Growing Up In the Valley November 2016

Growing Up S O U T H W E S T & C E N T R A L V I R G I N I A’ S P R E M I E R FA M I LY R E S O U R C E

In the Valley Volume 5, Issue 3 | November 2016 | FREE

Holiday Gift Guide The hottest holiday trends for 2016

Facts About Foster Care

Brody, Proud Saver and HTB Kids’ Club Member

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G r o w in g Up in th e V a l l e y ’ s

Presented by Freedom First Credit Union

Saturday, December 31, 10 AM - 2 PM • Salem Civic Center Ring in 2017 with a family friendly celebration featuring a 20,000 bouncy ball drop at noon inflatables, laser tag, caricatures, live music, magic and more!

$7 Per Person - 4 for $25 Children Under 2 - FREE For More info www.growingupinthevalley.com/NYE2017

Letter from the Editor

W

The owners of Growing Up on vacation in Puerto Rico.

Facebook Facebook.com/ growingupinthevalley Follow Us on Instagram @Growingupmag Tweet Us on Twitter @GUPinthevalley Email My Mom Andrea@ growingupinthevalley.com Story Ideas Share your story ideas with us by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com

ell it happened. I don’t know how, but it did. The holiday season is upon us.

I must have fallen asleep for the past ten months, because it went by way too quick for me to have been awake!

But alas, the holiday season is not going away so let’s make the most of it! We actually look forward to the holiday season at GUITV every year because we get to do so many awesome things around the Valley.

The fun kicks off at the Stocked Market on November 11th, 12th and 13th where we are bringing in Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Santa Village! If you take your family to the Stocked Market, your kids will be treated to free pictures with Santa, Milk and Cookies with Kris Kringle and Storytime with Old St. Nick! Check the calendar on page 29 for more info.

Next up is Fashion for Evergreens starting on Thanksgiving Day at the Hotel Roanoke. This is a great free event to help raise money for the United Way. Come on by at anytime to vote for our tree.

Growing Up In The Valley PUBLI SHER Josh Eagan EDI TOR-IN- CHIEF Andrea Eagan CRE AT IVE DIRE C TOR Tracy Fisher ADVER T I SING A C C OUN T E X E CUT IVE S Dee Reynolds Cassy Childress C ON T RIBUTOR S Peg McGuire Katie Lewis Sandra Gordon Ava Rosa DeVries Kevin Hurley Clifford Jackson C ont ac t Us : Phone: 540-251-1660 Fax: 540-808-1568 Mail: PO BOX 12263 Roanoke, VA 24024 General Inquiries: Info@growingupinthevalley.com

Heading into December, we start our fifth annual WREATHS program. This stands for We Are Reaching Everyone And Treating Holidays Special. It is our way of brightening the lives of everyone in Roanoke by doing small things each and every day of December for random strangers on the street! Follow along on Facebook and check out page 21 to see a list of events you and your family can get involved in.

We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers.

And of course, we are in all out planning mode for our New and Expanded - New Year’s at Noon event on December 31st. You and your family will not find a better, more affordable event all year then this unbelievable extravaganza. We celebrate the New Year like no one else as we bring back the beloved Bouncy Ball Drop to ring in the New Year at noon. Over 20,000 bouncy balls will fall from the ceiling of the Salem Civic Center at Noon - you read that right - twenty thousand! Visit www. growingupinthevalley.com/nye2017 for more info and to see all of the events planned for this amazing day.

Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley. com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.

We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsiblity for unsolicited materials.

So, although the year flew by, we do have a lot to be thankful for and and a lot to forward to!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

© Copyright 2016 MoFat Media

In This Issue:

7 12 13 14 16 21 22 38 29 36 18

Thanksgiving Word Search

November 2016 Volume 5, Issue 3

Holiday Gift Guide

See our picks for must have gifts!

True Facts About Foster Care Understand the truth about Foster Care.

Turkey Cups

Make this cute and easy craft with your child this Thanksgiving!

Wireless Worries

Read why wireless devices may pose health concerns.

An Imminent Storm

A teacher battles her emotional storm when she realizes her son is a high schooler.

2017 WREATHS Program

Join us in making a difference every day in the month of December.

3 Questions with Ava Rosa

Ava speaks with Brenda Hale, President of the Roanoke chapter of the NAACP.

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

Holiday pictures are always a struggle, especially on the Cranky Pants Caravan!

Local Guide Calendar Kids Eat Free October Prize Page

This rectangle is blue.

Do you like the color blue? Lots of things in the world are blue. The sky. This rectangle. Your sister’s eyes. Here’s a fun game. Let’s see how many blue things we can count around us!

When you talk to your child, you build vocabulary, so everyday moments become learning moments. For more tips, visit bornlearning.org For more information, please contact: Meg Fitzwater, Director, Early Learning Strategies mfitzwater@uwrv.org | (540)283-2786 smartbeginningsroanoke.org

MAKE FRIENDS

STAY ACTIVE

United Way of Roanoke Valley

HAVE FUN

THANKS FOR GIVING

You do so much for so many people. Now it’s time to take care of you. Join the Y to meet new friends, stay active, have fun and reconnect with you.

Learn more: www.ymcaroanoke.org

2016 Holiday Gift Guide We’ve gathered, tested and enjoyed the hottest holiday toy trends to make this ultimate gift guide for our Growing Up in the Valley audience!

Watch for a WINSday Giveaway!

Wet Head Game $14.99 / Ages 4+ Touted as the next Pie Face, comes Wet Head, an all-new water roulette game full of suspense and a splash of fun! Grab some friends, fill the helmet with water, strap yourself in, give it a spin.

Dr. Eureka $19.99 / Ages 6+ This game is a great, hand-on, dexterity-based, brainteaser that can be played with friends or by yourself.

Pick a challenge card, 3 test tubes and 6 colorful balls to solve his scientific formula.

Lite-Brite 2016 $19.99 / Ages 4+ Lite-Brite is a classic toy created in 1967 that has been inspiring children and adults to be artistic and create glowing designs for over 45 years.

Growing Up • November 2016

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2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Space Rocket with Launch Site $49.99 / Ages 6+ Count down to liftoff! With working lights and sounds, this rocket is mission-ready. Use the movable maintenance platform to help the space technicians inspect the rocket prior to launch. With the help of the repair robot, they make sure that everything is in tip-top shape.

Play-Doh Drill & Fill Playset $16.99 / Ages 3+ Make going to the dentist a little less scary with the Play-Doh Doctor Drill ‘n Fill Playset! Your child can make braces and brush teeth for the included head with ears!

The playset comes with fun tools for all kinds of dental play and three cans of PlayDoh modeling compound. From braces to brushing teeth, this play set is great for all types of dental play! Fun, colorful tools and Play-Doh modeling compound help kids learn about proper dental hygiene. As they practice on the play head, kids hone fine motor skills and receive sensory input as they squish, roll, press and manipulate the compound and grasp and handle the different tools. Caregivers also can use this set as a way to reduce anxiety about trips to the dentist by demonstrating and talking about what to expect.

Hot Toy Aler t!

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Hatchimals $58.99-$149.99 / Ages 5+ Hatchimals are interactive magical creatures inside eggs! You care for them, and with your love, they will hatch themselves with your help. Each egg contains one of two interactive Hatchimals. Target, Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us all have exlcusive animal and color designs.

Growing Up • November 2016

DC Superhero Girls $16.99 / Ages 6+ Unleash your power and explore your inner hero with DC Super Hero action dolls! Inspired by the powerful students of DC Super Hero High, the DC Super Hero Girls action dolls are ready for powerful fun. Designed with high articulation and the ability to stand alone, the Wonder Woman action doll is ready for powerful posing and creative storytelling.

Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar $38.99 / Ages 3+ Code-a-pillar inspires little learners to be big thinkers by encouraging preschoolers to arrange (and rearrange) the easy-to-connect segments in endless combinations, sending Code-a-pillar on his path. This learning toy encourages experimentation while developing important skills like problem solving, planning & sequencing and critical thinking.

Every time kids change and rearrange his segments, Code-apillar takes a different path.

Watch for a WINSday Giveaway!

IDO3D Vertical $9.99-29.99 / Ages 8+ 3D drawing pens have been introduced as the newest way to create remarkable artwork, especially for kids. IDO3D Vertical makes 3D drawing accessible for all families with sets starting at only $9.99. Unlike many other pens in ever-growing market, the IDO3D Vertical technology uses no heat or plastic filament and the pens are designed to use cool ink that reacts instantly to the built in LED light, allowing users to draw up over and in 3D!

LEGO Star Wars 2016 Advent Calendar $38.99 / Ages 6+ Feel the Force this holiday season with the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar, with 24 gifts including minifigures, starships, vehicles and other themed collectibles.

IDO3D GO! $19.99-29.99 / Ages 8+ These sets use the new IDO3D Vertical technology and will include step-by-step instructions and mechanisms to animate your 3D creations bringing them to life.

Growing Up • November 2016

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Watch for a WINSday Giveaway!

StikBot $29.99 / Ages 4+ Stikbots are pose-able sticky bots who will adhere to almost any flat surface thanks to their suction-cup hands and feet.

Their unique design allows stikbots to be posed in countless ways - their limbs, torso, and even neck can be positioned at multiple different angles! Stikbots are ridiculously fun and addicting to play with!!! But Stikbots are more than just cute pose-able figures. Stikbot is the first ever social sharing toy! The creators have created a free smartphone app available on ITunes and Google Play where stikbot really shines ; kids can pose , film and edit their stikbot in stop animation quickly and easily. Once filmed, they can upload their video creation from the app to share with their friends with the simple touch of Instagram, Facebook, twitter and vine.

FIRETEK Zyclone $29.99 / Ages 8+ Illuminate the night with the Firetek Zyclone Zing-Ring Blaster, another ingenious blast of fun from Zing! This new addition to the Zing Firetek brand puts the ultimate spin on outdoor and day and night play. Load the ring on the hand-held launcher, pull back, twist and watch the ring light up the night, traveling up to 100 feet! The Zing-Rings are constructed of soft, durable foam for a safe spin and cool catches with amazing accuracy.

This incredible blaster brings amazing fun with a twist!

Watch for a WINSday Giveaway!

Playmobil City Zoo $49.99 / Ages 4+ Featuring the quality and attention to detail that has encouraged kids to use their imaginations for over 40 years, enter this zoo-themed playset through the turnstiles to visit animals of all kinds like the penguin habitat and lion enclosure!

Be sure to check out the feeding schedule first! Visit the souvenir shop to buy a stuffed animal, penguin balloon or even post cards! Includes tons of realistically designed accessories.

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Growing Up • November 2016

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Member One Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA.

True Facts about Foster Care Myth: All foster children are in care because they are bad kids.

Fact: Foster children are in care for

any number of reasons. Most children are in care because their parent does not have the ability to care for them right now, whether due to drug abuse, domestic violence, neglect, medical issues or another circumstance that is not suitable for a child. These are not bad children, they are just in bad situation!

Myth: You have to be a “traditional” family to become a foster family.

Fact: Successful foster homes come

in all shapes and sizes. We encourage single moms and dads, empty nesters, cohabiting couples, same-sex couples, families with and without biological children, and anything in between to become foster parents! The most important requirement is for you to be a loving, supportive family where foster children can thrive.

PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) training, home visits and parenting classes and other activities that will help you be the best foster parent you can be!

Myth: You cannot adopt your foster children.

Fact: The goal for every foster child is to provide them with a stable, loving home. If it ends up that the child becomes eligible for adoption foster parents are first given the option to adopt in order to maintain stability in that child’s life. This is a much less expensive option than adopting from a private agency.

Myth: I cannot work and be a foster parent at the same time.

Fact: Many foster parents have a

full or part time job. Most foster care agencies can even help you with finding after-school or full time child care if needed. You are still able to work full time once you have a biological child, and having a foster child is no different!

Myth: Training to become a foster parent can take a full year to complete.

Myth: I have to make a lot of money and own my own home before I can become a foster parent.

Fact: Most agencies complete training

Fact: Foster parents must be

within 6 months, sometimes even sooner! Training consists of material that will help you be the best foster parent you can be. Most will consist of

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Growing Up • November 2016

financially stable, but they do not have to be wealthy! Foster parents can reside in homes they own or rent, including apartments, condos and duplexes! There are requirements

for how many foster children you can care for depending on the amount of bedrooms you have available. A foster care agency can help you with those guidelines!

Myth: I have no say on the age or gender of the foster child placed in my home.

Fact: Permanency is something that

every foster care agency strives for.

We want to make sure that whatever foster child is placed in your home will be a good fit. Therefore, we have an open and honest conversation with you about what age and gender of foster child will make a great addition to your family. We have children of all ages who come into foster care from little babies to funny and adventurous teenagers!

Myth: I can’t be a foster parent because I would get too attached.

It would be too hard to see them leave.

Fact: It’s true — you will get attached, and it will be painful when children you love leave. But, you have the peace of knowing that no matter how long a foster child lived with you they were able to experience a loving, happy family for that time. The lessons that they learn while being your foster child will stick with them for the rest of their lives!

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent contact Embrace Treatment Foster Care at 540.376.3967 or visit online at embracetfc.com.

Turkey Cups By: Andrea Eagan

Instructions Supplies 1. Collect Leaves of Various Color.

2. Cut out beak, feet, eyes and wattle from construction paper.

3. Glue or tape cut shapes on to cup.

4. Attach leaves to back of cup.

• Plastic Cup • Scissors • Marker • Tape • Glue • Leaves • Construction Paper

5. Draw eyeballs on to eye cut outs.

Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Pinterest for more holiday craft ideas.

Locations Throughout Southwest and Central Virginia Roanoke - Valley View Roanoke - Tanglewood Blacksburg Christiansburg Lynchburg - Wards Road Lynchburg - Lakeside

Imagine what your child will do with more.

North Cross is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school in Roanoke that serves children from early childhood through twelfth grade. We provide a rigorous academic curriculum while promoting personal integrity, empathy, and responsibility to self and community.

See for yourself: Early Childhood Program Days For prospective parents and students ages 3–5 8:30 – 9:30am

Tuesday, November 8 Tuesday, January 13 Monday, February 6 Thursday, March 23 Prospective Student Days For parents and students Grades 1–11

10:00am – 1:30pm November: Tues., 11/8 January: Tues., 1/13 February: Mon., 2/6 March: Wed., 3/29; Thurs., 3/30;

Fri., 3/31

April: Tues., 4/25; Thurs., 4/27

Go to www.northcross.org/ register.html to learn more or to set up a personal visit.

At this point there’s no putting the genie back in the bottle: We live in a digital world that, with every Fitbit and Apple Watch introduction, is only becoming more so. We’re all exposed to radiation every day from a variety of devices (cell phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers), and its net effect is cumulative, according to David O. Carpenter, M.D., director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany, in New York. Even if you try to limit your use of wireless devices, you and your kids are unguarded against RF waves from Wi-Fi connections in your home (which conserve data-plan usage and make wireless audio systems, like Sonos, possible), at your local coffee bar or library, and, increasingly, in schools. You can’t possibly shield your kids completely.

Wireless Worries

By Sandra Gordon

Handing your smartphone or iPad to your child can be a sanity saver on a long car ride or when you’re in line at the supermarket. But can letting him play Monkey Preschool Lunchbox or Temple Run, or even Skyping with Grandma, be putting him in danger?

Wireless devices use radio waves, a form of electromagnetic radiation, to communicate with cell towers through their antenna. Although the radiofrequency (RF) energy they give off is weak and has long been presumed to be safe, increasing evidence suggests that it may pose health hazards.

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified the RF energy wireless electronic devices emit as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” And a recent Swedish study published in Pathophysiology found that using a cell

Calling All Pregnant Women If you’re expecting a child, you already know to avoid unnecessary X-rays. So it only makes sense to minimize your exposure to RF energy too. While you should take the same precautions experts recommend for a child,

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Growing Up • November 2016

phone, especially before age 20, raised the risk of a certain type of brain tumor over time.

While experts are concerned about all wireless devices, cell phones carry the biggest potential danger because people tend to hold them up to their ear—close to the brain. And kids are the most vulnerable to RF energy’s effects because their body is still developing.

“Children have a thinner skull, so the radiation penetrates much deeper,” says Devra Davis, Ph.D., founder and president of the nonprofit Environmental Health Trust. When a kid holds a cell phone against her ear, she can absorb up to 10 times more RF energy than an adult can, according to a study review in the Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure. they also advise keeping your smartphone away from your body when it’s not in use.

Instead of slipping it into your pants pocket, put it in your purse or a bag. Hold that by the strap rather than carrying it over your shoulder to keep radiation from the phone farther away from your belly—and your baby.

We’re still learning about radiation and its effects on our health. So far, scientific evidence has not been conclusive. The WHO plans to conduct a risk assessment of all the studied health effects from RF exposure by 2016. For every known environmental health hazard—think cigarette smoking and lung cancer or sun exposure and melanoma—it has taken many years for researchers to prove cause and effect.

For now, many experts advise that parents take precautions. “Until and unless we learn that radiation from portable electronic devices is safe, we should assume that it’s harmful,” says Hugh S. Taylor, M.D., chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine. While there is no cause for alarm, these steps will help shield your kids without sacrificing the digital conveniences you take for granted.

Switch to airplane mode. Before giving your toddler your iPhone to play Subway Surfers, activate this setting so your device isn’t connected to the Internet. Otherwise, the antenna will communicate with the nearest cell tower or Wi-Fi hot spot and receive pulses of RF energy every 0.9 seconds.

If your kid wants to watch a video, download it to your device first and then select this mode.

Practice safe phoning. When Grandma calls to chat with your child, plug in your earphones that came with your phone first. This puts critical distance

between the cell phone and your child’s head. Even a few inches of separation greatly reduces a child’s exposure to RF energy, says Dr. Davis.

Avoid letting her speak where the signal is weak, such as in a car or elevator. The fewer bars you see, the harder your device is working to receive a signal and the more radiation it gives off. Keep in mind that cordless landlines emit RF energy too (the amount varies depending on the frequency). So for lengthy calls at home, have your kid use either the speaker feature or a corded phone.

Discourage your child from using his laptop or tablet computer in his lap.

Sure, it’s called a laptop—but placing your portable computer on a desk or a table is safer, especially if it’s connected to Wi-Fi. At the very least, insist your child place a cooling pad (which is designed to prevent laptop burns) or a pillow underneath to help shield his body from the device. Using a laptop this way for more than a few minutes still isn’t advisable, since some radiation might seep through (plus it isn’t good for his posture).

Don’t buy her a cell (yet). A child’s skull isn’t as thick as an adult’s until around age 15. Limiting her access until age 12 will reduce her radiation risk in the critical early years. By then she should be mature enough to understand how important it is to use headphones when she call friends—and she’ll probably mostly text anyway, which is safer (since the phone isn’t near her head). Avoid letting her keep the device in her pocket; this can increase her exposure to radiation.

A backpack is a better spot—it puts a layer between your kid and her cell.

Relocate your router. Place your Wi-Fi router at least 8 inches from where you and your family spend time. If it’s connected to a desktop computer where your children do their homework, move it to the floor or, better yet, a remote area of the house (you may need to call your cable company for help). Ideally, unplug your router when you’re not using it.

Carry with caution. If your child takes her cellphone to school, have her turn it off or in airplane mode if she wants to keep the phone in her pocket.

Again, the idea is to keep a cellphone that’s getting signals away from the body.

Keeping Babies Safe While They Sleep KOHL’S INFANT SAFE SLEEP PROGRAM For parents, keeping our children safe is a top priority. But that doesn’t just mean trying to prevent bumps or bruises.

We also need to protect them while they sleep.

On average, an infant dies in an unsafe sleep environment every three days in Virginia. That’s why Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is committed to helping keep babies safe through the Kohl’s Infant Safe Sleep (KISS) program.

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

A B C

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

Back

Babies should always be placed on their backs while sleeping.

Crib

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

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

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

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

Growing Up • November 2016

J2532_01 TMA KISS 2015 Ad_4 625x9 5.indd 1

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11/18/14 9:20 AM

An Imminent

Storm I Have a High Schooler By: Katie Lewis So my son started high school this year.

I don’t feel old enough to have a high schooler, which I guess is a good thing, but the truth of the matter is, I am.

So that’s my current state of affairs.

It hangs over me like an imminent storm. The rain my tears, the thunder my unsteady emotions, and I pray for a rainbow ending. I will get to the true cause of the storm in a minute, but let me start with his first day. To his relief, he didn’t have to ride the bus on the first day of high school. Oh, it was much worse, or one would have thought. He had to ride with his mom, and then walk into school with his mom, and then stay under the same roof with me all day. I forced a selfie with him just before backing out of the driveway, and honestly, that’s the only thing that seemed to bug him. He truly doesn’t seem to mind sharing his school with me. What more could a mother want? We have a good relationship, and apparently I don’t embarrass him too much. Of course, if he sees this column, in print, he might… well, this will just be our little secret.

So why the storm? I get to see my son at school every day. He is fine with this. It should be a good thing, right?

And it is. It’s fantastic. Yet, I have to

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Growing Up • November 2016

force back tears so often these days.

Why? Because I am four years away from sending my son off into the world. I love my son’s teenage self.

I love talking to him, watching him play football. And I don’t want him to go. Furthermore, there is so little time and so much to do. Each day I think, what more do I need to teach him? Is he going to be ready? I mean, we still do his laundry and pack his lunch. Of course, he can do both, well maybe not the laundry if I want things to maintain their initial color. It’s a catch 22. I want to do these things for him while I can, but I have to prepare him, send him out fully armed. Have I warned him of the ways of the world?

He knows drugs are bad, really bad, right? He knows to open the car door for a date. I’m sure of it. But will he do it? I feel like I am cramming for a test. Will I pass? Was I a good enough mom? Not that I will ever lose that title, but it will be different, and I know it. You can probably feel the panic in my words. If I was speaking, my pitch would be high by now, like it gets when I am nervous. I need to get it together.

His first high school football game has already happened. His first high school dance has come and gone. On the way

to pick up a belt on the day of that first dance, I burst into tears as Kenny Chesney’s “There Goes My Life” invaded my ears and seeped straight to my heart. Yes, I need to get it together. I can’t waste time being emotional. Or can I? Meanwhile, I drive Luke to school every day, thankful for those brief moments, not really caring that he leaves his breakfast trash in the floor of the car, secretly wishing that we didn’t live practically next door to the school. I take a deep breath and ready myself for my students, after telling him I love him and to have a good day. Thankfully he returns the words, even when some other teenagers are lingering in the vicinity. As my day gets underway, I stare out at my juniors. I look at them a little differently this year. From different eyes. Experienced ones. Empathizing with their teenage selves and feeling for their parents. I have to bite my tongue every time I get ready to share a “Luke” story because now he is one of them. But his childhood pictures still decorate my classroom and every now and then I let a story slip. Because I can. Because he is my son, and he will get over it, and he will still love me, and he will always be my baby boy.

'Tis the season to set sail.

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celebration, the Winter Wonderland Ball, a visit from Santa and more.

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

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

Teacher of the Month Nomination Nominate a worthy teacher to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Teacher of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024.

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

Your Name:________________________________ Your Email Address:__________________________ Nominee’s Name:___________________________ Nominee’s Email Address:_____________________ Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Teacher of the Month? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

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Growing Up • November 2016

WINS

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

You could win:

Playmobil Toys Tickets to Sesame Street Live!

Tickets to the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs New Year’s at Noon Tickets Gift Certificates to local businesses & More!

Newsletter Exclusives

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

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

There are over

1,333 children

in foster care in our area alone.

To explore and develop at their own pace To be able to respond to teachable moments and student interest To engage in off campus learning and community enrichment For parents to be part of the educational process To play and be a child

Are you ready to take the next

step in becoming a foster parent?

Call us today! 540-376-3967 www.communityschool.net

Spend the Holidays in Downtown Roanoke Shop Small with us November 26 for Small Business Saturday deals! Over 30 shops with one of a kind gifts!

Plus...Great Holiday Entertainment!

Elmwood on Ice opening November 23 DowntownRoanoke.org

Dickens of a Christmas December 2, 9, and 16

Parent of the

Month

Nominate someone today!

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

Winners receive a Gift Certificate to Famous Anthony’s for a well deserved night out!

Your Name:____________________________________________________________ Your Email Address:______________________________________________________ Nominee’s Name:_______________________________________________________ Nominee’s Email/Phone:_________________________________________________ Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Parent of the Month? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

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Growing Up • November 2016

WREATHS

Planned Activities Sign up for any of the below group WREATHS activities by emailing josh@growingupinthevalley.com December 3 Lunch for Habitat for Humanity Family Donate Day (lunch provided) December 10 Donuts/Coffee for Bell Ringers (snacks provided) December 17 & 18 Caroling at Nursing Homes (lunch provided) December 21 Deliver Meals to Families in Need (Supplies and Donations Needed) Be a part of helping our community. Join us in these or any activities to spread random acts of kindness around our region.

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Growing Up • November 2016

21

3

Questions

with Ava Rosa

Three Questions with Brenda Hale from the Roanoke Branch of NAACP

Ava Rosa: During spring break this year my sister and I had a chance to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Taubman Museum. Our favorite painting was called “The Problem We All Live With.” In it, a very young black girl is walked into a school by four policemen as people protest and throw tomatoes at her. I found out later that this little girl was based on a real person named Ruby Bridges.

Ruby Bridges was six years old in 1960, when the NAACP was looking for parents to enroll their children in schools that were required to allow black kids. The painting itself is disturbing, but the most shocking thing to me is that this little girl in the picture is only 62 years old today.

the Board of Education, where they said we are equal and equal education should be afforded to every minority, to every African American.

In the first grade and second grade, I went to school here in Roanoke, Virginia, which were segregated at the Old Loudon Avenue School, but in Bridgeport, Connecticut, all my schools: elementary school and high school were integrated. We felt great compassion for other areas in the country and when Ruby Bridges walked into that school and it was on the front

As someone in the same generation as Ruby Bridges, how did segregation affect your childhood and your own education?

Brenda Hale: Well thank you for asking that question. In 1960, I was a freshman at Central High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut. You’re probably wondering, “How did she get from Roanoke, Virginia to Bridgeport Connecticut?” Well, in 1953, my father killed my mother, so family took all five of us children and my great-uncle raised me.

So, that’s where I was going to school.

I was being raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I knew of Ruby Bridges.

I thought she was a courageous sixyear-old and to face that adversity and walking in that school with her head up with so much courage. That inspired so many people and that got more things rolling in our country toward education. This is post Brown versus

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Growing Up • November 2016

Brenda Hale: Well, I am honored to still be the President, to get elected year after year after year and I wanted to do something to make a difference in our community; not to just hold the title of President. If you’re the President, then you lead the way and others follow you.

We are making a difference in education because we work with the school and we work with the school board.

It is so exciting to be able to do that.

I spoke about equity and from speaking about equity, the school system now has an equity committee that makes sure that every school is receiving and all the children are receiving the same technology, books, and all the supplies, and all the education that they need because if they have all those in place, then we have good high school graduation rates and we have good scores and it leads to a brighter future for all the children.

page of Ebony Magazine and it was in Jet Magazine, it just did us so proud to know that this young courageous girl paved the way for others to follow.

I really loved what she was doing then and I love what she’s doing now because she’s out here still educating folks, still preaching about all the different things that make and should allow us to be, equal.

We have a youth council, almost fifty strong right now, and we teach them how to be leaders. They do their work and they have an awards program that they put on every year. Our youth are so important to us. It’s through the youth, that we keep the stories going.

We need them to recognize their history and make sure that they are proud, strong, and moving forward.

Ava Rosa: As the President of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), how would you describe your role in the community and the goals you have for Roanoke?

Voting is so important to us. All year long, we register people to vote.

Voting to us, is such an honor. It is such a right bestowed upon us. In 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the voting rights act. Here recently,

everybody knows for the last year, the Roanoke Branch NAACP has been fighting to get the voting rights act amendment on the table.

So, we do a lot. That’s just a few of the things that we do. I could go on and on because I’m so proud of the Roanoke Branch of NAACP. Ava Rosa: Today the President of the United States of America and both the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Roanoke are people of color. How does this make you feel and what do you think it says about race relations in America in Roanoke?

Benda Hale: I am extremely proud and I’m honored to work with the Mayor and to work with the Vice Mayor and to have known them for a number of years and to know how they have arrived didn’t come easy for them, to arrive at the stature where they are right now.

I’m extremely proud for our country to have the first African American President and for me to have attended the

inauguration of that President in 2008 and then to go back for the second inauguration in 2012. I tell you, I can talk about that with just such gleaming happiness because no one expected to see that happen right now, in our lifetime. We thought we had to wait a long time to get our African American President of the United States of America. I am so proud to call him my Commander-in-Chief because I served in the military. I served in the armed forces; the United States Army, as a nurse. I served at the VA and that is my Commander-in-Chief and he has been for eight years, so I’m extremely proud about that.

Yes, I can speak proudly about their accolades and how we support them and how proud we are that they are African Americans, but Ava Rosa, that does not mean we have totally arrived. We still have work to do. We are suffering right now, in a season of hate. Just too much hatefulness going on, there’s too many young people losing their lives. There’s too many African Americans losing their lives. So, we have work to do and the Roanoke Branch NAACP will continue

to march forward and we want to give every minority equal access to education, to economic empowerment, and to voter empowerment. So, we are still going to be working on these things and I’m not tired yet!

Ava Rosa: It has been 56 years since little Ruby Bridges took those steps into an all-white school. Everyone in America has, in one way or another, taken those steps with her. It was my great pleasure to meet with Ms. Brenda Hale, whose life’s work is helping current and future “Ruby Bridges” take their own steps forward.

From WTOY in Roanoke, reporting for Growing Up in the Valley, this is Ava Rosa. Thank you for reading.

When you know better you do better. ~ Maya Angelou We, at Blue Eagle Credit Union, are passionate about education! In fact, it’s one of our core values. We believe education provides a strong foundation for success in individuals, families, and communities. That’s why we offer programs that support educational success such as report card rewards, scholarships, and now grants for teachers going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of children!

Want To Learn More About Our Teacher Grant Program?

All the details are in our Teacher Grant Guidelines & Application on BlueEagleCreditUnion.com. You are also welcome to email us at TeacherGrant@BlueEagleCreditUnion.com, stop by one of our offices, or call 800.342.3429.

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Growing Up • November 2016

23

REHOUSING YOUTH FOR SUCCESS IN EDUCATION (RYSE)

RYSE, which stands for Rehousing Youth for Success in Education, is an initiative that works with local schools to identify homeless children and put their family on the pathway to self-sufficiency.

Every day in our valley, more than 600 students leave school unsure of where they’ll lay their head that night. While support is available for some, approximately 80% of these children and their families are not eligible for existing support because they fall through a crack in the system…they aren’t living on the streets. Their instability is hidden, as they find temporary shelter in motels or often move from one home to another as reluctant houseguests in need a place of their own.

United Way is committed to change these conditions by leading a comprehensive approach to homelessness affecting children in our region. The Rehousing Youth for Success in Education (RYSE) initiative brings together the resources and the expertise needed for real progress.

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Growing Up • November 2016

Be a champion for our homeless children in the Roanoke Valley. If you are able to, sponsor a family by providing for their housing and other critical support. Gather your friends, coworkers or faith community to team together to support a family. Contact Mary Baako at 540-777-4204 or at mary@uwrv.org.

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union Investment Strategies for These LowInterest Times Everyone has some idea of what it means to be money smart—however, whether or not you’ve acted on that idea is a different story! There are a few nuggets of financial wisdom in particular that are echoed so many times in articles, blog posts and TV segments that they become clichés, albeit practical ones. Curb your spending. Pay off your debt. Contribute to your savings early and often. Compound interest is your friend. Start saving now and watch your money grow.

Being financially responsible starts with putting some of those clichés into action, but in doing some research into savings strategies, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise. You might do some quick calculations with current interest rates and come to the sobering realization that the effects of saving your money aren’t as mind-blowing as you thought.

Why is that?

The economic landscape has changed a lot in the past 20 years. Our parents saw a time where it was possible to put your money away in a certificate of deposit (CD) with interest rates upwards of 10%.

Strategically utilizing investments with that kind of return was a smart move and a great way to grow your money over time.

Unfortunately, those days of 10% interest rates seem to have disappeared along with the era of acid-wash jeans and Troll dolls.

Current interest rates are at historic lows, and the Federal Reserve predicts that the trend is going to stick around for a while.

Saving is, of course, still a crucial part of your financial well-being, but what’s the best way to arow your money and beat inflation when interest rates are near 0%?

Consider the following strategies: CHECK YOUR EXPECTATIONS What’s the deal? There’s no way to sugarcoat it; interest rates are low right now. As a result, your investments—even with the mighty power of compound interest—just aren’t going to perform as well as they would have in the past.

Countering the effects of inflation is another resulting challenge. For millennials, the dream of someday being able to live solely off of the interest generated by investments is suddenly a very tall order. But don’t get too discouraged—as a young investor, time is on your side. Even low-yield nvestment products can generate significant wealth over long periods of time (we’re talking

decades), but it’s important to stay realistic with your long-term savings goals.

Will your investment allow you to buy your own island when you retire? It’s highly doubtful, but with some foresight and planning, your investment can allow you to retire comfortably and with peace of mind.

What can you do about it? If you want to be realistic about your investment earnings and help plan for your future, the Rule of 72 is a handy tool to quickly estimate how many years it will take to double your investment at a given rate.

The Rule of 72 works with investments that have compounding interest. You simply divide 72 by the rate of annual return (that’s your interest rate). What results is an approximation of how many years it will take for you to double your investment. For example, if you park $1,000 in a CD yielding 2% interest, it will take 36 years to double (72/2=36).

The Rule of 72 allows you to do some quick, back-of-the-envelope math when comparing different investment options or when planning out your long-term financial goals.

LOVE THE LONG TERM What’s the deal? As mentioned, even when interest rates are low and the forecast is bleak, time is still on your side. That’s because the longer your investments have to mature, the more time they have to recover from periods of economic depression. Your long-term money is less susceptible to day-to-day (or even year-toyear) market changes than shorter-term investments.

What can you do about it? Time is compound interest’s best friend. Consider looking into investment products—such as dividend-paying stocks—that contribute to the effects of compound interest. In this investment vehicle, companies share a percentage of their earnings between their shareholders (in the form of cash or additional shares), which can then be reinvested. Throw a long-term investment period into the mix and you have a recipe for some compound interest benefits.

Keep in mind that, as with any investment vehicle, nothing is guaranteed and you are always taking on an element of risk.

PUT MANY EGGS IN MANY BASKETS What’s the deal? There is always an element of risk present in any investment situation. Putting all your eggs in one basket (in this case, putting all your investment dollars behind a single company or a single form of investing) makes you more vulnerable to changes in the economy.

Some industries are hit harder by market changes than others. Also, market changes affect investment products differently (for example, bond prices move in the opposite direction of interest rates).

Diversifying your investment portfolio is a sound way to minimize (though not completely eliminate) your investment risk.

What can you do about it? By investing in a variety of industries using a variety of assets (stocks, bonds, commodities) your investment dollars are generally less vulnerable to any one sudden change.

Consider mutual funds as an investment option. Mutual funds are professionally managed investments that pool together several investors’ contributions and spread them out over various stocks, bonds and securities across several industries. As with every form of investment, mutual funds present their own set of pros and cons; they also carry a degree of risk.

SET UP A SAFETY NET What’s the deal? At the end of the day, interest rates—just like the economy itself—are unpredictable. Planning ahead is smart, but no amount of researching and strategizing will give you complete immunity from the twists and turns of market forces.

What can you do about it? Beef up your emergency fund. Should a sudden economic change put you in financial hardship, you’ll have three to six months’ worth of expenses as a cushion to figure out a game plan. An emergency fund sitting in your bank account may not earn you as much interest as it would if that money was invested instead, but the point of the fund is that it’s available and quickly accessible in times of need.

While interest rates may be low, you do have options. Start early, invest wisely and give yourself the time you need to reach your goals. And remember, you aren’t alone. Seek advice from a financial planner or stop by your friendly neighborhood credit union branch to sit down and talk with a professional about your options.

Growing Up • November 2016

25

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Fill in the puzzle with the names of the food!

Connect the dots to complete the picture of Holly!

The Game Room Activities presented by

26

Growing Up • November 2016

Start

Find the way through the garden.

Finish

The Game Room Activities presented by

D I N N E R W R

L U F E T A R G

Y L I M A F G P

F T S E V R A H

NN OM V U E T MU B A E G R B

I P N I D L I G A R N I I M QW

Thanksgiving Word Search

1. Autumn

5. Harvest

2. Dinner

6. Indian

3. Family

7. November

4. Grateful

8. Pilgrim Growing Up • November 2016

27

We’re Reaching Everyone And Treating Holidays Special

Growing UpValley In The

Spread holiday cheer around the community with random acts of kindness.

Start small and watch how it can grow!

Share your acts online at www.growingupinthevalley.com and follow us to see our acts at fb.com/growingupinthevalley

#KindActsRKE

Event Calendar The Stocked Market

Tickets may be purchased at the Junior League office, Salem, Roanoke and Christiansburg Hometown Bank locations, Holiday Inn Valley View or online. They can also be purchased at the Berglund Center November 11-13.

Berglund Center November 11 •11 AM-6 PM November 12 • 9 AM-6 PM November 13 •10 AM-5 PM

The Stocked Market is the Junior League of Roanoke Valley’s (JLRV) Annual Shopping Extravaganza. Held at the Berglund Center each November, this holiday market boasts over a hundred vendors from across the country. This fundraiser has raised over $3.4 million over the past 27 years. All funds raised stay within the Roanoke Valley and are used to further the JLRV’s mission.

General admission tickets (access to all 3 days) are $10 in advance, $11 at the door (cash only).

Stop by Growing Up In the Valley’s Santa Land and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Saturday 10:00 AM Santa Arrives 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Pictures with Santa 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Pictures with Santa 5:00 PM - Storytime with Santa Sunday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Pictures with Santa 2:00 PM - Milk and Cookies with Santa

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells December 3 • 10 AM and 2PM Prdemore Playhouse, Radford

Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is superexcited about the upcoming Holiday SingAlong and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Birthday Parties • Group Events • Glow in the Dark Parties • Fundraisers

Trampolines & So Much More!

Basketball • Dodgeball • Jousting Pit • Fidget Ladder Pit • Airbag Pit Launch Tower • Arcade With Redemption Prizes • Bumper Cars Snack Bar • Lounge With Free Wifi • Electronic Lockers • 5 Party Rooms

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

Calendar of Events On-Going Events: City Market Saturdays.

Every Saturday at 11 AM through 2:30 PM at the City Market Building in Roanoke. Head to historic downtown city market for fun each weekend with live entertainment, street performers, “how-tos”, and more. FREE Kid Yoga. 11 AM on every first and third Saturday at the Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center in Christiansburg.

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

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

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

All ages are welcome, $17 per person.

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

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

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Growing Up • November 2016

see full calendar online at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music. November 11 through 13 at the Salem Civic Center. When the new music teacher’s instruments go missing, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and more come to the rescue and discover instruments they never new existed. Children learn that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together! Tickets start at $17.

The Nutcracker. December 10-11 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.

Southwest Virginia Ballet’s annual production of the Nutcracker is a Roanoke holiday tradition.This ballet continues to delight audiences of all ages year after year. Tickets start at $20 per adult and $15 for children.

The Stocked Market.

November 11-13 at Berglund Civic Center in Roanoke.

Get your holiday shopping done early and support the Junior League of Roanoke Valley and our community

programs. This event features local merchants and other vendors from around the country who come together to sell unique items from jewelry and gifts to sporting goods and pet items. General admission is $10 and $11 at the door.

ROA Elmwood on Ice. November through February at Elmwood Park in Roanoke. the new outdoor ice skating rink, ROA’s Elmwood on Ice, is back for its second year, continuing an exciting new entertainment option to Downtown Roanoke. Open November 23rd through February 14th, for 12 weeks of Downtown ice skating!

Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday: 4 PM- 9 PM Fridays: 4 PM - 10 PM Saturdays: 11 AM - 10 PM Sundays: 12 PM - 7 PM Limited hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. $6 per skater and $2 skate rentals.

The 34th annual Roanoke Times Dickens of a Christmas. First three Fridays in December. Be a part of the memories for the Roanoke Valley’s premiere holiday celebration, The Roanoke Times Dickens of a Christmas! This year’s schedule is: December 2nd from 5:30 PM to 10 PM featuring the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:15 PM. December 9th from 6 PM to 10 PM featuring the City of Roanoke Christmas Parade at 7 PM. December 16th, from 6 PM to 10 PM featuring the Coca Cola Snow Zone and RVSPCA Pet Costume Contest at 6:30 PM. This free, family-friendly event happens annually in Downtown Roanoke and includes favorites like

roasted chestnuts, carriage rides, street performers, and more! FREE

Saturday • November 5 Smith Mountain Lake Chili & Craft Festival 2016.

11 AM through 3:30 PM at the Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta. Enjoy a full-day event featuring crafts and a spectacular competitive chili cook-off. Trophies will be awarded for “Best Chili,” “People’s Choice,” and “Showmanship.” $5 admission per person Virginia’s Veterans Parade.

11 AM through 1 PM in Downtown Roanoke. Our annual parade in Downtown Roanoke honoring the regions veterans. Parade participants include military units from across Virginia, military marching units and individual veterans accompanied by military, college and high school bands. All combine to make this parade one of the largest Veterans events in Virginia. FREE

Sunday • November 6 3rd Annual Time Traveler Pi-Miler Race. 1:50 AM at River’s Edge Park in Roanoke. The Science Museum of Western Virginia will take advantage of the Daylight Savings change so runners and walkers are guaranteed a personal record. It’s the only race in Roanoke where you go backwards in time!

Registration costs are $25$35 per person.

DEC 20-23 Tickets: 540-345-2550, or go online!

iCaL SeU sMSusical

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Seussical

SHOW SPONSORS

SEASON PARTNERS

SEASON SPONSORS

The

see full calendar online at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

Calendar of Events

The Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute. 8 PM at the Pulaski Theatre. Terry Lee Goffee brings Johnny Cash to the stage like no one else. We’re proud to be presenting this stunning tribute to the Man in Black. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Saturday • November 19 Rail Yard Dawgs Home Game Schedule Friday, November 4 7:05 PM vs Fayetteville Saturday, November 5 7:05 PM vs Huntsville Thursday, November 11 7:05 PM vs Knoxville November 17 7:05 PM vs Evansville December 2 7:05 PM vs Huntsville December 3 7:05 PM vs Huntsville December 16 7:05 PM vs Fayeteville December 17 7:05 PM vs Fayeteville December 30 7:05 PM vs Macon December 31 7:05 PM vs Knoxville

32

Growing Up • November 2016

Tuesday • November 8 Election Day Remember to Vote!

Thursday • November 10 Lalah Hathaway. 7:30 PM at Shaftman Performance Hall and Presented by Jefferson Center. Two-time Grammy Award Winner, returning to Jefferson Center for the first time since winning her first Grammy! Tickets start at $29 per person.

Friday • November 18 Avett Brothers. 8 PM at the Berglund Civic Center. Folk rockers The Avett Brothers have released a new album “True Sadness” that reflects the band’s artistic, musical, and personal evolution over 16 years; “a patchwork quilt, both thematically and stylistically wherein a myriad of contrasting fabrics make perfect sense on the same plane as a band.” Tickets start at $39.50.

Grandin Village Children’s Parade. 11 AM in Grandin Village. The annual Grandin Road Holiday Parade takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving every year!

Hundreds of families line Grandin watching clowns, bands and community groups march in the parade. For some families its an annual event, for others it’s a new tradition to get them ready for the season!

Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival. 11 AM through 5 PM at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Join thousands of like-minded wine enthusiasts at Thomas Jefferson’s secluded plantation for a Virginia wine festival like no other, featuring Virginia wineries along with artisans, local food purveyors and musical entertainment. The festival is held inside large, heated tents, rain or shine.

Tasting tickets include a complimentary wine glass.

Regular Admission tickets are $25 in advance (highly recommended); $30 at the door; non-tasting tickets are $10 anytime.

Rock and Roll Hike. 10 AM at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center in Roanoke. We’ll begin by making models to learn how rocks are formed and playing a game to understand the rock cycle.

Then we’ll go on a hike to see what common rocks we can learn to recognize.

Participants will decorate a container and make their own starter rock collection.

This class is designed for 6 through 10 year olds and pre-registration is required to attend. $6 per child.

Thursday • November 24

Drumstick Dash. 9 AM in Downtown Roanoke. The DASH is sure to get you into a thankful spirit as you and your family join us in feeding the hungry. Enjoy the music along our USA Track & Field certified route as the Union Drumstick DASH provides a fun, family-friendly, rain or shine Thanksgiving morning event.

This year, the Rescue Mission will provide more than 300,000 meals to hungry families. Racer fee ranges from $15-$30 per person with baby-in-stroller and pet rates available.

Calendar of Events Wednesday • November 30

Friday • December 2

Rudolph the Musical.

7:30 PM at the Berglund Civic Center in Roanoke.

The beloved TV classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.

Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life on stage.

Tickets start at $32 per person.

Christmas Dance. 7 PM - 9 PM at the Christiansburg Recreational Center.Join us for our annual Christmas dance and visit from Santa. For ages 13 and up, preregistration required. $2 per person.

Saturday • December 3 Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. 10 AM and 2 PM at the Pridemore Playhouse in Radford. Junie B. Jones is psyched about the Christmas sing-along! Come with your classmates and find

out how she does in this year’s Theatre for Young Audiences production based on the popular book series

by Barbara Park. General admission is $8, Children’s admission is $4.

Gingerbread Festival. 11 AM - 4 PM at the Salem Library Share the magic of Christmas at the Gingerbread Festival. This event features a gingerbread house competition, live holiday entertainment, craft activities for kids, a marshmallow roast, arts & craft vendors, and food vendors! Fun for ALL ages!

Candy Cane Express. 10 AM - 5 PM at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

Holiday Fun and Discounted Admission Train Rides, Model Trains, Story Telling Make a holiday memory with your family at the VMT!

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PREVIEW COFFEE Friday, Nov. 11 HOMEGROWN MARKET Saturday, Nov. 12

(540) 389-5074 • Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884 • Town Center Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 • The Barbecue Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030

Kids Eat Free Roanoke

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Kids Eat Free Choose from over 35 restaurants for an affordable family night out on the town! kidseatfreeroanoke.com

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

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

• McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407

• Lil Cucci’s All Day (Closed Sunday & Monday) • 10 & under, 1 child per adult meal 1396 Roanoke Rd., Daleville (540) 966-5923

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Growing Up • November 2016

• Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131

• Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464 • IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

• Pizza Hut 5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834

Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289 • El Rio Mexican Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343

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

Take Note:

• Firehouse Subs • K&W Restaurant deals All Day • 11 & All Day • 12 & change quickly and under, 2 children under, 1 child often without notice. per paid adult per paid adult Growing Up in the Valley combo,dine in Hershberger strongly reccommends only Rd. Roanoke calling ahead to confirm 800 University any deal listed. This listing (540) 563-4977 City Blvd, is for informational Blacksburg purposes only and does (540) 961-0371

not guarantee a discount.

• 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

Wednesday

• Dogwood 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549 • The Quarter All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

• Pizza Pasta Pit 4 PM - 9 PM • 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included.

1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885

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

• IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Friday

• T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

• Steak n’ Shake All Day • 12 & under 1 free per paid $10.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Thursday

• CiCi’s Pizza All Day • 10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711 • The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

1930

1940

Sunday

See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

• Tokyo Express 11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303 • IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

1950

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

1960

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase All locations Roanoke, Salem (540) 389-1111 • Local Roots 5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610 • Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM • 10 & under with paid adult 3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022

• Jimmy V’s Restaurant All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311 • Steak n’ Shake All Day • 12 & under 1 free with paying $10.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825 • Moe’s Southwestern Grill All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471 • O’Charley’s All Day • 10 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-563-9870

• T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

Over 80 Decades of Pinball, Play Them All! roanokepinball.org • #roanokepinball Located in Center in the Square Growing Up • September 2016

37

Tis the season to be jolly?

Not if you’re in charge of the annual Christmas picture by: Peg McGuire - Cranky Pants Caravan Anyone believing that the holiday season is all “peace on earth and goodwill toward men” has obviously never been in charge of the family Christmas Card picture.

The Christmas Card picture is not just any snapshot — it’s a Portrait. (Note the capital “P.”) This Portrait will hang on refrigerators and be taped to cabinets. It’s the picture that your great auntie — the one you suspect never liked you much — will use to judge your life’s choices.

It must portray a family that has its act together and not, for example, the kind of family where the mother sends her youngest son off to school wearing two left shoes from different pairs of different sizes. (He didn’t fall down once!)

The panic sets in when you realize that you’re trying to recreate this Portrait using your own children — who often behave like they’re in a circus side show. So, we, the members of the Christmas Card Picture Club, create some guidelines.

Here are my guidelines: The boys must look like gentlemen.

They must NOT look like the type of kids who have farting contests in the grocery story, butt smelling contests at the dinner table or name-calling tournaments as we’re leaving church on Sunday. They must not be the children my mother wished upon me during my childhood-diva years.

The boys must be clean and wearing pants. Winning this battle takes anywhere from three minutes to three weeks, depending on the mood of the child and the proper bribe. (Don’t judge. Bribery is my tried-and-true parenting skill, and I use it with wild abandon.)

Nothing can be sticking out of noses or ears. Tongues remain in the mouth.

Hands are kept off siblings.

38

Growing Up • November 2016

Family members in the photo must look happy. Or else.

Sounds simple, right? Nope.

Instead, this happens: I dress and arrange the family. We look good — like we stepped out of a Tommy Hilfilger ad. We are coiffed. My hair and makeup? Perfect. Like, I could pass for a mom who normally cares about her appearance. Joe, my husband? He shaved! On a weekend! He’s wearing an ironed shirt! With starch! The boys?

Wearing pants! In shirts with collars!

They look handsome! I have hope. Real hope. This will work!

The boys start fighting, and I threatened to take away their electronics until Easter. After a few test pictures, the lighting and arrangement is perfect.

The boys are behaving themselves and following the rules. They are still clean and wearing pants. I still have hope.

“People!” I yell. “When you see the red light flashing, stop moving, look into the lens and smile. Not a goofy smile, but a smile that says you’re not driving me crazy on purpose. Okay?

Go!” I press the timer button and get into place.

For eight seconds, these children stand perfectly still, arms around each other, genuinely smiling. This is it; I say to myself.

Just as the shutter snaps, Charlie toots and laughs. Timothy falls to the ground in agony. “The gasses are killing me!” he yells. “We’re dying! Send for help!”

Hope is fading. Quickly.

“This is why we hire professional photographers,” my husband says under his breath as he lifts the youngest child off our oldest child.

“Why is this so hard?” I cry.

“If you thought this would be easy, you’ve been smoking the tinsel,” he

says. “You’ve met our children, right?”

I give up and dismiss the family.

The children promptly take off their pants and my husband changes into proper football watching attire.

I pull out my laptop to look for a suitable picture for the Christmas card. I zoom in on a selfie we took on a hike last spring. We’re all squished together in the frame, and all of us are smiling weirdly. My hair is pulled back, and I’m not wearing makeup. Joe isn’t clean shaven. The boys, filthy from playing in the creek, need haircuts. Timothy is giving Charlie bunny ears and, from the looks of it, Charlie is kicking him back.

We didn’t think about this picture.

There was no staging or worries about lighting and clashing outfits. We sat on a bench, Joe pulled out his phone, raised it above his head, yelled “say cheese!” and clicked.

It was a snapshot of one of the thousands of in-between moments that fill our boring days and mundane routines.

Without perfect lighting, matching outfits, filters or staging, these snapshots show us as we are, not as we hope to be.

For better or worse, this is us at our best. We are two people still in love after 15 years, who have been blessed with two boys who don’t wear pants, lack acceptable manners and are enamored with gas protruding from their bodies. But we’re together, happy, smiling and wearing pants.

It’s not the picture I imagined.

But it’s real, and it’s good enough.

Merry Christmas.

THE FIGHT OF THE SEASON!

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