Growing Up In the Valley November 2017 by Roanoke Valley Family Magazine

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 6 Issue 3 • November 2017• Take One

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Myths about Germs

Protect yourself this flu season.

+ Heartbroken

but not Broken Giving the gift of life.

the power of

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Letter from the Editor

here has 2017 gone? As we finish up the November issue, we are beginning to reflect on all of the amazing things that have happened to the GUITV family this year. It has been an amazing year that saw us reach many milestones and continue to grow our brand and readership. Before we get all sentimental thought, we have a few things still to do to close out 2017 in a way only Growing Up In the Valley can!

Anika, Andrea and Evelyn celebrating Evelyn’s 11th Birthday in Hogsmeade a.k.a Universal Studios. Facebook Facebook.com/ growingupinthevalley Follow Us on Instagram @Growingupmag Tweet Us on Twitter @growing_up_mag Email The Editor andrea@ growingupinthevalley.com Story Ideas Share your story ideas with us by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com

Our annual Random Acts of Kindness program, WREATHS, starts on December 1st and we will need your help! Stay tuned to Facebook to get all of the up to date info as to what we are doing and how you can help. Last year, one of our favorite activities was when we provided Christmas Dinner for 15 families with the help of our readers. We plan to do this again along with many other efforts. Please help if you can! We also have just announced all of the details for New Year’s at Noon, the biggest event of the year. We have listened to all of your suggestions. We have a larger venue: The Berglund Special Events Center. We have more drop zones (and bouncy balls) four. Last but not least, we are adding a sensory ball drop event for children and adults with special needs. We want everyone to celebrate with us! Tickets are on sale now at the Berglund Center Box Office and online on our facebook page! You do not want to miss this huge event! We forgot to mention, we are also giving away $10,000 at the event! Seriously! Visit us on Facebook to learn more. Last but not least, we cannot end the November Editor’s letter without giving Thanks. We have a lot to be thankful for in our family, and one of the things we are thankful for the most is you, our readers. Thank you for continuing to support us and all we try to do everyday for our region. Happy Thanksgiving!

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Growing Up In The Valley PUBLI SHER Josh Eagan EDI TOR Andrea Eagan CRE AT IVE DIRE C TOR Tracy Fisher S ALE S & MARK E T ING Anika Eagan Cassy Childress Valarie Angle DI S T RIBUT ION Info@growingupinthevalley.com C ON T RIBUTOR S Peg McGuire Katie Lewis Tracy Fisher Ava Rosa DeVries Beth Farnsworth Clifford Jackson Stephanie Ogilvie Brittney Tilson 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 We welcome reader comments, submissions and the support of advertisers. We reserve the right to refuse or edit any materials submitted to us that we deem inappropriate for our audience. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with any submission to be returned. We do not accept responsiblity for unsolicited materials. Growing Up In the Valley and Growingupinthevalley. com are published by MoFat Publishing. Growing Up In the Valley is published monthly. The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represnt those of Growing Up In the Valley, it’s staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of, or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents to confirm any information given herein and consult with a doctor or an appropriate professional concerning any information or question. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher.

Inside This Issue

November 2017

Giving The Gift of Life In Memory of Sawyer McKinley February 3, 2006 - October 28, 2016

Features 16

Heartbroken But Not Broken How one family is turning their tragedy into education for others. 2017 Holiday Gift Guide Growing Up in the Valley editors and writers tested, researched and discovered the best gifts for this holiday season.

Learn and Grow 7

It’s A Money Thing How to protect yourself from bad loans & sharks.

Renovate Your Home With Safety in Mind. When updating your home, do you think of your children’s health?

Star City Little Library This month use your imagination with Dr. Seuss.

Just For Fun 22 6 Ways to a Better Lunchbox

Truth About Germs at School Flu season is right around the corner, learn how to protect yourselves and your family.

Resources

Get creative with your student’s lunches!

Go. Play. See. Winter traditions are starting- parades, festivals, shows & celebrations.

Kids Eat Free What’s for dinner tonight? We have a list of great restaurants offering tremendous deals for your families.

On The Cover Photography By Elizabeth Farnsworth

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union Beware of the Bite Short-term and payday lenders tend to have the most tacky and annoying commercials. Their promises of “quick cash!”, “guaranteed approval!” and no “credit check required!” are enough to make you change the channel—and yet, if you ever find yourself needing extra money fast, those commercials might make sense to you. If your car breaks down or you are short for this month’s rent payment and you have no emergency funds set aside, going to a payday lender or a pawnbroker may seem like your only option. However, the loans they offer can be expensive and targeted at those already in a tight spot, which makes those businesses examples of predatory lending. Before jumping at that quickcash, take a moment to educate yourself about predatory lending. Then breathe, understand that you have alternatives, and make an action plan that helps keep you out of shark infested waters. What is predatory lending? According to Debt.org, predatory lending is any lending practice that imposes unfair or abusive loan terms, or any practice that convinces a borrower to accept unfair terms through deceptive, coercive, or exploitative actions for a loan that a borrower doesn’t need, doesn’t want or can’t afford. By definition, predatory lending benefits the lender, and ignores or hinders the borrower’s ability to repay the debt. These lending tactics often take advantage of a borrower’s lack of understanding about loans, terms or finances. Predatory lenders typically target minorities, poor, elderly, less educated, and those who need immediate cash for emergencies. Lenders also target borrowers with credit problems or people who have recently lost their jobs. While the practices of predatory lenders may not be illegal, they can leave victims with ruined credit, unmanageable debt, or homeless. Predatory lenders go by a number of names Pawnbrokers are individuals or

businesses that offer secured loans using personal property as collateral. The word pawn is likely derived from the 15th century French word pan, meaning pledge or security, and the items pawned to the broker are themselves called pledges or pawns, or simply the collateral. Payday lenders offer payday loans (also called payday advances, salary loans, payroll loans, small dollar loans, shortterm loans or cash advance loans). These are short-term unsecured loans, regardless of whether repayment is linked to a borrower’s payday. Prepaid debit cards are typically not considered predatory; however, some of these cards have been criticized for their higher-thanaverage fees. Loan sharks are individuals or groups who offer loans at extremely high interest rates. The term usually refers to illegal activity, but may also refer to predatory lending activities like payday or title loans. Loan sharks sometimes enforce repayment by blackmail or threats of violence. Predatory lending can also take the form of car loans, sub-prime loans, home equity loans, tax refund anticipation loans or any type of consumer debt. Common predatory lending practices include failure to disclose information, disclosing false information, risk-based pricing, and inflated charges and fees. These practices create a cycle of debt that causes severe financial hardship for families and individuals.

Advance from your employer—Your employer may be able to grant you a paycheck advance in an emergency. Because this is a true advance and not a loan, there will be no interest. Credit union loan (my personal favorite)—Credit unions offer affordable short-term loans. Unlike payday loans, these loans give you a real chance to repay with longer payback periods, lower interest rates, and installment payments. Consumer credit counseling—Check with your credit union or bank to see if they have certified credit counselors. Credit counselors can provide coaching and help you develop a plan to get you financially secure. There are also numerous consumer credit counseling agencies throughout the United States that can help work out a repayment plan with creditors and develop a budget for little or no cost. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) is a nonprofit organization that can help you find a certified consumer credit counselor in your area. Emergency Assistance Programs—Many community organizations and groups provide emergency help, either directly or through social services programs for weather-related emergencies.

You have alternatives If you are facing debt problems, you have alternatives to taking out a highcost loan:

Cash advance on your credit card—Credit card cash advances, which are usually offered at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 30% or less, are much cheaper than getting a payday loan. Some credit card companies specialize in consumers with financial problems or poor credit histories. Always shop around, and don’t assume that you do not qualify for a credit card.

Payment plan with creditors—The best alternative to payday loans is to deal directly with your debt. Working out an extended payment plan with your creditors may allow you to pay off your unpaid bills over a longer period of time.

Ultimately, you should know that you are in control, even if you find yourself in financial difficulties. There are plenty of alternatives to avoid high-cost borrowing from predatory lenders. Take time to explore your options.

Growing Up • November 2017

Home improvement insight: 5 tips to redesign with kids’ safety in mind Smart homeowners take a strategic approach to home improvement projects such as redoing a playroom, living room or bedroom to keep kids’ safety in mind during the redesign process.

strangulation hazard to infants and young children. The Window Covering Safety Council recommends only cordless window coverings or window coverings with inaccessible cords be used in homes with small kids.

By being proactive today, you can ensure your entire family can safely enjoy the results of your home improvement project. Here are the top five things to keep in mind to create a stunning yet safe space for your family:

Consumers can easily identify products best suited for homes with young children by looking for the Best for Kids certification label on the packaging of a large variety of products. Window covering products that qualify for “Best for Kids” either have no cords or inaccessible cords. In order to be eligible for this certification, manufacturers must submit their products for third-party testing to determine if they meet the Best for Kids program criteria. (See windowcoverings.org for additional information.)

Window coverings Corded window coverings are a Top 5 Hidden Hazard in American homes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Dangling or accessible cords on window coverings can pose an accidental

Growing Up • November 2017

Electrical Electrical updates should always be made with curious kids in mind. It’s easy to update outlet covers to sliding plug options. With these you never have to worry about replacing the outlet plug again because it closes automatically when not in use. Larger electrical enhancements can help as well. Streamline the aesthetic of your space while eliminating cords by updating wall lighting. For example, a few sconces might replace reading lights, plus they’re high enough to keep out of reach of young kids. Another example: a new dimmable ceiling fan provides safe air circulation with customizable light output.

Smart home upgrades

Furniture and decor

Interior paint

Technology is a home improvement game-changer that can make spaces more livable and safe. Smart window and door locks can be installed throughout the home. Kids can now securely enter without a key and parents are sent an alert at that time. You can also set alerts for windows left open so you know to close them to reduce fall risks.

That vintage armor will look perfect in your just-redone space ... until your kids start to pull out the drawers and roughhouse around it. Tip-overs are another Top 5 Hidden Hazard by the CPSC, which notes in the U.S. a child is sent to the emergency room every 30 minutes as a result of falling furniture.

Painting a room is one of the most affordable yet dramatic ways to refresh a space. However, not all paint is created equal. To maintain high indoor air quality and a safe area for curious kids, be a selective shopper with interior paint.

Another smart home improvement to consider: motion-activated sensors. These sensors can be placed anywhere you don’t want children to be. For example, when your child opens the front door before you wake or he tries to get into the medicine cabinet, you’re sent an alert to your phone that makes you immediately aware of the activity.

Furniture, TVs and appliances can tip over and crush children, so take an extra step to keep kids safe. Always stabilize furniture, decor and any other items that could fall over. Safety anchors and brackets are widely available online and at retail home improvement stores. They are quick and easy to install and may save a life. (See www.anchorit.gov for additional information.)

Before you select your hue, research paints that are appropriate for children. Look for zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) labels and environmentally friendly options. When in doubt, ask at the paint counter which paints are best for sensitive family members. You’ll love your updated home even more when you can trust it is safe for you and your children. With these simple tips you can create a space that is secure, stylish and safe for all.

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Parent of the Month Ben & Christina Davis

“We don’t have all we want, but we are grateful for all we have”- anonymous Nominate a friend, neighbor or relative for parent of the month by email tracy@growingupinthevalley.com

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Growing Up • November 2017

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

2 Babies & Toddlers 1. Gund Animated Flappy The Elephant $39.99 • Major Retailers

2. Step2 3-in-1 Sports-tastic Activity Play Center $49.99 • Major Retailers 3. LeapFrog Scout’s Learning Lights Remote $12.99 • Major Retailers 4. Fisher-Price Classics Record Player Musical $24.99 • Major Retailers Mill Mountain Zoo Membership

Mill Mountain Zoo Family Membership Admits two adults and up to six children 18 and under from the same household

Growing Up • November 2017

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

3 Kids Square Children’s Museum Family Membership Valid for 2 adults and any children under 18 in the household

Pre-Schooler 1. Play-Doh Crazy Cuts $15.99 • Major Retailers

Growing Up • November 2017

2. Fisher-Price Think N Learn Smart Scan Color Chameleon $24.99 • Major Retailers

3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Cutting Fruit Set $19.99 • Major Retailers

Kids Square Children’s Museum Membership

Science Museum of Western Virginia Family membership valid for 2 adults and children under 18 in the household.

1 2

HOT TOY OF 2017! 1. Goliath Zoingo Boingo Pogo Ball $29.99 • Major Retailers

2. Spelligator Game $30.99 • Major Retailers

3. WowWee Fingerlings $14.99 • Major Retailers

Big Kids

Science Museum of Western Virginia Membership

Growing Up • November 2017

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Edito Choicer ’s

Teenagers

1. Cra-Z-Art SoundMoovz Musical Bandz $69.99 • Major Retailers 2. Dixit Board Game $29.99 • Major Retailers 3. Fast Lane Radio Control FLX Nano Drone $19.99 • Major Retailers Pinball Museum Membership

Roanoke Pinball Museum Membership Valid for 2 Adults & 4 children

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Growing Up • November 2017

Experience & Activity Gift Ideas:

What do you buy the person who has everything? Or are you sick of toys, gadgets and doo-dads cluttering your house? Try out these experience and activity centered gift ideas for all ages.

show series. The Jefferson Center brings in unique and quirky musical acts from around the country. Locally Roanoke also hosts a comedy troupe, symphony, children’s theatre, opera, ballet company and college sport teams.

Getaway Packages Performance & Game Tickets

The Southwest Virginia area has many venue options that host local and national productions. From a local ballet company, to food festivals and monster truck shows. The Berglund Civic Center has many gift options such as season passes to their Broadway

Take a break from life’s stresses and give the gift of a weekend out of the city. There are several resorts within just a few hours drive that will give you the relaxation you need after the holiday season! The Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke (featured in an earlier issue) has options for relaxation and adventure you can only get out in

the mountains. There’s also the family friendly Massanutten Resort a few hours north (with a huge indoor water park) and the Omni Homestead in Hot Springs.

Jumpstart New Year Resolutions

Sometimes a gift can be something you need, not just want. Get a month’s head start on the New Year and purchase a membership to a gym or recreation center. The local YMCA system is perfect to help the entire family get exercise during the cold, blustery months of winter. Don’t forget, some local spas also offer packages of multiple sessions at a discount.

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Growing Up • November 2017

Heartbroken but not

n 2016, almost 2,000 children had their life spared because they got a call their child would be the recipient of a life-saving organ donation. For every one of those miracle phone calls when parents heard their child was going to be healed, there was another pronouncement for those on the other end whose families would also be forever changed, but in a different way. In late October 2016, after returning home in the early hours of the morning from a trip to visit family in San Diego, my son Sawyer went into school late. His flight had arrived around 1am and missing one more PE class didn’t seem like a big deal. Excited to wear his new souvenir t-shirt and tell his friends about his trip, the day proceeded just like any other day. Soon after arriving to school Sawyer fell ill, had a seizure, and was rushed to the emergency room. After three brain surgeries and extensive medical attention, we learned Sawyer had a congenital brain condition known as an AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) on his brain, which proved fatal for Sawyer, which is usually the case in these situations. Sawyer was energetic, athletic, hilarious, witty, brilliant, and had a smile that reached his ears. We had no warn-

Broken

ing and in an instant our seemingly charmed life changed forever. Sawyer impacted everyone he met in his short ten year life. In his passing, he was able to impact even more lives through his seven organ donations. Sawyer was fearless in life and fearless in death. After his Celebration of Life a week after he died, the community came together to provide a meal for the family and friends who had come from so far away to mourn and honor Sawyer with us. His three siblings, his dad and I requested tacos, one of his favorite meals. At that meal a woman approached me and mentioned she’d heard about Sawyer’s gifts and said, “I am even a nurse, and I have heard of that [organ donation] happening before, but I just don’t know. It seems pretty morbid to me. I don’t think I would or could do it if I were in your shoes. Especially if it was my child.” Gut. Punched. Disregard for a moment the insensitivity of her remarks and focus with me on the ignorance of that moment. It was right then I knew that at some point, part of our healing journey as a family had to involve educating the public. We are approaching the one year mark of Sawyer’s death and it has been a trauma filled, sorrowful year for our family. In addition to friends and lots

of extended family, Sawyer left behind his parents, his younger sister Sterling who was four at the time, and two older brothers, Finn and Grayson, eighteen and thirteen when it happened. There has been little for us to celebrate or enjoy this past year as we have grieved and wondered and coped and dealt with the absence of Sawyer in our lives. However. One thing we have all carried a measure of joy about is the fact that because Sawyer donated his organs, SEVEN other families didn’t have to go through what we went through. SEVEN other families were able to leave the hospital with their child living and thriving, sometimes in ways they had never been able to see because of their child’s illness. All because Sawyer donated. In the hospital it hit me profoundly. Sawyer was gone. What if the person who will cure cancer needs Sawyer’s heart to live? What if the leader of the world who will bring about world peace is lying sick somewhere in need of Sawyer’s liver? What if, some child who will live a regular life, with a regular family, with regular needs and wants can simply live and not die because she gets Sawyer’s kidneys? Who am I to deny them life? My husband is the division wide superintendent of schools where we

How a local family is using their heartbreak to educate the community on the importance of organ donation.

Sawyer Holden Clemmer McKinley

Please join our family in a celebration of Sawyer’s life.   Saturday, November 5, 2016 3:00 p.m. Amelia County High School Auditorium    We ask that you dress casually for this event. Cat t-shirts and vivid colors will honor Sawyer better than somber clothing.     We will be inviting guests to share a story reﬂecting Sawyer’s humor, compassion, playfulness, personality, kindness, originality—the singular ways that he has touched people’s lives. This is a time to reﬂect on Sawyer’s joy.     A spiritual service will be conducted in a separate private gathering.

live. Education plays an important role in our lives and it plays an important role in our relationship with the community, particularly surrounding Sawyer’s death. Even as word spread of Sawyer’s passing (he was rushed from the school, so everyone knew something was going on) it was critical to us that we control the narrative of what happened and educate the public with every announcement, email and notification that went out about his passing and his organ donation in the aftermath so misinformation would not bring about panic. As we have interacted with individuals we have been impressed with a need educate the local communities about organ donation. October 2017 marks the month of the anniversary of Sawyer’s death. It is not something we want to honor or hold space for because his death is not the story. His life and his gifts of life are the story. Currently, around 2000 children under the age of 18 are on the national transplant waiting list. In the US around 90% of us believe in the idea of organ donation but less than half of us are actually registered to be an organ donor. It’s time for that number to change. You can register to be an organ donor at DMV.org. Since Sawyer’s death, our family has taken solace in knowing that

we are #heartbrokenbutnotbroken. Our hopes for moving forward have been made easier with every kind gesture from our friends, family, and community. In some small way we hope putting Sawyer’s name and face alongside the information about organ donation will make it a viable option for people and help de-stigmatize the process. Plus, educating our community about organ donation seems like a way we can both honor Sawyer, as well as the lives of the several who, upon his passing, now live. Article by Jaime Clemmer. Photos used with permission.

Learn more about registering to be an organ donor at organdonor.gov Growing Up • November 2017

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 Famous Anthony’s for a well deserved night out! Your Name:________________________________

WINS

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

You could win:

Roanoke Children’s Theatre Tickets Tickets to Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs WWE Tickets Gift Certificates to local businesses & More!

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

Newsletter Exclusives

Need ideas on entertaining the family this weekend? Planning a birthday party or maybe you just want to know which park is having a festival soon? Sign up for Growing Up in the Valley’s weekly newsletter to get the details about the best family friendly events in the valley! Subscribers to our newsletter are the first to see our newest issues, receive special deals & coupons from advertisers, and hear all the news from the Roanoke, Lynchburg and New River Valley areas. www.growingupinthevalley.com.

Elf Cast Interview: Veronica J. Kuehn follow what is best for YOU.

What is your advice to parents on how they can support their children's' dreams?

When did you start in acting/theater/music? I started doing children’s and community theater when I was about 7. I had friends and cousins who were very into singing and we all took dance classes and did recitals together—but I was pretty shy. They heard me sing once in my cousin’s basement and I was apparently pretty good—I started auditioning for small roles in community theater around New Jersey, but I’d say I was still a pretty shy performer. When I was 12, I played Annie in ANNIE at St. Bartholomew’s Drama Club production, and that’s when I really felt like I was bit by “the theatre bug” as we say. What would you tell young kids who want to pursue a career in the performing arts? I would tell young kids that its a lot of hard work! For me, it is so fulfilling to work on a show, use my talents and get paid for it! However, it is not an easy career to navigate, and its really hard when you have a period where you are not working on a show and you have to support yourself. I know a LOT of talented colleagues who have never made it to Broadway, and I got lucky. I would also tell kids that there isn’t one path to take—everyone’s journey is different, and you have to

Similarly, I would say that there is no right or wrong way to pursue the arts. For me, getting a college degree and going through a training program was what worked for my mom and me. I was glad to have a college experience in another city before moving to NYC; I had never really been on my own, and Boston was a good fit. However, a college training program like at Boston Conservatory, Michigan, Northwestern, CCM, Carnegie Mellon isn’t like a golden ticket to Broadway either. Many people go through those programs and don’t make a living in the arts. Hard work, practice, a good attitude, motivation, a solid work ethic, and a STRONG SENSE OF SELF are all things that a conservatory program may or may not teach you. As a parent, I would say its most important to help them stay positive when surely there will be some disappointment. Letting them know that you are there for them, that they can achieve anything they put their mind to if they work at it, and to stay true to themselves, are important things for a young artist to hear. Also, to understand that a career in the arts takes many twists and turns, and that it can sometimes can take years to feel like they’ve had traditional “success.” If a parent can stay committed to supporting whatever the young artist is doing presently, and can help their artist maintain some positivity, stay grounded, and provide a sense of normalcy in a crazy business, that is a huge blessing. Who helped you the most achieve your dream of being a performer? Definitely my mom. I am lucky to have had great training and teachers, directors, and access to seeing theater and participating in it since I was a little kid—but honestly there is no way I would have done any of it unless my mom had been there to facilitate it! She made it possible, she invested and helped fund every dance lesson, voice lesson, head shot, voiceover demo, college tuition, the list goes on and on… More importantly (and because thankfully I can mostly pay for

things myself now!) she gives me the emotional support this business requires. She has been there for every up and every down, she gets to come see the shows I book, and she reminds me I will book something else when I don't. She is my very first phone call when I have good news, and she is my sounding board when I am so frustrated I can’t think straight. I couldn’t do it without her. What can people expect when going to see ELF? People can expect a great big, funny, heartwarming musical just in time to close out the fall and ring in the Holiday Season! The show has everything you want in a musical: great big dance numbers, amazing songs with a full orchestra (so rare these days!), and scenes that make you laugh and want to hug your family. The show is set at the North Pole and also during Christmas in New York City, so you’ll see all the elements from the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink to the giant Christmas tree, to the Empire State Building! We also have some hilarious elves, the perfect Santa AND some snow, and who doesn’t love that?! It’s great for the whole family—totally kid friendly but also has great jokes the adults will get a kick out of, and if you love Elf the movie, chances are you’ll love the musical as well! How does the show differ from the Movie? One of my family’s new traditions is watching Elf every holiday season, in addition to our classic viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas vacation. Our show is a little different than the movie, because its a stage musical, so we have a ton of songs that you won’t hear in the movie, that were written just for this show and accompanied by our gorgeous orchestra (if you’re a music nerd like me you’ll appreciate the fantastic horn section!). You’ll see your favorite characters from the movie, plus some new ones, and a lot of Buddy’s best moments and lines from the movie are still there, shouted with glee!

See Veronica J. Kuehn in Elf on November 11!

Piano Lessons with Anna de Groot Teacher of 19 years who holds degrees in piano performance and teaching from James Madison University and Westminster Choir College is opening a studio near Greenfield Elementary. All ages and skill levels welcome! Contact Anna de Groot for a free trial lesson.

(917) 754-8721 or anna.degroot@gmail.com

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as good).

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Managing High Blood Pressure During the Holidays Managing blood pressure can be difficult, especially during the holidays and winter months. A change in routine, family visits, traveling, illness, holiday menus and financial concerns can all conspire to derail your best efforts at keeping chronic conditions, like high blood pressure, under control. If you are one of the millions of American adults with high blood pressure, it is vital to keep your blood pressure stable. Drastic changes can put you at risk for heart attack or stroke. Here are three ways to control your blood pressure throughout the holiday season from the American Heart Association: Be Wary of Decongestants Decongestants are in many over-thecounter cold and flu medications but they have some harmful side effects. They can raise blood pressure and decrease the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. It’s best to use them for the shortest duration possible and avoid in severe or uncontrolled hypertension. Consider alternative therapies, such as nasal saline, intranasal corticosteroids or antihistamines, as appropriate. Keep Track of Medication The winter months tend to bring an increase in both heart attacks and strokes. According to research from the Journal of the American Heart Association, a 4.2 percent increase in heart-related deaths occurs away from a hospital from Dec. 25-Jan. 7. “Factors like cold weather, sudden increase in activity like shoveling snow,

stress and dietary indiscretion can contribute to a chain of events leading to more stress on the heart during the winter months, potentially triggering a heart attack or other cardiac event,” said Jorge Plutzky, M.D., director of Preventive Cardiology at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a volunteer with the American Heart Association. It is vital to keep track of your medication and take it as prescribed by your doctor to decrease chances of heart attack and stroke. The American Heart Association’s Check Change Control Tracker is one way to monitor your health, as it allows you to set up text message reminders, text in blood pressure readings, connect with volunteers or providers, and receive messages from volunteers or providers. Maintain Healthy Eating Habits The holidays can be a bad influence on healthy eating habits. However, it is important to stay active during these times and continue eating healthy. While you are enjoying holiday feasts with family, be aware of sodium, often found in seasonal foods like bread, cheeses and prepared meats, which can increase blood pressure. Don’t feel like you can’t indulge a little, but make sure to incorporate healthy meals. Staying active while traveling can be a challenge, as well. Try bringing simple exercise equipment like a jump rope or resistance band with you. Consider walking to sights or restaurants nearby, or finding a local park or indoor walking path.

4120 Challenger Avenue Roanoke, Virginia 24012

6 Ways to Build a Better Lunch box Coming up with fresh ideas every day to keep kids’ lunches exciting is no small task. When the goal is an empty lunch box and a full, happy tummy, the winning combination is a blend of nutrition and flavor. Step up your game this school year with these ideas for a better lunch box:

Get Creative.

Foods that look can good taste good, too. Transform sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or make tiny heart- or star-shaped, bite-size pieces of cheese for a fun finger food. Another fun idea: thread sliced and bite-sized vegetables on a wooden stick for a no-cook kabob. For a sweet variation, use fruit instead and sprinkle with coconut for extra flavor.

Skip the Packaging.

Little fingers can struggle to open pre-packaged foods, so instead opt for fresh ingredients that fit into a bentostyle box. Not only can kids see what tasty treats await and dig straight into their meals, less packaging means less processing, which is good for their health and the environment.

Rely on the familiar. Refueling during the day is important to keep kids focused and able to mentally and physically tackle the rest of the school day. Avoid trying out new foods at lunchtime and save experimenting with new flavors for meals at home.

Go for Variety.

Representing multiple foods groups isn’t only a good way to deliver good nutrition, the variety in colors and textures can make the meal more interesting and encourage kids to eat more. Include savory meats, crunchy crackers, veggies and sweet fruits.

Keep It Simple.

Opt for delicious, flavorful foods that deliver nutrients kids need and the taste they want without any extras. An option like Hidden Valley Simply Ranch makes for a rich and creamy complement to carrot sticks, cucumber and other lunch box staples. With no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors this ranch is perfect for encouraging kids to eat the veggies you pack. Look for Classic Ranch or for a special twist, try flavors such as Cucumber Basil or Chili Lime.

Growing Up • November 2017

Add a Treat.

Whether it’s a favorite fruit or yogurt, a single piece of candy or even a simple note that says “I love you and I’m proud of you,” find a way to add something sweet to every lunch and bring a smile to your child’s daily routine. Look for more kid-friendly meals at hiddenvalley.com.

Portable Veggie Kabobs with Tangy Veggie Dip Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Servings: 6-8 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cup broccoli florets 2 carrots, sliced 8 cherry tomatoes 6-8 wooden skewers Hidden Valley Simply Ranch Gently thread cucumber slices, broccoli, carrot slices and cherry tomatoes on skewers, placing 2-3 pieces of each veggie on each skewer to make a rainbow of colors. Serve ranch dressing with veggies for dipping. Tip: Add cheese cubes for protein on kabobs, if desired.

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This winter break, instead of having your child cooped up inside, get unplugged and enroll in Y Winter Camp! Our winter camp will be filled with indoor and outdoor activities where kids can play, make new friends, stay active and have fun! Learn more: www.ymcavbr.org

GERMS Facts & Myths about

Everybody seems to have an opinion about germs; what causes them, where they’re located, how to avoid them; especially when it comes to children. Experts say that American children miss 22 million days of school annually due to colds, flu and other infections. “Avoiding germs at schools isn’t as simple as just washing your hands in the bathroom or sneezing into your sleeve,” says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona. “Germs are on everything kids touch in the classroom, as well as around the hallways, cafeteria and playground.” With this in mind, it is important to separate facts from myths about germs in schools.

Fact: Desks are among the most germ-prone items. Students spend most of the day at their deskssneezes, coughs and all- and, in some schools, they often switch classrooms and share desks with others. At the end of the day, students bring home that cocktail of germs to their families.

at School

Myth: Any hand sanitizer will do. According to research from the University of Colorado at Boulder, people carry an average of 3,200 bacteria on their hands. While most hand sanitizers are 99.9 % effective at killing germs, some only last for a few minutes or until the application dries on the skin. Therefore, parents should consider applying hand sanitizers for their children that last throughout the day, such as Zoono’s GermFree24, which is proven to last for 24 hours on skin and is available as both a foam and a spray.

Fact: Germs can affect kids outside the classroom. Germs in schools aren’t just isolated to classrooms. They are everywhere, including cafeteria trays, playground jungle gyms and sports equipment. In fact, the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found 63% of gym equipment is contaminated with rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Reminding children to wash their hands before and after using these items (and wiping them down) will go a long way toward preventing sickness.

Myth: Sticking things in your mouth is child’s play. Sure, curiosity might drive preschoolers to stick items in their mouths that don’t belong. However, older students who nervously chew on pen caps, especially ones they borrow from classmates, or on their own fingernails during tough tests, are susceptible to picking up the germs that are traversing through school. Fact: Backpacks carry more than just books. Backpacks go everywhereto classrooms, inside lockers, in the cafeteria, in locker rooms- and collect various germs throughout the day. Periodically clean backpacks inside and out. And make sure lunches and other food items, as well as gym clothes, are packed in separate bags to avoid crosscontamination of germs. Myth: Sharing is always caring. Just about every school supply- from pens and pencils to headphones to sport jerseys- can be a vehicle for harmful bacteria. Make sure children are armed with their own items, including mechanical pencils to avoid using the classroom’s pencil sharpener, and avoid sharing their supplies with classmates.

Just a little pinch today

Keeps the Flu away! Call (540) 344-9213 for your flu vaccination appointment at our Roanoke and Westlake locations Learn about our services & providers at physicianstochildren.com Growing Up • November 2017

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GO. PLAY. SEE.

Family Friendly Events & Activities throughout the area.

Dance in the holiday season with Buddy at the Berglund Civic Center’s Elf The Musical on November 10.

On-Going Events: Kids Make Art. First Saturdays at 1 PM through 3 PM at Wetherill Visual Arts Center, Hollins University, Roanoke, VA. Kids Make Art is a once-a-month first Saturday program

offering opportunities for the whole family to connect with art. Local artists and educators design and lead art-making projects and movement -based activities for participants of all ages. Kids Make Art is free and for the whole family. FREE

Kid Yoga. 11 AM on first & third Saturday at the Life in Balance Center in Christiansburg. Join us for a relaxing yoga class aimed at children ages 5-9. Classes are $8 each.

Psychedelic 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.

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

Growing Up • November 2017

Go. Play. See.

Visit our full event calendar online at Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

A Roanoke Thanksgiving Tradition- The Drumstick Dash Family Fun Nights. The second Saturday of every month at Amazement Square in Lynchburg. Families are invited to enjoy Family Fun Night at Amazement Square at 4:00 to 7:00 pm when admission is just $3. Family Fun Night is made possible through the museum’s Sponsored Admission program. www.AmazementSquare.org or (434) 845-1888 Stocked Market. November 10-12 at the Berglund Special Events Center. The Stocked Market is the JLRV’s 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 28 years. All funds raised stay within the Roanoke Valley and are used to further the JLRV’s mission. Back by popular demand, we’ll have The Home Grown Market on Saturday only with tables available to merchants who produce homemade items.

Growing Up • November 2017

Layman Farm Fall Festival. September 16November 11 (weekends only) at Layman Farms, Blue Ridge VA. September & November admission prices are $10 per person ages 3 & up - Saturday & Sunday 2 & under are FREE. During October addmisison prices are $12 per person ages 3 & up Saturday & Sunday $10 per person ages 3 & up Fridays 3pm-7pm $9 per person ages 3 & up Wednesday Nights 6pm-9pm 2 & under are FREE. Senior and military discounts available. Each admission includes 3 attractions, extra tokens for more attractions are available for purchase. For special events and group deals please visit laymanfamilyfarms.com 35th Annual Dickens of a Christmas. December 1,8 &15. Please note this year’s City of Roanoke Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 6:00pm. This is a one-yearonly change due to Franklin Rd Bridge construction and detour route along Jefferson St.

Night Howls. Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. • November 16, December 21, January 18, and February 15. Mill Mountain Zoo presents Night Howls. Bundle up and bring your friends to the zoo to hear the wolves howl, the owls hoot and the big cats call! Participants will begin the night indoors enjoying hot cider and cookies while learning about nocturnal animals and the noises they make. Guests will then proceed outdoors for a guided tour of the zoo in the dark to observe the creatures and enjoy spectacular views of the city at night. Admission for Mill Mountain Zoo Members: Adults: $12.00 Children: $9.00 Non-Members: Adults: $15.00 Children $12.00 The Nutcracker. December 9-10 at the Berglund Performance Center. The Nutcracker’s beautiful music, lush scenery, and lavish costumes perfectly complement E.T.A. Hoffmann’s timeless story. Patrons of all ages will have their imaginations sparked as a Christmas tree grows to huge proportions, mice and soldiers battle, and snowflakes whirl through falling snow. Children will especially enjoy seeing candies and sweets from exotic lands come to life, and they will adore the gigantic Mother Ginger as she plays with her many gingerbread children. SVB’s annual production of the Nutcracker is a Roanoke holiday tradition. Featuring a cast of 150 performers that represent over 15 dance schools from the Roanoke Valley and beyond, the ballet continues to delight audiences of all ages

year after year. For more information on the Southwest Virginia Ballet please visit: http://www. svballet.org/ Tickets start at $20/adult and $15/child.

The Railyard Dawgs Home Hockey Games. November 3-4, 10-11, 16, 18, 23, December 9, 14, 16 and 30 at the Berglund Civic Center. Tickets start at $8. Candy Cane Express at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. December 2-3, 9-10. Take a trip on the Candy Cane Express at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. It’s the best way to celebrate the holiday spirit! Santa, music and family fun! $3 for train rides with paid admission to the museum.

Sunday | November 5 4th Annual Time Traveler Pi-Miler Race. 1:50 AM at the Science Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke. It’s the only race where you go backwards in time! For those who prefer to run in daylight, we will be offering a virtual option. In 2017, you will be able to “Run on Your Own Time!” Registration will be $20 and all registrants, real and virtual will receive a 3.14 magnet. Go to www.smwv. org for more information and to register.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for the holidays!

Downtown Roanoke

Join us for the best holiday shopping and entertainment! 30+ stores with oneof-a-kind gifts Elmwood on Ice Ice skating returns November 22 Dickens of a Christmas December 1, 8, 15

For more info, visit DowntownRoanoke.org

Go. Play. See.

Visit our full event calendar online at Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

Tuesday | November 7

Wednesday | November 8

Sunday | November 12

Friday | November 17

Postmodern Jukebox. 8 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. YouTube sensation and social media craze Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox makes visit to Roanoke, VA at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre! Since Bradlee created PMJ in 2009, the project has amassed more than 740 million YouTube views and 2.7 million subscribers, chalked up more than 1 million likes on Facebook, performed on “Good Morning America,” topped iTunes charts with all 14 of their releases since 2014, caught the attention of NPR Music and NBC News, and played hundreds of shows to sold-out houses around the world. Despite finding such success for the project on the road, Bradlee continues to arrange and record new arrangements every week for PMJ’s legion of fans. The multi-talented collective has interpreted hits by Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, The White Stripes, Lorde, Outkast, Radiohead, Maroon 5 and many more. Last year, PMJ collected 18 favorites from among their hundreds of songs to compile The Essentials for Concord Records. The album included the song that put the band on the map, a vaudevillian distressing of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop,” and their ‘50s doo-wop version of Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop,” which garnered more than 19.5 million views and was named one of the “9 Best Viral Cover Videos of 2015” by People magazine. Ticket Prices: $30.00, $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 Parking: $5.00

Gobsmacked. 7:30 PM at the Berglund Civic Center in Roanoke. GOBSMACKED! is the latest break-out show that everyone is talking about – it’s funny, joyful and uplifts the spirits of all ages! Tickets start at $29.

Stomp. 7:30 PM at Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech. STOMP is the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm. STOMP is one of the longest running shows Off-Broadway and is an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews. Using everything but conventional percussion instruments— matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and hubcaps— STOMP fills the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences across the globe keep coming back for more of this pulsepounding, electrifying show. Tickets start at $40/adults $10/children.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. 7:30 PM at the Salem Civic Center. Mannheim Steamroller, the best-selling Christmas artist of all-time, will present the best the holiday has to offer Tickets start at $40.

Growing Up • November 2017

Thursday | November 9 Community School Open House. 10 AM at Community School in Hollins. Experience campus tours guided by parent and students. Experience the educational approach and programs that set Community School apart. Experience inquiry-based, arts-integrated learning in action. Contact Victoria@ communityschool.net for more information. Currently accepting applications for fall 2018.

Friday | November 10 Elf The Musical. 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets start at $37.

Thursday| November 16 Dirty Dancing The Musical.7:30 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. Dirty dancing – the classic story on stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. This crowdpleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot! Don’t miss your chance to see this recordbreaking live theatre sensation. You’ll have the time of your life!

Saturday | November 18 Ronnie Milsap. 8 PM at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. Country music superstar Ronnie Milsap is coming to the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre! Ronnie Milsap is one of country music’s most popular and influential performers since the 1970’s. As country music’s first successful blind singer, he is one of the most successful and versatile country “crossover” singers ever, appealing to both country and pop music markets with hit songs that incorporate pop, R&B, and rock and roll elements. His biggest crossover hits include “It Was Almost Like a Song,” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me,” “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It for the World,” “Any Day Now,” and “Stranger in My House.” Milsap has earned six Grammy Awards. He has released forty No. 1 country hits. Only George Strait and Conway Twitty have had more reach the top of country music charts. Milsap was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014. Ticket Prices: $39.50, $49.50, $74.50, $99.50 Parking: $5.00

Best

Worst

DECEMBER 20-23

the Musical

Tickets: 540-345-2550, or go online!

SHOW SPONSORS

SEASON PARTNERS

SEASON SPONSORS

roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Go. Play. See. 96.3 WROV presents Brew HaHa! 5 PM at the Berglund Special Events Center. What could be better than a fall beer festival? Comedy AND an indoor beer festival, that’s what! Proceeds will benefit Mountain View Humane. Stand-up comedy is an art form devoted to getting immediate laughs from a live audience. Beer is an art form crafted by devoted people who love to brew. They devote countless hours to perfecting flavors and dimensions. $11 Ticket = Non Taster $26 Ticket = 10 Tastings $36 Ticket = 20 Tastings Winter Wizarding Village. Noon-5 PM at Grandin Village. Join the Roanoke Harry Potter Festival as they celebrate the start of the holiday season with the Grandin Holiday Children’s Parade.

Thursday | November 23

Visit our full event calendar online at Growingupinthevalley.com/calendar

Sunday | November 26 WWE Live “Holiday Tour”. 7 PM at the Berglund Coliseum. Tickets start at $17.

Friday | December 1 Salem Christmas Parade. 6;30 PM Main Street in Salem. The Parade Route begins at Shanks Street/ Salem Ice Cream Parlor and continues down Main Street to College Avenue. It then turns right and ends at Oakey’s Funeral Home. Everyone feels like a kid again when Santa brings an end to the parade atop a City of Salem Fire Truck. The event is co-sponsored with the Salem Civic Center, Salem Parks and Recreation, and the Salem Kiwanis Club.

Saturday | December 2 Happy Thanksgiving! Drumstick Dash. 9 AM at Downtown Roanoke. Register at drumstickdash.net.

Growing Up • November 2017

Breakfast with Santa. 8 AM at Greenfield Education and Training Center in Daleville. Tickets start at $25. Sponsored by YMCA. Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream. 3 PM at Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Tickets start at $38.

Sunday | December 3 Outdoor Laser Tag. 2 PM at Pandapas Pond in Blacksburg. The Laser Tag Club at Virginia Tech presents Outdoor Laser Tag! and walk-ins are welcome and the Laser Tag Club at Virginia Tech (LCat) will provide all equipment. All our games are played in the woods. As there is always the risk of poison ivy, ticks, thorns, mud, etc., pants and appropriate footwear are recommended and playing is at your own risk. You will need to bring your own water and food.

Friday | December 8 Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: Holiday POPS! 7 :30 PM at the Salem Civic Center.Join the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at their largest event of the year. This Southwest Virginia holiday tradition will feature vocals by Michale Lynche, the RSO chorus, VT choirs, and Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. Tickets start at $32/adult and $12/child.

Katie’s Place November 2nd GUITV Scholarship November 9th Rail Yard Dawgs November 16th SWVA Ballet December 7th

Thursday Mornings 8:30 AM

Our teachers work closely with your child to advance school readiness and achievement in the focus areas of literacy, mathematics and writing.

Our Kindergarten Prep Academy program starts in August—just like the school system—and is designed specially to help children in the following areas: Oral Language Comprehension, Shape Recognition, Writing Conventions & Content, Letter Sounds, Name Writing, Pattern Recognition & Math Sorting.

42% of kids starting kindergarten who don’t know their ABC’s come from which family background: A

Lower Income

Middle Income

Upper Income

% of kids starting kindergarten 42 The answer is B and C*. who don’t know their ABC’s come from which family background: United Way of Roanoke Valley

Surprised? Most people are. But kids being unprepared to start kindergarten is an equal opportunity problem that affects a child socially, emotionally and intellectually with an impact that doesn’t stop at the classroom—or with that child. Children lacking positive early childhood experiences are far more likely to drop out of school, depend on welfare, become pregnant and commit crime. We are working to ensure SmartBeginnings for all of the children in our community—and you can help.

A Lower Income ®

B B Middle Income

Upper Income

*Source: Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education.

Surprised? Most people are. But kids being unprepared For more information, please contact: Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke to start kindergarten is an equal opportunity problem sbgr@uwrv.org | (540) 283-2778 | smartbeginningsroanoke.org that affects a child socially, emotionally and intellectually

The answer is B and C.*

with an impact that doesn’t stop at the classroom— or with that child. Children lacking positive early childhood experiences are far more likely to drop out of school, depend on welfare, become pregnant and commit crime. We are working to ensure Smart Beginnings for all of the children in our community— and you can help.

*Source: Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education.

G r o w in g Up in th e V a l l e y â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s

Presented by Freedom First Credit Union

Sunday, December 31, 10 AM - 2 PM â&#x20AC;˘ Berglund Special Events Center Sensory friendly Ball drop from 3 PM - 5 PM

Ring in 2018 with a family friendly celebration with Growing Up in the Valley Magazine. Join us for games, entertainment, A 60,000 Bouncy Ball Drop at noon and a chance to win $10,000! $8 per person IN ADVANCE/$10 at Door Tickets available online & at Berglund box office presented by:

• 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

Kids Eat Free Roanoke

kidseatfreeroanoke.com

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

kidseatfreeroanoke.com

Every Day

• Mama Maria’s 11 AM - 2 PM • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848 • Golden Corral All Day • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826 IHop 4PM-10PM • 12 & Under All Locations • Shoney’s All Day • 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400

Monday

• Cave Spring Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 1 children per paid adult. SEE COUPON ON NEXT PAGE 4301 Brambleton Ave. Roanoke (540) 795-5323 • Country Cookin’ 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199 • Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400 • Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464

• 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 800 University City Blvd, 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

• Pizza Hut 5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834 • Ruby Tuesday 5 PM - Close • 11 & under, 1 child per paid adult Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 265-9301 • K&W All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Hershberger Rd. Roanoke (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 All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711 • The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

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

Friday See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

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

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

• Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM • 10 & under with paid adult 3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022

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

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

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

• Jimmy V’s Restaurant All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311

Sunday

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase All locations Roanoke, Salem (540) 389-1111 • Local Roots 5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610

540-204-4471

• 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

• O’Charley’s All Day • 10 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-563-9870 • Rodeo Grande All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-206-2296 • Lew’s Restaurant SW All Day • 12 and Under 2 free per paid adult Walnut Avenue, Roanoke 540-682-5925

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

Lunch Buffet Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 2 PM at participating locations

eltoreoroanoke.com elrodeoroanoke.com

Education Guide DAY CARE - Pre-K - K-12 Private Schools - For Listings email andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

SOUTH COUNTY ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Community School’s Annual Interactive Open House Experience campus tours guided by parents and students. Experience the educational approach and programs that set Community School apart. Experience inquiry-based, arts-integrated learning in action. S Experience Community School this November. November 9, 2017

10 a.m. R.S.V.P. victoria@communityschool.net 540-563-5036

621 N. Jefferson St. Roanoke 540-982-3532 www.roanokecatholic.com Ages: 3-18, Preschool, After School, Private School K-6, Private School MS-HS We are dedicated to excellence in education and to the spiritual development of youth within the framework of the Gospel and the tradition of the Catholic Church. Our mission is the education of the whole person, blending learning with faith and faith with daily life.

CHILDCARE NETWORK

4225 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-0144 www.childcarenetwork.com Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Yrs. Preschool, Day Care, After School Come join us at Childcare Network #65!! We pride ourselves on being the working parent’s best friend!

COUNTRY BEAR DAY SCHOOL

5220 Starkey Road, Roanoke 540-797-1456 www.countrybeardayschool.com Ages: 6 Weeks -12 Yrs. Preschool, Day Care, After School Country Bear Day School has a thirty year tradition of offering an exceptional program for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. A child’s happiness and development is our main objective, offered in a secure, nurturing enviroment with opportunities to grow. learn, and play. Your child’s well being is not only your top priority--it is ours as well. Please visit us soon to see why we lead in creative educational programs, parental service and an environment that is loving, safe and secure.

FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3585 Buck Mountain Road, Roanoke 540-769-5200 www.fcsva.com Ages: 4-19, Preschool, After School, Private School K-6, Private School MS-HS We are one of fewer than 200 school across the nation implementing a powerful & proven classical method of education that for over 2,000 years has developed some of the world’s finest authors, scientists, mathematicians, artists, philosophers, theologians & composers. At Faith Christian School students are encouraged to love God and be captivated by His created world. Check out our new indexed tuition program~private education may be more affordable than you think!

GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491 http://grandincourtbaptistpreschool.weebly.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool Grandin Court Baptist Church Preschool partners with families to provide a high-quality learning environment and to begin fostering an understanding and appreciation of God’s presence in each child’s life. As a VA Quality participant, we achieve this goal by providing environments and student-teacher interactions which promote a child’s natural curiosity and we delight and encourage them in their discoveries.

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER 2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491 2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke 540-524-2491

Community School

7815 Williamson Road Roanoke, VA 24019 communityschool.net/admissions

Growing Up • November 2017

www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

NORTH CROSS

4524 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke 540-989-6641 www.northcross.org Ages: 3-18, Preschool, Private School K-12 North Cross School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school that serves children from early childhood through twelfth grade. North Cross provides a rigorous academic curriculum, competitive with the best college-preparatory schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While we explicitly recognize the importance of intellectual development and academic achievement, we also strive to promote personal integrity, empathy, and responsibility to self and community. Through this, our graduates will act as leaders in the local and global communities, persons of intellectual and moral courage, and scholars in the service of others.

GRANDIN GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH

NOAH’S LANDING PRESCHOOL

2011 Brandon Avenue, SW, Roanoke 540-982-2254 www.noahslandingpreschool.com Ages: 12 Months - 5 Yrs, Preschool Noah’s Landing Preschool offers Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) as well as classes for 2, 3, and 4 year olds (Pre-K). Space is limited due to small pupil/teacher ratio per class. Our program runs from Labor Day to Memorial Day from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday Thursday. We have an early drop-off at 8:30 am and an extended day Lunch Bunch program during the week until 1:00 pm for additional fees. Our philosophy of education is based on the belief that children learn and grow best through hands on experiences.

HOLLINS ROANOKE VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

7060 Williamson Road, Roanoke 540-366-2432 ext. 119 www.rvcs.info Ages: Preschool (2-4), Kindergarten to Grade 12, Before/After School Care, Standard and Advanced Diploma Tracks, Resource Program, Private Christian Education Roanoke Valley Christian Schools (RVCS) was established in 1973 by Shenandoah Baptist Church and now recognizes over 1,200 alumni. Its mission is to develop disciples of Christ who will influence the world for the glory of God. RVCS accomplishes this through a partnership with each family. We serve preschool, age2 through grade 12 and offer both an advanced program and resource program that can come alongside each student’s individual needs. Come check us out!

SOUTHVIEW PRESCHOOL

3539 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke 540-362-1767 svumpreschool.webs.com Ages: 2-5 Yrs Our purpose is to provide a warm, nurturing, yet challenging atmosphere in which children can learn and develop physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and creatively. We offer Lunch Bunch, Curbside Drop Off and Pick Up, Music, Weekly Chapel, Field Trips, Multiple Child Discount, and Referral Discounts.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL

7815 Williamson Road, Roanoke 540-563-5036 www.communityschool.net Ages:3-14, Preschool, Private School K-8 Founded in 1971, Community School is an independent, non-profit institution. We provide education of the highest quality for children of all racial, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds. Community School provides a program that is unique in the Roanoke Valley and a rarity statewide, a haven for those who value experiential education over standardized test results. Our school nurtures children’s individual learning styles and fosters creative and analytical thinking. Our students develop personal responsibility for their education and a passion for learning.

BONSACK BONSACK BAPTIST PRESCHOOL

4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke 540-977-0485 www.bonsackpreschool.com Ages: 2.5-11Yrs, Preschool, Afterschool Bonsack Preschool/After School is a faith based, developmentally appropriate program focused on Kindergarten Readiness for preschoolers, half and full day. After School Care for Bonsack, Cloverdale and Colonial Elementary Schools offered with priority on gym time, devotions, creativity and homework completion. Summer Camps available for both Elementary and Preschool

HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1980 Electric Road, Salem 2111 Roanoke Road, Salem 540-769-2300, 540-344-6811 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

SALEM MONTESSORI

107 Corporate Blvd., Salem 540-387-1521 www.salemmontessori.org Ages: 6 Wks-6th Grade, Preschool Salem Montessori School - Bringing Joy to Learning! Children are eager, spontaneous learners, curious about the world around them. The primary goal of a Montessori education is to help every child reach their full potential in all areas of life. Research shows that children learn best in an environment that encourages them to explore, create, and discover without fear of making mistakes, or being teased. In a classroom at Salem Montessori School, children are encouraged to ask questions, develop ideas, and learn at their own pace. Learning is active and fun! Montessori educated children become self-confident young people, who face future challenges with optimism and who enjoy a lifetime love of learning!

CHILDREN’S CASTLE

3743 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-977-1282 www.childrenscastleearlylearningcenter.com Ages: Birth-12 Yrs, Preschool, Daycare, Afterschool We offer social development, preschool education, and after school enrichment for our community in a safe and engaging atmosphere. Our experienced and educated teachers foster and build upon children’s natural interest and curiosity to teach and engage them within their environment and surrounding community. Our curriculum builds upon the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning to fully prepare children to be successful upon entering Elementary School.

ROANOKE ADVENTIST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4120 Challenger Avenue, Roanoke 540-798-6061 www.rapschool.org Private School: K –8 Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School (RAPS) has been offering quality Christian education at family-friendly prices in the Roanoke area for over 75 years. RAPS mission is to foster academic excellence, passionate spirituality and outstanding character in each student. Our school is a small classroom environment where students receive grade-level appropriate individualized instruction. RAPS is fully accredited and key learning standards are available by grade level. Tuition rates are highly competitive and scholarship opportunities are available.

SALEM ST. ANNES EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

42 E. Main Street, Salem 540-389-4087 http://www.stpaulssalem.org/stannes Ages: 18 Months -5, Preschool St. Anne’s curriculum is based on developmental learning and the Virginia Foundation Blocks of Early Learning. We are dedicated to the total development of each child; intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical. Our desire is that each child knows that he/ she is loved and accepted. Registration is now open for the 2017-2018 school year! Call today to register or schedule a tour!

WESLEYAN PRESCHOOL

125 W. Main St., Salem 540-389-5144 FUMCWesleyanPreschool ( Facebook) Ages: 1yr-Pre K, Preschool “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 This is the verse on which we base our preschool. Our State LIcensed Preschool’s purpose is to help your child grow cognitively, physically, spiritually , and socially/emotionally. We know that young children learn best through play, so all of our learning activities are planned to be educational and fun!

VINTON HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

1918 Washington Avenue, Vinton 540-890-7200 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

NORTHWEST GREENVALE SCHOOL

627 Westwood Blvd. NW, Roanoke 540-342-4716 www.greenvale-school.org Ages:3-5, Preschool Greenvale School’s mission is to provide affordable, accessible, top-quality, developmentally appropriate childcare and educational services for children of working parents, according to each family’s ability to pay. By promoting the highest standards of education and responsible behavior, Greenvale School’s program cultivates the growth of each child to his or her full potential. By providing a comprehensive range of services, Greenvale School supports parents’ efforts to build a secure and prosperous future for their families.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE HONEYTREE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

7000 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Wirtz 540563-1724 www.HoneyTreeELC.com Ages: 2-5, Preschool HoneyTree Early Learning Centers is the leading Early Childhood Provider in the Roanoke Valley for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years of age. We are locally-owned and operated and have been serving generations of families since 1979. Expect your child to receive the best, quality educational experience. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you and your family with all the pieces for a happy, healthy childhood!

Calendar of Events November 7th

ELECTION DAY...GO VOTE

November 10th

LYCEE DAY # 1

November 10th & 11th CHS FALL THEATER “There’s a Boy in the Girls Bathroom” by Louis Sachar & “Runnin’ Scared” by Ben Peppers

November 17th & 18th

MODEL U.N.

at William and Mary

November 13th

CHESS TOURNAMENT vs. North Cross January 15th LYCEE DAY #2 February 19th STUDENT OPEN HOUSE March 5th PARENT OPEN HOUSE

COMMUNITY HIGH School of Arts & Academics 302 Campbell Avenue, S.E. Roanoke, Virginia 24013

info@communityhigh.net (540) 345-1688 www.communityhigh.net ww Growing Up • November 2017

Growing Up â&#x20AC;¢ November 2017

Kids Book Review And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street By Dr. Seuss

And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street By Dr. Seuss is a time tested classic children’s story. Young readers will love the ever increasing difficult, absurd and strange illustrations as the character’s tall tale gets more and more unbelievable. Dr. Seuss is well known for his tantalizing rhythms and rhymes that help beginning readers with their phonics while keeping older listeners engaged. You can find a copy of And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street and other Dr. Seuss classics at the Growing Up in the Valley Star City Little Libraries, presented by Hometown Bank.

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 mini 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 as well.

Locations:

Hometown Bank – 3521 Franklin Rd SW -Roanoke, VA 24014 & 4225 Colonial Ave – Roanoke, VA 24018 Roanoke Ballet Theatre – 1318 Grandin Rd SW – Roanoke, VA 24015 Launching Pad – 1300 Intervale Dr – Salem, VA 24153 Lewis Gale Medical Center – 1900 Electric Rd – Salem, VA 24153 Amtrak Station – Downtown Roanoke Market Square North Shopping Center, Corner of Williamson and Peters Creek - Roanoke, VA 24019 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

Growing Up • November 2017

Wishful Thinking by Peg McGuire Growing up, my favorite Thanksgiving tradition was breaking the wishbone. There were 20-plus grandchildren in our family. Each year, Grandma picked two kids to pull the wishbone. The rest of us were left to pick sides, thus making it a team sport. This was our prize fight, our Super Bowl, our World Series. The kid who won the wishbone was granted the wish. And if we were on his or her team, then our wishes were granted, too. The wish was everything. The wish was the difference between finding a real Cabbage Patch doll under the Christmas tree instead of a knockoff. It was the difference between popularity or outcast, beauty or dorky. The wish was the difference between a happy life or an unfulfilled life. Our entire future was dependent on a weak bone grown inside a turkey.

Grandpa yelling “GO!” and everyone cheering. I remember the wishbone cracking and breaking. I remember the cheers from the winning team and the disappointed groans from the losing team. The winning team believed in the wish’s promise; the losing team believed in its hope.

In the hours leading up to dinner, we studied the wishbone, nested in a grease-stained paper towel. Each of us became physicists, weighing the wishbone’s composition, the strength of the kid and the force of the pull. Options discussed, strategies devised, wishes listed in our young minds.

The extended family no longer gathers for Thanksgiving. There are now close to 100 of us and it’s hard to find a place large enough for us to gather. Grandpa died 30 years ago. Grandma is 97-years-old and in a nursing home. My aunts and uncles have their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to spoil, and we, my siblings and cousins, are raising our children.

We broke the wishbone before the blessing and sitting down to dinner. I remember my uncle pounding out a drum roll with plastic flatware on a plastic folding table. I remember my

Our Thanksgiving celebrations are smaller and quieter. Gone are the days of the chaos of children running through the house. We no longer need

extra folding tables and metal folding chairs. Some of us now use real plates and real silver at dinner instead of paper and plastic. But the wishes remain. Each year, I look for the wishbone. And right before we say grace, my two boys make a wish and pull the bone apart. I watch as the bone cracks and breaks; one child thrilled with the outcome, the other disappointed. Don’t tell my boys, but I still pick a side and make wishes. I wish for my boys. My wish is that they experience kindness, mercy and grace. My wish is that they grow to be good men, fantastic husbands and fathers. My wish is that they be happy, because that would make me happy. I want my wish to come true. Happy Thanksgiving

“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 • November 2017

Museums Aquariums Art Music FUN!

Discover

Play

Inspire

CenterintheSquare.org

Enhancing Your Cultural Quality of Life HARRISON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE

O n e M a r k e t S q u a r e , S E , R o a n o k e , VA 2 4 0 1 1

540-342-5770

T I K C O KN

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