Growing Up In the Valley October 2016

Growing Up Southwest & Central Virginia’s Premier Parenting Resource

In the Valley

Kids Take Over Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2 | October 2016 | FREE

Brody, Proud Saver and HTB Kids’ Club Member

the power of

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We are committed to serving people of all ages, starting with our Kids’ Club savings account. It not only provides our youngest savers with a place to keep their money, it also helps teach them about financial principles at an early age. We invite you to bring your kids (or your pets) and let us know how Homer, HTB Kids’ Club Mascot

hometownbank.com 540.345.6000 Member FDIC

we can help you succeed. And yes, we have treats for everyone!

That’s the power of local banking.

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Saturday, December 31, 10 AM - 2 PM • Salem Civic Center Ring in 2017 with a family friendly celebration with Growing Up in the Valley Magazine. Join us for games, entertainment & FUN!

Tickets On Sale NOVEMBER 1st For More info www.growingupinthevalley.com/NYE2017

Our Aunt Marilou and Uncle Ed came all the way from the Philippines to visit us!

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

H

Letter from the Editor

ey Everyone! This is the place where our parents normally write about what the issue is like and what is going on in the world of Growing Up In The Valley.

Well guess what? It is the Kid’s Take Over Issue, so Evelyn and I have the computers and our parents have NO IDEA what we are doing! If you haven’t figured it out yet, this is Anika typing! This is the issue that we choose what articles are printed, and we get our friends from around Roanoke to write them. We even found a teenager to paint the cover! Pretty cool, huh? Don’t tell our parents, but I am pretty sure this is an easy job!

Anyway, school started last month and we are excited at how great the school year has been so far. We welcome an exchange student into our house in October for two months!

She is from Bolivia and we get to teach her about America and of course Roanoke! She has a LONG flight from Bolivia to here, I bet her arms will be tired when she lands……

Alright, so this is Evelyn typing now. My big sister has my dad’s sense of humor, please forgive her! But in all seriousness, we are super excited to have an exchange student this year and we cannot wait to meet her.

We have some huge things planned this fall! The magazine will be hosting the Santaland area at the Stocked Market and we are preparing for our New Year’s at Noon event! Dad said I could be an elf at the Stocked Market because I am so tiny!

YAY! So until next October when we will take the reigns again, this is Anika and Evelyn saying, make sure to follow us on Facebook for news, giveaways and more. I think we are giving away our cat Crusher on WINsday next week. What a lousy prize!

The Eagan Girls Anika & Evelyn

Growing Up In The Valley PUBLI SHER Josh Eagan Anika Eagan EDI TOR-IN- CHIEF Andrea Eagan Evelyn Eagan CRE AT IVE DIRE C TOR Tracy Fisher Anika and Evelyn

ADVER T I SING A C C OUN T E X E CUT IVE S Dee Reynolds Cassy Childress DI S T RIBUT ION Sierra Lewis C ON T RIBUTOR S Kids - YAY!

Ava Rosa DeVries Brooke Ludy Annabelle Buyek Andy Wang Charlie Fisher Catelyn Moser Arianna Castellucio NOT A KID- BOO!

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

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

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

© Copyright 2016 MoFat Media

In This Issue:

6 9 10 13 14 17 20 22 37 31 24 31

October 2016 Volume 5, Issue 2

Kids Take Over

Articles and Essays from local kids!

It’s A Money Thing

Learn how to be more organized in your financial world

Wand Makers of Roanoke

The Wizarding World is brought to Roanoke by local students.

Take A Shot

Tips on How to protect your family from the flu.

Silly Jack O’Lanterns

Make these adorable Halloween projects to help decorate your house this October.

Parent of the Month

Baby Arianna tells us why her mom, Candy, deserves to be the parent of the month.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Evelyn Bolling takes us through her “not so scary” Disney Trip.

3 Questions with Ava Rosa

Ava emcees the United Way RYSE event and recaps the night’s festivities.

Things We Love

Read reviews on some of our favorite products!

Local Guide Calendar Kids Eat Free October Prize Page

ON THE COVER “Downtown Roanoke” by: Brook Ludy, 16, Cave Spring High Read more about Brooke on Page 11

Hoverboards: Fun over safety?

By: Andy Wang Imagine it is the day after Christmas and your friend comes over to show you his new toy. You see your friend take off going 15 miles an hour.

Suddenly, the toy birsts into flames and explodes and you see your friend fall off it.

The toy is really a hoverboard. It has two slots you can put your feet in and two wheels. Hoverboards can catch on fire because the battery overcharging or malfunctioning. When the hoverboard came out in 2015, things like this really happened. The problem of the hoverboard is that it’s not safe for people to ride it.

One problem happening with hoverboards is fire. ABC News even reported a house burned down when

the hoverboard was charging and caught fire. Two dogs died in the fire.

According to ABC News, there have been over 40 fires from hoverboards.

There are lots of ways to prevent problems caused by hoverboards. To prevent fires, the Apple iPad charges to 100% then stops, why can’t the hoverboard do this? The way to prevent falls is to wear safety gear and make the maximum speed 5 miles an hour rather than 15.

Hoverboards can be fun and take you places faster. They need to be safer for people to ride them. Companies needs to make a change or hoverboards should be banned. I hope companies will make that change, because hoverboards are fun.

What do you want to be when you grow up? as they are growing up in the valley, these kids have big dreams for their future. “an astronaut and African elephant rescuer.”

- Stone

“Singer, design clothes, and play football for the Chicago Bears.”

- Evelyn

“Chef or food critic.”- Roman (according to mom) “A vet, or firefighter or monster truck driver.”

- Colton

“A vet or gymnast.”

- Kylee

Generational Drug Abuse

“A Teacher!”- Dasia “A Fashion Designer.”

- Tommi

By: Evelyn Eagan

Imagine your parents act like teenagers.

They’re always using drugs. When you were 10 years old they got you using drugs too.

This has ruined your life. Drugs not only affect individuals who abuse drugs, but familiaes and friends as well. Addiction is a big problem in our country. There were 1,561,231 arrests for drug law violations in 2014.

Drugs can affect families. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, “The risk to children is even greater when their parents our guardians manufacture illicit drugs such as methamphetamine.” Children of parents who abuse drugs often are abused or neglected because of the use of drugs.

Drug abuse by parents can also affect the

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Growing Up • October 2016

community. For example, kids sometimes come to school hungry and dirty because their addicted parents don’t care. Also some kids don’t even go to school because their parents don’t bother to take them. Another problem is kids sometimes taking drugs because their parents make them.

“A large animal vet.”

- Charlie

There are some ways we can help children. If you catch one of your family members using drugs, contact the police. We can encourage kids to talk to an adult at their school about their problems. The school can contact social services who talk to their parents.

Kids get hurt by drugs; do them a favorthink before you buy.

“A Firefighter” - Micah

Unlimited

Screen Time By: Annabelle Buyek

When you watch TV or go on the internet do you think about the consquences it could have on your future? It’s so easy to spend hours at a time in front of a screen, but what you may not realize is that the violence on the internet and TV could be rubbing of on you.

According to ABC News, two 12 year

old girls allegedly stabbed their friend 19 times to honor Slender Man. In another example, a mom told NBC News affiliate WLWT she thinks her daughter was inspired by Slender Man. Her daughter attacked her in the kitchen, with a knife while wearing a hood and white mask. Slender Man is a fictional internet meme that has now been linked to multiple acts of violence. According to a British newspaper, The Guardian, a man in New Mexico, who had been watching the hit series, “The Walking Dead” beat his friend to death because he thought the victim was turning into a zombie.

According to a 2010 research project, American children speent around 4.5 hours each day watching TV. Children can be influenced by TV and what they see can be their idea of acceptable behavoir. Such as, violent behavoirs, threats, sexual behavoir, foul language and countless others. A 2010 national survery on television watching behavoir in children showed that 72% of children reported no time restrictions over television viewing, while 52% of children reported they were allowed

Trick-or-Treat Safety By: Charlie Fisher

It is my first year of going Trick-orTreating! Before this year, my parents would take my trunk-or-treating at our church, or to Valley View Mall for their indoor party.

Now that I’m almost 7, they trust me to follow their rules outdoors and while walking around our neighborhood. Their rules are a good idea for everyone this Halloween.

Stay with the group. Even though I’m excited to get a lot of treats, I can’t run ahead or leave our group behind. (even though I walk a lot faster than my mom!)

to watch whatever type of show they wanted. Only 39% reported having to follow the rules.

Unattended screen time has been an increasing problem in the 21 century.

Often times children are unsupervised while they are watching TV, and they can watch inappropriate content which could influence their behavoir. This is what your parents can do: You can make sure what children are watching is appropriate for their age and limit their time in front of the screen. If you child asks if they can watch a movie that you don’t think is appropriate or haven’t heard of, you can go to Common Sense Media. Common Sense Media will tell you what you need to know about the show, what age other parents suggest the show is appropriate for, what age other kids suggest the show is appropriate for and a brief summary.

When you search the show or movie, click on it to see the reviews.

The consquences of unsupervised and unlimited acces to inappropriate TV or internet can ruin your life. So I encourage kids to think about what you’re watching and whether it is appropriate. If you don’t know, ask your parents or guardian to look it up on Common Sense Media. The ratings are there to protect you!

We’ve made a plan of which houses we’ll visit so I don’t get too tired from all the walking.

Be safe and smart. My costume this year is a dark brown color, so my mom has added reflective tape to my shoes and my candy bag, to help them be able to keep an eye on me and be safe from cars. On Halloween I’ll get to wear a glowstick necklace too!

We’ll be staying on sidewalks and safe crosswalks and not walking on the road.

My parents also say they have to check all the treats I get on Halloween. They’re looking for open or dirty candies (or allergies if I was allergic to anything) but somehow there are always a few missing chocolates when my mom checks my bag.

I’m so excited to walk around my neighborhood and show off my awesome homemade costume this year! Happy Halloween!

Growing Up • October 2016

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Keep or Toss: Should I Hang Onto My Financial Documents?

Every year, it’s nice to declutter your filing cabinet, your desk drawers, and the various hiding places where miscellaneous scraps of paper tend to accumulate and multiply. Here are some quick tips on what you should be saving, and what’s OK to shred.

Keep forever This category includes all the super-important life stuff that’s usually issued to you only once (and therefore is total pain to replace): • Birth and death certificates • Social Security cards and ID cards (even expired versions) • Passports (even expired versions) • Marriage licenses and divorce decrees • Copies of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney • Adoption papers • Records of paid mortgages • Safe-deposit box inventory Your “keep forever” documents should be kept in a secure place. A locking file cabinet in your home is a popular choice, but consider upgrading to a safer alternative, such as a fireproof safe in your home or a safe-deposit box at your credit union. Also, consider scanning these documents and having them backed up on the cloud (and password protected, of course) so that you can access them remotely and quickly in an emergency.

Keep for 7 years This may seem like a long period of time, but it’s not an arbitrary number—7 years is how far back the IRS can go to audit a tax return. The breakdown is a little more complex than that: you can be audited for any reason up to 3 years after you file a tax return, and up to 6 years after you file a tax return if you omitted 25% or more of your gross income— which technically makes the auditing window more like 3 to 7 years. We’re sticking with 7 years as a recommendation!

A number of taxpayers are audited on a random basis each year (not just people with shady financial behavior) to verify accuracy and to ensure compliance with tax laws. If audited, you are required by law to provide the documentation that supports the claims made in your tax return. In some cases, additional information may be required in order to verify a claim you’ve made—it might just be a matter of providing a canceled check, a receipt or a bank statement. In other instances, the audit may take place on-site (meaning at your residence or workplace) or at an IRS office. Being wellorganized is the best way to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

So, what sorts of documents should you hold onto for 7 years?

• Income tax returns • Any forms that support income or a deduction on your tax

return (i.e., receipts, canceled checks, W-2 forms) • Records of selling a house or stock (documentation for capital gains tax) • Records of paid-out loans • Records of sold investments • Mortgage documents • Medical records (i.e. bills, prescriptions, & health insurance information) Keep for 1 year This category mostly consists of monthly statements. A good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly statements for the current year, and then shred them once you’ve reconciled them with an annual statement. The exception is any statement needed for tax purposes—those get grouped into the “keep for 7 years” category.

• Credit Union or bank statements • Credit card statements • Pay stubs • Quarterly investment statements • Canceled checks Keep for 1 month This category is short and sweet.

• Utility bills • ATM slips ATM slips can be tossed once you’ve checked them against your monthly credit union or bank statement.

Keep as long as active This bonus category is a catch-all for agreements and contracts that are active for varied amounts of time: • Warranty information • Insurance documents • Vehicle titles and loan documents • House and mortgage documents • Pension records/retirement plans You’ll want to hang onto the records in this category for at least as long as you own the asset. For major purchases, stapling the original purchase receipt to the user manual or warranty information will keep everything in the same spot, should you need to make a warranty claim. Documents relating to improvements and upgrades on your home or vehicle should also be saved alongside your title and loan papers.

Sorting through financial documents is a pretty straightforward process once you figure out how long you need to hang onto specific types of documents. Doing a periodic cleanup will save you time and hassle in the long run, and will keep your desk drawers and filing cabinets clutter-free in the meantime!

Growing Up • October 2016

9

The Wand Makers of

Roanoke Three local kids bring the wizarding world to Roanoke.

What made you decide to start this business?

Juliana stumbled onto a YouTube video on how to make wands, she shared it with Rosie and Anna, and the three of us started making them. We wanted to make some money but are too young for jobs so we took matters into our own hands and made a business selling the wands.

How do you make your wands?

We take wooden dowel rods, paint them, add gems and other accessories, and contact the supernatural spirits via text message to add magical qualities!

What magical powers do they possess?

They can illuminate lamps for most but with the right owner, they can help you transfigure, perform hexes, protect against the dark arts, levitate, and help with potion making.

What was the hardest step for you in starting this business?

Having to invest money we didn’t have yet (borrowing it), making enough wands, finding days to get all three of us together for wandmaking, becoming sales girls and having to talk to people we didn’t know.

Were your parents supportive?

Yes – we couldn’t have done it without their help taking us to get supplies and to each other’s houses.

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Growing Up • October 2016

What would you say to kids who want to start a business as well?

Do not rely completely on your parents-be independent! Think about what you are selling and if others would honestly be interested in buying it.

What did you do with the money from the first wands you sold?

Paid our parents back and bought more supplies!

Do you make custom wands?

Yes! And FYI, no two wands are alike.

We made custom wands for our fantastic teachers at Highland Park.

If someone wants to buy a wand from you - how can they?

We have a Facebook page (RAJE Wand Shoppe) – you can send us a message through that. We will also likely be at the next KidMade Market on October 29 at 3716 Colonial Avenue in Roanoke.

Also, the Explore Park gift shop sells our wands. We hope to go even more other art fairs and cons (check our Facebook page for future events).

Visit RAJE Wand Shoppe on facebook at facebook.com/rajewandshoppe or stop by their booth at the Kid-Made Market on October 29th at 3716 Colonial Avenue in Roanoke.

RAJE Wand Shoppe is owned and operated by: Rosie Lash, 11, Anna Reid, 10 and Juliana Meidlinger, 10

Mortgage rates so low, even the cuckoo thinks they’re crazy.

Cover artwork created by:

Brook Ludy

Artist, Brook Ludy is a 16 year old junior at Cave Spring High School who first drew “Downtown Roanoke” for a school project in 2014. She then drew the “Noke Train” the following year and plans to continue adding pieces of Roanoke yearly. Watercolors, colored pencils, and paint pens were used to create these pieces. She is currently selling matted/framed prints at Greenbrier Nursery’s “Farm to Table Roanoke Market” on Saturday mornings, Sunday Art Market in downtown Roanoke in Nov/Dec, and online at Brookludyart. com and ArtPal.com/brookludyart.

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Child care providers earn, on average, only $8 to $9 per hour* Is it any wonder they’re leaving for better paying jobs?

Minimum wages, minimum results. In some regions of the state, the annual turnover rate among early childhood teachers is a staggering 30%.** But teachers aren’t the only ones being shortchanged – our kids aren’t getting the consistent care and education they need at the most critical time in their development.

hild care providers earn, on erage, only $8 to $9 per hour.*

Together, we can change that. Discover what you can do now, and how we can work together to give our children more than a minimum early education

United Way of Roanoke Valley

*Source: A Snapshot of the Current Early Childhood Workforce in Virginia – April, 2009.

Virginia Office of Early Childhood Development **Source: Who’s Caring for Our Children? (A Profile of the 2005 Workforce in Licensed and Voluntary Registered Centers and Homes in South Hampton Roads, Virginia). Table 9, Page 6.

Minimum wages, minimum results. In some regions

of the state, the annual turnover rate among early For more information, please contact: Meg Fitzwater, Director, Early Learning Strategies / Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke childhood teachers is a staggering 30%.** But mfitzwater@uwrv.org / (540)283-2786 / smartbeginningsroanoke.org teachers aren’t the only ones being shortchanged–

Is it any onder they’re ving for better paying jobs?

t of the Current Early Childhood Workforce in Virginia - April, 2009. arly Childhood Development

ng for Our Children? (A Profile o f the 2005 Workforce in Licensed and ed Centers and Homes in South Hampton Roads, Virginia). Table 9, Page 6.

our kids aren’t getting the consistent care and education they need at the most critical time in their development.

Together, we can change that. Discover what you can do now, and how we work together to give our children more than a minimum early education.

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Take

a shot:

how to protect yourself & your family from the flu Every year millions of people get the Flu leading to hundreds of thousands of people hospitalized and resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. The virus that causes the Flu is usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with Flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

Your best protection against the Flu is to get vaccinated: Speak with your doctor about the Flu vaccine. It is the single best way to protect against the Flu, reducing illness, hospitalization and death.

Peak flu season is January and February but the flu virus can circulate until May. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons aged 6 months and older are vaccinated annually, with rare exception.

Vaccination is especially important for seniors, pregnant women, children less than 5 years of age and those with chronic diseases. These groups have the greatest risk of hospitalization and death.

There are different strains of the influenza virus and many are covered by this year’s vaccine. Even if some strains may not be covered, there is still benefit to getting vaccinated because you will be protected from those strains of virus in the vaccine and there can be crossprotection for those strains of virus not

covered by the vaccine.

Speak with your doctor about antiviral medications. They are also important in the prevention and treatment of the Flu. To stay healthy this season, below are general practices that you should be sure to follow: 1. Keep your hands clean & encourage good hand hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being around someone sick.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. When hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol may be used.

2.Practice and encourage good cough and respiratory etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing or use your upper sleeve, but do not use your hands. Dispose of tissue when done and wash your hands.

3. Help reduce the spread of illness: Stay home from school, work and errands when sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick or maintain a distance of at least 3 feet. Don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.

In summary, Flu poses the greatest risk for seniors, pregnant women, children less than 5 years of age and those with chronic diseases. Protect yourself and those around you from getting the Flu by preventing the spread of infection – keep your hands clean, cover your sneeze and cough appropriately and stay away from others when you are sick. Don’t forget to speak with your doctor about antiviral medication.

This article is part of a series from the Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Departments, a division of the Virginia Department of Health, meant to inform local residents about the preventive measures they can take to protect the health of themselves, their families and their friends this season.

The Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Departments are working to prevent the spread of disease, protect the environment, prevent injury, promote and encourage healthy behavior, respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery, and assure the quality and accessibility of health services for all members of our community.

Growing Up • October 2016

13

Silly Jack-o-Lanterns

By: Caitlyn Moser

Instructions Supplies

1. Wash the mini pumpkins to remove any dirt or grime.

2. Carefully pierce the pumpkin with the pipe cleaners and twist or mold the pipe cleaners as you desire. (Try different lenghts of cleaners for different looks) 3. Place googly eyes on your pumpkin using a little bit of glue.

4. Finish decorating your jack-olantern by drawing or painting on the facial details.

• • • • •

Mini Pumpkins Googly Eyes Markers or Paint Pipe Cleaners Glue

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

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Growing Up • October 2016

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Join us for another great season of outdoor ice skating.

Visit ElmwoodOnIce.com for details!

Parent of the

Month Candy

Castelluccio By: Arianna Castelluccio (1 year old)

Yay, I am so happy my mommy is the

parent of the month. She loves me.

Who am I? Arianna is my name; being a baby is my game. Before I turned one in August, Mommy made me organic baby food at home and worked hard to provide me with her milk for my first five months on the outside. Now I eat goldfish off the floor and we both laugh.

But enough about me, this is all about Mommy. She teaches Kindergarten and helps little boys and girls learn to read and write and so much more. Teaching runs in the family, Nana was also a Kindergarten teacher and her Momma, my Great Grandmother, also taught. Mom had a

teacher named Mr. Graham in the 8th grade, he inspired her to become a teacher. While my mom loves teaching and is very proud of what her students learn each year she is most proud of little old me.

My mom doesn’t give a lot of advice to other parents, but she always tells parents-to-be, to sleep, like all day long. I am not sure why. She also tells everyone to take little videos, of everyday things like peek a boo. She says this will mean so much more than posing for 500 pictures in a field all dressed up. (And yeah, we have those too!)

Mommy’s biggest challenge? Finding enough time in the day to love on me, daddy and take care of the house and oh yeah and she has to go to work too. My biggest challenge? Getting mom and dad to bend the schedule, they are some schedule oriented parents. Oh, and throwing blueberries on the floor, I have to work really hard to sneak that one over on them.

When Mommy isn’t helping me work on my first steps or reading me books that I can’t quite get on my own yet she is busy helping others. Whether she is holding the door, taking shopping carts back into the store, picking up trash outside, volunteering after school to help one of the clubs or providing a snack to someone who would go without, Momma helps several people

[Photo by Owen-Lugar Photography]

every day. She always makes sure her students feel loved and special.

Mommy and Daddy love being home with me, but every so often they have to take me to Nanna and Granddaddy’s so they remember to be husband and wife. (Yuck!) When they go out mom loves to eat at a quiet restaurant, the kind with only adults. Then maybe they enjoy a nice movie, or rush home to binge-watch Netflix.

Well, I need to wrap this up. It’s almost dinner time and those blueberries aren’t going to throw themselves on the floor.

Growing Up • October 2016

17

Crayon Box Spaceship By: Evie Eagan

Instructions Supplies

1. Take empty crayon box and turn inside out.

2. Carefully cut a window in the box for your spacemen.

3. Decorate the box however you would like.

4. Cut off the flaps on the top of the box. Tape small flaps to side for wings. Tape large flaps on top for the nose.

5. Tape seam of box back together.

• Crayon Box • Scissors • Markers & Crayons • Tape • Glue

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

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Growing Up • October 2016

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Mini Lasagna Cups By: Ani Eagan

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees F

2. Take out 2 muffin tins. Put the wonton wraps in the muffin tins and spread out the wrinkles.

3. In a bowl, mix ricotta with salt and pepper 4. Let mixture sit for 10 minutes 5. Put a spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture in each wonton wrap.

6. Put a spoonful of the sauce on each one and finish by putting some mozzarella on top 7. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top and then put in the oven for 10-20 minutes.

Ingredients • • • • •

24 Wonton wraps 1 cup marinara sauce 1 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Salt and pepper 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella • Italian seasoning

After wonton wrappers are golden brown

serve warm and enjoy! .

Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party article and photos by: Evelyn Bolling

Hello, I’m Evelyn Bolling. This year my family went to Disney World for a week. While we were there, we attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. The park was open to only the people that were there for the party and everything in the park was Halloween themed. When we walked into the Magic Kingdom the first thing I noticed were the decorations. Main Street was completely decorated.

The lampposts were decorated with light up jack-o-lanterns and orange and yellow wreaths. In the middle of Main Street there were scarecrows decorated as towns’ people. At night all the lights were different colors including red, purple, and blue to make it look like we were at a Halloween Party. Cinderella’s castle was also lit up for the party.

The next thing I noted were the costumes. Everyone was dressed up.

I was dressed up as a nerd but there were people who had outstanding costumes. Even the adults were really dressed up. I met a really nice girl named Sarah who was dressed up as Cleopatra. I also saw a girl dressed as Maleficent and she looked exactly like her! People were dressed up like a lot of different Disney Characters. Another one of my favorites was a lady dressed like Ursula with make-up and all! Even the staff at the Haunted Mansion were dressed like spooky hotel employees.

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Growing Up • October 2016

Around the park were different places where you could trick or treat. The candy that we received was awesome, M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles, Halloween Peeps and Starburst were some of the goodies we received. And they gave us a lot of candy. My family collected 6 full bags of candy! They also had special candy for people who had

park such as Jack Skellington and the 7 Dwarfs. Sully and Mike from Monsters Inc. were at the Halloween Dance party dancing in the crowd! The Halloween Parade was cool. It opened with the Headless Horsemen riding down the street. All the Disney characters and villains were in the parade dancing in the streets and on floats. The villain show with Maleficent and the witches from Hocus Pocus was fun. The best show was the Celebrate the Magic Show at the Castle followed by the Halloween fireworks. These are bigger shows than the regular ones. The castle was used as a screen and scenes from different movies were displayed with awesome fireworks and Disney Halloween music. It was a really cool show.

This party is for all ages. My family and I really enjoyed this and would definitely do it again. I would highly recommend it being a part of your Disney Trip.

candy allergies. We could have spent the entire night trick or treating it was pretty cool.

During the party there were there were different Halloween shows and parades. You could also meet different characters that are not usually in the

Evelyn’s family booked their Walt Disney World vacation with Jennifer Harris, Just A Dream Away Travel. For more information on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and other special events please contact Jennifer at 540-293-5132 or jenn@justadreamawaytravel.com

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Growing Up • October 2016

21

3

Questions

with Ava Rosa

Recapping the United Way RYSE Talent Show

This month, I was given the amazing opportunity to emcee the United Way of Roanoke Valley “Kid’s RYSE Talent Show” on September 15th at William Fleming High School.

A week before the event, I was honored to be interviewed by Jenna Zibton at NBC WSLS-10.

Jenna Zibton WSLS: “How do you feel about other students your age who are homeless in Roanoke?”

Ava Rosa: “Every day after school, I know that I’m going to be going home to the same place and I don’t have to worry about where I’ll be sleeping that night. I also know that I can be whatever I want when I grow up. I think every kid should have a life that they can be focusing on education, so they can be whatever they want too.”

Here were my opening emcee remarks at the talent show: “Welcome to United Way of Roanoke Valley’s Kids on the RYSE performance. I’m Ava Rosa, a 10 year old student journalist (I just turned 11 last week!) who will be your host for the night. We are so excited to have all of you here to learn about the RYSE program, to kick off the 2016 United Way campaign and most of all to showcase some of the amazing talent we have in the Roanoke Valley!

Before we get started, we’d like to thank each of you who help others right here in our community. You are true examples of what it means to LIVE UNITED. I’d also like to give a huge thank you to Delegate Sam Rassoul and Luke Currie who have helped with the planning of this event. We couldn’t have done this without you!”

I was able to speak with Delegate Rasoul’s Community Development Director, Luke Curie at the event.

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Growing Up • October 2016

Ava Rosa: “What made you want to be involved with tonight’s event?”

Luke Currie: “As Delegate Rasoul’s Community Development Director, we collaborate about the projects that we work on and occasionally he will give me a choice to choose something that is meaningful to me. I learned that there were hundreds of children in the school system who were homeless and as soon as I heard about the United Way’s RYSE Campaign, I immediately advocated to the delegate that this is something I felt strongly that we should become involved in helping out with.”

to inspire self-belief and cultivate potential, so that we can bridge the gap between potential and opportunity. So, when we think about the talent you see here on this stage tonight and when we think about the talent that surrounds us, what we must do is see that as not just individual potential, but the potential of a community and the potential of a region that can be and will be so much stronger when we decide that we must live united!”

In addition to the talent acts that night, there were a few speeches from United Way of Roanoke Valley leaders.

My 8 year old kid sister, Amora, talked with Lacey Levy with the Girls Rock Roanoke organization.

Ashley Reynolds Marshall, Financial Stability Strategies Manager, had this to say about the Rehousing Youth for Success in Education (RYSE) Program: “Your United Way has created a beautiful program called RYSE- Rehousing Youth for Success in Education. What that program does to make sure that children are successful is to help stabilize families by finding quality housing and wrapping them in services provided by our nonprofit friends, right here in the valley, to make sure that we remove all the barriers that keep them from being successful and self-sufficient.”

Amora: “What is Girls Rock going to do tonight?”

Lacy Levy: “We have several different musicians, a few of them are in a band and a few are going to do solo acts. They are all going to perform a song of their choice.”

Amora: “What do you think kids get out of performing?”

Lacy Levy: “I think it is a great way for them to get to express themselves, to build confidence, and to show everyone their true voice and their individuality.”

Amora: “Why is it important that we help homeless children?”

Lacy Levy: “Because every kid should have an opportunity to grow and be educated, to have fun and to not have all the stress that the homeless do. Any chance we get to participate and to help them get the kind of opportunity that our girls do, is really important to us as an organization.

United Way of Roanoke Valley President and CEO (and full disclosure, my mom), Afira DeVries, had this to say about the purpose of the night: “Every single thing that my babies have access to in this world are things that every child should have access to. There’s a reason why we chose a talent show today and why we chose to showcase the talent of children.

Every single person born in this world is born with a talent. Every person in this room has inherent talents. The only question is, will it be cultivated? What we must do is to figure out what it takes

Thank you for reading this story and for supporting the potential and talent of everyone in our community. For Growing Up in the Valley, this is Ava Rosa. See you next time!

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Growing Up • October 2016

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Roanoke

Kids Eat

Free!

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

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Growing Up • October 2016

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

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

IHOP 4 PM - 8 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289 Brit and Bud’s Specialty Subs 6 PM - 8 PM 12 & under eligible for half off kids meal 4208 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 206-3684 El Rio Mexican Grill All Day 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343 Firehouse Subs All Day 11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in only 800 University City Blvd, Blacksburg (540) 961-0371 Tuesday Brambleton Deli 11 AM - 9 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554 Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074 Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884 Town Center Tap House All Day 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult

90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 The Barbecue Grill All Day 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030 Firehouse Subs All Day 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131 Pizza Hut 5 PM - Close 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834 Ruby Tuesday 5 PM - Close 11 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View & Electric Rd. Locations (540) 265-9301 Wednesday Dogwood 4 PM - Close 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549 The Quarter All Day 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990 Pizza Pasta Pit 4 PM - 9 PM 1 child per paid adult. Drink not included.

1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885 T.G.I.Fridays All Day 12 & under 1 w/paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

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

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

Steak n’ Shake All Day 12 & under 1 free per paid $8.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825 Sunday Moe’s All Day 12 & under free per paid adult Roanoke, Lynchburg and Blacksburg (540) 682-8424 (Roanoke) O’Charley’s All Day 10 & under free per paid adult Roanoke (540) 389-1111 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

1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610 Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM 10 & under w/paid adult 3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022 T.G.I.Fridays All Day 12 & under 1 w/paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475 Steak n’ Shake All Day 12 & under 1 free w/paying $8.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Kids Eat Free Inquiries andrea@growingupinthevalley.com Editor’s note: Restaurant deals change quickly and often without notice. Growing Up in the Valley strongly recommends calling ahead to confirm any

Local Roots 5 PM -9 PM 12 & under eat for free (family style meal) with adult purchase

deal listed. This listing is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a discount.

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Providing Quality Early Childhood Education In The Roanoke Valley Since 1934

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Income-based Rates FREE Child Watch FREE Group Exercise & Water Aerobics Classes FREE Fit Start Fitness Orientation Use of YMCAs Across the Country 4 Indoor Pools & 2 Indoor Tracks Basketball, Racquetball & Handball Courts State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment Youth Programs, Camps & Afterschool Care Diabetes Prevention Program & EnhanceFitness .

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Growing Up • October 2016

S R E D I P S E

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1. Pumpkin 2. Ghost 3. Witch 4. Broom

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On Sale October 7TH!

November 30 • 7:30PM

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Save $3 with discount code: GROVER Excludes Sunny Seats

November 11–13

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Event Calendar Blue Ridge Folklife Festival

LFA Kids Fall Consignment Sale 2016 Hokie BugFest

Oct 22•10 AM-5 PM•Ferrum College•$5-$10

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the largest regional event of its kind in Virginia, and there’s nothing like it in the Commonwealth. We feature performers, artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6 – 14), and $5 for senior citizens (55 and over). Children 5 years old & under admitted free.

Oct 7-9 • Berglund Civic Center • Free The popular LFA Consigment Sale is back for Fall & Winter featuring gently worn/used baby, toddler, child, and teen things. Clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, games, and more!

PumpkinFest

Oct 29•10 PM- 2 PM•Salem Farmer’s Market

Come see all the ghosts & goblins at the Salem Farmers Market! There will be trick or treating with the local merchants from 10 - 11 AM. We will have a costume contest, pumpkin carving auction, and other activities & games for kids.

Oct 15 • 10 AM-5PM • Virginia Tech The Hokie BugFest is a free festival that celebrates the joy and excitement of entomology and appeals to every age group. It features a live Bug Zoo, a Spiders’ Lair, departmental research displays, a balloon artist, exhibits from regional museums, an insect-collection contest, and eye-catching exhibits.

Tony Gustin, the Bug Whisperer, will present an “Educational Super Show.”

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

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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.

The Odd Couple. 7:30 PM September 28 through October 9 at Mill Mountain Theatre. One of Neil Simon’s greatest comedies, The Odd Couple, proves that opposites attract. Two suddenly single pals, a sloppy sportswriter and a fastidious news writer strain their friendship by becoming roommates. Enjoy the antics of the classic comedy characters of Oscar and Felix. Come and laugh with us at Mill Mountain Theatre and see why Simon won the Tony for Best Play. Tickets begin at $20 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 (food costs extra)

see full calendar online at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar LFA Kids Fall Consignment Sale. October 7 through October 9 at the Berglund Center Special Events Center. The popular LFA Consigment Sale is back for Fall & Winter featuring gently worn/used baby, toddler, child, and teen things. Clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, games, and more! FREE to shop & attend. $10 consignor fee. For more information www.lfakids.com Virginia Tech Science Festival. September 30 through October 8 in various Blacksburg and Roanoke locations. The festival is a chance to celebrate science.

Visit hands-on exhibits hosted by researchers from all kinds of science from the Moss Arts Center to College Avenue to Newman Library.

For more information and event details please visit www.cpe.vt.edu Craftsmen’s Classic.

October 14 through 16 at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. The Craftsmen’s Fall Classic Art & Craft Festival features original designs and work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America. See the creative process in action as many exhibitors demonstrate throughout the weekend. There is something for every style, taste and budget with items from the most traditional to the most contemporary. This show is a winner of Sunshine Artist “100 Best” awards.

FREE (with food donation to Feeding America) Roanoke Go Outside Festival. October 14 through 16 at River’s Edge Park in Roanoke. Watch pro BMX stunt shows, learn to fly fish,

demo a mountain bike, test your balance on a slackline, try out some climbing shoes, learn some wilderness first aid, test your balance on a SUP, crawl into your tent, enjoy a craft beer or two, listen to killer music, then wake up the next morning and try something new. Ride a big wheel, learn how to fix your outdoor gear, enter the Wild Gear Chase, watch the lumberjack show, watch the ultimate air dogs, build a custom headlamp, chill out in an ENO hammock, play around of disc golf, enjoy a beer or two while listen to music, crawl into your tent, then wake up the next morning and try something new. FREE 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.

Peter and the Starcatcher.

October 19 through 22 at Hollins University. Discover how Peter Pan became an ageless hero in this grownup’s prequel to the classic story. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, “Peter and the Starcatcher” is the winner of five Tony Awards. $10 per person.

Saturday • October 1 9th Annual Fall Festival.

10 AM through 4 PM at the Highland Ridge Rehab Center, Dublin. This is a FREE event for the entire community and something for the whole family. There will be: Craft Vendors, Petting Zoo, Food Vendors, Inflatables, Face Painting Princesses, Virginia Tech Tron, Music and MUCH MORE! FREE Peppa Pig. 5 PM at the Berglund Civic Center.

Don’t miss your chance to see Peppa, George and all their friends when they come to Roanoke!

The original production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an allsinging, all-dancing

Come & make music with Elmo, Abby and the whole Sesame Street Gang!

Growing Up • October 2016

33

Calendar of Events adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

Ticket Prices: $29.75, $42.75, $59.75 V.I.P. - $149.75

Friday • October 7 Brian Regan. 8 PM at the Berglund Civic Center.

One of the most respected comedians in the country, Brian Regan is a legendary performer selling out large venues from coast to coast.

Tickets are $42.50 per person. $5 parking fee applies.

Saturday • October 8

Pumpkin Patches Layman Farm Festival Blue Ridge, VA www.laymanfamilyfarms.com

$10-$12 Farm Festival $12-$16 Haunted Harvest Farm and Corn Maze Saturday - 10AM-6PM Sunday - 11AM-6PM Flashlight Maze Weds 4PM-9PM Haunted Harvest Fri & Sat Nights 8PM-11PM

Jeter Farm Festival Roanoke, VA www.jeterfarm.com $8

Friday - 3PM-6PM Saturday - 9AM-6PM Sunday - 12PM-6PM

Sinkland Farm Festival

Christiansburg, VA www.sinklandfarms.com $10 Saturday - 10AM-5PM Sunday - 1PM - 5 PM Attractions vary by date

34

Growing Up • October 2016

20th Annual Radford Highlanders Festival. 10 AM through 5 PM at Bisset Park, Radford. The day features Scottish heavyweight games, Scots-Irish-Appalachian music, massed pipe and drum band performance, Scottish clan march, sheepherding demonstrations, drumming circle, booths by more than 60 craft and food vendors, children’s activities and much more. FREE Apple Harvest Celebration.

11 AM through 5 PM at Foggy Ridge Cider, Dugspur.

Foggy Ridge celebrates the Apple with this special all day harvest event at the Orchard. Bring your backyard apples to be identified and try a sample of some unique American Heritage and English cider apples. $10 per person, includes a heirloom apple sample and tasting.

Royal Princess Meet-nGreet. TIME at Ward’s Road Chick-Fil-A in Lynchburg.

Mark your calendars for the most anticipated event of the year! This Royal

Princess Meet & Greet is the premiere event for all princesses to meet their favorite classic Princesses!

Princess-themed activities fit for the most royal of the land including Finger nail painting, Princess tattoos, Bracelet making and a Princess-themed photo booth. Wear your Princess best and bring your camera for one-on-one photo opportunities with some of your favorite princesses.

FREE

Sunday • October 9 Food Truck Rodeo.12 PM through 5 PM at the Village Grill in Roanoke. The wait is almost over! Make sure you join us for our annual Food Truck Rodeo!

We’ll have Baum’s BBQ, Rick’s Wrap it UP, Toasted

by Casey, Thai This Food Truck, Bruno’s GastroTruck, Viva La Cupcake, The Dojo Grill, Oi Polloi and BBQ Bush Hog! We’ll also have live entertainment! With something for everyone and it being free to get in, there is no reason not to come!

FREE

Wednesday • October 12 Opera Roanoke performs South Pacific. 7:30 PM - 9 PM at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Enjoy Opera Roanoke’s fully staged production, with orchestra, of this timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway blockbuster for one night only in Blacksburg, VA. Tickets are available at the Moss Arts Center Box Office in person Monday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm and by phone at 540-231-5300 General public tickets

see full calendar online at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar start at $40. Students and children 18 & under are $10.

Friday • October 14 The Squirrel Nut Zippers.

8 PM through 11 PM at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg.

Squirrel Nut Zippers is a firecracker Jazz Band playing a fusion of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, 1930s era swing and other styles.

The band formed in 1993 and is based out of Chapel Hill, NC. Tickets start at $30. a $5 student discount is available with ID.

Saturday • October 15 Breakfast with the Animals.

8:30 AM through 10:30 AM at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke.Come enjoy a light breakfast buffet and the

chance to meet some of the zoo animals. The zoo keeper will be there to answer questions and you can also see them prepare breakfast to feed to the animals.

Registration required at least 3 days prior to event.

Email education@mmzoo.org for more information. $15/non-member adult $12/non-member child $45/non-member family of 4 $12/member adult $9/member child $35/member family of 4 Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. Join RSO for a spectacular Opening Night Masterworks concert wit the immortal Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven and a brilliant work for cello and orchestra, Michael Daugherty’s Tales of

Hemingway with cellist Zuill Bailey. Tickets start at $34, parking is $5.

2016 Hokie BugFest. 10 AM through 5 PM at Latham Ballroom on VT campus in Blacksburg. The Hokie BugFest is a free festival that celebrates the joy and excitement of entomology and appeals to every age group. It features a live Bug Zoo, a Spiders’ Lair, departmental research displays, a balloon artist, exhibits from regional museums, an insectcollection contest, and eye-catching exhibits. Tony Gustin, the Bug Whisperer, will present an “Educational Super Show.” FREE Halloween Parents Night Out. 6:30 PM through 10 PM at Oh-So-Glitzy Salon in Salem. Looking for an

evening off to relax? Mark your calendar for the Oh So Halloween Parents Night Out! Book your spot today for your little girls to enjoy an evening of Halloween fun. Each of our guests will be served dinner and desert, participate in games and a craft, get pampered with nail painting and a hairstyle, and show off their Halloween costume in a runway show! Space is limited, register today by calling (540) 389-6476. $25 per child, $18 for additional sibling. Guests must be ages 3-13 and potty trained.

Thursday • October 20 I Love The 90’s. 7:30 PM at the Salem Civic Center.

Rock out with Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa with

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35

Calendar of Events Spinderella, Coolio, All-4One, Rob Base, and Kid N Play! Admission starts at $48.

Friday • October 21 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Hockey Game Opening Night. 7:05 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.

Rail Yard Dawgs take on the Knoxville Ice Bears in their first home game! Tickets start at $11.

Saturday • October 22 Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.

10 AM through 5 PM at Ferrum College. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the largest regional event of its kind in Virginia, and there’s nothing like it in the Commonwealth. We feature

performers, artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6 – 14), and $5 for senior citizens (55 and over). Children 5 years old & under admitted free.

36

Growing Up • October 2016

Dracula. 7 PM through 9 PM at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke.The Roanoke Ballet Theatre proudly presents Dracula! From the depths of Transylvania, Count Dracula and his brides are returning to Roanoke!

Dracula is a Halloween favorite based on Bram Stoker’s epic novel. It is a tale of fascination, passion, terror, and surrender. With original choreography

by Sandra Meythaler and Norbert Nirewicz, Dracula mesmerizes audiences with its captivating contemporary dancing, custom costumes, and gripping music. Don’t miss this ballet with a bite.

Tickets start at $22 and children 8 years old and under are 1/2 price.

Virginia Tech Hockey Alumni Home Game. 2 PM at the Berglund Center.

Enjoy an afternoon at

the ice rink watching the current VT hockey team play against their own alumni.

FREE

Saturday • October 29 Bonsack Baptist Fall Festival. 10 AM through 1 PM at Bonsack Baptist Church Community Life Center. Join us for a free community event featuring Magician Steve Somers, Aquatics and Exotics animal show, Kids Karaoke, inflatables, games, candy, much more and lots of fun. FREE Zoo Boo. 11 AM through 4 PM at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke. Come to the zoo in costume and enjoy special activities, crafts, trick or treating and more!

Go to www.mmzoo.org for the complete schedule of events. Regular admission applies.

Dierks Bentley Concert.

7:30 PM at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. On the heels of his newly released, and CMA Awards-nominated album BLACK, Dierks Bentley extends the SOMEWHERE ON A BEACH tour, further proving his reputation as “one of the hardestworking entertainers in country music”. BLACK ranks as the best-selling release of Bentley’s career, after debuting at the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart and Top Country Albums Chart.

Tickets start at $34.75 and parking is $5.

Spooky Sprint 5K Race.

10 AM at Wasena Park in Roanoke. Join us for Roanoke’s premier Halloween 5K fun run to benefit the West End Center for Youth. Costumes are encouraged! After the race, we will gather at the picnic shelter for a spook-tacular post race party. $25 for adult race registration and $20 for child registration.

Pumpkinfest. 10 AM through 2 PM at the Salem Farmer’s Market. Come see all the ghosts & goblins at the Salem Farmers Market!

There will be trick or treating with the local merchants from 10 - 11 AM. We will have a costume contest, pumpkin carving auction, and other activities & games for kids. 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

Tuesday • November 8 American Red Cross Babysitting Course. 8:30 AM through 4:30 PM at the Christiansburg Rec Center.

The course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for infants and children as well as how to manage a babysitting business. Participants need to bring a bag lunch, teddy bear, pencil/pen and paper.

Also, this course satisfies many Girl/Boy Scout rank/ badge requirements. The course is designed for those ages 10.5 and up Registration open until November 3. Call 540-3822349 to register. The class costs $40.

ThingsPlaymobil WeHaunted Love House Frightful fun and ghoulish secrets await inside the Haunted House Play Box enter at your own risk! Mysterious characters hide around every turn, including a vampire and Frankenstein. Perfect for on-the-go play, all the pieces can be stored inside this portable set and the top can be turned into a handle, making it a must-have travel accessory. Set includes two figures, skull, raven, scorpion, candlesticks, mice, and other fun accessories. Ages 4-10

Playmobil Fire Station

In a convenient take-along case, this set is perfect for on-the-go fun. Set includes two firefighters, motorcycle, helmet and other fire gear, fire hydrant, fan, fire extinguisher, command desk, chair, bunk beds, security camera, and tons of other accessories. Ages 4-10

Kid Sized Yard Tools

These colorful yard tools are the perfect fit for the youngest member of the family yard crew. The wheelbarrow is decked out in primary colors, this chunky and sturdy classic is a must-have garden toy. The yard tools feature a rake and a shovel and are just the right size for tiny gardeners to help out with those pesky fall leaves.

Best of all? These items are made in the USA and are available at many local retailers! Stay tuned for a giveaway on a WINSDAY this month for your chance to win this set, just in time for your kids to help with fall cleanup!

Made by American Plastic Toyse - www.americanplastictoys.com

Life Academy Daycare, Preschool & After School is Enrolling Now! Daycare & Preschool: 6 Weeks - 4 Years Old After School: Kindergarten - 5th Grade

Call today to set up a tour!

(540) 563-5140 7422 Deer Branch Road Roanoke VA 24019 (Behind Oakey’s North Chapel, Peters Creek Road) * Mention this ad and we’ll waive the $40 registration fee *

Growing Up • October 2016

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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? __________________________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

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 Growing Up in the Valley Swag 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.

Our Favorite: Board Games

Nothing can bring a family together quite like “Family Game Night!” Try some of our favorites - available on Amazon.com!

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Growing Up • October 2016

Flip 2 B Fit

Exploding Kittens

Killer Bunnies

Crazy Legs

$570 $718 $865 $1,012

$2,470 $3,108 $3,747 $4,385

Effective Until June 30, 2017

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New Castle

$29,637 $37,296 $44,955 $52,614

THE FIGHT OF THE SEASON!

GET YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY! The flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu.

Get your family vaccinated today!

CarilionClinic.org/flu | 800-422-8482