Roanoke Valley Family Magazine July 2022

July 2022

Volume 10 • Issue 11

Schedule an appointment for a Relationship Review today! https://go.freedomfirst.com/ffcu-relationship-review

3 Miles of Safari Roads Free-Roaming Animals to View & Feed from your Car Zebra, Bison, Elk, Rhino, Llamas, Antelope, & More!

Over 1,000 Animals with New Babies Born Every Year!

Home of the King Cheetah Budgie Adventure Aviary, Giraffe Feeding Station, Tiger Territory, & Kangaroo Walk-About.

Animal Encounters & Petting Area

@virginiasafaripark 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 (540)-291-3205

Inside July 8 Calendar of Events 24 Family Budget Basics

16 Kids Eat Free

One of our most popular sections returns!

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10 Summer Learning, Summer Fun

Choosing a Home Sized Perfect For You

Choosing a Home Sized Perfectly for You 30 Free

As you triple-check the numbers one last time, your spouse is eagerly scrolling through homes online – imagining how you’ll decorate each room and the memories you’ll create together. Realizing Range Summer you’re ready to become a homeowner is an exciting moment.

While you want nothing more than to jump in on house hunting fun, you know there is one major left – getting approved for your mortgage. It’s Home is hurdle Where the Art Is one thing the numbers Foil Frogs - presented by to therun Taubman Museum yourself - it’s another having a lender do it.

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18

The Ultimate Temptation Rachel Reads The focus of this month’s books is Moms!

36 Kid’s Activity Pages

When you ran the numbers and created your budget, you estimated you could afford a home in the $250,000 price range. Now that your lender is running the numbers, you wait nervously for their decision.

Great news - you’re pre-approved… for $375,000!

You and your spouse look at one another, eyes widening as you imagine the upgrades you can now afford.

How Much Should You Spend on a House?

First-time homebuyers often face the challenge of deciding how much to spend, especially when you’re approved for a specific dollar amount. After all, the

13

Stop the Next Shooting

Leading Off We tried to come up with something that was more powerful than this, but we simply can’t.

Be safe, hug your kids.

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Ani and Evie

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

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

Contributors

Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober Susan Baldani • Georgianne Vecellio Rachel Levine • Jacqueline Moon • Grace Partin

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

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.

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.

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

© Copyright 2021 Mofat Publishing

July

As the weather gets warmer, so do the opportunities for summer family fun! Roanoke’s local pools, family fun centers and libraries are now open!

Delta Dental Party in Elmwood: The Best Beach Party in the Valley Returns! Downtown Roanoke, Inc is excited to announce Party in Elmwood will return for 2022 bringing multiple weeks of outdoor, live music to 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.

T-Rex Trail

Now-Aug 14 | Explore Park

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Family • July 2022

Party In Elmwood

Every Thursday - 5:30-8:30 Elmwood Park

City Market Saturday

Every Saturday - 11AM-2PM | Market Square

Movies in Longwood: Ghostbusters Afterlife June 22| Longwood Park Salem

Autism Study for Teenagers

CARILION CLINIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Could your teen’s gut microbiome contribute to their struggles with irritability related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as aggression, self-injury and severe tantrums?

Researchers at Carilion Clinic are working to find out more—and participants are needed.

The study may lead to better treatment for irritability associated with ASD in teenagers.

Inclusion criteria includes: » 13 to 17 years of age » Clinically diagnosed and documented ASD » Stable therapeutic regimen for at least 30 days prior to screening visit » Not currently using antipsychotic medications

CONTACT

Bryce Lewis, M.S. 540-494-8285 or brlewis@carilionclinic.org Visit CarilionClinic.org/AutismStudy to learn more.

CarilionClinic.org/AutismStudy G430027 Print Ad for Autism Clinical Trial-RoanokeValleyFamily_8.125x10.25.indd 1

5/2/22 11:17 AM

example, Donahue says, “If kids have to use math to win a game, they more readily internalize the concept and the skill.” Any hands-on learning will work—even board games that use simple addition to calculate points.

If there are specific subjects you want to help your children learn, finding the right kind of puzzle requires a little creativity.

Here are some ideas to try: English Or Language Puzzles Word games and logic puzzles lend themselves easily to developing language and writing skills. “Puzzles can be particularly powerful in the English and Language Arts classroom because they allow students to approach words logically, mathematically, and visually, creating cross-brain connections,” explains high school English teacher and blogger, Danielle Hall. She also suggests using a game in the style of Taboo® to review characters or major themes from a book, or to help kids memorize vocabulary words.

Serious Learning,

Serious Fun

How Brainteasers, Games, and Puzzles Help Kids Learn

By Hannah Thelen Finding engaging learning opportunities that will capture a child’s attention and fight off boredom during the summer months is a constant struggle for every parent. The solution to this problem may be found nestled at the intersection between play and learning: Puzzles.

Puzzles come in many forms. Traditional jigsaw puzzles and other physical assembly puzzles, word puzzles, math puzzles, and logic puzzles have been enjoyed for generations, and exist all over the world. Regardless of what form they come in, puzzles and other thinking games offer extensive cognitive benefits while keeping kids of all ages active, engaged, and motivated to learn.

Kathleen Donahue, homeschool parent and owner of Labyrinth Games and Puzzles in Washington, D.C., facilitates after-school strategic game classes in 13 elementary schools, and knows firsthand the power of puzzles in children’s education. Donahue says that puzzles are “less intimidating than a lot of other educational instruments,” so kids have more confidence when practicing their skills. “With games, puzzles, and

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Family • July 2022

boardgames, there is an attainable solution. And if it is attainable, kids don’t give up.”

Educators like Donahue know that solving puzzles isn’t just fun. It actually exercises skills that make it easier for kids to understand and retain difficult lessons.

These include critical thinking skills, problem solving abilities, creativity, visualization, and memory.

Developing critical thinking skills is especially important, as described in a paper from American Psychologist: “We know that middle school students can make substantial improvements in problem-solving ability—even general IQ— when they are taught general principles of critical thinking.”

Puzzles require kids to create strategies in order to solve a problem, applying both prior knowledge and new information.

They also encourage kids to contemplate and compare solutions in order to achieve a goal.

Furthermore, games can be used to develop more specialized skills. For

History Or Social Science Puzzles Classic crossword puzzles, created using historical figures, events, or vocabulary, are perfect for history or social studies lessons. They can help kids connect important information given in the clues, such as “Written by James Madison in 1789” to the phrase they are trying to guess, “Bill of Rights.”

Math Puzzles Number-oriented games like chess, checkers, or the card game “ninety-nine” are great ways to exercise math skills.

Logic puzzles and math story problems are even better. Fun story problems can be found in the book One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math, which offers brief, one-page “mysteries” that can only be solved using math and logic skills. These brainteasers can be worked on individually or discussed together before revealing the answer on the next page. Ryan McAllister, Ph.D., a biophysicist at Georgetown University, said of the book, “Math often gets a bad rap for being hard and unpleasant. Mysteries, on the other hand, are fun and exciting…. Readers get to use their logic and reasoning skills while playing Sherlock Holmes!”

Science Puzzles Incorporating puzzles into a science lesson can be tricky, but fortunately the One Minute Mysteries series also offers 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science, and 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve with Science. With the same brainteaser format as the math book, these puzzles require kids to think critically and utilize

their science knowledge to find a solution. Even without specific science content, any puzzles can be used to introduce the scientific method. To solve a puzzle, kids must observe, hypothesize, test their solution, and make conclusions.

The benefits of puzzle solving don’t end with helping kids learn. Working on puzzles can also build social skills and promote positive thinking. Working together with other individuals demonstrates patience, teamwork, and listening skills. Furthermore, “Overcoming the challenges involved in solving a puzzle really gives [kids] a sense of achievement and pride within themselves,” says Janice Davis, Early Childhood Teacher and Learning 4 Kids Founder. “It provides a boost to their selfconfidence and self-esteem.”

Puzzles and games provide a rare safe environment where, Kathleen Donahue explains, “you can try them over and over again to gain mastery,” which teaches perseverance and makes a child’s success more impactful.

Regularly using puzzles to create learning lessons for your child not only helps prevent summer learning loss, but also allows them to think creatively to solve problems, process and memorize information more effectively, and gain personal skills that can be used for a lifetime.

Hannah Thelen is an editor for Platypus Media, and strongly believes in the importance of children’s education. She earned her BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green State University, and she now lives in Silver Spring, MD, where she enjoys board games and hefty books. She can be reached at Hannah@PlatypusMedia.com.

Family • July 2022

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In Memory of the lives lost in Uvalde, TX

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Family • July 2022

How to prevent the next school shooting

by Jo Coles

I

am a school psychologist, a former Marine, a survivor of gun violence and I have a concealed carry permit. I am also one of the professionals called when students experience a mental health crisis.

I believe that guns should only be carried by qualified police officers in our schools. Teachers are already assigned to gather, shelter and protect students in a crisis situation. We are qualified to provide first aid and emotional support for students in well-rehearsed lockdown situations.

When a student shows up in school with the intention of shooting fellow classmates, the system has already failed that student.

“

We should do everything we can to keep our children safe.

”

Picture this: You are a first-grade student. You are told to hide under your desk, to be quiet, as your teacher covers the windows with paper, as she turns the lights off and locks the door. No one says exactly what these drills are for, but you know. You see the pictures on the magazines and newspapers at the store, you hear the people talking on the news about school shootings.

For today’s high school students, these active shooter drills have been a part of life since they first began attending

This proposal to arm tens of thousands of teachers will only benefit gun manufacturers and will likely result in more accidents, injuries and deaths. I fear it will also make what is sometimes the only safe space in a child’s life a more hostile environment, as it changes the dynamics of the relationship between teachers and their students. We tell children to “use your words” to solve playground disputes. We want to show them a better way to problem solve than the use of force.

For some children, school is the only place where they will receive regular meals, where the heat is turned on, where there are trusted adults to talk to. Schools are frequently the only place where students receive mental health interventions. There is so much stigma regarding mental illness in our culture, and the debate around gun violence has only added to that stigma. Statistically, people with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence rather than the perpetrators of it.

school. It’s no wonder that, in the wake of yet another mass shooting, students are the ones leading a new wave of protests against government inaction on this issue.

Schoolchildren have been bearing the brunt of the inaction of our nation’s politicians throughout their lives.

We should do everything we can to keep our children safe. Some wellintentioned people are proposing that we train teachers to carry firearms on campus, so that educators may hunt an active shooter if needed. This idea, if implemented, could have disastrous consequences.

An experienced shooter can sometimes fire multiple shots per second, usually when a firearm is enhanced with a bump stock. At that rate, skilled marksmanship isn’t required to hit a moving target.

There is no outrunning this kind of firepower. There isn’t time to shoot back.

Simply put: These are weapons of war, and they are being used to target our children, often by other students.

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Family • July 2022

“

When a student shows up with the intention of shooting fellow classmates, the system has already failed.

”

A growing body of research suggests students of color and students with disabilities face significant disparities in discipline and suspensions in public schools. I fear that arming teachers will only make school an even more hostile place for these children who are already marginalized.

I work with students in crisis, who are struggling with mental health challenges or a lack of self-regulation skills. What they need is more help from those professionals trained to provide it — from the mental health professionals and their teachers, whom they see five days each week. They need curriculum that provides coping and social-emotional skills.

Rather than arming educators and school psychologists with guns, arm us with more resources to do our jobs.

I’m tired of the political gridlock around an issue that isn’t political — gun violence is a public health threat. Last year, in the wake of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, everyone from Walmart to Dick’s Sporting Goods to the Florida Legislature came to realize that there’s no reason that people under age 21 should be able to purchase semiautomatic rifles.

But not the Washington State Legislature.

Our elected officials failed to take even a single floor vote on Substitute Senate Bill 6620, which would’ve raised the age to

purchase semi-automatic rifles to 21 and strengthened the background check on those rifles — that’s already the law for handguns in our state. The school safety bill also would have added school safety measures, like funding for more campus resource officers.

Let the police and SWAT teams handle the tactical approach for disarming a student with a gun on campus. Don’t complicate it with even more firearms in our currently gun-free zoned schools. Let’s not act like an active shooting is the best place for an intervention to begin.

If Washington’s legislators can’t muster the same moral courage that major corporations are showing — to say nothing of our students — then it’s time for new legislators.

Preventing school shootings starts long before a troubled student fires a gun. It starts before a student accesses a firearm.

It starts with educators, counselors, school psychologists, peers and parents. It starts

Surrogate Mothers Needed!

Call for Information

with adults who vote for reasonable, common-sense restrictions to address the easy access of these lethal assault weapons to teens and people in crisis.

Jo Coles is a district-level school psychologist who holds dual master’s degrees from the University of Idaho in education and counseling. She is an ardent advocate for public and school safety, testifying frequently before the Washington State Legislature.

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

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

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

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540-404-9235

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Family • July 2022

• 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

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

Thursday • 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

• 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

& More!

• 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

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

• Lew’s Restaurant SW All Day • 12 and Under 2 free per paid adult Walnut Avenue, Roanoke 540-682-5925

Family • July 2022

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Rachel’s Reads

by: Rachel Levine

Books are magic. They enable us see ourselves and others with fresh eyes. It is through stories that we can learn about differences between people while also finding a deeper understanding of all we have in common with each other. Check out these marvelous books to help your children better understand themselves, their friends, and their neighbors. All these books are available at Roanoke Valley Libraries — plus, keep a look out for El Deafo by Cece Bell at Roanoke Valley Family’s Little Free Libraries around town!

Junkyard Wonders

by Patricia Polacco Children’s author and illustrator Patricia Polacco has dyslexia. She was bullied throughout her childhood for her disability, but found true friends and mentors along the way. Junkyard Wonders is the true story of her special education class (cruelly called “the junkyard” by other children) and their teacher, Mrs. Peterson. Mrs. Peterson sees the incredible potential in each child and inspires them to reach for the moon. Patricia and her friends rise to the challenge and do something truly incredible together. This powerful book does deal with bullying and the death of one of Patricia’s dear friends, and is probably best for upper elementary students.

Not So Different

by Shane Burcaw Not So Different is an incredible book by YouTuber Shane Burcaw about living with spinal muscular atrophy. Shane writes with such openness that reading his book feels like having a conversation with a good friend. His sense of humor carries through as he talks about the challenges he faces while still living a fun and full life. When you’re done reading, you are going to wish you could hang out with Shane in real life!

A Friend for Henry

by Jenn Bailey A Friend for Henry tells the tale of Henry’s search for a friend. Henry has autism and is looking for a friend he’s comfortable with. Sometimes he has a hard time understanding how other kids act, and sometimes other kids have a hard time understanding the things he does.

Eventually, Henry finds Kate. Kate and Henry have different likes and dislikes, but together they find common ground and friendship.

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Family • July 2022

El Deafo

by Cece Bell El Deafo is a Newberry Award-winning graphic novel based on Cece Bell’s experiences growing up deaf in the Roanoke Valley. Cece discusses feeling alone, the pain of being treated differently than other people, and her search for one good friend. The hearing people in Cece’s life often hurt her feelings with misguided attempts to be helpful.

Cece copes with these challenges by imagining herself as El Deafo, a superhero with amazing secret powers.

Emmanuel’s Dream

by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls Emanuel Ofosu Yeboah is a passionate disability activist in Ghana. Authors Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls tell Emmanuel’s courageous tale in Emmanuel’s Dream.

Emmanuel was born with one leg, but he taught himself to play soccer and even ride a bike. He rode his bike all the way around Ghana to raise awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities. His work eventually led to the passing of the Persons with Disability Act in Ghana in 2006, which granted equal rights to Ghanaians with physical disabilities.

Need a Book? Take a Book. Have a Book? Leave a Book.

Roanoke Ballet Theatre 1318 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke Launching Pad 1300 Intervale Dr, Salem LewisGale Medical Center 1900 Electric Rd, Salem

Amtrak Station Downtown Roanoke Kirk Family YMCA Lower Entrance Downtown Roanoke Roanoke Main Post Office 419 Rutherord Ave, Roanoke Bounce Roanoke 3424 Orange Ave, Roanoke

Smart Beginnings/United Way 325 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke Prestige Gymnastics 2726 Lee Hwy, Troutville CHIP Roanoke 1201 3rd Street SW, Roanoke

Family • July 2022

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Choosing a Home Sized Perfectly for You As you triple-check the numbers one last time, your spouse is eagerly scrolling through homes online – imagining how you’ll decorate each room and the memories you’ll create together. Realizing you’re ready to become a homeowner is an exciting moment.

While you want nothing more than to jump in on house hunting fun, you know there is one major hurdle left – getting approved for your mortgage. It’s one thing to run the numbers yourself - it’s another having a lender do it.

The Ultimate Temptation

When you ran the numbers and created your budget, you estimated you could afford a home in the $250,000 price range. Now that your lender is running the numbers, you wait nervously for their decision.

Great news - you’re pre-approved… for $375,000!

You and your spouse look at one another, eyes widening as you imagine the upgrades you can now afford.

How Much Should You Spend on a House?

First-time homebuyers often face the challenge of deciding how much to spend, especially when you’re approved for a specific dollar amount. After all, the

lender says you can afford a $375,000 home, so it must be true, right?

Not exactly. When a lender reviews your finances, they look at your current income, debts, and living expenses.

Downsides of Buying Too Much House It’s pretty easy to buy more house than you need. Even if a larger home does fit neatly into your price range, it can bring about additional expenses you hadn’t considered.

• Higher Costs While you may be able to afford the higher monthly mortgage payment, a larger home brings additional costs that will eat into your budget. Your utilities will be higher, the house will cost more to insure, and your property taxes will be greater. These additional costs may force you to cut back on your savings plans and vacations and limit how much you can spend on your hobbies.

• Maintenance A larger home requires more upkeep and maintenance. For example, many homes above 3,000 sq. ft. require two AC units to keep the property cool.

In addition to the extra cost of two units, that can also double your chances of needing AC repairs.

• Furnishings If you’re moving from an apartment or smaller space,

you’ll likely need to buy more furniture. Trying to furnish your new home all at once can become a costly endeavor. Instead, create a plan to decorate your home slowly – focusing on the most important rooms first.

• Future Upgrades While you may not be thinking about upgrading your home right away, chances are you’ll eventually need to do repairs or upgrades. Some of these costs can depend directly on the size of your home.

For example, if you need to replace the carpets or flooring in your house, a higher square footage home will be much more expensive.

Buying too much house is a common first-time homebuyer mistake. It can be exciting to see that you are approved for a larger home loan than you originally planned. And very tempting to utilize your full approval amount.

But it’s wise to sit down and create a realistic budget.

Be sure to factor in your lifestyle expenses and your future plans. If you view this house more as a starter home, you might want to be more frugal so that you can focus on building your savings as well.

However, it’s important to buy a home based on your needs and a realistic monthly budget. Take your time and find the place that’s right for you – and you’ll be happy with your purchase regardless of size.

Our Mortgage Experts are Here for You Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or refinance your current mortgage, our local experts will help you find the right financing to make it happen. Contact us today to get started.

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A lot of learning happens in the first five years.

Text UWROANOKE to 274448

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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.

Celebrate without Fear

Fireworks can be really scary for kids, but we want them to be able to enjoy the pretty show. Use these tricks to make fireworks less scary for kids! by: Tara Prest Summer. Fourth of July. Independence Day. Cookouts, parades, flags, and fireworks. This is definitely a holiday to celebrate. As parents, we are so excited to share these moments with our children — and we should!

However, it is very easy to forget to see these party traditions through the eyes of a small child. Bright lights, fire, and loud noises typically trigger fight-or-flight responses in children (and pets — and some adults). While it is great to share these holiday rites of passage with our kids, there are a few things we can do to make the experience a little less frightening!

Bring comforts.

Talk about fireworks ahead of time.

Use earplugs/ear protectors.

No one likes surprises in the form of loud BOOMS and explosions.

Talk about what fireworks are and what they look like. Find a video of some fireworks. Read a book about fireworks. Explain that special people (such as firemen) learn how to use fireworks safely.

Sit a good distance away from the ground show.

Fireworks are extra scary when they are close. Kids can see the ground show when they are older. For younger children, the farther away the better until they’re comfortable with the experience.

A comfy lawn blanket , an extra blanket if it gets chilly, maybe a comfy pillow. Does your child have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal?

Bring anything (within reason) that he or she uses as a comfort measure.

A glowing stuffed animal or light-up toy would be fun. You could also stop at the dollar store for some glowing necklaces, bracelets, etc. to get the kids excited — and save a bunch of money since there is a huge markup on these items at the show.

They may be your best friend at the fireworks. Even as an adult, I find some of the louder BOOMS interfere with my enjoyment of the show. By minimizing the loud noises, your child may be able to enjoy the pretty lights in the sky. It is usually the noise that scares kids, not the fireworks themselves. You can buy special noise-reducing earphones or earmuffs for kids. They are used in loud situations (such as car races, concerts, and sporting events). They come in different sizes to fit just about anyone.

Have an escape plan.

When your little one is overwhelmed and wants to leave, you want to get out of there quickly. Escape may not be easy through crowds of people.

Try to pick a viewing location that allows for a quick exit if needed. Be aware of your surroundings and take a survey of your location to plan a quick getaway!

Leave when your child needs to.

If your child doesn’t like the fireworks after a few minutes, chances are that the experience is not going to grow on him tonight.

Take your planned escape and get him to the car. When he is calm, you can talk about why he was scared and plan better for next time. It may just be that your child is not yet ready for the experience, and that happens at different times for each unique kid.

Reassure her that everything is okay and you can try again another time if she wants to. There will always be another fireworks show.

Tara Prest is a parenting blogger (check out her website, livinginhappyplace.com!) and mom of three kids under five who all love to sing, dance, craft, and be silly.

In

your Words

What is your family's Independence Day tradition?

“

We go to the beach every year with our family and always watch fireworks on the beach!

-Maggie Fazio

As a kid, I used to live near the #2 fire station. We would always grab a blanket and sit next to the station and watch all three (Salem, Roanoke, and Vinton) fireworks shows.

Plus, the firefighters always came and hung out with us.

-Shaena Leigh Rausch

Cookout with the family, and then to River’s Edge for fireworks.

-Heather C. Wiggins

Riding our bikes on the greenway to River’s Edge to watch fireworks!

-Josh Eagan (our publisher!)

”

Talking to kids

About Drugs

by Susan Baldani

In order to reduce the likelihood of drug abuse, start talking to your kids about the dangers of drugs while they’re young. Waiting until the teenage years may be too late.

“I have been talking to my children about drugs since they were four and five years old,” said Christine Scally, a social worker and mother of two teenage boys, ages 17 and 18, from New Jersey. “We’ve always been very matter-of-fact about it. Because of what I do for a living, the kids know that I have firsthand knowledge of what can go wrong when someone makes a bad choice. We kept it simple initially and focused on how drugs are bad for your body and can cause you to put yourself in harm’s way.”

With young children, start with conversations about how good it feels when we take care of our bodies by doing things like eating right and getting a good night’s sleep. Discuss how this allows them to play and have fun because they are healthy.

As they get a little older, expand the discussion and talk about things that can make them sick, such as poisons and other harmful substances. This can then lead into a discussion about drugs and how they can affect our bodies in a bad way. Keep things simple at first.

“Let them know, for instance, that being high on alcohol or drugs makes it harder to play ball, finish a puzzle, or do other things they enjoy,” said Laura

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them, allowing somebody in your car with drugs on them, driving under the influence and hurting somebody else, and how that could impact your life,” said Scally.

Make sure you know what the different drugs are and their effects, as well as other names they may go by. A great resource is the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens (teens.drugabuse.gov/drugfacts), which gives street names of various drugs and comprehensive information on each one.

Broadwell, a health writer for Parents and other magazines.

seniors saying they do not view regular marijuana smoking as very harmful.”

One of the hot topics right now is marijuana. Kids may be hearing multiple points of view on whether it should be legalized or not, but parents need to stress that just because it’s legal for some adults in some states, that doesn’t mean it’s okay for children to use.

When speaking about the dangers of drugs, stick with the facts and focus on the present. Children and teens are more interested in how things will affect them today, not years from now. Explain the dangers of marijuana and other drugs, such as learning, attention, and memory problems, poor coordination and motor skills, loss of motivation, sleep issues, and poor judgment. All of these can lead to problems in school, as well as in their personal lives.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2018, “About ten percent of eighth graders, twenty-six percent of tenth graders, and thirty-seven percent of twelfth graders reported using marijuana in the last year. At the same time, teens are developing more positive attitudes about using marijuana, with seventy-one percent of high school

26

Family • July 2022

“As they got older, I got much more specific about the ripple effects of doing drugs and, for example, getting pulled over by the police, being in a car with somebody who has drugs on

Teens often use drugs not only to fit in with their peers, but to also to ward off feelings of boredom, anxiety, and depression. Let them know there are alternatives for handling these issues. If they are bored, get them involved in a sport they like or another hobby that will occupy their time. For anxiety and depression, have them speak with a professional who can teach them how to cope with their feelings in a healthier, more positive way.

Be clear on your stand against drug use, and keep in mind that children learn from watching, not just listening.

According to the NIDA, “Parents, grandparents, and older siblings are models that children follow, and research suggests that family members’ use of alcohol and drugs plays a strong role in whether a young person starts using drugs.”

Also, help your child learn how to say no to drugs. “Kids who don’t know how to respond when offered alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, or who don’t know how to get out of sticky

situations, are more likely to give in to peer pressure.

Act out some real-life situations with your child and brainstorm solutions for what she can say,” said Broadwell.

Kids who don’t know how to respond when offered alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs, or who don’t know how to get out of sticky situations, are more likely to give in to peer pressure.

Of course, children need to know that some people take medications for their health, so help them understand the difference between legal and illegal drugs. Explain that certain drugs, such as Ritalin and Xanax, are legal when prescribed by a doctor for a medical reason. While these are some of the same drugs sold on the street, when taken responsibly under a doctor’s supervision, they help people cope with medical conditions.

“Make sure your child knows your rules about drug use and the consequences if they’re broken. Kids this age can understand the reason for rules and appreciate having limits in place (whether or not they’ll admit it!). What’s more, research shows that children are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs if their parents have established a pattern of setting clear rules and consequences for breaking them,” said Broadwell.

Make your children feel comfortable and respected during these conversations.

They will then be more

likely to come to you when faced with difficult situations.

Drugs & Kids By the 8th grade:

28%

adolescents have consumed alcohol

15%

have smoked cigarettes

16.5%

have used marijuana

50%

high school seniors do not think it’s harmful to try crack or cocaine once or twice

40%

believe it’s not harmful to use heroin once or twice.

60%

High school seniors don’t see regular marijana use as harmful

6 P M • S AT U R D AY O C T O B E R 2 1 S T TAU B M A N M U SE U M PRESENTED BY:

Family • July 2022

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Kid-Made Pizza From Scratch!

Ingredients: For the dough:

For the pizza:

2 cups white whole wheat flour 1 packet instant yeast 1 ½ teaspoons sugar ¾ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon dried oregano 2 tablespoons oil (I use avocado oil) ¾ cup warm water (not too hot, or you can kill the yeast!)

Prepared pizza dough Store-bought pizza sauce 1 red bell pepper, sliced Sliced black olives

Low-fat organic mozzarella cheese

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Family • July 2022

How To Make the Dough

2022 Mill Mountain Theatre Presents

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of the flour together with yeast, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, and salt.

Step 2: Add the oil and the warm water. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture until there aren’t any clumps left.

Step 3: Add the second cup of flour. Stir until you can’t anymore, and then use your hands to mix the dough. If it’s really sticky, add a tablespoon more flour at a time until it’s just slightly sticky.

Step 4: Drizzle another large bowl with oil, making sure to cover the sides. Make the dough into a ball shape and put it in the oiled bowl.

Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 425F.

Putting the Pizza Together

Step 1: After the dough has risen for 30 minutes, take off the plastic wrap and punch the dough down with your fist.

Step 2: Sprinkle flour on a cutting board, and then move the dough from the bowl to the floured cutting board.

T ou ri n g t he R oan ok e Val le y

Step 3: Knead the dough with your hands for 1 minute. (Fold it on top of itself, press it down, fold it again, press it down, etc.)

Step 4: Move the dough to a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Push the dough into a circle (or an oval, or an amoeba!), about 12” wide, with your hands or a rolling pin.

Step 5: Use a fork to poke holes all over the dough. This is so no bubbles will form while the pizza cooks.

Step 6: Drizzle some oil on the dough and spread it around.

Al l tic k ets are ' Pay What Y ou Can ' at the d o o r Vis it mil lm ou n tai n. or g fo r m or e in f o

2022 Mill Mountain Theatre Presents

THE WILDCATS ARE IN THE HOUSE

Step 7: Spread pizza sauce all over the dough, except for the edges.

Step 8: Add the sliced bell peppers and the black olives.

Step 9: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all over the pizza.

Step 10: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 13 minutes (or until the crust is just starting to turn brown). Slice it, serve it, and eat it!

July 28 - August 7 On the Trinkle MainStage Fo r T i cke ts C al l 5 4 0.3 4 2 .5 7 4 0 o r v isit mi llm o unt a in .o r g

Disney's High School Musical One-Act Edition Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Family • July 2022

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Family • July 2022

Free-Range Summers

by Becky Mushko

I

n the 1950s when I was young, the term “free-range kids” wasn’t used, but that’s indeed what we were in my Williamson Road neighborhood.

We played outside, we explored our neighborhood, and we entertained ourselves — especially in summer.

“No more pencils, no more books! No more teacher’s dirty looks!” my friends and I chanted in early June as we walked home from Huff Lane School on the last day. We’d be free of educational obligations for three whole months.

We didn’t go cold turkey (a term that hadn’t been thought of in those days). For a week in June, we usually attended Bible School — which was a little like school but without homework or tests. Although I wasn’t a member of Grace Methodist Church, my friend Martha was, so I went with her.

I don’t remember any parental involvement — we kids walked a few blocks to the corner of Floraland and Williamson where the church was, showed up, and were admitted to a class in

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an old house that used to be behind the church. After a morning of singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” “Jesus Loves Me,” and other songs that everyone knew, we worked on craft projects and had a snack — usually cookies and Kool-Aid. We were back home in time for lunch.

When it was too hot to play in the sun, we might lounge on an old quilt and read comics book in the shade or stay inside and read books.

Sometimes we’d ride our bikes to Huff Lane School to play unsupervised on the playground.

Usually, we’d take a piece of wax paper to slick up the slide so we’d go down really fast.

We’d swing as high as we dared, and then we’d climb on the monkey bars — which some called a jungle gym — without anyone to tell us how high we could climb or how long we could hang by our knees.

During the school year, girls weren’t allowed to climb high because we wore dresses and boys might see our underpants. But wearing our shorts in summer allowed us to climb as high as we wanted. From the top, we could get a good view of the Huff Farm next door. I don’t remember anyone ever falling onto the asphalt below.

Our bikes gave us the freedom to explore, too. When we were six or seven, we usually ventured no more than two or three blocks from home.

Most folks in that area knew who we were or where we belonged, so we could always stop for help if needed.

Since most women didn’t go to work, housewives would be home to no doubt keep a watchful eye on us as we passed by. I don’t remember ever needing help, though.

At eight or nine, we’d go farther. If we had a dime, we could ride the shady back streets to Hardies — a combination gas station/convenience store — on Williamson Road for a Coke or an ice cream bar. If we had any empty soft-drink bottles, we could turn them in for a refund. I think it was 2¢ a bottle.

By the time we were ten, we’d ride to Evans Drug Store near the intersection of Hershberger Road and

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Williamson. Of course, Hershberger didn’t have nearly the traffic it does today, so it was easy to cross, and what would become Crossroads Mall was then a cow pasture. Evans Drug Store was my main source for comic books when I was ten, and a few years later my source for movie magazines. When I was twelve, I bought my first Revlon lipstick there.

We didn’t always ride bikes. On Saturdays, we’d walk a mile along Williamson Road to the Lee Theater for the Kiddie Show, which cost a quarter. The main movie was usually a western, but there was also a serial (usually Tarzan), and a couple of cartoons. I don’t remember any parents attending with their kids.

If we didn’t go to the Kiddie Show, we’d spend an entire Saturday morning watching TV because the shows were geared to kids. There were cartoons, but I’ve forgotten which ones. I remember Sky King was a western with an airplane, and Fury was kind of a modern western about a boy and his horse.

I loved horses, so I rarely missed a western. Rinky Dink and You was an interactive show, in which viewers could attach a plastic cover to the TV screen and use special crayons to draw objects to help Rinky Dink achieve his goal. A voice-over would tell us what crayon to use and what to draw: “Use the black crayon to draw a bridge so Rinky can cross the river.” Mr. Wizard introduced us to science experiments and told us what to eat for breakfast: “Fruit, cereal, milk, bread, and butter.” Prior to Mr. Wizard, we’d always eaten eggs and bacon or sausage for breakfast, but afterward, we demanded the cereal that sponsored the show.

We played outside games during the summer — tag, hide and seek, croquet, badminton. Hide and seek was especially fun in the dark.

Since everyone had a cap gun, we might play cowboys and Indians, which wasn’t considered politically incorrect in those days. None of us

had ever met a real Native American, but we were familiar with cowboys from all the Westerns on TV. Just about everybody watched Gunsmoke, Hopalong Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Lone Ranger, Have Gun Will Travel, and others. I don’t remember any organized sports. If we needed a team to play a game, we formed teams with whoever was playing outside at the time. We kept cool by soaking in a wading pool in the backyard. When it was too hot to play in the sun, we might lounge on an old quilt and read comics book in the shade or stay inside and read books.

Parents almost never supervised our outdoor recreation. Once in a while, a parent might take a carload of kids to Lakeside or Tinkerbell swimming pool, but in the neighborhood we were pretty much on our own. I don’t remember any fights breaking out, and arguments were usually settled quickly — a little name-calling and maybe a few thrown rocks was the extent of it.

Once a week or so, we might accompany our mothers on their shopping trips. This involved a bus ride to downtown, so we’d have to

dress up — no shorts and sneakers! My mama would always buy some canned goods from the A&P at the edge of the market, fresh meat from one of the butchers in the market building, and some fresh vegetables from the outside vendors. When she had two shopping bags full, it was time to catch the bus for home. Once in a while, we might first take in a western movie at the Rialto Theater near the market or shop in the dime stores a block or two up Campbell Avenue.

On some Sundays, Mama and I would ride the bus to Grandma’s house in Rugby, where my cousins and I played outside while the grown-ups stayed inside and talked. Grandma’s big front yard was perfect for games that involved running or required us to spread out. We played Red Light-Green Light, Mother May I, Old Gramma Hippy-Toe, and London Bridge Is Falling Down. We sometimes explored the Watts farm next door, taking care to keep our distance from the resident bull. Sometimes we’d go down the hill past Grandma’s big garden to Lick Run Creek, where we might wade or look for minnows. Sometimes, we’d just sit on the bridge and watch the

water as it flowed toward 10th Street.

Once, when I was five, I leaned a little too far over and fell in. My nine-yearold cousin reached down and pulled me out. By the time we climbed the hill back to Grandma’s house, I was halfway dry.

Looking back, I’m glad we didn’t have computers, tablets, and video games that would’ve kept us inside and isolated. I’m glad that instead of virtual reality, we had real reality — playing games with real people, running across real fields, riding bikes to real places, and even falling into real creeks. The 1950s was a great time to be a free-range kid.

Becky Mushko grew up in Roanoke and taught in Roanoke public schools from 1971 until 1997. She blogs about her life at peevishpen.blogspot. com and about her Nace ancestors at nacelithia.blogspot.com. Her website is beckymushko. com.

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Let’s Talk About

DOWN SYNDROME by: Jamie Lober The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that about one in every 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, which makes it the most common chromosomal condition. Sometimes referred to as trisomy 21, Down syndrome is the result of an error in cell division during the early stage of fetal development. According to the National Institutes of Health, Down syndrome is not inherited. People should have two copies of the 21st chromosome, whereas those with Down syndrome have an extra full or partial copy. It is the additional genetic material that changes the way the person with Down syndrome develops and appears. Unfortunately, the cause remains unknown, and Down syndrome does not discriminate — though higher maternal age increases the chance.

Down syndrome is marked by distinct facial features, developmental delays, and below-average intelligence, and can be linked to thyroid or heart issues. The National Down Syndrome Society lists physical traits of Down syndrome, such as low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm — although every person with Down syndrome is unique and does not possess all of these traits.

Sometimes it can help to prepare by finding out if your baby will have Down syndrome through prenatal screenings and diagnostic tests. While they may not give a definitive answer, the screening can reveal probability.

The majority of screenings involve a blood test and ultrasound. The only way to know for certain is by having an amniocentesis during the second trimester. If you wait until the birth, the physical characteristics of the baby can be an indicator. However, a chromosomal analysis called a karyotype will be able to confirm the diagnosis.

It is possible to lead a happy, healthy life with Down syndrome. Kids with Down syndrome are integrated in schools, workplaces, and recreational activities. They have special interests and their own personalities, just like any other child. In the school setting, you can create an individualized education plan where a child with Down syndrome can be in a regular classroom and receive accommodations such as extra time to complete his work. Early intervention is the key.

Services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy can be immensely beneficial as the child grows and develops. The Down Syndrome Association in Virginia states that their mission is to ensure all individuals with Down syndrome and their families receive the support necessary to participate in, contribute to, and achieve fulfillment of life in their communities.

Special Olympics Virginia has been recognized for decades as an ally to those with Down syndrome. Special Olympics Virginia states that they are a social movement built on inclusion, where every single person is accepted and welcomed regardless of ability or

disability. Their year-round programs help kids develop new interests, build greater self-confidence, form new friendships, and increase athletic ability. They are always looking for athletes, coaches, and volunteers.

One of the best things you can do for your child is be an advocate.

Keep the dialogue open with her teachers, activity directors, and other community resources that help her thrive. The future remains bright for those affected by Down syndrome.

There is a new NIH initiative called INCLUDE (Investigation of Co-occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndrome). It was launched in 2018 and has continued to try to find out more about critical health and quality of life needs, with the goal of making new scientific discoveries to improve health, wellbeing, and neurodevelopment of kids with Down syndrome, as well as focus on their risk and resilience to common diseases they share with those who do not have Down syndrome.

It is important to stay educated, communicate with your healthcare provider, and be your child’s biggest cheerleader so he can shine.

Giving Your Brain a Boost

by Jamie Lober

One of the best ways to prevent risk for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease is to give your stroke are significant initiatives you brain a boost. While this sounds like can take for your health. You want to hard work, it can actually be fun to pay special attention to obesity, high incorporate some of the strategies blood pressure, and diabetes because into your daily life. “There is research they can all have a negative impact on that shows there are absolutely things your cognitive health. When you take you can do to lessen your chance good care of your heart, your brain will of dementia or make it come later likely follow. in life than it would otherwise,” said Mary Sandridge, director of Put safety first. Sandridge said, “Brain communications and marketing for injury can raise your risk of cognitive the Central and Western decline and dementia, Virginia Chapter of the so you should wear a There is Alzheimer’s Association in seat belt, use a helmet research that Roanoke. While you are when playing contact preventing Alzheimer’s, sports or riding a shows there you’re helping your bike, and take steps are absolutely to prevent falls.” You general wellbeing at the same time. “We’re want to talk to things you can may currently involved in your doctor about tips funding a study at Wake for fall-proofing your do to lessen Forest University and as well as what your chance of home, University of California a healthy diet would called the U.S. Pointer entail that is low in dementia Study, which is changing fat and high in fruits lifestyle factors such as and vegetables. Some diet, exercise, and social studies show that the interaction to lessen the occurrence of Mediterranean and Mediterraneandementia,” said Sandridge.

DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets can contribute to Remember that it’s never too late or risk reduction. too soon to add healthy habits into your life. Getting moving is an easy Get a good night’s sleep. Not getting way to begin. “Engage in regular enough sleep can lead to problems cardiovascular exercise that elevates with memory and thinking. Keeping your heart rate and increases blood the same sleep and wake time is one flow to the brain and body,” Sandridge helpful strategy, as is creating a cool, said. This prevents cognitive decline. calm environment for sleep. Manage Lifelong learning is another wonderful stress as best you can, as studies link way to keep your mind active. There a history of depression with increased are classes you can take at Virginia risk of cognitive decline. If you have Western, a Roanoke parks and rec depression, anxiety, or other mental community center, or even online in health concerns, there are treatments the comfort of your own home. Being out there and you should talk the issue a nonsmoker and taking charge of the over with your doctor. There is no

reason to struggle in silence. “Staying socially engaged may support brain health, so you should pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. If you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter,” said Sandridge.

Keep your brain stimulated. “Build a piece of furniture, complete a jigsaw puzzle, do something artistic, or play a strategy game, because challenging your mind may have short and longterm benefits for your brain,” said Sandridge. Any health issue like high blood pressure needs to be under control. “Studies show that aggressive treatment of high systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in your blood pressure reading that reflects the levels of pressure on your arteries, reduces the risk of MCI, or Mild Cognitive Impairment,” she said. Make an effort to get screenings as recommended, and know your numbers.

Pay attention to yourself and loved ones. “We are focusing on conversations. When you notice something is not right with a family member, you should talk about it, because early diagnosis is advantageous for a lot of reasons,” said Sandridge. It will also put your mind at ease to no longer wonder what might be wrong. Some people even choose to be a part of Alzheimer’s research with the hope that they’ll protect future generations against the disease. By spreading the word about actions families can take, our community can take a strong stand against Alzheimer’s disease.

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Family • July 2022

Match the Shadows

www.halesmusicschool.com 902 S. College Avenue, Salem Family • July 2022

37

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

O E M H

THIS MONTH:

Foil Frog Sculptures

Bring the Taubman Museum of Art to you with this fun activity inspired by the exhibition Outside Eyes: New Perspectives on the Collection, on view through December 26, 2021.

The exhibition includes this photograph by Lawrence Beck, which features a pond full of water lilies. A water lily is a plant that grows in water and frogs can often be found sitting on the waxy leaves that are called lily pads. The large leaves keep them hidden from predators in the water such as fish and snakes. Make your own frog sculpture with just a few materials!

Materials Needed: Aluminum foil 3 pipe cleaners Scissors 2 googly eyes Glue or tape

1

Crumple up a large piece of foil to create the frog’s body. Wrap the 3 pipe cleaners in foil.

2

Take a pipe cleaner and insert it into one side of the body to create a back leg. Insert another pipe cleaner on the opposite side.

3

Cut the third pipe cleaner in half and insert each half into the body to create the front legs.

4

Carefully bend all the pipe cleaners to complete the legs and webbed feet. Glue on two googly eyes.

5

Optional: Draw a lily pad for your frog to sit on!

RIB BIT

FUN FACT These sparkling lilies are made from gemstones, gold wire, and crystals! The artist, Mindy Lam, was inspired by Lawrence Beck’s photograph above. You can see these and many more in the popup exhibition Opulence and Fantasy: Couture Gowns and Jewelry of Mindy Lam through June 13, 2021.

Above: Lawrence Beck (American, born 1962), Sterling Forest Water Lily I, 2007, C-print photograph, mounted on aluminum, Taubman Museum of Art, Gift of Mitchell Kaneff, 2018.004; Left: Mindy Lam, Lotus Dream #1-#6, Peridot, citrine, watermelon tourmaline, 14kt. gold-filled wire, Swarovski crystals, assorted vintage brooches, Courtesy of the Artist; Photos by Boyd Pearman Photography

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

Free General Admission sponsored in part by

RVFM_FrogSculpture.indd 1

5/18/21 3:30 PM

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WIC helps families by providing:

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WIC food benefits that can be used at the grocery store

For more information call

1-888-942-3663 or apply online at myvawic.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Referrals to local health and community organizations

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“The beauty of the relationship that our distillery has with Freedom First is, at any given time, if we have a problem or concern, it’s just a phone call or text or email and it’s resolved,” said Brady. “It’s reassurance that whatever it is we need, they’ll get it squared away for us.”

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