Roanoke Valley Family Magazine July 2021 by Roanoke Valley Family Magazine

July 2021

Volume 9 • Issue 11

Happy Birthday America

Still looking for that perfect Still looking for that perfect new home? new home? Let our team help you find the team homehelp of you Let our your dreams! find the home of your dreams!

BURCHETT HOMES TEAM BURCHETT Bringing FamiliesHOMES Home TEAM Home

WWW.BURCHETTHOMES.COM | 540.354.6323 Bringing |Families

CURTIS BURCHETT

| WWW.BURCHETTHOMES.COM |

540.354.632

Inside July 8 News in the ‘Noke

New RCPS leadership, a local pet shelter is at capacity and the city starts a new safety program.

20 Summertime Treats

Summer is a time for cookouts, messy fruity desserts, and ice cold desserts.

33 Safety Fur-st

Do you have a plan for your pets in case of a fire?

16 Kids Eat Free

Presented by Launching Pad

24 Recipe of the Month - Lemon Bars Presented by Oliveto

Backyard Olympics

We’ve waited a year to celebrate our nation’s althetes- now’s the time to try some out of the events ourselves in our own backyard.

34 Summer Reading Reccomendations

This month we recommend great reads for middle & high schoolers.

40 Meet Your Neighbor

Maria Smith is a pillar of the Roanoke Valley Family community.

36 Youth Sports Summer Safety

Children are more prone to heatstroke and dehydration while playing in the heat.

42 Local Event Calendar

Kitchen Fireworks

Did you know you can make fireworks in your kitchen? The Science Museum of Western VA shows you how!

On the Cover OUR COVER KID Raine

FOUR LEGENDS. ONE STUDIO. ONE NIGHT.

July 2021

Volume 9 • Issue 11

July 28 - August 22 On the TrinkleMainStage #MeetMeAtMillMountain

For more information visit millmountain.org.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR

Happy Birthday America Favorite Color - Blue Favorite TV show - Paw Patrol Favorite Book - If You Give a Moose a Muffin Favorite School Subject - Art Favorite Movie - Any Superhero Movie Favorite Food - Chicken Noodle Soup Favorite Candy - Kinder Eggs

2 21

SEASON MMT CONCERT

TRINKLE MAINSTAGE SERIES

When I grow up I want to be- a superhero An interesting fact- She loves to dance, sing, play with her friends and siblings and has the best personality. She just finished her 1st year of dance and loves spending her free time at the pool!

MMT CONCERT

Photos Provided By:

aricogen.com Visit millmountain.org or call 540-342-5740 for tickets

Leading Off Happy Summer! And Happy almost back to normal! As many local businesses get back to normal (us included) following a year long struggle, we want to take a moment to remind you of how important the support of our advertisers are to our business. Some of these small businesses like Oliveto (page 24) and Chillin’ Shaved Ice are spending a lot of their marketing budget with us! It is a good opportunity to remind you, our readers, that the businesses you frequent because you have read about them in our magazine, really need to know how you heard about their business, their event or their sale. We rely on advertisers to pay to produce this magazine and without them, we would not be able to do what we do for our community. When businesses do not hear that we are driving business their way, then they leave our pages.

So, we make this plea to you! The next time you visit any of our advertisers, please let them know that we are an integral part of your monthly planning for your family. Please tell them that the reason that your family is visiting their business is because of us, Roanoke Valley Family Magazine. That kind of support from our readers will ensure that we keep producing this magazine for another generation of Roanoke Families!

Happy summer everyone!

Bauer enjoying a “Puppicinno” with Evie.

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org. 7

C o 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 Tracy Fisher

Read Our Other Publications

Contributors

Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober Lesley Butterfield-Harrop • Sandra Pratt Rachel Levine • Angela Evans

Connect With Us /roanokefamily

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

Sales Assistants Ani & Evie Eagan

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

Webmaster

John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Photographer Ari Cogen

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.

@roanokefamily

@rvfamilymag

/roanokevalleyfamily

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

in the

‘Noke

Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection is FULL! One of our local shelters that takes care of missing, lost and abandoned pets is at 100% capacity. If you are missing your furry companion, please make an appointment to see if your dog is at the shelter located at 1510 Baldwin Avenue, NE, Roanoke. The Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection never turns a stray animal away. During the summer, the center sees stray animals enter their facility daily. With the Fourth of July holiday coming up, where they often see a large number of intake dogs that are scared by the firework celebrations, the shelter needs the community’s help to reunite lost pets with their rightful owners and new owners to adopt the adorable strays.

Family • July 2021

If you are interested in adopting a dog or a cat, please contact the shelter at mail@rcacp.org or call 540-344-4922 to start the adoption process so that kennel space will be available for the dogs and cats that have been owner relinquished and the unclaimed strays that are waiting on vetting to be made available. The RCACP is your local, tax-funded intake shelter. Dogs and cats that are brought into the shelter as strays must be kept by law for the required stray hold time, which is either 5 or 10 days depending on the information that is brought in with the animal. If you are missing your pet, now is the time to come to the shelter to ensure that your pet is safely reunited with you.

New Leadership at Roanoke City Public Schools At last night’s School Board meeting, the new Principal of Highland Park Elementary and the new Executive Director of Special Education were named.

This production will take place in Elmwood Park on the Mainstage. Please bring a chair or a blanket for the performance. Friday, July 30, at 6 pm Saturday, July 31, at 11 am & 3 pm Sunday, August 1, at 3 pm Come join Virginia Children’s Theatre in Elmwood Park for an end-of-summer musical splash! This production will be a fully staged and choreographed concert with a LIVE band featuring songs from popular Broadway musicals including The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and The Wiz.

Congratulations to Kelly Rooney, who will lead Highland Park, and to Ben Lewis, who will be our new Executive Director of Special Education. Mrs. Rooney and Dr. Lewis will officially step into their new roles on July 1.

with elementary school administrative leadership experience, which makes her a great fit for this position. She has 18 years of extensive educational experience and has served Roanoke City Public Schools for five years. Benjamin Lewis was

Kelly Rooney was recommended for and has accepted the position of Principal of Highland Park Elementary School. She will start on July 1, 2021. She currently serves as Highland Park’s assistant principal and was previously assistant principal at Fallon Park Elementary. Mrs. Rooney has established longlasting relationships with the students, staff, and parents of Highland Park. Serving as assistant principal has provided Mrs. Rooney

recommended for and has accepted the position of Executive Director of Special Education. He will start on July 1, 2021. He most recently served as the Special Education & Section 504 Compliance Specialist with Chesterfield County Public Schools. Dr. Lewis has worked in the field of special education, or exceptional education, since 2004. This experience and his other educational experiences will align nicely with his new role. Dr. Lewis has 22 years of extensive educational experience, 17 of which have been dedicated to the special education population.

Pledge for safer streets

Street safety is more important than ever.

Slower driving leads to fewer crashes, fewer injuries, and fewer deaths. To help reduce speeding and decrease speed-related crashes, the City of Roanoke is

launching a pedestrian safety campaign called No Need to Speed that will run from June 21 to August 15.

Learn more about the campaign at PlanRoanoke.org/ PedestrianSafety, and be

part of the campaign by taking the pledge!

By taking the pledge, you are entered to win a $20 Downtown Roanoke, Inc as well!

Family • July 2021

In the CommUNITY by Sandra Pratt

Urgent Need - Severe Blood Shortage Happy summer! I hope everyone is enjoying it so far. As many people return to pre-pandemic activities and resume travel to visit loved ones, one organization is asking the public to remember the needs of others this summer. Seasons may change but the need for blood, platelet and plasma donations is constant. The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage as the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and

elective surgeries rise – and deplete the nation’s blood inventory. Blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled. The Red Cross is working around the clock to meet the extraordinary blood needs of hospitals and patients but cannot do it alone.

it can be transfused to anyone who needs blood regardless of their blood type. It is especially important that people with type O blood donate as frequently as they can, which is every 56 days. If you don’t know your type, go give and then you will know!

All blood types are needed at this time but especially type O, as well as platelets. Type O negative is the universal blood type which means

According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the Red Cross, more than a third of people have never considered that blood may not

It’s Your Game. PLAY IT! J U LY 2 3 - 2 5 10

Family • July 2021

CommonwealthGames.org

be available when they or a loved one need it. Several years ago, one of my nephews had a lengthy hospital stay and needed several transfusions while he was there. I reminded my husband this is exactly WHY I give. Some day we will all know someone who needs life-saving blood, and it could be you. It only takes about an hour and remember you get to eat snacks afterwards (the Oreo cookie bites are my fav!) and have some juice. There is always a need for blood, as only three out of 100 people in the United States donate. The need for blood is even higher in the summer months as donations drop off while the need does not. There simply are not enough people donating blood to help patients in need. Every two seconds somebody needs blood - accident victims, cancer patients, surgical candidates, individuals with sickle cell disease and others. The Red Cross urges more individuals to roll up a sleeve and give to help ensure that lifesaving blood products are available for patients when and where they are

needed. I give regularly with a couple of my dear friends. We make a day of it –

have brunch first (it is important to eat well and be hydrated before giving) and then we go give together. We have a competition to see who can fill their pint bag the fastest. Thank you to all the Red Cross phlebotomists for the wonderful work they do and

the volunteers and staff who organize each blood drive – it takes a team to make this successful (full disclosure: I am a proud member of the board of directors for the Southwest Virginia Chapter). Healthy individuals are needed to donate NOW and throughout the summer to help patients counting on lifesaving blood - a single blood donation can potentially save up to three lives. So, as you are gear up for summer barbeques, camps, and vacations please consider making a donation – a donation of life by giving blood at your local American Red Cross. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit them online at www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment or find a blood drive or see how you can host a blood drive. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.

Soccer for All!

Valley United provides exceptional soccer training to develop the player in a supportive environment for the player to be successful on and off the field.

Family • July 2021

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.

The Olympic Games is the premier multi-sporting event watched by the world. This year’s 2020 Summer Olympics starts July 23, 2021 in Tokyo with over 11,000 athletes competing in 33 different sports. Five new sports will be added this year – baseball, softball, karate, sport climbing and skateboarding and surfing. Get into the spirit of the games by hosting family friendly events in your own backyard. Check out a few of our ideas for games, crafts, decorations, food and goody bags.

Archery Start by creating your own bow and arrows with small branches. Add a string to complete your bow and for the arrows, glue on a cotton ball to one end. For a fun game, dip the cotton ball tip into paint and try out your skills on a paper target.

Volleyball Challenge yourself with a pint sized version of volleyball. Players will get into crabwalk position and only touch the ball with their feet. Lower the net to just above the players head or use a rope or pool noodles in place of a net. For a lighter ball, use a balloon or beach ball.

Golf

Backyard Olympics By Pam Molnar

If it is a warm day, challenge the golfers to a putting obstacle course. Make round golf balls in a circle ice cube tray. Players must get their ball through the obstacle course before the ball melts. If the game takes place indoors, blindfold the golfer and have his partner give him directions to get his ball through the obstacle course. Use mini cones, boxes or croquet hoops to make the course more challenging.

Basketball The outdoor version of this game requires water balloon basketballs and a kitchen colander net. One player will wear the colander on his head while another player tries to get the water

Family • July 2021

balloon in the basket. Points to the team with the most baskets and bonus points for the balloons that don’t break. The inside version of this game is played the same way – just without water. The balloons will be more difficult to sink when they are filled with air.

Sailing This game can be played with a kids’ pool. Players will use sailboats made of pool noodles and a paper sail. Each opponent will float their boats one at a time and try to get them across the pool by waving a paper fan to create a breeze. Time the boaters to see who can get their boats across the fastest. Another version of this game can be played if you have a running stream. All boats can be sailed at once to see who makes it to the destination first.

Shooting For this game, fill water guns with colored water. Players aim their water guns at a white cloth target to see who the best shot is. To cool off, you can use human targets wearing white t-shirts. The indoor version of this game is to use Nerf guns and plastic cups. Players try to knock over the paper cups to reveal the prize inside.

Decorations Inexpensive decorations can be found at the dollar store. Use colored tissue paper to create flames inside vases.

Colored plastic tablecloths can be draped on walls. Wrap Olympic colored yarns around foam wreaths to create Olympic rings. Use construction paper to create paper garland flags to hang at points of interest.

Food Menu Make it a simple buffet of Olympic colored fruits, veggies and Jello. You can also do food from around the world. Expand your menu to include more open minded eaters or use kid friendly versions of international foods such as Vienna sausages and French fries or a taco or pasta bar.

Goody Bags Fill reusable water bottles with Goldfish crackers, gold coins or other gold wrapped candy. Oriental Trading. com has a wide variety of international games buttons, flags and jewelry that

6 P M • S AT U R D AY O C T 1 6 T H TAU B M A N M U SE U M PRESENTED BY:

Family • July 2021

will complete your Olympic themed bags.

Metals or Trophies: Simple Trophies can be made by painting plastic wine classes in silver and gold and gluing to a cardboard base. You can create your own metals by attaching a ribbon to a silver or gold candy, cookies sprayed with Wilton Color Mist, Perler beads or felt. Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. See more of her party ideas on Etsy at Pam’s Party Printables.

Get your

FREE Pre-K Pass!

Take your little ones out for an entire season of fun by registering for a FREE Pre-K Pass and purchasing Gold Season Passes for the rest of the family. Visit Kings Dominion and Planet Snoopy for their favorite attractions and shows, and for dining options they’re sure to love! With tons of fun for every age, It’s Amazing Out Here. Visit KingsDominion.com for park calendar, safety information, and tickets. Image captured prior to COVID-19.

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 !

Kids Eat Free cheap or

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

launchingpadsalem.com 1300 Intervale Drive Salem VA 24153

540-404-9235

Monday • Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400 • Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464 • El Rio Mexican Grill All Day • 10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 4208 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 685-4343 • Firehouse Subs All Day • 11 & under, 2 children per paid adult combo,dine in Blacksburg (540) 961-0371 • The Green Goat All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 802 Wiley Dr. SW, Roanoke (540) 904-6091

Tuesday • Denny’s 4 PM - 10 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations Roanoke & Salem (540) 389-5074 • Macado’s 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, $1 child meal per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke & Salem (540) 776-9884 • McAlister’s Deli 5 PM - Close • 2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407 • Town Center Tap House All Day • 12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 90 Town Center St., Daleville (540) 591-9991 • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Colonial Ave, Town Square

& Salem only (540) 345-3131 • Pizza Hut 5 PM - Close • 10 & under, free buffet per paid adult 1016 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 362-3834 • K&W All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Hershberger Rd. Roanoke (540) 563-4977

Wednesday • Dogwood 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, per paid adult 106 E. Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 343-6549

Thursday • The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746 • Jerry’s Family Restaurant 4 PM - Close • 6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400

Friday See Everyday Deals!

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

Sunday

Trampolines

• Pizza Den 5 PM - 8:30 PM • 10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase Salem (540) 389-1111

& More!

• Local Roots 5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages 5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610 • T.G.I.Fridays All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475 • Moe’s Southwestern Grill All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations • Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471 • Rodeo Grande All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-206-2296 • Lew’s Restaurant SW All Day • 12 and Under 2 free per paid adult Walnut Avenue, Roanoke 540-682-5925

Roanoke Valley Family Magazine publishes these deals for informational purposes only. A Listing here does not guarantee a discount at any of the mentioned restaurants. Promotions often change without notice and we recommend calling the restaurant to confirm any discount before arrival.

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

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

O E M H

THIS MONTH:

Beaded Necklace

Bring the Taubman Museum of Art to you with this fun activity inspired by the installation Alyson Shotz: A Moment in Time, which hangs from the ceiling of the Museum’s third floor. This delicate sculpture is made from glass beads and strings of monofilament that hang from a metal grid. Some people see rain or stars and others see music notes! What do you see?

Alyson Shotz (American, born 1964), A Moment in Time (detail), 2005, Glass beads, monofilament, steel support, Courtesy of George W. and Helen H.B. Logan; Image courtesy of Alyson Shotz and ©Morris Malakoff

1 2 3 4

r you e ak

own beaded neck

lace inspired by th

Cut a piece of string that will be long enough to slip over your head when the ends are tied together.

is h

g an

ork! rtw a g

Materials Needed: String Beads Scissors

Lay out your beads in the order you want to string them, or just randomly start stringing the beads. Optional: tie knots in between your beads to create spaces or sections like in Alyson’s sculpture. When you’ve added all the beads you’d like to use, tie the ends of the string together and slip it over your head!

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

Free General Admission sponsored in part by

RVFM_July2021_BeadedNecklace.indd 1

6/11/21 1:57 PM

TREATMENT FOSTER CARE AGENCY

Become a Foster Parent (540) 595-7431

www.alliancehhs.org

Find Your Way to Give Back. Donate, Refer or Become a Foster Parent!

Must-have ingredients for summer celebrations Summer is the season of patriotism. There’s no better way to celebrate America during this time than with fresh, flavorful food and memorable gatherings. There are endless ways to relax and pay tribute to our nation with family and friends, from Flag Day beach parties to Memorial Day garden picnics to Fourth of July barbecues. Nothing beats the flavors of summer, so whether you’re hosting a holiday or simply getting people together for some warm weather fun, don’t forget to stock up on the very best ingredients to create recipes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Fresh Fruit Often referred to as “nature’s candy,” seasonal fresh fruit is versatile for any

Family • July 2021

summer gathering. Visit a farmers’ market or produce stand to buy local and enjoy regional flavors picked at the peak of freshness. Whether it’s sweet strawberries, juicy peaches, plump melons or another summer fruit, stock up and enjoy. Once you’ve brought home your bounty, cut it up to make fruit salad, fruit kabobs or even chilled fruit soup. It’s also great to have on hand to elevate your summer baking for pies, tarts and cakes.

over six generations of family ownership. With 85% butterfat, it makes for a richer, creamier and more flavorful base ingredient for summer essential recipes. Made in the USA, Minerva Dairy is America’s oldest family-owned creamery, using farmfresh milk from pasture-raised cows to create slow-churned, small batches that maintain that flavor and texture, making a higher quality product. Learn more at minervadairy.com.

Better Butter

Corn on the Cob

There’s butter, and then there’s better butter. High-quality butter brings out the best in your summer cooking and is a musthave for baking, basting, barbecuing and more. For sensational summer creations, stock up on Minerva Dairy butter, perfected

The quintessential summer side dish, corn on the cob is delicious whether steamed, boiled or grilled. Keep it hot and serve it immediately after cooking it, or keep it warm in a slow cooker or insulated cooler. Don’t forget, classic American corn on the

cob isn’t complete without high-quality salted butter to bring out the sweetness of each kernel. If you want to try something new, add garlic herb butter as an option to guests.

Refreshing Drinks Few things are more satisfying than sipping ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day. Make a batch in a pitcher or serving dispenser and keep chilled with ice cubes. Add festive color by placing red and blue fruits, like raspberries and blueberries, directly into the container or use as a garnish on glasses. Another option is to freeze a berry into each section of an ice-cube tray so when you add them to a drink, you get a splash of color in each frozen cube.

Red, White and Blue Desserts A colorful dessert that incorporates the hues of the American flag not only satisfies the sweet tooth, but provides an eyecatching focal point on a table or buffet. Try this recipe and make your summer celebration even sweeter:

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Grease 10” round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray. 3. Cut parchment paper to fit bottom and place in pan.

Topping: 1. Melt butter and pour into bottom of cake pan. 2. Sprinkle light brown sugar over butter evenly. 3. Place berries in your preferred design, such as spirals or rows. Set aside.

Cake batter: 1. In mixing bowl, cream butter and both sugars about 2 minutes. 2. Add egg and extract and mix well. 3. Continue beating as you add yogurt/ sour cream and creamer.

Help create a brighter future today. CCC has helped refugees fleeing violence, war, and persecution to rebuild their lives for more than 40 years.

4. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Add to batter and mix just until blended. 5. Spoon batter gently over fruit so as not to dislodge the pattern. Smooth carefully.

Berry Upside Down Cake Prep Time: 70 Minutes Servings: 10 Ingredients: Topping: •2 tablespoons butter, melted •1/3 cup light brown sugar •1 cup blueberries •1 cup strawberries, diced Cake: •1/3 cup Minerva Dairy unsalted butter • 1/2 cup sugar •1/4 cup light brown sugar •1 large egg •1 teaspoon vanilla extract •1/3 cup vanilla yogurt or sour cream •1/3 cup vanilla coffee creamer •1 1/2 cups flour •1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt

6. Bake 50 minutes. Check at the 35- or 40-minute mark to see if the cake is getting too brown. If it is, cover with aluminum foil for remainder of baking time. Test to make sure the cake is done by inserting a toothpick in center. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. 7. Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes. 8. Place serving plate on top of pan and, holding sides of cake pan and dish, flip over so fruit is on top. Gently lift off cake pan and allow to cool. Optional: Prior to serving, decorate with whipped cream. You can also add some additional berries or a sprig of mint, if desired.

Learn how you can become involved. www.cccofva.org

Kitchen Fireworks Supplies:

What’s happening?

Glitter Water Dish soap Plate or bowl Cotton swab or toothpick

If you remember our Tie Dye Milk experiment from last month, you might recall that we explored surface tension.

Directions: Fill the dish or bowl with water. Pour the glitter into the water so that it’s in one clump (do not sprinkle it all over the plate or bowl). Dip the cotton swab or toothpick in the water. Does anything happen? Dip the cotton swab or toothpick into the dish soap so that the end is covered.

Experiment provided by

Dip the soapy side of the cotton swab or toothpick into the center of the glitter and watch what happens. All of the glitter should rush to the sides of the plate or bowl like a firework exploding!

OPENS JULY 9TH

Tickets are now available at grandintheatre.com

Family • July 2021

Surface tension is a term scientists use to describe how well or tightly molecules stick together at the top of a liquid. In fact, if you look at the top of the plate or bowl of water before you add soap, you might notice a bulge or bump. This is because the water at the top is sticking together. When you add soap, you lower the surface tension and all of those molecules move apart, which makes the glitter rush to the sides of the dish.

Try this! Try this same experiment with sequins or larger sparkles. Does it still work?

Thank you to our partners

Sunday

18 National Ice Cream Day Come play in a room filled with everything Ice Cream (first 50 kids receive a free cone coupon from Blue Cow Ice Cream Co)

Sunday

Free Chalk Kit

(while supplies last) 11am-3pm

4 4th of July Open 1PM-5PM

2 Chalk Day!

5 K I D S 12 Monday S Q U A R 19 E C L O S E D

10 Cave Spring Vet 10am-12pm

Pirate Days - 11am-3pm Free w/Admission to museum

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Wear your PJs Day

Tye-Dye Friday!

*Check out our event page for details

Make a Tye-Dye Shirt Additional fees apply Check out our event page

Saturday

24 Mill Mountain Zoo 10am-12pm

for details

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday HOURS: Sunday 1PM-5pm • Tuesday - Saturday 10AM-5pm

Saturday

Family • July 2021

Recipe of the

Lemon Bars

Serves 8 - Prep Time 40 Minutes

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix ½ cup Oliveto Persian Lime Olive Oil 1 egg 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk ½ cup Oliveto Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar Powdered sugar Optional: ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut s

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan with a small amount of Oliveto Persian Lime Olive Oil and set aside. Combine cake mix, Oliveto Persian Lime Olive Oil and egg in a large bowl. Mix the batter until thoroughly combined. (Batter will be very thick). Spread mixture evenly into bottom of baking pan. Whisk ttogether sweetened condensed milk and Oliveto Sicilan Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar in a medium bowl. Pour over top of cake mixture. (Optional: sprinkle with coconut). Bake 25 - 28 minutes or until set. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool completely before cutting.

Month Try These Flavor Variations

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Trends in Outdoor Fire Pits Fire pits are (literally) on fire right now in home design - here are 6 ways to incorporate a cozy fire into your outdoor living space.

Nothing beats a night around a cozy fire. Even summer nights can have a slight chill to them, and homeowners across America are jumping on the fire pit trend. From the simpliest to the most elaborate, here are a few ways you can safely add the warmth and comfort of a fire to your outdoor living space Chimineas. A chiminea is traditionally made of clay and designed in a wide-bottom vase shape, with a narrow chimney to direct smoke and a wide mouth on its side for the fire pit. The chiminea’s design allows it to be used in the rain without the water extinguishing its flame. Today, chimineas can be found in a variety of materials and sizes, and their portability is ideal for use in a variety of areas of the outdoor living space. Portable Wood Pits. Probably the easiest and least expensive option is the wood burning fire bowl or pit. Sold in every home improvement and most big box stores, these pits range anywhere from $60 and up depending on style and features. Some have elaborate laser cuts on the sides and others are more simple. Some now are even customizable with your name or favorite sports team. Low cost and portability make these a easy starter pit for your outdoor space. Portable Gas Pits. Now you can find these portable gas fire pits in most home improvement retailers. Available in a variety of finishes, from faux stone to metal, they retail between $100 to upwards of $1,000 depending on size and features. Some come with table space around them. They come in round, square and long rectangle shapes as well. Their portability is also a bonus with these, although larger units may not be as portable as others. Paver Wood or Gas Pits. These pits are becoming more and more popular with the rise of outdoor living. Made from pavers available in any home improvement store, they are easy enough for any DIYer to build within a few hours. Homeowners love the finished look of this style and they can be built right on top of an existing stone, concrete or paver patio. The pit can be left as is, or configured for use with propane gas.

Sunken Fire Pits. Sunken pits are also gaining in popularity for those that prefer a clean look to their outdoor living area. Like paver pits, they can be used with wood or gas. Sunken pits are often considered safer because of the containment of the fire, but do post greater safety risks for children and pets since there is little, or sometimes no, retaining barrier from the fire.

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 Movie Snacks Engage your kids with healthy snacks and family movies this summer There’s no time quite like family time. And what better way to enjoy those moments with your little ones than cooking, baking and making snacks together? According to The New York Times, what you do with your kids in the kitchen really matters. If they’re regular little helpers, those early investments pay off, as it can help them become more health conscious, give them confidence and help them become more familiar with ingredients. Apples make family snack time healthy and fun You’re probably at home more often than usual these days, so why not make the most of it? Studies show families that snack together, stick together. When you feed them snacks that have all the right nutrients you set them up for success and better eating habits as they grow. Who says healthy snacks can’t be enjoyable? There are all sorts of ways to create and savor flavors with fresh fruit, like apples. Apples provide a great source of fiber and nutrients for any growing child, and there are all kinds of snack recipes you can create with them.

Family • July 2021

Pairing good-for-you snacks with a family movie

Martin (Little) and Mckenna Grace (Captain Marvel).

Family movie nights call for family-friendly snacks. And if you’re looking to skip the popcorn, soda and sweets, why not make a fun-themed healthy alternative that pairs well with the movie?

The JAZZ Epic Adventure Horseshoes recipe is super easy and simple to make. All it takes is a few ingredients, a helping hand from your kiddos and some imagination. Here’s what you need to get started:

“It’s a good idea,” says Lori Taylor, CEO of The Produce Moms. “Associating healthy snacks with things they enjoy, like movies, TV shows or other activities, can provide incentive and help our children cultivate healthy habits.”

What you need:

If your kids are excited about the highly anticipated new DreamWorks Animation film, Spirit Untamed, you’re in luck because the growers of JAZZ Apples have the perfect snack recipe for you, inspired by the film. Arriving in theaters June 4, Spirit Untamed is an epic adventure about a headstrong girl longing for a place to belong who discovers a kindred spirit when her life intersects with a wild horse. The film stars an incredible voice cast including Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Marsai

•2 JAZZ apples •2/3 cup of hazelnut spread •6-10 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles What you need to do: •Cut the JAZZ apples horizontally. •Remove the apple core using a round cookie cutter. •Slice an edge off of the JAZZ rings to create a horseshoe shape. • Spread hazelnut butter on top of the horseshoe shape. * Top with sprinkles. * Enjoy! It’s as simple as that. Just a few minutes of prep for a day or night full of family fun.

BECAUSE

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P E O P L E S AY T H AT W E PROVIDE THE

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Learn for yourself why people who send their children here say that North Cross has the BEST: • overall educational experience for your child. • college preparatory curriculum and services.

Come see the Valley’s most resource rich private school campus, meet our people, and see our students actively engaged and safely learning in person, 5 days a week.

• Junior Kindergarten program. • remediation program for students with diagnosed learning differences. • COVID-19 mitigation programs. Inspiring bright minds for 76 years • www.nor thcross.org

How to keep dangerous medications safe from kids

540-966-3990 lenkortho@gmail.com www.lenkbraces.com 30

Family • July 2021

Misty D. Lenk, DSS, MS, PC 228 Commons Parkway Daleville, VA, 24083

alley eV ok an

Family

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Family Favorres

“Every eight minutes a child goes to an emergency room for medicine poisoning”

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Prescription medications have many benefits, including managing pain, regulating chronic conditions, preventing disease and more. Despite numerous positives, medications can be dangerous to others in your household, especially kids. As routines have changed and people are spending more time at home, parents may be unintentionally leaving medications out and accessible to children. Babies and toddlers may rattle medicine bottles like a toy. Curious kids may think the contents inside are candy. Child-resistant caps aren’t enough, as many children can open them easily. Every eight minutes a child goes to an emergency room for medicine poisoning, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, and three out of four ER visits for medicine poisoning are due to kids getting into parents’ or grandparents’ medicine. Unintentional injuries including poisoning are the leading cause of mortality among infants and children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research from the American Association of Poison Control Centers shows the vast majority (90%) of poisonings occur at home. That’s why it’s important to look at how

you use medications in your household and adopt safer practices that include: Never leave medications out: When busy multitasking, you may leave your medication out on a counter or toss it in your purse or backpack. Leaving it out even for a minute could be enough time for a child to access and open it. Don’t leave medications where kids can see them or where they can easily be found, such as in drawers, on nightstands or in bags. If the medication is for your child when they are sick, never leave it in their bedroom. Store medicines out of reach: Choose one storage location for all medication that is out of reach of children. This can be anywhere throughout the home that is high and out of sight. Get in the habit of putting medication back in its safe storage location every time. Use a locking container: Even though most prescription containers have child-resistant caps, children can find ways to open them. Consider using Safe Rx Locking Pill Bottles to secure medications. The convenient portable containers require a four-digit code aligned from bottom to top to open. When you are done, you simply replace the cap and mix the numbers to lock the bottle securely.

Surrogate Mothers Needed! Call for Information

Talk with your children: Be honest with kids about the dangers of taking prescriptions. Adjust your conversation based on your child’s age, stressing that medications are only meant for the person the doctor prescribed them for and can be harmful to anyone else. Tell them to never take a medication without checking with you first and if they find any pills or bottles to bring them to you right away. Dispose of unneeded medication properly: Check if your community has a drug disposal program for unneeded medications. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs as well to properly dispose of unused prescriptions. If nothing is available near you, dispose of medications at home by mixing the pills or capsules in a container with an unappealing substance like dirt or cat litter before placing in the trash. These steps will help significantly reduce the chances your child will access your medication. In case of emergency, call poison control immediately. Program the poison control center at 800-222-1222 into your home and cell phones. You may want to add this number on a sticky note or other label in your medicine storage space as well.

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

F I RFi ST CcEe I N O SS MM E TEITCI C D ED NETN I STTIR FY O RNN N RAoRwOW r sPt LPAl a i nCCO SYT R i nI N e EYeYaErAsRISn I a

in Our Health Magazine

TO US,

YOU’RE FAMILY

At Mills & Shannon Dentistry, WE CARE ABOUT MORE than just your smile. By combining dental excellence and warmth, we are building a dental home for you. 2019

2019

Dedicated to KEEPING YOU SAFE

Michele Mills, DDS

Travis Shannon, DDS

Next time you visit, you might notice we changed a little. While we have always been accustomed to following strict infection control precautions, we’ve made a few changes that you may notice. From our temperature and screening station to our new and improved N95 surgical masks and face shields and medical grade air purifying filters in each treatment room, to fewer people in the waiting room, we’ve made changes to keep you and your family safe and comfortable. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

540.989.5700

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

www.MillsandShannon.com

of CO poisoning can include weakness, sudden vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures and even loss of consciousness. The only way to detect CO poisoning is by equipping your home with working CO alarms. For premium protection against both fire and CO, install combination alarms with 2-in-1 protection. Once installed, maintenance is key. Remember to test your alarms regularly and replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every five to 10 years, depending on the model. Improve their safety when home alone. To help ensure your pet is safe even while you’re not home, use a pet gate to keep your animals in the main living area for easy rescue in the case of an emergency. Place pet alert stickers on windows near each entrance to inform firefighters of the presence of pets in your house. Have an emergency escape plan.

Safety fur-st: Pet safety and fire prevention tips Pets nationwide are considered beloved members of the family. In fact, pet ownership throughout the U.S. has skyrocketed, with approximately 12.6 million Americans opening their home to a new pet since March 2020, according to a study by the American Pet Products Association. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a pet pro, be sure to consider your furry family members when preparing for the unexpected. First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety, offers the following tips to help families be prepared in case of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident.

Prevent a fire. While candles add ambiance, it’s important to never burn them unattended. Wagging tails and pawing kitties can haphazardly knock over candles, which can potentially cause a fire. Additionally, avoid electrical fires by securing loose wires and running long cords behind couches or other out-ofreach locations to prevent them from being chewed.

When planning your emergency escape route, don’t forget to include your pets. Know which family members will be responsible for each pet and note their hiding spots for a faster evacuation. Have leashes and collars stored near the main entrance of your home and, if possible, near other potential exits during an emergency, so you can grab them on your way out the door. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, including crating your pets, to help make it an easier experience. And, remind your family to never delay escape or go back inside to rescue your pet. If a pet is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call and the responders when they arrive. Learn more home safety tips at www.firstalert.com.

Protect against the silent killer. Due to their smaller size, your pet may be affected by CO poisoning before you. Signs

Family • July 2021

Summer Reading Recommendations tower she’s locked in. Then one day something terrible happens: Zach’s dad throws out all his action figures while he’s at school. Zach is too furious for words, so he quits the game and lies to Poppy and Alice about why, opening a rift in their friendship that he isn’t sure can be mended. But when Poppy takes the Queen out of her glass cabinet hoping to lure Zach back with a new twist in the game, weird things start happening. Poppy claims that the ghost of a girl has been visiting her at night, telling Poppy that she cannot rest until her remains are buried in her own grave. And that if Poppy doesn’t help her, she’ll make her sorry.

Doll Bones by Holly Black Grades 5 - 9 Zach, Poppy, and Alice are best friends. For as long as they can remember, they’ve been playing “the game” -- an ongoing saga that takes place in an imaginary world where their toys are the characters. There are pirates, mermaids, knights, and witches, but ruling over them all is the Great Queen, a creepy antique china doll that Poppy’s mom has locked in a glass display cabinet. The Queen is ruthless, cunning, and vindictive, putting her curse of misfortune on those who displease her until they can somehow win their way back into her good graces. Her one weakness? She cannot escape the glass

Family • July 2021

Zach isn’t sure what to believe, but he and Alice agree to help Poppy, and the three friends set out on a quest worthy of their game’s main hero, William the Blade. But the further they get in their journey, the weirder things get. Eerie things start to happen. Is the Queen just a doll, or is there something paranormal at work?

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson Grades 6 and up Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.

Rivers are flooded, bridges are washed away, and the power is out everywhere. And then the unimaginable happens: Rain goes missing. Rose’s father let her out during the storm and she couldn’t find her way back. Rose depends on routine and certainty, and with Rain gone, on top of school being canceled and having no power, her sense of security is crumbling. And so she develops a plan to bring her beloved pet home. From the author of the popular BabySitters Club series comes this heartwrenching, powerful story about a girl’s love for her dog, and how sometimes the right choice is the hardest choice of all.

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin Grades 4 - 7

catastrophically higher sea levels, burying much of the U.S. coast under water. Fifteen-year-old Nailer lives with his abusive father who is high more often than not and prone to violence always. Nailer is a ship breaker in what remains of the Gulf Coast, where they break up ancient beached oil tankers and salvage whatever materials they can sell. Right now Nailer works on the light crew, which means he’s responsible for stripping and removing all the wiring from the ships. Because his job involves crawling through air ducts, only small people, usually children, can work light crew, hence the name. Nailer has always been small, but at fifteen, he’s starting to notice that the ducts are feeling tighter. It’s dangerous, back-breaking work, but it’s all Nailer knows, and new jobs are practically impossible to come by. What will he do when he can no longer squeeze into the ducts? Too big for light crew, but too small for heavy crew, and a father who would sooner kill him than allow him to remain unemployed. Then one day, after a particularly bad storm, Nailer and his friend Pima are scavenging the wreck of a fancy clipper ship when they find the body of a beautiful girl. But as it turns out, she might not be so dead after all…

Eleven-year-old Rose Howard has a highfunctioning form of autism known as Asperger’s syndrome. She lives in rural New York with her father, an impatient, unpredictable man. Her mother left when she was two, and her only other family is her father’s brother, Uncle Weldon, with whom she shares a special bond. Rose is obsessed with rules, prime numbers, and above all, homonyms. Just like her own name (rose and rows). So when her dad comes home one stormy night with a stray dog, Rose decides to name her Rain, a triple homonym (rain, rein, reign), and the two soon become inseparable.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi Grades 7 and up

When the remnants of Hurricane Susan hit New York, her small town is devastated.

In a post-apocalyptic world, the melting polar ice caps have led to

Before he knows it, Nailer is catapulted into a rescue mission for a girl he barely knows, seeing places he never dreamed he’d see, and experiencing the thrill of a high-speed chase at sea. Award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi weaves an actionpacked tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Family • July 2021

Youth Sports Safety: Keeping kids safe while playing sports this summer by: Steve Munsey, Carilion Clinic

REAL. LOCAL.

SAVINGS.

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

Family • July 2021

Each year nationwide, sports and recreation injuries send more than 2.6 million children ages 19 and under to the emergency room. Over 750,000 of these injuries were related to football or basketball. And in team sports, most injuries — 62 percent — occur during practices, not games. “Always insist that your kids wear the same protective gear, do the same warm-ups and take all the same precautions when they practice as when they’re getting ready for a game,” Jill Lucas, Safe Kids Roanoke coordinator and Carilion Clinic health educator, said.

well as games — and make sure it’s the right size and properly adjusted. • Do your warm-ups. If it’s important before a game, it’s important before practice, too. • Have adult supervision. Make sure responsible adults know and enforce

immediately remove a child from play if he or she has any of the signs. The child needs to be cleared by a medical professional before returning to play. • Follow the rules. In most sports, the rules are based not only on sportsmanship, but safety. Last but not least: “Stay hydrated,” Lucas said. “Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the activity, and rest frequently during hot weather. A child can lose up to a quart of sweat during two hours of exercise, and kids get overheated more quickly than adults and cannot cool down as easily.”

A child can lose up to a quart of sweat during two hours “Keeping kids safe is a team of exercise, and kids get effort. There is nothing more important than growing overheated more quickly healthy, happy kids,” Lucas said. A recent Safe Kids than adults and cannot Worldwide survey found half of coaches admit to being pressured cool down as by a parent or athlete to keep an injured athlete in the game. Coaches need to be educated and supported easily in making decisions that protect the immediate and long-term health of young athletes.

Safe Kids Roanoke recommends these tips for all children playing or practicing any individual or team sport:

For more information about sports safety, call Safe Kids Roanoke at 540-266-6568 or visit www.safekids.org.

the safety rules of the sport and are trained in first aid and CPR. Also, make sure the field is in safe condition.

• Before signing up for a sport, get a pre-participation physical exam.

• Never “play through” an injury. Get immediate help from a coach or trainer and be sure to mention everything that hurts or aches.

• Always wear appropriate protective gear for the activity — for practice as

• Parents should learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion and

3433 Orange Ave NE Suite D, Roanoke 540-427-7274

www.wecaredentalcare.com Family • July 2021

How to Teach Kids about Emotional Intelligence by Lesley Butterfield Harrop

Family • July 2021

Emotional Intelligence: it’s a buzz phrase right now. You may have heard it a number of places: blogs, talk shows, the news, and documentaries. Chick-Fil-A has even released a line of kids’ meal toys that center around building emotional intelligence for kids. But this evasive phrase is more than just a fad; it is an important skill for children and adults alike! What is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, be aware of, and respond to one’s own feelings and emotions and the skill of navigating interpersonal relationships with compassion and empathy. Emotional intelligence must be taught and modeled for kids. They are like sponges and will soak up these essential skills when they are shown them in everyday situations. Emotional intelligence can also enhance connection, which is a basic human need. Having connected relationships with our children gives way to authentic honesty and vulnerability, which is vital in feeling unconditionally

loved and developing empathy, along with other social skills. Why Does Emotional Intelligence Matter? In my work as a community nurse, I examine the area of intersection between nursing and public health, ensuring that community populations have access to education, information, various forms of care, and supportive and protective factors. I often encounter really great parents who are involved and informed in their child’s life, but they still feel like the child doesn’t freely share his or her feelings or emotions with them. They often state, “It’s like pulling teeth to get my child to open up about anything with me.” Sometimes these kiddos may have challenging behaviors that are puzzling to their parents and problematic to those around them, as they can cause distress at home and school. I do a fair amount of parent training on how to connect with kids in order to lessen

challenging behaviors by increasing emotional intelligence. It may even seem obvious, but I can assure you that it helps any parent to have tips! When we have open, honest, and connected relationships with our children, they are less likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms as a way to handle difficult feelings. We also want them coming to us with sexuallybased questions or things they may be curious about, instead of turning to pornography for answers. What Can You Do? Create Routines That Foster Connection Have regular family dinners, hold monthly family councils, plan family game nights, and do regular checkins. Kids thrive when routines are implemented. Even better is when those routines are dependable, fun, and help them to know they have a safe and loving home with parents who are there for them. Designate Safe Places for Processing Emotions We have a Calming Corner in our home, where we do “time-ins” instead of time-outs to manage rough emotions and challenging behaviors. In the Calm Corner, we have a feeling wheel, an emotion faces chart, sensory items like bubbles to help encourage deep breathing, squeezy balls, mermaid sequin pillows, and coloring pages. This has been a great tool for my kids, but it did take practice and reinforcement. Encouragement is key! This can easily be modified for toddlers all the way to teens. My preschooler uses the Calm

Corner regularly; she has learned that emotions are not scary or bad. They are just feelings that need some extra attention sometimes. Enhance One-On-One Relationships Having four children of my own, my relationship with each one is different, which is okay! Because I want each of my children to feel safe and secure in his or her relationship with me, I use a variety of tools to make sure that our trust continues to grow and develop. A favorite activity of my son’s is his Sharing Journal, which is essentially just a communication notebook we use to write notes to each other. He writes in it before he goes to bed and I’ll write a message to him while he is at school. He looks forward to these messages and some of our best conversations have happened in his Sharing Journal. Conversely, my daughter likes to do “Mommy Minutes” at bedtime, where we set a timer and for ten entire minutes she gets to choose what we do — no questions asked. We’ve played hide-and-seek, painted nails, read books, braided her hair, and sometimes we just sit and talk. These one-on-one activities can be simple and easy and have a BIG impact on fostering trust with your kids!

First, it is important to teach that no emotion is bad and kids are not bad for having feelings. Model this by being open about your own feelings with your kids. Show them how you cope with your own emotions. Tell them, “I am going for a jog, because I am feeling frustrated.” If you have a child that frequently has outbursts, help her move through those emotions by providing safe ways for her to express what she is feeling. It is also important to not allow your child’s behaviors to affect your emotional peace or reactions. This models for children that we are responsible for our own emotions and reactions, regardless of the actions of others. Overall, our connection with our children can really help them to develop emotional intelligence and give them important life skills that they can rely on for health, safety, and well-being. And that is what life is all about. Lesley Butterfield Harrop is a community health nurse who strives to raise awareness of and implement trauma-informed care across a variety of settings. Lesley holds an RN-BSN and has over ten years of experience as a nurse in the community setting. She has published several articles related to social issues and is the content-editor at Betrayal Trauma Recovery, www.btr.org. She serves on the Board of Directors for NAMI-Virginia (National Alliance of Mental Illness) among various other leadership positions.

Teach and Model Ways to Cope This is probably one of the most difficult things to do. Even as adults, we can struggle with healthy ways to manage emotions. We can feel shame, anger, worry, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and worthlessness. Our kids can and do feel these same emotions.

Family • July 2021

Meet Your Neighbor

Maria Smith by Angela Evans

Maria Smith has many titles, mother, wife, businesswoman, but the one she is most known as is music teacher. Smith is the director at Melody Makers, a studio that teaches infants and preschool aged children fun and innovative classes. On any given day, you can find her encouraging children through song and dance! Smith has taught thousands of children since it opened nearly 30 years ago! It is a job she loves, but says it is really more of an extension of her family life. Smith grew up in nearby Lynchburg, Virginia. She and her husband moved to Roanoke in 1991 and have been here ever since. “My husband and I fell in love with Roanoke when we moved here in 1991. We knew Roanoke was where we wanted to raise our family and felt it would be a perfect place for me to begin Melody Makers,” Smith said. Melody Makers started in 1993. It is a program for babies, toddler, and young children to learn music, art, and science. “I have always loved working with preschool-age children and teaching music. Beginning Melody Makers in Roanoke gave me the opportunity to do both. It was also the perfect small business when my children were young as it allowed me to spend more time with them and

Family • July 2021

have more flexibility. Then, as my children grew up, Melody Makers was able to expand and grow as well. We now teach over 200 students a week at our Brambleton Studio location and have begun offering classes in Daleville as well,” she said. At Melody Makers’ classes, children from age five months to five years play instruments, sing songs, interact with puppets, create art, and do science experiments and activities. Smith enjoys sharing her love of music with young minds but also helping them grow. She said, “Our goal is to help children gain confidence, build social skills and begin to love learning.” The classes focus on social development, gross motor activities, early language skills and more.

Outside of Melody Makers, Smith raised her own family. She and her husband have four children, and she is proud of all of them. “Our oldest, Sarah, is a Labor and Delivery nurse at Carilion and is married to Mike who is a Roanoke City Elementary PE teacher. Our son, Ryan, is a Mechanical Engineer and now lives in Chattanooga with his fiancé, Aubrey. Our son, Eric, just graduated from Virginia Tech this year and is pursuing a Financial Planning Career in Charlotte. Our youngest, Hannah, is studying Elementary Education and hopes to teach in the Roanoke Valley after graduation next year. She also helps me with Melody Makers during the summer, “Smith said. Their family also includes two dogs, and they are expecting their first grandchild in November! When she is not teaching classes at Melody Makers, Smith loves being with

her family and her dogs. She said some of her favorite places are the park and trails at Fishburn Park and taking their dogs to the Salem Dog Park. She also enjoys getting to know people. She said, “I absolutely love the people here. Everyone is so friendly, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to impact this community.” Smith and her workers at Melody Makers spend time outside of their Brambleton studio. She says they do whatever they can for all children in the community to learn about music and its benefits. They have taught classes at the Rescue Mission, visited children in area hospitals, held fundraising benefits, and offered scholarships to families who need it. Smith says her staff cares as much as she does. Together they help children grow confidence and abilities. “Our staff is absolutely wonderful. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. We feel like we have the best job ever and are so grateful for the opportunity we have as teachers,” she said. Smith’s students are what make Melody

Makers into what it is. She has watched students grow from babies to adults in her decades of teaching and running Melody Makers. She considers them all more than just a student at her music school but rather an extension of her family. She connects with the parents as well. “We have the most amazing students and families. It is so fun watching the children grow up. We really begin to feel like everyone is family after being a part of their lives week after week,” she said. Smith has no plans of slowing down. They are teaching hundreds of children each week at the Brambleton studio and have started classes in Daleville. Smith says plans to keep spreading joy while children enhance their love for music and learning! You and your family can meet Maria at Melody Makers 3540 Brambleton Ave Roanoke, Virginia or 135 Commons Pkwy Daleville, Virginia melodymakersroanoke.com

The best Beach Party in the Valley returns ELMWOOD

Every Thursday May 20 - October 14 Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke

Visit DowntownRoanoke.org for details

July

As our local vaccination rate increases, so do the opportunities for summer family fun! Roanoke’s local pools, family fun centers and libraries are now open!

Party in Elmwood: The Best Beach Party in the Valley Returns for 2021! After canceling the 2020 season of Party in Elmwood, Downtown Roanoke, Inc is excited to announce Party in Elmwood will return for 2021 bringing 22 weeks of outdoor, live music to Elmwood Park.

Million Dollar Quartet July 28 - Aug 22 | Mill Mountain Theatre

Family • July 2021

Oz: A Staged Concert July 30 - Aug 1 | Elmwood Park

Join in every Thursday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm in Elmwood Park. Admission is $5 per person at the gate. Kids under 12 are free! Food and beverages served on-site. Lawn chairs welcome. No outside food, drinks, or coolers, please. Visit the Party in Elmwood FBpage for updates due to weather.

Sunflower Festival

July 21 - Aug 8 | Sinkland Farms, Christiansburg

Salem Fair

June 30 - July 11 | Salem Civic Center

Jingle Bell Run

Dec 14 | Downtown Roanoke

June 30 - July 11 Salem Fair Salem Civic Center The Salem Fair returns in 2021! The Salem Fair features lots of fun amusement rides, entertainment, games, classic food, and more. Admission ranges from $17$32 depending on day and package. salemfair.com

July 1 - August 8 Party in Elmwood Elmwood Park, Roanoke Join in for the best party in the city! Admission is $5 per person at the gate. Kids under 12 are free.

7/1 - The King | Avocado Food Truck 7/8 - Too Much Sylvia | Lazy Buldog Bistro 7/15 - Legacy Motown Revue | Porter House Catering Sponsored by Gentry Locke Attorneys 7/22 - The Catalinas | Lette’s Eat 7/29 - Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot | Schult’s Dogs 8/5 - Cat5 Band | Avocado Food Truck downtownroanoke.org

July 4

Summer Celebration Concert 4 PM - 8 PM | Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, Roanoke Opera Roanoke and Greene Memorial UMC host a Summer Celebration Concert

on Independence Day 2021! The concert is FREE to attend and outdoors, so be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and make yourself comfortable for an evening of fun performances by the Opera Roanoke Chorus, Roanoke Ballet Theatre, Virginia Children’s Theatre, Alma Ensemble, and Soul Sessions. Arts and Crafts vendors will be on site during the concert so you can browse works by local artisans. The concert will take place on the steps of the church facing 2nd St. Join us as we honor and celebrate our diverse community! operaroanoke.org/summercelebration

July 17 Breakfast with the Animals: Treats with Turtles and Tortoises 8:30 AM | Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke A variety of turtles and tortoises call Mill Mountain Zoo home. Join us for breakfast and learn some fascinating information about these amazing reptiles. Following the keeper chats, guests will be able to design a “stained glass” turtle or tortoise to take home with them. Join us at the Mill Mountain Zoo every 3rd Saturday in May through October for a unique opportunity to have breakfast with the animals. Guests will be treated to a light breakfast buffet and the chance to meet one of the zoo’s education outreach animals. This will be immediately followed by a special chat with zookeepers as they amaze our guests with more fun and educational facts about our animal residents.

This intimate experience will allow zoo visitors to learn more about various animals’ diets, behavior and personalities. Following the chat, there will be a childfocused and parent-assisted art project. This program is designed to further foster excitement and knowledge about the featured animals. Non-Members: • Adults: $20.00 • Children Ages 3-11: $16.00 • Family of Four: $65.00 Zoo Members: • Adults: $16.00 • Children Ages 3-11: $12.00 • Family of Four: $45.00 Reservations are required. To reserve your spot online, visit: mmzoo.org/ experiences/events/

July 21- August 8 Sinkland Farm Sunflower Festival Sinkland Farm, Christiansburg Our 1st annual Sunflower Festival will be an experience you will remember forever! Viewing our 8 acres of sunflower fields, with over 175,000 blooms, and 20 different varieties of flowers will be a new summer family tradition. While our sunflowers will be the star of the show, we will have 3 weekends jam-packed with activities, music, food, and fun you won’t want to miss. Enjoy all the festivities at Sinkland Sunflower Festival, unlike any other! Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Drink ticket packages also available. sinklandfarms.com

July 23 AC/DC Tribute: Shoot to Thrill 6:00 PM | Dr. Pepper Park, Roanoke Dr Pepper Park Shuttle sponsored by Downtown Roanoke, Inc. service begins from the Carilion Riverwalk Parking Garage at 5:45pm. Final pick up is 10:05pm. Gates Open at 6pm Opening band TBD will play from 6:15pm-7:30pm AC/DC Tribute: Shoot To Thrill will play around 7:45pm-9:45pm. Tickets start at $22. www.DrPepperPark.com

July 28 - August 22 Milion Dollar Quartet Mill Mountain Theatre, Roanoke Kicking off the Trinkle MainStage Series is Million Dollar Quartet, the smashhit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins together for one unforgettable night. Million Dollar Quartet features a glorious score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by worldclass actors and musicians. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and more. Don’t miss this irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, and celebrations that is both heartwarming and hilarious. Tickets start at $25. millmountain.org

Family • July 2021

July 30 International Day of Friendship The world is filled with too much hatred, too much fighting and too much mistrust of others. The International Day of Friendship is certainly an opportunity to stop, and to reverse, these worldwide problems. According to the United Nations, the official sponsor of this special day, the International Day of Friendship is day set aside to promote friendship among peoples, cultures and countries. Today is a time to encourage efforts towards peace, and to build bridges among different people. It is a day of respect for others, and a day to celebrate diversity. On an individual level, use this day to promote friendship in big and small ways. You can begin by “extending an olive branch” to a sibling or a family member, a neighbor, or an old friend who we’ve had a falling out with. If we all try just a little the world will be a friendlier, more peaceful place.

July 30 - August 1 Oz: A Staged Concert Elmwood Park, Roanoke Come join VCT in Elmwood Park for an end-of-summer musical splash! This production will be a fully staged and choreographed concert with a LIVE band featuring songs from popular broadway musicals including The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and The Wiz. This

Family • July 2021

production will take place in Elmwood Park on the Mainstage. Please bring a chair or a blanket for the performance. Friday, July 30, at 6:00pm Saturday, July 31, at 11:00am and 3:00pm Sunday, August 1, at 3:00pm Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 for 12 years and under. roanokechildrenstheatre.org

August 6-7

2021 Steppin’ Out Downtown Blacksburg The 40th Annual Steppin’ Out® festival will be held in downtown Blacksburg on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 10:00 am - 11:00 pm and Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm. The 40th Steppin’ Out® festival features artists and crafts people from around the United States selling unique handcrafted items including jewelry, pottery, textiles, metal work, basketry, stained & fused glass, yard art, fine art, furniture, toys, artisan foods and so much more! Three stages of live performances make Steppin’ Out one of this region’s premiere arts and music events. The Main Stage provides continuous live music on College Avenue and Main Street. The Acoustic Stage brings folk, contemporary, and utterly unique sounds to the festival area of Main and Lee Streets. The Community Stage showcases local and regional performers. The Community Stage is located in the National Bank

of Blacksburg Parking lot on Roanoke Street. Town of Blacksburg metered parking is all free for the two days of the festival and Blacksburg Transit will provide free shuttles to get you there without the hassles. blacksburgsteppinout.com

August 7-8 Big Lick Comic Con The Berglund Center, Roanoke Tickets will be available on the day of the shows! Join us for comic book, TV show and movie celebrations! Saturday - 10am-6pm, 10am for VIP, 11am for General Admission Sunday - 12pm-5pm, no early entry Admission Rates: Saturday - $16.00 Weekend Pass with Early Entry on Saturday- $25.00 Sunday - $16.00 BigLickComicCon.com

August 24 Harlem Globetrotters 7:00 PM | The Berglund Center, Roanoke The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game tour to over 150 cities in 2021 starting on July 21st. The Spread Game Tour is a basketball event like no other. Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks are only some of the thrill you can expect from this fully modernized show. Part streetball from the players who defined it, part interactive family entertainment, the new tour

will show off the best of the Globetrotters in a dazzling exhibition of talent and game. theberglundcenter.com

August 28 Carroll County Balloon Festival 1 PM | Carroll County AG Center Carroll County will become home of the first annual Carroll County Balloon Festival. The beautiful setting at the Carroll County Agriculture Center was selected so we may delight our spectators, balloon pilots, passengers, sponsors, and vendors. What a beautiful flying area for our pilots and passengers! For those of you who have experienced other balloon festivals in Maryland, we invite you to attend and enjoy all of our many balloon activities. For those of you who have not attended a balloon festival before, prepare to be thrilled! Admission is $20 for Adults and kids 12 and over; $5 for kids 6-12, children under 6 are free. carrollcountyballoonfestival. com

Local Fourth of July Celebrations Rocky Mount at Franklin County High School

The Rotary Club of Rocky Mount brings its popular Independence Festival back for a full, in-person event at Franklin County High’s Cy Dillon Stadium on July 2. The event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and it will feature live music by the local Harwell Grice Band. Attendees will be allowed to bring coolers and food to the event. The fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk.

Town of Buchanan

Take part in the patriotic celebrations in the Town of Buchanan in Botetourt County, which will host its annual Buchanan Parade and fireworks display on July 3. Grab a spot along Buchanan’s charming Main Street for the perfect view of the parade, which begins at 5:00 p.m. and then stick around for the fireworks show at 10:00 p.m.

Roanoke City at River’s Edge Park North The City of Roanoke’s fireworks show

will be held on Saturday, July 3 at 9:00 p.m. The fireworks will launch from River’s Edge Park North but there will not be a centralized viewing area or event. It’ll be a 15-minute firework show to celebrate Independence Day weekend.

Vinton War Memorial

The Town of Vinton in Roanoke County will host its free annual 4th of July fireworks celebration on the lawn of the Vinton War Memorial. While you’re there, be sure to snap a selfie in front of the Vinton LOVEworks art sign, which is also located in front of the War Memorial.

Salem Fair at the Salem Civic Center

As Virginia’s largest fair and an event that has been named one of the top 100 fairs and expositions in the country, the Salem Fair is a great spot to watch fireworks on the 4th of July. On Sunday, July 4, the gates open at noon and the fireworks begin at approximately 9:30.

Fincastle at Breckinridge Elementary School

Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair and snacks to celebrate Independence Day with the local community at the 2021 Fincastle Fireworks show at Breckinridge Elementary School in Botetourt County. The event will be hosted and presented by the Town of Fincastle in partnership with Master Displays LTD.

Lynchburg at Riverfront

Downtown Lynchburg Association is thrilled to announce the return of Independence Day Fireworks. The display will start just after dark approximately 9:15pm - on Friday, July 2 (rain date July 9) and will be viewable from a variety of public and private locations around downtown.

Radford City Spirit of America Celebration

Radford City’s Fourth of July carnival and celebration will take place at Bisset Park on July 4 from 1:30 PM until 9:30 pm.

Roanoke Valley Family Magazine July 2021

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