18 minute read
Family Events Calendar
FEBRUARY
Get Out of the Cold:
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Visit Kids Square’s Indoor
Winter Wonderland!
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Home and Garden Show Feb 4-6 | Berglund Center theberglundcenter.com
Blippi The Musical
Feb 17 | Berglund Center theberglundcenter.com
Bonsack Baptist Preschool Consignment Sale
Feb 26 | Bonsack Baptist
Feed and Read
3-5 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
When: Tuesday, February 01, 2022 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Large Community Room Free meals for kids from Feeding Southwest Virginia. For more information contact us at 853-2340.
Free Yoga for the People
When: Tuesday, February 01, 2022 - 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Where: Main Library at Children’s Mezzanine As a public health and better living initiative, we offer the people of the Roanoke Valley a one-hour yoga class, twice a week, in a convenient
Kids Take Home Craft: Groundhog Mask!
Gainsboro Branch, Roanoke
Wednesday, February 2
Lego Free Play
4-5 PM|Ongoing Event | Gainsboro Branch, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, February 02, 2022 - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Gainsboro Branch Library Join us for Lego Free Play!
Storytime
10:30-11:30 AM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
When: Thursday, February 03, 2022 - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Children’s Area Join Toby for a wonderful storytime event. For more information contact us at (540)853-2340.
StoryTime Detectives
10:30-11 AM|Ongoing Event | Roanoke
StoryTime is more than just reading. It’d about preparing our kids for the future.
Friday, February 4
Downtown Food & Cultural Tour
11 AM-2 PM|Ongoing Event | Elmwood Park, Roanoke
One-of-a-Kind Food Tastings This guided walking tour visits six food tasting locations within the colorful and booming downtown Historic District. Join us on Friday, February 4 from 5-9 pm for our next Late Nights at the Taubman for a celebration of arts and culture.
Storytime with Mr. Jalen!
When: Friday, February 04, 2022 - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Where: Gainsboro Branch Library at Community Room Join us for a fun storytime with Mr. Jalen!
Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop Winter Recharge
Hollins University, Roanoke
Join us online for both manuscript and write-now worksho ps with our acclaimed Tinker Mountain faculty! This is your opportunity to recharge your creativity, reconnect with the Tinker Mountain communi ty of writers, and reframe your work.
Saturday, February 5
Gainsboro Revisited Lecture with Jordan Bell
11 AM-12:30 PM|Gainsboro Branch, Roanoke
Gainsboro Branch Library at Community Room Join us for a lecture on the history of the Gainsboro
Neighborhood with local historian Jordan Bell.
Yoga at the Taubman
5:15pm - 6:15pm Register Now Relax, recharge, and find your moment of Zen with local artist, instructor, and all around guru Bonny Branch! Yoga is offered in the Museum’s atrium every Wednesday from 5:15 to 6:15 pm.
Greater Roanoke Home and Garden Show
2-6 PM|Ongoing Event | Berglund Center, Roanoke
Everything you need to solve your home & garden projects under one roof.
Lunar New Year with Local Colors + Roanoke Valley Sister Cities
12-2 PM|Taubman Museum, Roanoke
Celebrate Lunar New Year, Year of the Tiger, with dragon dances, martial arts performances, singing and more!
10:00am - 5:00pm Register Now Those big, sweet eyes. Those lovable, furry paws. A long, swishy tail that instantly wags when you enter the room. You have the best pet in the world, don’t you?
WazUpWidIs Race
9 AM-12 PM|Downtown Roanoke, Roanoke
Simply put, the objective of wazUpwidis is to run through, u p and over a few of Downtown Roanoke’s landmarks, traversing surprisingl y difficult elevation in two of the city’s parking garages and finishing with a breathtaking climb and descent in
Sunday, February 6
All that Glitters: Iconic Jewelry and Hollywood Style; Guest Curator Celebrity Stylist Micaela Erlanger
Taubman Museum, Roanoke
Celebrated stylist Micaela Erlanger brings forth a selection of fine jewelry and rare accessories that have been featured in film and worn on the red carpet and in fashion editorials by famous faces and some of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars.
Monday, February 7
Take & Create Craft Kits for Kids
All RCPL Locations, Roanoke
Stop by all RCPL locations for a fun weekly craft for kids. ht tp://www. roanokecountyva.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=16887
Tuesday, February 8
Gordon Lightfoot
8 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Kids Take Home Craft: Valentines Day Picture Frame!
Gainsboro Branch, Roanoke
Wednesday, February 9
Market @ The Museum
12-3 PM|Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke
Paint Party - “Bowl of Roses”
6:30-8:30 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Join us for a fun evening of painting roses in a bowl. don’t like red? no problem, we’ll bring lots of other colors to choose from! All supplies and instruction are included. Come early for appetizers or stay later for dinner!
Thursday, February 10
Craft Your Own Pet Alien
3-4 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
When: Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Large Community Room Join us for a fun craft creating your own pet alien. Geared for kids ages 5-13. For more information call us at 853-2340.
Cheap Skate Tuesdays
Join Firehouse Skate ‘N Play Family Fun Center each and every Tuesday during February from when skating is just $5 - skate rental included! firehousesk8.com
Foster Parent Information Meeting
6:30-7:30 PM|HopeTree Family Services, Salem
Are you interested in providing a safe loving home for a child in foster care? Please join HopeTree Foster Care to learn more about how your family can become a certified foster family.
Saturday, February 12
Family Fun Day!
10 AM-12 PM|Taubman Museum, Roanoke
10:00am - 12:00pm Looking for something creative and hands-on that you can enjoy as a family? Join us for the Museum’s Family Fun Days!
1-3 PM|Explore Park, Roanoke
Let’s celebrate our love for nature with some “earthy” Valenti ne’s Day activities! The beautiful, natural items that are abound in the forests and fields of Explore Park will amaze you.
Sunday, February 13
GalenRIDES Day w/Hustle/Haven
1-3 PM|Hustle/Haven, Roanoke
Wednesday, February 16
Fabric Paint T-shirt Craft
4-5 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Where: Williamson Road Branch Library at Large Community Room Join us for a fabric paint t-shirt craft. Bring your own plain t-shirt to design with fabric paint.
Thursday, February 17
Blippi The Musical
6 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Night Howls
5:30-7 PM|Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke
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.
Teen Movie Night: Remember the Titans
6-7:30 PM|Gainsboro Branch, Roanoke
When: Thursday, February 17, 2022 - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Where: Gainsboro Branch Library at Community Room Join us for Teen Movie Night! This month’s movie is “Remember the Titans”.
Friday, February 18
Cross That River
7:30 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Coming to us straight from Broadway gather around the campfire to join Allan Harris and the Cross That River Band as they tell the story of American’s West from the perspective of the African American cowboys who journeyed from slavery to freedom
Jefferson Center Presents: Yasmin Williams
8 PM|Elmwood Park, Roanoke
Yasmin Williams is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist with an unorthadox, modern style of playing. Her music has been commonly described as refreshing, relaxing, and unique and has been called some of the most imaginative guitar music out today.
Saturday, February 19
Bert Kreischer
7 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Tuesday, February 22
Bingo
11 AM-12 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
Join us for some bingo fun. all are welcome. For more information contact us at 853-2340.
Wednesday, February 23
Kids Farmers Market
3:30-4:30 PM|Main Library, Roanoke
When: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 - 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Where: Main Library at Teen Classroom Bring your kids, teens and tweens to shop for FREE fresh fruit & veggies provided by Feeding Southwest Virginia!
Intermediate Bike Maintenance
6-8 PM|Roanoke Mountain Adventures, Roanoke
StoryTime with Botetourt Fire & EMS
10:30-11 AM|Roanoke
Virtual event. Register here: https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScusy9c3zYP5BDpdDj3KNJk9FJkK6DounYEL3kDb_lCVBTUog/viewform
Williamson Branch Puzzle Challenge
10 AM-6 PM|Williamson Road Branch, Roanoke
Drop by the circulation desk to pick up instructions to complete the puzzle challenge.
Bonsack Baptist Preschool Consignment Sale
8 AM-2 PM|Bonsack Baptist Church Community Life Center, Roanoke
The Bonsack Baptist WEEC (Weekday Early Education Center) Spring and Summer Consignment Sale will be held Saturday, February 26th, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Community Life Center at Bonsack Baptist Church.
Explore Your Limits XI
9 AM|Explore Your Limits XI, Roanoke
Description: The 5k is a great race to introduce runners to trail running. The race course will take runners through some of the trails and gravel roads of the Explore Park. The 5k is 1/3 trail and 2/3 gravel road and asphalt.
3rd Annual Fierce Film Festival
1-3 PM|The Spot, Roanoke
Calling all budding filmmakers! Mill Mountain Zoo is looking for 3-15 minute short film entries about animals, nature or conservation. Film submissions from all ages are welcome!
Winter Jam 2022
6 PM|Berglund Center, Roanoke
Very Excited to be on Winter Jam 2022! It’s only $10 at the door so find your city and meet us there! info at jamtour.com
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Real American Ninja Warrior Course Now Open!
launchingpadsalem.com
1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153 540-404-9235 fdc
Kids Eat Free
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
• 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
cheap or
• Buffalo Wild Wings
4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074
• Macado’s
4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884
• McAlister’s Deli
5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407
• El Rio Mexican Grill
All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343
• Firehouse Subs
All Day • 11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in Blacksburg (540) 961-0371
• The Green Goat
All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091
Tuesday
• Town Center Tap House
All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991
• Firehouse Subs
All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square & Salem only (540) 345-3131
• Pizza Hut
5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834
• 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
• The Quarter
All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990
Thursday
• The Roanoker
4:30 PM - Close • 10 & 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
• Tokyo Express
11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303
• Famous Anthony’s
12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400
Sunday
• Pizza Den
5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase Salem (540) 389-1111
• Local Roots
5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610
• T.G.I.Fridays
All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475
• Jimmy V’s Restaurant
All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311
• Moe’s Southwestern Grill
All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations
• Firehouse Subs
All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471
• 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
Roanoke Valley Family
Magazine publishes these deals for informational purposes only. A Listing here does not guarantee a discount at any of the mentioned restaurants.
Promotions often change without notice and we recommend calling the restaurant to confirm any discount before arrival.
Trampolines & More!
Basketball Dodgeball Jousting Pit Fidget Ladder Airbag Pit Launch Tower Arcade with prizes Bumper cars Flight Training Wall NEW! American Ninja Warrior Course Snack Bar 5 Party Rooms
Keep the Romance Alive After Baby and Beyond
by Bree Howard
That bundle of joy is home, all your friends and relatives have gushed over your newest family member, you’ve all settled in. Now what? After the initial excitement has worn down and the multiple nightly-feedings are leaving you bleary-eyed and exhausted, couples with a new baby may discover that being romantic is the last thing on the agenda.
Yet, the truth is that carving out time just for the two of you may prove more important at this time of your life than any other. Romance is a long-term investment. Children underfoot or not, you need to put in now what you hope to get back later. So whether you are first-time parents with a newborn or there are children of all ages running around your house, these tips will help you keep the romance alive and well — despite those dirty diapers and three a.m. feedings.
Make Time Together a Priority.
Heating things up between you and your partner after the baby arrives will not succeed unless you actually take the time to do it. While baby is a top priority, make the time you spend together a priority as well. If that means the dishes go unwashed after baby is asleep or that you leave work early to spend time together before the kids come home from school, then so be it. For some couples, meeting in the living room after the house is quiet for a glass of wine and a movie may be enough to spark romance. If the house is too distracting or you are both simply too tired, hiring a babysitter for a weekly date night may be the answer. However the romance is sparked between the two of you, make a date and stick to it.
Show Affection Just Because.
Whether you are a couple with one child or five, time is precious. However busy and tired the two of you are, showing affection “just because” is an investment toward more passionate romance later on. Write a love note and slip it into his coat pocket, remember to add her favorite treat to your cart the next time you go shopping, or send texts to each other that simply say, “Hi, I love you.” Life’s priorities may have evolved, but even the simplest of gestures show that you are still each other’s number one.
Connect Every Day.
Busy schedules, favorite television series, and social media often keep couples disconnected even when they are together. Yet, authentic communication is the key to keeping a relationship strong. Set aside at least ten minutes every day to simply connect with each other. During that time, silence the smartphones, keep the TV off, and sit facing each other. It might have to wait until the kids go to bed, but do not let anything come between the two of you and those ten minutes of real connection. Talk, but more importantly, listen to each other. Don’t make it a time when the big issues of family life get solved. Instead, just talk about each other’s day, dream together, laugh, and hold hands. Life can wait; these moments are just about the two of you.
Teach Your Partner to Romance You by Romancing Him or Her.
Sometimes the best way to learn is by example. Think about ways you can show romance to your partner. Be the first to initiate, and don’t think that any gesture is too insignificant. Whether it’s as simple as picking up his dry cleaning or bringing her a cold drink while she watches the game and running your fingers through her hair, the smallest of gestures sends a signal that you are open for communication. Often that attitude of helpfulness opens up the door to each other’s emotions, which in turn heats up the romance between the two of you effortlessly. Show romance to your partner and watch as he eagerly reciprocates.
Compliment Each Other.
It might seem like an obvious one, but challenge yourselves to give each other at least one compliment a day. Preferably, do it more often, but at least make the effort for that one. Compliments and praise immediately inject a positive feeling that carries over into the rest of your day. Give a simple word of praise for her parenting skills or a compliment on his looks. The subject doesn’t matter. Just remind your partner of how awesome you think she is.
Cook Together.
Meal prep doesn’t have to be a rush of baby food and finger snacks, nor does it have to rely all on one partner. Turn mealtime into a romantic experience. Feed the kids something simple for dinner, and then put them to bed. After they’re asleep, go back to the kitchen together, light a few candles, pour two glasses of wine, and prepare something delicious just for the two of you. Put aside any distractions and linger over your meal. You’ll value the time to connect, and as a bonus, feel like real grownups again.
Meet in the Middle.
Romance doesn’t always have to occur after the kids are asleep. Make a date to meet for lunch one day before the kids come home from school. You both will enjoy the spontaneity, and the short hour will make you eager to be together again later in the day.
Don’t Be Afraid to Give Your Partner Time to Him- or Herself.
While the two of you love spending time together and love your little ones, the occasional guys-only golf game is a must to recharge and unwind. If your partner is overdue for some personal time, don’t hesitate to bring it up. Offer to watch the kids for a night or a Saturday morning so he can go watch a game or she can hang out with her besties. Your partner will thank you for the time to relax and will come home even more in love with you for your good nature.
Take a Little “You” Time.
Putting all your effort into heating up your romance could go to waste if you don’t feel up for the outcome. Even though you’re a parent now and might feel like you should put the kids first, don’t deny yourself regular quiet time. Whether you arrange for a babysitter to watch the little ones while you run out for a pedicure or you arrange for your partner to watch the kids while you soak in a hot bubble bath, taking care of yourself is worth it. Your renewed energy and positive attitude will benefit both your family and the life of your romance.
Keeping the romance alive as a couple, whether with a new baby or several children, is an investment in the long-term health of your relationship. Having a family comes with its own set of adjustments. The experience is certainly a learning curve, and it may take the two of you a few tries before you figure out what works for you. However, the effort it takes to fan the flame of your romance will be worth it when the two of you experience the many positive results of your connection.
