Creating unforgettable summers since 1927 www.CampMontShenandoah.com info@CampMontShenandoah.com 540-997-5994

Growing Up

March 2019

Camp Horizons Boys & Girls • Ages 9-16

3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA (540) 896-7600 camphorizonsva.com

Lancerlot Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12

1110 Vinyard Road, Vinton, VA (540) 981-0205 lancerlotsportscomplex.com/ lancerlot-sports-camp

Little Leapers Boys & Girls • Ages 3-9

1460 S. Main Street, Blacksburg, VA (540) 200-8573 thelittleleapers.com

Melody Makers Boys & Girls • Ages 0-5

3540 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke, VA (540) 989-9177 melodymakersroanoke.com

Camp Mont Shenandoah Boys & Girls • Ages 7-12

218 Mont Shenandoah Lane, Millboro Springs, VA (540) 997-5994 campmontshenandoah.com

North Star Childcare Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12 5407 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA (540) 366-3629 northstar4kids.com

Pathway Christian Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

1550 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg, VA (540) 394-7300 pathway-academy.com

Phoebe Needles Summer Camps Boys & Girls • Ages 12-18

732 Turners Creek Road, Callaway, VA 540-483-1518

Our programs are for rising fifth through

twelfth graders. We operate nine camp sessions during the summer. In addition to our basic camp activities like hiking, arts and crafts, swimming, campfires, etc. We also have special camps focused on nature and the environment, rock climbing and rappelling, community service, backpacking and camping, caving and climbing.

River Rock! Indoor rock climbing promotes confidence, coordination and balance, muscle development, teamwork, and problem solving skills. The social and athletic skills acquired through climbing will last a lifetime. We have camps for all age ranges that will keep your kids moving and having fun.

Camp Rim Rock

Our walls are professionally engineered and certified by the Climbing Wall Association. All our equipment meets or exceeds industry standards. Our River Rock Staff has been carefully selected, extensively trained, loves working with youth, and are certified in first aid and CPR. It is our privilege to work with your children.

Girls • Ages 8-16

343 Camp Rim Rock Road, Yellow Spring, WV (304) 856-2869 camprimrock.com

River Rock Climbing Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

806 Wasena Avenue SW #100, Roanoke, VA (540) 685-2360 riverrockclimbing.com

Looking for something completely different? We have just the thing at the

Roanoke Children’s Theatre Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18

The Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave SW Roanoke, VA (540) 400-7795 roanokechildrenstheatre.org

RCT Theatre Academy seeks to show young people a world where imagination and creative expression thrive: The theatre! Our classes are perfect for serious, aspiring performers, as well as for students who just want to have fun. If you’re not sure which class is right for you, call 540-309-6802 for help. Register early!

Roanoke College Soccer Camp Girls & Boys • Ages 4-18

221 College Lane, Salem, VA (540) 375-4955 roanokesoccerschool.com

Our youth camps offer players from a wide range of ages and abilities an opportunity to develop at Roanoke College. Sessions at the camps are created age-specific to provide knowledge and enthusiasm for the game in a fun and challenging training environment. These camps will feature the staffs and players from the highly successful Roanoke College men’s and women’s soccer programs, as well as top youth and college coaches.

Roanoke City Summer Camps

THE PHOEBE NEEDLES CENTER Residential summer camp programs for rising 5th through 12th graders. Activities include hiking, rock climbing & rappelling, climbing tower, caving, swimming, low & high ropes courses, games, arts & crafts, music, archery, camping, nature activities, and more. Only $225 for a week of camp!!! Middler Camp - June 9th - 15th Rising 7th - 8th Graders Senior Camp June - 16th - 22nd Rising 9th - 12th Graders Drama Camp - June 23rd - 28th - Rising 5th - 8th Graders Outdoor Expedition Camp - June 23rd - 28th Minimum age 13 First Year Camp - June 30th – July 6th Rising 5th - 6th Graders Rock Climbing Camp - July 7th - 13th Minimum age 13 Art Camp - July 14th – 20th Rising 7th - 12th Graders Nature Camp - July 14th - 20th Rising 7th - 12th Graders Outreach Camp - July 21st - 27th Rising 7th - 12th Graders

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-13

215 Church Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 510-4056 playroanoke.com

Roanoke County Summer Camps Girls & Boys • All Ages

1206 Kessler Mill Road, Salem, VA (540) 387-6078 roanokecountyparks.com

Roanoke Star Soccer Camps Girls & Boys • Ages 5-18

2800 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA (540) 345-7820 roanokestar.com

Camp Tall Timbers Boys & Girls • Ages 7-16

1115 Reflection Lane, High View, WV (304) 856-3722 camptalltimbers.com

All Around Camp - June 10th – 14th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Art Day Camp II - July 1st – 5th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Art Day Camp I - June 17th – 21st Rising 1st – 4th Graders Swim Day Camp I - June 24th – 28th Rising 1st – 4th Graders Swim Day Camp II - July 8th - 12th Rising 1st - 4th Graders

CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

Day camp programs for rising 1st through 4th graders focusing on ART and SWIMMING. Camp sessions are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday though Friday. The cost is only $90 per session.

REGISTER TODAY!! Applications are on our web site: www.PhoebeNeedles.org Call ~ 540-483-1518 Email ~ PNCenter@gmail.com Visit ~ 732 Turners Creek Road Callaway, Virginia Need based scholarships are available.

Camp Twin Creeks Boys & Girls • Ages 7-16

9235 Huntersville Road, Marlinton, WV (914) 345-0707 camptwincreeks.com

Camp Tuk-A-Way Boys & Girls • Ages 8-18

2262 Craig Creek Road, Blacksburg, VA (540) 961-4100 camptukaway.com

Located on 65 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge Montains, Camp Tuk-A-Way seeks to provide a clean, wholesome environment for quality Christian camping. We will engage our teens and children in a fun-filled week of physical, mental and spiritual exercises that will help them grow, like David, into the GiantKillers God has called each of us to be.

Science Museum Boys & Girls • Pre K-5

1 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA (540) 342-5710 smwv.org

MERMAID CAMP

AGES 4-10

RI OPTIONS, MON -F FULL & HALF DAY Dance & Mermaid swim camp* Mermaid Camp* JUNE 24 - 28 JUNE 17 - 21 JULY 22 -26 JULY 15 - 19

ONLY AT

Space is limited

540.989.0520

*swimming skills required call for detais

Summer Camp 2019

Find your inspiration

Go to www.smwv.org to register today!

The Science Museum of Western Virginia has Summer Camp programs for PreK5 that encourage critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.

stories, sitting by roaring campfires and igniting lifelong friendships. It’s about cuddling with four-legged friends, climbing mountains, and singing at the top of your lungs. It’s about being who you are and liking who that is.

With a huge variety of hands-on day camps to choose from, and trained educators and volunteers offering individual support, parents can easily find programs that will engage and inspire their child. Several programs will also feature excursions to VT and professional guest speakers who demonstrate, educate and motivate. Go to www.smwv.org to see our list of 2019 programs and sign up before spaces run out!

Valley AFC Boys & Girls • Ages 3-18 PO Box 20045, Roanoke, VA (540) 774-7272 valleyafc.org

The focus of the program is to provide soccer training for boys and girls that would like to improve their technical, tactical, and speed of thought/play abilities during the off season in a professional environment with US Soccer (USSF) licensed instructors.

Camp Strawderman Girls • Ages 6-17

2494 Dellinger Acres Road, Edinburg, VA (540) 984-4738 campstrawderman.com

Camp Strawderman is about riding horseback, swimming in freshwater streams and hiking on mountain trails. It’s about belly laughs and Indian

Camp Virginia Jaycee

2494 Camp Jaycee Road, Blue Ridge, VA (540) 947-2972 campvajc.org

We are a summer camp located in Blue Ridge, VA offering overnight camp, family camp and day camp for children, youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or developmental disabilities. Activities planned at Camp Virginia Jaycee include: arts and crafts, music, boating, fishing, sports, games and Junior Lifeguard training. The evening will be filled with hayrides, dances, carnivals and talent shows – lots of safe fun! Take the time to check our web site out and see what other parents have to say about our very special camp!

Boys & Girls • All Ages

Ferrum College Summer Enrichment Camp MP

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JUNE 23-29, 2019 I t!

AGES 8–14 FUN • CHALLENGING • MEMORABLE EDUCATIONAL • AFFORDABLE

ENRICHMENT CLASSES Bon Voyage en Francais I Cooking 101 Creative Crafting Crime Scene Investigators Equine Studies: All About Horses The Ferrum Challenge Hogwarts Academy I: O.W.L. Hogwarts Academy II: N.E.W.T.

Living, 1800 Style Map and Compass The Music in My Head Mythology Play Writing STEM Projects Summer Theater

Camp Watonka Boys• Ages 8-16

328 Wangum Falls Road, Hawley, PA (570) 226-4779 watonka.com

Camp Watonka is the only program in America offering the traditional overnight experience combining crafts, sports, dirtbikes, adventure and waterfront with a hands-on science program. This unique combination makes us the ideal program for all boys looking for fun summer focused on their personal interests.

Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing Boys & Girls • Ages 8-17

11176 Peaceful Valley Road, New Castle, VA (540) 864-6792 wilderness-adventure.com

Participants will leave Wilderness Adventure with an increase sense of autonomy. Being able to live in the

outdoors for a week, carry all you need in a backpack, and get out of your comfort zone with challenging activities will help participants to know their limits and see how capable they are.

YMCA (Kirk Family) Boys & Girls • All Ages

520 Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA (540) 342 9622 ymcaroanoke.org/kirk-family-ymca

Camps at the Y share one thing: they’re about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories.

YMCA (Salem) Boys & Girls • All Ages

1126 Kime Lane, Salem, VA (540) 387-9622 ymcaroanoke.org/salem-family-ymca

OPEN HOUSE FREE EVENT SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH 10AM-3PM FREE LUNCH G U I D E D TO U R S C L I M B I N G TO W E R ARCHERY GA M E S CRAFTS

WHERE ADVENTURE BEGINS Give your children a traditional summer camp experience and memories to last a lifetime! Choose from day camps for rising grades K-5 with satellite transportation from Tanglewood Mall or overnight camps for grades 3-11 with progressive adventures and off-site trips.

SAVE $25

Off each week when you sign up 60 days or more in advance!

OVER 200 WEEKS OF FUN C h o o s e f ro m ove r n i g h t , f u l l - d a y, h a l f - d a y s u m m e r f u n a n d a t h l e t i c s p ro g ra m s a t l o c a t i o n s t h ro u g h o u t o u r a re a . We ’re t h e re g i o n ’s l a rg e s t p rov i d e r o f s u m m e r e n r i c h m e n t .

RoanokeCountyParks.com/Camps

A facility of:

Preparing for a Positive Camp Experience by Jamie Lober

Camp is an all-inclusive place where every child is welcome, regardless of whether he’s timid and doesn’t meet people easily or is the chatterbox in the room.

that’s normal. “They will meet people in the same age group with similar interests, and everyone leaves with new friends,” she said.

It’s important to come with an open mind and ready to learn new things.

“The best part about camp for everyone is that they get to meet kids their age and try new things in a laid-back, relaxed, fun, loving, and safe environment. Usually, within the first hour, any kid who is nervous feels very comfortable,” said Stephanie Fallon, education manager at the Taubman Museum of Art. Not knowing anybody can make your child a little apprehensive about camp, and

Sometimes, it can help to show your child a brochure or visit the camp’s website together so she has an idea of what to expect. You may even be able to visit the camp in advance to see it in action. “It’s helpful to have superengaged leaders who have experience working with kids of varying ages with varying needs,” said Fallon.

Parents can find out the camper-tostaff ratio to make sure their child will

receive the right amount of attention. When you read the camps’ itineraries, there is sure to be one that grabs your child’s attention and feels right for him. “We feature specific projects based on themes, and this year we are adding a fashion component, as wll as painting, sculpting, and art venture,” said Fallon. Some museums that host camps open up galleries and spaces where kids can discover new things. Art is always very popular—especially clay—and some camps even let kids use a potter’s wheel. Hands-on camps, where kids can be touching things, moving, and exploring, are the biggest hits. “We strive to make it as hands-on as possible so that the kids get their hands dirty. There’s a big emphasis on fun and adventure,” said Fallon. Some kids want to focus on something they couldn’t do during the school year or advance in something

they began in school. Amy Shirk, of Rappahannock Summer Music Camp, said, “We offer music theory and electives like conducting, composition, music production, dance, and art to give a well-rounded musical experience, [things] they don’t get in school during the year.” Talk to your child to find out where her interest lies. “There are a gazillion camps, and many kids do music because they’re trying to build an appreciation for [it],” said Shirk. Every child has the potential to have a positive camp experience. “It’s important to come with an open mind and ready to learn new things,” said Kim Davidson of Sing! Summer Camp. When your child has a good attitude, he will go further. “The friendlier they are, the more friends they will make, and parents can help them get ready to introduce themselves by teaching them how to say hello to other kids,” Davidson said. If you’re friendly to others yourself, your child will take note. “The kids are cute, nervous, and shy, but when their parents coach them on how to be friendly they will make friends. I love observing that,” she said. Whether it’s growing friendships or new life skills, camp can bring out the best in your child. “I love to see the confidence that grows in the kids and the leadership skills, as there are so many great things they can learn,” said Davidson. Whether your child prefers art, music, sports, or something else altogether, there are benefits to camp. “Creativity, play, and art are helpful for growth and behavioral development. They help build problem-solving skills and show children there are different ways to approach questions,” said Fallon. When your child learns something new or brings home a masterpiece she created, she will feel good about herself. “It gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride when you start with something totally messy and simple and turn it into something beautiful and unique,” Fallon said.

Danielle Hollis, a previous camp counselor, shared, “Veterinary and Pre-Veterinary Summer Camp are important because they give campers the opportunity to see what it takes to become a veterinarian while also giving them a glimpse into a variety of animal fields. I would recommend this camp to anyone interested in becoming a vet, considering any career involving animals, or who simply wants something fun to do over the summer!” Campers get up-close and personal experiences everywhere they go. At Fort Chiswell Animal Park, they go on a guided tour throughout the park. Camels, zebras, and bison walk right up to the windows of the bus, allowing the children to pet and feed them in a safe, educational environment, while learning about the proper care and feeding of wildlife.

Veterinary Science Camp at the Roanoke Valley SPCA

Every summer in the months of June and July, new smiling faces enter the doors of the Roanoke Valley SPCA, ready and waiting to go on adventures to learn about animals. At both the Pre-Veterinary Science Camp (for rising fourth through sixth graders) and Veterinary Science Camp (for rising seventh through tenth graders), children learn about how to help animals and what goes on inside the shelter, and they visit other animal-focused facilities like Fort Chiswell Animal Park, Kentland Farm, and Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke.

in-shelter training. Campers participate in activities like using microscopes to identify parasites, receiving training in giving injections (using oranges as props instead of live animals), and practicing proper veterinary surgical attire. Campers also get to participate in off-site, behind-thescenes visits to local veterinary hospitals, the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, and the Mountain View Humane spay and neuter clinic, where they’ll view live surgical procedures and more! At Virginia Tech, campers are able to try their hands at mock-intubation, do an internal exam of a cow prop, and even get the opportunity to speak to the Tech veterinary students about their experiences attending veterinary school.

If your child is interested in animals or interested in the animal field as a career, this is a great way to see if they are truly interested for their These summer camps future. are designed to help kids experience what it means to be a veterinarian or work in another pet care field with hands-on demonstrations and

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March 2019

“My granddaughter really enjoyed all of the fun things that were planned for the campers.” “If your child is interested in animals or interested in the animal field as a career, this is a great way to see if they are truly interested for their future. My daughter loved it!” These are just a couple of many positive comments the summer camps have received. If you look through the albums of previous campers posted on the Roanoke Valley SPCA’s Facebook page, you can see just how excited the children are about the different learning opportunities the veterinary camps have to offer. Staff members at the Roanoke Valley SPCA always enjoy seeing the campers come in bright-eyed and ready to learn on their first day. And by the end of the week, they have all become best buddies with each other and their counselors. The kids are ready to chat excitedly with any staff member willing to listen about their animal lessons and findings from their travels. If you are interested in signing up your child or a loved one for Veterinary Science Camp or Pre-Veterinary Science Camp, head over to RVSPCA.org to claim your spot! Be sure to register your camper soon—early bird rates are available until April 1st, and then rates go up. Scholarships are available on a limited basis. If you have any questions, or to apply for a scholarship, please contact Ruth Pierce at rpierce@rvspca.org or call 540-339-9506.

Shawsville, VA • Phone 540-268-2409 • www.altamons.org ,

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Think outside the book. NORTH CROSS SCHOOL was founded on the belief that a classroom is a concept, not a room. With small groups, teachers are inspired and empowered to curate lessons, not follow them. Children pursue their best in a community that supports and respects curiosity and innovation.

With programs designed to engage, question and surprise, every North Cross graduate is a product of our ceaseless evaluation of what works—and, a commitment to embrace what’s next.

BEST OF 2018

Voted Best Private School, Preschool, and Supplemental Learning Program in the Valley three years running.

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NORTH CROSS SCHOOL · AN INDEPENDENT, ACCREDITED NON-SECTARIAN JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 DAY & BOARDING PROGRAM · ROANOKE, VIRGINIA · WWW.NORTHCROSS.ORG

Ready for Adventure and Fun at

Summer Camp! by Susan Baldani

Summer is a great time for kids to take a break from routine and have some fun. However, too much time off can leave children bored and frustrated. Today, most parents have to work and cannot spend as much time as they would like doing activities with their children. This is why sending your kids to camp can be a lifesaver. Days spent canoeing, fishing, swimming, and hiking are much better than those spent playing video games and watching television. Being at camp also gives kids a chance to be a little more independent and self-sufficient. If they are going to a sleep-away camp, cell phones are often not allowed, but children can write home (the old-fashioned way, with paper and pencil) to keep their

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parents up-to-date about what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing. Some camps even have cameras so parents can follow their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventures. Of course, for some kids, being away from home can be somewhat intimating and scary. This might be the first time they are away from their family, and homesickness can set in fast. If the camp allows, send them with their favorite stuffed animal, or their pillow, and send pictures so they can see familiar faces. Children are not the only ones who have to prepare themselves for being away for many nights in a row. Some parents also have a hard time letting go. As cited by the American Psychological Association, â&#x20AC;&#x153;children

may observe and mimic parents’ discussion of worries. And when parents frequently provide verbal warnings—for example, ‘be careful’—children may anticipate danger and fear certain situations.” Helping your child look forward to and enjoy camp will help them not just during the summer, but for years to come. They will learn new skills, make new friends, and become more self-reliant. For children whose lives are constantly managed during the year, from their schedules and clothes to the foods they eat, being on their own can be freeing. Psychologist Michael Thompson, in his book Summer Camp: Great for Kids, Even Better for Parents, writes about the benefits for kids. “The number one issue for children is ownership. The thing I heard the most in interviewing hundreds of children is you can really be yourself at camp. When you are in your parent’s presence, there is always shared ownership of your life.”

•If they’re interested, it’s a good chance they’re ready. •Has your child spent the night with a friend or relative before? Children who have been able to be away from parents in the past are more likely to be good candidates for an overnight camp experience. •How responsible is your child? Can they keep track of their own things and wash their clothes if they’re going to be gone for several weeks? Are they responsible enough to use camp money to purchase things they need rather than candy or other junk food?

Children will learn new skills, make new friends, and become more self-reliant.

Many parents often wonder how old a child should be to go away to camp. There is no one answer to this question, since every child is different. However, there are a few guidelines you can use to determine if sleepaway camp is the right decision. In her Summer Camp Guide for Parents, author Pam Myers, BS. Ed, has some useful guidelines:

•Is your child comfortable seeking help from other adults or authority figures if you’re not around? •Picky eaters may also have difficulty at overnight summer camps. However, the staff may prepare special meals for a child with allergies or religious beliefs that limit what they can eat.

•Consider sending your child for a shorter session for their first time at overnight camp. With the right preparations for the child and parents, summer camp can be the perfect answer to the dilemma of what to do with the kids all summer. Parents can enjoy some freedom from the everyday pressures of child-rearing, and children can have experiences they wouldn’t find at home. It’s a win-win situation.

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Street! Join the fun with an interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. Get ready for Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster, build a snowman with Elmo, flap your wings with Big Bird, marvel at Abby’s magic, be amazed when Super Grover flies, and move to the rhythm with Rosita. Anything’s possible when everyone who shares something in common gets together. Kick your feet to the beat at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! Admission starts at $21.

The Foreigner: A Comedy

performingarts.vt.edu/index.php/ events/view/theforeigner February 26 to March 6 at the Mainstage Studio Theatre on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg. A fishing lodge in rural Georgia is the setting for Larry Shue’s comedy The Foreigner, where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive as guests. Pathologically shy and overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers, Charlie passes himself off as a foreigner from an exotic country who speaks no English. Admission is $12 general; $10 for senior/student.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

artscenter.vt.edu/performances/ cinderella.html

Go. Play! See.

Theater & Live Shows Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! theberglundcenter.com

March 1-3 at the Berglund Performing Arts Center in Roanoke. Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame

March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Cinderella is the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations, and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball, and more— plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes. Tickets start at $20.

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March 2019

Darci Lynne & Friends Fresh Out of the Box

theberglundcenter.com March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. Winning NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” at just 12 years old by the most votes for a final performance in the history of the show, singer/ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer impresses audiences across the country with her sweetheart disposition and undeniable, show-stopping talent beyond her years. She is accompanied by her musical friends, including a divaesque rabbit, Petunia, a shy and soulful mouse, Oscar, and a sarcastic old woman, Edna. Singing through her friends helped the young entertainer find a voice inside she didn’t know she had. It also helped her overcome a lifelong struggle with shyness. Tickets begin at $29.75. Parking is $5.

Mamma Mia!

millmountain.org March 27 to April 14 at the Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke. Fly in for a fABBAulous time at Mill Mountain Theatre this Spring. Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie, a twenty-year-old bride-to-be who longs to have her father walk her down the aisle. The problem is she has no idea who her father is! After reading her mother’s diary, filled with her mom’s adventures in love, Sophie invites each of the three potential fathers to her wedding. With nonstop laughs and exhilarating dance numbers set to the iconic music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! has

been a global smash hit since its premiere on Broadway in 2002. Notable songs include “Take A Chance on Me,” “Super Trouper,” “Dancing Queen,” and more! Tickets start at $15.

Chicago

theberglundcenter.com March 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony® Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, thousands of standing ovations, and now the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Whether you’re looking for your first Broadway musical, you’ve seen the Academy Award®winning film and want to experience the show live on stage, or you’ve seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers! Tickets begin at $37.

The Addams Family Musical March 21-23 at Northside High School in Roanoke. Presented by the Burton Center of Performing Arts. A wonderfully witty, macbre, and dark family musical based on the 1960s television show and Charles Addams iconic characters. Don’t miss this amazing show!

The Harlem Globetrotters

WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania

March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Berglund Center Coliseum in Roanoke. The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their one-ofa-kind show to Roanoke! Featuring some of the most elite dunkers on the planet, exceptional ball handlers, and Guinness World Record holders, a Globetrotters game is more than just basketball, they are the ultimate in family entertainment that will bring smiles and fan interaction to people of all ages. Don’t miss it! Admission begins at $25.

April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Berglund Center Coliseum in Roanoke.See your favorite WWE Superstars including 2019 Royal Rumble Winner Becky Lynch! Admission starts at $17.

theberglundcenter.com

61st Annual Roanoke Valley Kazim Shrine Circus salemciviccenter.com

March 21-24 at the Salem Civic Center. The dates are set! The 61st Annual Kazim Shrine Circus will be at The Salem Civic Center from March 21-24! Kids tickets start at just $8. We hope to see you there!

Alsarah & The Nubatones jeffcenter.org

March 22 at 8 p.m. at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. Alsarah & the Nubatones were born out of many dinner conversations between Alsarah and Rami El Aasser about Nubian ‘songs of return,’ modern migration patterns and the cultural exchanges between Sudan and Egypt. A common love for the richness of pentatonic sounds, and shared migration experiences, expanded the conversation to include Armenian–American oud player Haig Manoukian and French born Togoraised bass player Mawuena Kodjovi. Under the leadership of Alsarah, the Brooklyn based group’s sound grew into what they have dubbed as ‘East–African Retro-Pop.’ With audiences varying in age and ethnicity, the Nubatones have proven over and over that soul crosses all cultural and linguistic barriers. Tickets are $20.

theberglundcenter.com

Kinky Boots

theberglundcenter.com April 8 at 8 p.m. at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke. Based on true events, Kinky Boots tells the heartwarming story of two people with nothing in common — or so they think! Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his family business. Lola is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! But in the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship. This huge-hearted hit is inspiring audiences around the world to LET LOVE SHINE! Tickets begin at $37.

Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Presents “A Little Spring Music” childrenschoir.com

April 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke. The Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir, under the direction of Kimberly Ruse Davidson, will be presenting their 32nd Annual Spring Concert. Musical selections will include classical, folk, gospel, Broadway and patriotic.The Concert finale will include all 250 choristers singing selections from “Once On This Island” choreographed by Kevin Jones. Both concerts will close with a patriotic salute that includes band members from Hidden Valley High School.Admission begins at $16.

Russian Fireworks rso.com

The Tragedy of Macbeth

rutheatretickets.universitytickets.com March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. In a season filled with dramatic music, David Stewart Wiley and the RSO present a night of Russian masterworks. A concert of storybook tales, the majesty of Mongolia, and the celebration of victory – an inspiring concert as part of another thrilling season! Tickets start at $34.

April 16-21 at the Pridemore Playhouse at Radford University. Taunted by a strange prophecy and urged on by his power-hungry wife, the once valiant and trustworthy Macbeth turns traitor and tyrant. He ascends the heights of his ambition only to plunge to the depths of madness and

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mayhem in Shakespeare’s chilling The Tragedy of Macbeth. Tickets are $10 with student and child discounts available.

Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Jefferson Street. The Shamrock Festival, hosted by the City Market Building, goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids’ Zone will be provided by the Taubman Museum and Market Square.

Songs from The Sap of Life

performingarts.vt.edu April 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Squires Center at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Written in 1961, The Sap of Life is a coming-of-age story that opened off-Broadway; it has not been performed since the 1960s. This workshop performance will feature songs and scenes from the show, presented by students that have had the opportunity to work with the writing team of Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire in their residence at Virginia Tech.

Festivals & Fairs St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival March 16th at 10 a.m. in downtown Roanoke. Join us for the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival, one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the East Coast! The Freedom First St.

Senses and ScienceAbility 2019 jchs.edu/senses-andscienceability-2019activities

March 23 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Roanoke. Jefferson College of Health Sciences at Carilion Clinic, the Western Virginia Water Authority, the Taubman Museum of Art and Roanoke Public Libraries present the third annual Senses and ScienceAbility: A Day of Immersion in Arts and Sciences Explorations! Activities will take place on the Jefferson College Campus at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital and at the Taubman Museum of Art. This FREE event, hosted by Jefferson College and the Taubman Museum, gives children of all ages and adults the chance to experience the world of science and art through interactive experiments, activities and presentations. Participants will have an opportunity to get hands-on during the event to learn more about the world around them. Space may be limited, so register today!

Spring Fling mmzoo.org

March 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. Spring is in the air! Come up to Mill Mountain Zoo to celebrate the beginning of spring with activities related to gardening, birding and other fun things to get you thinking about springtime! Enjoy spring themed crafts, get your face painted and of course see our great collection of animal residents. All of the activities are included with regular zoo admission!

Library Events Oscars Night: Green Book March 20 at 6 p.m. at the Melrose Branch Library in Roanoke. Watch 2019 Best Picture Green Book while enjoying refreshments!

Grossology March 13 at 4 p.m. at the Belmont Branch Library in

grandintheatre.com

OPENS 3/8

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OPENS 3/29

1310 Grandin Road Roanoke, VA 24015 540-345-6377

Races & Exercise Kids Obstacle Course Training Tour fergusonfitness.com

Roanoke. Do you have what it takes to take part in the Grossology Challenges?

Junior Bingo March 14 at 3:30 p.m. at the Belmont Branch Library in Roanoke. For ages 6-18. Come and have fun and win some prizes.

An Afternoon of Celtic Chords with Blue Ridge Ceilidh March 16 at 1 p.m. at the Main Library in Roanoke. Join us after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade for an Afternoon of Celtic Music with Blue Ridge Ceilidh! Bring your families out for live music, delicious food, and fun times together!

March 2 at 11 a.m. at the Greenridge Rec Center, March 16 at 11 a.m. at the Ferguson Fitness Studio, March 30 at 11 a.m. at Longwood Park in Salem, & April 27 at 12 p.m. at the Franklin County YMCA. Join us as we travel around our region and help kids get active and conquer fun obstacles leading up to the Roanoke Kids Spartan Race in May! Our goal is to encourage kids to run, jump, climb and gain confidence by trying new obstacles and challenges. Workouts will have a focus on teamwork and fun! Each tour stop will feature a free kids obstacle course style workout. Kids ages 4-12 are welcome to participate. Kids should bring water and wear athletic shoes and clothes they can move in and potentially get dirty! We recommend wearing layers based on weather conditions.

Sales & Fundraisers

LFA Kids Consignment Event lfakids.com

March 7-10 at the Berglund Special Events Center in Roanoke. You’ll get the best deals on kids’ items like clothing and shoes, toys, books, games, maternity and infant gear, and much, much more! As you may have noticed, our sale is a little bit different than most. We are passionate about helping the community, and we hope you are, too. LFA Kids has been creating great events each Spring and Fall for nearly 15 years. We bring together great deals on quality used kids’ items from hundreds of consignors, organizing everything by size, gender, and category for easy shopping. Prices start at just 50¢!

Star City Quilt Show starquilters.org

Comic books - Toys - Star Wars - Star Trek - Action Figures Anime - Manga - Collectible Card Games - Magazines and more! Admission $5.00 per person - 10 and under FREE with paid admission.

Roanoke DIY Fest March 29-30 at the Spot on Kirk in Roanoke. Roanoke DIY Fest is here to celebrate and introduce DIY music and arts from Roanoke and surrounding areas. This two day festival will have an abundance of creative people spreading their art with the rest of us. There will be two stages with a constant stream of live orignial music, an artist and vendor section for people to view, local and regional artists works, as well as purchase records and clothing. Admission is $7 on Friday, $15 on Saturday or both days for $20.

March 29-30 at Berglund Hall in Roanoke. This awesome quilt show is presented by the Star Quilters Guild of Roanoke. More than 150 quilts will be on display with vendors, viewers’ choice, and more. Tickets are $7 at the door.

Roanoke Valley Comicon

RoanokeValleyComicon.com April 6 at 10 a.m. at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke.

Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir Newcomer Auditions May 2, 3, 4 at Bethel Baptist Church in Salem.

Auditions are open for boys and girls ages 7-17. Singers should come prepared to sing the first verse of, “My Country Tis of Thee”. The audition is quick and fun and takes about 5 minutes. Come and be a part of the excellence and beauty of this award winning, Nationally Recognized youth choir.

(540) 724 – 6787 • www.childrenschoir.com Growing Up

March 2019

www.pjmaskslive.com

FRIDAY, MAY 3RD Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000, or the Salem Civic Center Box Office.

10 discount for groups of 10+ available at the Box Office.

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Saturday, April 6th 10 AM - 4 PM Salem Civic Center Proceeds and Silent Auction to benefit:

local businesses dedicated to serving families!

Have Fun

with face painting, live performances, inflatables, scavenger hunt, character appearances and more!

FREE Admission

Rachel’s Reads

Mrs. Katz and Tush

Under the Ramadan Moon

Mrs. Katz and Tush is the heartwarming story of a Jewish widow named Mrs. Katz, her cat Tush, and her young neighbor Larnel. Larnel and Mrs. Katz become the dearest of friends through their shared love of Tush. As their friendship grows, Mrs. Katz shares her Jewish traditions with Larnel and invites him and his family to celebrate Passover with her. Mrs. Katz and Tush is a beautiful tale of how differences needn’t prevent friendships, but can actually enrich our relationships with one another.

Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman has a lovely, soothing rhythm that begs to be read at bedtime while snuggled up with your little ones. It’s a celebration of the practices of Ramadan, including watching the moon, fasting, Iftar (breaking the fast), good deeds, studying the Qur’an, and spending time with loved ones. With warm and joyful illustrations and a song-like story, Under the Ramadan Moon feels like a cozy lullaby.

by Patricia Polacco

The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah by Leslie Kimmelman

Everyone knows the story of the little red hen, whose lazy friends won’t help her bake bread but expect to partake of the fruits of her labor. It is a classic fairy tale with a timeless moral. How could the story of the little red hen possibly be improved? Well, Leslie Kimmelman added some Jewish culture, a little Yiddish, turned the bread into matzah, and created a fun Passover tale called The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah. For extra fun, Kimmelman includes a matzah recipe at the end so you can try making matzah at home!

Growing Up

March 2019

by Sylvia Whitman

Night of the Moon by Hena Khan

Night of the Moon by Hena Khan is the lovely story of Yasmeen as she makes Ramadan memories with her family. Yasmeen has lots of questions for her family about why they have different Ramadan traditions, and their answers make this a wonderful introduction to the meaning and observances of Ramadan. Yasmeen’s excitement and enthusiasm for this special time with her family and community are contagious and create a joyful read.

Miz Fannie Mae’s Fine New Easter Hat by Melissa Milich

In Miz Fannie Mae’s Fine New Easter Hat by Melissa Milich, Fannie Mae wants to give her mother a special present—the most beautiful Easter hat anyone has ever seen. With the help of her father, she finds a spring garden delight of an Easter hat, complete with lace, fruit, flowers, and even tiny bird eggs. It is a simply gorgeous hat. Some fabulous hijinks are required to get her mother to accept such a generous gift and the books ends with a wonderful Easter miracle.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward

Did you know there isn’t just one Easter Bunny? The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Du Bose Heyward sets us straight with the fact that there are actually five Easter Bunnies who deliver eggs to children around the world. The Country Bunny is an ordinary mother bunny with twenty-one children, and no one believes she could ever be an important Easter Bunny. However, the Country Bunny’s motherhood actually makes her a stronger candidate for the job, and she proves herself to be the very bravest of all the Easter Bunnies. The message of female strength in this book is especially amazing when you consider that it was first published in 1939!

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

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

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

Roanoke Prevention Alliance

It’s not okay. Talk to your kids.

Kids are less likely to use marijuana if they know their parents disapprove.

“This poster was developed, in part, under grant number [SP021444] from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services. The views, policies, and opinions, expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of ONDCP, SAMHSA, or HHS.”

can Re a l A me r i or N i nj a Wa r r i Op e n ! C o u rse N o w

Kids Eat Free launchingpadsalem.com 1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153

540-404-9235

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Growing Up

March 2019

Every Day

Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(540) 961-0371 • The Green Goat All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

Tuesday • Brambleton Deli 11 AM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554 • Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074 • Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884

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

Roanoke (540) 344-7711 • The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

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

Friday See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475 • Jimmy V’s Restaurant All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311 • Moe’s Southwestern Grill All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471 • O’Charley’s All Day • 10 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-563-9870

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

• Tokyo Express 11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303

• Rodeo Grande All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-206-2296

• K&W All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Hershberger Rd. Roanoke

• F.P.S All day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 611 S. Jefferson St., Roanoke (540) 400-6879

• Lew’s Restaurant SW All Day • 12 and Under 2 free per paid adult Walnut Avenue, Roanoke 540-682-5925

(540) 563-4977

Wednesday • Dogwood 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549 • Pizza Pasta Pit 4 PM - 9 PM • 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included. 1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885 • The Quarter All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

Thursday • CiCi’s Pizza All Day • 10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet

Trampolines

& More! Basketball Dodgeball Jousting Pit Fidget Ladder Airbag Pit Launch Tower Arcade with prizes Bumper cars Flight Training Wall NEW! American Ninja Warrior Course Snack Bar 5 Party Rooms

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

Sunday • Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase Salem (540) 389-1111 • Local Roots 5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610 • T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult

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

Growing Up

March 2019

2019

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