Roanoke Valley Family Magazine May 2019 by Roanoke Valley Family Magazine

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9 • MAY 2019 | VIRGINIAFAMILY.COM

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Publisher’s Note

Leading Off It has finally happened! We have GROWN UP. After 7 years, 72 Issues, and over 750,000 printed copies, Growing Up In the Valley has GROWN UP - Into Roanoke Valley Family Magazine! When my wife and I started this magazine just over seven years ago, we set out to help the parents in the Roanoke Valley—young parents, parents of kids age zero to seven— learn more about what our region had to offer. After all, those are the kinds of parents we were at the time. As new parents, we needed a resource we could turn to so our family knew what to do, where to go, and with whom to spend our hard-earned money. Our magazine staff has always heard from our partners throughout the community, that our audience skews to the parents of younger kids. And while that is partially true, we have noticed that our readership has continued to grow with parents of older kids, too, and we have made a concerted effort to include more content geared toward these parents. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if your children are infants or teenagers—we are all raising a FAMILY. At the same time, after these past seven years, our own kids—who were just five and six at the time of the magazine’s inception— are now not a part of the target audience

we set out to reach back then. My oldest is starting high school in the fall, and my youngest is not far behind, heading to eighth grade. When my wife and I sat down and discussed the magazine’s future, we realized it was time to make sure that families stick with us from birth through the teen years. Our family had GROWN out of our core audience from seven years ago, and we realized many of our readers’ children had grown, as well. We wanted to make sure we were a part of each and every FAMILY as they continued to GROW UP in the Roanoke Valley, whether they were new parents, were preparing their children for kindergarten, or were the parents of teenagers. Additionally, as the Roanoke Valley continues to GROW, many new families are moving in to the area. In the cities from which the newcomers are moving, there is often a parenting publication called “Parents” or “Family.” If our magazine had a similar name, we decided, that would make it easier for these new neighbors to find us! Rest assured, we are not changing who we are or what we do. We will continue to provide great local content, info, and more. In fact, it’s our goal to become even more community-minded and locally focused over the next year. With the exit of local community publications like The Roanoke Star and the Roanoke Times’ weekly local Proud Members of the Parenting Media Association since 2013! Learn more at www.parentmedia.org.

Co n t a c t U s: 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

Community Relations Director

Submit Your Ideas

Jeanne Lawrence

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

Editor

Jacqueline Moon

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

Sales Executive - Roanoke Betsy Day

betsy@virginiafamily.com • Hayden and Brady’s Mom

Sales Executive - Lynchburg Sara Hodnett

sara@virginiafamily.com

Sales Assistants Ani & Evie Eagan

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

WebmasterJohn Morris • COV Designs john@covdesigns.com

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika, and Evelyn

Read Our Other Publications

Contributors

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

Tracy Fisher

So, thanks being for being a part of our FAMILY. We are glad to call the Roanoke Valley home, and we look forward to what the future holds for Roanoke Valley Family Magazine!

Erica Corder • Kimberly Emory • Jamie Lober Sandra Pratt • Michelle Holling-Brooks • Georgianne Vecellio Rachel Levine • Jacqueline Moon • Susan Baldani

Creative Director

newspapers, there is an obvious need for such content, and we intend to be there covering local school news, youth sports, and more.

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

Connect With Us

/growingupinthevalley

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

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Homemade Shortcakes

Strawberry Treats

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 10:00AM-5:30PM SATURDAY, MAY 4, 10:00AM-4:00PM ELMWOOD PARK • ROANOKE, VA Enjoy the festival Friday and Saturday! Friday Shortcakes-to-You Delivered to your home or office Saturday Kids Games • Arts & Crafts • Live Music Purchase Your Treats Online Now and Save!

All Proceeds benefit Community School

StrawberryFestivalRoanoke.org

FREE FUN WITH THE

PRE-K PASS Kids ages 3-5 enjoy free admission all season in 2019 with a FREE Pre-K Pass, which includes family favorites like Soak City, Great Pumpkin Fest and WinterFest. Register online at kingsdominion.com by May 27 and visit the park before June 23 to activate.

May 2019 12

Seven Can’t-Miss Summer Camps You can still sign up for these amazing local summer camps!

Power of Creating

A hidden nonprofit gem in Roanoke.

41 38

Over The Edge

Could you take the leap to support Big Brothers Big Sisters?

How to Adult Tips on helping your teenager grow to be a responsible adult.

Teaching Children Financial Literacy Your child needs to learn bank skills, how to budget, and the value of a dollar earned.

Screens & Teens

Teenage screen time means a lot more than it did when they were toddlers.

Senior Fall Prevention Falling is a huge risk to a senior’s health and safety.

In Every Issue: 11 Restroom Review 58 Minimalist Mom 20 Science Experiment for Kids

New teen driver, Summer English of Elliston, catches keys from mom Leslie English.

54 Rachel’s Reads: Book Reviews 46 Family Event Calendar 56 Kids Eat Free Guide

Word on the Street

New Mountain Bike Trail Opened A new mountain-biking trail was added to Morningside Park on April 25. Located in a wooded area behind the Boys and Girls Club, the new trail is part of a revitalization effort at the park and is beginner-friendly. It took 800 volunteer hours and several dump-truck-loads full of trash, but now there is a beautiful trail — and it’s just off the Greenway. The trail is part of Phase 1 for Morningside Park improvements. Roanoke Parks and Recreation has already held community input meetings to start developing a plan for Phase 2.

Treetop Adventures opening soon Something exciting is going to be unveiled at Explore Park on July 1: the new Treetop Quest aerial adventure attraction! Roanoke County is now hiring “aerial adventure guides” to help with course operation and ensure participant safety as guests soar through the trees on zip-lines, traverse cargo nets, balance on tightropes, and encounter other challenging obstacles.

Multiple part-time positions are now available, with pay ranging from $12 to $14 per hour. Even if you have no prior challenge course experience, they will show you the ropes! Additional information about the course can be found at ExplorePark.org/Treetop and prospective job seekers should apply at RoanokeCountyVA.gov/jobs.

Local school celebrates arbor day On April 12, students at Clearbrook Elementary School celebrated Arbor Day by planting four trees — helping Roanoke County maintain its longstanding “Tree City USA” Arbor Day Foundation designation. Smokey Bear made an appearance at the event, and students shared songs about the value of trees. “We’re blessed in Roanoke County to be surrounded by abundant natural beauty,” said Phil C. North, chairman of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. “Arbor Day and our Tree City USA designation reinforce the commitment to environmental stewardship in our community while setting a positive example for the next generation.”

Family/May 2019

Free Sports Physicals On Saturday, May 18, Roanoke City Public Schools will offer FREE sports physicals for all rising sixth- through twelfth-grade student athletes playing any middle or high school sports for the 2019-2020 school year. (Students must be enrolled in Roanoke City Schools.) The event will be at the Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosciences (ION) Building on 2331 Franklin Road in Roanoke (The old Ukrop’s building). Addison, Breckinridge, Fishwick, and Madison middle schools will be served from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.; Woodrow Wilson and Fleming High School will be served from 11:15 to noon; and Patrick Henry High School will be served from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Remember to bring a VHSL Physical Examination Form with you. Copies can be obtained at any city middle or high school or at vhsl.org. Parents should complete pages 1, 2, and 4 prior to arriving to the ION Center. This is the only free physical event for next school year, so be sure to take advantage of it!

Big Ol’ Bike Art Installation

This Summer, the State Games of America! by Diane Williams For the first time ever, Virginia is going to host the State Games of America — an Olympicstyle competition between medal winners from other State Games events throughout the country. A biannual event, this year’s SGA will be held in place of the Virginia Commonwealth Games at Liberty University this summer. Like the Commonwealth Games, the 2019 State Games of America will be a community effort with Virginia Amateur Sports, Liberty University, and the City of Lynchburg. The SGA was created in 1999 to give athletes who participate in their State Games a chance to compete nationally and face off with athletes from around the country. This further emulates the Olympic movement as attendees get to know other athletes, interact with people from different parts of the country, and participate in a grand opening ceremony, tailgate party, and other festivities. Additionally, this gives participants something to strive for while competing at a statewide level. To compete in this national event, a participant must have won a medal in the two years leading up to SGA or have won a medal in a previous SGA. As host state, anyone in Virginia can participate. On August 2 at 7 p.m., the State Games of America will kick off with an Opening Ceremonies modeled after the Olympics at the Williams Stadium at Lynchburg’s Liberty University. More than 50 sports will be featured, including several new ones like the ninja challenge, yoga, floorball, footgolf, and BB shooting. We expect more than 15,000 athletes and 35,000 spectators at the SGA from across the country, with an anticipated $10 million impact.

Photo courtesy of Luke Priddy

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 22 for the new “Big Ol’ Bikes” statues on Mill Mountain. Patrick Boas, the recreation manager at Roanoke City

Parks and Rec, worked with local artist Jacob Smith in the creation of the pair of statues — one mountain bike, and one road bike.

Most of the events will be held at Liberty University and around Lynchburg; however, several sports will be held in Roanoke, including gymnastics, volleyball, and figure skating. For a complete list of 2019 SGA sports, along with volunteer and other information, visit stategamesofamerica.com. Family/May 2019

Health

Fall Prevention by Jamie Lober

If you have a fear of falling, you are not alone. The good news is there are tips and tricks on how to balance yourself so you don’t get into a bad situation. “When people have a fear of falling, they start to limit their activities, which in turn results in physical weakness that can make the risk of falling even greater,” said Chelsea Wright, wellness director at the Friendship Living community in Roanoke. By learning some strategies or getting involved with the Matter of Balance program at Friendship Living, you can make yourself safer. “We have a lot of residents who took a class, had a neighbor who fell, and were able to tell them how to get up,” said Wright. It’s a misconception that falling is part of aging. “A lot of people don’t think falling is preventable, but it is,” Wright said. Sometimes a basic action can make a big difference. “A lot of times it’s just going around your house and making sure certain things are out of the way.” Challenge your fears by thinking of an activity you do on a regular basis where you worry you may fall. Plan ahead for how you will navigate that situation. “In our class, we put ourselves in a restaurant and fall, and see how everyone reacts,” said Wright. There’s a correlation between staying strong and not falling. Being strong “helps you stay independent longer, improves your balance, and prevents osteoporosis and diabetes.” said Wright. Begin your day the right way. When you get up in the morning, start by doing a few warmup exercises as a good morning stretch, like shoulder rolls or foot circles. This helps various aspects of health. “It will work on their endurance, cardio, and strength,”

said Wright. Without maintaining a certain level of fitness, it can be hard to get yourself up if you fall. Take the time to remove hazards. “We go to people’s apartments and find things they may trip over, as well as things they can use to help themselves get up,” said Wright. Make sure there are no cords running across the floor, and remove boxes or newspapers. Put double-faced tape or slip-resistant backings underneath rugs, and install non-slip mats in your bathtub or shower. Sometimes, showering in a seated position can help. “Make sure you put lights in certain areas of the bedroom and bathroom and that the hallway has a nightlight,” said Wright. You should be able to reach your lights to turn them on instead of having to get up and find them. You may be surprised that some random items in your home can be helpful to grab hold of if you were to fall, as well. Have a plan. If you do fall, “stay where you are on the floor and lie still for a few moments to do a self-assessment and see how everything feels,” said Wright. Take your time. Work from the toes all the way up to the fingers, making sure you can feel everything. Then, roll to one side and rest for a bit to allow the body and blood pressure to adjust. Some people can push themselves up, while others may crawl to a chair or table nearby. “If the chair is

close,” Wright said, “we encourage people to first put their hands on the seat of the chair; then, put one foot forward so it’s flat on the floor and place the other knee on the floor. After that, slowly rise up.” This way, you should be able to sit on the chair for a bit after you’re off the floor. And try not to panic. “That’s a challenge, because even if people know how to get up, they’re often still scared, and fear takes over,” said Wright. It’s normal to fear you may have hurt something. If you have time to catch yourself, you want to try to land on your shoulder or forearms and avoid landing straight back on your rear end or forward on your hands. Commercials about people who have fallen and can’t get up are scary, but don’t let them fool you. “Our biggest forms of prevention are becoming educated on how to fall before you fall, taking precautions with your circumstances, and learning how to keep your strength, endurance, and balance up so you’re less likely to fall in the first place,” Wright said. Keep the focus on a general healthy lifestyle. Nonslip shoes are a good choice, because a lot of sneakers or dressy shoes can be slippery — even on floors that aren’t wet. Lastly, talk about it. By talking to friends and loved ones about what you can do in case of a fall, you have taken the first big step in reducing your risk.

Kids’ Summer Matinee Series

LOONEY TUNES

SECRET OF NIMH

JUNE 28/29

JUNE 14/15

JUNE 21/22

Free Morning Matinees on Friday and Saturday. All shows start at 10:00 am

WALLACE & GROMIT SHORTS

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

Family/May 2019

grandintheatre.com

The

Restroom Review

by Georgianne Vecellio

As usual, my quick trip out to Valley View for a Target run turned into an hour-plus excursion, and by the time I had checked out and was ready to go, I had to go. I imagine this happens a lot more since they opened the Starbucks in the front of the store. Target’s restrooms are large — four regular stalls and one handicapped accessible stall. The regular stalls are roomy enough: there was plenty of room for me to take off my coat and hang it on the hook with my purse without dancing around the toilet. Back in the day, when my kiddo was little, I even managed to accomplish this with her in the stall with me. The restrooms are designed to serve a large volume of guests, and are therefore well-equipped with soap dispensers mounted on the wall between sinks, as well as hot air dryers. Clearly, they expect patrons to practice good hygiene and wash their hands, and they choose to lead by example; signs above the sinks remind team members to wash their hands before returning to work. The day I was there, a bucket with cleaning supplies sat near the door, along with a maintenance checklist. Customer service is important to the Valley View Target; they provide a clean, sturdy changing station, and two feminine hygiene dispensers. The aesthetics are simple — almost utilitarian: the colors are industrial gray and beige, with part of the far wall painted in Target’s signature red. There is no art, no ads or announcements, no incentive to dilly dally, but then, why would you, when you’re either ready to shop or eager to be on your way? Target renovated the sink and door area of their restroom; previously, the sole paper towel dispenser was located on the wall near the doorway, right above the immovable trash can. When the trash was overflowing, it was difficult to grab a clean

paper towel without grazing your hand on the dirty ones piled up in the trash. Nasty! I was happy when Target fixed that mistake. I also recall that there used to be doors to the restroom, which led to the problem of needing a paper towel to open the door. Now, you can dry your hands and exit through the open doorway without touching anything. I had a nice ending to my review, but I realized that I had no intel on the men’s room. So I made a return trip out to Valley View to hit the Target (pun intended). I had to visit the women’s restroom first, and when I did, I noticed that the door of my stall was missing its hook. There was also a good bit of litter on the floor, and some funky, sticky-looking stains. The bucket and cleaning supplies were gone — hopefully, they soon brought them back in and used them! I didn’t have all day to scope out the men’s room, and there was a slow but steady stream of users going in, so I broke down and asked a random guy if the restroom was clean. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “Uh, yeah.” (His standards may be different from mine.) Then I approached another random guy and asked if the men’s room had a changing station. He confirmed that it did, but I wasn’t going to push my luck by asking any more strange questions. Target is a busy place, as are their restrooms, and I didn’t have a chance to go in and see for myself. (Next time, I might have to take my husband with me and send him in to do some recon!) While Target disappointed me on my return visit, overall, I have no big issues with their women’s restroom, and nobody has alerted me to any problems with the men’s room. Georgianne Vecellio lives in Roanoke County with her husband and tween daughter, and can often be found roaming the greenway. Family/May 2019

SEVEN Can’t-Miss

Summer

Camps

(That you can still sign up for!)

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!

Summer Camp Shawsville, VA • Phone 540-268-2409 • www.altamons.org 12

Family/May 2019

Sing! Summer Choir Camp SingSummerCamp.com 540-676-7265

Come sing with us at the Sing Summer Choir Camp, July 8 – 12, 2019! An enriching and FUN musical camp based on the choral experience of the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. Two camps available! The KinderChoir Camp for ages 4-6 is from 9 a.m. – noon ($90). The Choir Camp for rising 2nd – 8th graders is from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. ($150). If your child loves to sing, then this is the camp for you!

Camp Roanoke www.CampRoanoke.com (540) 487-6114

Camp Roanoke has offered a traditional coed summer camp experience for youth since 1925. Providing progressive programming including day camps for rising grades K-3 with transportation from Tanglewood Mall and overnight camps for rising grades K-11. Enjoy outdoor experiences such as canoeing, field games, hiking, campfires, a challenge course, and a 44-foot climbing tower. Older campers go on off-site excursions like rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and caving. Accredited by the American Camp Association.

Kids Square Children’s Museum Summer Camps www.kidssquare.org 540-342-5777

Choose from eight 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!

STEAM Ahead to Summer Fun. Kids College is our summer enrichment series which offers unique workshops for rising 2nd – 10th graders that are designed to teach new skills, develop new interests and hobbies, and explore future career opportunities.

VWCC Workforce Services Department workforce@virginiawestern.edu • 540.857.6076 Family/May 2019

Join Childcare Network For

Quality Education For Children 6 wks - 12 yrs Fresh and Healthy Meals and Snacks

Exciting Before and After School Programs Fun and Engaging Curriculum for All Ages

Virginia Western Community College Kid Summer College Camp virginiawestern.augusoft.net 540-857-6076

Our interactive programs combine creativity and technology in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). With classes for elementary to high school students, your child will discover talents and passions they did not know existed while having FUN! Plus, Kids’ College features classes taught by industry experts to combine real work experience with quality education. Summer courses are week-long and run from 9 a.m. – noon and from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Different camps are available each week starting June 18 and running through July 27. Register early to guarantee your spot!

Mont Shenandoah campmontshenandoah.com (540) 997-5994

This summer, Camp Mont Shenandoah celebrates its 93rd year. Recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, it is the oldest private residential camp in continuous operation in the state. “Significantly, this turn-of-the-century camp is among the few places that created outdoor experiences solely for young women, and to this day the place has retained its architectural heritage and its picturesque setting,” said Julie Langan, Director of Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources Director. Camp Mont Shenandoah has enriched the lives of thousands of girls since it was founded in 1927. To each

Family/May 2019

season’s new and returning campers, Camp Director Ann Warner communicates the camp’s ideals and values, fosters appreciation and respect for the land and natural setting, and preserves the heritage of this iconic experience for another generation.

4225 Brambleton Ave. Roanoke, VA 24018

866-521-KIDS

www.childcarenetwork.com

Community Model United Nations Summer Camp www.communityschool.net/mun 540-563-5036

During this four-day training conference, students new to the world of Model United Nations will learn and train alongside other novice and advanced delegates in a simulation of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) with a focus on promoting equality and inclusivity. Students will hone their research skills as they explore the position of their assigned country, compose a position paper, write and present an opening speech, debate the issues, and work cooperatively to draft and pass resolutions. This camp is for current or rising Community School middle school students, and rising 6th - 9th grade students who attend other schools. Students will need to pack a snack, lunch, and water bottle for each day of camp. All other supplies will be provided.

In the Neighborhood Richard Moon is finishing up his first year as an art teacher at Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville. He studied graphic design at NC State, but when he graduated, decided that wasn’t the career path he wanted to take. “‘You’re patient and good with kids,” my dad told me when I was trying to figure out what to do,” Moon remembers. “You should be a teacher.” So that’s what he did. He took his first teaching position — as an elementary art teacher for Roanoke City Public Schools.

Richard Moon

GRAND HOME FURNISHINGS TEACHER OF THE MONTH

“I had never been to Roanoke before taking the job, but claimed it as my home right away, and the kids at Fairview [Elementary] as my own kids.” That was 1997, and he’s been working in public art education ever since. “After Fairview, I taught at Patrick Henry High School,” he said. Five years later, Moon accepted a job offer from Roanoke County Public Schools to head up the art department for the district. “That was a fast-paced, demanding, and fulfilling job,” he said. “Being supervisor of art for Roanoke County, where I was in charge of the art programs for all the elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as after-school programs and summer camps, was a totally different perspective on education.”

• One thing Moon’s students would be surprised to know about him: When he was 29, he rode his mountain bike from Canada to Colorado. • When he was a kid, he wanted to be a professional BMX bike rider. • Favorite movie: Forrest Gump • Favorite musical artist: Bob Dylan • Favorite quote: “Be kind.”-Barry Tucker, retired fine arts supervisor of Roanoke County Public Schools

Moon did well in administration — he’s one of those rare artists who is also strong in left-brain skills like organization and logic. He’s

as fond of spreadsheets as he is an adeptly composed acrylic painting. Still, after ten years, he was more than ready to get back in the classroom. “Ultimately, I’d rather be around kids, teaching art and making a difference, than in an office building behind the scenes,” he said. Moon’s first year at Lord Botetourt has flown by. There, he teaches art foundations and 2D art — and on pretty days, sometimes takes his chalkboard-painted pickup truck to school and lets his students decorate it with pastel chalks. “The kids love that,” he said, “and then, until it rains again, all my neighbors stop to admire the piece of art in front of my house.” His favorite thing about being an art teacher is giving the students challenging problems to solve and seeing what they come up with. “Each and every one of them is different, and it’s pretty amazing to see.” And one of his favorite parts about being a teacher, he said, is seeing kids show kindness to each other. One way Moon forms relationships with his students is through storytelling. He tells tales — some true, some masquerading as truth — to the kids’ laughter, groans, or both. “That opens them up to feel safe to tell their own stories,” said Moon. He looks forward to several more years of expanding young minds in the world of art.

is proud to sponsor the

TEACHER MONTH of the

The winning teacher receives a $100 gift card from Grand Home Furnishings!

www.grandhomefurnishings.com Valley View | Tanglewood | Christiansburg | Lynchburg Family/May 2019

Equine Assisted Therapy by Michelle Holling-Brooks

Winston S. Churchill’s famous quote “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man” is only half-right. At Unbridled Change, we agree that the horse is good for the human soul, but it isn’t just the outside of the horse. We believe it is the whole horse — mind, body, and spirit — that helps us heal. The number one question we get at Unbridled Change is how can partnering with horses really helps change and heal a person. We would love to answer that question for you! Before that, let me introduce you to Unbridled Change, a nonprofit mental health organization that serves the Roanoke Valley. Unbridled Change has been dedicated to supporting our clients since 2008, with the mission to help our clients find the hope, healing, and growth they have been searching for through what we call equine-partnered psychotherapy and coaching. I know firsthand the power of partnering with horses to help us heal. After a life-threating illness when I was 13 years old, it was horses that

Family/May 2019

helped me heal on many different levels. Through riding horses, my body was literally able to relearn how to walk. It was also the hours and hours I spent in the pastures, just being with the horses and learning how to gain their trust, that taught me to trust another being again and to believe in myself. In fact, it was that illness, and my recovery through working with horses, that started me on my life’s purpose of providing equineassisted therapy back in 1995. I founded Unbridled Change to provide a sacred space for equine-partnered programs. I wanted others to be able to experience the same support that horses had given me so they, too, could heal themselves.

So how and why does equine-assisted therapy work? There are many different types of equine-assisted activities and therapies out there, just as there are many different approaches to “healing.” At Unbridled Change, we focus solely on the mental health therapy and personal growth aspects of healing with horses. Our approach is based on the belief that horses are sentient beings who want to be in a relationship and balance with the world around them. We believe that horses don’t judge us on what we look like or what our past is. They only care about how we show up in the moment and how we treat them and ourselves in that interaction. If we are willing to be trustworthy and respectful with them, to present our

We believe it is the whole horse — mind, body, and spirit — that helps us heal.

requests fairly and without hurting them, we have found that the horses actually want to follow our lead and be in a relationship with us! I think this natural trait is why horses are such great partners for the therapeutic process. People have the same basic desire to be a part of a “herd.” We, like horses, are not designed to be alone and without connections. Like horses, we also want to feel safe in that connection. When our clients combine the mental-health therapeutic process with building a relationship with a horse — a relationship based on trust, respect, and willingness — they have a way to actually see their own patterns in relationships. In these interactions, our clients then have a chance to discover any “blocks” that might be preventing them from stepping into a healthy relationship with themselves or the world around them. On top of that, they’ve got the option to practice their new skills by working through those blocks the moment they discover them in an equine session. The “therapy” then happens organically — in the moment, based on the horse’s interaction — followed by processing with a mental health professional on the team.

Cami Murnane-Johnson, MSW, the clinical director at Unbridled Change, describes the EPPC process this way: “Clients quickly learn that if they want to be taken seriously by the horses, they will need to develop and practice healthy relationship skills, like setting boundaries, understanding that it’s okay to feel worthy of receiving and asking for respect, and being willing to trust another being. In our sessions, clients also have opportunities, through interactions with the horses, to become aware of what their body is feeling and what their thoughts are in that moment. If they don’t like those thoughts or feelings, or they realize a thought or belief system isn’t working for them, they have a chance to brainstorm and come up with a different approach. Like any type of therapy, I believe we can all benefit from equine-partnered psychotherapy at different times in our life. The key is that clients must be willing to be honest with themselves. We’ve found that horses are willing to stick with a client through pretty much any issue as long as the client has a desire to learn how to do their inner-work.” Cami also believes that people truly do have the answers about what will work best for them since they are the

experts in their life and world, not the therapist. She has worked hard to instill in our staff the understanding that we’re here to support and travel alongside all our clients on their individual healing journeys. We, along with the horses, help hold the space for our clients to find those answers. At Unbridled Change, we work with children, teens, and adults. Our programs are also highly individualized through one-on-one or family sessions. To learn more about Unbridled Change and our programs, visit www. UnbridledChange.org. Another great way to learn more about how equine partnered psychotherapy works and what it looks like to be in sessions with our horses, you can also check out our new book, The Horse Cure: True Stories, Remarkable Horses Bringing Miraculous Change to Humankind, in which I share more about my and some of our clients’ stories of healing through our program. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of The Horse Cure goes directly to Unbridled Change to support our scholarship and horse funds.

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Family/May 2019

Why Does Grandma Love Flowers Poem by Jacqueline Moon

The tulips and the roses fill the beds. And look, girls, native wild blue indigo! We are ringed by violets, yellows, reds. We children would be somewhere else instead. With transitory splendor they’re aglow. We don’t care for roses in their beds. “Smell them, girls.” Our Grandma dips her head. “And see how sweet and beautifully they grow.” Oh, so boring, violets, yellows, reds. Breathe them in, for soon they will be dead. “Follow me, girls, now I want to show—” (Yawn) Tulips and roses in more beds. And no, of course, we don’t want to upset Poor Grandma; she’s old, so she doesn’t know. My sweat and soul are in these yellows, reds. Sisters and I’ve clearly been misled. A fun trip to the park? Our answer: No. We are sick of violets, yellows, reds. Farewell, my tulips, roses in your beds.

Family/May 2019

Family Living

Teaching Your Kids Financial Literacy by Tanni Haas, Ph.D. Most parents give their kids a regular allowance; some a few dollars a week, others substantially more. But is that advisable and, if it is, at what age should you start giving it to them and how much should you give? How can you use an allowance to make your kids more financially literate? Teaching Financial Literacy Experts agree that an allowance can teach kids important lessons in financially literacy, like how to save for things they want, how to budget their money, and how to choose between competing spending goals. Brad Munson, a financial literary expert, says an allowance “is a great way to teach kids about the real value of money, how to be organized and responsible, and how to plan for the future.” Financial counselor Ray Martin, who’s the author of several books on financial literacy, adds that an allowance is a great opportunity for kids to experiment with money and to learn from their mistakes. “It’s a way for them to learn big lessons with small amounts of money at an early age.” It’s important that you talk to your kids about the value of money, and it’s best to do so in the context of an actual allowance. Marty Allenbaugh, a certified financial planner, says that talking to your kids about money without giving them an allowance is like trying to teach them how to play the piano without ever letting them sit at the keys. Research shows that giving kids a regular allowance while discussing with them the importance of money makes them more financially responsible as adults. They become, as Evonne Lack, a financial literary expert, succinctly puts it, “less

likely to arrive on your doorstep years from now with a duffel bag full of dirty laundry and a mountain of credit card debt.” When To Start If an allowance is such a great tool for making kids more financially literate, at what age should you start giving them one? Many parents start at age eight, but experts agree, as Martin puts it, that it’s the kid’s “aptitude, not the age, that really matters.” So how do you know if your kids are ready to receive and learn from an allowance? Research shows that they are ready to benefit from an allowance once they’ve reached certain developmental milestones, like 1) understanding that money can be exchanged for things they want, and 2) they can confidently add and subtract. And, here, kids differ widely. While some kids reach these milestones at age four or five, others get there by age eight or nine. “So if your child tends to shrug at money, losing it before it can find its way to his dusty piggy bank, hold off until you see signs that he enjoys saving it or thinking about how he might use it,” says Lack. How Much To Give Finally, what amount should you give your kids? Experts agree that, as a rule of thumb, you should give them a dollar per year of age on a weekly basis: for example, a six-year-old would receive $6 a week, and a ten-year-old $10 a week. Whatever amount you ultimately decide on, make sure to follow a consistent schedule and stick with it. As Dr. Mary Kelly Blakeslee, a well-known child psychologist says, “random payments will be frustrating and confusing, and will reduce the opportunity for learning.” Family/May 2019

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Directions: 1. Pour milk into the shallow dish so that it covers the surface to a depth of a few centimeters.

• 1-2 cups of milk • Food coloring • Toothpick or cotton swab • Dish soap • Shallow dish, like a deep plate or pie tin Experiment provided by

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of the milk, it floats on top because of If you remember our Better Butter the surface tension. When we add soap, experiment from November, then you though, the fat starts to break up, which might recall that milk, though it looks like lessens the surface tension in the places one liquid, is actually a colloid made up the soap has touched. The places the soap of tiny bits of hasn’t reached still fat suspended a high surface surface tension is a force present have in liquid. This tension, and this within the surface layer of a means that difference causes milk has a very the milk and food liquid that causes the layer to high surface coloring to get behave as an elastic sheet. It is tension — a word pulled towards it. scientists use to Essentially, the the force that supports insects talk about how soap breaks the that walk on water, for example. surface tension well molecules at the top of a and dissolves the liquid stick together. We can see that milk fat, which causes a bunch of swirling. In has a high surface tension when we try to milks with a higher fat content, you should rinse the last bits of it out of a container--it see more swirling, so different milks should can be really hard to get it all out because have different reactions. These reactions of how well it sticks together. should keep going until all of the milk has mixed with soap. When we add the food coloring to the top

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Family/May 2019

Health and reliable resource for information and problem solving, so when issues arise down the road, your child will keep the conversation going.

Talking to Your Teen about Sex and Pregnancy by Jamie Lober

While you may naturally avoid difficult discussions with your child — whether the topic is alcohol, drug abuse, or sex, those discussions are actually your chance to make a difference in the course they take in life. “Conversations early on can have a positive effect and teach the child what is right, as opposed to them thinking it’s something completely different,” said Melanie Morris, director of the Roanoke Prevention Alliance. It might not always seem like it, but your child is paying attention to your words and actions. “You want to try to steer them away from unhealthy behaviors at an early age,” said Morris. When it comes to talking about sex and pregnancy, the discussion for some may start in the classroom. Virginia’s standards for family life education provide a comprehensive, sequential K-12 curriculum. Instruction is age-appropriate and covers family living, community relationships, abstinence education, the value of postponing sexual activity, the benefits of adoption as a positive choice in the event of an unwanted pregnancy, human sexuality, and human reproduction. Parental involvement is encouraged, and the hope is that kids can foster positive self-concepts and be able to cope with peer pressure and stresses at their various developmental stages. While the curriculum is a good starting

point, it may not cover all of the facts you want to be sure your child knows. Some kids take research into their own hands, so it’s important that you have some control over the information. “While we know that young people get a lot of information about sex and relationships from friends and from the internet, we believe that parents and caregivers are their child’s primary sex educators,” said Melissa Meadows, education director for Virginia League for Planned Parenthood. This is a role that should be taken seriously. “Most young people really want to have conversations with their parents and caregivers about sex and relationships but sometimes feel hesitant because they’re not sure what to ask or how to ask it — or they fear being judged,” said Meadows. A natural question is when you should begin. “Ideally, conversations about sex and relationships are ongoing and happen throughout a child’s development rather than just one talk around the time of puberty,” said Meadows. It’s essential that your child feels comfortable coming to you with any questions or concerns, so you should show a willingness to talk about sex and relationships. “Use affirming language when your child asks questions, pay attention to his tone of voice and body language, and model what to do if he asks a question you do not know the answer to,” said Meadows. The goal is that you are seen as a safe

If you’re not comfortable having the conversation on your own, there are brochures and books out there about bodies, puberty, and relationships. Your pediatrician may have some ideas of things you can share with your child and then let her follow up with questions. “Another strategy that can work is parents taking advantage of teachable moments when watching movies or television with their children,” said Meadows. Pick your child’s brain. “If a parent and child are watching a movie together and the story includes a relationship, a parent might ask, What do you think of these characters’ relationship? Or, Do you think their relationship is healthy or unhealthy?” Meadows said. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ stance is to talk about sex early and often. You never know when your child is ready to pay attention, so it’s important to reiterate the same message. The AAP notes that parents have to be careful not to discredit love by understanding the importance of romantic attachments. Stay away from don’t statements, such as telling your child not to have sex or not to get a disease. You want to talk about the do’s, such as how to be in a healthy relationship and how to know when your child may be ready to have sex. Dispel any myths or rumors and be certain the information you give her is accurate. Knowing when your teen is ready to have sex and how she will handle the decision is about empowerment. The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the importance of letting your child know he deserves to feel honored in his relationships, to have his own space, to keep his friends, to include his family, and to feel good about who he is. Keep safety at the forefront. Consider giving your child a code word so she can call you or a trusted friend is she is ever in a bad situation. Discuss preferred ways of protecting your child from disease and pregnancy. Don’t delay the conversation, as the take-home message is that if you don’t educate your child about sex and pregnancy, someone else will — or they may not even have that opportunity.

Family/May 2019

when I was a kid, I would have loved it. I would have been like, ‘You’re telling me that at thirteen years old, I can come in here and make my own skateboard?’ There’s nothing that would have been more up my alley.” Maker Mart is unlike any classroom students have ever been in. Once kids enter the space, the instructors are able to show them they are not only capable of creating something, they’re actually really good at it. Here, students uncover skills they never knew they had. “We make everything and anything. The entire purpose of this space is for the kids. There is so much value in getting the kids in here — especially at-risk kids, giving them something completely different.” And this isn’t your typical arts-and-crafts time; at Maker Mart, you make real, substantial items. However, the item itself is not even the most important result of the classes. “The project itself is almost beside the point,” said Dykstra. “The point is the process that gets you to making that item. It’s the problemsolving, the spatial thinking about how the parts go together. That’s the magic in all this.”

by Jacqueline Moon

There is real power in knowing you’re capable of creating something with your hands. That’s especially true for kids who may have never made anything before, or kids who have never given a gift before. “For a kid to be able to make a nice, heirloom-quality engraved cutting board that they can give to a parent or grandparent, it has a profound effect.” They create a substantial item, putting time and effort into it, and when they’re finished, they not only have a handcrafted item, they’ve got a brand-new sense of pride and dignity. That’s not something students always get in a typical classroom.

The future of Roanoke’s youth rests in their hands. “My hands took me places school never could,” said Aaron Ray-Dykstra, the founder and executive director of the local nonprofit The Making Foundation. Dykstra, a Roanoke native, was bored in school. “I didn’t live up to my potential in that environment.” He dropped out of school, got a GED, and bounced around. When he was seventeen, he joined the military, and finally found his way into manufacturing. That led him to a specified niche — custom bike manufacturing. As he got more and

Family/May 2019

more recognition in the industry — even being contacted by a publisher to write a children’s book about making bikes by hand — Dykstra became more aware of the huge need for long-term workforce development. “It’s a generation in which no one knows how to work with their hands,” he said, and he set out to see if he could do something about that. Thus began The Making Foundation. In 2016, Dykstra founded the nonprofit to encourage learning through hands-on experience. When The Making Foundation got its own space — salvaging a closeddown Sav-A-Lot supermarket on Patterson Avenue — he called it Maker Mart. “Had something like this been around

Even though Maker Mart classes focus primarily on wood for now, the skills students learn go beyond carpentry. When it comes to learning creative and mechanical thinking, the medium can be anything: metal, wiring, even digital applications. Right now, at career and technical education centers like ROTEC and the Burton Center, there are plenty of kids pursuing culinary arts, but many going into welding or carpentry. “It’s so far out of their comfort zone,” Dykstra said, “and it’s really hard for them to peel off from their friends who are all going into culinary arts. The reality of the work force, though, is that we’ve got a lot of manufacturing companies that offer

really great salaries. And students just don’t know about it.” Maker Mart opens the door and shows kids that there are viable career options when you know how to use your hands. For the other students, who don’t have an interest in a trade career, they still acquire a skill set through their time at Maker Mart that they can carry with them the rest of their lives. A small group of students from the Noel C. Taylor Academy is bused to Maker Mart every day for two hours. The students receive two credits per semester for attending, but what they get out of the class is more than just an education. “We’ve found that having them every day, our role has gone from simply teaching the students how to make things to more of a mentorship,” Dykstra said. What is striking, he said, is how the space has shown that the empowerment gained through learning to create is blind to one’s

circumstances. Once a week, students from Community High School come to Maker Mart for a class after school, and despite the fact that their lives might be worlds different from those in the NCTS group, the same spark ignites in their eyes when they discover how capable they are with their hands. Besides empowerment, hands-on learning has other benefits: It helps heal people who have suffered trauma, it assists in workforce development, and it serves to expand the horizons of the nine-to-fiver by teaching him or her a new skill. All of us can benefit from working with our hands; when we engage in curious creativity and use our imagination, we counteract the stress that’s imposed on us from all sides. When we consciously put aside time for creative pursuits — not to make money, but simply for the sake of creating — we improve our psychological wellness.

When we consciously put aside time for creative pursuits — not to make money, but simply for the sake of creating — we improve our psychological wellness.

In addition to school groups, Maker Mart plans to offer public classes, and summer camps are already on the calendar and available for registration. Students between the age of eight and 18 can participate in week-long full-day or halfday camps starting June 10. Adult evening classes are available now, as well, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Making Foundation is a hidden gem of a nonprofit in the Roanoke Valley, and Maker Mart is a special, life-changing space. Check out makingfoundation.org for more information about what they do, who they are, classes and events, and how to help (monetary donations and volunteering your time are both wonderful ways to support The Making Foundation)!

Family/May 2019

over 40 taxidermy and bone specimens, and even an augmented reality sandbox that visualizes topography using a camera and projector. The goal, according to the center’s founder and director Mike Rosenzweig, is to accommodate all types of learning. From Tuesday through Saturday, the center welcomes visitors through different programming efforts tied to days of the week, including the popular Family Saturdays. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., families are encouraged to visit altogether, whether for the fortieth time or the first, as was the case for Jack and Jacob. The center also has thematic programming Tuesday through Friday, including Entomology Wednesdays for focused learning on insects and Art in Nature Thursdays for the more artisticallyinclined. But no matter the day of the week, visitors can engage in any of the activities that interest them the most. “I think as an organization we feel very passionate about that you don’t teach just by one way,” Rosenzweig said.

Saturdays are for the Snakes Jack said.

That information certainly isn’t surprising to Rosenzweig, who said he doesn’t particularly need convincing from these studies.

Luckily, the well-cared-for snakes won’t be escaping anytime soon, but they are often brought out by trained volunteer staff so visitors can have a closer look — all in the spirit of the center’s mission to connect children and the young at heart closer to nature.

“Everybody talks and writes about kids connecting with nature. Some people want to study it scientifically,” Rosenzweig said. “I think there’s got to be some of us out there providing those experiences without getting stumbled up on whether it’s good or not.”

The center spans a full, green lot with room to roam, a pollination garden and frog pond to explore, and trees to climb. Inside the house at the front of the lot, visitors will find three snakes, two turtles, two lizards, a fish tank, a microscope exhibit, a craft center, a small library,

That philosophy was one of the driving forces behind the founding of SEEDS — Seek Education, Explore, DiScover — nearly 24 years ago. The nonprofit has been committed to outreach since its founding, but a deal in 2009 provided the opportunity for the organization to occupy

by Erica Corder

Jacob Fraser and his son, eight-year-old Jack, have been to some notable museums lately — big ones in Raleigh, D.C., and Chicago. But on this Saturday in April, they’ve discovered something a little closer to home: the SEEDS - Blacksburg Nature Center. Located at Blacksburg’s historic Price House, the nonprofit center is chock full of exhibits inside and outside, including live animals like fish, turtles, bees, and — Jack’s personal favorite — snakes. “Although if they got out of their tanks — if they got out of that, and my mom was down here, she would not like that,”

Family/May 2019

Ultimately, the goal is to ignite curiosity and provide children with an interactive space to engage with and learn about nature. Studies commonly show that when children spend time in nature, they are healthier, less stressed out, and happier. One recent in-depth analysis of existing literature on the topic conducted at the University of Illinois found that even when the doses of nature may be small, the effects are substantial.

the Price House, a log cabin home built in Blacksburg’s original 16 blocks. According to Rosenzweig, this historic house, located at 107 Wharton Street, has a backstory as interesting as the center’s exhibits. Back in 1871, for instance, the home’s occupants were the first to hear the news from Richmond that the university now known as Virginia Tech was officially accepted into the nation’s land grant institution program via a telegraphed message that was relayed by a messenger. For the past ten years, the center has occupied the Town-of-Blacksburg-owned property. The SEEDS - Blacksburg Nature Center has remained a cooperative venture between SEEDS, the Town of Blacksburg Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Virginia Tech

Department of Biological Sciences Outreach Program, where Rosenzweig serves as senior instructor and director of the Biological Sciences Outreach Program. Many of Rosenzweig’s students at Virginia Tech and locals from the community alike staff the center as either volunteers or interns. Rosenzweig maintains that the function they serve as one of the few centers like it in the area is vital. “We do it because there is an inherent feeling that it’s the right thing to do, that it feels good, that kids are healthier, smarter, and more well-rounded if they are connected with the nature around them,” Rosenzweig said.

Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., they have additional programming, are available for birthday parties and other events, and can accommodate tours, visits and class field trips. In April, the center held its annual Spring Festival. Up next, SEEDS will hold its popular summer camps starting in June. For more information about summer camps, check out http://www.seedskids.org/programs. html. Keep up with the center on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ blacksburgnaturecenter. Erica Corder is a writer and photographer living in Blacksburg. She graduated from Virginia Tech in 2016.

The center is free and open to all visitors, with a suggested donation of $1 per guest. In addition to their Family

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By the Kids

The Withering A short story by Grace Partin I’ve heard rumors of green. Soft stuff that you could apparently lie down on, stuff that fed massive soft machines. Apparently, the entire town used to be full of it, as my great grandfather used to say. He’d say loads of crazy things in his final days, like how “the magic people danced around a big wood statue every year,” and how “the blue-plated circles would descend from the skies when the ladies in white would walk throughout the statue garden.” I’ve actually seen green before; it’s all over the old billboards. The ladies who wore the green looked happy, and everything had some sort of tint to it.

fooled. Mom and Dad don’t like it when I mess with my suit or try to play with the machines around our bunker. They say that they’re dangerous and I might get hurt by them. That’s how my older sister Allison got sick, they said. They said that she’d gotten too close to one and it had bitten right through her suit, allowing the magic beams to hit her skin, and that the machine also dropped some of its fluid onto an open wound. I think the machines are cool. They always make fun sounds and look weird, regardless of how they sent Allison away to live with greatgrandfather.

I’ve heard rumors of green...

I’m not sure I cared for them much. Today was the sixth day, so as usual, it was my turn to take out the lefts. Even though I said how I disliked it, my parents said it was important for me to go on my own and crucial to learn said skills early on. I personally didn’t agree with them, seeing as though it is but a quick trip out of the bunker, and the worst that could happen would be my gas mask breaking or the heat shield malfunctioning. My heat shield had never shown any sign of malice towards me, and I’d been told that suits were easily coerced into doing what you wanted them to do. Suits were nothing like parents, I reasoned. They actually did the things you told them to do and always agreed with you. They were also easily

Once, I was told of a time when I didn’t have to wear a suit. How there was clean air and cold days, with water that didn’t sting when it fell on you. Great-grandfather said life was better then, and that people lived much, much longer than they do now. He even said it was sad how he had gotten sick when he’d only been in his late forties. “The air is what does it, I reckon,” he had told me once. “Jammie, don’t you ever go outside without your suit like I used to do.” Great-grandfather always had such wonderful stories. But slowly, he began coughing more and more. One day, he had such a bad cough that some blood came out of his mouth. The very next day, he was off to live by the firepit.

Not many people lived near us; I think all of them lived by the firepit. They all got really sick when the machines first began showing up, and I heard that some of them never truly left this place. Regardless, the trek to the nearest disposal took me right through the old ruins of some sort of big structure. I used to play around there with a little boy I knew. His name was Leonard and he had the brightest hair I’d ever seen. It was the color of the sky. “Blonde,” he told me. “It’s a common hair color, my mom says.” He also told me stories he’d heard from his greatgrandmother about how the sky was once the same color as the water we sometimes get when our system is working properly. Sometimes, Leo and I would pretend to be machines and would stagger around the structure, sometimes hiding from each other. Mom and Dad said the structure had been a place that sold items to people like us before the government shut down the operation. Apparently, the machines had been attacking officials, and a non-friendly gas had leaked out of one of their magic tubes. The government had said everyone would be safer with the suits, and then had abandoned us. Leo hadn’t liked the suits, so one day he threw his off at the men and walked away. I didn’t see Leo after that, but I saw his hair in the crowd, as his parents carried him off to live by the firepit. I hope that when I go to the firepit, I’ll get to play with him again. Grace Kathryn Partin is fifteen years old. She attends Patrick Henry High school in Roanoke, where she competes on the Forensics team, and she is also a member of the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir.

Family/May 2019

Family Living

them about who they let in their car. This became more of an issue once Sean turned 18 and the restriction regarding how many kids he was allowed in the car was lifted.”

by Susan Baldani

A rite of passage for most teens is getting their driver’s license. It’s something they’ve usually dreamed about for years. For parents, however, giving their kids those car keys can fill them with dread. And they have a right to be concerned. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for US teens.” Instead of living in fear when your teen is out driving, there are things you can do to keep them safe. And parents need to start before the child takes his first drive around the block. “My biggest concern was obviously their safety,” said Christine Scally, a New Jersey mother of two sons, ages 16 and 18. “We’ve spent a lot of time teaching them defensive driving. Also, we had to have conversations with

Family/May 2019

Fortunately, laws are in place to make sure teens gain the necessary experience while making things safer for them: curtailing how late they can drive and how many people they can have in the car, and in some cases, requiring that a licensed adult is in the car with them. These are called Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems and exist in every state in the US, as well as in Washington, DC. And these laws do work. As the CDC website states, “Research suggests that the more comprehensive GDL programs are associated with reductions of 26% to 41% in fatal crashes and reductions of 16% to 22% in overall crashes, among 16-year-old drivers.”

reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.”

Teens today also have more distractions than ever. Talking and texting while driving is a huge problem. According to DMV.org, “Multiple studies indicate using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk ― that’s even when using a hands-free phone.”

If the kids see you speeding, using your phone, not wearing your seat belt, or driving aggressively, then they might think it’s okay for them to do those things, as well.

Seat belt laws also save lives. The website goes on to state that “of the teens (aged 16-19) who died in passenger vehicle crashes in 2016, at least 48% were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Research shows that seat belts

Texting can be even worse. “Research shows texting ― on average ― causes a loss of focus on the road for 4.6 seconds. You can drive the length of a full football field in that time. A lot can go wrong while you drive the length of a football field without your eyes on the road.”

Sometimes technology can be an asset, if used the right way. “One of the rules we have is that they need to enable their GPS function on their phone so we can find them

at all times,” said Scally. “If they do use Google Maps or Waze, we require them to use the voice-activated feature. That way, they don’t have to look at the phone while driving.” Speeding, of course, is another major cause of crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, in 2017, speed contributed to 26% of all fatal crashes, and almost 10,000 people died in those speed-related accidents. Three out of ten drivers — or about 63.6 million people on the road — drive over the speed limit. “It’s not just aggressive driving,” the NHTSA says, “it’s deadly driving.” The higher the speed, the more severe the crash and injuries will be. There’s an increase in stopping distance and a greater potential to lose control of the vehicle. Speed should also be adjusted according to the weather and road conditions, such as snow, rain, and fog, traffic congestion, construction, sun glare, and darkness. All of these variables, and not just speed limits, should determine how fast or slow people go. It’s better to arrive late than to not arrive at all. Parents can also make defensive driving courses a requirement for obtaining a license and getting behind the wheel. Defensive driving classes teach young drivers how to improve their skills by anticipating a variety of situations. Safety, they teach, comes from wellinformed decisions. Some states even offer an insurance discount of up to ten percent and a reduction of points on your license when a driver takes a defensive driving class, which is a great incentive for all drivers. But learning to drive safely with a high level of skill is the biggest reason to take these courses. Parents also have to be aware of their own driving habits when their kids are in the car. If the kids see you speeding, using your phone, not wearing your seat belt, or driving aggressively, then they might think it’s okay for them to do those things, as well. Give your teens the tools they need to be safe on the roads. It will give you peace of mind and make it much easier to hand over those car keys when the time comes. Family/May 2019

“We have plenty of storage at home.” -said no family ever

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storeparkside.com 85% of a child’s core brain structure forms before the age of 5,* yet we invest only 4% in early education.

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85% of a child’s core brain structure forms before the age of 5,* yet we invest only 4% in early education.

The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we have to impact a child’s future. Yet we spend the least on our children when they need it most. Investments in early childhood development help reduce teen pregnancies, improve dropout rates, lower crime, and produce a stronger, more productive future workforce.

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It doesn’t

Our children are worth the investment. Help make sure our community makes early childhood development a priority.

*Source: Child and Family Policy Center & Voices for America’s Children, Early Learning Left Out: An Examination of Public Investments in Education and Development by Child Age, 2004

The first 5 years of life represent the single greatest chance we For more information, Beginnings have to impact aplease child’s contact: future. YetSmart we spend the leastGreater on our Roanoke sbroanoke@uwrv.org children when they| (540) need it283-2781 the most.| smartbeginningsroanoke.org Investments in early childhood development help reduce teen pregnancies, improve dropout rates, lower crime, and produce a stronger, more productive future workforce.

Health the counter, there are benzoyl peroxide products that can work well. There is also a medicine called Differin that used to be prescription but is now over-the-counter,” said Fraim. Your dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications if these are unsuccessful. In some of the more inflammatory kinds of acne — especially cystic acne — the condition can leave scarring. “Nobody should have to go through that at this point, Fraim said, “with the resources we have available to us now.”

Teen Guide to Acne by Jamie Lober

According to the American Academy of One of the biggest issues with acne — Dermatology, acne is the most common which parents and adolescents often hear skin condition in the United States, when dealing with it — is that you have with 40 to 50 million Americans having to let it run its course, that time will experienced acne at one time in their help you heal. The reality, however, is lives. And the condition can affect that there are many effective treatments anyone. “We see it mainly in teenagers, out there — and when your child looks but it can affect all ages — when oil better, he will feel better, too. As far as production is treatments go, the increased, pores dermatologist will getting clogged When teenagers come first check your up. Blackheads or skin to rule out in, and you can tell whiteheads appear, other underlying with bacteria conditions. If it’s the acne is affecting getting trapped determined that underneath,” said their self-esteem you do have acne, Jonathan Fraim, a it will be given a and how they feel physician’s assistant grade, with grade who specializes about themselves, the 1 being mild and in dermatology grade 4 being transformation when with LewisGale severe. Treatments Physicians. The are individualized, we get it cleared up bacteria causes the so what works for a is one of the most pore to become friend or neighbor inflamed, red, or may not work for satisfying things. swollen, and that’s you. when you have pimples or acne The thing to cysts. remember is that you have to give the treatment a chance, Nobody really knows the cause. “A lot as it doesn’t work overnight. According to of people think their diet has something the American Academy of Dermatology, an to do with it, but studies show that at-home treatment requires four to eight it doesn’t have a big impact,” said weeks to see improvement, and once Fraim. Researchers are still searching acne clears, you must continue to treat for connections. So far, the only thing the skin to prevent breakouts. they’ve found is that people who drink Start with a mild treatment and work a lot of milk or dairy tend to have worse your way up if it fails. “People can acne. cleanse with a gentle wash, and over

There are many remedies to try. There are topical treatments, oral antibiotics, and stronger oral retinoid medications. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with the dermatologist as to how you are responding to the treatment. General great hygiene can also make a difference. “Good habits include gentle washing, no scrubbing, no picking or squeezing at acne, and if you use a lot of hair products like hairsprays or gels, you want to keep your hair off your face,” said Fraim. And rinse with lukewarm water. Having a few good products is helpful. “A safe daily facial moisturizer with SPF is always good,” said Fraim. Read labels — your facial moisturizer or makeup should say “non-comedogenic,” which means it will not cause those comedones — i.e. blackheads or whiteheads. Of course, staying away from the sun and tanning beds is always beneficial for your skin. Despite these tricks, there is no surefire prevention for acne. “For some people, it doesn’t matter what they do; they will still have some bad acne that needs more help,” said Fraim. Most of the time, acne doesn’t last forever. People are often worried they’ll have scarring because they see dark spots on their face where red spots used to be, but those aren’t necessarily scars. “It’s called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” Fraim said, “and it’s just where the skin was inflamed and irritated. The spot will gradually go away.” Because there’s always room for improvement, dermatologists love what they do. “When teenagers come in, and you can tell the acne is affecting their self-esteem and how they feel about themselves, the transformation when we get it cleared up is one of the most satisfying things,” said Fraim. If you have questions or concerns about acne, or about skincare in general, a dermatologist is a great resource who would be glad to evaluate your condition and help make a plan to treat acne and prevent new breakouts. Family/May 2019

What Parents Can Do to Help Develop Healthy Habits by Chris Brown, MA, LMFT, CCLS Much has been written about screen use with children and teens. According to the Virginia Department of Health’s 2015 Virginia Youth Survey, a little more than two out of every five high school students and more than one in three middle school students in our state spends over two hours a day on a computer for something other than schoolwork. Almost one out of four high school students and just above one in four middle school students

Family/May 2019

watches more than two hours of TV. Screens are everywhere, from phones to TVs, and from iPads to gaming consoles. Screens aren’t just in our homes, but at our children’s friends’ and family members’ houses, mobile in our hands as we walk down the street, and even in our cars. In my work as a Child Life Specialist in the hospital setting, I have seen the power of electronics — especially the iPad — as a pain reduc-

er, educational tool, and distractor that can lessen anxiety and fear. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have also seen how electronics can contribute to depression, poor performance at work and school, and relationship difficulties with family and friends. If you are concerned with your teen’s phone or screen time, there is much you do to help him. Use electronics to your advantage. Screen time, TV, phones, and tab-

lets can be used as a we do, especially when it reward and incentive. doesn’t match with our Doing chores at home, expectations of them. If completing homework, we follow our own advice getting good grades, as parents, teens are spending more likely to time with do the same. Electronics can friends and family, contribute to Lastly, you can participating get your teen depression, in a school off screens by poor perforclub — these creating opcan all be mance at work tions outside used as of electronics. and school, a way to Getting teens and relation- involved in earn screen time. (An ship difficulties after-school added plus with family and activities, is that by music, and friends. accomplishsports, ing these offers time tasks, there in positive, is less time structured for screens activities with during the day.) others. These activities teach great skills like If your teen can’t be face-to-face communiwithout her device, cation, eye contact, and the threat of taking it compromise — skills that away when not following screens don’t have the through with rules at ability to teach teens home, school, or in the and young adults. community can also be a powerful motivator. My Even though there is advice to parents is to no official diagnosis for start with a set amount screen addiction at this of allowed screen time time, (the DSM-5, the per day, no matter what American Psychiatric Ashappened yesterday or sociation’s current manthe day before. When ual for mental disorders, you penalize your teen is only just considering by taking away his phone Internet Gaming Disorder for a week or a month, as a condition for further not only does this punish study), there are plenty him to the point that of signs that screen time he’ll give up on your could be a problem. This rules with electronics, could include your child but it also punishes you, constantly thinking about because you’ll have to being on her screen, or constantly monitor and screen time being her enforce the punishment. dominant activity. Other signs could be irritation, Modeling good behavior anxiety, and sadness with screens is also key. when a person’s screen Coming up with a time or phone is taken away. that everyone, including Spending more and more parents, puts away their time on his screen and phones, sends a message failed attempts to cut that there is more to life down on his screen time than electronics. A few is also a warning sign for examples would be a parents. Loss of inter“no phones” rule during est in other activities dinnertime, a family like sports or clubs, a board game night once a sudden drop in grades, week free of electronics, or hiding one’s phone or or turning off phones and screen time from adults, storing them together for are other signs to look the night in a cabinet or out for. If your child fits drawer. Teenagers are most, if not all, of these smart. They watch what behaviors, do not hesi-

tate to contact a local mental health professional who can help both you and your teen with these issues. As parents, we have to look at the long game. What are we trying to teach our children that will help them not only now, but beyond, when they’re adults and move out of the house? After all, teenagers are adults in training. We want our children to lead happy, productive lives surrounded with people who care and support them to make good decisions. We want our teens to be able to know when to put down their phone or screen and have a faceto-face conversation with a friend. We hope that, when they’re living on their own, they will engage in activities that promote healthy habits like exercise, music, and dancing. We want our children to have time alone with their thoughts to reason through work and life problems and to share those problems with others. Encouraging teens to use electronic devices in a responsible way will help them accomplish these goals, and may be the most important thing we do for them as they become adults in our increasingly technologically savvy world. Chris Brown is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Roanoke. He provides counseling to children, teens, adults, and couples at the Roanoke Valley Counseling Center. Chris and his wife enjoy hiking and biking the Valley’s trails with their nine year-old twins.

Family/May 2019

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Finding your strength.

How to

Adult

Teenagers Need Guidance, Support, and the Freedom to Make Their Own Choices.

by Kimberly Blaker As most parents of teens can attest, dealing with teens’ growing independence is often a daunting challenge. Pushing away from parents is a normal part of adolescence and necessary for teens to develop. Yet because they are still maturing, they do need guidance and support along the way.

RESPONSIBILITY

As kids grow, they need to take on more responsibility for themselves and within the family. Taking responsibility for themselves includes waking up and getting to school on time and managing homework and extracurricular activities, among many other tasks. Teens also need to develop more responsibility toward others. Teens can cook for the family, do more chores, and help care for younger siblings. They can also hold part-time jobs and volunteer to serve their communities.

The best way to help your teen develop decisionmaking skills is to pick and choose when to intervene.

So how do you give your teen the space to grow and avoid overstepping boundaries that tend to push her further away? The first step is understanding the necessary components for teens to become capable, healthy adults. Then, know how you can guide and support your adolescent during this trying stage while still providing your teen the freedom to grow.

DECISION-MAKING

Learning to problem-solve and make good decisions is crucial to becoming a capable adult, so teens need lots of opportunities

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to make their own decisions. There’s no doubt they’re going to make mistakes along the way, but the best lessons in life are often the results of mistakes. It’s natural for parents to want to protect their kids and prevent them from experiencing pain (physical or emotional). But the mistakes teens make, and particularly the consequences of those mistakes, often dull in comparison to those they could make in their adult life. So don’t try to protect your teen from ever making a mistake. By allowing adolescents to make decisions, experience failure, and problem-solve now, they’ll have the foresight and skills to make better decisions as adults. The best way to help your teen develop decision-making skills is to pick and choose when to intervene. Consider the severity of the repercussions if your teen makes a particular mistake. For example, drinking and driving can be deadly not only to your teen but anyone else on the road. So if your teen doesn’t make an appropriate

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decision regarding this issue, you need to intervene. When the consequences are less severe, parents should still offer guidance, but teens should have much more freedom to decide for themselves and opportunities to fail and learn lessons.

THEIR OWN IDENTITY

During the teen years, kids struggle with the formation of their own identity. But forming their own identity is necessary to becoming an emotionally healthy adult. Teen identity formation is seen in a number of behaviors. Rebellion. Teens often rebel in an effort to differentiate themselves from their parents and authority figures. Rebellion can take the form of non-compliance or nonconformity. Either way, as psychologist Carl E. Pickhardt explains, a teen will provoke his parents’ disapproval to assert his own individuality. Unfortunately, rebellion can lead to self-defeating and even self-destructive behavior. If your teen is rebelling, Pickhardt recommends that parents allow natural consequences to occur, provide positive guidance (repeatedly), and support constructive growth. Sex, drugs, and alcohol. In addition to peer pressure, teens often use drugs, alcohol, or sex to feel grown-up. These can be challenging issues for parents to deal with. The best approach for parents to take is to offer ongoing guidance to their teens regarding these matters and to keep the line of communication open. Talk to your teen about the facts and dangers, how to be safe, and your expectations. If your teen comes home intoxicated, don’t overreact. Wait until she is sober and discuss the matter calmly. Above all, make sure your teen knows she can talk to you at any time. Status. Status symbols are another means by which teens search for their identity. They may insist on wearing

expensive shoes and clothing or spend money on pricey electronics or cars. This is an area in which allowing teens to make their own decisions is often best (as long as they’re spending their own money, not yours). However, you should try to instill in your teen that material things aren’t what defines who he is, but rather it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Idolization. Idols are another way teens search for their identity. Teens often mimic their idols in the way they dress, do their hair, and talk. While this can give teens a sense of belonging, it ultimately results in the loss of their own identities. Let your teen know it’s okay to admire their idol, but encourage her to be herself and remind her of her own valuable qualities.

PERSONAL VALUES

It’s only natural that parents want and hope their kids will grow to hold the same values they do. But during the teen years, as adolescents try to carve out their own identities, they begin to question some of those values and experiment with new ones. Some of the values your teen comes to hold or oppose may go against your own. In some cases, these different values may even be self-destructive. Still, teens also often carve out new positive values on their own, as well. Although teens will ultimately choose for themselves the values they’ll live by, parents can still try to influence positive values. The key is talking with your teen and allowing for open dialogue. When you do talk with her, ask openended questions that make her think. For example, ask her, What would you do if you were with a friend who was bullying someone? Also, ask your teen if he feels pressured to ignore certain values. If so, ask how he thinks he can overcome that pressure. Finally, lead by example. Throughout the teen years, look for teachable moments. Find opportunities to invite your teen to join you in a value-based activity so she can experience the impact it has on others, the world, and her own sense of self-worth.

The best approach for parents to take is to offer ongoing guidance to their teens and keep the line of communication open.

Cliques. Another way teens try to discover or establish their identity is through cliquish exclusion. Being part of a group can be a good thing because it provides commonality and a sense of security and belonging. But unlike groups, cliques are restrictive and allow only certain types of people in. Teens are very good at disapproving of and excluding others who dress or act differently from themselves, and often form cliques. If your adolescent is part of a clique, talk to him about the importance of still being himself, having a mind of his own, and having the courage to stand up to bad behavior that may occur within the clique.

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Superhero Night

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Live strong — Sox strong! Join the Salem Red Sox on Memorial Day for their second annual Sox Strong Night! The Sox are all about living a fit and healthy lifestyle, so get moving and come out to the ballpark and enjoy some baseball, fitness games, and more!

May 27 • 7:05 PM

In the Neighborhood bump from you. Roanoker Michelle Bennett, when she was first starting her business CUPS Coffee & Tea in Grandin Village, accepted the Over the Edge challenge — despite having never done anything like it before. “It was scary as all getout,” she said, recalling going over the jutting cornice of The Patrick Henry hotel’s rooftop. “You know, no matter how many times they tell you you’re one hundred percent safe, you’re all good, we’ve got you locked in, somebody’s here waiting at the bottom — it’s still eleven stories of terror and you think, ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’” But don’t worry — Michelle changed her tune once it was over. “It was a lot of buildup, and it completely lived up to the buildup. It was interesting and fun and scary. The first thing I said when I got down was, ‘I’m ready to do it again.’”

Over the Edge by Jacqueline Moon

Ever looked up at downtown Roanoke’s tallest buildings and thought to yourself, “You know, I’d like to rappel off that”? How about this — ever wondered, “What can I do to help change the lives of kids in the area who are facing adversity?” Either way, I have some really good news for you. This month, on Saturday, May 18th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia will hold its annual Over the Edge event, when people like you who have successfully raised $1,000 or more for BBBS will be able to descend via a rope from the rooftop of the Roanoke Higher Education Center. The Roanoke Higher Education Center is an eleven-story-high building — one of the Roanoke Valley’s tallest. That means you can feed your adventurous side without going any further than the city center. Over The Edge is a national Big Brothers Big

Sisters event and one that the organization relies on heavily for funding its programs. In the past five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia has raised nearly $400,000 through Over the Edge for one-to-one mentoring programs in the Roanoke Valley. While climbing down the side of a 100-footplus-tall building sounds absolutely thrilling to some, I know there are others of you who would rather pass, thank you very much. I get it. But there’s still a way you can help out: You can support one of those crazy people — I mean, adventurous souls — who are registered to rappel! The only way their dream can come true is if they raise $1,000, so throwing ten or twenty bucks their way would be a helpful gesture. If you don’t know someone trying to reach that mark, all the registered rappellers can be found on the event website (go to bigslittles.org and click on “events”). As of this writing, there are several rappellers who are almost there! I know they’d appreciate a

Local mom Marissa Yi went Over the Edge in honor of her fortieth birthday last year. “it’s one of the most amazing experiences you can have, while benefiting children in the community at the same time!” she said. You’re probably familiar with what Big Brothers Big Sisters does — connecting volunteers with children who could benefit from a healthy relationship with a caring adult. Most of the kids served by BBBS of Southwest Virginia are from low-income and/ or single-parent homes; sometimes, one parent is in jail. Children in the program (called “Littles”) get together for a few hours a month with an adult volunteer (a “Big”), and those interactions have been shown to do a ton of good: they improve Littles’ performance in school, lead to better home relationships, and reduce the likelihood they’ll engage in violent or illegal behavior. Their programs are life-changing, but they can’t run without money. Fundraisers like Over the Edge are pivotal to making BBBS programs work. So let’s make this be your year! Do something new, fun, and exciting, and help Roanoke area kids. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

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In the Neighborhood

Nonprofits: The Heart of Our Community by Sandra Pratt Community. What does it actually mean? Simply described, community is a group of interacting people living in a common location. It can be taken one step further to include a sense of pride and a feeling of connectedness. So while I am not an expert (unless you count that anthropology class I took freshman year at Radford University) I have had some experiences that make me very proud to be part of this community. I would like to share a bit of my background with you. I promise this is the only article I write that will focus on me. As director of community development for a local media company for ten years, I was able to take my passion for volunteerism and turn it into a career. This unique position in media allowed me to specialize in relationshipbuilding with nonprofits serving as a liaison to the community. I have served on numerous committees for fundraisers, such as golf tournaments, galas, luncheons, 5Ks — you name it, I’ve most likely been a part of it in some way. I have the privilege of serving on the boards of directors for the following nonprofits: American Red Cross, Blue Ridge Literacy, Community Coalitions of Virginia, Family Service of Roanoke Valley, Roanoke Prevention Alliance (RPA), Roanoke Area Youth and Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC), and Total Action for Progress (TAP). I am continuing to use my nonprofit experience and connections in my current role as account manager for mpiTOO, a full-service advertising agency that assists nonprofits with their

missions and impact on our community. I was bitten by the volunteering bug many years ago when I became a “Big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters. It touched me in ways I never could have imagined and opened my eyes to understanding that so many children in our community need a friend and mentor. I benefitted from this relationship as much as my “Little” did. (Thank you, Nique!) I have also had the opportunity to meet many brave children who have faced obstacles and challenges that no child should ever have to. Children such as Libby, Hunter, Leanne, and Hannah — children who needed the services of Children’s Miracle Network and the Ronald McDonald House. Each have left an impression on me that I will never forget and will always treasure the little heroes they are. Causes for children are a weak spot for many, and I’m no exception. So whether you choose to support the animals, the arts, the homeless, or the hungry, please support something. Hopefully, through this monthly column, you will learn about new causes as well as acquire new information about causes you may already support. Regardless, so many in OUR community need your time, talent, and/or treasures. It’s not about giving till it hurts, but rather, giving until it helps. I give thanks every day for the opportunity I’ve been given to make a difference. Won’t you join me?

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Family Living As a parent, instilling healthy eating habits in your children at an early age can aid in proper growth and development. Eating well goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy weight, increasing energy levels, and improving moods while also reducing risk of obesity and other chronic issues such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. Set your children on a path to making lifelong nutritious choices with these tips: Foster independence. Allowing your children to help with shopping and meal prep can aid in their ability to take ownership of what they’re eating. Start by divvying up easier tasks like setting the table, then work toward them creating snacks and meals on their own. These Rainbow Fruit Parfaits are simple for kids to assemble — just set the ingredients out and let them layer — and can serve as a healthful on-the-go breakfast or after-school snack. Offer balanced options. Children require balanced diets made up of all three major food groups, including fruits and vegetables, for proper development. Looking for the Produce for Kids logo next to nutritional, familyfriendly items at the grocery store is an easy way to identify healthy food choices while also supporting local organizations that help children and families in need.

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits in Kids 44

Family/May 2019

Be a role model. Typically, your children will follow your behaviors, which includes the types of foods they select at mealtimes. Eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables can help ensure your family is getting a complete range of nutrients. For example, a recipe like this Rainbow Buddha Bowl provides a combination of fresh and roasted vegetables that can be customized to meet your family’s tastes. Thinking about how many colors you eat in a day may inspire your kids to do the same, which can foster a lifetime of healthy eating habits. To find more healthy meal inspiration, including more than 500 registered dietitian- and familytested recipes, visit produceforkids. com.

Rainbow Fruit Parfaits Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 3 • • • • • • •

1/2 cup sliced strawberries 2 mandarins, peeled and segmented 1/2 cup chopped pineapple 2 kiwis, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup blueberries 1/2 cup red seedless grapes 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt

In parfait glasses, layer strawberries, mandarins, pineapple, kiwis, blueberries, and grapes. Top each fruit parfait with yogurt. Rainbow Buddha Bowl Recipe courtesy of Jodi at Create Kids Club Prep time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

• 1/2 small purple cabbage, sliced • 1 tablespoon olive oil • salt, to taste • pepper, to taste • 2 cups cooked quinoa • 1 cup red cherry tomatoes, quartered • 1/2 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, quartered • 1 avocado, sliced • 4 tablespoons yogurt ranch dressing Heat oven to 425 F. Place sweet potatoes, broccoli and cabbage on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Divide cooked quinoa into four bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with dressing.

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced • 1 cup broccoli florets

Family/May 2019

Family Calendar whatever it takes to musically reproduce the album. The performance is separated into two sets. The first set features the album being recreated as a true symphonic piece. The second set, which features a selection of the album artist’s “greatest hits,” opens in full contrast to the first set with an incredible light display and the symphony being much more laid-back. The tone is set very quickly that the show will feature the high level of musicianship of the act being covered and will also be accompanied by all the bells and whistles of a major rock and roll show. Tickets start at $26. theberglundcenter.com

PJ Masks Live! Save the Day Salem Civic Center May 3 • 6 PM

go.play.see. Stay Cool this Summer!

Theater & Live Shows

with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award®–winning Best Score, including “My Favorite

The Sound of Music Berglund Performing Arts Theatre May 1 • 7:30 PM

The Sound Of Music features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers and Maria Augusta Trapp. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences

Things,”“Edelweiss,” and the title song. The Sound of Music Live! aired on NBC in December, 2013 and was seen by more than 44 million

people. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. Tickets start at $35. theberglundcenter.com

THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY Berglund Performing Arts Theatre May 4 • 8 PM

The Black Jacket Symphony offers a unique concert experience through recreating classic albums in a live performance setting. A selected album is performed in its entirety by a group of handpicked musicians specifically selected for each album, with no sonic detail being overlooked — the musicians do

This musical production follows the thrilling nighttime adventures of three young friends who transform into their dynamic alter-egos: Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko. Young fans and their families will have the opportunity to see the PJ Masks series come to life on stage — it is truly magical! salemciviccenter.com

Festival of the Bands Virginia Tech Moss Art Center May 5 • 1 PM

Enjoy a full day of Virginia Tech band music with the Campus Band, Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, Highty-Tighties, and the Blacksburg Community Band. This year’s performances will feature the music of Virginia Tech music faculty member James Sochinski to celebrate his retirement. In addition, guest artists Jay Crone (trombone) and the Escape Ten percussion duo will join the Wind Ensemble for their performance. Come for just a part or spend the whole afternoon! $10 general or $7 student.

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MARKET

FREE MOVIES

Market Square - Downtown Roanoke

May 10 - Incredibles 2 June 14 - Bumblebee July 12 - Mary Poppins Returns Aug 9 - E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Pre-Show Activities 6pm Movies begin at Dusk

Details at DowntownRoanoke.org!

Roanoke Adventist Christian School, formerly known as Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School, has been offering quality Christian education at family friendly prices in the Roanoke area for 80 years. Our school is a small classroom environment where students receive grade-level appropriate individualized instruction. Our school is fully accredited. Specific learning standards by grade level may be found by visiting: adventisteducation.org/ curriculum

Roanoke Adventist Christian School Fosters Academic Excellence â&#x20AC;˘ Passionate Spirituality â&#x20AC;˘ Outstanding Character In Each Student Roanoke Adventist Christian School has been offering quality Christian education at family friendly prices in the Roanoke area for over 80 years.

Registration fees are $340 until May 31. After June 1, the registration fee will increase to $390. A $50 charge for transfer students is also required.

Schedule a FREE Educational Success Consultation or a Kindergarten Readiness Evaluation These free consultations focus on goals for your child, academic preparation and readiness and planning for future choices. These consultations will also help us, should you choose our school, to better serve your child.

Our school offers tuition rates that are highly competitive and scholarship opportunities are available. All financial aid applications are processed on a first-come basis so early applications are encouraged.

Call us at 540-798-6061 or email RoanokeAdventistPrep@gmail.com to set an appointment

Family Calendar TAP Presents: Roanoke’s Voice

See our full calendar online at roanoke.family FREE. raysac.org

Jefferson Center, Roanoke

Local Colors Festival

May 30 • 5:30 PM

May 18 • 11 PM

TAP’s musical talent competition and fundraiser is back by popular demand! A night of fun as local talent competes for the title of Roanoke’s Voice. All proceeds benefit families of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. Tickets $30 (includes heavy appetizers) tapintohope.org

It’s the annual festival that showcases the many wonderful ethnic cultures in the Roanoke Valley! Food, entertainment, children’s activities, international exhibits and demonstrations — fun for the whole family! localcolors.org

Music of the ‘60s Mill Mountain Theater, Roanoke May 31 - June 1

Twist and shimmy your way to Mill Mountain Theatre with the catchiest songs from one of the most revolutionary decades in music, the ‘60s. With your favorites from chart toppers like The Beatles, The Supremes, and Aretha Franklin, we invite you slip on a pair of bell bottoms and dance to your favorites. Tickets: $20/$25 millmountain.org

Festivals & Fairs Elevate Your Vibe Fest Wasena Park, Roanoke

Elmwood Park, Roanoke

39th Annual Community School Strawberry Festival Elmwood Park, Roanoke May 3-4

One of Roanoke’s most popular and anticipated events. Kicking off festival season each year on the first weekend in May, the Strawberry Festival brings the community together amid an atmosphere of good, old-fashioned, family fun. Homemade shortcakes, strawberry treats, kids’ games, and much more! strawberryfestivalroanoke.org

Storybook Science Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke May 4 • 10:30 AM

Perfect for your preschooler. Features a story time and take-home craft. FREE for Science Museum members, included in regular museum admission for non-members. smwv.org

World Migratory Bird Day and Community Art Show Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke May 11 • 11 AM

Classes & Library Events

A holiday that celebrates the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds. Join Mill Mountain Zoo to celebrate and learn more. Keeper chats, crafts, and face-painting, PLUS the 5th annual Community Art Show. All activities included with regular zoo admission! mmzoo.org

KIDS MAKE ART

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

May 11 • 10 AM

Event to help promote a healthy, alternative high in the Roanoke community. This public, free event will bring artists, athletes, hobbyists, alternative wellness experts and more together to do what they love. Enjoy the activities, samples, demonstrations, food trucks, and entertainment! Open to the public, all ages, and

for hands-on participation, children of all ages can enhance their observation skills and use their total brain, all while having fun working on a project with their parents, guardians, and peers! Local artist and educator Polly Branch designs and leads educational activities to bring you and your family together. KIDS MAKE ART is free and for the whole family. Registration not required. Children require parent/guardian supervision at all times, and we encourage everyone to take part in the activities — adults and children alike!

Hollins University Eleanor D. Wilson Museum May 4 • 1 PM

KIDS MAKE ART is a once-permonth, first-Saturday program offering opportunities for the whole family to connect with an art museum and respond creatively! By turning a viewing experience into a time

South County Library, Roanoke May 17 • 6 PM

Did you know that Roanoke County Public Libraries offer Summer Reading Programs for kids, teens, and adults? Join for their kickoff party to register. Food, fun, games, and activities for all ages! This year’s theme is A Universe of

Stories. (540) 777-8788

Excercise & Sports Education Day at the Salem Red Sox Haley Toyota Field at Salem Memorial Ballpark May 1 • 11:05 AM

Join the Salem Red Sox for Education Day as the Salem Red Sox face off against the Carolina Mudcats! It’s the one day of the year where you’re encouraged to SKIP SCHOOL and come to the ballpark to learn about all things baseball away from the classroom! salemsox.com

Hustle for the Homeless 5k Run/ Walk Downtown Roanoke May 18 • 9 AM

2nd Annual Hustle for the Homeless 5K Run/Walk! Fundraising event for The Least of These Ministry. Experienced runners as well as individual walkers, walking groups and families can participate! 5K course boasts a unique out-and-back route that takes participants through the streets of downtown Roanoke, passing several historical landmarks along the way. Race Fee: $25, even day $35. theleastoftheseministry.org

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Spartan Kids Race Green Hill Park, Salem May 18-19

Join us for two days of athletic fun for kids ages 4-13, including racing and epic obstacles in 2-mile, 1-mile and half-mile circuits. Finishers receive a medal, T-shirt, and bandana, plus bragging rights! Cost: $25-$40 roanokecountyparks.com

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2019 ADMISSION RATES 2019 ADMISSION RATES Ages

Base Rate

Roanoke County Resident Rate*

After 4:00pm

Adult (Ages 18-54)

$11 Base

Child / Teen (Ages 3-17) Adult (Ages 18-54) Ages 55 and up Child / Teen (Ages 3-17)

Rate

$10 $11 $9 $10

Roanoke $9 County Resident Rate*

After 4:00pm

Ages 55 and up

Ages

at Green Ridge Recreation Center at Green Ridge Recreation Center

$8 $9 $7 $8

$6 $6 $6 $6

Splash Into the Fun Splash Into the Fun New Hours & Events New Hours & Events

2019 Calendar 2019 Calendar

Water Park Water Park S E A S O N PA S S SS SEASON OnPA Sale Now! On Pick up aSale season pass at the Green Ridge Now! front desk today, New Pick up a season pass

this year, get 10% off at the Green purchases Ridge concessions front desk today, New throughout the season. year, get 10% off Ifthis your household concessions purchases purchases 3 or more, throughout season. each family the member If your household takes home a souvenir purchases 3 or more, cup for free fountain each family member drinks asll season long! takes home a souvenir cup for free fountain drinks asll season long!

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Family Calendar Roanoke Half-K Race Parkway Church May 18 • 8:30 AM

Mother’s Day Events Mother’s Day Succulents and Sips

The Green Goat, Roanoke

Mother’s Day Celebration The Hotel Roanoke May 12 • 11 AM

It’s the race for the rest of us! Do your stretches, eat your carbs, have your donuts and coffee and get ready for 500 yards of pure walking (well, we guess you can run — if that’s your thing)! Register at runsignup. com/Race/VA/Roanoke/ SpiritFMFamilyFunRun to get the full race experience — the bib, the pictures, and the post-race snacks. AND it all goes to help Spirit FM continue to change lives! Everyone is a winner!

May 9 • 7 PM

Come join Bay and Branch Plant Design for a Mother’s Day Succulents and Sips. Make a gift for mom or treat yourself! Tickets are $35 (540) 589-4997

Dear Mama: Mother’s Day Brunch & Paint The Aurora, Roanoke May 11 • 3 PM

Join the ladies of Trifecta, Inc. for a memorable Mother’s Day Brunch & Paint! Brunch will include complimentary mimosas and a brunch tapas buffet. All art supplies, including a 16x20 stretched canvas, are included — art skills not required. You’ll be led through step-bystep instruction by our master artist, and in the end, take home your very own masterpiece! Tickets are $45. trifectainc.org

Delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy this year! Two Mother’s Day celebration buffets will be served in the Roanoke Ballroom and the Regency Room. Seating is between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Adults: $46; Children under 12: $22; Under 3: FREE! (540) 853-8280

Mother’s Day Kayaking Trip

Green Ridge Recreation Center, Roanoke County May 12 • 9 AM

Show your mom you really care and bring her on a fun and leisurely kayaking trip on the nearby James River. After orientation with your sit-on-top kayak and paddling instruction, you’re headed downriver. Along the way, enjoy quality family time in a beautiful setting with breaks and time for lunch. Each participant gets an individual sit-ontop kayak. No experience necessary. Ages 12 and up are welcome. $42. roanokecountyparks.com

Community & Service

Grandin Chillage Grandin Village May 31 • 6 PM

Movies in the Market: The Incredibles 2 Market Square, Downtown Roanoke May 10 • 6 PM

The first of the season! Enjoy FREE, family-friendly entertainment in Market Square! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and some snacks, or stop by a great downtown restaurant for something to eat! A concessionaire will also be on site. The movie begins at dusk, with FREE kids’ activities beginning around 6 p.m. The Incredibles 2 is rated PG. downtownroanoke.org

Royal Ball 2019

Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke June 14 • 6 PM

Join Roanoke Valley Family Magazine for the premier Father-Daughter Dance in the area. Music, dancing, contest, and of course, princesses! Light snacks will be served. Tickets are $47/couple, $15/additional daughters. VIP tickets are available. roanoke.family

75th Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration National D-Day Memorial, Bedford June 4-9

Join us every month at the famous Grandin Chillage community block party! Enjoy local food trucks, live music, games, face-painting, and more every month. New this year: in an effort to cut down on waste, we’re offering $2 off the price of admission for bringing your own steel pint cups and will be offering our Grandin Chillage steel pints for only $8 at the gate. $5 Admission, 12 and under free, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Leashed friendly pets welcome. So bring your chairs, your people, and let’s have a real good time!

June 6, 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, a milestone that is expected to represent the last large gathering of D-Day veterans around the globe. To mark this milestone and take advantage of the opportunities for discussion and commemoration it presents, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia will observe the 75th Anniversary with six days of ceremonies, displays, interviews, and much more. dday.org

Family Living

Rachel’s Reads Book Reviews

Brothers and sisters, oh my! Few aspects of childhood bring as much irritation or as much joy as having siblings. Siblings can be both BFFs and sworn enemies — within a five-minute time span. Reading books together about sibling struggles can reassure kids that their sibling angst is completely normal while also emphasizing some of the benefits of having sisters or brothers. Check out these books f rom the library (look for The New Small Person in Little Libraries around Roanoke!) and enjoy some totally relatable sibling adventures. It might even be a little therapeutic!

Family/May 2019

The New Small Person by Lauren Child The New Small Person tells the story of Elmore Green, a boy who is used to being the only child in his family. Elmore has never had to share his snacks, toys, or his parents’ attention, but then he gets a baby brother. To make matters even worse, this baby brother gets bigger and starts following him everywhere and copying everything he does! The injustice is too much for Elmore. But one day, his little brother helps him, and suddenly Elmore is able to see the possibilities of their sibling relationship in a whole new way. On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott On Mother’s Lap gets to the deepest question in a new big bother or sister’s heart: Do my parents have enough love for the baby AND me? Young Michael loves to snuggle with his mother in the rocking chair and always finds the space to squeeze his favorite toys onto her lap, too. When Mother suggests the baby join them, Michael is sure there isn’t enough room for them both on Mother’s lap. The magic of a mother’s lap, though, is that there is always enough room. Little Brothers & Little Sisters by Monica Arnaldo Most sibling books are from the older sibling’s perspective, but Little Brothers & Little Sisters captures the struggles of being a younger sibling. Monica Arnaldo describes feeling left out, left behind, and jealous,

along with the positive benefits of having a big sibling. Little siblings struggle with just as much ambivalence about their siblings as older kids do, and they appreciate reading a book that describes their experience. Julius, The Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes If you have a new big brother or sister in your house who resents a new sibling, Julius, The Baby of the World is a mustread. Kevin Henkes has a great sense of humor that allows kids and parents to laugh together during what can be a difficult transition. Lilly is initially excited by the idea of being a big sister, but when baby Julius arrives, she quickly changes her mind. Lilly’s parents may think Julius is “The Baby of the World,” but Lilly knows the truth: Julius is “The Germ of the World.” After lots of dramatic acting out (and more than a few minutes in the time-out chair) Lilly’s bigsister pride kicks in and everything changes. Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare by Patricia Polacco Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare is the story of Trisha and Richie, two siblings who butt heads constantly. Richie thinks Trisha’s ballet class looks easy and boring, while Trisha is convinced anyone could play hockey. Their bickering escalates into the ultimate dare: Trisha is going to play on Richie’s hockey team, and Richie is going to perform in Trisha’s dance recital. The dare results in both kids having to step out of their comfort zones, and they end up gaining a whole new understanding of each other.

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Star City Little Library Need a Book? Take a Book. Have a Book? Leave a Book.

Little Libraries are a great way to spread literacy and entertainment throughout our communities. Every month Growing Up in the Valley will restock the little libraries with great books for your whole family and we welcome your donations as well! Stop by our locations to see what surprises we have in store, and maybe leave a gently used book for someone else to enjoy.

Locations: Roanoke Ballet Theatre – 1318 Grandin Rd SW – Roanoke, VA 24015 Launching Pad – 1300 Intervale Dr – Salem, VA 24153 LewisGale Medical Center – 1900 Electric Rd – Salem, VA 24153 Amtrak Station – Downtown Roanoke Kirk Family YMCA Lower Entrance – Downtown Roanoke Roanoke Main Post Office - 419 Rutherord Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24022 Bounce Roanoke - 3424 Orange Avenue - Roanoke, VA 24012 Smart Beginnings/United Way - 325 Campbell Avenue SW - Roanoke, VA 24011 Prestige Gymnastics - 2726 Lee Highway - Troutville, VA 24175 CHIP Roanoke - 1201 3rd Street SW - Roanoke, VA 24016

Family/May 2019

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Family/May 2019

Every Day

Monday

• Mama Maria’s 11 AM - 2 PM • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848

• Country Cookin’ 4 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199

• Golden Corral All Day • 3 & under free buffet with paid adult 1441 Towne Square Blvd., Roanoke (540) 563-8826

• Famous Anthony’s 3 PM - Close • 1 child per paid adult All Locations in Roanoke, Salem, & Vinton (540) 362-1400

IHop 4PM-10PM • 12 & Under All Locations

• Buffalo Wild Wings 4 PM - 9 PM • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult All Locations (540) 725-9464

• Shoney’s All Day • 4 & under, free kids meal with adult entree purchase. Drink not included 2673 Lee Highway, Troutville (540) 992-6400

• 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 • Ruby Tuesday 5 PM - Close • 11 & under, 1 child per paid adult Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 265-9301 • 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 • The Quarter All Day • 12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 19 Salem Ave., Roanoke (540) 342-2990

Thursday • CiCi’s Pizza All Day • 10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet Roanoke (540) 344-7711 • The Roanoker 4:30 PM - Close • 10 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

• Jerry’s Family Restaurant 4 PM - Close • 6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase 1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400

Friday See Everyday Deals!

Saturday • Tokyo Express 11 AM - 3 PM • 4 & under free buffet per paid adult 1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303 • Famous Anthony’s 12 PM - Close • 1 child per adult meal All Locations Roanoke, Salem, Vinton (540) 362-1400

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

• Firehouse Subs All Day • 12 and Under 1 free per paid adult Keagy Road, Roanoke 540-204-4471 • O’Charley’s All Day • 10 and Under 1 free per paid adult Valley View, Roanoke 540-563-9870 • 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 These listings are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee a discount. As restaurants change promotions often, we recommend calling ahead.

Trampolines

& More! Basketball Dodgeball Jousting Pit Fidget Ladder Airbag Pit Launch Tower Arcade with prizes Bumper cars Flight Training Wall NEW! American Ninja Warrior Course Snack Bar 5 Party Rooms

• 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 • Jimmy V’s Restaurant All Day • 4 & under kids meal only $2.50 3403 Brandon Ave., Roanoke (540) 345-7311 • Moe’s Southwestern Grill All Day • 1 free per paid adult All Roanoke & Blacksburg locations

Family/May 2019

The Minimalist Mom Car by Tricia Mikesell

Have you ever been embarrassed by the way your car looks on the inside? Maybe a coworker unexpectedly asked you for a ride and your mind immediately panicked about the clutter they would see. Have you ever dropped your kids off at school and had to catch the debris falling out as they exited? Preventing these situations is really simple! Here are five tips for achieving a minimalist mom car:

Deep-clean every inch of your car. Take everything out and completely wipe down and clean it. Your car should look like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to sell it. Remove car seats and boosters, and clean those well. Clean under seats and inside compartments. Completely clean out your trunk. Once your car is empty and clean, take it to your nearest car wash. Taking a spotless car to the car wash is an amazing feeling! Run it through the wash, and be sure to vacuum before returning home.

Place seat protectors, or even a baby blanket, under car seats and boosters to prevent future spills and stains. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much easier to wash a blanket than to remove the seat and scrub the car fabric. Insert car seats and replace glove box and compartment items you must have in the car. This should only be the car manual, your registration, and emergency items. Remove all clutter from center cup holders and door pockets.

Place a couple of plastic bags in the seat pocket for trash. Put a plastic tote or basket in the truck to use as a catch-all for the items accumulated throughout the week.

Anytime you pump gas, discard trash while your car is filling up. Designate two days per week to empty the trunk bin. A backpack in the back seat, where the kids can keep toys, snacks, and clothing, is easy to grab and bring inside with you each day.

Encourage the kids to help keep the car clean. Incentives and positive reinforcement work well for this. Teach them to keep the space around them neat and clutter-free. Help them collect their belongings as they exit the car. If you buy fast food, stop at the exterior trash can first and discard any trash from your car. At your next stop, remove the food items and check under seats.

Prevent clutter from accumulating. Get in the habit of placing groceries and new purchases in the trunk instead of on a seat or floorboard. Large, reusable totes are great to keep in the trunk because you can transfer several items into your home using one bag. Modify personal habits that cause clutter. I used to keep several water bottles all over my car. I now use one stainless steel cup to transport water back and forth. Changing one habit has reduced so much clutter in my car. Maintaining a clean car will boost your confidence, teach good habits to your children, and allow you to use time in your car for meaningful experiences. Clutter can cause anxiety and stress. By eliminating the mess, you allow your mind to think more clearly.

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Roanoke Valley Family Magazine May 2019

Articles inside

Seven Can't Miss Summer Camps (That you can still sign up for!)