Growing Up In the Valley December 2015

Growing Up In The Valley

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Editor’s Note

Happy Holidays to you and your family! This is our family’s favorite time of the year as we get to do so many great things in the community and spread holiday spirit throughout our readership area.

The fun started for us on Thanksgiving weekend as we set up our annual holiday tree at the Fashions for Evergreens event at the Hotel Roanoke. This year we are excited to partner with Pepsi Bottling of Roanoke who helped us create a Christmas tree made out of 480 soda cans! The best part of creating the tree with Pepsi is that all of the cans will be donated to the Rescue Mission after our display is done! Even better, if you vote for our tree at the event, our winnings will go to the United Way of Roanoke! So head down to the hotel and check out this great free event now through January 1, 2016.

We also start our annual W.R.E.A.T.H.S. program as well. Every day, we set out to do a random act of Christmas kindness. This could be anything from helping an elderly neighbor with groceries to buying lunch for the car behind us in a drive thru. Check out our facebook page for updates on what we have done and get ideas on what you can do as a family.

So, as another year comes to a close, we want to extend our thanks to you and your family for allowing us to be a part of your family and the Roanoke community. We hope the holidays bring joy to you and yours and we truly wish that the New Year is prosperous for everyone.

Merry Christmas to all!

The Eagan Family

Andrea, Josh, Anika and Evelyn

Growing Up In The Valley

Publisher

Josh Eagan josh@growingupinthevalley.com

Anika and Evelyn’s Dad

Editor

Andrea Eagan andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

Anika and Evelyn’s Mom

Creative Director

Tracy Fisher tracy@growingupinthevalley.com

Charlotte and Evelyn’s Mom

Director of Sales

Dee Reynolds dee@mofatmedia.com

Aleyna’s Mom

Sales Executive

Kristin Bringewatt kristin@growingupinthevalley.com

Distribution

Leigh Anne Woods law@growingupinthevalley.com

Contributors

Anika at Launching Pad in Salem; The Avengers for Halloween; Karen and Evie relaxing at the COX booth at the Stocked Market.

VA 24018 Reach the Editor: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

Magazines: josh@growingupinthevalley.com Advertise: dee@mofatmedia.com Submit An Event: andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

info@growingupinthevalley.com

On October 17, 2009, Morgan Dana Harrington (a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student) attended a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, Virginia, and never came home. One hundred and one days later, a farmer found Morgan’s skeletonized remains in a remote pasture about six miles from the concert venue.

Many in our area remember the events behind Morgan’s tragic story as if it were just yesterday. The news stories, interviews with friends and family who knew and loved Morgan Harrington, and all of the questions that the community asked. Questions such as “How?, Why?, What next?” When such a senseless tragedy strikes close to home, it is hard to find any silver lining in the clouds of grief, question and pain.

However, Morgan Harrington’s abduction and murder prompted the beginning of Help Save The Next Girl, an organization founded by Dan and Gil Harrington, to help sensitize other young women to predatory dangers.

Help Save the Next Girl: Turning a tragic moment into a teachable one

By Dee Reynolds

This non-profit organization began as a conduit to spread information and promote personal safety. As a way to honor Morgan’s life, this powerful organization (which has quickly turned into a movement throughout the country) believes that “a positive legacy for Morgan includes our commitment to keep other young women safe”, their website shares.

By taking to social media, Help Save the Next Girl has a team of diligent, passionate supporters who gathers and shares information quickly and efficiently through outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. By utilizing their network of followers to disseminate timely posts online, they are able to reach a large number of interested people, and together create a zone of safety.

No parent wants to find themselves in the horrific shoes of Dan and Gil Harrington. Their sweet daughter, Morgan, was smart, beautiful and looking forward to changing the lives of children by becoming a teacher

one day. She was excited to use her outgoing personality and kind heart to benefit children (and other service organizations), but destiny intervened and took her from her friends and family far too soon. It is the hope of Help Save the Next Girl, that their efforts will help to prevent dangerous and tragic scenarios for other families.

One of the many ways that Help Save the Next Girl works to keep children, teenagers, young adults (both male and female) safe, is by providing families with a list of suggestions to consider when talking with their children about their comings and goings.

As a parent, many of us are scared about our children’s safety as they start going out on dates, being out and about with friends, or even entering a college environment where we aren’t around to keep them safe. How can we as parents, guardians, teachers and friends help save the next boy, or girl, or senior citizen, or child?

Help Save the Next Girl offers the following tips for families to consider when talking with their children and loved ones about safety in today’s society:

1.Always use the buddy system when going out, especially at night.

2. If you think someone might be following you, walk to the other side of the road; if they follow call for help

3. When you are walking alone make sure you aren’t looking down at your phone, texting or scrolling through social media. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are walking alone and suddenly notice you are being followed, call the police. That sends your geo-location.

4. Have keys in hand when walking to your car so you don’t have to be fishing through your bag or coat to find them once you get there.

6. Always tell someone you trust where you are going. If it’s to someone’s house, provide a street address.

7. Choose parking spaces that are well lit.

8. Crack, never roll down, your car window.

9. If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. Never drive towards your house or destination. Drive to the police department.

10. Keep the doors of your home locked at all times, even when you are inside.

11. If you have to walk your dog at night, attach a pepper spray key chain to the leash and stay on well lit roads.

12. Make your social media private and don’t post your address, telephone number, or email.

13. Don’t be home alone for any workman appointment.

14. Do not be afraid to call the police. They are there for us.

15. Take a self-defense course. Many universities and police departments offer them free.

While so many of us are eagerly counting down the days until we can celebrate the holidays with our families and children, there are children and families that have a hard time getting into the spirit of the holidays.

24,269

The number of reports of child abuse made to the Virginia Department of Social Services during 2014 from our community. These reports account for 21% of all child abuse and neglect reports statewide.

4,709

The number of child abuse and neglect reports received by Child Protective Services from the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

735

The number of child abuse and neglect investigations conducted in our community.

362

The number of confirmed abuse reports during 2014. Nearly a child every day!

Children’s Trust doesn’t pretend that child abuse and neglect isn’t happening right here, in our quaint little Valley, the place so many of us call home. They focus on it everyday. Consider Emma’s story (names changed) the story of one child served by Children’s Trust, told by her grandfather:

“I’m a 57-year-old grandfather of beautiful girls. They came to live with me and their grandmother when the oldest, Emma, was 6, and the youngest was still just a baby. Their mother was living with a man who was abusing young Emma When she told her teacher at school, her teacher called Social Services. There was an investigation, and because Emma’s mother didn’t believe her, the girls came to stay with us.

Emma was

By Dee Reynolds

interviewed at the Children’s Trust Children’s Advocacy Center. There, she was able to tell what happened to her to a trained interviewer, who knew how to talk to a 6-year-old about some pretty tough stuff. We met with a Family Advocate there, too, who helped us understand what was happening.

She also helped us get a counselor for Emma. We wanted Emma to start

healing from all of this as soon as possible. Emma’s mom got therapy, too. After a while, she started to believe Emma. The man she was living with was arrested. It won’t be long before Emma and her sister will be able to go back home and live with their mom.”

While the figures above are indeed bleak, and Emma’s story is all too common, it doesn’t have to stay that way. The folks at Children’s Trust are working hard every day toward making those numbers zero.

Children’s Trust has 36 years of success and a reputation for excellence in programming and organizational effectiveness. The Children’s Trust mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect and provide support for children through investigation and court proceedings. They help keep kids safe and help parents be better parents through a continuum of programming aimed at alleviating the trauma of child abuse and supporting families.

“At children’s Trust we believe that these are all our kids, this

is our community, and it’s our responsibility. Growing Up in the Valley and Freedom First Federal Credit Union clearly believe that, too. They have joined together to present the first annual New Year’s Eve Gala at Salem Civic Center benefiting Children’s Trust. We couldn’t be more pleased to have them both as partners in protecting children and supporting families” said Janice Dinkins Davidson, Executive Director.

3,548 children learned how to protect their bodies from abuse through Children’s Trust children’s education program, Speak Up Be Safe®

113 abused children found safe, permanent homes with help from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers.

341 children were able to tell about their abuse in a safe, child centered place, with a protection system that works together with children’s best interest in mind through the Children’s Trust Child Advocacy Center.

90 adults learned how to protect children from sexual abuse through the Children’s Trust adult education program Stewards of Children®.

229 families negotiated for their children’s custody and child support and made decisions on their own terms through the Conflict Resolution Center at Children’s Trust.

How Your Family Can Help

Want to start a new tradition by ringing in the New Year with family AND help support Children’s Trust and the great work they do in the Community?

Join Growing Up in the Valley for a night of fun, games (for both kids and adults!), prizes, a silent auction with lots of great treasures, carriage rides, music and dancing and a special New Year’s Countdown complete with a sparkling cider toast to ring in the “New Year” at 10 PM, just in time to get home safely before the clock strikes midnight! Tickets are available online for purchase, or you can head to the Salem Civic Center to pick up yours without any service charges. Tickets are $17.50 for wonderful dinner buffet and admission. Or, if you are

eating at home as a family or picking up something on the way to the Gala, you can buy a $5 general admission ticket. Both ticket prices include all of the fun and games, music and dancing, and the sparkling cider toast at the close of the evening. You can come dressed in fun, 1920’s attire or, just come as you are! It will be a great night of alcohol-free, family fun with a grand finale surprise to ring in the New Year with your loved ones!

For more information, www. growingupinthevalley.com/ nye-gala

You Are What You Eat

We have all heard the phrase “You are what you eat!” and many of us as parents have probably caught ourselves saying this to our children (or our spouses!) a time or two. But, for Happy Healthy Cooks, a local non-profit organization focused on educating area children about the benefits of eating healthy, it is more than just a phrase.

Through teaching children the importance of eating healthy at an early age, Happy Healthy Cooks aims to turn kids and their families on to healthful whole foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc.) Not only do they want students in the schools where they have programs to become introduced to healthy foods that they may have never tried, but they want to teach them that eating healthy can taste good!

Their trained volunteers go one-onone with students in local elementary schools to deliver their proven, hands-on, sensory-based curriculum to elementary school children at an early age so they can protect their health through diet as they grow older. Students learn the impact of nutrition, prepare and taste a variety of healthful foods, learn how to determine what foods are good

Greek Zucchini Bruschetta

Makes 6-8 servings.

for their bodies and minds, and cook in the classroom! The more kids are involved with and learn about healthful foods, the more likely they are to taste them and like them.

As with many non-profit organizations in our community, their continued success depends on volunteers, donations and an overall excitement for the work that they do. Just this past month, many in the community rallied around Happy Healthy Cooks and participated in their 4th annual Super Star Lip Sync Fundraiser at Sidewinders in Downtown Roanoke. Reaching their goal to raise $5,000 to support their worthy cause, attendees of this fun-filled, musical, entertaining event got to witness some look-alike performers such as Rihanna, Frank Sinatra, Eminem and even Beyonce! Who knew Roanoke had so much talent? It was definitely a fundraiser like no other in our area. Don’t be sad if you missed the show and your chance to offer support, you can check out Happy Healthy Cooks on Facebook and online (www. happyhealthycooks.org) for information on how to get involved, how to donate and for some mouth watering recipes that not only taste good -- but are good for you!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Nikos Tomato Basil Feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, cut into strips

2 tomatoes, diced

2 zucchini, sliced

2 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions:

1. Slice zucchini into 1/3- or 1/2-inch thick pieces. Lay flat on baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lined with foil.

2. Drizzle zucchini with 1 tablespoon olive oil and bake in oven at 350F degrees until almost soft.

3. Dice tomatoes and mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil, seasonings, feta cheese and basil. Top zucchini with tomato and feta mixture.

Monkey Bread

Ingredients:

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuits

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

¾ cup butter or margarine, melted

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

½ cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan with shortening or cooking spray. In a large plastic food storage bag, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Separate the dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in the bag to coat. Arrange in pan, adding walnuts and raisins (if desired) among the biscuit pieces.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and butter; pour over biscuit pieces. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.

Pick Your Perfect Pet

By: Amanda Powers

Picking out a shelter pet is an important and life changing decision for a family. There are many things to consider prior and during the adoption process. Prior to visiting any of the local adoption agencies, a few decisions have to be made.

First, “Are we ready to adopt a pet?” There is a lot involved with adopting and caring for a furry family member. There is both financial and time costs related to the care of pets. Financially, they require food, veterinary care, grooming, and several other supplies.

As for time, pets require more than just food, water, and shelter; they require time for training, love, and affection as well. Most cats and dogs live anywhere between 10 and 20 plus years. Is your family ready to make that kind of commitment? If so, move on to

considering what size and kind of animal you would like to adopt. Many apartments and rental homes have size and breed restrictions. Please be careful to review the policy prior to making a final decision.

Some cats and dogs have more health requirements; while others need plenty of space to run. When choosing the right pet for your family, keep everyone, including children involved in the decision. Be sure to choose an animal that fits your family’s personality and lifestyle. You also have to determine whether you want to adopt an adult pet or a youngster. Kittens and puppies both require time and energy for initial training. They will need to be taught appropriate behaviors and where to use the restroom, prior to being unsupervised. However, adult animals may have a history that would also need to be considered prior to adoption.

Are you still up to adopting a new furry family member? Go visit!

Adopting a pet, rather than purchasing from a breeder has multiple benefits. First, you get to provide a home to an adorable furry friend without extreme cost, a lengthy wait, or the risk of getting an animal that was born in a mill. Most local adoption organizations spay/neuter and provide needed vaccines prior to adoption as well. These organizations are also willing to help support families throughout the process of adoption through the lifetime of their pet.

When visiting the shelter, don’t be discouraged if you do not find just the right family member for your family at the first visit. It may take a few visits before you find the furry friend that fits your family. The shelter workers are a great resource. Ask the questions, pick their brains, and get to know the animals at the shelter. They will be able to provide you with useful information about picking the right animal for you, the pets’ histories, and training tips. They also have lots of experience with other families during this transition and will be assist in the process as well.

Once you have decided which furry friend will be joining your family, you need to be sure your home is ready for them too! You must prepare your house or apartment prior to bringing home a pet. Be sure to have needed supplies such as food, bowls, and other supplies prior to their arrival. The shelter should have a list of suggested supplies like litter boxes, leashes etc.

After making sure you have everything you need for your pet, be sure to remove any dangerous or non-pet friendly items and foods from their reach. This is especially important when they are new in your home and have not yet learned the rules.

After your new fury family member get home, give them time to get used to their new environment. Although the family may be very excited about the new arrival, it will be a big change for both you and them. It will take some time to get used to. After a few days, the animal should adapt and the family can enjoy all the benefits of having a pet. If you are worried about your pet’s behavior, or they don’t seem to be adapting after a few days call your local veterinarian or the shelter you adopted them from for advice.

Is your family ready for this furball?

How to Adopt a Pet

Whether you are looking to adopt a pet or already have one or more furry family members, the Roanoke area has several wonderful organizations to help you out. Angels of Assisi and the Roanoke Valley SPCA both offer a wide range of services from adoptions to veterinary care. Below is some of the details to help your family make the best choice for the care of your furry friends.

Angels of Assisi is located in downtown Roanoke and offer numerous services at affordable prices.

Adoption Fees:

• Adult Cats: Free

• Kittens: $50 (two for $75)

• Adult Dogs: $70

• Puppies: $200

Angels of Assisi also offers low cost spay and neutering for both cats and dogs as well. Their other veterinary services include wellness care, dental cleaning, deworming, vaccines, sick pet services such as treating infections and surgical needs, and microchipping services.

They also provide a basic pet pharmacy to assist with medication needs as well. However, helping local pets is not their only mission, they also assist with many pet related programs such as Pets for Life, an “initiative [that] aims to provide veterinary services directly to low income communities” (angelsofassisi.org).

Some of their other programs include: Pets for Patriots, Biscuit Fund, Harmony Fund, and an assisted living outreach.

For more information call or visit Angels of Assisi at 415 Campbell Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 or call (540) 344-8707 www.angelsofassisi.org

Another local pet organization is the SPCA, or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Locally they offer both veterinary and adoptions services to people and pets throughout the community. They also offer adoptions for both cats and dogs.

Adoptions fees:

• Puppies (< 6 months of age): $175

• Dogs (under 20 pounds): $125

• Dogs (20 pounds and up): $99

• Kittens (<6 months of age): $99

• Cats: $50

The SPCA also offers two low cost, high quality spay/neutering clinics in both Roanoke and Christiansburg. However, one of the SPCA’s main goals is to provide humane educational services to the community. They also have their own programs that help pets and owners in difficult situations. These programs include: P. E.

information, call or visit the Roanoke SPCA at 1340 Baldwin Avenue, Roanoke, VA, 24012 or call (540) 339-WAGS (9247) www.rvspca.org

If you are not located in the Roanoke area please contact your local SPCA/ humane society location for more details on their service and fees. Both the SPCA and Angels of Assisi provide spay/neutering services and basic vaccines prior to the adoption of any of their pets.

The listed prices are subject to change, this listing is for informational purposes only.

Cecelia Perkins Parent of the Month:

What inspires you?

I am inspired by many things, especially by the love and depth of my LORD. Knowing He loves me, moves my heart to compassionately give, as He has given, and teach my family to always operate in His love.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my daughter, Chanera for continuing with her education and being a wonderful mother. As a grandparent, I observe and learn from my daughter; she selflessly cares and provides for my grandson. She is teaching me how to be a better mom and grandmother.

What motivates you?

Being a role model for my daughter motivates me to continually grow by turning life experiences into positive life lessons. When I think about my grandchildren and their precious little lives, I am motivated to be their beacon of light through guidance and encouragement.

What can you not live without?

I cannot live without the love of God and family. Also, every night, I drive my husband crazy with my must-haves: iced water, gum, two blankets and a fan. Sounds nuts but it is true. I must have these things in order to have a good night’s sleep.

Do you have any advice for other parents?

Now that I am older, I see things much clearer. I have lots of advice for parents, especially young parents. Children grow up so quickly and too often 24 hours just isn’t enough time in a day and precious moments are missed. So parents try to make home a place of warmth, safety, and love. Bond with your children through prayer, laughter and play. Never be too busy to show interest in their day or concern for things that causes them pain. Immediately correct your children, in love, when they make mistakes. Demonstrate humility, by openly acknowledging your imperfections, your children will love you for it. Finally, don’t forget to hug and kiss your children everyday and tell them how special they truly are to you.

been the biggest challenges in my life.

How do you help others?

What is the biggest challenge in your life?

Fully utilizing my God given talents and becoming financially independent have

What is your favorite date night venue?

I love date nights with my husband: eating at a nice restaurant, a movie or concert, then a night drive.

What do you always have with you?

I always have my cell phone with me just in case I am needed.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is a western starring Tom Selleck, ”Quigley Down Under.”

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People would be surprised to know I was extremely shy in my younger days.

Like my parents, I am very empathic and can easily put myself in the shoes of another. I grew up in a family of ten, and watched the many sacrifices my parents made, not only to care for my family but others who were less fortunate. I help people by meeting them at their place of need with an open hand and heart.

How would you describe your parenting style?

My parenting style is predominantly authoritative. I have high expectations of my child because I know her dreams and capabilities, also I am a mother who is very loving, intuned, and nurturing. I have always set restrictions and limits in our home to protect my child, as my parents did for me, while respectfully listening to her concerns and needs. My goal is to meet my daughter’s expectation of a mother and exceed it. One can only hope their style of parenting is a success.

A Flower Pot Christmas

SNOWMAN REINDEER SANTA

First, paint two pots of the same size white and glue them together with hot glue. Hot glue a styrofoam ball on the top for the head.

Next, make a hat out of black felt and black card stock. Once the hat is made, glue it onto the foam ball.

Glue googly eyes in place and use a long bead for the nose.

Hot glue buttons on his tummy and cut a strip of felt out for his scarf.

Last, but not least, pick some small sticks up from outside and hot glue them into place for arms.

This is the simplest of the three pots and is the most suitable for younger children.

First, paint the pot brown. Next, glue googly eyes and use a red pom for the reindeer’s nose.

Last, but not least, pick some small sticks up from outside and hot glue them into place for antlers.

For more great holiday craft ideas, follow us on Pinterest!

First, paint a large pot red and a smaller pot black.

Next, hot glue a white styrofoam ball on top of the upside down large red pot.

Make a hat out of red felt and glue a cotton ball on for Santa’s beard. Use more cotton to attach around the brim of the hat and for the point of the hat.

For Santa’s face, use two googly eyes and a pink bead for his nose.

For Santa’s coat, cut a piece of black felt out and attach it, along with a few buttons, with hot glue.

Reading Powers the Community

By Mary Beth Keenan

The Story

“No, I want to come read with you!” Adam exclaimed. These were the first words Adam spoke during Reading Hour. His volunteer reading mentor had been reading one-on-one with him for a month before he said a word. Adam was always very engaged during Reading Hour; it was visible he was paying attention, but unclear whether or not he enjoyed the 30 minutes with his mentor. Finally, after a month of trying to get him to speak, he was given the choice to stay in the classroom or join the rest of the group participating in Reading Hour. With joy he chose to read; his self-confidence and love of reading finally clear.

The Program

Reading Hour is a program coordinated by Smart Beginnings New River Valley (SBNRV). SBNRV partners adult volunteers with 3 and 4-year old children in child care centers. The volunteer reading mentors spend at least thirty minutes each week reading out loud, one-on-one with their child buddy. The program reaches children while they are young, to stimulate their interest in reading and learning, and encourage them to believe that they, too, can be successful.

The Need

Studies show that children who are exposed to more vocabulary in the first five years of life build stronger neural connections in their brains. These connections are the hardware that leads to success later in life (Hart-Risley 1995). The most valuable way for children to be exposed to words is through quality one-onone interactions with adults. Smart Beginnings New River Valley seeks to bring more of these interactions into the lives of children preparing for kindergarten through their Reading Hour program.

The Numbers

Almost every child who participated in Reading Hour during the 2014-15 school year benefited from the program. Teachers reported that 89% of their participating students became more enthusiastic about reading. While SBNRV includes as many children as they can in the program, they seek to target those in most need of literacy support or one-on-one adult mentorship. These are the children that enter the program with preliteracy skill below age level. Of the children in this category, 88% improved their skill to age level or above by year’s end.

The Benefit

The Reading Hour program not only benefits the children, but the volunteer reading mentors as well. Bill King, a pastor in Blacksburg, has served as a reading mentor for Reading Hour since the fall of 2014. Reflecting on his experience he said, “Reading costs me a little time and I get back a chance to make a small difference in a kid’s life. It gives me a break from the mundane tasks of a day, but finally the real payoff is feeling like you have given of yourself… and I just love to have an excuse to read all the books I loved reading to my own kids long ago in a galaxy far away.”

The Future

Since the Reading Hour program first began in the spring of 2014, it has grown from serving 15 children in three childcare centers to more than 90 children at 11 child care centers. The program will serve 20 childcare centers by January. When asked about the goals of the program, SBNRV Executive Director, David Moore, said, “We are looking to create and find champions of this cause who are passionate and willing to add their voices to ours.” For more information, contact the Smart Beginnings NRV team at sbnrvreadinghour@gmail.com.

A Teacher’s Memories Adam Ward:

By Katie Lewis

So there we were, in the offices of Esquire magazine. I was a brand new yearbook adviser and had a group of high schoolers in the Big Apple for a journalism convention. Our yearbook representative had set up the Esquire tour and a question/answer session. We had stressed that the kids be on their best behavior. And we encouraged them to ask questions. Good questions. So there we were. No one was talking. And then one of my students raised his hand, a goofy grin on his face: “Ummm… How tall is this building?” The magazine’s art director simply smiled and answered the question. I mean, it was a tall building. A valid question. Not the one I had initially hoped my kids would ask. But here’s the thing… I don’t remember the answer. I don’t remember if any other students asked questions. Yet, I vividly remember the moment that Adam Ward asked that one.

This story in itself reflects the innocence that Adam embodied. That

staring up at the lights and buildings of Times Square in awe, as if the whole scene was one of the natural wonders of the world. And at that moment, to him, it was.

the high school team. He didn’t get much playing time, but that was okay with him. He was just proud to be part of the team. And I bet he was their allaround helper too.

I had the pleasure of having Adam on my yearbook staff for three years. I remember him telling me he wanted to get into broadcast journalism. I knew he would fulfill this dream. He talked a lot about radio, saying he didn’t have the face to be on the news. And even though he did do radio at Virginia Tech, and spent much of his time behind the camera at WDBJ7, he found his way in front of the camera on multiple occasions. I think it’s safe to say that he was wrong. That smile was made for the public to see. It was simply contagious. In fact, it was very rare that he didn’t wear it. When Adam first joined my staff, I remember him wanting to help in any way he could, no matter how petty the task. In fact, one of his favorite tasks was going to get the editors and me food when we were on deadline and working late. He liked to do for others. It was just his nature. Since he was always there and doing, I gave him the title of “All-Around Helper.” Because, well, he deserved a title more than any of us. By the next year, I named him sports editor, and he continued with the position until he graduated. He was a great sports editor, not only because he gave it his all, but because he was passionate about sports, especially football. He was on

That was just who he was. So when I heard of the tragedy, I found myself trying my best to explain this to people who didn’t know him. Being that it is natural for others to say good things about people when they die, I worried that my words were in vain. This was different. I wanted people to understand. As I mourned Adam’s death, I knew that if he was still alive, I would describe him to someone in the exact same way. There was not a negative word I could have said about him. In fact, when I first heard what happened, I told my husband that this had to be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. No one in their right mind could have wanted to intentionally hurt this young man. I think people quickly understood what I had hoped they would. Through photos, stories and interviews, the world got to see the beautiful person that Adam Ward was. Still, it was hard. I was profoundly affected by his death. Knowing my pain was only a slight fraction of what his family and fiancé felt, made my heart hurt even more.

Each month that passed, I told myself I would write a column to help keep his memory alive. But I kept putting it off. I was worried that I couldn’t do the piece justice. I later realized that I might not be able to, but that was okay. I would write from the heart and that would be enough. With Christmas approaching, the timing finally felt right. I know this holiday season will be beyond hard for Adam’s family. In fact, life will never be the same for them. It is not fair to tell them everything happens for a reason; it is not fair to tell them the pain will pass. But what we can do, even those that never knew him, is to live an #adamlike life. To smile, to love, to serve, to show respect, to pay it forward, to enjoy the small things, and to simply not take life for granted.

I am grateful to have known Adam Ward. He taught me more than I could have ever taught him.

Fundraise to CURE Arthritis!

More than 50 million Americans including 300,000 children have arthritis the nation’s leading cause of disability. Arthritis costs our economy $128 billion annually. Please help the Arthritis Foundation conquer this painful and debilitating disease. Register today, form a team and raise funds to put a jingle in your step this holiday.

Down

1. Something you get on Christmas Day.

2. Where Santa comes inside your house.

3. A Snack you leave out for Santa.

Across

2. A holiday on December 25th.

3. Something you hang at a fireplace.

5. Something you put on top of the tree.

Remember to like us on Facebook for a chance to win one of our weekly giveaways! Be on the look out for these great prizes:

Tickets to Shrek

Four-Pack to Family NYE Gala

GUITV Prize Packs

Candy Cane Express Passes

Local Business Gift Cards & Vouchers & more!

Nominate a worthy parent to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Parent of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 823, Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064.

Winners receive a gift card to Famous Anthony’s for a well deserved night out!

Your Name:_________________________________ Your Email Address:__________________________

Nominee’s Name:____________________________ Nominee’s Email Address:_____________________

Why Should Nominee Be GUITV’s Parent of the Month?

Public Skate

Berglund Center Coliseum

November 7 - January 18

Fridays 6 PM - 9 PM

Saturdays 12 PM - 3 PM

Sundays 2 PM - 5 PM

Winter Break Hours:

December 26 - January 2

10 AM - 1 PM, 2 PM - 5 PM

$6 admission

$2 skate rental

Elmwood Park

November 23- February 14

Mondays - Thursdays 4 PM - 9 PM

Fridays 4 PM - 10 PM

Saturdays 11 AM - 10 PM

Sundays 12 PM - 7 PM

Winter Break Hours 10 AM - 11 AM

Closed Christmas Day

$6 admission

$2 skate rental

On Going:

Dickens of a Christmas

Downtown Roanoke

December 4: Roanoke Christmas Tree

Lighting December 11: Roanoke Christmas

Parade

December 18: Pet Costume Contest & Snow Zone

All ages

Free

Shrek!

Roanoke Children’s Theatre

December 3-22

All ages

Tickets start at $13

A Christmas Carol

D. Geraldine Lawson Performing Arts

Center, Fincastle VA

December 3-6, 10-12

All ages

Tickets start at $10

Holiday Candlelight Tours

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar, Forest

December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19, 5:30 PM

$20/person

Reservations required (434) 534-8120

Fantasyland

History Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke

Every Saturday in December at 11AM, 1PM , 2 PM, & 3 PM

Ages 3-8

$6.50/ 18+

$4.50/ Ages 4-17

$2.50/ Ages 3 and under

Tickets available online & at Center in Square Box Office

Thursday • December 3

Vinton Christmas Parade & Festival

Vinton Municipal Building

6 PM - 9:45 PM

All ages Free

CANDY CANE EXPRESS

Saturday, December 5 | 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday, December 6 | 1 pm to 5 pm

• Train rides behind a historic diesel locomotive

• Take your picture with Santa

• Model trains

• Great toys, books and gifts in our Museum Store

ADMISSION $5 PER PERSON, members and children 2 and under free

TRAIN RIDES $3 PER PERSON PER RIDE, children 2 and under ride free

Friday • December 4

St. Nick’s Christmas Fair

Jeter Farm, Roanoke

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Free admission

Activities start at $2

Unlimited Family Pass $35

Salem Christmas Tree Lighting

Salem Farmer’s Market

6 PM

All ages

Free

Saturday • December 5

Holiday Cheer Bazaar

Hidden Valley High School, Roanoke

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

All ages

Free to attend

Candy Cane Express

Virginia Museum of Transportation

10 AM - 5 PM

All ages

$5/ 3 years and older

$3/ Train ride

Ye Olde Salem Christmas & Gingerbread Festival

Salem Public Library & Downtown

Salem

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

All ages

Free admission

$5 Unlimited Play Pass

Sunday • December 6

Free Day at Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo

10 AM - 4 PM

All ages

Free admission

Monday • December 7

Christmas Tree Lighting

South County Roanoke Library

6 PM - 8 PM

All ages Free

Friday • December 11

Christmas at the Market & Parade

Downtown Christiansburg, Christiansburg

4 PM - 9 PM

All ages Free

Saturday • December 12

Radford City Holiday Parade

Downtown Radford, Radford

3 PM - 4 PM

All ages Free

6, 2016 • 3PM

Playful. Inventive. Transcendent. Wonderfully Strange. In the wordless universe of Mummenschanz, the ordinary blossoms into the extraordinary. The Swiss theatrical troupe, which has toured the world for over 40 years, combines the timeless arts of mime and puppetry in an astonishing celebration of life, oversized balloons, giant hands, clay masks, free-range abstractions, and the most inspired use of toilet paper ever to hit the stage. The Jefferson Center show will feature both classic audience favorites, as well as brilliant new creations seen for the first time. KIDS 12 & UNDER ONLY $5.

Photos with Santa

Viva La Cupcake

Viva La Cupcake, Roanoke

Dec 5, 10 AM - 1 PM, 3 PM - 5 PM

Dec 6, 1 PM - 5 PM

Dec 12 ,10 AM - 1 PM, 3 PM - 5 PM

Dec13, 1 PM - 5 PM

Appointments available Dec 4 & 11

(540) 521-7830

$30 per session, includes CD of photos & printing rights

Green Ridge Center

Green Ridge Recreation Center

Dec 5, 4 PM - 5:30 PM Free

Brambleton Center

Brambleton Recreation Center

Dec 10, 6:30 PM - 9 PM Free

Craig Center

Craig Recreation Center

Dec 12, 10 AM -11:30 AM Free

Winter Wonderland Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke

Dec 12, 10 AM - 3 PM

Appointments required

$40 per session, includes 10 digital photos & printing rights (540) 597-3257

Valley View Mall

December 1 - December 24

Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM

Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM

Christmas Eve 10 AM - 5 PM

Packages range from $22 to $48

Tanglewood Mall

December 7 - December 14

Monday – Friday 11 AM - 8 PM

Saturdays 11 AM - 9 PM

Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM

December 16 – December 23

Monday – Saturday 9 AM -9 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM

Christmas Eve 9 AM – 5 PM

Packages range from $22-$48

Peppermint Ball

Sapphire Ballroom & Dance Center, Christiansburg 7:30 PM - 11 PM

General public: $10.00

Full time students: $5.00 www.sapphiredance.com

CHIP Breakfast with Santa Hotel Roanoke

8:30 AM & 11:30 AM

All ages

$50/adult

$30/children

$5/3 & under

Reservations required (540) 857-6993

Essential Oils And You Centers of Light & Cave Spring Wellness Center

10 AM - 11:30 AM

Ages 18+ Free

Tuesday - Saturday | 10am - 5pm

(open Dec 21 & 28 | 1pm-5pm)

Wednesday • December 16

Kenny Rogers Christmas Concert

Berglund Performing Arts Center

7:30 PM

All ages

Tickets start at $49

Saturday • December 19

Family Film Fest: Arthur Christmas

Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg

10 AM - 11:40 AM

All ages Free

Parent’s Night Out

Oh So Glitzy Salon, Salem

6 PM - 10 PM

Girls ages 3-13

$35/child, $20 additional child

Registration required (540) 389-6476

Thursday • December 31

Family Fun New Year’s Eve Gala

Salem Civic Center

6 PM - 10 PM

All ages

$5 general admission(7PM)

$17.50 Buffet & Admission (6PM) www.growingupinthevalley.com/nyegala

January 7

Annie

Berglund Performing Art Center

7:30 PM

All ages

Tickets start at $27

$5 parking

Nutcracker Ballets

SWVA Ballet

Berglund Performing Art Center

December 12, 2 PM & 7 PM

December 13, 3 PM

Tickets start at $15

$5 Parking

Blacksburg Ballet

Burruss Auditorium, Virginia Tech

December 12, 1 PM & 6 PM

$20/ Adults

$15/ Children & Students

A Children’s Nutcracker Cave Spring Middle School, Roanoke

December 12, 4:30 PM

Tickets start at $15

Roanoke Kids Eat Free!

Everyday

Mama Maria’s

11 AM - 2 PM

3 & under free buffet with paid adult W. Main St., Salem (540) 389-2848

Golden Corral

All Day

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

The Great 611 Steak Company

All Day

3 & under, 1 child buffet per paid adult 3830 Franklin Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-4675

Shoney’s

All Day

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

Lil Cucci’s

All Day (Closed Sunday & Monday)

10 & under, 1 child per adult meal 1396 Roanoke Rd., Daleville (540) 966-5923

Monday Country Cookin

4 PM - Close

10 & under, 2 children per paid adult

All Locations in Roanoke (540) 774-0199

Famous Anthony’s

3 PM - Close

1 child per paid adult

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

McAlister’s Deli

5 PM - Close

2 children per paid adult 2063 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 204-4407

Choose from over 35 restaurants for an affordable family night out on the town!

Buffalo Wild Wings

4 PM - 9 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

All Locations (540) 725-9464

IHOP

4 PM - 8 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Brit and Bud’s Specialty Subs

6 PM - 8 PM

12 & under eligible for half off kids meal 4208 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 206-3684

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 only

800 University City Blvd, Blacksburg (540) 961-0371

Tuesday

Brambleton Deli

11 AM - 9 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult 3655 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke (540) 774-4554

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

Town Center Tap House

All Day

12 & under, 2 children per paid adult

90 Town Center St., Daleville

(540) 591-9991

The Barbecue Grill

All Day

10 & under, 1 child per paid adult 126 E Lee Ave., Vinton (540) 857-0030

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

Valley View & Electric Rd. Locations (540) 265-9301

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

Pizza Pasta Pit

4 PM - 9 PM

1 child per paid adult. Drink not included. 1713 Riverview Dr., Salem (540) 387-2885

IHOP

4 PM - 8 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult

Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Thursday

CiCi’s Pizza

All Day

10 & under .99 cents child buffet per adult buffet

All Locations, Roanoke (540) 344-7711

The Roanoker

4:30 PM - Close

12 & under, 2 children per paid adult 2522 Colonial Ave., Roanoke (540) 344-7746

Jerry’s Family Restaurant

4 PM - Close

6 & under, 1 child per adult meal purchase

1340 E. Washington Ave., Vinton (540) 343-4400

Friday See Everyday Deals!

Saturday

Famous Anthony’s

12 PM - Close

limit 1 kids meal per adult

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

Steak n’ Shake

All Day

12 & under 1 free per paid $8.00 adult

1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Tokyo Express

11 AM - 3 PM

4 & under free buffet per paid adult

1940 W Main St., Salem (540) 389-6303

IHOP

4 PM - 8 PM

12 & under, 1 child per paid adult Valley View Location only, Roanoke (540) 265-4289

Sunday

Pizza Den

5 PM - 8:30 PM

10 & under free buffet per paid adult buffet and drink purchase

All locations Roanoke, Salem (540) 389-1111

Local Roots

5 PM -9 PM

12 & under eat for free (family style meal) with adult purchase 1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke (540) 206-2610

Ragazzi’s 11 AM - 4 PM

10 & under w/paid adult

3843 Electric Rd., Roanoke (540) 989-9022

T.G.I.Fridays

All Day

12 & under 1 w/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

Steak n’ Shake

All Day

12 & under 1 free w/paying $8.00 adult 1309 Hershberger Rd., Roanoke (540) 400-8825

Kids Eat Free Inquiries andrea@growingupinthevalley.com

Editor’s note:

Restaurant deals change quickly and often without notice. Growing Up in the Valley strongly recommends calling ahead to confirm any deal listed. This listing is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a discount.

haPPY Kids.ALL KIDS.

From our hospitals to our pediatric offices to the educational programs we offer throughout the region, Carilion Children’s is dedicated to the brave kids, the strong kids, the big and small kids—all kids.