Roanoke Valley Family May 2023

Hello Summer!

VBS 2023 | JUNE 19-23

3 year - 5th Grade | 9am - 12pm | Free!

SKILLS CAMP | JULY 10 - 12

K-5th | 9am - 5pm

$99 (Scholarships are available)

OVERNIGHT CAMP | JULY 31-AUG. 5

3-5th Grade | Camp Oak Hill in Oxford, N.C.

$299 (Scholarships are available)

FIRST ROANOKE.COM/KIDS REGISTER:

Get out and about in the Valley! The weather is warm and events are back!

Summer is a time for cookouts, messy fruity desserts, and ice cold desserts. 14

Freedom First provides tips on how to overcome financial stress.

Presented by Launching Pad 30

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

Children

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

Leading Off

May is a month of growth and renewal. As the weather warms up and the flowers start to bloom, it’s a great time to reflect on our roles as parents and how we can nurture our children’s growth and development.

In this month’s issue, we’re excited to bring you articles and features that will help you navigate the joys and challenges of parenting. From practical tips for managing screen time to advice on supporting your child’s emotional well-being, we’ve got you covered.

We’re also thrilled to showcase some inspiring stories from parents who are making a difference in their communities. Whether they’re volunteering at their children’s schools or advocating for important causes, these parents are truly making a difference.

As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for future issues. We hope you find this month’s issue informative, engaging, and empowering. Happy reading!

The Eagan Family

www.parentmedia.org.

Contact 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

Sales Assistants

Ani & Evie Eagan

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

Webmaster

John Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

Contributors

Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober

Lesley Butterfield-Harrop • Sandra Pratt

Rachel Levine • Angela Evans

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.

Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at

Trying another Mountain Dew FlavorBerry Monsoon

May

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 2023 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.

Strawberry Festival

May 6-7 | Elmwood Park

Party In Elmwood STARTS MAY 18!

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

City Market Saturday

Every Saturday - 11AM-2PM | Market Square

Member One presents Mega Market Match!

Buy more fresh produce with the help of Member One!

On Mega Market Match days from 11am - 2pm, when you purchase EBT/SNAP tokens, you will receive a dollar to dollar match, up to $100 per person, once per day! That means for each $1 you purchase, you will receive an additional $1 EBT/SNAP match to use with our wonderful Historic City Market vendors. EBT/SNAP standard restrictions on purchased items are enforced.

Mega Match Days: May 13, July 15, August 12, & September 23

Visit DowntownRoanoke.org for details.

May Schedule

5/18 5/25 - Blackwater Rhythm and Blues - Legacy Motown Revue

Visit

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THEY HAVE THEIR CHILD IN THE RIGHT SEAT.

WHO THINK

THE ONES WHO ACTUALLY DO.

KNOW FOR SURE

IF YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT.

Dispelling the Myths Around Foster Care

By Holly Coates, MS UMFS Regional Director for the South and West region

May is National Foster Care month, making this the perfect time to talk about foster care, a subject that is out-of-sight, out-of-mind for most of us.

But here in Southwest Virginia, foster care is top of mind for a great many people, especially the hundreds of kids in our region – in Roanoke and Salem, in Botetourt and Franklin – who are in the state’s foster care system. They wake up many mornings not sure if they will sleep in the same place that night, if they will be in the same school, wondering if they ever will be able to settle into one place.

Foster children come in many shapes and sizes. There’s Celia,* age sixteen, who just wants to be able to spend time with her friends, get a job, and learn to drive. Brian* is eleven and wants to be on a basketball team. Alyssa* is thirteen and likes to read and wants to be a singer.

If these kids sound a lot like the ones you already know, then you recognize what so many people do not. Foster

children are like every other kid. That includes the desire to be loved, live in a stable, safe and caring home, and be treated like every other child they know.

Among the persistent myths about foster kids is that they have done something wrong. No, their only transgression was to be born into circumstances that made it unsafe for them to continue to live at home. They could be victims of abuse or neglect or live in a home struggling to make ends meet.

Foster care is not necessarily a permanent arrangement. One in two foster kids eventually returns to their primary caregivers, a decision made by a judge in coordination with social services.

Myths also persist when it comes to what it takes to become a foster parent. Did you know foster parents need not be married or own a home? In assessing their suitability, we put a priority on their maturity and capacity to provide a stable environment.

The prospect that Celia, Brian and

Alyssa and the many other foster care children in the Roanoke Valley will find foster parents has become more and more challenging. For a variety of reasons, demand for foster parents is far outpacing supply, and the myths surrounding foster care are compounding the situation.

At UMFS, one of our goals is to make the process easier. We provide training and support for foster parents, so they feel confident and ready to impact the life of a child or teenager every step of the way.

Now that you know the facts, if you are interested in exploring what it takes to be a foster parent, I encourage you to contact UMFS. We have regular sessions that explain the process, the demands….and yes, the rewards of foster parenthood.

(*the children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy)

Visit UMFS.org/foster to learn more about fostering through UMFS.

Overcoming Financial Stress

Few people are fortunate enough to have not experienced financial stress at some point in their lives. Many of us struggle with saving money, adjusting to economic challenges, and building financial security. The good news is there are solutions to improve your ability to save and create a nest egg for the future. These steps can help you overcome financial stress without getting in too deep.

Identify the Financial Challenges You Face

Write them down on paper — and make sure to list them all. Common financial challenges include the following:

• Too much debt

• Not enough savings

• No cash for emergencies

• Behind on your retirement savings

• Can’t afford to send your kids to college

• Can’t afford home maintenance expenses

• Medical bills

You may be facing more than one of these challenges. Or you could be facing a different type of financial challenge altogether. The key is to put a name to the challenge or challenges you face so that you can work toward a solution.

Work the Problem from Multiple Angles

The good news is most financial challenges that cause stress tend to have multiple solutions. The

more angles you work to solve the problem or manage your financial needs, the quicker the resolution and relief from financial stress. For instance, if you need to boost your savings, view ways to both increase your income and decrease your expenses. Some ideas include:

• Working extra hours

• Asking for a raise

• Picking up a side gig

• Eliminating expenses

• Selling off unneeded or unwanted items

• Consolidating debt to save on interest every month

Working the problem from multiple angles can yield faster results and greater financial freedom for you and your family.

Approach the Problem Realistically

One of the biggest challenges in addressing a financial problem is creating false expectations, which can leave you feeling disappointed and defeated.

The truth is (with the exception of sudden medical bills from an accident, illness, or injury) you didn’t get into your current financial situation overnight. It’s going to take months, maybe even years, of sustained effort to solve the problem and eliminate the financial stress in your life once and for all.

Be Consistent in Your Efforts

Consistency is the key. Keep making those small steps toward your financial goals. It will take time. You may even become discouraged or experience setbacks along the way.

The point is to continue moving forward, acknowledge mistakes along the way, and learn from those mistakes. But every step you take toward your ultimate goal is a step in the right direction.

Ask for Guidance

For many people, this is the most difficult part. If you aren’t sure where to begin in your efforts to get on a better financial footing, asking for help may be where you need to start. Contact Freedom First today to speak with someone on our team!

TEN Can’t-Miss Camps Summer

Camp Alta Mons

www.altamons.org

540-268-2409

Day and overnight camps for kids grades K-12. Located in Shawsville, VA, we are perfectly positioned between Roanoke and Blacksburg. We are a United Methodist Camp that seeks to provide children with great outdoor experiences to foster their love of creation, faith, and community. We offer many activities (hiking, fishing, canoeing, backpacking, archery) that our campers enjoy doing together with their family groups (units). Beautiful scenery and excellent staff!

(That you can still sign up for!)

Science Museum of Western Virginia

smwv.org

Boys & Girls • Pre K-5 (540) 342-5710

Our Summer Camps combine hands-on activities, thought-provoking challenges and passionate instructors to encourage curiosity-based learning and promote STEAM literacy. With a range of camps across many popular STEAM topics, there is a program suited for every young scientist. By using your child’s favorite STEAM topics, they engage better with the learning principals behind each activity! Register today at www.smwv.org.

Roanoke County Summer Camps

roanokecountyparks.com

Girls & Boys • All Ages (540) 387-6078

Adventure Summer Camp starts May 31st and runs through August 3rd.

Kids Square Summer Camps

www.kidssquare.org 540-342-5777

Choose from four fun, educationalthemed weeks of day camp for your little one! Campers will enjoy the Children’s Museum exhibits, crafts, activities, and outdoor entertainment. Space is limited to 15 campers per week to ensure safety, individualized attention, and lots of fun!

Camp Bethel

CampBethelVirginia.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-18 (540) 992-2940

Together with God, with each other, and with creation. When we live together in intentional Christian community, even for only one week, we gain person-to-person relationship skills to benefit our families, schools, churches, communities, and world. Hundreds of activities in resident camps, day camps, adventure camps, skills camps, and trips led by excellent counselors in a unique “small group camping” style. Trusted by thousands of Virginia families since 1927. Our year-round events, fundraisers, and facilities are open to everyone. Learn more at www.CampBethelVirginia.org.

STEAM Discovery Academy

www.steamda.com/roanoke

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12 (540) 797-2988

STEAM DA specializes in Edutainment - the blend of Education and Entertainment. SDA presents students of all ages with scientific concepts and teaches the science and deeper understanding of respective disciplines. Students apply these concepts and learn to solve challenges. SDA incorporates toys, tools, and materials into the challenges making the process active, fun, and engaging.

Honeytree Summer Camp

honeytreeelc.com

Boys & Girls • Ages 5-12

(540) 344-4543

The Hive Summer Camp at HoneyTree is for students who have completed kindergarten through age 12. A private swim club, plus special interest groups, arts and science projects, field trips, and more keep The Hive buzzing with activities each weekday. With more than 35 years of service to Roanoke Valley families, HoneyTree provides a quality program in a safe, supportive environment. Treat your youngster to one active summer— and yourself to peace of mind—at The Hive.

Mill Mountain Zoo

mmzoo.org

Boys & Girls • Ages 6-13

540-343-3241

Mill Mountain Zoo’s popular summer camps are a terrific way to introduce your child to the animal kingdom or to foster an existing interest in the feathered, furry and scaly critters we share the planet with. Each 3 day camp is designed to encourage a child’s respect and enthusiasm for the natural world through hands-on, fun and educational activities. Besides shadowing and assisting keepers, campers will experience up-close animal encounters, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, scientific explorations and OH, SO MUCH MORE! There are camps available for ages 6-13.

Mill Mountain Theatre

millmountain.org/class/

Boys & Girls • Ages 4-17

540-342-5766

Technical Theatre Camp: Behind the Scenes - July 5-8: Have you ever wondered how a play goes from the page to the stage, or wanted to learn more about what happens behind the scenes? Then this technical theatre camp is for you! Whether you have worked backstage before or are completely new to the world of technical theatre, this class will introduce you to all the basic elements of tech work, from scene and props design and building, to sound

and lighting, to costumes. Students may even get to help work on projects for MMT’s 2022 season! Don’t miss out on this fun technical theatre camp for middle & high schoolers!

GEMS - Girls EMpowered by Mountain Shepherd

AllGirlsAreGems.com

Girls Only • Middle & High School (434) 238-4094

GEMS Camp gives middle and high school girls empowering opportunities to learn survival skills, explore outdoor experiences like backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing and more. Your daughter will learn about herself while surrounded by supportive peers and positive role models. GEMS come to camp to expand their comfort zones in the outdoors and grow into courageous, confident, compassionate leaders!

Every

• 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

cheap or

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

Sunday

• Pizza Den

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

• Local Roots

5 PM -7 PM • 5 & under eat for free, discount for ages

5-7 per paid adult 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610

• T.G.I.Fridays

All Day • 12 & under 1 with paying adult 4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

• 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

Saturday

• Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal

All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400

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.

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

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.

Better Butter

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

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.

Corn on the Cob

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.

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.

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

How to keep dangerous medications safe from kids

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.

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.

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

Kitchen Fireworks

Supplies:

Glitter

Water

Dish soap

Plate or bowl

Cotton swab or toothpick

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.

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!

What’s happening?

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

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?

Be Part of a miracle

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.

Pairing good-for-you snacks with a family movie

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?

“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.”

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

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:

What you need:

•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.

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

July 10-14, 2023 | 8:30am-12:30pm

Rising K-2nd Graders

Explore Art C Camp

July 17-21, 2023 | 1:30-5:30pm

Rising 3rd-5th Graders

Explore Art Camp

July 24-28, 2023 | 8:30am-12:30pm

Rising K-2nd Graders

Clay Creations Camp

July 24-28, 2023, 1:30-5:30pm

Rising 3rd-5th Graders

Clay Creations Camp

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.

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

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 area for easy rescue case of an emergency. alert stickers

near each entrance to inform firefighters of the presence of pets in your house.

Have an emergency escape plan.

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.

Summer Reading Recommendations

back into her good graces. Her one weakness? She cannot escape the glass 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.

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

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.

Doll Bones

Rain Reign

by Ann M. Martin Grades 4 - 7

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.

When the remnants of Hurricane Susan hit

New York, her small town is devastated. 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.

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

Ship Breaker

by Paolo Bacigalupi Grades 7 and up

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.

Youth Sports Safety: Keeping kids safe while playing sports this summer

by: Steve Munsey, Carilion Clinic

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.

“Keeping kids safe is a team effort. There is nothing more important than growing healthy, happy kids,” Lucas said. A recent Safe Kids Worldwide survey found half of coaches admit to being pressured by a parent or athlete to keep an injured athlete in the game. Coaches need to be educated and supported 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:

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

• Always wear appropriate protective gear for the activity — for practice as 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 the safety rules of the sport and are trained in first aid and CPR. Also, make sure the field is in safe condition.

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

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

For more information about sports safety, call Safe Kids Roanoke at 540-2666568 or visit www.safekids.org.

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

How to Teach Kids about Emotional Intelligence

by Lesley Butterfield Harrop

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!

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.

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.

E HO M I S S I T R A E H T E ER H W

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.

Materials Needed: String Beads

Scissors

1 3

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

2

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.

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? 4

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!

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

ILEAP LAB

infant Language Environment Attention and Parenting

Department of Psychology at Virginia Tech (Williams Hall)

How toddlers match voices with faces and sounds with objects (called "multi-sensory integration"). This is a good predictor of language ability.

Why participate?

Zoom or in-person appointments at your convenience

$30 compensation at each test age

Our interest Contact us:

IRB#21-773