Growing Up In the Valley September 2016

Generations of Fun!

For one admission price, you can play over 45 different pinball machines all day long. No quarters needed!

Letter from the Editor

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The school year has officially begun for all local schools and we can all tell that summer is coming to a close. Fall must be right around the corner because everywhere you look, pumpkin spice flavored items can be found! We like pumpkin just as much as anyone, but, can we please wait until October?

This issue marks the start of our 5th year of publication! We have gone through 41 issues of this magazine and we are amazed at how the time has flown by! We decided that in honor of the start of our 5th year, we would spruce the place up a bit!

Throughout the magazine you will notice some small and subtle design changes - take this page for example! In the months to come, you will see some even bigger changes as we continue to make improvements to gear up for our 50th issue in June of 2017!

We are also working hard on our non print material as well. In June, our website went down with what the doctors are calling a “virus”. We are in the process of updating the site as well as becoming more active on Twitter, Instagram and of course Facebook.

You will also start seeing our magazine in even more places as we have revamped distribution and have purchased dozens of new racks and boxes.

Thank you to all of our readers for making the first four years of publishing a blast! We are looking forward to an amazing 5th year!

The Eagan Family Josh, Andrea, Anika and Evelyn

Fax:

September 2016 - Volume 5, Issue 1

Skate Moms

Local Guide Calendar Kids Eat Free High School Football Schedule 6 21 28 14 13 11 9 27 26 39 32 17

Local members of the Star City Roller Girls tell us how they balance home and team life.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Roanoke’s youngest Journalist, Ava Rosa, is asking local leaders the tough questions.

3 Questions with Ava Rosa

Pearl Fu, Goodwill ambassador addresses Roanoke’s culture and identity.

Emergengy Prep

The Virginia Department of Health helps you prepare for a natural disaster.

Michael Phelps: a Redeemed Role Model

Once disgraced, Phelps redeems himself while preparing and participating in the Rio Games.

Money Thing Article

Four questions to ask before getting a mortgage.

Parent of the Month

Congratulations to Brent Hollins, September’s Dad of the Month!

Simple String Art

Children can create their own gallery-worthy works of art!

Pretzel Thumbprints

A sweet-and-salty snack your sports team will go crazy for!

Skater Moms of TheStarCityRollerGirls

International Sales Representative for Optical Cable Corporation and mom of two boys, Vivian De Los Santos, was speaking with her boss one day when he suggested that she should try roller derby. Vivian did not know much about the sport, although she remembered back to when she was 13 years old growing up in Panama, where she loved to roller skate for hours with her friends.

By: Rachel Robinson

others were very talented artists. She began to feel that she was part of a community with other moms just like her.

“My boss told me I would be perfect for roller derby. He knew me pretty well, so I thought, okay, I guess I at least need to try this.”

The petite 5’1” mom of two says that since she hadn’t grown up in the States, she didn’t know much about any stigma or preconceived notions attached to the roller derby of the previous century. “I hadn’t seen any of the movies or anything,” she explains.

Interestingly enough, many of the players would call themselves introverts, yet the community and comradery is what seems to really draw the women together. The team participates in parades, charity projects like Habitat for Humanity, and other family and community activities to promote the team.

Though the Roller Derby is still similarly termed as the banked track, knock-down-drag-out derby portrayed in movies like Whip It, it is quite different than the highly theatrical show of the past. In fact, flat track derby is currently the fastest-growing sport in the nation according to the local team, our Star City Roller Girls. Roller derby has gained popularity in the last fifteen years or so, and from somewhat of a grass-roots beginning has transformed into an legitimate sport, with the establishment of The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association in 2004. Roanoke area team, Star City Roller Girls, was founded in 2006 and began competing a year later.

But when Vivian mentioned the idea to a couple of people she knew, they were surprised. “They told me, ‘those people are probably mean and (rough).’ So I was like, ‘Why is my boss telling me to do this? I had to find out,” says De Los Santos. Her boss turned out to be right.

“I went to the practice and fell in love with the girls,” she remembers fondly. Vivian uses the term “girls” lightly as she explains that she was shocked to learn that many of her new teammates were actually career professionals with masters and doctorate degrees, and

So you may be wondering exactly what is roller derby of today and how is it played? Roller derby is still indeed a full contact sport which is played on a flat track by two opposing teams. Each team has five players, and there are three different positions on each team. These positions include a jammer or the one who can score the points by lapping members of the opposing team. Three blockers are tasked with keeping the other team’s jammer from pushing through the pack. The last player is called the pivot and skates in the pack with the blockers. She is the leader who calls the shots. The jammer wears a helmet with a star on it and the pivot wears a striped helmet in order to tell the positions apart. A roller derby game is called a bout and each thirty-minute half consists of multiple shifts, or jams which are two minute periods. The players do wear knee and elbow pads, as well as wrist guards and helmets since there is a good deal of contact. There are also rules that protect players from unsafe moves such as blocking in the back,

“

The people that truly love you won’t criticize or judge you for it; they’ll come in, have a glass of wine and fold laundry with you.

and govern play to help make derby a safer contact sport.

We asked teammates Vivian De Los Santos and Sara McKnight what it’s like to balance motherhood, careers and sports. Both players gave credit to their families and husbands for their support. “It’s busy but I’m thankful that I have a husband who supports what I’m doing and helps out a lot. He takes care of the kids while I’m at practice two days a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. My family life’s pretty laid back compared to some, but I really love having some time for myself,” says McKnight, mother of two.

De Los Santos agrees that life can be hectic, but she is grateful for a somewhat flexible work schedule and a supportive husband. “As far as balance goes, when you want to do a lot of stuff in your life and to be an inspiration you need to forgive yourself. When I say that, I mean sometimes you have to let the house to be messy and prioritize. The people that (truly) love you won’t criticize or judge you for it; they’ll come in, have a glass of wine and fold laundry with you.”

De Los Santos recalls when she broke her leg three years ago at a practice, she wasn’t sure she would continue as a Roller Girl. “It took me three months to be able to run again and in a few months I was back in skates. The mental toughness has been the hardest part for me,” she admitted. Her husband reminded her what the team had meant to her, and how he’d seen a spark in her since getting to know the women on her team.

“I realized that if I’m going to tell my children (not to) give up, then I have to be an example. And then for two straight weeks in a row after I broke my leg, my teammates brought dinner to my house.”

When asked what they enjoyed most about the sport, both Sara and Vivian noted that in a world of multitasking, the challenge of roller derby calls for them to be present in the moment. “I enjoy the fact that when I go to practice there’s no time to think about anything else. I can completely concentrate on what I’m doing. It’s lots of fun and lots of hard work. I love getting in shape and being a part of a team,” says McKnight.

“I like the challenge; it is not easy. But what I like the most when I’m playing is that it’s one of the only times where I’m present and not multi-tasking in my head. I have to be there,” De Los Santos agrees.

De Los Santos, 46, encourages ladies who may be interested in the sport to give it a try. When asked what advice she would give other women, she explained that roller derby and being a part of the Star City Roller Girls have taught her not to make excuses.

“Depending on your age, let’s say you are over forty like me and you want to play, I’d say don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time. Don’t say you’re going to wait to do something until you lose some weight,” she laughs.

If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a Star City Roller Girl, or volunteering as a referee or non-skating official, the organization encourages you to check out their website at starcityrollergirls.com/getinvolved. You can also contact them via email at starcityrollergirls@gmail.com for more information or questions you may have concerning joining the team. The SCRG play their home bouts at The Berglund Center and will be closing out their season at home on Saturday, October, 29th. They encourage you to come out and see them play!

13th Annual Fall Festival Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

September 17 - November 12

Open EVERY Weekend Plus Wednesdays & Fridays in October

Visit our Website for hours & admission www.laymanfamilyfarms.com

Admission includes the corn maze, hayride, pumpkin patch and other farm fun courtyard activities. As well as three (3) pumpkin tokens to be used at the Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Pumpkin Blaster or Jumping Pillow

Parent of the Month Brent Hollins

Father of Amber 17, Skyler 11, & Zoe 6

“I

would like to nominate my dad Brent Hollins for parent of the month! He makes my laugh when I am sad. He tells me what’s right and wrong. I love him.”

-Skyler Hollins, 11

What inspires you? My family.

What are you most proud of? My kids and my wife.

What motivates you? My family.

Do you have any advice for other parents? Be a parent but also a friend.

What is the biggest challenge in your life? Sticking with something.

How do you help others? I try to give them advice.

How would you describe your parenting style? Laid back but strict when I need to be.

What is on your playlist? Rap and hip hop.

What can you not live without? My family.

What is your favorite date night venue? Dinner and a movie.

What do you always have with you? My licence and phone.

What is your favorite movie? 8 Miles.

What would people be surprised to know about you? That I’m smarter and nicer than they think.

Provided by Laurissa Grubb from Blue Eagle® Credit Union

Four Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Mortgage

Asking the right questions is an important part of every financial decision you make, and home ownership is no exception. If you’ve been thinking about buying a place, preliminary research will turn up a long checklist of questions for you to ask at every part of the process. There are questions for your financial institution, questions for your mortgage broker and questions for your real estate agent. But what about the questions you should be asking yourself?

Owning a home is likely the largest financial commitment you’ll make in your life, and it’s easy to get caught up in details pertaining to debt-toincome ratios, the real estate market, current interest rates and amortization schedules. But financials are only a part of the picture. In order to make a truly smart decision, you need to acknowledge and accommodate some personal factors along with the financial ones. Asking yourself the following four questions will help you determine whether or not you’re ready to own a home:

1. Why do you want to own a home? Seriously, why is owning a home important to you? (Don’t answer with what you think you should answer; be honest with yourself.) Are you looking to build equity? Does it just seem like something a “successful adult” needs to do? Do you see it as an investment? Do you think renting is somehow inferior to owning? Are you just fed up with your landlord? Do you see it as a symbol of your freedom and independence? Do you have a Pinterest board of home renovation ideas you’re dying to try? Do you think it’s something that all (insert age here)year-olds should do?

There’s no “right” answer to this question (even though some reasons might be more frivolous than others). By simply observing what surfaces

when you ask yourself these questions, you’ll get some insight into why you’re contemplating buying a home in the first place. Are your motivations fueled by practicality or insecurity? Is it something you want, or simply something that everyone else seems to be doing? You’ll be able to tell if you’re in it for the right reasons.

2. Are you okay with staying put?

To make the most out of buying a home, you need to be in it for the long haul (which, in this case, usually means at least five to seven years). There’s a reason why short-term home ownership isn’t a thing outside of those real estate flipping TV shows—it’s a great way to lose a lot of money. Your home, like any investment, needs time in order for its value to grow (and that growth isn’t guaranteed, by the way). By selling your home after only a couple of years, you’re at the mercy of real estate market swings and your home may not have increased in value enough to break even—especially when you factor in closing costs and other additional expenses that go along with buying a home. If the thought of staying in one place for more than one year makes you feel panicky, then it might not be the right time for you to buy.

3. Are you happy?

Stability is key when it comes to buying a home, and so anything that threatens that stability could also potentially cause some major headaches once you’ve signed the mortgage papers. Do you love what you do for a living? Do you have job security? Do you enjoy living in your neck of the woods? Is your personal life stable?

You don’t want to be in a situation where you purchase a home and then find yourself faced with the need to change things up. A career change, the start or end of a relationship or a sudden onset of wanderlust could all interrupt your plans to stay put and

build equity. Of course, life can be unexpected even when you’re happy— but generally speaking, if you’re pleased with where you’re at, dramatic changes won’t be looming around the corner.

4. Is your savings account up for the challenge?

Have you done your homework and figured out how much home you can afford, based not only on the monthly mortgage payments, but also on all of the other expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, homeowners association fees, and utilities, to name just a few? Regular monthly expenses aside, home ownership can serve up all sorts of expensive surprises, and you’ll want to make sure your savings account is up for the challenge. Save up for inevitable home repairs and maintenance—the financial responsibility of maintaining a household (appliances, heating, plumbing and landscaping) can take new homeowners by surprise. You’ll also want to beef up your emergency fund so that you have some flexibility and can continue paying your mortgage if you suddenly find yourself with health or job troubles. If your savings are healthy, you’ll also want to consider budgeting for moving expenses, furniture, and home upgrades before making the move.

On the surface, home ownership can seem like a smart and appealing option, especially if your mortgage payments work out to be lower than what you would be paying to rent. However, rushing into a mortgage can set you up for a ton of stress (financial and otherwise). Before you buy, check in with yourself to make sure that you’re well prepared, that the timing is right and that you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Michael Phelps: A Redeemed Role Model

An Olympian, once seen as disgraced, returns to glory

in Rio Games

The Olympics took over hours of my life last month. I would stay up until midnight watching, especially if swimming, gymnastics or volleyball were on. I would cut it on whenever I was home and procrastinate on work for the upcoming school year. Most of the time, especially in the evenings, my family was there with me as we rooted on Phelps, King, Ledecky, Biles, Raisman, Walsh-Jennings and the many other Team USA athletes. It made for better conversations than most prime-time television, was somewhat interactive as we high-fived and cheered the medalists, and definitely created some good family bonding.

One of my favorite parts of the Olympics is hearing the back stories of the athletes. The trials, the hardships, the obstacles, the hard work… all they had to overcome. But one competitor captured my heart more than the others. You may have guessed it… the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps.

I love swimming. I started swimming on a summer team at 4-years-old and my childhood summers were spent at the pool. I even had the privilege of swimming on the same team and being coached by former Olympian Whitney Hedgepeth. I was a pretty decent swimmer, but I gave it up in high school, as my school didn’t have a team and my summers were overtaken with other things. But I love those memories… riding my bike to the pool for practice on warm summer mornings, writing our meet events on our arms with black Sharpie, filling our caps with water before suctioning them to our heads, and not worrying about tan lines from our Speedo goggles. So, needless to say, I have always enjoyed watching the

By: Katie Lewis

Olympic swimmers compete. I remember when Michael Phelps seemed so young and innocent. I also remember him going through some rough times. But I didn’t know the extent of his struggles until I watched a documentary just before the Olympics and then continued to piece together his story over the 16-day Olympic span. If you missed his story, if you don’t know much about his past, I encourage you to look it up.

Some may want to write him off for a somewhat jaded past. I want to celebrate him. I want to present him as a role model.

Michael has two convictions involving drinking and driving. He was pictured on the front page of a tabloid smoking from a marijuana bong. And I call this man a role model? Indeed, I do.

Michael overcame. While his struggles date back to when he was still a teenager, things really seemed to spiral out of control for Michael after the 2012 Olympics. But before it was too late, with the help of friends, family, some rehabilitation and God, he persevered. He was determined to come back to the 2016 Olympics, at the age of 31, better than ever. He said he trained harder for Rio than he ever had. He was named swim team captain, a title he had hoped to have one day, and was even chosen to be the flag bearer for Team USA at the opening ceremonies. Two years earlier, he was at his lowest, standing in a Baltimore police station, wondering what his future would hold. His perseverance paid off, as he won medal after medal in Rio, while displaying class. He never denied his past, but embraced it.

And then there is the image of Michael sitting in the ready room prior to swimming the 200-meter butterfly semifinal, headphones pressed against his ears, hood up, game face on as South African rival Chad Le Clos, who beat him in the event in London in 2012, taunts him. Michael did not say a word. Michael stared straight ahead. Michael placed second in the semi-final, ahead of Le Clos, went on to take gold and left Le Clos in the dust, medal-less in the event. So many of the competitors came out cocky or with an attitude, but not Phelps. Now he did give the number one “finger wag” AFTER the victory in the 200-meter fly, but I think he had earned that right. He was just stating the facts, after all.

Phelps left Rio with five gold medals, one silver and seemingly a sense of peace about his swimming career coming to a successful end. I loved watching his heartfelt post-swim interviews and his interaction with his teammates. I loved seeing him hug his mom, fiancé, and three-month-old son Boomer after every race, and watching him hold back tears during his final medal ceremony. I loved being a part of his career.

People began to fall in love with the 15-year-old Olympian in 2000. Over the years, he received judgement and criticism. Wouldn’t we all be unfairly judged and criticized if our lives were displayed for the whole world to see? His is a true coming of age story. We watched the boy become a man. And through it all, Michael Phelps never gave up. Hopefully those who gave up on him uncovered a valuable life lesson. In our deepest darkest times, when we don’t think we can go on, we have to carry the torch. We have to persevere.

Emergency Prep

How to prepare for a natural disaster in Southwest Virginia

By definition emergencies are a serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation that requires immediate action. Dr. Stephanie Harper, Director of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Departments wants families and businesses to proactively prepare for a wide variety of potential emergencies by taking some simple, proactive steps.

Too often, emergencies catch us off guard and cause us to suffer more than necessary. The best way to prepare for the unknown is to stay informed about potential risks in our area, make and store a first aid and survival kit, and make a response plan to share with your family, friends and coworkers.

Create a Kit

First Aid and Survival kits are available for purchase from a multitude of retail stores with a variety of essential supplies. However, whether you purchase or create your own kit, you should include these basic supplies:

Water: Clean Drinking Water is essential to life and not always readily available in emergency situations. Pack 1 gallon of water per person, per day. It is recommended you have at least a 2 week supply of both food and water in your home and a 3 to 5-day supply available to take with you if there is an evacuation.

Food: Pack food that is non-perishable and easy to prepare.

Medication: Pack a minimum of a 7-day supply of any medications you and your companions may require.

Sanitation and personal hygiene products: Prepare for all sanitation considerations by storing toilet paper, soap, garbage bags, plastic bags, a 5-gallon bucket with lid, disinfectant, premoistened towelettes and feminine hygiene products in addition to deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, Eye glasses, contact lenses and supplies for use, diapers etc.

Copies of personal documentation:

Each member of your group should keep copies of a medication list and pertinent medical information; proof of address; deed/lease to home; passports; birth certificates; photographs clearing showing the face of each family member (including your pets) and any insurance policies.

Medical first aid kit with bandages, wound ointments, and care instructions: You should store first aid kits in both your home and car and switch out your food and water supply every 6 months to maintain freshness. Also check medical supplies and hygiene products regularly to avoid using expired products. A free customizable checklist is also available at vdh.virginia.gov/OEP/.

You should also include the following: Family and emergency contact information, set of keys to all vehicles and properties in a waterproof container, cash and credit cards, emergency blanket, map of the area, multi-purpose tool such as a Swiss Army Knife, a change of clothes for each person, sturdy footwear, sleeping bag or two blankets per person, cell phone with charger, flashlight and battery powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries and bulbs, and medications and medical items.

Make a Plan

Take the time to create a plan with your loved ones, so each person knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Consider these questions to start.

Who

will worry?

Create a phone tree of all the essential people you must provide an update on your wellbeing to in the event of an emergency. Be aware that all of your neighbors will be contacting their loved ones as well and the phone lines can get jammed. Be patient as you try to get through, but also consider using alternative communication methods. Text messages can transfer faster than a call in emergencies and some social media sites now offer alternative methods for letting multiple people know you are okay quickly.

Where could we be in the event of an emergency?

Commuters and parents of students should consider the possibility that their family may not be home and all together in the event of an emergency. Think about the places where your

Additional Supplies

Grade Levels: K - 8

You should consider packing these items in your emergency kit depending on the needs of your companions and the types of disasters common to your area.

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:00 - 3:00 Friday: 8:00 - 12:- 00

Uniforms: Required

• Games

Can our family afford RAPS?

• Toys

• Books

 A sizable subsidy allows tuition rates to be family-friendly and among the lowest for Christian education in the Roanoke Valley.

• Pet Supplies

Such as Food, Water, Leash, Collar, Tags, Carriers, a picture of your pet

 Payments may be made in 10 monthly interest-free Installments.

 RAPS participates in the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit Program.

• Tools such as wrenches, duct tape, a whistle and utility knife

Contact us for enrollment information

• Matches

• Rain Gear

types of emergencies that may likely occur in your area, so you can best prepare. There are many resources available online to help. Here are some of our favorites:

The Virginia Department of Health www.vdh.virginia.gov/OEP/

The Virginia Department of Emergency Preparedness www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia American Red Cross www.redcross.org/get-help/preparefor-emergencies

CDC: emergency.cdc.gov

FEMA: www.Ready.gov & community. fema.gov

Our principal is available to meet with you for a FREE Educational Success Consultation.

• Towels

• Work Gloves

• Plastic sheeting

• Scissors

• Household Liquid Bleach

• Fuel for your vehicle

The purpose of the Consultation is to listen to your goals and understand the unique needs of your child. Together we can identify the best path to quality education and spiritual growth for your child.

Cell: 540-798-6061

Office: 540-977-0346, Ext. 110 rapsprep@gmail.com

family spends time such as school, work, or even in the car commuting. Talk to your children about the emergency plans at their school and the emergency plan in place at your place of employment. Have a plan for communicating and reuniting.

Should I stay or should I go?

Plan for both possibilities. Use all available information to assess the situation. Watch tv, listen to the radio or check the internet for instructions. If you decide to leave, have a plan for how, when and where you will reassemble with loved ones. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. Lastly, don’t forget to keep your emergency kit with you.

Be Informed

In Southwest Virginia, we are likely to face snowstorms, rainstorms, hurricanes, and even the occasional tornado and earthquake, but there are other emergencies that can happen in your own home such as a fire or medical emergency. Some disasters are natural while others are tragically man-made. It is critical to learn the

Additionally, there are valuable resources right here in our community. Watch your local television news, listen to local radio and follow these resources and local government organizations and municipalities via their websites and/or social media. In the event of an emergency, these resources will help you assess each situation as it occurs and can help you identify where you can receive assistance such as food, water or shelter if the need arises.

Get Involved

Once you and your family are prepared, there are also opportunities to help out others in your community. You can contact the resources above to determine the best ways to volunteer and provide resources to those who need to it most in an emergency.

For additional public health information visit the Virginia Health Department website at www.vdh. virginia.gov or the national Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc. gov.

of the Consultation is

and

High School SCHEDULESFootball

Virginia Tech Football Schedule

9/10 @ Tennessee @ 8 PM 9/17 vs Boston @ 330 PM

vs. E. Carolina @ TBD

@ N. Carolina @ TBD

@ Syracuse @ TBD

vs Miami @ 730 PM 10/27 @ Pittsburgh @ 730 PM 11/5 @ Duke @ TBD 11/12 vs. Georgia Tech @ TBD 11/19 @ Notre Dame @ 330 PM 11/26 vs. Virginia @ TBD

Blacksburg High BRUINS

BLACKSBURG, VA

9/16 vs. Abingdon @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Carroll County @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Salem @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Pulaski County @ 7 PM

10/22 @ Cave Spring @ 7 PM

10/28 vs. Patrick Henry @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Christiansburg @ 7 PM

Lord Botetourt CAVALIERS

DALEVILLE, VA

9/9 @ Bassett @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Fort Defiance @ 7PM

9/23 @ Northside @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Rockbridge @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Alleghany @ 7 PM

10/21 @ William Fleming @ 7 PM

10/28 vs. William Byrd @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Staunton River @ 7 PM

Brookville BEES

LYNCHBURG, VA

9/9 @ Gretna @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Harrisonburg @ 7 PM

9/23 vs Heritage @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Rustburg @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Amherst @ 7 PM

10/14 @ EC Glass @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Liberty @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Jeff Forest @ 7 PM

Cave Spring KNIGHTS ROANOKE, VA

9/9 vs Glenvar @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Alleghany @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Christiansburg @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Patrick Henry @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Carroll County @ 7 PM

10/22 @ vs. Blacksburg @ 7 PM

10/28 vs. Salem @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

Christiansburg High BLUE DEMONS

CHRISTIANSBURG, VA

9/9 @ Abingdon @ 730 PM

9/16 vs Franklin County @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Patrick Henry @ 7 PM

9/30 vs Cave Spring @ 7 PM

10/14 vs Salem @ 7 PM

10/21 @ Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

10/28 vs Carroll County @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Blacksburg @ 7 PM

Craig County ROCKETS NEW CASTLE, VA

9/9 @ E. Montgomery @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Radford @ 7 PM

9/23 @ Narrows @ 7 PM

9/30 vs Rke Catholic @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. James River @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Covington @ 7 PM

10/21 @ McCluer @ 7 PM

10/28 vs. Bath County @ 7 PM

Eastern Montgomery MUSTANGS ELLISTON, VA

9/9 vs. Craig County @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Covington @ 7 PM

9/23 @ Bland-Rocky Gap @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Auburn @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Floyd County @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Glenvar @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Giles @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Radford @ 7 PM

E.C. Glass HILLTOPPERS

LYNCHBURG, VA

9/9 vs. G. Washington @ 7 PM

9/16 @ William Fleming @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Amherst County @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Liberty @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Brookville @ 7 PM

10/21 @ Jeff. Forest @ 7 PM

10/27 @ Heritage @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Rustburg @ 7 PM

Floyd County BUFFALOES FLOYD, VA

9/9 @ Martinsville @ 7 PM

9/16 @ James River @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Grayson @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Radford @ 7 PM

10/14 @ E. Montgomery @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Giles @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Auburn @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Glenvar @ 7 PM

Franklin County EAGLES

ROCKY MOUNT, VA

9/9 vs. Pulaski County @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Christiansburg @ 7 PM

9/23 @ G. Washington @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Bassett @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Heritage @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Magna Vista @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Halifax County @ 7 PM

10/28 vs. Liberty Chrst. @ 7 PM

Glenvar HIGHLANDERS

SALEM, VA

9/9 @ Cave Spring @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Grayson County @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Covington @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Giles @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Auburn @ 7 PM

10/21 @ E. Montgomery @ 7 PM

10/28 vs. Radford @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Floyd County @ 7 PM

Heritage High PIONEERS LYNCHBURG, VA

9/8 vs Appomatox @ 7 PM

9/16 vs Gretna @ 7 PM

9/23 @ Brookville @ 7 PM

9/30 vs Jeff Forrest @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Rustburg @ 7 PM

10/21 vs Amherst County @ 7 PM

10/28 @ EC Glass @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Liberty @ 7 PM

Hidden Valley TITANS ROANOKE, VA

9/9 @ Northside @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Liberty @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Salem @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Blacksburg @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Carroll County @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Christiansburg @ 7 PM

10/29 vs. Pulaski County @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Cave Spring @ 7 PM

James River High KNIGHTS

BUCHANAN, VA

9/9 vs. Chatham @ 7 PM 9/16 vs. Floyd @ 7 PM 9/23 @ Radford @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Fort Chiswell @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Craig County @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. McCluer @ 7 PM

10/21 @ Bath County @ 7 PM 11/4 vs. Covington @ 7 PM

Jefferson Forest CAVALIERS FOREST, VA

9/9 @ Magna Vista @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Staunton River @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Heritage @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Rustburg @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Amherst County @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. EC Glass @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Liberty @ 7 PM 11/4 vs. Brookville @ 7 PM

Liberty High MINUTEMEN

BEDFORD, VA

9/9 vs. Staunton River @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Rustburg @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Amherst County @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. EC Glass @ 7 PM

10/21 @ Brookville @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Jeff. Forest @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Heritage @ 7 PME

Liberty Christian BULLDOGS LYNCHBURG, VA

9/9 @ Amherst County @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. CVA Disciples @ 730 PM

9/23 @ Benedcitine @ 4 PM

9/30 @ Maury @ 7 PM

10/7 vs Martinsburg @ 730 PM

10/14 @ Fork Union @ 3 PM

10/28 vs. Franklin @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Northview @ 730 PM

North Cross RAIDERS ROANOKE, VA

9/9 vs Blessed Scrment @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Nansemond @ 7 PM

9/24 @ Blue Ridge @ 2 PM

10/8 vs. St. Anne’s @ 2 PM

10/14 vs Hampton Roads @ 4 PM

10/21 @ Fuqua @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Covenant @ 4 PM

11/5 vs Hargrave @ 2 PM

Northside VIKINGS

ROANOKE, VA

9/9 vs. Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Salem @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. Lord Botetourt @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Alleghany @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Staunton River @ 7 PM

10/14 @ William Byrd @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Rockbridge @ 7 PM

11/4 @ William Fleming @ 7 PM

Patrick Henry PATRIOTS ROANOKE, VA

9/9 @ William Fleming @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Albemarle @ 7 PM

9/23 @ Christiansburg @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Pulaski County @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Cave Spring @ 7 PM

10/21 @ Salem @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Blacksburg @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Carroll County @ 7 PM

Pulaski County COUGARS

DUBLIN, VA

9/9 @ Franklin County @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Bassett @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Patrick Henry @ 7 PM

10/7 vs Christiansburg @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Blacksburg @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Carroll County @ 7 PM

10/29 @ Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Salem @ 7 PM

Radford BOBCATS RADFORD, VA

9/9 vs. Fort Chiswell @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Craig County @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. James River @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Floyd County @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Giles @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Auburn @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Glenvar @ 7 PM

11/4 @ E. Montgomery @ 7 PM

Roanoke Catholic CELTICS ROANOKE, VA

9/9 vs. Fishburne @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Auburn @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. VA Episcopal @ 7 PM

9/30 @ Craig County @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Fuqua @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. RVA Christian @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Blessed Scrment @ 7PM

Salem

SPARTANS SALEM, VA

9/11 @ William Byrd @ 7 PM

9/16 vs. Northside @ 7 PM

9/23 @ Hidden Valley @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Carroll County @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. Blacksburg @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Christiansburg @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Henry @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Cave Spring @ 7 PM

11/4 @ Pulaski @ 7 PM

Staunton River GOLDEN EAGLES MONETA, VA

9/9 @ Liberty @ 7 PM

9/16 @ Jefferson Forest @ 7 PM

9/23 vs. William Fleming @ 7 PM

9/30 @ William Byrd @ 7 PM

10/7 @ Northside @ 7 PM

10/14 vs. Alleghany @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Rockbridge @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Lord Botetourt @ 7 PM

William Byrd TERRRIERS

VINTON, VA

9/11 vs. Salem @ 7PM

9/16 vs. Magna Vista @ 7 PM

9/30 vs. Staunton River @ 7PM

10/7 @ William Fleming @ 7PM

10/14 vs Northside @ 7 PM

10/21 @ Alleghany @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Lord Botetourt @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Rockbridge @ 7 PM

William Fleming COLONELS

ROANOKE, VA

9/9 @ Patrick Henry @ 7PM

9/16 vs. EC Glass @ 7 PM

9/23 @ Staunton River @ 7 PM

10/7 vs. William Byrd @ 7 PM

10/14 @ Rockbridge @ 7 PM

10/21 vs. Lord Botetourt @ 7 PM

10/28 @ Alleghany @ 7 PM

11/4 vs. Northside @ 7 PM

From the Mouth of Babes

Ava Rosa is asking Roanoke’s leaders the tough questions

By: Katie Lewis

Cave Spring Elementary fifth grader Ava Rosa DeVries has a knack for asking questions. She can be found around the community, microphone in hand, camera rolling. An aspiring broadcast journalist? Not quite. “I am a journalist now,” she said. In February, the 10-year-old debuted her first segment of “3 Questions with Ava Rosa” with her dad, Jason, and 8-year-old little sister, Amora, helping behind the scenes.

“It was just me being curious about things,” she said. “I always watch the news and I kind of pick up things.” The wheels had been turning for a while, but the decision to act on it came when she was sitting at Taco Bell with her dad. The primary election was approaching, so she and her dad felt the timing was right. The selection for the first interviewee was an easy one: Roanoke City Congresswoman Anita Price, who was running for vice-mayor. Price is a friend of the family, so it seemed a good place to start.

Now, about to turn 11, Ava Rosa just completed her twelfth

interview. With each piece, her goal is to find inspiring and successful people in the Roanoke Valley. Once a subject is chosen, she and her dad do independent research and then collaborate. “I find fun facts and ask questions people would find interesting,” Ava Rosa said. “We try to make it a little bit hard, so we get a good answer.” While her dad sometimes helps her flesh them out, he said, “The kernel of every question we have ever asked has come from her. She wanted to ask real questions. I think the goal for this project was to ask real questions and get real answers from thoughtful people.”

Jason explained that they wanted a format that would appeal to the audience. “When she was initially talking about wanting to do this, we wanted to do it in a way that would keep people’s attention, and both from the perspective of the audience and the people being interviewed, people can handle three questions.” Ava Rosa added, “You can learn a lot from three questions.”

On the day of an interview, Ava Rosa allows the subject to see the questions ahead of time to make them more comfortable. They typically get the footage in one take. Her sister holds her teleprompter and her dad films. The shows are then posted on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and her website, www.ar3q.com. Transcriptions are also published in Growing Up in the Valley. The hardest part, her father said, is getting it out there. “We’d love for it to get a sizeable audience because I really do think the format itself is a good one and the people we are talking to are beautiful people whose stories would touch people.”

One of her most touching interviews and also one of her favorites was with WDBJ7 anchorman Chris Hurst. “Chris has taught me a few things, like to not give your microphone to people,” she said. “He gave me a tour of the whole news station and gave really good answers.” Hurst’s interview was also a challenging one, as she knew she wanted to ask about the tragedy that took the lives of WDBJ7 news reporter and Hurst’s girlfriend Allison Parker and WDBJ7 photojournalist Adam Ward. “There have been times, like with Chris, where we had another question prepared in case it wasn’t the right thing. She was really uncomfortable asking that question, but she felt like it was the right question to ask. He was just so gracious and he didn’t even want to see the cards,” Jason said. “The thing she has more than anything is courage. When she was able to ask that question to Chris, that’s when I knew that there was something very special about what we were doing and that my daughter is fearless, in a good way. And no matter what she ends up doing in her life, that is going to be a good thing to have. Something her mom [Afira] definitely has. That can be the difference in success and failure for anyone.”

And while the interview with Hurst had a big impact on her, Ava Rosa said, “All of my episodes are awesome.” Most of her work features her 3-question format, but she has also attended events such as the 2016 Miss Virginia Pageant, where she interviewed multiple contestants and covered the event, and “The Rolling of the Bulls,” a fundraiser to support Children’s Trust, featuring the Star City Roller Derby

Girls and other area derby teams. Here, Ava actually ran the race with a GoPro to acquire some footage and got interviews from Children’s Trust staff and the roller derby girls.

Ava Rosa has also interviewed former Roanoke mayor David Bowers, Delegate Sam Rasoul, actor/director and equality activist George Takei, and most recently, Pearl Fu, Roanoke’s goodwill ambassador and former executive director of the Local Colors festival. Jason explained that the first mentioning of doing the show really came around the time that Roanoke made national news because of Mayor Bowers’ comments on refugees. He and his daughter talked about interviewing some of the people that were connected to that story. “She asked George Takei a question, she did an interview with Sam Rasoul, and now Pearl Fu, so it’s sort of all part of it. And in the case of the Mayor, we waited until it was his last day in office because we thought that would be good. We had talked to him well before that. We wanted to be timely. His last day was a good day to do that.”

For Ava Rosa, the question for George Takei was one of her scariest moments as a reporter. She had missed the press conference with Takei due to a prior engagement: fourth grade. She attended the public event, “An Evening With George Takei: On Diversity and Inclusion,” at the Jefferson Center and when he opened it up for questions, she had her three ready. She barely got to ask one. “He was the closest one we almost missed,” Jason said. But thanks to a fan who gave Ava Rosa her spot and demanded she be allowed to ask a question and to Takei for obliging, she got the final question... in front of a couple thousand people. The video of this on Facebook received over 17,000 views.

Ava Rosa’s journalism presence has also afforded her some other opportunities. While covering the Miss Virginia pageant, she learned that she could audition to sing The National Anthem at a Salem Red Sox game. She and Amora auditioned and found themselves on the field behind the mic on July 10. That was after she interviewed Salem Red Sox general manager Ryan Shelton the same

evening. “The National Anthem was scarier than asking three questions,” Ava Rosa admitted. In fact, her dad described her as shy in her natural realm, as opposed to her extroverted sister, but broadcast journalism seemed to just come naturally for her.

Thanks to the publicity she has received, she also landed the spot as emcee for a talent show that will be held at William Fleming High School on September 15 to celebrate RYSE [Rehousing Youth for Success in Education], a United Way program with a mission of eliminating homelessness for area students.

And Ava Rosa and her dad have sights on even bigger things. She would love to interview one of her favorite singers Carrie Underwood, who will be at the Berglund Center later this month, and they have their sights on Tim Kaine and Hillary Clinton. “Even prior to him becoming the vice-presidential nominee we had wanted to interview Tim Kaine,” Jason said. “And for a ten-year-old girl journalist to have an opportunity to interview the, perhaps, first female president would be amazing. Those are stretch goals.” But with a family motto of “you can do anything if you work hard and try your best,” the odds are in her favor.

And still, despite her passion, despite her success, Ava Rosa was not ready to commit her future to broadcast journalism just yet. “Right now I am a journalist. I know I am now. We’ll see where it goes. But I may be something else, like a singer or dancer. You just don’t know. If it stops being fun, I’ll probably just find something else. I know I am a journalist now. I’ll just see where this takes me.”

Whether she realizes it or not, young Ava Rosa’s story is an inspiring one. “If you want to do something, you can figure it out and do it,” she said. “Kids can do anything if they really, really want to. I really wanted to do this, and I did it, and it’s working out really well.”

Keeping Babies Safe While They Sleep

KOHL’S INFANT SAFE SLEEP PROGRAM

For parents, keeping our children safe is a top priority. But that doesn’t just mean trying to prevent bumps or bruises. We also need to protect them while they sleep.

On average, an infant dies in an unsafe sleep environment every three days in Virginia. That’s why Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is committed to helping keep babies safe through the Kohl’s Infant Safe Sleep (KISS) program.

When it comes to infant safe sleep, always remember the A, B, Cs.

AAlone A baby should always sleep alone in a crib, never in a bed with parents or other children.

BBack Babies should always be placed on their backs while sleeping.

CCrib Cribs should have a firm mattress, tight-fitted sheet, and be free of blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, or bumper pads.

In partnership with Kohl’s Cares, we’re offering classes to parents, in both the Roanoke and Lynchburg communities, who are in need of a safe sleep environment.

For more information, please call 800-422-8482 or visit CarilionClinic.org/kiss.

So, What is Montessori Anyway?

Children-lead education gains popularity in the Valley

Article Provided by: Salem Montessori School

The Montessori method involves three key relationships: The Child, The Teacher, and The Prepared Environment.

The Child.

Montessori education is a “whole child approach” to learning. The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their full potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation for future intellectual academic endeavors. The holistic curriculum, under the direction of a specifically prepared teacher, allows the child to experience the joy of learning, the time to enjoy the process, and ensures the development of self-esteem. It provides the experiences from which children create their knowledge.

Montessori schools are not daycare. They are child development centers that aid in the development of the human potential. Maria

Montessori, founder of the Montessori Method, said “The greatness of the human potential begins at the hour of birth.” Research clearly shows that the most important periods in a human being’s educational and emotional development are not the years of high school and college, but rather the first six years of life. What a child learns at this period lays the foundation for all future learning and living.

While ages 0-6 is a critical period for learning, Montessori education does not stop with early childhood. Montessori elementary, middle, and high school programs continue to build upon the strong foundation of the Primary curriculum. Children are grouped in multi age classrooms (6 weeks - 16 months,16 months-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-15, 15-18). This multi-age grouping benefits social development, and supports the children to move through the curriculum at their own pace, with more than one level of work available in the classroom.

The Teacher.

Through keen observations, the teacher directs or guides the individual child to activities that are appropriately matched with the child’s unique skills, developmental needs, and interests. The teacher serves as a guide, facilitator, demonstrator, role model, mentor, and is the dynamic link between the child and their environment.

Montessori teachers focus on the child as an individual. They constantly observe and modify the environment to meet the changing needs of each child in their class. They actively engage children in the learning process and encourage their critical thinking skills. They carefully prepare the classroom so that the children can learn directly from their environment. Teachers give many individual and small group lessons. Lessons are given in such a way as to intrigue the children so that they return to the work to learn more on their own. Montessori said “The teacher must be like the flame, which heartens all by its warmth, enlivens and invites.”

The Prepared Environment.

Dr. Montessori discovered that young children learn best when they have the freedom to explore their environment, to move and touch, manipulate objects with their hands. She expressed, “The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.” She developed a series of multi-sensory, sequential activities, often referred to as the child’s work. Many of these thoughtfully designed materials are self correcting or didactic, to enable the child to learn naturally, seemingly on their own. There is purpose, order, a developmental and practical aim to every material available in the classroom.

Children experience freedom within limits in the prepared environment, as they are free to choose their work for as long as they like. For an older child who may have some required work, they are free to choose what order in which to complete their work, or which materials to use that support specific subjects. There are no desks in a Montessori classroom, only work rugs and tables. Children can move around the room freely, as long as they follow the ground rules of the classroom.

This freedom within limits builds

The Montessori curriculum is a spiral of interrelated, cross curriculum subjects. The child moves from the concrete towards abstraction, and from the big picture to increasing detail. Research is encouraged early on, and a high level of creativity is reached as children are encouraged to study what interests them. At the same time, teachers ensure they are learning what they need to learn based on their current skill level. Teachers give many individual and small group lessons throughout the day, and carefully track each student’s progress in order to guide them to appropriate work.

How does Montessori education benefit the child?

•Each child is respected and valued as a unique individual.

•Students develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence at an early age.

•Students are part of a close, caring community.

•Students enjoy freedom within limits, which leads to internal motivation and joyous learning.

•Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge as they are given the tools to pursue the answers to their own questions.

•Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach.

•Peace education is at the core of our everyday educational pursuits.

•Cultural studies and the arts are interwoven with language, math and science. Students develop cultural awareness as “global citizens.”

•Collaboration and teamwork among peers is encouraged, rather than competition.

To read more about Montessori visit: The Montessori Foundation, http:// www.montessori.org

Pretzel Thumbprints

By: Tracy Fisher

Ingredients

• Bite-size Pretzels

• Sprinkles (optional) Directions

• Candy Melts or Melting Chocolate

• M&M Candies

1. Arrange bite-size pretzels on parchment paper in single layer.

2. Melt the candy melts (or chocolate) according to package instructions.

3. Dollop 1/2 tablespoon of melted candy on to center of each pretzel.

4. Top pretzel with M&M candy and sprinkes if desired.

5. Allow candy to cool completely before packaging pretzels in air tight container.

Use caramel or peanut butter cups instead of M&Ms for a varied flavor. Match your favorite sports team colors for a fun team snack!

Simple String Art

By: Tracy Fisher

Instructions

1. Lightly sand your wooden board and paint/stain it your desired color.

2. Lightly trace your desired shape on the board with a pencil.

3. Hammer finishing nails on outline, one nail every half inch or so. You may need more around curves and corners of your design.

4. Carefully wrap the embroidery floss around the nails, criss-crossing through the center of the design.

5.Continue wrapping the floss around nails until desired fullness is achieved. You can use different colors to accent parts of the design.

Supplies

• Wooden Board

• Finishing Nails

• Embroidery Floss

• Paint or Wood Stain

• Hot Glue (optional)

Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Pinterest for more creative craft project ideas.

3Questions with Ava Rosa

An

interview with Roanoke’s Goodwill Ambassador, Pearl Fu

Today we are talking with Roanoke’s Goodwill Ambassador and long-time advocate for cultural diversity, Pearl Fu.

Growing up in the Yunnan province of China and later emigrating from Hong Kong, Pearl Fu has firsthand experience with what it is like to leave her home and move to across the world in search of a better life.

It may be because of this, that she is so passionate about others who have experienced that journey. Since 1991, Pearl has been a vital part of Roanoke’s Local Colors tradition. What started as a celebration of a handful of countries has bloomed to an Olympic-like event celebrating the cultures and flags of 106 countries.

Ava Rosa: Thank you so much for joining me today Mrs. Fu. As I prepared for this interview, I discovered that in 1959 you immigrated to the United States. What was the experience of moving to America like then and how has it changed over the years for those who come here now?

Pearl Fu: Yes, I came to America for college. Of all the countries around the world, America was the one place I wanted to go. I read a lot about America, saw TV and movies about America, and I was so happy to be here. Well when I met the people, they were very open and welcomed us and they taught me American traditions and culture. A lot of things we didn’t know. For example, young men would always run to the other side of me when we’re walking and I was wondering, “what is he doing?” Each block, he’d run to the right side. It turns out that in America, the man is supposed to be on the right side of the woman. Lots of those interesting incidents happened and I learned a lot.

towards people from other countries.

Politicians are citing terrorism to block refugees from coming here and others are promising to build walls to keep people out. What do you think about this anger and fear and the current way the United States handles people who wish to come here from other countries?

Roanokers about continuing to appreciate the differences between us?

Pearl Fu: I am very upset about this because America is the land of freedom and we came here for that freedom. We should be respected and do what we think is right and other people should respect our thoughts and ideas. I think America should allow people from every culture to come to America and American people are made of people from other countries. I feel they should come and we shouldn’t block anyone from that experience because having different cultures enriches America. They bring their talents and they teach us and we teach them. It’s very beneficial.

Pearl Fu: Well, Roanoke is a wonderful place full of different cultures. Diversity really make it interesting and we learn so much from their traditions and cultures and festivals. We celebrated these festivals with food and clothing. We should celebrate the likeness of each culture and not seek the differences. Me, I am a very, very curious person. I would approach you and ask you, “Would you like to be in Local Colors?” This is what makes Roanoke, the six-time All-American city.

Ava Rosa: Thank you for your time today Mrs. Fu. I promised just three questions, but you are welcome to share any closing thoughts you have with our audience.

Diversity really makes Roanoke interesting and we learn so much from their traditions and cultures and festivals. “ “

Ava Rosa: There seems to be so much anger and fear in America today

Ava Rosa: We have done 12 interviews so far, with different people in and around Roanoke. We always ask our new friends who we should talk to next. Your name was always on the list. One of those friends, Delegate Sam Rasoul, had this to say about you, “Pearl Fu’s strength of character and hard work over many years have created a beautiful legacy of appreciation of the diversity in our community. Pearl Fu is an inspiration to me and to all those who value inclusion and cherish the many Local Colors that make Roanoke a special place to live.” What would you say to the future generations of

Pearl Fu: I want to thank you for this opportunity to talk with you and I’d like to say it in different languages. Arigato, Gracias, Merci Beaucoup! Thank you for this opportunity! Roanoke is a wonderful, wonderful place and I’m glad we moved here. All the different organizations, the government, the business people- all help each other and are very united to make this wonderful city we live in, the Star City of Virginia!

Pearl Fu is a shining example of the power within each of us to make the world a little better. Her interest in the many cultures and nationalities of our community has transformed the way we look at people of different backgrounds. Here in Roanoke we celebrate all the Local Colors and Pearl Fu has helped us see the beauty in every one.

Things We Love

The Great American Milk Drive Playmobil School Bus

Climb aboard the School Bus and head off to school! Look out for the flashing lights of the bus coming down your street, but wait until the bus driver opens the movable STOP sign before you board the bus. There’s lots of seats to choose , so you can pick one next to your friends! Includes four figures, school bus, and other accessories. This set is very well made and provides tons of detail for your little ones to explore!

MSRP $39.99 - but we found it at many stores for less!

Entenmann’s Bakery® is joining The Great American Milk Drive to help deliver of nutrient-rich milk to children and families facing hunger across the country Each entry in the Entenmann’s Donuts & Milk: Perfect Together Sweepstakes on Facebook will trigger a donation to The Great American Milk Drive. Together they are hoping to deliver 100,000 servings milk to people who need it the most. The Facebook sweepstakes continues through October 31. No purchase is required.

As part of the Facebook sweepstakes, 25 first prize winners will win a one year’s supply of milk and Entenmann’s® donuts and 100 second prize winners will win four boxes of donuts. Visit www.facebook.com/Entenmanns/ to enter!

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

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

(540) 204-4407

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

T.G.I.Fridays

All Day

12 & under 1 w/paying adult

4869 Valley View Blvd., Roanoke (540) 362-1475

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

Saturday

See Everyday Deals!

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

Sunday Moe’s

All Day

12 & under free per paid adult

Roanoke, Lynchburg and Blacksburg (540) 682-8424 (Roanoke)

O’Charley’s

All Day

10 & under free per paid adult Roanoke (540) 389-1111

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

Steak n’ Shake

All Day

12 & under 1 free w/paying $8.00 adult

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

Are You Expecting a new bundle of joy?

Although fun and exciting, bringing a new life into the world can be an endless line of questions and searching for information. If only there were one place to get answers, to meet people just like you and get neat gifts to bring bliss to your soul. Virginia’s Big Ol’ Baby Shower accomplishes this goal, bringing education and excitement to maternity!

• Goody Bags

• Maternity Clothing Exchange

• Baby Clothing

Exchange

• Mommy &

Me Fashion Show

• Daddy Zone

•Big Brother & Sister Play Area

• Nursing Nook

• Baby Bump Photos

• Baby Shower Cake

Tasting

• Story Time

• Play Areas

• Vendor Booths & Much More!

Growing Up In The Valley

Saturday September 17 10 AM - 2 PM

Berglund Civic Center

$5 General Admission

Children 12 &Under Free

Proceeds to benefit March of Dimes

Greater Blue Ridge Division

Fill in the puzzl e with the name s of the supplie s!

Conne ct the dots to compl ete the picture of Homer!

Event Calendar

Virginia’s Big Ol’ Baby Shower

Sept 17•10 AM-2 PM•Berglund Civic Center•$5

Virginia’s Big Ol’ Baby Shower is bringing education and excitement to maternity, while also providing information and activities for the entire family! You’ll find a maternity to toddler fashion show, daddy zone, nursing nook, baby bump photos, baby shower cake tasting, children’s play area, educational seminars, financial planning, and more! This third annual event will be held at the Berglund Center’s special events center, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the March of Dimes Greater Blue Ridge Division. $5 per person, children 12 and under are free.

Carrie Underwood

Sept 26 • 7PM • Berglund Civic Center • $48+

7-time Grammy winner and Pollstar’s three-time top female country touring artist, Carrie Underwood, who just released her fifth studio album, Storyteller, will launch a new arena tour in 2016 to take her new music on the road. “I can’t wait to play new music from Storyteller for the fans,” shares Underwood. “I am so blessed to have this career and get to do to the things I do, but there is nothing like that moment when I get to step onto the stage to sing and all the fans are singing along with me.” Tickets begin at $48. $5 parking fee applies.

Highlander Festival

Oct 8 • 10 AM-5PM • Bisset Park • Free

20th Annual Radford Highlanders Festival features Scottish heavyweight games, Scots-Irish-Appalachian music, massed pipe and drum band performance, Scottish clan march, sheep-herding demonstrations, drumming circle, booths by more than 60 craft and food vendors, children’s activities and much more.

LFA Kids Fall Consignment Sale

Oct 7-9 • Berglund Civic Center • Free The popular LFA Consigment Sale is back for Fall & Winter featuring gently worn/used baby, toddler, child, and teen things. Clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, games, and more!

Calendar of Events

On-Going Events:

Party in Elmwood. Every Thursday, 5:30 through 8:30 PM. Roanoke’s favorite beach music dance party is in Elmwood Park! Kids 12 & under are free. $5 per person ages 13+.

Kid Yoga. 11 AM on every first and third Saturday at the Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center in Christiansburg. Join us for a relaxing yoga class aimed at children ages 5-9. Classes are $8 each.

City Market Saturdays. Every Saturday at 11 AM through 2:30 PM at the City Market Building. Head to historic downtown city market for fun each weekend with live entertainment, street performers, “how-tos”, and more. FREE

Food Truck & Tunes. Every Friday at 6 PM at Sweet Donkey Coffee, Roanoke. Stop by for some great music and delicious food from Sweet Donkey Coffee and local Food Trucks! FREE (food costs extra)

The Odd Couple. 7:30 PM on September 28 through October 9 at Mill Mountain Theatre. One of Neil Simon’s greatest comedies, The Odd Couple, proves that opposites attract. Two suddenly single pals, a sloppy sportswriter and a fastidious news writer strain their friendship by becoming roommates. Enjoy the antics of the classic comedy characters of Oscar and Felix. Come and laugh with us at Mill Mountain Theatre and see why Simon won the Tony for Best Play. Tickets begin at $20 per person.

Pscyhadelic Saturdays. 8 PM through 10 PM at the Launching Pad in Salem. Jump in lasers and black lights and turn up the beat! All ages are welcome, $17 per person.

the Museum and visit 611’s cab. Presentations by Chief Mechanical Officer Scott Lindsay on Saturday 10:30 AM and 2 PM and Sunday 2 PM. The Museum’s official 611 historian, Col. “Bud” Jeffries, will speak on Monday at 10:30 AM and 2 PM. Presentations included in museum admission, tours and 611 activities available for additional fee.

21st Annual Fall Home Show. September 24 at 10 AM through 6 PM and September 25 at 12 PM through 5 PM at the Salem Civic Center. 21st Annual event featuring a great variety of vendors showcasing products and services related to building or remodeling, and enhancing your home, garden and life. $6 per adult; 1 free child (under 18) per paid adult.

Cirque Du Soleil presents OVO. September 14 through 18 at the Berglund Coliseum. OVO, meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight, and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of OVO is comprised of 50 performing artists from 12 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning Flying Act in which a group of scarabs soar high above the stage, from both edges to the middle landing on a platform.

parking fee applies.

Roanoke Childrens Theatre presents: The BFG. September 23 through September 25 at Roanoke Children’s Theatre, Jefferson Center, Roanoke. Adapted from the book by Roald Dahl, join Sophie and the dream hunting giant as they travel to Giant Country, collecting magical dreams to fill the minds of kids while they sleep.

Performance Times: Friday @ 7 PM

Saturday @ 3 PM and 5 PM

Sunday @ 3 PM

$20 per adult ticket, $15 for 18 and under & 63+ visit roanokechildrenstheatre.org

Roanoke Greek Festival. September 16 through 18, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Roanoke. Enjoy Greek food, entertainment, arts and crafts and more! FREE

LFA Kids Fall Consignment Sale. October 7 through October 9 at the Berglund Center Special Events Center. The popular LFA Consigment Sale is back for Fall & Winter featuring gently worn/used baby, toddler, child, and teen things. Clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, books, games, and more! FREE to shop & attend. $10 consignor fee. For more information www.lfakids.com

611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. September 3 through September 5 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Roanoke. Saturday and Monday 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM. Enjoy

Performance Dates: September 14th-16th @ 7:30 PM. September 17th @ 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM. September 18th @1:30 PM & 5:00 PM Tickets begin at $41 per adult. Children and Senior Discounts available. $5

Virginia Tech Science Festival. September 30 through October 8 in various Blacksburg and Roanoke locations. The festival is a chance to celebrate science. Visit hands-on exhibits hosted by researchers from all kinds of science from the Moss Arts Center to College

Calendar of Events

Avenue to Newman Library. For more information and event details please visit www.cpe.vt.edu

Monday • September 5

Labor of Love. 8 AM through 11 AM at River’s Edge Sports Complex, Roanoke. Join in the Eighth Annual Labor of Love to benefit St. Francis House and Commonwealth Catholic Charities! Strollers with runners are welcome at no additional charge. $15 per runner for 1 mile; $20 per runner for 5k; $25 per runner for 8k. Register in advance as admission goes up $10 on race day. Use code RUNABOUT for $5 off online registration.

Friday • September 9

Roanoke Sympony Orchestra’s Party at the Pops with Billy Ocean. 7:30 PM at the Salem Civic Center. This Grammy winning R&B artist is well known for his hit song “Caribbean Queen”, but wait till you see the show that he has planned with the RSO! Admission begins at $41.

Parent’s Night Out. 6 PM through 9 PM at River Rock Climbing, Roanoke. Kids can enjoy climbing games and activities and a movie in the party room while parents get a night out! Designed for ages 7-12, $20 per child with 10% sibling discount. Call River Rock to sign up 540-685-2360.

Get Downtown Street Festival. 6 PM through 9 PM in Downtown Lynchburg. Lynchburg’s largest street festival is BACK! Lynch’s Landing celebrates the return of our college students in this friday night main street festival. Get downtown for an evening of fabulous entertainment, great food, family fun, and more from our downtown merchants and other lynchburg businesses. FREE

Saturday • September 10

Olde Salem Days. 9 AM through 5 PM at Main Street, Salem. There will be over 400 arts and craft vendors, food, entertainment, children’s activities, classic cars, and more! FREE

3rd Annual Gluten Free Expo. 2 PM through 4 PM at the Blacksburg Library. The Blacksburg Library has invited retailers, organizations, bakeries, and restaurants that support those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance to join us in offering our third Gluten-Free Expo. Attendees will sample delicious gluten-free foods from The Mellow Mushroom, Bollo’s Café and Bakery, Edible Arrangements, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Café de Bangkok, Next Door Bake Shop, Gaucho Brazilian Grille, and the Wikiteria Café. Free samples will be provided by several national retailers including Raw Revolution, Simply Gluten Free Magazine, Crunch Master, WowButter, Enjoy

Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies

Celebrate autumn with these chewy and delicious apple flavored cookies.

Ingredients:

1 cup of instant oats

¾ cup of whole wheat flour

1 ½ tsp of baking powder

1 ½ tsp of ground cinnamon

⅛ tsp of salt

2 tbsp of coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg, room temperature

1 tsp of vanilla extract

½ cup of agave or honey

1 cup of finely diced red apple

Directions:

Whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil or butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the agave. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the apple. Chill dough for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops onto the prepared sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake at 325°F for 13-15 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

see full calendar online at growingupinthevalley.com/calendar Life Foods, and many more. Physicians from The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine will be available to provide information about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of gluten intolerance. Free raffle prizes will be offered by Kroger, Gluten Free Passport, and holistic wellness consultant, Erin Doty Senger. FREE

Monday • September 12

Money Mondays: Student Loans, Application Fees, and Saving for College. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at The Jefferson Center, Roanoke. Join us for this month’s Money Mondays presentation! “Student Loans, Application Fees, and Saving for College” can help de-mystify the process of applying to college and the

loans that can help you pay for it. FREE

Thursday • September 15

Car Seat Safety Check

4 PM through 6 PM at Roanoke City Fire Station #6.We highly encourage ALL parents to stop by as motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of children, and because 7 out of 10 car seats installed by parents are not installed properly. FREE.

Saturday • September 17

Grandparents Day: Celebrating First Responders. 11 AM through 3 PM at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.Train rides pulled by a vintage diesel engine provided by the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS, $3

per person per ride. Gift to the first 250 guests and free ice cream for everyone provided by AARP Come see fire trucks! Model Train Open House by the Roanoke Valley Model Engineers and Photo booth and craft. Grandparents, First Responders, VMT members, and children under 3 are FREE. $5 admission for family members of First Responders. $7 admission for adults, $5 admission for children.

21st Annual 5k Marine Mud Run. 9 AM at Green Hill Park, Salem. If you have yet to take the Marine Mud Run Challenge, you’re missing out on the cleanest fun you’ll ever have with a 5K race! As you will see from the pictures on our web site, it’s a pretty muddy affair.

Calendar of Events

Saturday • September 17

[Continued]

It’s as tough as you want it to be! We have semipro runners down to the neighbor next door that has never entered a 5k race. Individual and 5 Person Team races and the Pollywog Jog, a shorter version for kids 12 years and under. Registration starts at $30 per person.

Breakfast with the Animals. 8:30 AM through 10:30 AM at the Mill Mountain Zoo. Come enjoy a light breakfast buffet and the chance to meet some of the zoo animals. The zoo keeper will be there to answer questions and you can also see them prepare breakfast to feed to the animals. $15/non-member adult$12/ non-member child $45/nonmember family of 4. $12/ member adult $9/member child $35/member family of 4.

Virginia’s Big Ol’ Baby Shower. 10 AM through 2 PM at the Berglund Civic Center. Although fun and exciting, bringing a new life into the

The Taste of Roanoke Festival presented by Interim HealthCare of SW Virginia General admission is $5 per person. Kids 3 and under are free.

world can be an endless line of questions and searching for information. If only there were one place to get answers, to meet people just like you, and get neat gifts to bring bliss to your soul. Virginia’s Big Ol’ Baby Shower accomplishes this goal, bringing education and excitement to maternity, while also providing information and activities for the entire family! You’ll find a maternity to toddler fashion show, daddy zone, nursing nook, baby bump photos, baby shower cake tasting, children’s play area, educational seminars, financial planning, and more! This third annual event will be held at the Berglund Center’s special events center, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the March of Dimes Greater Blue Ridge Division. $5 per person, children 12 and under are free.

Taste of Roanoke Festival. 11 AM through 6 PM at Dr. Pepper Park, Roanoke. Who doesn’t love food? Join several of Roanoke’s best chefs for our area’s premier food festival. Celebrating amazing culinary creations!

2016 Floyd Livestock & County Fair. 10 AM through 7 PM at Chantilly Farm, Floyd. Bring the entire family and spend the day at beautiful Chantilly Farm as we celebrate Floyd County’s agricultural heritage! Exciting activities are being planned throughout the day, along with a variety of exhibits, contests, demonstrations, live music, food vendors, petting zoo, hay maze, cake walks and more. There will a midway of fun games for all ages from local non-profits. Music will be on the main stage throughout the day as well as the grandstand musical entertainment starting at 7 PM in the amphitheater area which requires a separate ticket. Admission is $5 for adults, kids ages 13-17 $3 and kids 12 & under are free.

43rd Annual Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival. 9 AM through 4 PM in Downtown Christiansburg. Fun and entertainment for the whole family. Vendor booths will offer food, crafts, jewelry, fine art & fun home decorations. The Children’s Area will offer bounce houses, train rides, games, a police car & a CFD fire engine. The Blue Ridge Model A’s will be cruising the parking lot behind the Cburg Presbyterian Church. Main Stage features local groups performing dance routines, martial arts, singing, and the Pizza Inn Pizza Eating Contest. Silent auction and more! FREE

Thursday • September 22

Make America Rock Again Festival. 6:30 PM at the Salem Civic Center. Salem Civic Center and Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges is teaming up to feed your need for headbanging American hard rock! Featuring your favorite chart-topping bands: Trapt, Saliva, Saving Abel, Alien Ant Farm, Crazytown, 12 Stones, and Tantric! Tickets begin at $27 per person. $5 parking fee applies.

Saturday • September 24

Downtown Roanoke Harvest Festival. 10 AM through 5 PM at the Roanoke City Market. Head to historic downtown city market for all your fall favorites like local pumpkins and crisp, local apples Vendors, food, and activities for kids. FREE

Monday • September 26

Carrie Underwood. 7 PM at The Berglund Civic Center. 7-time Grammy winner and Pollstar’s three-time top female country touring artist, Carrie Underwood, who just released her fifth studio album, Storyteller, will launch a new arena tour in 2016 to take her new music on the road. “I can’t wait to play new music from Storyteller for the fans,” shares Underwood. “I am so blessed to have this career and get to do to the things I do, but there is nothing like that moment when I get to step onto the stage to sing and all the fans are singing along with me.” Tickets begin at $48. $5 parking fee applies.

Friday • September 30

Hollins Fall Festival. 5:30 PM through 7:30 PM at Hollins Branch Library. Join us for games, crafts, food, & more! FREE

Saturday • October 1

9th Annual Fall Festival. 10 AM through 4 PM at the Highland Ridge Rehab Center, Dublin. This is a FREE event for the entire community and something for the whole family. There will be: Craft Vendors, Petting Zoo, Food Vendors, Inflatables, Face Painting Princesses, Virginia Tech Tron, Music and MUCH MORE! FREE

Peppa Pig. 5 PM at the Berglund Civic Center. Don’t miss your chance to see Peppa, George and all their friends when they come to Roanoke!

The original production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

Ticket Prices:

$29.75, $42.75, $59.75 V.I.P. - $149.75

Friday • October 7

Brian Regan. 8 PM at the Berglund Civic Center. One of the most respected comedians in the country, Brian Regan is a legendary performer selling out large venues from coast to coast. Tickets are $42.50 per person. $5 parking fee applies.

Saturday • October 8

20th Annual Radford Highlanders Festival. 10 AM through 5 PM at Bisset Park,

Radford. The day features Scottish heavyweight games, Scots-Irish-Appalachian music, massed pipe and drum band performance, Scottish clan march, sheepherding demonstrations, drumming circle, booths by more than 60 craft and food vendors, children’s activities and much more. FREE

Apple Harvest Celebration. 11 AM through 5 PM at Foggy Ridge Cider, Dugspur. Foggy Ridge celebrates the Apple with this special all day harvest event at the Orchard. Bring your backyard apples to be identified and try a sample of some unique American Heritage and English cider apples. $10 per person, includes a heirloom apple sample and tasting.

Thursday • October 20

I Love The 90’s. 7:30 PM at the Salem Civic Center. Rock out with Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa with Spinderella, Coolio, All-4One, Rob Base, and Kid N Play! Admission starts at $48.

Saturday • October 22

Blue Ridge Folklife Festival. 10 AM through 5 PM at Ferrum College. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is the largest regional event of its kind in Virginia, and there’s nothing like it in the Commonwealth. We feature performers, artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6 – 14), and $5 for senior citizens (55 and over). Children 5 years old and younger are admitted free.

Doctor

Soccer Games

Nomination

Wednesdays WINS Teacher of the Month

Nominate a worthy teacher to be featured in Growing Up in the Valley’s Teacher of the Month by emailing info@growingupinthevalley.com or mailing the following questionairre to PO BOX 12263, Roanoke, VA 24024.

Winners receive a gift card to Abuelo’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 Teacher of the Month?

Follow Growing Up in the Valley on Facebook for a chance to win a great prize EVERY wednesday!

You could win:

Playmobil Toys

Entenmann’s Product

Abuelo’s Gift Cards

Growing Up in the Valley Swag Gift Certificates to local businesses & More!

Newsletter

Exclusives

Need ideas on entertaining the family this weekend? Planning a birthday party or maybe you just want to know which park is having a festival soon?

Sign up for Growing Up in the Valley’s weekly newsletter to get the details about the best family friendly events in the valley! Subscribers to our newsletter are the first to see our newest issues, receive special deals & coupons from advertisers, and hear all the news from the Roanoke, Lynchburg and New River Valley areas.

Our

Sometimes you need a chuckle to lift your mood after a particularly bad day; these comics never fail to make us smile.

Supporting You on and off the Field

CARILION CLINIC’S SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM

Whether it’s a sprain or strain, we’re here for all your post-game needs. Visit our Saturday morning sports injury clinic.

Sports Injury Clinic

Appointment Information

Aug. 20 – November

Every Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Call-ahead appointments are preferred. For walk-in appointments, please register between 8:30 - 9 a.m.

Locations

Roanoke | 540-512-1139

2331 Franklin Road

Blacksburg | 540-961-8061

215 Gilbert St.

Lexington | walk-ins only, 8:30 - 9 a.m.

25 Crossing Lane, Suite 2