An Easy Solution to End Un-tied Laces

We’re always looking for great product to help make our lives (and kids’ lives) easier.  Recently, our staff had the opportunity to try out Jogo Grips, a new product invented by local resident, Steve Dalton.  Here’s what we thought.   My 6 year old daughter is still a beginner at tying her shoes, and her…

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Technology: Too Much of a Good Thing?

A catch 22, a double edged sword, an extreme irony, a paradox for the ages.   Yes, the wonderful world of technology. How can something help and hinder simultaneously? They say too much of anything can be a bad thing. We can’t forget about technology when we consider this proverb. I’m sure you have read…

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Staunton River State Park named Virginia’s first International Dark Sky Park

  (TUCSON, Ariz., and RICHMOND) – Staunton River State Park, in Scottsburg, has been named an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), becoming the first park in Virginia and only the 25th park in the world with the designation. Staunton River State Park is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and…

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7 Recycled Crafts for Summer

Use these common household items to create something new and fun! We’ve rounded up our favorite recycled crafts for summer- perfect for a rainy day or when the heat just won’t let up. 1. Milk Jug Garden Planters Eyes On Nature shared how they turned their 1/2 gallon milk jugs into the perfect flower planters…

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Save This Buy That: Bring On The BBQ

Grilled Corn $0.57 per serving Ingredients: Whole Corn Shredded Parmesan Cheese Chili Powder Remove the husks of the corn, but leave core for easier handling. Grill the corn on a hot grill or cast iron griddle pan until slightly charred, turning for even cooking. Smother with parmesan cheese and chili pepper to taste. Hamburger Sliders $1.20 per…

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Reading Seeds

Something is happening to the children of Roanoke right under our noses. New statistics have uncovered that, in Roanoke, three out of ten children—twice the state rate—live under the poverty line. According to recent polls, one-third of our elementary students are failing their third grade reading exams. And studies have proven that children who fail…

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Sharing the Love: RAK Week

As we draw closer and closer to the end of the month, we also come closer to many people’s favorite holiday: Valentine’s day, a day around the world designated to celebrate love. But, amongst the valentines, the chocolate, and the flowers, we sometimes forget about another international holiday that falls on the same week. This…

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Gluten-Free Mini Pizza Cups

Looking for a tasty but gluten free meal? Check out this wonderful, quick and easy recipe for gluten-free mini pizza cups! They’re perfect for school lunches, afternoon snacks, or even dinner! Ingredients: (Makes 20 if you double up the Bisquick batch) Gluten-free Bisquick Your Preferred Tomato Sauce Mozzarella Cheese Mini Pepperonis Instructions: 1. Preheat oven…

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Free At Last: a Guide to Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

It’s the third Monday of January, and that means it’s Martin Luther King Day, a time to honor one of America’s greatest civil rights’ activist and to remember his message of equality and freedom. It also signals the closing of schools everywhere as well as most businesses. So, for parents, the challenge becomes finding a…

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The Homeschooler Next Door

In the last few years, respect and recognition for homeschooling has been on the rise. Still, many people have no clue how homeschooling works or, even worse, cling to the ideas fostered by TV stereotypes. Recently, however, some new studies concerning the benefits of homeschooling children have come to light which may help to erase…

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