Roanoke Valley Family November 2020

November 2020 • Volume 9 • Issue 3

Have yourself a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Holiday Buying Guide

Find creative and thoughtful gifts for everyone in the family

Roaming

Roanoke

Fall is the perfect time to find a new home.

Let me help you find the home of your dreams.

Roanoke’s Real Estate Expert for 18 years.

BURCHETTHome HOMES Bringing Families CURTIS BURCHETT

| WWW.BURCHETTHOMES.COM |

540.354.6323

leading off: publisher’s note The holiday season is upon us and it will look quite a bit different this year.

At the time of printing, EVERY state in the country has seen climbing Covid numbers and our country as a whole, is breaking daily infection records nearly every day.

With that in mind, we have made the decision to postpone our New Year’s at Noon Event this year with the idea that sticking 2,000 people in a room to end one of the worst years in recent memory could possibly be an even worse way to welcome in 2021.

Alongside our partner, Freedom First Credit Union, we have come up with New Year’s at Noon at Home, a virtual version of our annual celebration. We will be selling New

Year’s bags around town throughout December for you to get your own bouncy balls, homemade noise makers, party hats and more. Then on New Year’s Eve, tune in on Facebook for a ball drop that will take place in homes all around the Valley!

Stay tuned to our facebook page for more information on where you can get your kits.

In the meantime, please be safe when gathering for Thanksgiving this year. Although it may be tempting to take risks to see family and friends, please take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy arrival back in the Roanoke Valley.

Celebrating Evie’s 14th Birthday with a message at the Grandin Theatre.

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.

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Co n t a c t Us: P.O. Box 4484, Roanoke, VA 24015 540-251-1660 www.roanoke.family

Publishers

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

Creative Director

Read Our Other Publications

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8

Contributors Cristy Carr • Gene Marano • Sandi Schwartz Tani Haas • Rebecca Hastings Rachel Levine • Jacqueline Moon

Connect With Us

/roanokefamily

Tracy Fisher

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

Community Relations Director

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

jeanne@virginiafamily.com • Parker and Connor’s Mom

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

Jeanne Lawrence

Editor

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

Sales Assistants Ani & Evie Eagan

sales@virginiafamily.com • Bauer and Chloe’s Owners

Webmaster

John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Roanoke Valley Family and www.roanoke.family are published by MoFat Publishing. Roanoke Valley Family is published monthly.

The views and the opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Roanoke Valley Family, its staff, or its contributors. While multiple businesses, schools, and organizations are represented in our pages, and magazines are often distributed to students according to the policies and procedures of each school district, this is not a publication coordinated or endorsed by any public or private school district, nor is it a publication with any religious or political objectives. As a mass media outlet, it is our oath and responsibility to communicate with due diligence, through our content, the plurality of views and opinions reflected in our audience of Central and Southwest Virginia. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify information with programs and businesses directly. Parents are urged to thoroughly research any decisions involving their children. Copyright 2019 by MoFat Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. All material, including artwork, advertisements, and editorials, may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

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/roanokevalleyfamily

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

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Inside November

Holiday Buying Guide

We’ve found our favorite toys, books and gadgets for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year!

Read on page ##

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Discover the hidden gems of our own city.

Create fun family memories with these new Thanksgiving Tradition based on Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Read on page 22

Read on page ##

Roaming Roanoke

8 Local Events & Fun At Home

We urge families to be safe and carefully consider as they attend holiday and community events this winter. We want everyone to be able to celebrate AND be safe.

30 Teenage Skin Care

Growing up is hard on the skin, learn how to manage acne and keep your skin healthy.

14 45 Presidental Facts

Celebrate Presidents’ Day by learning an interesting factoid about each of the 45 US presidents!

10 3 Surprising Foods that boost the Immune System

We’re fast approaching flu and cold season; these ingredients can help boost your health this winter.

32 Social Media Oral Health Myths

Even if you see it on TikTok, it doesn’t make it true- a dentist busts the most common oral health myths online.

34 The Perfect Home Office

Curtis Burchett of Burchett Homes shares some tips on how to make a space in your home the perfect place to get work done.

44 Eggs-periment

Blow your friend’s mind with this physics defying egg “trick”.

41 Kid Activities

Budget-friendly Tips for a Safe and Joyous Holiday

U

ncertainty continues into the 2020 holiday season, with limited travel, canceled events and strict budgets changing how Americans will celebrate this year. According to a recent Coinstar Holiday Survey, the majority of Americans said COVID-19 will influence how they celebrate the holidays.

Fortunately, by thinking outside the box and keeping a positive attitude, you can stay healthy, stretch funds and create merry moments. Let these tips inspire you to celebrate the holiday season safely and on budget:

Maintain traditions in new, safe ways

Make gifts to save money You can still have a wonderful holiday even on a tight budget. A budget-friendly option is to make it a homemade holiday this year. Face masks and hand sanitizer are great stocking stuffers that you can make and will be appreciated, especially this year. Patterns are readily available to make face masks and you can find recipes online for creating custom hand sanitizer. Another idea is to choose all handmade gifts from Etsy or local artists in your area, so you can give unique presents while supporting small businesses.

Cash in spare change

Research shows Even with fewer inTraditions bring person gatherings and comfort and hope, so Americans with reduced gift giving this rather than forgoing spare change at season, most people beloved activities have increased expenses due to coronavirus home estimate concerns, get creative that they have on during the holiday season.

Cashing in spare change instead. Plan a car average $113 in is a good way to stretch caravan to look at your budget. Research holiday lights and and around their shows Americans with have everyone keep a homes. spare change at home scorecard of favorite estimate that they have houses including on average $113 in and around their winners for most creative, brightest, homes. These funds can be used to funniest and overall best. Set up a buy gifts or apply to other holiday video chat and bake favorite holiday expenses. Coinstar kiosks found at treats in real time from afar. Relatives most grocery stores are an easy way to can virtually tuck kids into bed by convert loose change for cash, a no-fee reading classic holiday books through eGift card or tax-deductible charity a free digital video platform. These donation. activities are safer to enjoy and will create meaningful memories to make the season special.

Plan a virtual gift exchange According to the Coinstar Holiday Survey, two in five Americans who say their holiday will be different due

to COVID-19 say they do not plan to travel or attend in-person gatherings.

To enjoy the holidays safely, consider a virtual gift exchange with friends or family. Drop off or mail gifts and plan a time for everyone to video chat and open presents together. Get dressed in your favorite holiday attire to make the event feel special, whether that’s festive formal wear or ugly sweaters and sweats. Then, take turns opening gifts and feel the joy.

Give gifts with meaning Rather than a traditional present, consider alternative gifts that show you care. Do you have a talent that would benefit others, such as tutoring a friend’s child who is studying remotely? Could you drop off a meal for a senior who’s homebound? Could you donate a snack basket for hardworking delivery personnel? Lastly, instead of a present, you could make a donation in the recipient’s name to a charity close to that person’s heart.

Delay holiday celebrations All of these ideas can help you maximize the holiday season, but if you still long to celebrate in person, consider planning a gathering for later in 2021. According the survey, about half said they would consider “Christmas in July” in 2021 for inperson celebrations. So, whether it’s a summer Christmas event, an early Friendsgiving or another winter holiday, it’s something to look forward to once it’s safe again. Send out “save the date” invitations and put your creative juices to work for a summer get-together.

November 19

November 20-22

Local tse EvenHom

& Fun at

Mill Mountain Zoo Night Howls

Roanoke Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker

Join us for an intimate taste of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Follow Clara on her magical journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Come and be swept away by Roanoke Ballet Theatre’s talented Professional Company as they dance alongside students of all ages from the school. Roanoke Ballet Theatre will have nine public performances of this enchanting ballet at their home studios on Grandin Road.

Call for more information and tickets. (540) 345-6099

Call for more information and to reserve your family’s space.

(540) 343-3241 5:30 PM - 7 PM Members: $9 for children and $12 for adults Non-Members: $12 for children and $15 for adults

FEB. 25-26

APR. 9-10

APR. 29-MAY 2

AUG. 5-8

COMING SOON!

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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.

540-400-7795 • virginiachildrenstheatre.org Family • November 2020

December 5

December 4-5

Mill Mountain Theatre’s Homecoming Virtual Concert

Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair

Enjoy some quality entertainment from the comfort of your own living room with our Virtual Homecoming Concert!

Favorite MMT performers from Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Next To Normal, and more reprise their beloved roles in this digital concert event on December 5th. In addition to celebrating former MMT productions, the theatre staff will also announce its upcoming 2021 season. This exciting evening will be full of songs from Mill Mountain’s most popular past productions as well as music from the upcoming 2021 season, all presented by an all-star cast of everyone from Broadway veterans to local youth. The concert kicks off at 7:30PM ET and will be streamed for free on Mill Mountain’s YouTube channel.

540-966-3990 lenkortho@gmail.com www.lenkbraces.com

Come out to the Berglund Special Events Center and shop the largest Craft & Vendor Holiday Show in Virginia!

Here you will find 175 vendors to help you complete your Holiday shopping! Bring a new unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army Angel Tree! 50/50 Raffle, concessions and more! Parking is FREE. Admission is $7 per adult and kids under 12 are FREE.

Winter Wonderlot- 2020 Salem Christmas Parade

Taliaferro Complex, allowing citizens and visitors the ability to drive through and enjoy each entry without leaving their cars.

The annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Salem, will shift to the Salem Civic Center parking lot December 4th from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Floats and performers will be positioned in designated locations throughout the

“This has been a challenging time for all of us, but the Salem Kiwanis Club members are excited about the possibilities this event offers all involved,” says Jim Paxton, Salem Kiwanis Club President-elect and Parade Committee Head.

“We are blessed to have a facility as versatile as the

December 4

Check us out at www.lenkbraces.com

Salem Civic Center, and we really look forward to working with our past entries and new participants to make this event special and unique.”

“Winter WonderLot - the 2020 Salem Christmas Parade” will take place December 4 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This will be a FREE event, but attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of non-perishable canned food for the SalemRoanoke County Food Pantry.

Misty D. Lenk, DSS, MS, PC 228 Commons Parkway Daleville, VA, 24083 Family • November 2020

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l ley ’s a V e k o n a o R Pa r k e n i l o p m a r On ly T

B o o k Yo u r rty Bi r t hday Pa To day !

3 Surprising Foods that Fuel

Your Immune System

launchingpadsalem.com 1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153

540-404-9235

Cold and flu season, combined with an ongoing pandemic, is motivating many Americans to do everything possible to support immune health.

Fortunately, simple lifestyle habits, like a healthy diet, can make a big difference in strengthening the body’s defense system. But what foods are best and why?

When it comes to immune-boosting foods, most people immediately turn to orange juice for a quick fix of vitamin C. “While it is true that citrus fruit helps support the immune system, there are many other foods that offer an impressive profile of nutrients believed to maintain strong immunity,” says registered dietitian Sheri Kasper. Here are three

surprising, dietitianrecommended foods that can help ward off illness this cold and flu season.

Farmed Salmon Farmed salmon offers outstanding nutrition that can help protect against everything from heart disease to depression. Specifically, farmed salmon supports the immune system thanks to two key

nutrients that are uncommon in many other foods: vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. While vitamin D is often connected to bone health, emerging research out of Boston University suggests that it may also be vital to proper immune function. Few foods are naturally high in vitamin D, but a serving of farmed salmon offers nearly one-third of daily recommended needs.

Omega-3 fatty acids, abundantly found in farmed salmon, are highly anti-inflammatory and support the immune system by reducing chronic inflammation. Kasper recommends choosing farmed salmon from Chile because it is sustainably raised, high in omega-3 fats and does not contain antibiotics or mercury.

and Active Cultures” and steer clear of yogurt that contains a lot of added sugar. Try plain yogurt and sweeten by adding fresh fruit and a small drizzle of honey.

“Most people do not realize that about 70 percent of your body’s immune system is in your gut,”

Yogurt Yogurt and other fermented foods contain healthy bacteria called probiotics. Probiotics are well-known for supporting digestive or “gut” health by preventing overgrowth of bad bacteria. But maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is also believed to boost the immune system. “Most people do not realize that about 70 percent of your body’s immune system is in your gut,” says Kasper. In addition to containing probiotics, yogurt is also one of the few foods that is almost always fortified with vitamin D, which offers additional immune support. Look for yogurt labeled as containing “Live

Red bell peppers

Red bell peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system. One example is vitamin C, which encourages the production of the white blood cells that are responsible for defending the body against pathogens.

Red bell peppers contain almost three times more vitamin C than oranges.

They are also loaded with vitamin A and the antioxidant beta-carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body, when needed. Vitamin A is important in maintaining the natural mucus barriers located in the eyes, gut and other parts of the body. These barriers are designed to trap bacteria and are essential to optimal immunity.

Be sure to choose red peppers because they have significantly more vitamin A, vitamin C and beta-carotene compared to green bell peppers.

While a healthy diet cannot prevent seasonal colds, the flu or other viral illnesses, a combination of the right foods, plenty of sleep, regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle will arm your body’s defenses and may help minimize the length and severity of illness. For more information about salmon and wellness, visit chileansalmon.org.

Trampolines

& More!

Bumper Cars Ninja Warrior Course Basketball Dodgeball Jousting Pit Fidget Ladder Airbag Pit Launch Tower Arcade with prizes Flight Training Wall Snack Bar 5 Party Rooms

79% of cancer patients in active treatment report delays in care due to the pandemic.

Fund critical patient programs.

Donate today. cancer.org | 1.800.227.2345 @2020, American Cancer Society, Inc.

A lot of learning happens in the first five years.

Text UWROANOKE to 274448

Standard message and data rates apply. Text STOP to 274448 to stop.

Text HELP to 274448 for help.

Fortunately, you’ve got partners who can help! Smart2Start is your one stop guide for finding — and affording — early care and educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. Bright By Text is a free service that provides tips, activities and community resources to help you give your child a healthy, happy start.

To learn more, visit: smart2start.org Text UWROANOKE to 274448 Standard message and data rates apply. Text STOP to 274448 to stop.

Text HELP to 274448 for help.

presidency in history.

10. The tenth president, John Tyler, was born in 1790. Unbelievably, two of Tyler’s grandsons are still alive today.

11. James Knox Polk, the eleventh president, was nicknamed “Young Hickory” after President Andrew Jackson whose nickname was “Old Hickory.”

12. The 12th president, Zachary Taylor, died suddenly in office. His body was exhumed in 1991 to prove he hadn’t been poisoned with arsenic.

13 Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? You’re not alone. Millard Fillmore, the 13th president, married his teacher, Abigail Powers.

14. The 14th president, Franklin Pierce, was good friends with the writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of “The Scarlet Letter.”

15. James Buchanan, the 15th president, was the only president who never married.

45 Facts about US Presidents

By Janeen Lewis 1. First president George Washington had teeth that were made, not from wood, but from hippopotamus ivory, bone, and human teeth.

2. When John Adams, the second president, died on July 4th, 1826 he said: “Thomas Jefferson survives.”

He didn’t know that Jefferson had died hours earlier that same day – the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

3. Thomas Jefferson, the third president, designed his own tombstone. The epitaph makes no mention of his presidency.

4. The fourth president, James Madison, was known as “The Father of the Constitution.” He was the last surviving original signer of the document.

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Family • November 2020

5. James Monroe, the fifth president, is the only one to have a foreign capital named for him. Monrovia, Liberia was a colony established in Africa in 1821 for freed black Americans.

6. John Quincy Adams, the sixth president, frequently skinny-dipped in the Potomac.

7. Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, killed a man in a duel over an argument that started when the man insulted Jackson’s wife, Rachel.

8. Martin Van Buren, the eighth president, was the first to be born a US citizen. The presidents before him were considered British subjects.

9. William Henry Harrison, the ninth president, died only a month after taking office, making his the shortest

16. In 1860, 11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote to Abraham Lincoln and advised him he had a better chance of winning the election if he grew “whiskers.” He followed her suggestion and became the 16th president.

17. Andrew Johnson, the 17th president, was the first to be impeached and then acquitted.

18. Broke and dying of cancer, 18th president Ulysses S. Grant wrote his memoirs. Mark Twain published them after Grant’s death, earning $450,000 for Grant’s family.

19. Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president, was first to install a phone at the White House. He called Alexander Graham Bell first.

20. Multilingual and ambidextrous, James Garfield, the 20th president, could write Latin with one hand while writing in Greek with the other.

22. Grover Cleveland, the 22nd president, was the only president to be married at the White House.

23. Electricity was installed at the White House during 23rd president Benjamin Harrison’s term, but the Harrisons wouldn’t operate the switches for fear of getting shocked.

24. Grover Cleveland, the 24th president (also the 22nd president) was the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms.

25. Minutes after the 25th president William McKinley was shot by an assassin, he said “Let no one hurt him,” speaking of his shooter. McKinley died eight days later.

26. Teddy Bears are named for Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, because he once refused to shoot a bear his hunting companions tied to a tree.

27. It’s probably a myth that William Howard Taft, the 27th president, got stuck in a White House tub, although Taft did have a large bathtub installed at the White House to fit his size.

28. Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, loved golf so much he painted golf balls black to play in the snow.

29. The 29th president, Warren Harding, was the first president to speak on the radio.

30. The 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, was the only president born on the Fourth of July.

31. Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, let his son Allan’s two pet alligators roam around the White House grounds.

32. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president, was related to 11 other presidents by either blood or marriage.

33. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president, was expected to lose the 1948 election. A triumphant Truman

was photographed holding the front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune with this headline: “Dewey Defeats Truman.”

Whose line is it?

34. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president, was the first to be picked up on the White House lawn by a helicopter.

1. “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.”

35. John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, donated his presidential salary to charity.

36. Everyone in 36th president Lyndon B. Johnson’s family had the initials “LBJ.”

Quiz your knowledge on some of the presidents’ most memorable quotes.

Who said each of the following?

2. “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”

3. “I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency – even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.”

37. The 37th president, Richard Nixon, is the only president to resign.

4. “This is America . . . a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”

38. Gerald Ford, the 38th president, modeled during college, appearing in Look Magazine.

5. “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

39. James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, the 39th president, was the first president to be born in a hospital.

6. “…That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

40. Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, is credited with saving 77 lives during the seven summers he worked as a river lifeguard.

41. George H. W. Bush, the 41st president and a combat pilot for the Navy, was the last surviving president to serve in World War II. 42. When William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton, the 42nd president, was a high school senior, he met and shook hands with President Kennedy.

43. George W. Bush, the 43rd president, was head cheerleader when he was in high school.

44. Barack Obama, the 44th president, won Grammys in the Spoken Word Album for two of his books.

45. Donald Trump, the 45th president, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his reality show “The Apprentice.”

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and presidential history buff. She has been published in several magazines across the country and in more than a dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies.

7. “I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.”

8. “I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty.”

9. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”

10. “As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights.”

Answers: 1. Franklin Delano Roosevelt 2. Theodore Roosevelt 3. Ronald Reagan 4. George H.W. Bush 5. John F. Kennedy 6. Abraham Lincoln 7. Thomas Jefferson 8. Woodrow Wilson 9. George Washington 10. James Madison

21. Chester Arthur, the 21st president, was a clothes horse, reportedly owning 80 pairs of pants.

Family • November 2020

15

A Peanuts Character has been apart of the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1968.

A Charlie Brown

Thanksgiving

By Pam Molnar

T

hrough the eyes of a child, Snoopy’s famous Thanksgiving meal Thanksgiving is a letdown holiday.

(Jelly beans, popcorn, pretzels and Sandwiched between the candy rush toast). It will be a Thanksgiving they of October and gift giving holidays will never forget! of December, it seems like more of a holiday for the adults. To make Decorate the kid’s table with matters worse, the kids a disposable green table are seated at a separate cloth. Add some white A Charlie Brown table, shushed during the tape lines and you have football game and sent recreated the ping pong Thanksgiving will from the room just as table where Snoopy be streaming for the conversation gets served his guests. While free on Apple TV+ good. This year, let’s I am sure the kids would from Nov 25-27 make this holiday more count Jelly Beans as kid-friendly. a vegetable, this mom believes that the kids have As a child, I loved watching to eat everything on their A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on TV. plate from the traditional family meal Since 1973, the Charles Schultz classic before participating in Charlie Brown’s has entertained millions of kids on and Thanksgiving. The kids will rush around Thanksgiving Day. How many of through their dinner, so when they are us fantasized about eating jelly beans done, allow them to watch a screening and popcorn instead of our mother’s of the A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. green bean casserole? This year, make This will give the parents an extra half the kids’ table the best one in the hour to eat in peace. house by recreating Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. Entertain the kids with crafts, games and of course, Chef

When the movie is over, move onto the crafts: Charlie Brown Shirts Purchase solid yellow shirts at the craft store along with black felt sheets. Make a template of the zigzag pattern from Charlie Brown’s famous shirt. Have the kids trace it on the black felt, cut it out and hot glue it in place. Make one zigzag for each side of the shirt.

Chef Snoopy Hat Gather two 8 ½ by 11 sheets of white paper, a sheet of black felt and parchment paper for each hat. See sidebar for assembly instructions.

When the hats are made, trace and cut out Snoopy ears from the black felt and hot glue on the inside of the hat.

Mini Football Pillow Use brown or NFL printed fabric to a make a tie-closed pillow. Make a template in two sizes – 22” and 17”.

Family • November 2020

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Trace the larger template onto the fabric and cut out two ovals. On the cut pieces, trace the smaller template on the back side. Have the kids cut 1” strips from the large oval edge to the line of the smaller oval. Then tie the two pieces together with the strips, leaving a couple open at the end to stuff with filling. When stuffed, tie the rest of the strips together. For an added touch, use white felt and hot glue to create the football stitches.

Popcorn Eating Contest Popcorn was a staple at Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. To play the game, give every player a small bowl of popcorn and two pretzel rods. On go, the first person to finish eating his bowl of popcorn, using only the pretzel rods to pick it up, is the winner.

Jelly Bean Separation Anxiety Place a handful of jelly beans in front of each person. The players have to separate the jelly beans by color into piles or paper cups. The first one to separate all their jelly beans is the winner.

Pin the Football in the Goal A spin on Pin the Tail on the Donkey, this game is one for all ages. Create a goal post out of paper and stick it to the wall. Cut out miniature footballs for the players to pin. Blindfold the players and see who can get their football in the goal.

Snoopy Chef Hat Directions Supplies needed to make one hat: • 2 pieces of whitepaper • 5 feet of white parchment paper • 1 rubber band • 1 sheet of black felt • Stapler • Scotch Tape Tape two pieces of computer paper together at shorter end. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and then in half again. This will be the band of the hat. Measure the band around the child’s head and cut off any excess paper. Fold the parchment paper back and forth as if you are

making a fan (1” strips). Open up the fan and tape inside the folded band of the hat. Staple into place starting in middle and on ends and then filling in between the staples. Wrap band in a circle but do not secure. Gather up fanned parchment paper and wrap the rubber band around the edge to hold it together. Now flip the band inside out so the rubber band is hidden inside the hat. Secure the band to fit the child’s head. Fluff out the hat so it is puffy on the sides. Trace and cut out Snoopy ears on black felt. Hot glue the ears to the inside of the band

Charlie Brown Trivia Who was the first guest Peppermint Patty invited?

Who is Sally supposed to write her essay about?

What are the only things Charlie Brown can cook?

Charlie Brown Trivia This is a good game for older kids who have seen the movie “a million times”.

Come up with your own questions by watching the movie ahead of time or use our questions in the sidebar below.

Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown!

Who helped Snoopy prepare dinner?

What did Snoopy and Woodstock eat when everyone left?

Who says grace at Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving?

What time is Charlie Brown supposed to be at his Grandmother’s house?

Pam Molnar is an avid party planner and mother of three. Parties at their house include good food, laughter and of course, games. Follow her on Etsy at Pam’s Party Printables.

What were Snoopy and Woodstock wearing?

Who got the bigger piece of the wishbone at the end?

Was Sally part of the Thanksgiving meal?

Answers: 1. Herself; 2. Linus, Charlie Brown and Woodstock; 3. No; 4. Turkey; 5. Pilgrim outfits; 6. Myles Standish; 7. Cereal and Toast; 8. Linus; 9. 4:30; 10. Woodstock.

18

Family • November 2020

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How I Stay Fit

by Adrian Suppes

great strength

M

ountain biking is a sport that was developed on Mount Tamalpais (in Marin County, California) in the sixties and has grown to be a staple of action sports in the modern world. For almost five years now, I have been mountain biking in the Blue Ridge to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, much to my enjoyment.

Mountain biking is a very physically demanding sport. The sport requires

to pedal both yourself and your bike up the mountain (though one bonus is that there is no stress on the knees, as opposed to most sports and exercises such as running that are terrible for your knees). It uses almost every muscle in the body; even when you are not pedaling, the descents back down the mountain work your arms and your core. You must maintain the use of these muscles for every second on the bike — there is no letup, and it requires an endurance rivaled by few other sports. However, the physical demands do not solely include the use of muscles; they also include the skills required to successfully maneuver your way through the trails. Every root, rock, compression, and feature on a trail will demand that you move yourself and the bike underneath you with great skill to safely make it through the woods.

The sport may seem difficult to get into because it is so difficult and requires a great deal of skill, but most of the fun in the sport comes from progression.

There is no feeling like that of learning

a new technique, such as learning how to jump on the bike, and using it out on the trails.

The joy from clearing your first jump or getting through your first rock garden only gets better with time as you progress. You will learn new skills, ride more fluidly, and learn how to move the bike underneath you, and all that progression will allow you ride new and more challenging trails. It is the sport that you can never peak in, as there is always room for progression. Everything will stay with you, as it is quite literally just like riding a bike. The physicality of the sport will always remain difficult, but only because there are always new challenges on the horizon to push your skills and fitness.

In my opinion, the largest benefit of mountain biking is not the physical health, but rather the mental health.

When you are out in the woods, whether alone or with friends and family, you enter a Zen-like state. The sport demands all your focus and strength, and there is no room to think about anything else. The only thing that matters when you are in the woods is you, the bike, and the trail in front of you. You are surrounded by trees, soil, creatures of all variety, and it is simply peaceful. Even when on rowdy and technical descents when you are absolutely exhilarated, the only thing that matters is you, the bike, and the trail in front of you. The trail will wind you through large forests, over grand mountains, and to breathtaking views. Mountain biking is one of the few ways I have found to make oneself truly happy and carefree.

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in Our Health Magazine

TOUS, US, TO

YOU’RE YOU’RE FAMILY FAMILY

At Mills & Shannon Dentistry, CARE At Mills & Shannon Dentistry, WEWE CARE ABOUT MORE than your smile.

ABOUT MORE than justjust your smile.

By By combining dental excellence warmth, combining dental excellence andand warmth, building a dental home you. wewe areare building a dental home forfor you.

20192019

20192019

Dedicatedtoto Dedicated KEEPINGYOU YOUSAFE SAFE KEEPING

Michele Mills, Travis Shannon, Michele Mills, DDSDDS Travis Shannon, DDSDDS

might notice we changed a little.

While we have NextNext timetime you you visit,visit, you you might notice we changed a little.

While we have always accustomed to following strict infection control precautions, always beenbeen accustomed to following strict infection control precautions, we’ve made a few changes notice.

From our temperature we’ve made a few changes that that you you maymay notice.

From our temperature and and screening station to our improved surgical masks screening station to our newnew and and improved N95N95 surgical masks and and faceface shields medical grade air purifying filters in each treatment room, shields and and medical grade air purifying filters in each treatment room, to to fewer people in waiting the waiting room, we’ve made changes to keep fewer people in the room, we’ve made changes to keep you you and and youryour family comfortable. us today to schedule appointment. family safesafe and and comfortable.

Call Call us today to schedule youryour nextnext appointment.

® General Cosmetic Dentistry | Dental Implants | Teeth Whitening | Invisalign | Bridges | Crowns More General andand Cosmetic Dentistry | Dental Implants | Teeth Whitening | Invisalign | ®Bridges | Crowns andand More

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www.MillsandShannon.com www.MillsandShannon.com

before we left!

The reptile exhibit is closed right now but that did not take away from the zoo experience. The “Zoo Choo” train is also not running right now.

My son was disappointed (he loves all things train!), so we plan to go back sometime when it is safe for health to operate the train.

Mill Mountain Zoo normally costs $9 for adults, $7 for children ages 3-11, and free for 2 and under. However, tickets are discounted right now while the reptile area is closed and other Covid restrictions are in place. You can reserve your tickets online through the Mill Mountain Zoo website (mmzoo. org). Tickets are also sold at the door if the zoo is not at full-capacity.

Roaming

Roanoke

By Angela Evans

Mill Mountain Zoo

Y

ou might remember we tried to go to Mill Mountain Zoo on Labor Day weekend but did not get inside before it was full-capacity. We finally made it back this past weekend!

My middle child’s birthday was on Saturday. She turned the big 5!

She asked to go to the zoo for her birthday! I made sure to check online for reservations this time so we could get inside the zoo! The weather on Saturday was sunny and nice temperatures for an outdoor excursion too! All three of our children loved the Mill Mountain Zoo! Mill Mountain Zoo is a non-profit attraction on Mill Mountain near downtown Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The zoo offers many animal

22

Family • November 2020

exhibits and a variety of educational programs during the year! Some of the animal attractions include snow leopard, red panda, red wolf, porcupine, otters, lynx, birds, and many more!

Our children loved them all but got excited the most about the snow leopard, lynx, eagles, red pandas and otters.

My one-year-old loved watching the otters swim around! They would come up to the glass and stare at her for a moment then jump in the water and repeat. She loved it! Our two older kids enjoyed the big cats and red panda. We looked at the red pandas every time we walked by!

The birthday girl even bought a red panda stuffed animal in the gift shop

The zoo is open 10:00-5:00 each day for the rest of the month but will switch to winter hours on November 1st. Winter hours are Thursdays to Sundays from 10:00-5:00.

Mill Mountain Zoo also offers many events throughout the year, including Breakfast with the Animals on the third Saturday of each month May-October.

Night owls, where you can listen to the animals hoot, howl, and call at night, are the third Thursdays of each month October-May. These events are listed on the Mill Mountain Zoo website calendar but check online for specific details just in case the pandemic changes things.

There are also holiday events throughout the year. Upcoming events include the Zoo Boo on October 24th!

Check out of the Mill Mountain Zoo website for all of the details and latest information.

My five-year-old daughter said she had a great day for her birthday at the Mill Mountain Zoo! I’m sure we will visit many more times! There is a black bear exhibit coming soon that my kids are looking forward to seeing!

The Roanoke Star

R

oanoke is nicknamed the Star City and the illuminated star is perched high over the city on Mill Mountain.

It’s something you cannot miss in both day or night while driving around downtown and the surrounding area.

The Roanoke Star was one of the first local landmarks we learned about when we first found out we were moving here. It also greeted us to the city on our first trip here before we moved here. I hate to say it, but we didn’t make it up the mountain to see it up close until recently. We always intended to but time passed by. We finally drove up there at the end of August!

Seeing the iconic star up close was great, and the view of Roanoke Valley

was phenomenal! The view of the mountains and the valley below is majestic and memorable! I hope to go back in other seasons as well to see the view from atop.

I feel like the Roanoke Star at Mill Mountain is something most people who grew up here or have lived here for awhile have visited. I know there’s not a lot of information I can pass along that you don’t already know.

Just in case you haven’t been to the Star, it is easy to find from downtown. Just follow the signs! It is FREE to go to the Star! Because it is outdoors, there’s plenty of room for social distancing. It wasn’t very crowded when we there on a weekday afternoon, but I’m sure it gets crowded at times. The area is stroller friendly but we let our one-year-old move on

her own.

It was fun learning the Star’s history.

It was designed to only be a Christmas decoration in 1949 for the shopping season, but it has stood for nearly 71 years! It is also considered the largest free-standing, man-made star in the world! How cool that it’s here! It is 1,045 feet above the city of Roanoke.

The Star is lit in white lights for most of the year but changed to red, white and blue for certain holidays or current events. PlayRoanoke.com has its detailed history online as well as the Star Cam! Our family looked up the Star Cam online feed while we were up there to see ourselves!

Our family enjoyed our trip to see the Roanoke Star. I’m sure we will go plenty more and take our out-of-town relatives and guests in the future!

Family • November 2020

23

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27

5

Productive Questions to Ask Teachers at Conferences

By Rebecca Hastings

F

all conferences are around the corner. As a parent I get excited about that fifteen minute slot allotted to have a one on one with my child’s teacher. I look forward to hearing about progress and struggles and strengths through more than what I see in homework worksheets.

Sometimes a conference goes great, but sometimes we walk away thinking we just heard a script that is being repeated for every student.

Starting the conference with specific questions gives you the opportunity to focus on what is important regarding your child. Areas of study covered or assessment scores can be done quickly and even in other communications. Addressing the following questions will give both you and teacher a better understanding of the child throughout the year.

Here are five questions you can ask to help you get the most from those minutes with the teacher.

28

Family • November 2020

What do you see as an area of strength for my child?

unique personalities together new things can be revealed.

Do you have any concerns about my child?

This question focuses the discussion on your child specifically while still giving the teacher the opportunity to evaluate all subjects. Sometimes parents find this answer surprising as kids can show different abilities in the classroom than at home. Fostering a love of learning can help bring these hidden strengths out in the home as well as at school.

This will give you an idea of how much your child may contribute to class discussions or how they may be a great helper for another student. Maybe you’ll discover that your child is great at following directions and modeling good behavior for other students or even that they provide a funny idea to give everyone a laugh.

Asking this question gives insight on how your child’s personality comes through in an academic environment.

This is especially useful to understand as kids approach middle school and issues like popularity can impact their learning experience.

This question can never be asked too much. Sometimes we are so busy getting through the list of assessments, reading levels and academic achievement that we can miss the bigger picture.

If you could pick one area to focus on improving for my child, what would it be?

Sometimes it is difficult to think about all areas of learning at once. Focusing in one area at a time for improvement helps define the priorities within the classroom. It also gives something concrete to work on at home.

It is great update this question with the teacher throughout the year.

Sending an email or utilizing school communication apps is a great way to check in regarding progress as well as give the teacher the opportunity to shift the focus to something new as your child improves.

How does my child contribute to the class atmosphere?

This may seem like an unusual question, but it can provide a lot of information. Different personalities shine in different ways independently, but as you blend twenty of those

Who does my child work well with?

Giving the teacher the opportunity to look at the social element of learning is just as important as the academics.

This can be a good barometer of how a child is doing socially as well as give parents insight.

Giving teachers and parents both the pause to consider any areas of concern emotionally, socially or developmentally addresses the whole child in his or her learning environment.

Rebecca traded the classroom for writing when she stayed home with her three children. Passionate about authenticity, faith, and family, you can find her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Amazon. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places or wherever there is chocolate.

Understanding who your child is able to work well with at school compared to the friend that is fun, but may actually be a distraction when it comes to school work will help everyone create a more successful learning environment.

Vanderbilt University has shown that increasing social skills results in students who are more responsive to academic learning.

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29

Skin Care for Teens

Skin care for kids is pretty simple: keep clean and protected with a moisturizing sunscreen.

Puberty changes all that.

Teens experience varying degrees of acne, dry skin, as well as changes and variations in skin tone.

It’s at this time that they’re also exposed to heavy marketing and peer pressure.

“It is imperative to develop sun protection habits early to maintain lifelong skin health.

Parents can help set an example with daily sunscreen application” said Susan Gaylor, master aesthetician with Carilion Clinic Dermatology and Mohs Surgery.

She recommends that teens develop the following five skin care habits: Be protected. Protect your skin from the sun. In the short term, tanning can irritate acne-prone skin, and in the long term, tanning results in wrinkles and can increase your risk of skin cancer. So always use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Many tinted lotions contain SPF, serving tripleduty

as moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup foundation.

Be neutral. Wash your face gently, twice a day, with a mild cleanser.

Susan recommends periodically consulting with a skin care professional to determine your skin type and the most appropriate cleansing products for your skin.

Be selfish. Do not share dirt, oils or bacteria with others. This means no sharing makeup with friends, no touching your face without washing your hands first and no resting your phone on your cheek.

Be imperfect. Don’t give in to the temptation to pop pimples or pick at your skin. Doing so can result in more irritation, infection and even scarring. After cleansing, apply an over-the-counter lotion containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to blemishes as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Be patient. Acne treatments can take several weeks to work, but you will have the same skin for many years to come.

These habits form a strong foundation for a lifetime of skin care.

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Social Media Oral Health Myths

by Dr. Sarah K. Wilson, DDS

About two years ago, seemingly out of nowhere, my patients started asking about something “new” — “Is charcoal toothpaste safe to use? Does it work?”

Prior to that, it was oil pulling and fluoride-free products. Lately, I’ve heard more questions from patients spurred by what they’ve seen on social media relating to oral health and hygiene. We are suddenly in a world where we are exposed en masse to new technologies, innovations, and ideas. Some are good, some are ineffective, and at worst, some cause harm.

Excitement around these trends seems backed by a desire for natural, organic products. Often, they may be backed by historic use, which makes them seem safe. Charcoal toothpaste has anecdotally been used for centuries, and oil pulling has roots in ancient India. Generally, people want what’s best for their health, but there’s a lot of conflicting information out there to sift through. I counsel my patients to stick with methods that are tested, researched, and proven effective.

Here are a few examples of social media myths that my practice has addressed with our patients.

MYTH: Charcoal toothpaste will make your teeth whiter.

The popularity of charcoal toothpaste, and its promotion on social media, appears to be tied to individuals wanting to whiten their teeth while brushing.

Because of the bold claims often made on the packaging of charcoal toothpastes, you might be surprised

to learn that there is no scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of these toothpastes when it comes to whitening.

In fact, brushing regularly with charcoal toothpaste has been found to be abrasive to the teeth, meaning it can cause your teeth to wear away faster than normal. Many charcoal toothpastes lack fluoride, a mineral essential to strengthening enamel.

If you’ve recently changed your toothpaste and are experiencing tooth sensitivity or notice a change in your oral health, I encourage you to consult with your dentist.

MYTH: Fluoride-free toothpaste is a better, more natural option than toothpaste with fluoride.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that can be found in most water sources like lakes, oceans, and rivers. It is important to brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride because it’s the ingredient that helps prevent tooth decay by making your and your child’s tooth enamel stronger.

Last year, a study in the dental journal Gerodontology found that without fluoride, oral hygiene efforts have no impact on cavity rates — if you’re brushing with a toothpaste that is fluoridefree, you aren’t properly protecting your teeth.

MYTH: You can use DIY braces to save money and straighten your child’s teeth.

Do-it-yourself braces can cause permanent, irreparable

damage to a person’s teeth. Nearly 13% of American Association of Orthodontists members have reported seeing patients who have tried this approach. Of all the oral health ideas being spread on social media, this one alarms me the most.

I understand that braces are expensive, but using DIY braces in an effort to save money often leads to even more oral-health-related costs down the road. Fixing the damage caused by trying to realign your teeth without the help of a licensed dentist or orthodontist can come at a high price.

MYTH: Oil pulling is a good substitute for oral health habits like brushing.

Oil pulling is a practice that has been around for hundreds of years, and while there is little to no risk of causing damage to your oral health from oil pulling, there is no scientific evidence that shows the practice reduces cavities, whitens teeth, or improves oral health and well-being.

Brushing twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride remains the most effective way to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. I recommend sticking to using olive oil and coconut oil in the kitchen, not in the bathroom alongside your toothbrush and mouthwash.

I encourage all patients to talk to their dentist before trying something they see on social media. For more information and tips, visit the American Dental Association’s Mouth Healthy website at mouthhealthy.org.

Dr. Sarah Wilson is a member of the Virginia Dental Association and a general dentist practicing in Vinton, VA.

Welcome WelcometotoRichfield RichfieldLiving Living

AAcontinuum continuumofofcare careinintwo twobeautiful beautifullocations locations

For For 86 years, 86 years, Richfield Richfield Living Living has has provided provided a continuum a continuum of services of services andand accommodations accommodations to many to many at its at location its location in Roanoke in Roanoke County County nearnear the the CityCity of Salem. of Salem.

With With a focus a focus to encourage to encourage vibrant vibrant living living andand individual individual wellness, wellness, 2020 2020 brings brings exciting exciting newnew senior senior apartment apartment options options andand convenient convenient Town Town Center Center amenities amenities to our to our Salem Salem campus, campus, catered catered to those to those looking looking for an for active, an active, independent independent lifestyle. lifestyle.

Health Health Center Center opening opening in in November November onon Salem Salem campus campus TheThe Richfield Richfield Recovery Recovery & Care & Care Center Center on our on our Salem Salem campus campus provides provides comprehensive comprehensive nursing nursing carecare options options tailored tailored to meet to meet individual individual needs needs withwith our our household household model model of care. of care.

In November In November we we open open our our newnew Health Health Center Center featuring featuring thisthis innovative, innovative, resident resident centered centered care. care.

TheThe firstfirst in the in the areaarea to offer to offer thisthis typetype of care, of care, at Richfield at Richfield we we strive strive daily daily to provide to provide environments environments thatthat are are nurturing, nurturing, comfortable, comfortable, andand secure, secure, andand where where each each resident’s resident’s individual individual qualities qualities andand independence independence are are recognized recognized andand respected. respected.

Construction Construction onon ourour Health Health Center Center in in Roanoke Roanoke City City is well is well under under way way In 2021, In 2021, Richfield Richfield will will open open a short-term a short-term rehab rehab andand household household centered centered skilled skilled nursing nursing facility facility in Roanoke in Roanoke CityCity offering offering private private rooms, rooms, shared shared kitchens, kitchens, andand the the resident’s resident’s choice choice of waking of waking andand meal meal times. times.

Together, Together, both both campuses campuses will will provide provide a setting a setting where where individuals individuals become become members members of aofsecure, a secure, supportive supportive andand active active community community promoting promoting personal personal well-being well-being andand joy-filled joy-filled living. living.

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The Perfect Home Office

If your work from home space was a last minute design, look no further for ideas to make it beautiful AND functional.

In the past, catching up on a little bit of work from the comfort of your sofa was a little bit of a luxury — until it became the “new normal.” When the pandemic struck earlier this year and sent many of us off to work at home, we then discovered that our improvised setup became a space of household clutter, interruptions by family members and less than desirable ergonomic setups. Whether it’s your dedicated telework office, or a multipurpose space for schoolwork, finance planning and everything in between - having an office space that’s functional and organized makes life easier on everyone. It’s not simply about décor or creating an attractive space - it’s also the important for the space to optimize productivity.

Thanks to today’s technology, gone are the days when we had a need for stacks or shelves of books, or rows of files in a filing cabinet. Even printing paperwork is declining, so consider those updates when designing a space. You won’t need a lot of storage space - but with those technology updates does come a need for more space for electronics and access to outlets.

On the other hand, if you’re designing a multipurpose space for the entire family’s use, a bookshelf or cabinet may be a good idea to store or hide clutter and keep the space neat and functional. You’ll also need a comfortable desk chair, but being in your home allows you to also include things like a lounge chair with an ottoman - or even a small side table for family or visitors. It’s all about what you and your family need.

Whether you’ve got an entire room or just a small corner, take a look at some of these design options for an amazing home office you’ll enjoy spending time in while working.

A native of the area, Curtis Burchett has more than 18 years experience as full-time Realtor. He currently lives in Southwest Roanoke County with his wife and 3 children.

Family • November 2020

35

Indoor Family Fun: Activitie

Don’t let the weather get your family down — ther Try some of these ideas to brighten everyon Make a fort. Indoor tents and forts make fun play areas as well as cozy retreats for reading or watching movies. To build a fort, take several bed sheets, tablecloths, or blankets, and hang them over tables or backward-facing chairs. For a more permanent structure, connect PVC tubing into the shape of a box. Then drape it with sheets.

Hold an art workshop. Gather the basics such as paper, paint, and markers. Then scrounge for a variety of recyclables such as boxes, toilet paper rolls, plastic bottles, caps, old magazines, and anything else you can think of. If you have any crafting supplies such as yarn, fabric, or glitter, pull those out as well. Then let your family’s

36

Family • November 2020

inspiration flow, and create to everyone’s heart’s content.

Do a family read-in. First, head to the library and have everyone pick out some books. When you return home, pull out pillows and blankets in the family room, and spend the day lounging and reading.

Another option is for everyone to take turns reading aloud from a book that’s geared toward all ages.

Learn self-defense. Rent or buy a martial arts DVD on basic self-defense. Then gather the whole family to practice techniques that could help them escape a dangerous situation.

Hold a magic show. Pick up magic trick books or watch magic videos online. Then practice up and invite the neighborhood kids to come and watch your act.

Have a dance-a-thon. Crank up the volume to some pop, hip-hop, or whatever your kids› favorite music is, and see whose energy holds out the longest.

Play bakery. What better way to warm up on a chilly day and enjoy family time than to bake up some tasty treats? Make a day of it, and get all your baking done in advance for an upcoming gathering or so you have treats to store. After you’ve sufficiently sampled the goodies, freeze the remainder.

es to Brighten a Gloomy Day

re’s no better occasion to enjoy cozy indoor fun. ne’s spirit and strengthen your family bond.

Sizzling science fun. Search online for fun experiments you can conduct at home with basic household products and ingredients.

Perform a few. Then make a video of a really cool one to post on YouTube.

Have a family workout. Physical fitness is vital for the entire family. Look for a HIIT, Zumba, or other cardiovascular exercise video with today›s hottest music and moves.

Paint a wall mural. Is your family artistic?

If so, choose a wall in your basement, garage, mudroom, or playroom in need of a personal touch. Before you begin, draw your mural idea on a piece of paper. Then buy three or four quarts of primary color paints plus a quart of white and black. You can

mix the colors at home to create additional colors and shades.

Hold a family game night. Pull out the cards and board games and gather some snacks. Then start keeping score to see who will be the night’s grand winner.

Enjoy a picnic. Who says picnics are only for outdoors? Put together all the fixings of a picnic complete with a picnic basket, if you have one. Then spread out a blanket in your family room and enjoy the grub.

Tell stories. Write a dozen or so story prompts, each on a separate piece of paper, and toss them into a bowl. Then take turns pulling out a story prompt and telling a story. Another option is for one person to start the story. Then, go around the room,

and each of you adds a sentence to the story. See how long you can keep the story alive.

Get cultured. Choose a culture your family would like to experience and learn more about. Look for recipes from that culture online as well as mealtime customs for a fuller experience. Then have everyone pitch in and help cook the international fare.

Perform a puppet show. Pull out old socks or brown paper lunch bags and make your own puppets. Draw on the faces and use yarn or string for the hair. Then take turns performing your acts.

Family • November 2020

37

Rachel’s Reads

By Rachel Levine

November 11th is Veteran’s Day, a day we set aside every year to honor our veterans who have served in the military. It is a time for us to reflect on all the sacrifices veterans have made in service to our country. That weight and cost is not the soldiers’ alone, but also their families’. This month we have a collection of books that explore the experiences of current service members, veterans, and their loved ones.

Home Again

by Dorinda Silver Williams

Infinite Hope

by Ashley Bryan

African American soldiers in WWI and WWII faced extensive oppression and prejudice from the military itself while they served. Infinite Hope is the profound memoir of WWII veteran Ashley Bryan. An incredible artist, Bryan recorded his experience in WWII though drawings, paintings, and journal entries. The book places his art work and journal entries alongside Bryan’s recollections of his service. Bryan had experienced prejudice before, but not the segregation he encountered in the military. Black soldiers were only given service jobs with few opportunities for advancement. Even when they were doing the same jobs as white soldiers they never worked together. Black soldiers were kept out of news and publicity photographs because the military didn’t want the public to see pictures of black soldiers. Bryan’s art and words show the deep courage of the brave African American soldiers who served our country through the dangers of war, and the cruelty of oppression within the military itself.

38

Family • November 2020

This sensitive board book is written for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who have a parent returning from deployment. The story follows several children welcoming parents home.

Feeling anxious, fearful, joyous, and overwhelmed by their parent’s arrival is all affirmed as normal. Children are given time to feel their emotions, and be reassured that their loved one will be there when they are ready.

Hero Mom

by Melinda Hardin Hero Moms, and its companion Hero Dads, celebrate the hard work, skill, and bravery of American soldiers. Children share how their parents serve our country as engineers, transporters, pilots, medics, mechanics, and in combat. It also briefly explores how families keep

Half a Man

in touch and send each other their love through letters and calls. This touching book will help children celebrate their parents’ work and service for America.

by Michael Morpurgo This incredible short story is intended for middle school through adulthood. It is the story of a young boy whose grandfather suffered disfiguring burns while serving in WWII, and he and his family’s struggle to adapt the changes brought by the injuries.

The child is curious, but is told he absolutely must not ask what happened or stare. When the boy is older, he starts spending his summers with his grandfather. As they spend time living side-by-side he is able to see his grandpa fully for the first time and healing begins.

Love, Lizzie

by Lisa Tucker McElroy A story told through letters, Love, Lizzie offers a window to the experience of having a parent deployed. Lizzie regularly writes her mother to share the joys and dayto-day happens at home (including sibling drama), to express her worries for her mother’s safety, and to send her love. Along with each letter Lizzie draws a map so her mom can “see” their home, neighborhood, and school.

One day Lizzie receives a map back from her mother and it leads to the greatest treasure of all, family.

Think outside the book.

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

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

BEST OF 2018

More happens here.

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

Family • November 2020

39

Corny Holiday Jokes Knock, knock Who’s there?

Gladys.

Gladys who?

I’m Gladys Thanksgiving!

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?

Pilgrims.

What happened when the turkey got into a fight?

He got the stuffing knocked out of him!

Charlie’s Cooking Corner

Sugar Mice

These adorable little critters are made of sweet homemade fondant!

While traditional mice don many cakes and cookies- you can use this recipe to create a delicious moldable dough that can be made into anything you can imagine!

3/4 stick of butter 1/4 cup of light corn syrup 3 cups of powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

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Family • November 2020

Carefully mix the butter, syrup and extract in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, one 1/2 cupful at a time. The dough should not be sticky to the touch and hold its shape when completed.

A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store for Thanksgiving, but couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked a stock boy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?”

“No, ma’am.” he replied, “They’re dead.”

Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building?

Yes, of course! A building can’t jump at all.

Zig-Zag Word Search

3 6 9 3

3 7 9

2

3

6 8 5

1 4 6 9 2 7 3 1 1 8 1 2 8 3 Daily Sudoku: Wed 15-Jul-2020

very hard

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved.

6

8

2 3

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved.

Find the words below in this zag-zag puzzle. Words can be vertical or horizontal and can even twist! Every Letter in the puzzle will be used only once.

4 3

Daily Sudoku for Kids: Wed 8-Jul-2020

easy

Family • November 2020

41

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 / 1:00 PM

Tickets are now available at grandintheatre.com We have limited spaces for this screeming. Social distancing guidelines will be implemented.

The Grandin Theatre • 1310 Grandin Road • Roanoke, VA 24015 • 540-345-6377

42

Family • November 2020

Find 10 Differences

REAL. LOCAL.

SAVINGS.

540-985-6550 Michael Craft 4750 Valley View Blvd geico.com/roanoke

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2019 GEICO Family • November 2020

43

Science Eggs-periment Supplies

Community High offers…

Small class sizes Highly qualified faculty Individualized attention College prep environment Unique, student-driven liberal arts curriculum • Diverse arts offerings • Affordable tuition and needbased financial aid • Strong, close-knit community …and much more!

• • • • •

Now enrolling for 2021-22!

Narrow necked bottle (opening smaller than the egg, preferably glass Peeled hard-boiled egg Matches Long strip of paper (shorter than the bottle) Water or vegetable oil

Directions 1. Dip the narrow end of the egg in water or oil and take it out, shaking to free any large droplets.

2. Light the strip of paper and place it, flaming end down, completely inside the bottle.

3. Quickly place the egg, narrow end down, on the mouth of the bottle.

4. Watch as the egg is sucked into the bottle when the flame goes out.

What’s happening?

Community High School of Arts & Academics 302 Campbell Avenue SE Roanoke, VA 24013 info@communityhigh.net (540) 345-1688 www.communityhigh.net 44

Family • November 2020

When the paper is lit and placed inside the bottle, it heats the air, which expands and escapes past the egg (you might even see the egg wiggle a little). When the fire goes out because it has consumed all of the oxygen in the bottle, the air inside the bottle cools down. Cool air takes up less space than hot air. When the experiment began, the air outside had equal pressure to the air inside but when the fire goes out and the air begins to cool and takes up less space, it also is pushing less on the egg. This means that the air outside the egg is pushing down more than the air inside is pushing up so the egg is pushed into the bottle.

6-Week Classes in Acting, Music Theatre, Dance, Improv & Voice.

November 4 - December 16 Need-based scholarships are available: contact travis@millmountain.org

Offerings for Students in Grades 3 - 12

REGISTER NOW:

Visit millmountain.org/class

MMT VIRTUAL

HOMECOMING

CONCERT December 5, 2020

Experiment provided by The Science Museum of Western Virginia

Catch all of your Mill Mountain Theatre favorites in this FREE night of musical entertainment.

Visit millmountain.org to learn more Family • November 2020

45

I S WH E R E T H E AR T I S

O E M H

THIS MONTH:

Paper Bowl Drum

Bring the Taubman Museum of Art to you with this fun activity inspired by the exhibition A Very Anxious Feeling: Voices of Unrest in the American Experience; 20 Years of the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection, on view through February 7, 2021. The exhibition features over 70 works by 57 Latinx and Latin American artists living and working in the United States.

Music and dance are huge parts of Latin American culture. Using these simple materials, make a drum to create your own beat to dance to!

Materials: 2 Paper Bowls Markers Tape

Materiales: 2 Platos Hondos de Cartón Marcadores Cinta Adhesiva

Follow along in English or Spanish! ¡Siga las instrucciones en inglés o español!

1

Decorate the bowls with markers. Try adding fun shapes and patterns!

Decora los platos con marcadores. ¡Trata de dibujar formas y patrones divertidos!

2

Stack the bowls so the insides are facing each other. Secure the edges with tape.

Coloca los platos de manera que el interior de un plato quede al frente del interior del otro plato (como uno tapando al otro).

Asegure los bordes con cinta adhesiva (teipe).

3

Gently tap the drum with your fingers.

Try creating different beats!

Golpea suavemente el tambor con los dedos. ¡Intenta crear diferentes ritmos!

110 Salem Ave SE, Downtown Roanoke | 540.342.5760 | TaubmanMuseum.org

Free General Admission sponsored in part by

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Family •1 November RVFM_PaperBowlDrum_v2.indd

2020

10/15/20 12:48 PM

NEW YEARS AT NOON Roanoke Valley Family Magazine’s

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