Roanoke Valley Family Magazine March 2021 by Roanoke Valley Family Magazine

March 2021 • Volume 9 • Issue 7

JUMP into Spring

Cleaning How to declutter playrooms Create your dream closet Live a full life with less stuff

Putting a Stop to

Cyberbullying

IfIfit’s it’stime timetotolist listororbuy, buy,we’re we’rehere herefor foryou. you.

BURCHETT HOMES TEAM BURCHETT HOMES TEAM Bringing Families Home Bringing Families

Home

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leading off: publisher’s note We have officially hit the one year mark to the COVID-19 pandemic. March 2020 was our last “normal” issue before we everything happened and lockdowns began. Our new normal has been challenging for everyone. Our business is slower than normal as is nearly everyone elses. Our events have been cancelled or postponed and we have not been at any community events in over a year. Every year, our March issue usually focuses on Summer Camps. While this issue was being put together, we knew we needed to delay that topic to April this year. Governor Northam just announced on February 24th (the day this is being finalized), that summer camps can open this year! It looks like we made the right call! Please keep your eyes open for our April issue which will feature one of our most popular guides of the year, Summer Camp listings!

In the meantime, we can begin to see a dim light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Vaccine rollout has picked up steam and a third vaccine has been made available. Schools are slowly reopening and venues like the Salem Red Sox, are able to host crowds again in a reduced manner.

Anika Driving for the first time with her learner’s permit!

We are hoping that with this warmer weather and the beginning of Spring that the dim light that is at the end of this year long tunnel keeps getting brighter and brighter until our summer days are filled with fun, friends and a little less worry. Stay safe and wear a mask!

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org. 7

Co n t act 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

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 2021 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.

@roanokefamily

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

Raise an Independent Child Page 20

Inside March 14 Declutter Your Life

Ridding your life of extra clutter and possessions can also clear your life of undue stress.

18 Family Game Night: App

Embrace the screen addiction and discover a fun new app to play together as a family.

22 Rachel Reads 38 Responsible Teen Drivers

As a new generation hits the roads as licensed drivers, learn how parents can keep them safe.

24 Prevent Cyberbullying

As the majority of a young person’s social life takes place online, do you know the signs of someone being cyberbullied?

Celebrate Saint Patricks day with one of these lucky reads!

30 Meet Your Neighbor: Whitney Pugh/Agencacare

Meet Whitney and learn about her “Urgent Care on Wheels”

On the Cover

Brielle Smith Photo Courtesy of Goodwin Photography

43 Green Pennies: Science Experiment

Our dollar bills aren’t the only currency that can be green. Watch as pennies change color right before your eyes.

28 In the CommUNITY

Our monthly column looks at non-profits that you can donate your unwanted items to.

in the

‘Noke

Noteworthy news from around the Valley

Virtual Cycle Challenge BIKE for AUTISM Join Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center for our Inaugural Event Join Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) for our Inaugural Virtual Cycle Challenge BIKE for AUTISM to take place anytime Friday, March 26 through Sunday, March 28, 2021 as we raise funds for BRAAC to help meet the needs of individuals with unique learning challenges. Join in the fun for your family and friends, cycle together or individually anywhere/anytime during these dates. This event will be timed/distance calculated through the STRAVA app. Pictures can be posted on our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook. com/events/417696072776147 . Registration: https://runsignup. com/Race/VA/Roanoke/ BIKEFORAUTISMVirtualCycleChallenge. “This challenge is great timing for those training for the IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon, so this is the perfect opportunity to get those miles in and benefit a worthy local non-profit at the same time!” stated Ally Bowersock with RunAbout Sports – Roanoke. BIKE for AUTISM will benefit Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC), a program of St. Vincent’s Home (SVH Services). BRAAC understands the need of individuals with learning challenges vary from

Family • March 2021

person to person. Individualized plans are developed to address each student’s personal needs. BRAAC is committed to provide professionally trained staff, as well as resources and training to families and professionals throughout Roanoke, Lynchburg, Lexington, and surrounding areas. There are 4 challenges with this event: 1) the 3 Mile Fun Ride, 2) the 10 Mile Challenge, 3) the 20 Mile Challenge, 4) the King of the Mountain (KOM)/ Queen of the Mountain (QOM) Challenge which MUST take place on the new road to Mill Mountain Star.

All registrants will receive a t-shirt for participating. There will be a random drawing from the registrants from each challenge for a $20 Gift Certificate to UnderDog Bikes, Roanoke, VA. The challenge should be completed anytime March 26-28th, 2021. All challenges except KOM/QOM can take place ANYWHERE - any city, any state, any country… EVEN ON A STATIONARY BIKE ! For questions about this event, please contact Teri Nance at (540) 366-7399 or teri.nance@svhservices.org. For more information about BRAAC, you may go online to www.braacroanoke. org or to learn more about SVH Services go to www.svhservices.org.

Virginia529, the largest 529 plan in the country with almost 3 million accounts, has offered education savings solutions to families for almost 25 years. Today, it announces a new savings option designed to provide an affordable way families can save for their children’s future and keep up with rising tuition costs. The new savings option, called the Tuition Track Portfolio, is part of the highly rated Invest529 program as an exclusive option for Virginia residents. The portfolio tracks average tuition growth at Virginia public universities (Average Tuition) and avoids market risk by protecting families’ principal investment. With the Tuition Track Portfolio, families purchase units that may be used to cover tuition and other qualified higher education expenses. The value over time of units will keep pace with Average Tuition at Virginia’s public universities. Tuition Track Portfolio units are priced annually based on current Average Tuition, with each unit representing 1percent of annual Average Tuition and 100 units equaling one year of Average Tuition. When it is time for a student to use their funds to pay for their education the value of the units is equal to the then current Average Tuition and may be used at any eligible educational institution and for any postsecondary qualified expenses.

timeline for a student; however, when an individual is ready for the next step in their education journey, Virginia529 wants them to be prepared and not have to sacrifice their financial independence or take on substantial debt to secure that education,” said Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia529. Families control how many units (or fractions of units) to purchase based on their budget, timeline, and savings goal. Unlike Virginia529’s legacy Prepaid529 program, the Tuition Track Portfolio is open year round and units will have the same value no matter where a student goes to school, whether it is a 2-year or 4 year public or private college or university, in-state or outside of Virginia. For more than 20 years, Virginia529 offered Prepaid529, offering contracts to cover semesters of tuition. Existing contracts are not affected by this new savings option and their terms continue unchanged. Prepaid529 remains strong; however, the steep increase in the cost of higher education caused the cost of these contracts to move out of reach for most Virginia families. Meanwhile, Invest529 continues to grow in popularity and reputation based on low fees, low opening balances (as little as $10 opens an account), tax advantages, outstanding flexibility, and diverse investment options. Visit Virginia529.com to learn more about the Tuition Track Portfolio. Families can watch a short video on the new option, use the Tuition Track Calculator to estimate future tuition, determine whether the option fits their budget, and open an Invest529 account to started planning for the future.

With more than half of Virginia’s four year public colleges and universities currently having tuition costs under Average Tuition, 100 units a year used at those schools will cover all tuition and fees plus additional qualified expenses; if used at a community college or other qualified certificate or apprenticeship programs, the units’ value could go even farther. “Education beyond high school is not a luxury, but more often a necessity to attain a full range of options and opportunities in the future. There is no single path or

We heard it online! The 2020 State Teacher of the Year in Virginia, Andrea Johnson, an English Teacher at #SalemVA High School, has been named to the statewide panel selected to shape the reopening and recovery of Virginia’s Schools. @SalemVASchools

Some of our favorite things to do in Virginia’s Blue Ridge won’t cost you a dime! Check out these FREE adventures! www.visitroanokeva.com/ things-to-do/free-things-to-do/ @visitvbr

Way to go!! @vikingsnhs alum Daniel Pereira was selected as the #1 overall pick in the MLS draft! He will be playing for the brand new AustinFC club. Congratulations Daniel!! We’re proud of you!! @RoanokeCoPublicSchools

Family • March 2021

March 1

March 14

National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Day

Pi Day

Today is a sticky day. National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day salutes America’s favorite sandwich spread. What kid didn’t grow up loving a PB&J sandwich?

l a c o L Eventse om

at H & Fun

Smooth Peanut Butter is by far the most popular. Crunchy peanut butter is also on the market, and is enjoyed by many. Peanut Butter is not limited to a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. It’s popular on crackers, celery and other “peanut butter” holders. It is also used in recipes for cookies and snacks. And, don’t forget peanut butter candies, too! Did you Know? Peanut Butter is 90% or more peanuts. While it has no artificial preservatives, an opened jar can be stored on a shelf at room temperature.

Family • March 2021

National Pi Day celebrates Pi, a mathematical concept and a number that never ends....at least no one and no computer has found the end yet. Often, we round it off to 3.14. If you are a mathematician or a “pie” lover, this is your day. Today is also the birthday physicist Albert Einstein. Einstein was born on March 14, 1879. March 17

Saint Patrick’s Day Saint Patrick’s day is in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland, who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isles, as Ireland is known. It is truly a day of celebrating Irish history, ancestry, traditions and customs. Saint Patrick’s’ Day has many symbols and traditions, from shamrocks and leprechauns, to green beer and Corned Beef and Cabbage. Saint Patrick’s

Day parades are popular in many cities around the U.S. Interestingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not take place in Ireland. It took place in New York City, in 1762. March 23

National Puppy Day National Puppy Day, also called International Puppy Day, celebrates puppies! It is a special day to recognize the unconditional love puppies give us, and the joy they bring into our lives. It should come as no surprise, that one of the goals of National Puppy Day, is to encourage us to adopt orphaned puppies. The top ways to celebrate this very special day, is to adopt a puppy and to play with your puppy. The list of ideas are almost endless. Do anything with or for your puppy, or further the welfare of abandoned and orphaned puppies at a local shelter.

March 25-28

March 27

LFA Huge Kids Consignment Sale

Passover

The Best Deals on Kids’ Items such as: Clothing and Shoes, Toys, Books, Games, Maternity and Infant Gear, Much, Much, More As you may have noticed, our sale is a little bit different than most. We are passionate about helping the community, and we hope you are, too. LFA Kids has been creating great events each Spring and Fall for nearly 15 years. We bring together great deals on quality used kids items from hundreds of consignors organizing everything by size, gender, and category for easy shopping. Prices start at just $.50! For more information please visit: www.LFAKids.com

Passover is the celebration of the freeing of the Jews from Egyptian rule around 3000 years ago. At the time, the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians ruler Pharaoh Ramses II. God instructed Moses to go to the Pharaoh and ask for freedom for the Jews. According to the Bible, his plea of “Let my people go” was ignored despite Moses’ warning of punishments by God if the Israelites were not freed. March 31

National Crayon Day Today is a colorful day, one truly worth celebrating. Today is National Crayon Day. It is a day to celebrate the creation of crayons and the joy of coloring. In 1902, the Crayola brand arrived on the scene and the world of crayons has never been the same since. Between 1902

and today, Crayola has come out with 120 colors. This day can be a little bittersweet, as Crayola has retired 50 colors, most often on this very day. Did You Know? Crayola makes over 3 billion crayons a year. Other manufacturers combined are just a small fraction of total annual production. The world’s largest crayon was made by Crayola. It was 15’6” and weighed 1,352 pounds. The smell of crayons is the most recognizable scent for adults. Over the years, Crayola has made over 237 billion crayons. Do you know what to do to celebrate National Crayon Day? You guessed it. Get out the coloring book and crayons, and show off your artistic skills.

Family • March 2021

l ley ’s a V e k o n a o R On ly Pa r k Tra mp o l i n e

Live with Less to Live Life

More Fully by Kimberly Blaker

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

We’ve been hearing this mantra for years. While it’s a very worthy ideal indeed, it’s often easier said than done. That’s in part because we derive a degree of pleasure from at least some of our stuff — even though sometimes that pleasure stems from our own materialism. This can be difficult to escape when we live in a society that embraces material things as a symbol of status. All too often, though, our material possessions become entangled with our own sense of self-worth. Another big problem is that, over time, the accumulation of things erodes the joy, pleasure, and fulfillment we get out of life. Stuff tends to multiply and requires more and more living space. In turn, we upsize, and because we have more living space, we continue to accumulate. This cycle persists until one day, you

wake up, and what you’ve subconsciously known all along finally hits you. It’s the sad realization that you no longer have a life — and probably haven’t had one for a long time. Instead, your home and belongings have become your life, and they own you.

If you live with less, you can enjoy more of the things that bring you real happiness and fulfillment. That might be going to more plays, concerts, or sporting events, traveling, pursuing hobbies, focusing on physical fitness, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, or any number of activities. The question is, how do you go about reclaiming your life? For some, experiencing this awareness is a no-brainer. They quickly come up with a plan and immediately move forward to implement it.

Possessions eat up precious time, energy, and money you could spend on doing the things you love.

Possessions eat up precious time, energy, and money you could spend on doing the things you love. The more you have, the more time and money it takes to clean, organize, and maintain your stuff and your home. In fact, having all that stuff means you likely have a larger home just to accommodate it, and that also costs you more time and money to clean and maintain.

But for most of us, it’s a longer and more difficult process. We often feel tied to our possessions

Local Charities

launchingpadsalem.com 1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153

540-404-9235

Donate lightly used, unwanted items to help out our local community.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities providing quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable. They accept donations of clothing, bikes, furniture, housewares, musical instruments, and more. Learn more at cccofva.org or by calling 540-342-0411.

Trampolines

& More!

and current lifestyle for a multitude of reasons, even if they don’t serve us well. Fortunately, there are ways to ease into the transition. How to reach your end-goal First, create a budget and account for everything you spend money on, and don’t forget all the maintenance costs. Next, make a list of the amount of time you spend shopping, cleaning, organizing, and maintaining your possessions, including your home. Now add a second column to each of these lists, and note the amount of time or money you can save by living with less stuff and a smaller home. Last, make a list of the things you could do with the extra time and cash that would bring more joy to your life. Now, set a goal to eliminate a certain number of possessions on a daily or weekly basis. Once you begin, if you have the sudden urge to purge more, go for it. But use that goal

to keep yourself moving forward. Also, decide the best methods for disposing of items so you’ll feel good about it and stay motivated. If you could use the extra cash, box things up for a garage sale or sell them online. You might also rehome some of your items with family and friends. Maybe donating your goods to a particular charity or family in need will make you feel better about parting with your possessions. Once you begin purging, work room by room. That way, you can keep track of what you’ve already done. You’ll also be able to see your progress sooner and experience how good it feels to have a room that no longer owns your life. As you sort through your belongings, ask yourself why you’re keeping each item. If you’re storing it ‘just in case,’ haven’t

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys dedicated to helping people with disabilities and disadvantages overcome barriers to employment. They accept donations of clothing, accessories, shoes, toys, books, dishware, and more. For locations and more information, go to goodwillvalleys.com or call 540-5810620.

used it in a year or more, wouldn’t buy it now, it doesn’t hold sentimental value, and it doesn’t bring you happiness, in all likelihood, you should get rid of it. After you’ve gone through your entire home (including the yard, shed, and garage), make another round. By this point, you’ve developed the knack for purging, so you’ll likely find many more items you’re now comfortable eliminating. Finally, once you’ve successfully freed up a ton of space in your home, consider your next step. You’ll likely realize you don’t need so much space. Consider moving into a smaller home or apartment to save more time, energy, and costs — so you can enjoy your newfound freedom and start living your life to its fullest.

Habitat for Humanity eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. They accept donations of electronics, appliances, furniture, lawn equipment, and other items. Learn more at habitat-roanoke.org or by calling 540-344-0747.

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

April 25• Salem Civic Center • 10am-3pm

2021

FREE Admission discover Saturday April 17th 10 AM - 3 PM Salem Memorial Ballpark 12

Family • March 2021

local businesses dedicated to serving families!

have fun

with face painting, live performances, inflatables, scavenger hunt, and more!

NCO D ON NYEaErY IA NoRw AOW R OW F I RFFi SI R T Al L CA N OCSO MS EM TEE ITCTIIC DCED NETN I STTTIIS R FYY OFRN AsERIASnRIS NR r sSPtTLPP a cEeCIE i nIC S M N STYTRR iRnI N e EIYe a

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.

CALL AN APPOINTMENT CALL FORFOR AN APPOINTMENT

540.989.5700 540.989.5700

3533 Keagy Road | Salem, 3533 Keagy Road | Salem, VA VA We located are located the LewisGale Hospital We are nearnear the LewisGale Hospital

www.MillsandShannon.com www.MillsandShannon.com

Declutter Your Life To

Reduce Stress By Sandi Schwartz

ow many times have you yelled at your kids to clean up the mess in their bedroom or playroom? Believe it or not, that clutter isn’t just stressing you out because you are annoyed—it is stressing out the entire family because the sheer existence of clutter is linked to stress and anxiety. In fact, according to a study by UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF), the amount of stress family members experience at home is directly proportional to the amount of stuff they and their family have accumulated. Why is this the case and what can we do about it?

Why Clutter Causes Stress It’s no surprise that constantly seeing piles of stuff build up in our home—

whether it be papers, toys, loose pictures, laundry, gadgets, etc.—can take a toll on us, but the reasons are more complicated than you would think. Messy homes can leave us feeling anxious, helpless, overwhelmed, embarrassed, ashamed, and/or guilty. Many of us may not even recognize that the clutter is the source of our stress, especially if it’s been part of our environment for so long. Clutter causes us to feel stressed because it: Overstimulates our mind and overloads our senses. Distracts us. Constantly signals our brain that we have more work to do. Makes it very hard for us to relax both physically and mentally. Creates feelings of guilt and embarrassment when guests come over and see our disorganization. We worry that we will be judged and even ridiculed for the way we live. Frustrates us when we have trouble finding what we need. According to the American Demographics Society, Americans waste 9 million hours each day searching for misplaced items, and 23 percent of adults say they pay bills late because they lose them. Stunts creativity and productivity because our brain is overwhelmed by the intruding stimuli in the space where we think and work. A study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute discovered that individuals surrounded by physical clutter in a disorganized environment are less productive and more distracted. Feeling anxious about clutter can cause additional stress-related issues in our lives such as sleep problems and relationship issues due to arguments with family members about the mess. And if your clutter causes you to

lose items and make you late, this can impact school drop-off times, job performance, and finances if your bills are not paid on time. Many American families are overwhelmed by clutter, according to research by UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF). During the study, researched visited the homes of 32 families across the country and found that living in a cluttered space can create a subtle, constant sense of stress that impacts mood and self-esteem. Additionally, they discovered that women in the household were more stressed out by the

clutter than the rest of the family members. The mothers evaluated had elevated levels of stress hormones while sorting out their possessions to try and get them more organized.

Why Reducing Clutter Helps

All of that stuff taking over your closets, drawers, and counter space starts to send out negative energy throughout your home. Those piles exude chaos, disorder, and confusion, which can stress us out. When we clean up the mess, our overall stress level starts to dissipate and we feel more positive energy to help us live a happier, healthier life. According to Joyce Marter, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Founder of Urban Balance, “Our environment is a direct reflection of our internal mental health and vice versa. So, if our home is disorganized our minds may feel scattered as well. Home organization promotes serenity and wellness in your life.” She suggests purging unnecessary items from our home so that we can live more efficiently. When we have less clutter to manage, we save time and are less stressed overall. Professional organizer Angela

Family • March 2021

Betancourt has seen evidence firsthand of mental health benefits as a result of clients decluttering their home. They typically experience less stress and anxiety, more inner peace, a boost in self-confidence, and improved health habits like more restful sleep. In essence, a clutter-free environment allows us to think more clearly, accomplish our tasks more effectively, and rest more calmly. Finally, decluttering tends to help us feel more confident about having guests in our home. We no longer worry about being judged for our mess, relieving us of anxiety, embarrassment, and relationship conflicts.

How To Get Organized It may feel overwhelming and intimating to start tackling your clutter. The more that you have, the more challenging it can be. You may feel stressed even just thinking about getting rid of your belongings because it can muster up a sense of loss or bring up old memories. It’s important to get over that emotional hurdle so that you can start sorting and throwing out items that no longer serve your family. Just keep telling yourself that the process will ultimately lead to less stress! Your goal is to simplify your environment by clearing out items that

you no longer need or that no longer bring you joy and to clean up the areas where things tend to get messy and disorganized. There are endless websites, articles, books, professional organizers, and stores that offer amazing tips to help you declutter your space. Find what is most effective for your family, but be careful not to get too overwhelmed by all the options.

Stop the junk at the door.

Here are some organizing tips and tricks to get you started:

When you come home from a birthday party or other event with a handful of giveaways, be sure to get rid of what you don’t want or need right away. This is also a great way to handle mail. Recycle unwanted mail before it ends up on your desk or countertop. Return everything to its place. Save yourself clean up time by putting things back where you found them as soon as you are done using them.

Make it a family activity.

Invest in organizational products.

There is no reason that you should get stuck tackling all the clutter in your home. Recruit the whole family and make it fun. Put on some music and order some pizza. Consider starting a contest to see who can organize their room the best or collect the most items for charity. Your kids will gain so much from this experience, such as organizational skills and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Keep it simple: file folders for important papers, a To Do basket for items that need to be tackled right away, baskets or containers to store loose photographs and kids’ artwork, storage bins for out-of-season clothing, etc.

Set a schedule. By adding decluttering to your calendar, you will prevent it from piling up. Create a routine like the first Sunday of every month or before certain holidays. The end of summer before school starts and during spring break are perfect times to purge.

Donate. Your trash could be

someone else’s treasure. Give these items to individuals who could use them or donate them to a local charity.

Trash. These are unwanted or

unused items that are too damaged to be donated or sold immediately. Please recycle if possible.

Store. If you really can’t decide

what to do, box it up and put a date on it. Look at it again in six months. Store in an attic, extra closet, garage, or offsite storage facility to keep it out of the way.

Finally, follow this popular sorting method that most experts suggest:

Keep. These are items that

you continue to need and use, and that bring joy to your life.

Sell. These are items that

you want to try and sell online through Craigslist or eBay or at a yard sale.

www.halesmusicschool.com 902 S. College Avenue, Salem Family • March 2021

Great Apps For Family Game Night Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

If you’re busy preparing for the holiday season, how about taking a break in the evening to get together with the kids for some relaxing fun? Here’s a list of some great family game apps that’ll keep you entertained for hours at a time. The best thing is that they’re all completely free, so download an app – or three!

Cramble iOS/Android

This quiz game uses wacky comparisons between different objects to create intriguing questions. For example, “to match the height of 1 Hubble Telescope how many coconuts would you need to stack up?” Or, “how many chickens would you have to pile up to be as tall as 1 Great Pyramid?”

Family • March 2021

Glow Hockey

you can practice a bit beforehand against the app.

If your head is spinning from all the crazy questions in Cramble and you need a break, download Glow Hockey. This easy-to-use hockey app has colorful glow graphics (hence the name) and great sound effects. You can customize the sticks and pucks, and the phone vibrates every time someone scores a goal. You can also practice your skills by playing against the app before you challenge one of your family members to a game.

Spaceteam

iOS/Android

Scrabble GO iOS/Android

If you’re itching to play a game of Scrabble but don’t have the board game version lying around, no problem, download the app. You can play with your family members or, if your spelling skills are a little rusty,

iOS/Android

This game requires you to work together rather than to compete. Players are members of a team who have to maneuver a spaceship. Each person has a control panel with buttons, dials, knobs, and switches, and receives commands that must be executed to save the spaceship from crashing. Some of the commands require instruments that are on the other players’ control panels, so you end up shouting commands at each other. No need to explain how much fun that can be!

Truth Or Dare Kids iOS/Android

The kids’ version of the classic game

has hundreds of fun questions that’ll make you look at each other in a completely new way, like “what music are you embarrassed to admit you listen to when you’re alone” or “what’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?” Fun dares include “attempt to break dance for 30 seconds” and “wrap a player of your choice in toilet paper.”

scenarios like “would you rather 1) be able to fly anywhere you want, or 2) stop time whenever you want for 10 seconds.” You vote for your favorite option and get to see statistics on how most other people vote. No Wi-Fi is required once the app is downloaded, so you can play the game even when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

What Am I? Riddles and Answers

Yes Or No?

iOS/Android

Who doesn’t like a good riddle? This app has lots of them, such as “soft, hairy, from door to door. I’m the pet that always stays on the floor. What am I”? You can ask for hints if you get stuck and need a gentle push (answer: a carpet).

What Would You Choose?

iOS/Android

Similar to What Would You Choose? this game will inspire conversations and great stories. It has lots of questions, including “have you ever been lost in the woods? “have you ever tried to cut your own hair?” and “have you ever eaten toothpaste”? This app also tells you see how other people vote, so you can decide for yourself whether your family really is as crazy as you think.

4 Pics 1 Word iOS/Android

Millions of people are playing this addictive brain teaser game. Four pictures appear on the screen and you have to guess which word describes all four of them. Sounds easy? Not so fast! The first levels are simple and straightforward, but the game gets increasingly harder and more fun as you progress. The letters that you need to form the correct answer are scrambled with other letters, so the game also has elements of Word Search. Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

iOS/Android

This game will inspire lots of interesting conversations. Players are introduced to thought-provoking

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Training My Child to Be Independent by Sarah Lyons

s a mom of kids ranging from 2 to 12, I realize how quickly time flies. I love watching them grow, try new things, and discover their passions. As a parent, it can be hard to let them struggle through, or even fail at, experiences outside their comfort zone. However, those experiences develop confidence and independence which is valuable in raising children. I want to raise self-sufficient adults and that means I need to start training them now. Here are some ideas to help kids naturally develop the independence needed to be confident and responsible adults.

Family • March 2021

The Preschool Years (ages 2-5)

Give opportunities

Create a helper

During the preschool years, kids typically show an interest in trying self-care tasks themselves. It may be easier (and faster) to tie your child’s shoes, zip up their coat, make their lunch, and buckle their seatbelt but allowing your child to try these things on their own helps them become more independent. Consider starting the preparation for your day 15 minutes earlier to allow time for your child to try some things on their own. If frustration arises, remain calm and ask if they would like help. Instead of just completing the task for them, take time to teach them how to do it so they can try again tomorrow.

Toddlers and preschoolers love to follow their parents around the house; so why not have them help with the chores? They can help put clothes in the dryer, match socks, sweep the floor, or assist in any other task. They may not be able to do chores independently or have household responsibilities yet, but taking the extra time now lays the groundwork for the future.

Problem solve

Give opportunities

Problem solving skills begin to develop at a young age. Toddlers and preschoolers will often get frustrated when things don’t go their way and it may result in a temper tantrum. While this is age appropriate, parents can begin to help their children develop problem solving skills by calmly suggesting solutions to what is upsetting them. Have your child come up with ideas to solve the problem and when possible help them work through it on their own.

Give your child more opportunities to be independent as they mature. This may look different depending on your child’s age and maturity but some ideas may be ordering and paying for their food at a restaraunt, riding their bike home from school, packing their own lunch, or trying a new extracurricular activity. Each opportunity, even a challenging one, helps your child become selfsufficient and develop more independence.

There is a fine line between giving your child independence and keeping them safe in the teen years. As kids start to drive, spend more time with friends, and work outside the home parents have less control over their choices. Continue working on open communication and trust with your teen so that as they venture into the world, you both feel comfortable with the change.

I want to raise selfsufficient adults and that means I need to start training them now.

Bonus tip for preschoolers: Give your child choices whenever possible to help them develop independence and to give them a sense of control.

The elementary school years (ages 6-11) Create a helper For elementary age kids, you can advance what was done in the preschool years. I will assign my child a chore like washing windows, vacuuming, or putting away dishes and since they have helped me with these tasks for years they no longer need my assistance. If they are reluctant to do chores, I make a list of things that need to be done and have them choose a few things they would like to do. When they are done they will have free time for electronics, outside play, or something they have been looking forward to. Chores teach kids to be independent and responsible.

Problem solve

Elementary school kids will begin to face bigger problems that may include challenging friendships, struggles with schoolwork, or even bullying. Foster good communication with your child and help them come up with solutions they are comfortable with. Cheer them on when they are able to work through obstacles. Bonus tip for the elementary school years: Do your best not to criticize your child’s efforts but instead praise them for doing their best.

The teen years (ages 12-18) Create a helper Tweens and teens should be given even more household responsibilities as they are nearing adulthood. Take note of what skills it takes to run a household and begin to teach them these tasks. Cooking, yard work, babysitting, laundry, car care, and even a part time job fall into this category. The more responsibilities your child is comfortable while in your home will make the transition to living on their own smoother.

Problem solve One of the hardest things kids have to experience is the consequences for a poor choice. A parent’s first reaction may be to step in and “save” their child but, in the long run, this does not teach them anything. For example, if your child left their homework at home they will not receive credit for the work. The easy thing to do would be to run the assignment to the school, but chances are your child will forget again and most likely, on a larger assignment. As adults we have to manage our responsibilities and teens must also learn these lessons. If forgotten homework is repeatedly an issue, suggest packing up the night before. Sit down with your child and help them come up with solutions to problems and encourage them to do this without you and present their solution to you. Bonus tip for the teen years: Set specific household rules so that your child has the opportunity to be independent but not out of your comfort zone as a parent. As our children grow, so must their responsibilities. As always, you will be there to guide and train them but giving your child tools throughout their childhood will help them grow into a confident and independent adult.

Family • March 2021

Rachel’s Reads By Rachel Levine

The time for fairies, leprechauns, rainbows, and good cheer is here again! We may not be able to have our traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration this year, but we can still celebrate at home. Add a little Kelly green to your wardrobe, bake some soda bread, and maybe even cook up a pot of hearty stew. Turn a family walk into an expedition to hunt for four-leaf clover (a little extra luck couldn’t hurt!). Then top off your festivities with some Irish magic and courage from these marvelous tales!

Fin M’Coul

by Tomie DePaola Fin M’Coul may be powerful and strong, but even he trembles in fear at the thought of fellow giant Cucullin. When Cucullin comes to challenge Fin to a battle, Fin’s clever wife Oonagh quickly disguises Fin as the strongest baby in the world! You’ll have to read the story to find out how Oonagh’s quick thinking saved the day (and Fin M’Coul)! Tomie DePaola’s entertaining retelling of this classic Irish story is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Flying Feet

by Anna Marlis Burgard An ode to the art of Irish dance, Flying Feet by Anna Marlis Burgard tells of two wandering Irish dance masters who arrive in the same village at the same time. They challenge each other to a traditional dance off to see who is the

Family • March 2021

greatest dancer. No dance off before or since can hold a candle to this show of fabulous footwork. Come and feel the joy and thrill of the dance!

Fiona’s Lace

by Patricia Polacco Fiona’s Lace is the incredible true story of author Patricia Polacco’s Great Great Grandmother Fiona. Fiona immigrated to the United States from Ireland as a young girl in search of a better life. Unfortunately, life in the Chicago slums wasn’t much better than it was in Ireland. Fiona’s parents must work night and day to provide for their family, and Fiona helps out by selling the beautiful lace she makes by hand. When a fire breaks out in the city the family is separated, and it is Fiona’s courage and lace that save them all. The story of this brave young heroine is one you don’t want to miss.

A Fine St. Patrick’s Day by Susan Wojciechowski

St. Patrick’s Day is here, and the cities of Tralee and Tralah are at it again. Every year the two towns work around the clock to put up the

most spectacular holiday decorations possible and outdo each other for a golden trophy. A wee little man, some cows, and a wise young lady help the community of Tralee realize that their focus on winning is missing the point. Join in the joy and remember what truly matters in A Fine St. Patrick’s Day by Susan Wojciechowski!

Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola

Tomie DePaola was the king of folktales, and his retelling of Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato is no exception. Jamie O’Rourke is lazy, lazy, lazy. One day he happens upon a leprechaun and thinks all his problems are solved. He will never have to work again! The clever leprechaun, however, tricks Jamie into taking a potato seed instead of a pot of gold and all sorts of hijinks arise. Be prepared for some serious silliness in this story!

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How To Protect Your Children And Teens From The Stress of Cyberbullying By Sandi Schwartz

ne of the biggest challenges parents currently face is how to manage our children’s access to technology. When they are young, we worry about them spending too much time staring at screens and not getting outside to play. As they get older, they start asking for their own cell phone, and then the world (the good, the bad, and the ugly) is available right in the palm of their hand. Sadly, the rise in popularity of the Internet, smartphones, and text messaging has led to a major bullying problem online, called cyberbullying. The Scary Statistics Nearly 43 percent of kids have been bullied online, according to PACER, the organization who developed National Bullying Prevention Month that is held every October to unite communities nationwide to inspire, educate, and raise awareness about bullying prevention. Cyberbullying is now the single largest type of bullying, and 25 percent of kids who have been bullied say they have experienced it more than once. Cyberbullying typically involves spreading rumors or writing hurtful comments to

another person using technology. The spread of technology has made bullying so much easier because it has removed the traditional barriers of time and space between bullies and their victims. They can interact in real-time at any moment throughout the day, whether it be during or after school. The technology to hurt someone is constantly on—available 24/7. The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are social media, text messages, instant messages, and email. Kids tend to be cyberbullied because of their looks, race, religion, sexuality, weak athletic ability, intelligence level, strong artistic skills, strong morals, refusal to join the crowd, or having a small build (i.e., too short or too thin). How CyberBullying Causes Stress And Anxiety Like any traumatic event, cyberbullying can cause immediate and lingering stress and anxiety for the victims. They often are left feeling lonely, isolated, vulnerable, depressed, and anxious. The top four anxiety disorders that victims of bullying can experience include post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. Several recent studies show a clear link between bullying and anxiety. Elizabeth Carll, PhD, of the American Psychological Association, found that cyberbullying can cause intense stress that may even be worse than being harassed in person. Students who were bullied online felt socially anxious,

lonely, frustrated, sad, and helpless. Another study by researchers at Duke University found that both bullies and people who are bullied have an increased risk of depression; panic disorder; and behavioral, educational, and emotional problems. It is important to keep an eye out for possible warning signs that your child is being cyberbullied, such as these highlighted by stopbullying.gov:

• Noticeable increase or decrease in device use, including texting. • Showing strong emotional responses, like anger, to what is happening on the device. • Hiding device from you and will not tell you what they are doing on it. • Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear. • Avoiding social situations. • Acting withdrawn or depressed, or losing interest in friends, family, and activities. • Difficulty sleeping. • Physical complaints like headaches, nervousness,

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and stomachaches. • No longer interested in going to school. Ways To Protect Your Kids Maneuvering through the world of ever-changing technology can be quite tricky, but it is now a huge part of parenthood. Just like we teach our children how to cross the street and not talk to strangers, it is imperative that we help keep our children safe online as well. There are several ways that you can keep tabs on your children’s online activity and help prevent cyberbullying or manage it if it happens. Use Parental Controls Digital parental controls are tools and software that are used to block inappropriate websites, impose screen time limits, and prevent strangers from coming into contact with your children online. Installing the parental control app on your child’s device will allow you to monitor their activities and control what they are and are not exposed to. You will also be able to view their messages, contacts, Internet browsing history, and emails. There are many parental control programs available, including free options to get started with. Of course, each offers different tools and levels of control to consider. For example, restrictions for a child in elementary school may not be appropriate for a high school student.

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You do not have to secretly monitor your child’s online behavior. In fact, experts believe that you will have more success if you talk to your children about proper digital etiquette and cyberbullying so they will be comfortable to open up to you if they witness a bullying situation. Also, be aware that parental controls do not necessarily decrease the risk of cyberbullying, but can serve as a very helpful data collection tool in case an issue does occur either to or by your child. Set Limits We need to work together with our kids to figure out how best to manage screen time. Establish boundaries and limitations about appropriate digital behavior, content, and apps. If you see a message that looks inappropriate, speak to them about it immediately. If you read about a dangerous game, talk to your child about why you do not want them playing it. Let them know that you are not trying to invade their

privacy. Make sure they know that you love them, are on their side, and just want to keep them safe. Educate Them Our children need our guidance. Educate your kids about online dangers including the cyberbullying. Explain to them that the “friends” they meet online may not always be who they say they are. They should be careful about the type of information they share with others. Teach them how to block accounts and set up security features in various programs. Overall, we need to guide them so they can make responsible decisions about technology on their own, and to speak up when a situation feels uncomfortable.

your children understand that reporting a cyberbullying incident is not tattling. Most social media platforms and schools have clear policies and reporting procedures. If a classmate is cyberbullying someone, help your child report the situation to the school. If a child has received physical threats, or if a potential crime or illegal behavior is occurring, report it to the police. Let’s give our children the power to stand up and speak out against bullying. By raising confident, emotionally intelligent, kind children, we are giving them the tools to recognize when a situation just does not feel right. And remember to always love and support them through these challenging times.

Encourage Them To Take A Stand Against Bullies The actions of peers are more likely to stop a bully than anything else. Help

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Family • March 2021

In the CommUNITY By Sandra Pratt

This past year we have all been spending way more time in our homes than usual which probably means you have been accumulating and collecting more “stuff”. All that online shopping you did late at night on a whim when you thought you had to have it and now… those closets and drawers are overflowing. Stuff seems to have a way of multiplying and before you know it you cannot find anything even though you seem to have everything! If you are living amongst clutter it can affect your overall health. If you are living in disorganization it can be draining. I have always said that a cluttered space causes a cluttered mind. Just the simple act of making your bed each morning can get your mind ready to approach your day (try it for a week!). Clutter causes stress – your surroundings can influence your mental state so provide good vibes by putting things in their place (and I know for some, the first thing to do is designate a place for things). Clutter can cause accidents like tripping (think kids and dog toys, shoes etc. lying around versus in their place). It is important that everything have a place so that when you go to look for it – like your keys, your reading glasses, the remote, the Scotch tape – you

Family • March 2021

know where it is, hence LESS stress. If you are feeling stressed, irritated, tired, and unhappy, maybe it is time you did some spring cleaning. As daunting as that sounds if you take it drawer by drawer, closet by closet and room by room it really is manageable. About four years ago this is exactly what I did, and it has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I culled through clothes and shoes I had not worn in years; went through mementos from childhood, high school, college; cleaned out old spices, got rid of containers that did not have matching lids and finally rid of the

house of glasses with logos on them; cleaned out old make-up, nail polish, perfumes. I could go on and on and on. This was not a weekend chore and it was not an easy task either. It was tough to let some things, but I kept a mantra in my mind – is this serving you anymore – is it cluttering up your space? Once you do this and REALLY do it you will feel lighter and less encumbered by having all these things in your home. It is liberating to say the least. You may ask, what did I do with all this stuff and these things? We have

organizations in our community who will happily take your stuff and find new uses and homes for them. Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is one most folks are familiar with and a great place to donate your gently used clothes, shoes, and household items. When thinking about what to donate, they ask that you give items you would be willing to give to a friend. Goodwill sells these donations in their retail stores to generate needed revenue to operate work and training programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages. The Rescue Mission operates Thrift 460 and 2nd Helpings Upscale Resale Shop & Gallery for which they accept clothing, furniture, appliances, and household items. Please make sure the clothing items are in “dignity condition” meaning that there are no rips, tears, or stains; no imperfections that would make the next person who wears it feel less than dignified. The Mission strives to make everyone they serve feel special and making sure your donations fit this criterion goes a long way toward that goal.

Through your donations the Mission provides meals for the hungry, emergency shelter for families and individuals and clothing for the underprivileged that live in our community. Another organization that will be happy to take your gently used clothing is TAP for their Domestic Violence Services program. Individuals who seek their services are escaping terrible circumstances most times with just the clothes they are wearing so they must start all over with nothing. TAP has programs that assist homeless vets and youth so when their donation stockpile allows, they can share with those in need. Second Chance Clothing closet, a volunteerrun resource in Covington was created to meet a need in that area and provides free clothing to any community member in need. As you can see there is no lack of places to donate your items to as I have only listed a few possibilities. There are many other organizations that will gladly take your gently used furniture, books, movies, household items, clothes, shoes, coats, hats – if you don’t need it, use it or want it donate it! You have heard the adage – “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” – by no means is the stuff you have considered junk, but it most certainly can one day be considered treasure by those in need in our community.

St. Francis House Food Pantry Proudly fighting to end hunger in the Roanoke Valley since 1973.

Visit our website to learn more. www.cccofva.org

Family • March 2021

Meet Your Neighbor

Whitney Pugh

Agencacare Housecalls

Family • March 2021

Whitney Pugh turned her love of nursing and seeing patients and turned it into a business helping others and the community. Whitney Pugh, FNPBC, is the CEO/Owner of Agencacare Housecalls, PLLC. In Pugh’s words, it is an Urgent and Primary Care on wheels. That means the staff sees people in their own homes or workplace instead of a doctor’s office or hospital. In addition, Pugh and her team try to always give back to the communities!

to sit and talk with our clients about all their symptoms. We are able to provide excellent quality healthcare to our communities we serve,” she said. Agenacare Housecalls is located in Roanoke but travels to neighboring communities as well. Pugh said one of the best parts is being able to improve clients’ lives in so many areas in the region. “We love our clients! They are all amazing and we have met so many wonderful people in our communities. It is so interesting to learn about each client and their stories,” she said.

This is one of our main goals for the month, to always give back to the communities that support Pugh is a native us...” Virginian. She grew up in Rural Retreat, went to college at Radford University where she got both a Bachelors and Masters in Nursing. She has lived in the Roanoke area for 15 years. She feels this is the best place to live and work. “I love the area, the community and the people. From the views of the mountain to the beautiful lake and all in between,” Pugh said. Pugh is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Before creating Agenacare Housecalls, she worked in corporate medicine. She says she loved medicine but not seeing 60-70 patients per day and told to see more, plus only focusing on patients’ one symptom. Pugh said, “I knew my two options were to sit and complain about it or try and fix it. In turn, I formed Agenacare Housecalls.” The business is described as a Concierge Urgent Care and Primary Care Service. “Agenacare Housecalls, PLLC allows providers to go see clients on the client’s time and convenience. We do not accept insurance and are just one flat fee which allows us to be able

Pugh loves her business and helping others so much, that she even joked there is no such thing as “not working” with her. However, when she does have a break and family time, she goes to the mountains. “I love being in the mountains, the quiet, peaceful, serene atmosphere,” she said. She also loves wine and enjoys visiting wineries. Pugh’s husband Joey is her greatest support system. The couple has been married 14 years and have two children, 10-year-old son Miles and 8-years-old daughter Emeryn. They also have two dogs named Jethro and Duke. Her husband Joey is the Deputy Fire Marshal for Roanoke City Fire and EMS. She calls him the support beam for their family as well. “He understands medicine, and over the years, I have learned to understand fire, so we are able to talk to each other and support one another,” Pugh said.

The family loves to travel together and experience adventures together. Pugh said they have many places they enjoy in the region but no favorites as they like them all. She said, “Anywhere in the mountains [are their favorite spots]. I also love any winery anywhere!” Pugh also stays involved in the communities Agencacare Housecalls serves. They provide multiple volunteer opportunities every month. “This is one of our main goals for the month to always give back to the communities that support us,” Pugh said. She said they volunteer time and supplies at drive-thru clinics, health screenings, and educational events. She said they do this to, “help our communities understand the health around us and resources.” Agenacare Housecalls has nearly 20 people on staff. Pugh claims the team of providers and office staff are what makes the business run smoothly and provide top-notch care for clients. “I have one of the best teams at Agenacare Housecalls. Our core values are honesty, integrity, hard-working, service-oriented, dedicated, and teamwork. We hire based off of these core values and every single team member matches these values. Our team is working towards great things, loves our community and believes in service and excellent healthcare to our communities,” Pugh said. Agenacare Housecalls is available 24 hours a day seven days per week and is only closed on Easter and Christmas Day. Pugh says when calling to book an appointment, you will speak to a person and not an automated system. They do not accept insurance and charge a flat fee. Agenacare Housecalls, PLLC 540-529-5692 agenacare.com

Family • March 2021

Toy clutter, it’s a problem all parents face. From the toddler years when blocks, push toys, and board books seem to be scattered down the hallway to the school age years where kids collect tiny Legos, matchbox cars, and Barbie dolls, clutter remains an ongoing issue. A toy rotation is one way to fight this problem. Step 1: Gather In the main play area, gather all the toys to the center of the room. You are making a bigger mess at first, but this will help you get organized in the long run. “It may be best to start this process when the kids are in bed or out of the house.” says Colorado Springs mom, Kara Thomas. The process may go quicker and smoother sans children. However if that isn’t an option, get the kids involved and have them help bring toys to the center of the room. Step 2: Reduce Go through the pile you have gathered and throw away broken toys and items that have missing pieces. Take out any toys that are no longer age appropriate. Lastly, pick out toys that the children don’t play with. Jill Miller, Cedar Rapids, Iowa mom of two, says “We purge things every year for the annual neighborhood garage sale. It also gives us a little cash boost.” If your family is not up for the work that goes into selling items, consider donating them to a local charity or passing them along to a friend. Step 3: Sort

Toy Rotation

Reduce Toy Clutter in Six Easy Steps By Sarah Lyons

Once you have reduced the amount of toys, you should be left with age appropriate toys that your children enjoy. Now divide toys into three categories: thinking toys (puzzles, board games, shape sorters), pretend play (play food, dolls, blocks), and toys that encourage gross motor play (balls, push toys, cars). When you have the items sorted, there should be three piles, one for each category. Step 4: Divide Divide toys into three to four groups. Each group should have equal amounts of toys from the categories of thinking toys, pretend play, and gross motor toys. Place each group of toys into a large box and label it. Plastic tubs work well and can double as a toy box.

Family • March 2021

Reduce Toy Clutter

Step 5: Store Once the toys are sorted and separated into three to four boxes, keep one out and put the remaining boxes in storage. Make sure you have easy access to the stored boxes so you can rotate them frequently. Step 6: Rotate

Participate in garage sales or consignment sales “We sell toys they are done playing with.” says Olathe KS mom of five, Deanna Brown.’ Pass them along to a friend or a family in need. Donate to a local charity.

Decide how long to keep a box out for play. Some families switch weekly, while some switch every two to three weeks, and some may switch every month or longer. Choose a time that works for your family. When each box is out, take note of what toys are most popular and which items get ignored. As you are packing up the box, remove the items that didn’t get played with and donate or sell them. By implementing a toy rotation system, you will be able to cut down on toy clutter in your living space because threefourths of the toys will be in storage at any given time. In addition to a tidier home, there will also be less mess for kids to clean up and a better chance for all toys to be utilized. Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children and knows a lot about toy clutter. She writes from her home in suburban Kansas City.

Give them to the church nursery or a preschool - many times an area church or preschool may be in need of used toys in good condition for their classrooms. Take them to grandma’s house - now the kids will have something to play with when they visit. Try the Konmari Method using the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. “I’m using Konmari Method on the toys and asking ‘Does this bring my kids joy or me joy?’ If not then I’m getting rid of it.”says Kassie, mom of three. Throw out the “junk”. Get rid of cheap toys from fast food kid’s meals and carnivals. These toys rarely offer many hours of play time and often break easily.

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Babysitter Safety What You and Your Sitter Need to Know By Stephanie Specht of Carilion Clinic At one time or another, every parent needs to find a babysitter for their child. You want to find a sitter that is mature, has common sense, and genuinely cares for children, but you also need to make sure your sitter knows how to keep your child safe. “Accidents can happen at any time, especially with young children, so it is important that both the parents and the babysitter are prepared,” said Jill Lucas-Drakeford, a Carilion Clinic community health educator and the coordinator for Safe Kids Southwest Virginia.

Choosing the Right Babysitter

Choosing the right babysitter is the first step in keeping your child safe, but finding someone you can trust can be daunting. Lucas-Drakeford suggests asking a trusted source such as a

relative or a close friend. And once you have a recommendation, meet with the potential sitter in advance and check their references. “When you meet with the sitter, find out about their experience with children, but also make sure they are capable of handling an emergency situation should it arise,” LucasDrakeford explained. “It is also a good idea to ask if they have taken a first aid or CPR class.”

Before the Babysitter Arrives

You can help prevent accidents and save your babysitter some valuable time should an emergency occur by doing some prep work before the sitter arrives at your home. First, put together a sheet with all of the information the babysitter would need to handle an unexpected emergency. This includes: • Parent or guardian’s full name and

cell phone number • Children’s names and ages, as well birth dates, height, weight, and hair and eye color in case any of the children are lost • Address of home • Nearest intersections/directions to the house in case it is necessary for the sitter to give directions to emergency services • Where you will be, including the name, address, phone number, and when you expect to be home • Name and phone number of family doctor

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.

Make 2021 your most organized year!

Resources and information to tackle every room in your home.

We’re coming up on a solid year of dealing with COVID-19, and most folks have spent more time at home in the last 12 months than they can remember. School events were canceled, many are working from home so more bodies are occupying the space than usual. If your home was disorganized going into March of last year, you may feel overwhelmed by this point. If so, I’m providing some resources, blogs and websites for you below that can help you tackle every corner of your home! Organizingmoms.com. According to the blogger, Organizing Moms was created to help you run a wellorganized home on your own terms. The Organizing Moms community, teaches how to create flexible systems that will help you feel confident, in-control and peaceful in your own home.

Homebyjenn.com. On this site, you can expect to see easy cleaning, organizing, DIY, and decor projects for a minimal and natural living lifestyle. Jenn wants to help you create a home that is warm, inviting, and organized to save you on time and energy. Learn from her tips and experiences.

Abowlfulloflemons.net. A Bowl Full of Lemons is a growing community of people who aspire to get their lives in order. There’s even a Facebook group with more than 120,000 members. The “homekeeping” group is where you can ask questions & share ideas on everything related to home keeping (cleaning, organizing, etc).

Thecrazyorganizedblog.com. This is a daily blog dedicated to elevating everyday life through organizing. According to the site, Lindsay started this blog as a way to share her pure joy in finding ways to make life easier and more organized.

Flylady.net. The FlyLady has special way of weaving housecleaning tips with homespun humor and daily musings about life. She has a no-nonsense approach to getting your house and your life in order. She mixes housekeeping advice with insights about life and love and anything else that is on her mind.

Justagirlandherblog.com. This blogger is passionate about creating a beautiful, thriving home, life, and business and helping others to do the same. On the blog, those passions manifest themselves in posts about organization and productivity and in practical, easy-to-follow decorating tips.

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 • March 2021

Creating Responsible Drivers by Kimberly Emory

Teenage. Drivers. Two words that combine to strike fear in the hearts of parents everywhere. While many teens are eager for the freedom of the open road and the new opportunities driving can open up to them, it can be scary for parents to allow their young, inexperienced driver to hit the road solo. Below are some tips from experts in the field of driving to help navigate this experience and make it (slightly) less worrisome.

Start young Holly Carpenter, owner/instructor of Aim High Driving School, encourages parents to start training their kids early when it comes to driving. “As soon as they are old enough to sit in the front seat, get them up front with you. Make sure they’re undistracted — no phones or devices —

Family • March 2021

and engage them in what you’re doing. Ask them lots of questions: ‘I’m about to turn — do I have the right of way? What’s the speed limit here? What does that sign mean, and why is it a different color? Help them understand where to find things on the dashboard. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power, so the more you can involve them early on, the more experience they will have.”

Have Teens get a Learner’s Permit Early Carpenter also encourages parents to get a learner’s when they’re of age to do so. The earliest a teenager can get a learner’s permit in the state of Virginia is 15 years and six months old. After that, they have to hold it for a minimum of nine months

before they qualify for a license if they are under age 18. During that time, they must complete four requirements: Successfully complete the behind the wheel training, whether through the school system’s offering or a private driving school. Pass the driver’s education course, which is taught in most high schools in tenth-grade PE courses, or can also be taken privately through a driving school. Log 45 hours of driving with a licensed driver, at least 15 of which must be night driving hours. Study the driver’s test manual and pass the test at the DMV. The requirements dramatically diminish as

teens get older. Once they reach 18, they only have to have held a learner’s permit for 60 days and then pass the driving test at the DMV; no classwork or logged hours are required. As a result, they are often inexperienced compared to the teens who start earlier and have more requirements for the same license. “The majority of my DIP [driver improvement program] classes are 18- or 19-year-olds who decided, for whatever reason, to wait to get their license, and they don’t have the experience of drivers the same age who got their learners’ and licenses much younger. Every moving violation for licensed drivers under 20 years old is an automatic DIP class requirement, so don’t wait! Let them get the experience they need to be good drivers.”

Be a Good Example and Know the Laws July first of every year is when new traffic laws go into effect in the state of Virginia. After this date, if you are found in violation of a new traffic law, you can be ticketed. Carpenter reminds us to make sure you keep yourself upto-date with the laws, especially as they are changed or updated, not only so you can teach your teens but can be educated yourself. If we are good examples of responsible motorists, then our teens will (hopefully) pick up on those habits.

Be Aware of the Common Teenage Driving Pitfalls Carpenter says one of the things she sees a lot in her business is young drivers who lose control of their vehicle, especially in bad weather conditions. “Teens hydroplane a lot and don’t know how to recover, then get into accidents. They don’t have the experience to always know that this same road and same curve they’ve driven dozens of times becomes more dangerous just when it gets wet, and they need to slow down.” Matt Vass, police officer for Roanoke County for 15 years and Cave Spring High’s resource officer for the past five has more to add to the list. His advice to teen drivers is: Don’t be in a hurry and go too fast. Leave your ego at home. If someone cuts you off, don’t take it personally.

Don’t give in to peer pressure from others in the car to do anything you shouldn’t be doing. Be aware of other drivers around you. Try to predict what they’re going to do. Also, be careful in gauging the speed of other cars when you pull out onto the street — teens have less experience with this and it can lead to accidents. Teens tend to overcorrect and jerk the wheel one way or another, which can make them go off the road or into other lanes.

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They need to practice how to handle the vehicle. Preparing for the common issues teens face as inexperienced drivers will make them better prepared to handle situations that arise while driving and hopefully help avoid accidents.

Distracted Driving Of course, as both Carpenter and Vass emphasize, focusing on the road is very important when driving. Vass reminds teens to not let anything distract them — radio, cell phone, or person. Even having a device on your thigh as you’re driving, waiting for it to go off, can lead to less attentiveness to the road. Carpenter says the current statistic is that more sober drivers are causing accidents than drunk drivers today — which of course means distracted driving has become the norm and much more dangerous. Carpenter recommends that parents research apps for teens’ phones while driving. There are apps that can deactivate devices while the ignition is on, and others that can track certain behaviors of the teens’ driving, such as cell phone use and speed, and give a report on demand to help keep them accountable. While we often think that the older a child is, the better driver they will be, we find that experience is the key factor in making responsible drivers, so delaying a learner’s permit or license does not decrease the likelihood of accidents. Practice makes perfect, so waiting to allow your teen time behind the wheel gives them less experience with the world of driving. Start training them early and remember — as parents, it’s ultimately up to us to teach our teens what responsible driving looks like.

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millmountain.org Family • March 2021

Creating Your Dream Closet By Amanda Powers

f you are like me, you spend more than your fair share of time on Pinterest. There is both pros and cons to this, but one of the biggest cons is seeing all the things I can not have. Recently I have spent a lot of time looking at dream closets! All you ladies know what I am talking about, those closets with multiple shelves, shoe racks, and jewelry organization. Basically, these closets are everything I wish my miniscule closet could be. However having your dream closet may be closer than you think. Now, I can’t promise to make your

Family • March 2021

closet any bigger, but I do have a few tips to organize it and make it more aesthetically pleasing.

Maximize Your Space Use the space you have wisely! Add shelves in any unused space, if your closet does not already have them. Use a tension rod approximately 3 feet from the other pole to create a double hanging effect. This makes organizing your clothing easier. You can also store

more clothing! Add hooks to the inside of the closet door or back wall. This provides storage for scarves and purses! Simple shelving units and organizational racks can also be purchased to create more organizational space and allow you to store shoes and wallets.

Organize What You Have You may not have everything you

desire in your closet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look like you do! Organize your clothing, shoes, and accessories by color, size, and season. I like to organize my clothing in the order of the rainbow! Use clear boxes to organize what is on shelves so you can easily find what you are looking for. Store unseasonal clothing in the back or away in boxes. There is no need to clutter up your closet with things you can’t wear. Use your jewelry as decoration! You can hang it on the outside of the door or place it in clear jars.

Store Things Properly Take good care of what you have and it will last. That way you save money and can one day buy a house with your real dream closet! Use rolled up newspaper in boots when storing them. This helps keep their shape and reduce odor.

Clean dry clean only clothing before storing it away for a season. Stains that you can not see now will be visible when you open that box next year! Don’t hang sweaters! It ruins them by stretching them out. Store them folded in drawers or on shelves instead.

Clear The Clutter

Using these tips you can make whatever closet you have a little closer to your dream one. Many of these ideas are pretty budget friendly. I often find some of my best organizational supplies in clearance or at dollar stores. Keep an eye out! If you are crafty, you can even make some it yourself. Storage boxes, shelving units, and jewelry displays are all able to be DIY projects. Have fun and happy closeting!

If you are looking to have a closet like the ones on Pinterest, its best not to have a whole bunch of junk in it! If it does not fit, toss it! Don’t worry about those “some day” jeans. They are wasting space for your “now” closet If you haven’t worn it in the past 6 months, you can probably toss it. Only keep what you love. Create a “one thing in/ one thing out” rule to keep your closet from getting over run.

Amanda Powers is a local mommy blogger from Salem, VA. She is a blogger, writer, and educator who loves to share her adventurers in fashion, family, education, cooking, and life.

Buh-bye, boredom! Hello, Adventure! From caving to kayaking and creating to competing, PLAY Roanoke keeps the fun coming all summer long!

Green Pennies Science Experiment Supplies:

(pre-1983 works best)

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tsp salt

Non-metal bowl or cup

Paper towel

1. Mix the salt and vinegar in the bowl.

2. Add the pennies to the mixture and leave them in for at least 10 seconds.

3. Pull the pennies out. What do you notice?

4. Place the pennies on a paper towel and leave them overnight.

5. Check your pennies in an hour, after two hours, and in the morning. What has happened? Try flipping your pennies over and looking at the paper towel beneath them. Is it green? experiment provided by

Family • March 2021

Try rinsing the pennies off before placing them on the paper towel to dry. Do they turn green if you rinse them?

What’s Happening?

Directions:

A few dull or old pennies

Try This!

There is some very cool chemistry happening here! Pennies are coated in copper, and when copper mixes with oxygen in air, it becomes copper oxide. Copper oxide is what makes pennies look dull. When we mixed the pennies in the salt and vinegar, the copper oxide dissolved — copper oxide dissolves in acid, and vinegar is an acid. The salt helps make this happen even faster. When we left the pennies to dry, the copper reacted with air and salt to create malachite, which has a green color. This is the same reaction that happened to the Statue of Liberty — when it was first built, the monument was covered in copper, but it turned green over time. So why did we need to use pre-1983 pennies? Pennies made in 1982 or earlier have more copper than newer pennies, and so this reaction works better with older pennies.

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E W R O E H E I S M H

T H E AR T I S

THIS MONTH:

Community Collage

Bring the Taubman Museum of Art to you with this fun activity inspired by Romare Bearden’s collage works in the exhibition Enduring Voices: African American Art from the David R. and Susan S. Goode Collection, on view this month. Artist Romare Bearden worked in a wide variety of media, but was best known for his collage and mixed media work. He often created pieces that showed community life and activities from his homes in Mecklenburg County, NC, Pittsburgh, PA, and Harlem, NY.

Materials Needed: Construction paper Magazines Newspapers Other scrap papers Scissors Glue or tape Drawing materials

Brainstorm! What does your community look like? Do you see markets, schools, cityscapes, trains, or farmland? What are some activities happening in your community? Experiment with the images by moving them around to see what composition looks best. Try overlapping or layering some objects to make it appear as though one is in front of the other.

FM_CommunityCollage.indd 1

Look through old magazines and newspapers to find images that look like things you see in your community, such as buildings, people, nature, and animals!

Once you’ve arranged the images on your paper and are satisfied with the composition, use glue or tape to adhere them to the page.

Cut or gently tear out the images and begin arranging them on a piece of construction paper.

Optional: Use drawing materials, such as markers or crayons, to add more details!

Composition: the arrangement of elements within a work of art

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

Free General Admission sponsored in part by

2/11/21 3:59 PM