56
Winter2013 Success Stories from personal training participants at Green Ridge pg. 38 PROJECT AWESOME A new music event for teens pg. 18 Hiking With Bears Tips for bear safety on the Tinker Creek Greenway pg. 44 Healthy Travel Tips for Holiday Trips pg. 32 ON TARGET Why archery is one of the fastest growing youth sports pg. 40 Civil War Society In Roanoke Valley & Beyond New historical events and trips pg.48 Family Fun Guide A quarterly Parks, Recreation and Tourism program guide www.RoanokeCountyParks.com TONS OF FUN RETURNS TO TANGLEWOOD FEBRUARY 2 p.20

Recreation Family Fun Guide - Winter 2013

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Roanoke County's complete lineup of recreation programs for December 2012, and January & February 2013.

Citation preview

Winter2013

Success Storiesfrom personal trainingparticipants at Green Ridgepg. 38

PROJECT AWESOME A new music event for teens pg. 18

Hiking With BearsTips for bear safety on theTinker Creek Greenway pg. 44

Healthy TravelTips for Holiday Trips pg. 32

ON TARGETWhy archery is one of thefastest growing youth sports pg. 40

Civil War SocietyIn Roanoke Valley & Beyond New historical events and trips pg.48

Family Fun Guide

A quarterly Parks, Recreation and Tourism program guide • www.RoanokeCountyParks.com

TONS OF FUN RETURNS TO TANGLEWOOD

FEBRUARY 2p.20

ABOUT THIS SMALL.

CarilionClinic.org/daVinci | 800-422-8482

Less than half an inch. That’s the length of incisions

when you’re talking about the da Vinci® Surgical

System. With that small cut, surgeons at Carilion can

accomplish big things, and offer you less discomfort

and a shorter recovery. It’s a revolutionary approach

to care, and only Carilion offers it here. Ask your

doctor about da Vinci. You may have less to talk

about than you ever imagined.

The da Vinci Surgical System is available at:• Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital• AND NOW at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center

da Vinci Baker RnkCoRecMag_Layout 1 11/8/12 10:49 AM Page 1

C l a s s e s & a C t i v i t i e sCultural Arts 12-17Arts, crafts, pottery, ceramics, painting, music & dance

Life Skills 18-26Technology, cooking, home improvement & special events

Aquatics 27-31Swimming lessons, water aerobics & family play

Wellness & Fitness 32-39Yoga, pilates, group exercise, martial arts & health

Athletics 40-43Archery, tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer & football

Outdoors 44-47Hiking, skiing, environmental education & Camp Roanoke

Travel 48-51Vacations, bus tours, van outings & overnight trips

R e C R e a t i o n s e R v i C e sGreen Ridge Recreation Center 8-10Indoor aquatics, family fitness, daily admission & membership

After School Programs 11Reserve your space now!

Therapeutic Recreation Services 54Recreation programs for individuals with disabilities

Parks Map & Facility Rentals 52-53How to find our parks and recreation centers, plus rental info

Registration 55How to register for our classes & activities

Parks,Recreation

and Tourism

RoanokeCounty

A publication of:Winter 2013

pg.17

pg.24

pg.28

onlineRegistration

Begins December 8see next page for details!

Family Fun Guide

pg.46

pg.48

W i n t e R e v e n t sSanta Visits and Christmas Tree Lighting 20We’ve added several new chances to visit the jolly old elf

Teen Music Events 19Learn more about project awesome and teen club nights

Tons of Fun and Camp Fair 21This year, two fantastic kids events have been combined

Civil War Comes to Life 20 & 49Check out a new historical music event and trip

online Registration is available by visiting www.RoanokeCountyParks.com, Click on the Register Online icon shown here, and visit the “My Account” tab to sign in or create an account. New accounts are not activated until you complete your first program registration. Scan the barcode shown to the right with a smart phone and link directly to our website.

• Herman L. Horn E.S.

Become a “fan” of us on Facebook or “follow” us on Twitter. Get daily program updates:

www.facebook.com/RoanokeCountyParkswww.twitter.com/recreation

Go online to sign up for our monthly email newsletter or daily RSS feeds about programs and events.

PRESS 1 — Special Events InfoPRESS 2 — Program Registration InfoPRESS 3 — Facility DirectoryPRESS 4 — General Program Cancellations & ClosuresPRESS 5 — Splash Valley ClosuresPRESS 6 — Youth Athletics CancellationsPRESS 7 — Adult Athletics Cancellations

Recreation Phone LineCall (540) 387-6455

Email & RSS Feeds

Recreation Television

Social Networking

An automated 24-hour information line

A quarterly program about recreation

Your choice of daily or monthly

Information ONLY - no registration or voice mail

Watch this half-hour program on Roanoke Valley Television. Available on Cox Cable Channel 3 on Tuesdays at 8:30pm and Saturdays at 10:00am and 3:30pm, or online at RoanokeCountyParks.com.

Stay informed your own way

P R o g R a m a g e slook for symbols like those shown below to quickly determine age-appropriate programs on each page. Look for specific age requirements in the program details box under the course description.

P R o g R a m R e g i s t R a t i o n & D a t e sRegistration is taken online, by phone, by mail, or walk-in at any of our recreation centers. More information about registration can be found on page 55.

early online Registration - Begins Saturday, December 8 for County Residents ONLYCounty Resident Registration - Begins Monday, December 10 for County Residentsopen Registration - Begins Wednesday, December 12 for Non-County Residents

Using This Publication

YouthY

AdultA

Over 5555+

FamilyFPreschoolP

TeenT

Ages 0-5 Ages 6-12 Ages 11-17 Ages 18 & Up Ages 55 & Up Varied Ages

Online

Stay in Touch

Your choice of daily or monthly

Stay informed your own way

Enroll now in Roanoke Valley’s Top Early Childhood Education Program

10 convenient locations serving children 6 weeks – 12 years of age

Now offering Parent’s Night Out on Friday & Saturday Evenings and Saturday Daytime Care

Schedule a tour today!

A little boy ran by one of the teacher aids on the playground and the aid said, “Hi, Nick. Wow, you sound out of breath.” The little boy replied, “No, I have more.”

www.HoneyTreeELC.com

Dear friends and neighbors,

It is hard to believe that another year is winding down and we are entering into the heart of winter. As the days get shorter and

weather gets crisp and cool, please don’t forget to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Roanoke County. With the many miles of gre-enways and trails, walking and biking are a great way to experience the rural charm of the area, and maybe to meet a few neighbors along the way.

Roanoke County also offers a wide variety of indoor recreation classes and programs to meet your needs if the outdoors isn’t your niche. With several convenient locations throughout the County for classes and programs, there’s truly something for everyone! Recreation enhances “quality of life” for everyone, and our staff is proud to maintain some of the area’s best green spaces and recreational facilities. We hope you’ll let us help you enjoy all that life has to offer!

Recreation Family Fun Guide is a publication of Roanoke County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. It is published for the benefit of the citizens of Roanoke County and the greater Roanoke Valley. Advertising contained herein does not constitute an endorsement by the County of Roanoke or its staff. Send comments about this publication and advertising inquiries to our administrative office by calling (540) 777-6300. Individuals

with disabilities wishing to participate in general recreation programs must contact Roanoke County two weeks prior to the start of the program to discuss reasonable accommodations.

Alternate Magazine formats are availableCall 772-7529 ext. 2

Hollins DistrictTroy KincerMax Beyer

Vinton District

Mike RoopVacant

Catawba DistrictDonna Wooldridge

Larry Peterson

Cave Spring DistrictFred Corbett

Beth Doughty

Roanoke County PRT Advisory Commission

Administrative StaffDoug Blount, Director

Mark Courtright, Assistant Director of ParksDavid Weir, Assistant Director of Recreation

Windsor Hills DistrictSunny ShahMurray Cook

Member At LargeDebbie George

The advisory commission meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6pm at our administrative office at 1206 Kessler Mill Rd. The public is welcome, but we request you

contact the office in advance to add an item to the agenda.

Doug Blount is director of Roanoke County Parks,

Recreation and Tourism.

Sincerely,

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY6

Gift Cards Are Back!Last winter, we introduced Recreation Gift Cards, and they

were a huge success. We hope you’ll consider the gift of recreation again this year! Gift cards can be used to pay for programs, camps, facility admission, merchandise, personal training, and picnic shelter rentals. Now you can give the gift of an experience, rather than just another decoration or gadget to clutter up your shelves. These cards are:

• Available in any denomination • Usable for programs or facility admission • Reloadable at any time• Great for Christmas gifts, or to keep for yourself

• Programs• Facility Admission• Summer Camps• Shelter Rentals• After School• Merchandise• Personal Training Discounts (pg. 38)

Use For:

They’re available in any denomination, and reloadable for your convenience! Pick one up at Brambleton or Green Ridge Recreation Centers.

Gift Cards:

For a Limited Time:Get a free $5 bonus card when you purchase $50 or more in gift cards! Offer ends December 31.

Purchase $50 or more and get a $5 bonus cardFor a limited time, get money back for every $50 you spend in gift card purchases.

Use gift cards for personal training and SAVE!New this year, use your card to pay for personal training at Green Ridge and get 50% off your first 3 sessions. (See pg 38)

Where can I purchase gift cards?Gift cards are available Brambleton Center and Green Ridge Recreation Center. Purchases must be made in-person at the front desk. Cash or credit only, no checks.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 7

Thirlane Rd.

Thirlane Rd.

581

Contact PHONE: (540) 777-6300EMAIL: [email protected]: 7415 Wood Haven Rd. • 24019

Roanoke County offers healthy fun for everyone. While membership plans are available, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy this state-of-the-art facility!

1) Membership - We offer flexible monthly plans for a variety of family types, with NO joining fees. Members receive additional benefits like group exercise classes and KidZone, a child watch service. See page 10.

2) Daily Admission - Visit for the day and make use of our unique indoor pool, wellness center, walking track, gymnasium and activity room. (Please note that group exercise classes are not included with daily admission)

3) Program Participation - This program guide contains an amazing variety of general public classes held at Green Ridge. There’s something for everyone!

4) Facility Rental - Green Ridge features a pool party room, two multipurpose rooms and a large gymnasium available for public rental. See page 53 for more information.

Green Ridge HoursMonday-Friday 5:30am-10:00pmSaturday 8:00am-6:00pmSunday 10:00am-6:00pm

Peters Creek Rd.

81

Wood Haven Rd.

Cove Rd.

Valleypointe Pkwy.

AgeS BASe

RATe

COunTY ReSidenT

diSCOunT RATe

Adult (18-54) $9 $7

Child/Teen (1-17) $7 $5

Over Fifty Five (55+) $7 $5

Green RidgeRecreation Center

Visit www.GreenRidgeRecreationCenter.com to find up-to-date schedules for our group exercise

classes, gymnasium and pool. Look for the schedule icon shown here.

Daily Admission Rates

I love the water programs, and the people I’ve met here have been wonderful. It helps my body stay young

- Serena Austin

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY8

Activity RoomThis unique play area features a variety of active gaming equip-ment for you and your family to enjoy. Jump around on our inter-active LightSpace Play Floor. Dance with your friends using the Xbox Kinect, or take advantage of one of the many other interac-tive games designed to keep you moving and fit. New this winter, we’ve added an Air Hockey and Foosball table to the amenities.

Wellness CenterWe offer a wide range of cardiovascular equipment and free weights, plus a full-body circuit of strength training equipment from some of the best names in the industry like: Precor, Ham-mer Strength, Free Motion, Atlantis, Cybex and Hampton. Our trained staff, including personal trainers are available to help you achieve your healthy lifestyle goals.

Have a Party at green RidgeRent the party room adjoining the indoor pool for year round aquatic fun. Parties include one hour in the pool and one hour in the party room. See page 53 for more information.

Green Ridge Amenitiesindoor AquaticsOur indoor aquatics area is designed with family fun in mind. Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, splash, slide, or re-lax, there’s something for everyone. We also offer aquatics exer-cise classes and group or private lessons. The pool is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees, so it’s never too chilly to swim. The kids will love our 2.5 story slide and aquatic play area. Adults won’t want to miss the hot tub. Due to programming and lifeguard schedules, portions of the indoor pool may be closed each day. View our schedule at GreenRidgeRecreationCenter.com.

gymnasiumThe gym features two full-size basketball courts with hardwood floors that can be divided with a center curtain. The facility is fully air conditioned, with six basketball backboards and two vol-leyball courts. Ping pong is now also available in the gym during scheduled hours. Due to programming and large sporting events, portions of the gym may be closed. See schedule for details.

Walking TrackGreen Ridge offers one of the longest indoor tracks in the area, with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains in all seasons. The track is open at all times during center operation.

FAMILY & STROLLER TIMES: Children ages 6-9 and adults pushing strollers may use the track with a parent ONLY during the following times: • Monday-Friday from 11:30am-4:00pm (through Dec) 1:00am-4:00pm (Jan through Mar) • Saturday-Sunday from 11:30am-1:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm

We’ve added air hockey and foosball to the activity room, plus a new ping pong table in the gym. Check it out!

The walking track at Green Ridge is the next best thing to walking outside this winter!

Get a complete guide of Green Ridge amenities at schedules next time you visit. This unique tri-fold brochure won at 2012 Gold Summit

Award for best Print Publication from the Public Relaitons Society of America, Blue Rigde Chapter.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 9

The people here are great!

-Pete Peters

99

Get a $20 gift card when you join Green Ridge in the

month of December.

Join in december and get a FRee gift CardBecome a member during the month of December and imme-diately receive a $20 gift card redeemable for programs, guest admission, t-shirts or picnic shelter rentals. Membership regis-tration is taken at the front desk only. For more information, call 777-6300 or visit www.RoanokeCountyParks.com.

Membership Options Base RateCounty

Resident Rate

Individual Adult $49 $42Ages 18 to 54 per month per month

Adult Couple / Single Parent $65 $57Two adults ages 18 and up OR a single parent with up to 6 children

per month per month

Family $75 $66Two adults ages 18 and up with up to 6 children per month per month

Teen $30 $23Ages 13 to 17 per month per month

Children $22 $15Ages 1 to 12 per month per month

55+ Individual $47 $39Ages 55 and up per month per month

55+ Couple $55 $47Two adults ages 55 and up per month per month

The rates shown here offer flexible monthly payments with no long- term contracts and NO joining fee! Visit us at 7415 Wood Haven Rd and take a free tour today. When you’re ready to be-come a member, simply sign up at the front desk.

Become a Member!Becoming a Green Ridge member not only saves you money while helping you improve your overall health. Membership also provides additional benefits not available to daily admission customers.

Pre-paid Membership discountsWant to save 10% off your membership fee? Pay in advance for your 6-month or 12-month membership and save!

early Online Program RegistrationAs a Green Ridge member, you qualify to register early online for programs held at the center. Your membership allows you to sign up for your favorite classes online the Saturday before each quarterly sign-up period.

KidZone & KidVentureDon’t worry about keeping an eye on the little ones while you’re at Green Ridge; we’ll do that for you! Children who are members from 6 weeks to 9 years of age are welcome for up to two hours per day. We’ve expanded our child care options for members this winter, providing extra fun for ages 5 to 9 during peak hours. When available, older kids will be taken to areas throughout the facility for guided activities with our staff. KidZone and KidVen-ture are available for MEMBERS ONLY.

Membership Benefit ClassesGreen Ridge offers dozens of land and water group exercise pro-grams FREE with your membership. For a complete look at our schedule, visit GreenRidgeRecreationCenter.com Member benefit classes do not require pre-registration but fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Members are welcome to sign up for any group exercise or recreation program shown throughout this guide at the published rates. As a member, these are the courses that come with your membership:

Land Group-Ex• Arthritis Foundation Exercise• Awesome Arms & Lethal Legs• Back in Shape• Barre Exercise• Body Attack ™ by Les Mills• Body Pump ™ by Les Mills• Boot Camp• Cycling• Fusion• Kick Punch Class• Memory Pump• Piloxing (starting Jan)

Water Group-Ex• Arthritis Foundation Aquatics• Hydro-Fit• Sunrise Tai Chi• Wave Walker / Runner

• Power Sculpt• RIPPED (starting Jan)• Tabadas (starting Jan)• Yogilates• Zumba• Zumba Gold

New!

Did you know that in December, you can get 50% off three personal training sessions if you pay with a gift card? See page 38.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY1010

Green Ridge EventsWinter Friday Family Fun nightOne night only...Friday Family Fun Night featuring HOLIDAY Karaoke. Sing your favorite holiday tunes individually or as a family from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. We will have a fun filled competi-tion for those who ‘dare to sing’. Also that evening we will have Green Ridge’s famous 14 foot tall, 35 foot wide inflatable ob-stacle course and our new preschool bounce house in Gym A. ‘Come bounce the night away’ from 5 pm - 8 pm! Green Ridge’s Children’s Holiday Art Show winners will be announced during Karaoke! Enjoy our ‘pretzel dipping station’ and a light beverage! Friday Family Fun Night is FREE for members and only $5 for non-members (maximum $20 per family) starting at 5 pm.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

ALL Dec 14 F 5:00pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 21929 $5

SOuP-per dAY at green RidgeJanuary is National Soup Month and National Soup Swap Month! So we decided to have a “SOUP”-per DAY for Members on Wednesday, January 16th 11:30am-1:30pm & 5:00pm -6:00pm. Veggies to GO will be in the Green Ridge Lobby offering “sam-plings” of their soups to taste. To add to the excitement, we are asking members to SWAP their homemade recipe with other Green Ridge Members by completing a form available at our front desk. All forms to be completed by January 4th 2013.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

ALL Jan 16 W 11:30am-1:30pm 5:00pm-6:00pm

Green Ridge $5

Spring Friday Family Fun nightOne night only...Friday Family Fun Night featuring Karaoke. Sing your favorite tunes individually or as a family from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. Help us welcome Spring with “flower power night!” Dress for the 70’s and turn sugar cookies into flowerin art. lso that evening we will have Green Ridge’s famous 14 foot tall, 35 foot wide inflatable obstacle course and our new pre-school bounce house in Gym A. ‘Come bounce the night away’ from 5 pm - 8 pm! Friday Family Fun Night is FREE for members and only $5 for non-members (maximum $20 per family) starting at 5 pm. Light refreshments-please register.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

ALL Mar 15 F 5:00pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22006 $5

FamilyF

We love being members here! Green Ridge has been very accommodating for my family’s diverse needs. We especially love the indoor pool. It feels safe and fun.

- Green Ridge Member

Green Ridge is home to a GIANT inflatable obstacle course. Take it on at one of TWO family fun nights this season.

First Floor

Double GymnasiumKidZone

Water Slide

Lap Lanes

Zero Depth Entry

Current River

BirthdayParty Room

Activity Room

Whirlpool

WaterPlayground

Locker Rooms

WaterVortex

Multipurpose Rooms (3)KitchenFamily Changing Rooms

Wellness Center

Free Weights

Group Exercise Studios

Second Floor

Track

easter eggstravaganzaCome join the Easter ‘Eggstravaganza’ with crafts, activities, dancing and even ‘eggercising’ with the funny bunny. Photo opps scheduled in the lobby so bring your camera...don’t miss the ‘eggstra’ special activi-ties just for you. Daily admissions apply and members are free.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

ALL Mar 24 Su 2:00pm-3:30pm Green Ridge 21997 $5

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 11

• Back Creek E.S.• Burlington E.S.• Cave Spring E.S.• Clearbrook E.S.• Green Valley E.S.• Herman L. Horn E.S.

After School

After School for Kids (A.S.K.)This school-based recreation program allows children to have fun while fostering physical, social, emotional, & cognitive develop-ment. Choose between 3-day or 5-day weekly options, with daily snacks and homework help. Take advantage of multiple child discounts! Activities include gym or playground time, snack time, quiet time and group or self-directed activities.Call 857-5035 for more!

YouthY

Ridge KidsSimilar to A.S.K., Ridge Kids is an after-school program at Green Ridge Recreation Center, serving K-5 students at Fort Lewis, Glen Cove, and Glenvar Elementary Schools. Transportation is provided from schools daily. Daily activities include use of the gymnasium and pool, fitness classes, snack time, homework time and group games. Registration is $60 per week, or $50 per week for Green Ridge members. Call 777-6315 for more!

• Fort Lewis E.S.• Glen Cove E.S.• Glenvar E.S.

• Masons Cove E.S.• Mount Pleasant E.S.• Mountain View E.S.• Oak Grove E.S.• Penn Forest E.S. • WE Cundiff E.S.

Roanoke County offers enrichment programs for your K-5th grader whenever school is out.

School’s Out CampsSchool’s Out! Join us for a day of fun when Roanoke County Schools are out. Enjoy games, crafts, and field trips each day. At Green Ridge, bring your swim suit and be prepared for a great time. Register for morning, afternoon, or all day. Morning snack and afternoon snack will be provided. Please pack a sack lunch if staying from 12-1. Please register in advance as spots will go quickly! For the Green Ridge Camp, discounts are available for multiple child participants and Green Ridge members. Call 857-5035 for info about Brambleton Camps and 777-6300 for Green Ridge camps.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

5-11 Dec 20 Th 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21550 $35

5-11 Dec 21 F 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21551 $35

5-11 Dec 26 W 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21552 $35

5-11 Dec 27 Th 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21553 $35

5-11 Dec 28 F 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21554 $35

5-11 Jan 11 F 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21555 $35

5-11 Jan 11 F 7:30am-6:00pm Brambleton 21440 $30

5-11 Jan 21 M 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21556 $35

5-11 Feb 4 M 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21557 $35

5-11 Mar 15 F 7:30am-6:00pm Brambleton 21441 $30

5-11 Mar 15 F 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21775 $35

5-11 Mar 18 M 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21776 $35

5-11 Mar 18 M 7:30am-6:00pm Brambleton 21442 $30

Designed for Working Parents with Fun-Loving Kids! Roanoke County now offers after school programs at most elementary schools. Programs are either school based, or come with transportation included to Green Ridge Recreation Center.

Snow day ProgramsWhen Roanoke County Schools are out DUE TO INCLEM-ENT WEATHER, Green Ridge Recreation Center and Bramble-ton Center will be available for drop-off. These camps run from 7:30am-6:00pm and include structured activities, games and crafts. Green Ridge camps include swimming, so please bring swimsuit and towel. Pack a bagged lunch with no peanut prod-ucts and get ready for a full day of fun!

• Brambleton Center - Call 857-5035$30 Full Day and $15 Half Day

• Green Ridge - Call 777-6300$35 for Full Day and $25 for Half Day. Green Ridge members or Ridge Kids participants save an extra $5. Additional sibling discount an extra $2.

Don’t worry about your snow day, enjoy it at a rec center!

drop & ShopNeed to get some holiday shopping done and a dinner out? Kids will have a fun evening at Green Ridge with swimming, inflata-bles, structured games, crafts and activities. A pizza party will be provided. Registration Deadline: December 12.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-10 Dec 14 F 5:00pm-9:30pm Green Ridge 21636 $10

ART

S

12 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

Music is a RoadNot a Destination

By Randolph Walker

Beginning guitar students sometimes ask me, “How long will it take until I can, you know, really play?” I say, “There is no point at which you can say, ‘I’m finally here, and there’s no more left to learn.’ And that’s the way I like it.”

I started music training some 41 years ago, when I was ten. I was fortunate to have parents who supported my interest. They ar-ranged for cello lessons with a nice lady who played in the Rich-mond Symphony. Later I had lessons on the upright bass and pia-no. After private lessons and training in school band, I had learned enough to pick up guitar, harmonica and drums on my own. That led to playing in bands and learning how to arrange harmony vo-cals, run a PA system, write and record songs, and produce CDs.

Music is a road. The beginning of it looks pretty similar for ev-eryone--it covers the basics of pitch and rhythm. Further along, it splits off into different directions. One exit leads to bluegrass, another to rock, to jazz, or classical. One signpost says “Playing By Ear,” another says, “Reading Music.” The guitar highway alone has many exits, leading to fingerpicking, flatpicking, classical, rock, fla-menco, and more.

Once we get going, we can travel from one territory to another, for a long residence or just a brief visit. Some roads lead into re-lated fields, such as photography, video production, and graphic arts. So many wonderful choices! And that’s not to mention the many friendships and relationships that start in a high school band room, or in someone’s living room over guitars and a song.

Music can be a highly social activity, bringing minds and hearts together to create soundscapes of power and beauty. It can also

be a nourishing craft and even a therapy for someone spending time alone by choice or by circumstance.

How far will I get down this road? I don’t know, but when I lay my guitar down for the last time, there will still be vast, unexplored territory out in front of me. And that’s the way I like it. Nobody, not even the Eric Claptons of the world, will die knowing everything there is to know about music.

Once we get started, momentum can keep us going. But it helps to have a push. That’s the way I think of music lessons. I enjoy see-ing students’ eyes light up when they first understand how to read guitar tab and haltingly bring forth the melody to “Amazing Grace” or “Smoke on the Water.” So, that’s my answer. Music is a road, not a destination. And I hope you travel long and far on it, discovering places that perhaps you or I never dreamed of.

Randolph Walker is a music instructor with Roanoke County parks, and currently teaches several of the courses shown on page right.

Want to hear more local bands? See page 18 to learn about a new teen concert!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

ARTS

13

Music is a Road

It’s easy to sign up for your favorite program online! Visit RoanokeCountyParks.comOnline

Family Fun Guide

Contact: Scott RamsburgPhone: (540) 777-6327

Email: [email protected]

Affordable • Targeted Audience • Direct Mail • 60,000 CopiesYour Ad Could Be Here

Musicguitar for Absolute BeginnersLearn to tune, play chords, read tablature and perform easy melo-dies. Bring your own guitar to class. Eight week program. In-structor: Randolph Walker.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 8-Feb 26 Tu 6:00pm-7:15pm Green Ridge 22047 $51

12+ Jan 10-Feb 28 Th 5:45pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21597 $51

Keyboard for Absolute BeginnersHave fun with your keyboard as you learn to read music. No pre-vious musical knowledge needed. Required materials: portable keyboard (AC Outlets available), extension cord, and method book ($13, will discuss at first class). Eight week program. In-structor: Randolph Walker.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 7-Feb 25 M 7:05pm-8:20pm Brambleton 21596 $51

Harmonica for Absolute BeginnersLearn how to play campfire favorites ‘straight harp’, as well as beginning blues. Bring your own harmonica in key of C or G (Lee Oskar recommended) to class. Eight week program. Instructor: Randolph Walker.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 7-Feb 25 M 5:45pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21595 $51

Beginning FiddleThis class is designed for beginners interested in learning to play the fiddle. Students will learn bowings, scales, and songs. Re-quired materials: Fiddle (Violin) and bow. Eight week program. Instructor: Earl Henritze.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 8-Feb 26 Tu 7:30pm-8:30pm Brambleton 21610 $43

Bluegrass BanjoLearn to play chords, rolls and songs in this introductory blue-grass style banjo class. Students must bring a banjo to class. Eight week program. Instructor: Earl Henritze.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

16+ Jan 8-Feb 26 Tu 6:00pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21609 $43

Blues BandIf you have had two months or more of previous classes or les-sons, join this ‘Instructional Band’ for guitar, harmonica (key of C) and bass students where you will perform real blues songs. Bring your instruments to class. Eight week program. Instructor: Randolph Walker.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 10-Feb 28 Th 7:05pm-8:20pm Brambleton 21598 $51

AdultA FFamily

540-265-7297 5416 Airport Road • Roanoke, VA • www.oakeypetloss.com

Hours: 8 am to 5 pm, M - F; Sat. 8 am to 12 pm; Sun. Noon to 5 pm

Roanoke’s First Pet Funeral Home.

We’re available by phone 24/7 and we also provide a pet loss supportgroup that meets the second Saturdayof every month. If you would like to attend, please call 540-265-7297.

• On-siteCremationstartingat$39.00

• Removal&Transportation

• Caskets,Urns,Markers&KeepsakeJewelry, DVD Tributes,MemorialFolders

“We would like to thank Oakey’s for taking the time to help us find the perfect urn for Daisey’s final resting place.”

Grandin

ART

S

14 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

Arts AdultA

drawingDrawing is an essential first step in laying the base for painting in any media. Enhance your skill by learning shapes, shading, light-ing, picture composition, contour drawing, gesture drawing and one and two point perspectives will be covered in this six week program. Instructor: Michael Farrar.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 23-Feb 27 W 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 21671 $86

Watercolor Basics & BeyondThis class is for the beginning level student and for those who wish to refresh their basic watercolor skills. At each class the In-structor will demonstrate watercolor techniques and a critique of the students work will be included in some sessions. Six week class. Instructor: Charlotte Hanks. Supply list will be given when class minimum is met.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 22-Feb 26 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 21787 $86

intermediate WatercolorTechniques covered in this class include wet paint on dry paper, wet into wet, lost edges, color glazing, color mixing, palette lay-out and different brush techniques. Sound composition in both still lifes and landscapes will also be covered. Six week program. Supply list will be given when class minimum is met. Instructor: Michael Farrar.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 23-Feb 27 W 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21672 $86

CollageThis class will explore the abstract, representational, semi-ab-stract and non-objective imagery through a variety of collage techniques. Bring along your scissors, glue, copies of your fa-vorite old photos, paper scraps, fabric pieces and paint and see what the exciting world of Collage is all about. Three week class. Instructor: Charlotte Hanks.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 2-16 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 21786 $52

Oil Painting by the Bob Ross MethodWith the Bob Ross method of Oil Painting, you will complete each painting in just one class. Even people who have never painted before can create a work of art! Each painting is done on a 16x20 inch canvas using Bob Ross supplies. All supplies are included in the fee for Judy Moore-Gist classes; for Ed Gowen’s classes beginning in January student must supply own canvas, all other supplies included

Ages Date Instructor Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 26 Gowen Sa 9:30am-4:30pm Brambleton 21618 $79

18+ Feb 9 Gist Sa 9:30am-3:00pm Brambleton 21586 $79

18+ Mar 9 Gist Sa 9:30am-3:00pm Brambleton 21587 $79

18+ Feb 21 Gist Th 9:30am-3:00pm Brambleton 21589 $79

18+ Feb 23 Gowen Sa 9:30am-4:30pm Brambleton 21619 $79

18+ Mar 21 Gist Th 9:30am-3:00pm Brambleton 21590 $79

18+ Mar 23 Gowen Sa 9:30am-4:30pm Brambleton 21620 $79

Oil PaintingThis course will cover surface preparation, palette layout, materi-als handling, color and shading techniques. Great for beginners, those who have painted with acrylics, or those who want to brush up on their skills. Six week program. Supply list will be given when class minimum is met. Instructor: Michael Farrar.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 23-Feb 27 W 1:00pm-3:00pm Brambleton 21673 $86

Brushstroke SeminarLearn different brushstrokes to create designs, patterns, and detail work. The variety of brushstrokes can be used to detail pottery, ceramics, wood pieces and scrapbook pages. Also included will be pattern transfer techniques. Fee includes three brushes, prac-tice tablet and pattern sheets. Three week program. Instructor: Jo Robertson.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 5-19 Tu 7:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21616 $48

Stained glassAs a beginning student, you will learn the basics of design, glass cutting and joining. You will also learn two or three different ways to frame your project. A beginning student will finish the course at the intermediate or advanced skill level. Fee: $231 includes tools and supplies; $182 includes tool rental and supplies; $148 includes supplies only no tools; $63 for last four weeks of project help. Eight week program. Instructor: Tanya Leslie.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 14-Mar 4 M 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 22120 $63-$231

Instructor Ed Gowen can teach almost anyone how to paint just like Bob Ross.

drawing FundamentalsDismiss the idea that Drawing is difficult. This class will focus on what you are really seeing as you experiment with different drawing surfaces and tools. You will be introduced to Drawing basics using a grid and drawing objects. Six week class. Instruc-tor: Charlotte Hanks.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 24-Feb 28 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21789 $86

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

ARTS

15

CraftsBeginning KnittingKeep your mind and hands active by learning how to knit! Master the basics of knitting from casting on stitches, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, gauging, to binding off. Supply list given when class minimum is reached. Four week program. Instructor: Carol Mesimer.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

13+ Jan 9-30 W 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21640 $35

Beginning SewingIf you’ve always wanted to learn to sew, or are looking to refresh your sewing skills, this class is for you. Terminology, techniques, hand sewing, pattern reading and much more will be covered in this six week course. Students will use the knowledge gained from this class to make a pair of pillowcases. You must bring your own portable sewing machine, accessories, and manual to class. Six week program. Instructor: Norma Silvius.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 11 M 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21599 $89

Basic Quilting Techniques Learn to make a small quilted project from start to finish. The tech-niques you will learn include fabric selection and layout, cutting, piecework and quilting. Supply list given when class minimum is reached. Four week program. Instructor: Carol Mesimer.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Mar 6-27 W 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21639 $35

Slate Welcome SignEvery home needs a welcoming feel that puts visitors at ease as they enter your home. Paint your own slate welcome sign using the classic symbol of hospitality, the pineapple, as your theme. In-cludes all supplies. Two week program. Instructor: Jo Robertson.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Mar 5-12 Tu 7:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21634 $28

Polymer Bead CourseThis course is an introduction to the materials, tools, equipment, and techniques used to make unique polymer clay beads in a va-riety of shapes, colors and finishes. Demonstrations will include conditioning raw clay, creating marbled beads, as well as millefiori from canes. You will be guided during each session as you make your own creations. Finally, instructor, Ruth Cline will teach you some of the tips she has learned from experience with clay that you will not find in books. Three week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 15-29 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 21205 $52

no Sew Fabric BinsOrganize your stuff in cute bins. These bins turn ordinary into ex-traordinary and once you get the knack you can make more! Please bring 1.5 yards of heavier-duty fabric for the outer layer of the bin and one yard of a complementary fabric for the lining. All other materials provided in fee.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Mar 7 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Green Ridge 22026 $18

It’s easy to sign up for your favorite program online! Visit RoanokeCountyParks.com Online

AdultA Pottery & Ceramics

Pottery CoursesThe Brambleton Center offers a well equipped studio with all tools necessary to create original works of clay in both wheel and freeform. Equipment includes 13 electric wheels, with one being wheelchair accessible. A variety of glazes are mixed in the studio offering about 23 colors. Clay must be purchased through Brambleton Center at $25/25 pounds. Ten week program.

Ages Date Instructor Day Time Course # Fee

18+ Jan 2-Mar 6 Jordan W 6:30pm-9:00pm 21819 $175

18+ Jan 3-Mar 7 Legg Th 1:00pm-3:30pm 21820 $175

18+ Jan 3-Mar 7 Dowling Th 6:30pm-9:00pm 21821 $175

18+ Jan 5-Mar 9 Hodges Sa 10:00am-12:30pm 21815 $175

18+ Jan 7-Mar 11 Leslie M 1:00pm-3:30pm 21816 $175

18+ Jan 7-Mar 11 Jordan M 6:30pm-9:00pm 21817 $175

18+ Jan 8-Mar 12 Campbell Tu 6:30pm-9:00pm 21818 $175

18+ Jan 8-Mar 12 Werstlein Tu 10:00am-12:30pm 22066 $175

Handbuilding in ClayPottery can be created without the use of a potter’s wheel. You can create beautiful pots and clay forms by hand using simple tools, slabs of clay, or just by using your hands and fingers. In this class you will explore many techniques for handbuilt pot-tery. Instructor: Becky Carr. Ten week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 4-Mar 8 F 9:30am-12:00pm Brambleton 21827 $175

Beginning Clay SculptureThis course will present you with a basic knowledge of sculpture using a variety of techniques. Fee includes two tools, the use of additional tools, and clay. Carlos Dowling is an accomplished Bermudian artist. His major works are in pottery, sculpture and mold making, much of which can be seen in numerous collec-tions in Bermuda & America. Eight week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 15-Mar 5 Tu 6:30pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21860 $139

Beginner BisqueLearn something new in the new year! The basics of making de-signs and painting ceramics will be taught. Choices of projects included are wall plaque, plate, mug and tray. All materials and glaze firing provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

13+ Jan 14-Mar 4 M 6:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22038 $60

CeramicsPaint and fire your own ceramic greenware with the assistance of certified instructor Jo Robertson. Ceramics are available for purchase at Brambleton, or order from our extensive catalog se-lection. Eight week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 10-Feb 28 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 21612 $52

New!New!

New!

AdultA

New!

ART

S

16 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

DanceCloggingAdult clogging classes are high impact, high energy and lots of fun! Based on traditional steps, the teacher will teach a syllabus consisting of basic clogging technique and will progress to more difficult steps based on the skill level of those in the class. Taught by the staff of Floyd Ward School of Dance.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-28 M 11:15am-12:15pm Green Ridge 22049 $35

Shag danceThis is still one of the most popular dances taught in this area. Learn to shag, then join the Roanoke Valley Shag Club. Couples only. Singles will be put on a wait list and matched with partners. Five week program. Instructor: Donna Richardson.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 11 M 7:30pm-9:00pm Brambleton 22097 $31

dancing is for LoversValentine’s Day is coming! Get romantic with your sweetheart and learn the sexy Rumba and the Night Club 2 Step. Both dances are popular dances at weddings, dances and cruises. Dance steps will be taught with Oldies, Pop, Latin, Jazz and Country Music Genres. Dance partners required. Six week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 12-Feb 16 Sa 3:00pm-4:00pm Green Ridge 22058 $38

Salsa dance LessonsJoin Liz Becker on Thursday nights at Green Ridge to burn the floor with hot Salsa moves. Never be a wallflower again. Learn basic Salsa figures that will impress your friends on the dance floor. All are welcome and no partner is required.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 10-Feb 21 Th 7:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22057 $38

egyptian Style Belly danceThis style of belly dance involves every part of the body, isolating major muscles groups and working them in isolation or in opposi-tion to other parts of the body. Major components include circular movements of the arms, hands, head, upper torso and hips. It’s a fun and effective way to exercise, relax and enjoy as an entertain-ing hobby. Six week program. Instructor: Elizabeth Watson.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 22-Feb 26 Tu 7:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21674 $38

AdultA

OnlineSign up online! It’s fast, easy, and secure.

Teen ArtsBeginner BisqueLearn something new in the new year! The basics of making de-signs and painting ceramics will be taught. Choices of projects included are wall plaque, plate, mug and tray. All materials and glaze firing provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

13+ Jan 14-Mar 4 M 6:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22038 $60

Beginning KnittingKeep your mind and hands active by learning how to knit! Master the basics of knitting from casting on stitches, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, gauging, to binding off. Supply list given when class minimum is reached. Four week program. Instructor: Carol Mesimer.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

13+ Jan 9-30 W 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21640 $35

Knitting Leg WarmersLearn the basic knitting stitch, knitting pearl to start a pair of leg warmers. From this basic stitch your knowledge can grow for your own personal creatons. Instructor: Bhawana Scaer.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

10-15 Feb 23 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Craig Center 22027 $21

unique Handmade JewelryYour child will enjoy designing their own personal touch jew-elry, options include earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made with beads. All supplies included.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

10-15 Feb 16 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 22015 $21

TeenT

Fly across the dance floor in your clogging shoes, with lessons for beginners!

Belly dancing is a fun way to exercise and socialize!

New!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

ARTS

17

Preschool ArtsPreschool Tap/Ballet ComboPreschool classes consist of 1/2 hour of tap and 1/2 hour of ballet. In tap class, the teacher will use the Al Gilbert Grade 1 sylla-bus. Beginning at the barre, students will learn the basic building blocks of tap technique and will gradually progress to work across the floor. In ballet, students will explore movement creatively as well as learn the basics of classical ballet. Taught by the staff of Floyd Ward School of Dance. Dress requirements will be sent to parents of participants when minimum participation is met.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-5 Jan 7-28 M 10:00am-11:00am Green Ridge 22048 $35

Making MusicTriangles, drums, and cymbals on my! Your child will have fun making music and creating musical instruments out of everyday objects in this fun program. The last day they will give parents a performance at the end of the class. All materials included in fee.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

2.5-5 Feb 7-28 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Green Ridge 22016 $50

PreschoolP

Youth ArtsPine Cone Bird FeedersHave fun at our winter celebration creating pine cone bird feeders you can hang outside just in time to welcome the birds for winter time.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

5-9 Jan 19 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 22039 $21

Winter Welcome MatsKids, come and join our Winter Wonderland Workshop! Have fun making your own personalized winter themed welcome mats that will greet all of your guests as they come in from the cold! Instructor: Tania Jones.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

5-9 Feb 2 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Craig Center 22029 $21

Handmade for Valentine’sNothing says love like a handmade card. Your child will enjoy making cards for Valentine’s. All supplies included.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

10-13 Feb 9 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Craig Center 22014 $12

Plush Assorted ScarvesWouldn’t you love to make a scarf that involved no sewing? Then come to this class and get ready for cold weather learning to make fleece scarves. All supplies included. Instructor: Bhawana Scaer.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-12 Feb 16 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 22024 $21

duct Tape-itCreate your own personal duct tape wallet, flip flops, flowers, or even a tote bag! Learn how to recreate this common household fix-it into fun crafts! Many colors will be available for the craft (black, pink, camouflage, any many more!). Fee includes materi-als and instruction.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

8-13 Feb 28 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Green Ridge 22040 $21

YouthY

Teach your child to love music early in life, and they’ll be rewarded for the rest of theirs!

Pottery For Ages 7+Let you child experience the excitement of working in clay as Professional Potter, Yolanda Eaddy, brings out their creative side. Learn to design pieces out of slabs of clay along with learning coiling and pinch techniques. For students with the physical abil-ity to do wheel work, the lessons will be centering, pulling and shaping clay. One bag of clay included. Eight week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-15 Jan 13-Mar 3 Su 2:00pm-4:30pm Brambleton 22130 $159

Now select pottery classes are open to youth ages 7 to 15.

easter Bunny Sweat ShirtsIn this class your child will design their own unique Easter sweat shirt in time for the Easter bunny. All supplies included.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-8 Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Craig Center 22011 $21

Ceramic easter eggsCreate your own eggs for your Easter basket, then join us and have fun painting ceramic eggs! Supplies included.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-13 Mar 16 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Craig Center 22022 $21

New!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

LIFE

18

By Scott Ramsburg

Teens often complain that there’s nothing to do in the Roa-noke Valley. To a certain degree, they’re right. There is a sur-

prising lack of activities and events geared towards the teen population in this region. The solution... Teens are beginning to use their own creativity to entertain both themselves and others. While you may not have heard of them, talented teen bands are cropping up all over the area.

Local R&B artist Bryan Hancock (stage name - Harvest Blaque) caught onto the teen music scene several years ago, and he’s working with Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism to create a new venue to showcase local talent. It’s called Project Awesome, and it will kick-off December 29th at 8:00pm at the Brambleton Center as a one-night-only event.

“I’ve always been a big believer that great things start right here at home,” says Bryan. “I wanted to do whatever I could to bring attention to arts and entertainment right here in the heart of Southwest Virginia because you’ve got so many talented people. They’re the best and brightest coming out of Virignia right now. They’re leaders, and they’re part of the arts and entertainment community.”

Hancock had already been serving on the committee to bring a new Arts and Entertainment Conference event to Roanoke, when he approached Roanoke County Special Events Director Wendi Schultz about Project Awesome. “I feel like teens are a portion of the population that are always overlooked,” says Wendi. “We have events for seniors, little kids and families, but rarely teen events.”

Several groups will be performing, including one of the area’s youngest groups, Levi’s Gene Pool. This group of siblings from Blacksburg features an electric show with a mix of original songs and covers of classics from The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Neil Young, and Talking Heads, to modern rock like The Racon-teurs, Linkin Park and Cage the Elephant.

Project AwesomeAwesome Pictured here are music groups performing atBrambleton Center on Dec. 29; The Stilettos (top left),Levi’s Gene Pool (bottom left) and DJ Harvest Blaque.

According to Levi’s Gene Pool father and manager Daniel Money-hun, it’s a good idea for teens to get involved at an early age. “All people including young people are very creative. The important thing is kids are allowed that opportunity.”

Also performing at the event will be The Stilettos, an all female band that blends a retro vibe with their own unique sound, mix-ing old school rock with a new school sound. Bryan Hancock will take the stage as DJ Harvest Blaque, infusing the sounds hip-hop with blues and rock undertones to create a new sound he calls, “soul hop.” Bryan is inspired by everything from Led Zeplin to Run DMC.

If the music alone is not enough, teens will be able to enjoy priz-es, snacks and a safe haven within a chaperoned environment. Hancock hopes that Project Awesome will be the first of many lo-cal events geared towards teens. “Reaching out to youth at home and saying we’ve got talent right here. We need to support it, and all the arts. That can be a legacy they can put their mark on and carry on.”

All proceeds from this event will go towards the new Arts and Entertainment Conference, coming to the Roanoke Valley on April 12-13. This event will feature workshops for all ages, movie screenings, social events and special pricing for teens already in-volved in the performing arts. Wendi Schultz believes the time is right for events like Project Awesome and the conference, expos-ing kids to things they wouldn’t normally get to experience.

“Roanoke is unique in that we have a lot of opportunities to showcase talent like theater venues, art exhibitions, shadowbox theater, and a local improv troupe,” says Wendi. “There are a lot of places where artists can exhibit their work in a much more inviting way than a big city. I think the advantage here is that Roanoke is a very accepting community.”

A Teen Music Event

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 19

LIFE

Teen EventsProject AwesomeRock out to the sounds of live music from local teen bands Levi’s Gene Pool. The Stilettos, and Harvest Blaque. Dance the night away with food, music and your friends. All proceeds from the event will benefit Roanoke County’s Arts and Enter-tainment Conference to be held in April. Cash only at the door.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

11-17 Dec 29 Sa 8:00pm-12:00am Brambleton $5

Zombie Mystery dinner nightCalling the undead! Dress like a zombie for a night of food and mystery. Follow the clues to find the answer to the mystery of a fellow zombie. Roles in mystery will be distributed as zombies check-in. Zombie dress-up is not mandatory but is recommend-ed for this fun activity. Please contact 777-6315 with questions.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12-15 Feb 15 F 7:00pm-10:00pm Green Ridge 22147 $20

TeenT

Family EventsChristmas events & Santa VisitsSanta Claus is comin’ to town! Roanoke County is planning sev-eral FREE events this year featuring the jolly old elf. Join us on December 3rd for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, now at the new South County Library. There will be a ceremonial light-ing at 6pm, followed by a fireside visit with Santa, plus a pup-pet show, refreshments, crafts, and a showing of the The Polar Express movie. Over the following weeks, Santa will be visiting recreation centers throughout the County to spread Christmas cheer! Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

All Dec 3 M 6:00pm-8:00pm South County Library $0

All Dec 8 Sa 7:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton Center $0

All Dec 15 Sa 7:00pm-8:00pm Craig Center $0

All Dec 22 Sa 7:00pm-8:00pm Green Ridge $0

Super Bowl nightDon’t miss out on the fun at the Craig Center, bring your family for a night of fun watching the Super Bowl on a big screen TV. Enjoy refreshments, Pizza and lots more!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

5+ Feb 3 Su 6:00pm-10:00pm Craig Center 22017 $10

Father / daughter danceGet dressed up and come out for a fun night of memories! Fa-thers/grandfathers/uncles come in your suits or tuxes and daugh-ters/granddaughters/nieces come in your best party dress. Twirl the night away as the DJ spins your favorite dance tunes. Fee includes appetizers, drinks, keepsake picture and frame, and fun.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

All Feb 8 F 7:00-9:00pm Green Ridge 22021 $15

FamilyF

New!

OnlineCheck out more teen programs online by going to RoanokeCountyParks.com and click-ing on this icon.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

LIFE

20

Family EventsCivil War Music Brought to LifeMusic played a critical role throughout the Civil War, provid-ing both marching orders and a relief from the tensions of war life. Take a commemorative tour of the sounds of the 1860’s and enjoy authentic cuisine of the period! Come hear military music, music from the underground Railroad, parlor music with its Irish, Scottish and German roots, plus classical and religious favorites from the time. Experience in-depth workshops high-lighting the historical importance of the music. Prices below re-flect discounts for advance purchase by phone at 387-6078 ext.0 or online at www.RoanokeCountyParks.com. Advance tickets must be purchased by Feb 15. After that time, all event only and food tasting tickets increase to the $12 gate price. Children under five are free.

Ages Ticket Date Day Time Place Course # Advance/At Gate

13+ Food & Event Feb 24 Su 3pm-8pm SoCo Library 22146 $20

5-12 Food & Event Feb 24 Su 3pm-8pm SoCo Library 22148 $15

All Food Only Feb 24 Su 3pm-8pm SoCo Library 22149 $10/$12

13+ Event Only Feb 24 Su 3pm-8pm SoCo Library 22150 $10/$12

5-12 Event Only Feb 24 Su 3pm-8pm SoCo Library 22151 $5/$12

FamilyF Tons of Fun

We’re celebrating our 14th annual day of FREE family activi-ties; including balloon sculptures, face painting, clowns, creative crafts and more, brought to you by representatives of many local community organizations! Tanglewood mall will be filled with activities designed for children ages 12 & under and their fami-lies. Back again this year are hands-on learning “Fun Stations”, where children can participate in skills-building enrichment ac-tivities. As always, there will also be rides and giant inflatables for youth of all ages. You’ll be delighted by all there is to see and do.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

All Feb 2 Sa 10:00am-4:00pm Tanglewood Mall FREE

Summer Camp Fair at Tons of FunNew this year, the Roanoke Camp Fair will be held at in tandem with Tons of Fun. This is your chance to meet with representa-tives from camps located throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Talk to the counselors, enter to win great prizes, and find out which summer camp is right for your child. See page right.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

All Feb 2 Sa 10:00am-4:00pm Tanglewood Mall FREE

New!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 21

LIFE

PreschoolPNew! nursery Rhymes Back in Time

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall and Little Bo Peep lost her sheep! Your child will have a blast learning classic nursery rhymes through games, crafts and activities. Learning is always more fun with others! All materials are provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

2.5-5 Feb 5-26 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Green Ridge 22020 $40

Motor Mites and Tot explorersIt’s play time at Green Ridge! Green Ridge is opening it’s gym-nasium to kids ages 18 months to five years in two separate ses-sions. There will be riding toys, mats, dramatic play toys and FRIENDS to play with. Moms, think of it like a really great indoor play date...and you don’t even have to clean your house! Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times.

Ages Session Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

1.5-3 Motor Mites Jan 9-30 W 8am-9am Green Ridge 22032 $15

3-5 Tot Explorer Jan 9-30 W 9am-10am Green Ridge 22033 $15

1.5-3 Motor Mites Feb 6-27 W 8am-9am Green Ridge 22034 $15

3-5 Tot Explorer Feb 6-27 W 9am-10am Green Ridge 22035 $15

1.5-3 Motor Mites Mar 6-27 W 8am-9am Green Ridge 22036 $15

3-5 Tot Explorer Mar 6-27 W 9am-10am Green Ridge 22037 $15

Berenstain Bears ClubLove the series? Your child will have fun in this storytime themed program. We will bring out the classics for storytime, crafts, games, and snacks. Brother, Sister, Mama and Papa will come to life in this fun program which includes a special guest on the last day!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

2.5-5 Mar 5-26 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Green Ridge 22060 $50

New!

New!

New!

Preschool FunCoffee & CrayonsMix and mingle over crafts, games, coffee (for parents of course!) and juice. The relaxing environment helps everyone socialize and have fun. Every Monday morning will be a different craft, game and fun time with other parents and toddlers. All materials and refreshments provided. Parent participation is required.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

1.5-3.5 Jan 7-28 M 8:00am-9:00am Green Ridge 22056 $15

1.5-3.5 Feb 4-25 M 8:00am-9:00am Green Ridge 22122 $15

1.5-3.5 Mar 4-25 M 8:00am-9:00am Green Ridge 22123 $15

Littlest ChefNom-nom-nom YUM! Your child will have a yummy good time creating lunches of their own in this fun class. They might even save you a few morsels! Learn kitchen safety while you create healthy snacks and entrees. All materials will be provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-5 Jan 8-29 Tu 11:00am-1:00pm Green Ridge 22042 $40

noodling With numbersYour child will learn numbers through play! Educational games, crafts and activities will help them with learning kindergarten-ready math skills. Among skills practiced will be shapes, sorting, matching and of course number recognition!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-5 Jan 10-31 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Green Ridge 22059 $35

Princess Tea PartyCome play princess in this fun program! Girls will be able to play dress-up, learn princess manners, and participate in princess activities. All girls will go home with their own tiara.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-6 Jan 12 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Green Ridge 22041 $20

New!

New!

Tons of Fun:

(540) 387- 6078 ext. 0www.RoanokeCountyParks.com

Dive into the FUN

A day of FREE indoor games, storytelling, rides, costumed characters, hands-on activities, entertainment and more for children 12 & under and their families.

Roanoke Camp Fair

Two FREE Events Tanglewood MallSaturday, February 2 • 10am-4pm

Meet with representatives of summer camps throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and find out which camp is right for your child. Door prizes including free weeks at camp!

Parks,Recreation

and Tourism

RoanokeCounty

Event Sponsors:

14th Anniversary

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

LIFE

22

CookingSushi WorkshopLove sushi? It is a lot easier to make than you think! This very popular hands-on workshop is designed to teach you everything you need to know to make delicious, healthy sushi at home. You will learn how to prepare and cook sushi rice, create fillings, and make great sushi rolls. Instructor: Maxine Fraade.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 12 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21889 $34

Valentine’s day SushiShare Valentine’s Day with the one you love in this special cou-ples sushi workshop! Grab your sweetie and learn everything you need to know to make delicious, healthy sushi at home: how to prepare and cook sushi rice, create fillings, and make great sushi rolls. Bring a romantic dessert to share with the class. The fee is per couple. Instructor: Maxine Fraade.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 14 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21890 $65

Thai WorkshopThis workshop will focus on two traditional and popular Thai dishes and gives a good in-depth understanding of Thai ingredi-ents and seasonings. You will make authentic Pad Thai, a very popular noodle dish, and Thai Satay with a lovely coconut cream-based peanut dipping sauce. Instructor: Maxine Fraade.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 9 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21891 $34

Advanced Thai WorkshopLove Thai food and want more recipes? In this advanced class we’ll learn about and make Thai curries, jasmine rice, Thai Pa-paya Salad, and an unusual Thai dessert. You should be familiar with basic Thai cooking and ingredients for this class which goes beyond the Thai Workshop. Instructor: Maxine Fraade.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 28 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21893 $34

Phyllo dough WorkshopPhyllo is a paper thin dough popular in many Middle Eastern treats and useful for all kinds of delicious, light, crunchy dishes. It’s found in most local groceries and is easy to work with, once you know the tricks. You will make the famous dessert baklava (sweet but not too sweet), and a traditional appetizer, spinach tri-angles, great for parties or snacks. Instructor: Maxine Fraade.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

18+ Feb 26 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 21892 $34

Kids LifeHollywood ProductionsReady, Set, Action! Create your own mini-movie and learn the basics of creating a movie from toys and/or clay. Please bring your own digital camera with a memory card of at least 4GB. The movie will be created and burned to disc. There will be a presen-tation at the end of the program for friends and family.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-11 Jan 7-Feb 4 M 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22050 $30

12-15 Jan 7-Feb 4 M 6:45pm-7:45pm Green Ridge 22051 $30

Magic For MugglesAccio! Learn magic with a Harry Potter twist. Kids will be able to create their own magic kit to take their show with them! Last day of the program will be a magic show for parents to show off their new skills. All materials provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-11 Jan 10-Feb 7 Th 5:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 22043 $80

Lego Saturday for Kids Build, build, build! Have a blast playing in our large lego supply of kits. We will also have lego building challenges and games for you to play. Have a Lego-type of morning!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-8 Feb 9 Sa 9:00am-11:00am Green Ridge 22053 $15

Lego Camp For TweensWatch your Legos come to life! You will have a blast creating fun Lego creations and adding a robotics component to your robots. We will use Lego Technic Sets as well as Mindstorms in this fun spring break camp. Register early because spots are limited.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

9-13 Apr 1-5 M-F 9:00am-12:00pm Green Ridge 22052 $125

etiquette For TweensTweens will get an edge in what could be difficult or awkward social situations. They will learn proper table etiquette during a multiple course meal as well as learn about proper phone eti-quette. Please call 777-6315 if there are any food allergies.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

8-13 Feb 21 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Green Ridge 22055 $15

Spring Candy FunSticky, yummy candy to take home to fill your baskets! We will be creating a few of the most popular basket fillers-marshmallow peeps, lollipops, and chocolate candy. All materials provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

8-13 Mar 28 Th 5:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22018 $25

YouthY

New!

New!TeenT

New!

drop & ShopNeed to get some holiday shopping done and a dinner out? Kids will have a fun evening at Green Ridge with swimming, inflat-ables, structured games, crafts and activities. A pizza party will be provided. Registration Deadline: December 12.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-10 Dec 14 F 5:00pm-9:30pm Green Ridge 21636 $10

AdultA

Try this at home! After you take a sushi class at the Brambleton Center.

New!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 23

LIFE

Private Cooking PartyAre you looking for a different kind of girls, couples or friends night out? Planning a shower or retirement party? Why not have a private cooking party, just for your own special group in the Brambleton Center Teaching kitchen. The minimum number is 7 and the maximum is 10. You arrange the time and choose the menu from several options with our popular cook-ing instructor, Maxine Fraade. For information call 772-7529. Fee is $34 per person.

Seared Salmon PlateJoin Chef Jose as he demonstrates and helps you prepare a deli-cious meal. On the menu is Seared Salmon Fillets accompanied by Baby Veggies and Risotto. For dessert, a delicious Chocolate and Fruit Parfait. All supplies and instruction included in fee.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 14 M 5:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22071 $34

Sweetheart Cooking ClassBring your date to this fun cooking class with Chef Jose. He will demonstrate and help you prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Wine Sauce, Roasted Baby Potatoes, Julienned Veggies and finished off with a Gargonzola-Stuffed Poached Apple with a Wine Sauce for dessert. You and your date will have a blast preparing this delicious meal together. Fee is per couple. Only one registration is necessary per couple.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 12 Tu 5:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22072 $65

New!

New!

Holiday Homemade CookiesMake the perfect homemade gift-cookies! A variety of home-made cookies will be taught according to age level of class. This is sure to be a fun class complete with snacks and holiday music. Recipes, materials and instruction are all provided.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-6 Dec 19 W 3:30pm-5:00pm Green Ridge 21645 $20

7-12 Dec 19 W 5:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21643 $20

13+ Dec 20 Th 5:30pm-7:30pm Green Ridge 21644 $20

gingerbread HousesEnjoy a special family night to celebrate the holidays! Design and decorate a gingerbread house together. Everything will be provided along with a holiday snack, beverage, and holiday music. One registration for each gingerbread house you would like to create. Registration Deadline: December 13.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

All Dec 17 M 5:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21635 $20

Family Cooking

Fantastic Spring Roll WrappersYou can make all kinds of yummy, imaginative dishes using easy-to-find Chinese Spring Roll Wrappers! Learn to make tra-ditional Chinese spring rolls, nontraditional super-simple Indian samosas, and a surprising new dessert with spring roll wrappers and bananas! Learn how to wrap it all up with Maxine Fraade.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

18+ Mar 5 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Brambleton 22125 $34

YOU LOVE COOKING. AND SO DO WE.

COOKWARE - CUTLERY - GOURMET FOODS - SERVING PIECES

COOKWARE - CUTLERY - GOURMET FOODS - SERVING PIECES

Roanoke: 305 Market Street, 540.769.8181

Lexington: 13 S Main Street, 540.464.3838

LadlesAndLinens.com

FamilyF Youth

YAdultA

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

LIFE

24

TechnologyiPhone: A no Boundaries Smartphone SolutionYou can do more with your iPhone than send or receive tele-phone calls and emails. This wildly popular smartphone is a high-powered computer. During this two-hour class, we’ll dis-cover the world of the iPhone, including eBooks, free streaming music, Facebook, CardStar, TripAdvisor, and other useful apps. We’ll also talk about the benefits of Apple’s iCloud. Be sure to bring your iPhone to class!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 8 Tu 1:30pm-3:30pm SoCo Library 22114 $15

iPad as a Life ToolSo you’re the proud owner of a new or new-to-you iPad. Now you’re asking yourself, “What’s next?” Let us show you dur-ing this two-hour class. Not only will we cover the iPad’s many features, we’ll also help you personalize yours so it works best for you. After we have these basics out of the way, we’ll focus on the fun part — apps! We’ll show you how to find, download, and start using new apps, and then we’ll showcase a handful of popular and useful ones. Don’t forget to bring your iPad to class!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 9 W 1:30pm-3:30pm SoCo Library 22111 $15

Mac 101Apple’s Mac computers are quickly gaining popularity in busi-nesses and households everywhere. If you have a friend, fam-ily member, or neighbor with a Mac — or perhaps you’re the proud new owner of a Mac product yourself — let us get you oriented through this two-hour introductory class. In addition to navigating your way around the desktop, we’ll show you how to personalize your Apple laptop or desktop, use the basics of the new Mountain Lion operating system, and explore the help-ful and fun features unique to the Mac. This is an instructional class and is not hands-on, but please feel free to bring your own MacBook Air or MacBook Pro so we can answer any questions you may have.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

18+ Jan 15 Tu 6:30pm-8:30pm SoCo Library 22115 $15

18+ Jan 16 W 10:00am-12:00pm SoCo Library 22116 $15

New!AdultA

Technology classes shown on this page are taught in South County Library’s new state-of-the-art

computer lab featuring 18 computers, SMARTBoard technology, and projection and sound system. All classes are taught by experienced instructors who also serve as library staff, which means that fine-tuning your knowledge doesn’t stop once the class ends. Staff is available by phone, email, chat, text, or visit to the library. South County Library is located in the heart of Cave Spring at 6303 Merriman Road, directly across from Penn Forest Elementary School. Registration will be taken online at RoanokeCountyParks.com, at recreation centers, or at South County Library.

New!

New!

New!getting to the Root of genealogyGenealogical research has exploded in popularity as more in-formation has become accessible online. During our first class, we’ll focus on making the most of the library version of Ances-try.com. In the second class we’ll try our hand at the popular Heritage Quest and other free genealogy websites. Bring a few names to research, including birth and death dates if you have them. A basic understanding of the Internet is required.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 17-24 Th 1:30pm-3:30pm SoCo Library 22113 $40

Personal Computers for SeniorsThose new to personal computers (PCs) will appreciate this finely focused course that teaches you about the basics in easy stages. During the first session, we’ll cover hardware, terminol-ogy, and using the mouse and keyboard. The next week we’ll step things up a bit and focus on the Internet, including choos-ing search engines and landing on the website you want, such as Amazon, MapQuest, and WebMD. Participants will leave the class with a fundamental knowledge of how a PC works and how to perform basic tasks.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 4-5 M-Tu 1:30pm-3:30pm SoCo Library 22112 $40

Researching your family history has never been so easy! Find out how.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 25

LIFE

Photo & Videoidigital Photos - get to Know Your SettingsAre you baffled by all those symbols and options on your digital camera? Ever wonder what white balance really means? Let us demystify the digital process for you. This class is open to be-ginners with a basic knowledge of their digital cameras. Partici-pants should bring a digital camera and user’s manual to class. Instructor: Shannon Lugar.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 8 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 21642 $19

Black & White PhotographyExplore the aesthetic possibilities of black and white photogra-phy including camera handling, picture content and composi-tion. Bring your own digital camera and manual. Class is appro-priate for beginners as well as more experienced photographers. Instructor: Shannon Lugar.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 9 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Brambleton 21641 $19

Tips & Tricks for Shooting VideoEver wonder how you can get your home movies and videos to look more professional? Join us as we discuss setting up your camcorder, creating perfect lighting and tips including every-thing from saving your battery life, shooting in the dark and recording special events. We will be sure to discuss using the video function on your smart phone for on the go capture. In-structor: Shannon Lugar.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

18+ Mar 12 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Brambleton 22119 $19

AdultA

New!

excel for BeginnersExcel has become a cornerstone program for the workplace, and you don’t want to be left behind. This course will get you up and running. Here you’ll learn about the Excel interface, enter-ing and editing data, managing worksheets, basic formulas, au-tosum, sorting and filtering, and printing your final creation. A basic understanding of computers is necessary for this class.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 4-11 M 6:30pm-8:30pm SoCo Library 22108 $40

excel: The next StepIn this course we’ll delve into some of Excel’s more popular and useful advanced features. These include the functions wizard (including a tutorial on VLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCH func-tions for database lookups), charts, pivot tables, data validation, what-if analysis, and more. An understanding of Excel basics is necessary for this class.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 18-25 M 6:30pm-8:30pm SoCo Library 22109 $40

Making Word Work for YouLet’s take your knowledge of Microsoft Word up a notch or two, or even three! We’ll review the fundamentals of Word — creat-ing, formatting, saving, and printing documents — then build on that foundation to more advanced skills, such as proofreading and research tools, keyboard shortcuts, and working with tables, graphics, and text boxes.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Mar 7-21 Th 1:30pm-3:30pm SoCo Library 22110 $60

OnlineScan this code with your smart phone to go straight to online registration! Don’t know how? Take a class.

Shoot video like the pro! You don’t have to have a professional camera like this one to take great video. Today’s phones get pretty close to perfect HD quality already.

Did you know that you can come to any Roanoke County Public Library to download free eBooks

onto your iPad, Nook, Kindle, iPhone, or other digital device? Call 777-8782 for more information.

Count on the experts at the South County Library for the best technology instruction!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

LIFE

26

Over 55Lunch Around the ValleyEveryone is invited to meet at 11:30 AM for lunch on your own at a variety of area restaurants listed below. Please register by the Thursday before so reservations can be made.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

55+ Dec 18 Tu 11:30am-1:00pm Parker’s Seafood 21237 $0

55+ Jan 28 M 11:30am-1:00pm Golden Corral 21687 $0

55+ Feb 25 M 11:30am-1:00pm Bellacino’s 21688 $0

55+ Mar 25 M 11:30am-1:00pm Shaker’s 21689 $0

driver’s Safety ProgramRefresh your driving knowledge in this two session program presented by AARP. Fees: $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members paid to the instructor at the first session.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

55+ Mar 25-26 M-Tu 8:30am-12:30pm Brambleton 21677 $12-14

Social ClubsDid you know that the Brambleton Center offers several weekly clubs that are free and open to the public? Find out more by calling 772-7529.

Widowed Persons Support Group - Third SaturdaysRoanoke Valley Social & Craft Club - Third FridaysSocial Service Club - Fourth TuesdaysPokeeno - Every WednesdayPinochle - Mondays and FridaysCanasta - Every Friday

Pot Luck Lunches Join your friends for a social gathering and meal. Bring a cov-ered dish to share. Bingo will be played after each lunch, so bring a gift to be used as a prize. Glenvar luncheons are held at the Living Well Church of the Nazarene, located in Salem. Mason’s Cove area luncheons are held at the Mason’s Cove firehouse.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

55+ Dec 28 F 12:00pm-2:00pm Living Well Ch 21233 $0

55+ Feb 22 F 12:00pm-2:00pm Living Well Ch 21686 $0

55+ Mar 22 F 12:00pm-2:00pm Living Well Ch 21683 $0

55+ Dec 13 Th 12:00pm-2:00pm Mason Cv. Fire 21229 $0

55+ Feb 21 Th 12:00pm-2:00pm Mason Cv. Fire 21679 $0

55+ Mar 21 Th 12:00pm-2:00pm Mason Cv. Fire 21680 $0

Home LifeConcepts of interior designNationally known Interior Designer, Randall Neely invites you to join him in experiencing the exciting world of design. Ran-dall will instruct the art of Interior Architectural Detailing, floor plans, theory/application, furniture arrangement, color use and misuse, backgrounds, floor coverings, window finery and furni-ture styles. This informative class also includes a comprehensive interactive project which teaches the subtleties and nuances of true Interior Design. Nine week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 15-Mar 12 Tu 6:30pm-9:30pm Brambleton 21204 $89

Budgeting BasicsHave you ever wondered where all your money is going? Re-cieve an edge on life by learning about personal budgeting ba-sics. A Certified Counselor from Money Management Interna-tional will help you develope a personal budget and spending plan. All materials will be furnished.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 28 M 6:00pm-8:00pm Craig Center 22019 $25

Home improvement SeriesGot some home improvement projects you want to tackle but just don’t know how to go about it? Join us at Green Ridge on Saturday mornings in the month of February to learn from the expert and gain the skills to do it yourself. In this series we will cover basic window installation, siding, roofing and guttering.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 2-23 Sa 9:00am-11:00am Green Ridge 22007 $30

Cute gifts for BabyCreate a super-cute Diaper Wreath and Onesies Cupcake Set for an upcoming baby shower. These gifts are fun to make and give a fun twist to the diaper/onesies gift that are popular on reg-istries. Please bring four onesies that you would like to use as ‘cupcakes’. All other materials and instruction is included in the fee.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Mar 14 Th 5:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 22012 $20

AdultA

New!

New!

Over 5555+

Do it yourself! All you need is a little help from Roanoke County Parks.

Build the living room of your dreams, with advice from the experts.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 27

Aq

UATICS

By Teresa Hall

Green Ridge Recreation Center is visited by people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities for a variety of reasons, one of

which may surprise you. You may not know but Green Ridge is used by the Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy for recruit training.

The Academy utilizes the Center’s indoor and outdoor pools to teach future police officers the basics in water safety and rescue. The fact Green Ridge has a pool inside is of particular benefit to the Criminal Justice Academy because it provides recruit training year ‘round. Chances are few people - no matter their age - would want to train in an outdoor pool in 30 degree weather!

Before the recruits begin training in the pool, they receive four hours of classroom training and are given a ResQue Me, a tool used to break glass and cut seatbelts in the event of an emer-gency. The pool itself is used to show the recruits how it feels to be in water in a full uniform including a gun belt and shoes. While in the water, they are also shown how to safely assist people who may be in distress.

New recruit K. Myers says that training in such a unique environ-ment challenges her to keep a level head under pressure. Says Myers, “I learned how you need to verbalize what you want the subject to do, and how important it is to keep your self calm, be-cause if you are calm you can keep the victim calm.”

Recruit Training at Green RidgeThe lazy river, part of the indoor pool, is another benefit of us-ing Green Ridge for water safety and rescue training. The current generated by the lazy river helps the recruits understand what it might be like to walk in a current. Green Ridge lifeguards also help with the onsite training by demonstrating some of the tech-niques used to aid in an emergency situation as well as how the recruits can protect their own safety during a rescue situation.

Police academy participants train at locations throughout Roa-noke County, including foot pursuit training at Green Hill and Walrond Parks, active shooter training at County elementary schools, and graduation at the South County Library. Sergeant Steve Short believes that training at a variety of locations helps build relationships between County departments, as well as pro-viding valuable knowledge for recruits.

“Future officers need to become more aware of what facilities are in the County, where they’re located, and what resources they have available in their own backyard.” Says Short, “Training at these locations also offers a chance to project a positive image of the police department to the public through friendly interactions with the citizens we’re charged to protect.”

The Academy began using Green Ridge as a location to teach its water safety and rescue classes in July 2010 and it’s an arrange-ment that’s worked well for everyone involved.

Water SurvivalRoanoke County’s Police Department uses

the unique features of Green Ridge Recreation Center to train new recruits.

28 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

Aq

UAT

ICS Toddler Fun

Preschool SquirtsIt’s fun to be a Preschool Squirt at the indoor pool at Green Ridge. Your preschooler will be involved in a mini swim-lesson, water play time, crafts and water safety instruction - all of which will emphasize water adjustment, water safety, basic swimming skills, and most of all, FUN! Children may be dropped off for class and will be under the care of Red Cross certified Water Safety Instruc-tors the entire time. This program is open to children who are 3-5 years old and are potty trained.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-5 yrs Feb 4-Mar 6 M, W 10:00am-11:30am Green Ridge 21904 $60

nemo’s ChallengeJoin Nemo, Dory, Bruce and Squirt as we journey through ‘the deep blue sea’. There will be aquatic games and water activities as we learn all there is to know about the ‘down under’. Instruc-tors will utilize exciting and fun games to teach water adjust-ment and basic swimming skills. This program is designed for preschool age children who are comfortable in the water and are potty trained.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-5 yrs Jan 12 Sa 9:30am-11:30am Green Ridge 21931 $20

Big RipplesCelebrate your child’s independence in the water. Children are encouraged to develop arm strokes, kicking, floating, and sub-merging independently. For this class, your child must be able to participate fully in class without a parent or care giver.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-5 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21836 $43

4-5 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-10:30am Green Ridge 21834 $43

4-5 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:45am-11:15am Green Ridge 21835 $43

4-5 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21833 $43

Tidal WavesJump in, float, and swim! Children get moving with their face in the water, arm strokes and kicking with freestyle and back stroke. They will also begin learning breathing patterns. Water safety is highly emphasized and discussed at every opportunity. Children move directly to Level 2 after completion of this course.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-5 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21840 $43

4-5 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-10:30am Green Ridge 21842 $43

4-5 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:30pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21841 $43

Toddler LessonsBaby dropsNo need to wait! Start building your baby’s confidence and swim-ming readiness now. This is a fun opportunity for you and your child to explore the water and become adjusted together. Parents will learn basic water skills to keep their children safe and help them to love the water. Parental participation is required.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-18mo Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 5:50pm-6:20pm Green Ridge 21810 $43

6-18mo Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:45am-11:15am Green Ridge 21811 $43

6-18mo Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 5:50pm-6:20pm Green Ridge 21812 $43

Tiny BubblesJoin your child as they discover the world of water. Toddlers will experiment with arm and leg action, floating and going under wa-ter. A comfortable, fun, and engaging class which will keep your child wanting to come back even as they are learning about safety and swimming skills. Parental participation is required.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

19-36mo Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:40pm Green Ridge 21822 $43

19-36mo Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 9:20am-9:50am Green Ridge 21824 $43

19-36mo Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:40pm Green Ridge 21823 $43

Little SplashesCome enjoy swimming with your child as they unleash their love for water. Participants will be learning basic aquatic skills to build independence, confidence, and the foundation of swimming skills for years to come. While parental participation is required in this class, there will be some time of independent swimming to test your child’s readiness for the next level.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-4 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 5:50pm-6:20pm Green Ridge 21828 $43

3-4 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:45am-11:15am Green Ridge 21830 $43

3-4 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 5:50pm-6:20pm Green Ridge 21829 $43

PreschoolPLessons at green RidgeGreen Ridge Recreation Center follows the guidelines of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim, Preschool and Parent-Child swimming lesson programs. Red Cross standards help us maintain the quality, consistency and credibility of our Aquatics Program. Our facility provides a safe and fun learning environment utilizing certified water safety instructors. Each level is a progression through basic swimming skills and water safety. Students must be able to follow directions and to take turns in order to participate in group lessons. Classes may be offered as combination classes and/or cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

New!

PreschoolP

Join your favorite characters from Disney’s Finding Nemo, in a new course designed for preschool age children.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 29

Aq

UATICS

Youth LessonsLevel i LessonsLet’s have fun learning to swim! This is a class for the older beginning swimmer to become comfortable and confident in the water. Participants will learn beginning swimming strokes, breath holding, floating, and kicking, all of which will help to keep them safe. Games and activities will help teach them to enjoy and become adjusted to the water. In addition, they will participate in a safety lesson each week that will encourage them to be safe around all aquatic environments.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

5-12 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:40pm Green Ridge 21845 $58

5-12 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 9:10am-9:50am Green Ridge 21847 $58

5-12 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:40pm Green Ridge 21846 $58

Level ii LessonsBe ready to reach and exceed your expectations! Participants will become more confident and adjusted to placing their face in the water. Emphasis in this class is on learning to float without support, alternating arms and leg actions on front and back along with breathing patterns. Fun and safety are not forgotten either!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-11 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:50pm Green Ridge 21850 $58

7-11 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-10:40am Green Ridge 21852 $58

7-11 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 9:10am-9:50am Green Ridge 21856 $58

7-11 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:40pm Green Ridge 21853 $58

7-11 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:40pm Green Ridge 21854 $58

7-11 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:50pm Green Ridge 21851 $58

Level iii LessonsNow you’re really a swimmer! At this level, the swimmer should be very confident and comfortable in the water. They must be able to float on their back, rollover, and perform front float prior to the start of this class. Emphasis on coordination of breathing, arm strokes, and kicking in front crawl and back crawl. Dolphin kick, scissor kick and elementary backstroke are also introduced. Safety lessons become more in depth and cover more topics.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-12 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:50pm Green Ridge 21861 $58

7-12 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-10:40am Green Ridge 21863 $58

7-12 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:50pm Green Ridge $58

Level iV LessonsThis is your chance to push yourself and really enhance your swimming skills. To participate in this class you must be able to jump into chest-deep water, swim front crawl for 15 yards with your face in the water and utilize a rhythmic breathing pattern. Focus at this level is on performing strokes efficiently to increase your endurance. Upon completion of this class participants will have been introduced to butterfly, sidestroke, breaststroke and turns on the wall.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-12 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:50pm Green Ridge 21866 $58

7-12 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-10:40am Green Ridge 21868 $58

7-12 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 5:10pm-5:50pm Green Ridge 21867 $58

Stroke RefinementComplete your swimming journey by taking this final class. Here you will refine all your strokes so that maximum efficiency and coordination is accomplished and you are more at ease with your swimming skills. Longer distances will not seem so challenging as your endurance increases. Flip turns are also introduced at this level. Must be able to swim front crawl and back crawl for 25 yds.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7-18 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:45pm Green Ridge 21871 $63

7-18 Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-10:45am Green Ridge 21872 $63

7-18 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:45pm Green Ridge 21873 $63

Youth Fun

Water WarsGot swimming skills? Put them to the test and participate in a water scavenger hunt, tag games, underwater tic-tac-toe and wa-ter hole! This is the ultimate aquatic adventure and more. Test your strength, coordination and reasoning skills all while enjoy-ing our indoor pool and having a blast. This program is designed for students who are able to swim independently.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-13 Mar 16 Sa 9:30am-11:30am Green Ridge 21930 $20

YouthY

YouthY

New!

Work in small groups with a Red Cross certified instructor while you learn to swim.

Is your child ready for a friendly competition? Water wars is the ultimate aquatic adventure!

30 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

Aq

UAT

ICS

Adult AquaticsAquatic Tai ChiConnect mind and body by blending the flowing moves of Tai Chi with the properties of water in our heated indoor pool. Im-prove mental focus, posture, balance and coordination, flexibil-ity and strength. All abilities welcome.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 11-Mar 15 F 8:00am-8:45am Green Ridge 21927 $35

Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Do you have trouble moving or have pain in your joints? Try the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program! The warmth and buoy-ancy properties of the water will help decrease pain and stiffness in joints while improving your range of motion. Stretching is a key component to gaining increased quality of life. Program exercises are designed specifically for people with arthritis and related diseases.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Mar 13 M, W 10:00am-10:45am Green Ridge 21908 $70

18+ Jan 11-Mar 15 F 10:00am-10:45am Green Ridge 21909 $35

Hydro FitThis medium intensity class is a total body workout which in-cludes intervals of short cardio bursts and strength training ex-ercises. Develop your flexibility, core strength and endurance. A variety of water fitness equipment will be utilized.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Mar 13 M, W 9:00am-10:00am Green Ridge 21914 $70

18+ Jan 11-Mar 15 F 9:00am-10:00am Green Ridge 21915 $35

Wave Walker / RunnerThis class uses the river current to build cardiovascular endur-ance. Hand buoys are provided to increase upper body strength. Students are given modification options for their ability level. Water shoes are recommended. Challenge yourself to go against the flow!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 8-Mar 14 Tu, Th 8:00am-8:50am Green Ridge 21916 $70

AdultA

Adult Swimming LessonsIt’s never too late to learn how to swim! An introductory water program designed for adults or teens that may be fearful about participation in water activities or may need assistance develop-ing their basic swimming skills. We have a comfortable, non-threatening environment and patient instructors to help partici-pants reach their full potential.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:45pm Green Ridge 21881 $63

18+ Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:45am-11:30am Green Ridge 21882 $63

18+ Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:45pm Green Ridge 21883 $63

Adult Stroke TechniqueJump in and take this opportunity to increase your swimming efficiency and gain confidence by improving your stroke tech-nique, breathing pattern, and endurance. We welcome all levels of fitness, from those who are looking to improve their basic strokes, through the triathlete.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:45pm Green Ridge 21876 $63

18+ Jan 19-Mar 9 Sa 10:45am-11:30am Green Ridge 21878 $63

18+ Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 6:00pm-6:45pm Green Ridge 21877 $63

New!

Aquatics instructor Susan Kraughto leads an exercise program at Green Ridge.

No matter your level of fitness, we’ve got an aquatic program to meet your needs.

Beth’s Story:Two years ago Beth Rossi underwent surgeries in her knees and ankles. Her doctors recommended water aerobics. Not only did Beth regain the mobility in her knees, she surpassed all of her doctor’s expectations. Beth says best part about water aerobics is that you work at your own pace. At Green Ridge, participants work together to keep each other going. According to Beth, “You get taken away for an hour. Your step and gate is rejuvenated. The class gives me an hour of personal time and gets me ready for the day.”

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 31

Aq

UATICS

Special NeedsAdaptive Swimming LessonsHave a child with a disability who loves the water, but does not know how to swim? This is the perfect class! The lessons will include water safety, motor function, breathing and water accli-mation in a fun, safe environment tailored to your child’s needs. Class size is limited to be sure all swimmers are able to stay engaged and get the most from each lesson. Please contact Jim Moshier at 777-6302 or Kari Decker at 777-6357.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

All Feb 6-Mar 13 W 6:00pm-6:40pm Green Ridge 21932 $58

Private & HomeschoolPrivate & Semi-Private LessonsA certified swim instructor will develop a program that meets the goals and swim lesson needs of each individual. Days and times are flexible to accommodate your schedule. Semi-private lessons are for two-to-three individuals at once. Please form groups of similar ages and/or ability levels. Register by calling 777-6303.

Ages Lesson Type Quantity Duration Fee

All Private 5 30 minutes $75

All Private 10 30 minutes $140

All Semi-private 5 30 minutes $45 per person

All Semi-private 10 30 minutes $80 per person

Homeschool LessonsJoin our home-school classes at a new time and have your child’s PE class at the pool, now at a new more convenient time. Although the levels have been combined, they will contain all the skills from each level so that the participants will gain an all around good swimming introduction. They will all contain a safety component and will work on skills from the beginner swimmer through a more advanced swimmer.

Ages Level Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-5 Pre Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 1:20pm-1:50pm Green Ridge 21898 $43

3-5 Pre Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 1:20pm-1:50pm Green Ridge 21899 $43

5-12 1&2 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 1:20pm-2:00pm Green Ridge 21886 $58

5-12 1&2 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 12:40pm-1:20pm Green Ridge 21887 $58

5-12 3&4 Jan 15-Feb 7 Tu, Th 1:20pm-2:00pm Green Ridge 21895 $58

5-12 3&4 Feb 19-Mar 14 Tu, Th 1:20pm-2:00pm Green Ridge 21896 $58

Bring Your Own Swim groupBring your own swimming group! Having a hard time finding a group lesson that works for your family’s busy schedule? If you have four or more people, we are happy to find an instructor and a time during our morning pool hours so that you can have your swim lesson at your convenience. Gather four or more of your friends together and call 777-6303 to set up your personal group lesson.

Free Swim Lesson Day

Tuesday, February 125:00pm to 7:00pm6 months to adult

Mark your calendars for:at Green Ridge

New!

Pre-registration is required by calling

777-6303.Spaces are limited.

ellis Lifeguard TrainingBe a part of the aquatics team! This intensive training teaches high protection standards for guests from catastrophic injury or drowning. This program gives lifeguards the skills and technical knowledge to become an effective member of an aquatics emer-gency response team. Upon completion of course, participants are eligible for employment at the Green Ridge indoor pool. Pre-requisite: Must be 15 years old and be able to swim 100 yds, retrieve a brick from a depth of 8 ft. and tread water for a minute. Classes are Wed-Fri 4pm-9pm, Sat-Sun. 8am-1pm. (April 2nd-5th class will be Tues-Wed 8am-4pm, Thurs-Fri. 8am-1pm)

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

15+ Feb 6-10 Various Various Green Ridge 21918 $240

15+ Mar 6-10 Various Various Green Ridge 21919 $240

15+ Apr 2-5 Various Various Green Ridge 21920 $240

15+ Apr 17-21 Various Various Green Ridge 21921 $240

Water exercise TrainingInterested in becoming a certified Water Exercise instructor? The United States Water Fitness Association will be holding a national testing day at Green Ridge. Pre-Registration is required by calling USWFA at (561)732-9908. Register early! Course materials will be mailed directly to you. Materials include train-ing manual, study guide, and pre-test to begin your training pro-gram. On testing day there will be a written test, participation in workshop, and participants will teach a water exercise lesson.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

18+ Feb 10 Su 9:00am-5:00pm Green Ridge CALL

It’s easy to become a fitness instructor. Simply take the training course on February 12.

New!

New!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

WEL

LNES

S

32

Healthy Travel TipsBy Laura Markowski, of Carilion Clinic

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us may find ourselves traveling to visit family and friends. While it may be a busy time of year, it’s important

to not let our health take a backseat. Whether you’re taking a trip by plane, train, car, or bus, you can eat healthy while on the go. The most important thing to remember is to plan ahead. By taking extra time before a trip to think about your family’s nutrition, you can make the whole trip a more pleasant and healthy ex-perience.

But before thinking about what kinds of healthy items to pack, make sure you get a good night’s sleep. “Getting plenty of rest the week before a trip can keep you alert and oriented,” Amanda Gilley of Carilion Clinic Nutrition Services, said. “Feel-ing rested can also help you from feeling excessively hungry, which can prevent excessive snacking.” Along with getting a good night’s sleep before a trip, make sure you allow enough time for breakfast before rushing out the door. This can help with the temptation to grab a large coffee or sugary pastry while on the go.

Snacking while traveling can be easy. When you’re stuck in the car for several hours or waiting for a flight, boredom can kick in and many people fill that time by over-snacking. “Again, here’s where planning ahead can help,” Gilley said. “Plan activities like reading a book or playing a card game. If you’re driving, make sure you have a variety of CDs or an audio book to listen to. These can help keep you occupied instead of passing time by eating.”

When it does come to snacking, there are healthy options. “Trail mixes are a great option, but portion control is key,” Gilley said. “If you don’t have time to make your own, you can buy trail mix at most grocery stores, but think about adding dried fruit for an extra boost of nutrition. As far as portion size, a quarter cup scooped into a plastic sandwich bag is an appropriate amount.”

Fresh fruit and veggies are also great options not just for adults but also for kids. Pack apple slices, baby carrots, sliced peppers, or cherry tomatoes, along with packets of salad dressing or a quarter cup or peanut butter for dipping. A small bag of popcorn can also be a good snack. Remember, these snacks aren’t just for road trips. Food is allowed through security at airports, so take advantage of it!

Don’t just rely on what’s sold in the airport, which are often overpriced and lacking nutrients.

“Proteins are important as well,” Gilley said. “Roll up a piece of cheese in a piece of lunch meat, add a little mustard, and you’ve got a great snack. Feel free to add spinach, lettuce, chopped onions, or tomatoes for even more nutrients.”If you can’t pack a cooler ahead of time for a road trip, there are healthy options at convenience stories or fast food restaurants. You just have to choose wisely.

“Many convenience stores offer salads, hard-boiled eggs—which are a great source of pro-tein—and fresh fruit or veggies,” Gilley said. “And if your kids are asking to stop at a fast-food restau-rant don’t fret! Most of these restaurants now offer healthy choices like milk and apple slices.”

And nutrition isn’t just about food. Remember to stay hydrated. While you may be worried about having to take extra bathroom breaks, staying hydrated can help keep you attentive and your appetite under control. “Water is the best choice for both adults and kids,” Gilley said. “But for those early morning trips, a small cup of coffee can help sleepy travelers perk up!”

So, whether you’re hitting the road or flying the so-called “friendly skies” this holiday season, make sure you are keeping your nutrition a top priority. It will not only help you feel better, it’ll also help your wallet, which can make us all a little merrier over the holidays. For more health and wellness information, visit CarilionClinic.org. .

Don’t Let Holiday Plans Unravel Your Health

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 33

WELLN

ESS

Healthy Travel Tips

OnlineRegister Online: it’s fast, easy and secure!

Healthy LivingBaby Bump WellnessDon’t waddle through your pregnancy! Join us for a prenatal ex-ercise class taught by a certified Pre/Post Natal Exercise Special-ist. Expect pregnancy friendly strength and conditioning blended with prenatal yoga. Enjoy the many benefits of exercising con-sistently throughout your pregnancy. Minimize the typical preg-nancy discomforts, lessen excess weight gain, speed recovery, and reduce your baby’s risk of a future weight problem. Health form will be provided and must be completed by a doctor prior to participating. Instructor Whitney Duff.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 24-Feb 28 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm Green Ridge 21907 $42

MeditationLearn how meditation can help you relax, quiet the mind and body and provide tools that help you gain greater focus. Empha-sis will be on breathing techniques as well as methods to calm the mind and turn off the daily stress we all face. Meditation is simple and easy to learn and the benefits are immediate and long lasting. Four week program. Instructor: Angie Kayte.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-28 M 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21617 $30

Managing Menopause SeriesJoin us for one or all of the workshops within the series. You will find easy solutions to increase energy, eliminate irritation attacks, and decrease night sweats. This series also provides simple solu-tions to re-gain control over emotions, lose the belly weight, and finally get some beauty rest. You will learn relaxation techniques, triggers to avoid, and natural remedies to control Menopause mo-ments. Instructor: Laura Gentile, Certified Holistic Life Coach.

Ages Topic Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Manage Hot Flashes

Jan 17 Th 6:30pm-8pm Green Ridge 21902 $10

18+ Reduce Anxiety Attacks

Jan 24 Th 6:30pm-8pm Green Ridge 22077 $10

18+ Reduce Irritation

Jan 31 Th 6:30pm-8pm Green Ridge 22078 $10

18+ Lose the Muffin Top

Feb 7 Th 6:30pm-8pm Green Ridge 22079 $10

AdultA

Senior HealthMedicare decisions Made easyYou have been told that you are eligible for Medicare, but what does that really mean? This educational presentation will help you understand the Medicare program and what you need to do to make the right decisions for yourself regarding your medical and prescription drug needs. Presenter: Lynn Atkinson.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

55+ Jan 12 Sa 10:00am-11:00am Brambleton 22067 $0

55+ Feb 9 Sa 10:00am-11:00am Brambleton 22068 $0

55+ Mar 9 Sa 10:00am-11:00am Brambleton 22069 $0

Over 5555+

Don’t Let Holiday Plans Unravel Your Health

Add your cell phone or VoIP phone today!Visit Roanoke County’s website to add your cell phone or VoIP telephone number (like Vonage or COX) to the RoCo Alert system.

www.roanokecountyva.gov/rocoalert

Learn more about RoCo Alert and sign up today at

When an emergency occurs, you need to know what to do... To help keep your family safe, sign up now to receive timely messages about local emergencies on your cell phone or VoIP phone (like Cox or Vonage).

Emergency alerts may include...• Local Flooding • Dangerous Wildfires • Severe Weather • Public Safety Alerts • Evacuation Notices • Boil Water Alerts...and other situations that threaten lives or property.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

WEL

LNES

S

34

Group Exercise Zumba It’s Hot! It’s Latin! It’s Zumba (pronounced ZOOM-buh)! Zum-ba is a style of intense dance-aerobics workout with pulsating Latin music. Get lost in the music and dancing while making exercise fun. This class focuses on dance steps and ab work while dancing! Exercise experts say Zumba can offer a good cardio workout. Instructors: Mellisa May at Brambleton; Sally Payne at Craig Center. Ten week program.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Mar 18 M 6:45pm-7:45pm Craig Center 21933 $46

18+ Jan 8-Mar 12 Tu 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21934 $46

Zumba ToningThe Zumba Toning Program utilizes an innovative muscle training protocol with the addition of lightweight toning sticks or dumb-bells. Created to emphasize muscle work along with rhythms, this combination of cardio and resistive exercise is an effective use of progressive light weight training to improve overall performance. Eight week program. Instructor: Ginger Tanks.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 25 M 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21807 $37

18+ Mar 11-Apr 29 M 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21808 $37

Zumba SentaoThis class is the newest Zumba Fitness format that transforms a chair into a sizzling dance partner. Enjoy the great high energy Zumba music but with less dance. The class is designed to com-pliment a regular Zumba class by adding more resistance training to strengthen your core, burn calories and sculpt muscles. Fees vary according to course length. Instructor: Maka Price.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 3-Feb 7 Th 7:40am-8:40am Brambleton 22008 $32

18+ Feb 21-Mar 21 Th 7:40am-8:40am Brambleton 22009 $27

Total Body WorkoutIncrease your energy level, lose body fat, strengthen, sculpt and tone your muscles, and improve your cardio fitness with this class. Instructor: Anthony Bryant. Fees based on course length.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 25 M 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21629 $35

18+ Mar 4-25 M 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21631 $18

Primal PowerTrain your inner beast! Combines functional strength movements with explosive athletic power. Develop speed and agility using battle ropes, tires, sledge hammers, agility ladders, and oh so much more. This class is designed for the already conditioned gym goer wanting to take it to the next level. Participants should expect to be outdoors. You will be backed in the corner; be pre-pared to fight!!!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 27 M, W 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 21901 $65

18+ Mar 4-Apr 24 M, W 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22089 $65

Piloxing is an exciting new way to stay fit, just like your favorite Hollywood stars.

New!

AdultA

New!

R.i.P.P.e.dThe One Stop Body Shock! Experience this total body “plateau proof fitness formula” workout, utilizing resistance and cardio training, which masterfully combines resistance, intervals, pow-er, Ppyometrics and endurance as the workout portion along with diet suggestions to help you attain and maintain your physique in ways that are fun, safe, doable and extremely effective. Check out www.rippedusa.com for more information.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 16-Feb 20 W 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22085 $40

18+ Jan 17-Feb 14 Th 9:30am-10:30am Green Ridge 22087 $40

18+ Feb 27-Apr 23 W 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22086 $40

18_ Feb 28-Apr 4 Th 9:30am-10:30am Green Ridge 22088 $40

PiloxingPILOXING is an exciting, new inter-disciplinary program that is attracting die hard followers including Hollywood celebrities and international stars. PILOXING uniquely mixes Pilates and boxing moves into a fat torching, muscle sculpting, core-centric interval workout, guaranteed to whip you into shape, using a class format that’s both fun and challenging. PILOXING blends the power, speed and agility of boxing with the beautiful sculpt-ing and flexibility of Pilates. In addition to Pilates and boxing movements, the exercise incorporates the use of weighted gloves which adds to the workout by toning the arms and maximizing cardiovascular health.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 14-Feb 18 M 6:30pm-7:30pm Green Ridge 22094 $40

New!

New!

Not sure which workout is right for you? Check the intensity scale to help decide if you’re up to the challenge. High IntensityMedium IntensityLow Intensity

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 35

WELLN

ESS

Women’s extreme BootcampAre you ready to achieve extraordinary results??? If so, then this class is for you! This six-week program combines cardio, strength, high intensity interval training, and plyometrics to help you transform your body. Come prepared to work hard, and leave the excuses at the door in this class! Instructor: Tiffany Stacy. Workout gloves required.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 8-Feb 14 Tu, Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 21906 $40

18+ Feb 26-Apr 4 Tu, Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22030 $40

18+ Apr 16-May 23 Tu, Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22031 $40

Build Your Own WorkoutWorking with a personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, you will learn the basics of working out. This includes strength, cardiovascular and flexibility training. You will be assisted in de-signing your own workout program catered to your individual fitness needs. You’ll also learn proper techniques on most major exercises so you can use them when planning your own personal workout. Six week program. Instructor: Anthony Bryant.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 21-Feb 25 M 6:35pm-7:35pm Brambleton 21633 $59JazzerciseThis popular dance fitness program is a fun, high energy class geared to all ages and fitness levels. Get a great workout using today’s hit music. Ten week program. Instructor: Cindy Bryan.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 3-Mar 7 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm Life Academy 22062 $40

18+ Jan 8-Mar 12 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Life Academy 22063 $40

18+ Jan 26-Apr 13 Sa 10:00am-11:00am Brambleton 21661 $40

18+ Feb 11-Apr 15 M 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21657 $40

18+ Feb 22-Apr 26 F 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21658 $40

18+ Mar 19-May 21 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Life Academy 22064 $40

18+ Mar 14-May 16 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm Life Academy 22065 $40

JazzersculptThis class is the Jazzercise version of toning and strengthening, focusing on endurance and flexibility. You will use hand weights and do some mat work to get yourself in shape. Ten week pro-gram. Instructor: Cindy Bryan.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 20-Apr 24 W 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton $40

Hula / Tahitian FitnessInspired by the dances of the Pacific Islands, Hula and Tahitian fitness class breaks down the elements of the various movements and then combines them into a routine. Participants learn a com-plete dance over a period of weeks, then a new one is introduced. Appropriate dances are taught to strengthen basics and hand movements. It provides a total body workout in 60 minutes. This class isolates your larger muscle groups, increasing strength and definition to your core with specific emphasis on the abs, glutes, quads and arms. Appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Bare feet are preferred for the workout. Fees vary according to course length. Instructor: Maka Price.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 3-Feb 7 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21994 $32

18+ Jan 8-Feb 12 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21992 $32

18+ Feb 26-Mar 26 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21993 $27

18+ Feb 21-Mar 21 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21995 $27

Sign up for unlimited Jazzercise and Jazzersculpt classes for just $99. Brambleton Center classes with Cindy Bryan ONLY. Register online using course #21664,

UNLIMITED!

Women’s Boot CampThe fastest way to get your body in shape! This six-week pro-gram combines cardio, strength, high intensity interval training, and plyometrics to give you amazing results! Come prepared to work hard, and break a sweat! Hurry and sign-up as class fills up quick! Six week program. Instructor: Amy Light.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Dec 18-Feb 5 Tu, F 12:00pm-1:00pm Brambleton 21666 $40

18+ Feb 12-Mar 22 Tu, F 12:00pm-1:00pm Brambleton 21667 $40

or call 772-7529 to get this special rate.

AFAA Primary group exercise CertificationThis course is a review of AFAA’s Basic Exercise Standards and Guidelines, anatomy, exercise science, exercise evaluation and exam criteria. The program format includes practical application of group exercise, study guide overview and question and answer sessions. The day concludes with written and practical exams. Current CPR certification is required before certification is is-sued. Contact AFAA at (800) 923-2346.

Ages Date Day Time Place Fee

18+ Apr 20 Sa 9:00am-6:00pm Brambleton CALL

Not ready to commit to a personal trainer? Start out with a workout at Green Ridge or Brambleton Center!

Socialization is an important motivating factor to help you keep up that workout and take off the pounds.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

WEL

LNES

S

36

grace and gustoFeeling hunched over, tight and a little toxic? Then this class is for you. This 60 minute barefoot workout blends the best of Pi-lates, Yoga and Dance for a total body workout that is congruent with nature, Grace and Gusto is 30 minutes of gentle cardio, fol-lowed by 10 minutes of core work, 10 minutes of Barre work and ends with 10 minutes of restorative relaxation. Eight week class. Instructor: Amy Light.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 9-Feb 27 W 11:30am-12:30pm Brambleton 21656 $44

Low impact AerobicsThis low impact class is designed for all levels of fitness. The benefits of this program include improved stamina, cardiovascu-lar health, strengthening and toning of the upper and lower body muscles. Fees for sessions already in progress will be prorated. Ten week program. Instructor: Jane Powell.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 19-Apr 25 Tu, Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21646 $49

niaTry one of the most innovative and safe cardiovascular programs around. It lets you bop to the beat without jarring your joints and is a great workout for men and women of all ages and fitness lev-els. It will pump your heart, lubricate your joints, release tension and enhance your balance. Nia uses gentle yet powerful move-ments that blend dance with martial arts, yoga and other tech-niques. Eight week program. Instructor: Laura Pole.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Mar 4 M 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21559 $39

Zumba goldThis program brings the excitement of the popular Latin dance-exercise program to beginner or older adult participants. Created to emphasize the basic steps of ZUMBA, this explosive program is so easy to follow that everyone of all ages can do it. Instructor: Ann Lavery.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 13 MW

4:30pm-5:30pm4:00pm-5:00pm

Green Ridge 21905 $46

Arthritis Foundation exercise ProgramThe Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a group, recreational exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis and related diseases. The program uses gentle ac-tivities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, to maintain muscle strength, and to increase overall stamina. In-structor: Susan Kraughto.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 8-Feb 28 Tu, Th 9:00am-9:45am Green Ridge 21923 $40

Gentle Group ExBarre exerciseThis low impact, extraordinarily effective program firms, length-ens, and shapes muscles to their optimal form! We start with warm-up exercises and stretches, then we use light hand weights for toning the upper body, followed by highly effective deep tissue concentrated exercises to work the thighs and seat. We will finish with some ab targeting mat work. You will feel new strength, increased flexibility, and become more graceful. Popu-lar throughout the country, the barre workout has evolved over the years from the Lotte Berk Method and Callanetics. Six week program. Instructors: Annelise Egan (GR) or Amy Light (BC).

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 3-Feb 7 Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 21926 $35

18+ Jan 7-Feb 15 M, F 10:30am-11:30am Brambleton 21650 $66

18+ Jan 7-Feb 14 M, Th 12:00pm-1:00pm Brambleton 21648 $66

18+ Jan 8-Feb 13 Tu-W 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21652 $66

18+ Feb 14-Mar 21 Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Green Ridge 22091 $35

18+ Feb 18-Mar 28 M, Th 12:00pm-1:00pm Brambleton 21649 $66

18+ Feb 18-Mar 29 M, F 10:30am-11:30am Brambleton 21651 $66

18+ Feb 19-Mar 27 Tu-W 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21653 $66

Body RecallA safe, tested program of gentle exercise and movement, Body Recall has something to offer adults of all ages. It’s slow move-ments help circulation without threatening the heart, generating energy without sweating. Body Recall is designed to improve strength, flexibility and balance. The sitting, standing and floor movements in Body Recall work to enhance body function with-out injury. Many exercises are done from a sitting position in a chair. Ten week program. Instructor: Norma Silvius.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

30+ Jan 4-Mar 13 F, M, W 9:30am-10:30am Brambleton 21654 $60

30+ Jan 4-Mar 13 F, M, W 10:40am-11:40am Brambleton 21655 $60

AdultA

Not sure which workout is right for you? Check the intensity scale to help decide if you’re up to the challenge. High IntensityMedium IntensityLow Intensity

Improve your strength and flexibility without straining muscles. Find out how in a group exercise

class.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 37

WELLN

ESS

Yoga & PilatesBeginning YogaThis is a gentle form of Yoga to encourage flexibility and strength in your body and confidence in yourself. This class is appropriate for new and continuing students. Bring a blanket to class. Instruc-tor for Wednesday class is Norma Silvius, instructor for Saturday class is Amy Light. Eight week program for first session classes; four week program for second session Wednesday class.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 2-Feb 20 W 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21601 $44

18+ Jan 12-Mar 2 Sa 9:00am-10:00am Brambleton 21600 $44

18+ Mar 6-27 W 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21602 $22

Hatha YogaGreat health, a clear mind, boundless energy and a positive spirit can be yours when you discover Hatha Yoga. Floor poses build upper body strength while standing poses increase hamstring, quadricep, and abdominal strength which is critical for people of all ages. Wear comfortable loose clothing, expect to be bare-footed and bring a blanket, and yoga mat. Fees vary according to course length. Instructor: Trudi Mardian.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 9-Feb 27 W 6:00pm-7:00pm Walrond Park 21627 $60

18+ Mar 6-27 W 6:00pm-7:00pm Walrond Park 21628 $30

YogaBeginners and intermediates benefit in flexibility, posture, and balance. Wear loose, comfortable clothes and enjoy the many benefits of yoga. Fees vary according to course length. Instruc-tor: Trudi Mardian.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 3-Feb 21 Th 6:00pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21625 $41

18+ Jan 7-Feb 25 M 6:00pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21621 $41

18+ Jan 7-Feb 25 M 7:05pm-8:05pm Brambleton 21622 $41

18+ Mar 4-25 M 6:00pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21623 $21

18+ Mar 4-25 M 7:05pm-8:05pm Brambleton 21624 $21

18+ Feb 28-Mar 21 Th 6:00pm-7:00pm Brambleton 21626 $21

gentle, Flowing, Restorative YogaAre you interested in learning about Yoga but don’t know where to began? This class combines a variety of forms including Osteo, Restorative, and Hatha Yoga to allow your body to stretch with a flowing movement and ease. This is an excellent class for those starting out in Yoga or for those who enjoy a slower, gentler, stretch. Fees vary according to course length. Instructor: Trudi Mardian.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 3-Feb 21 Th 10:30am-11:30am Brambleton 21607 $41

18+ Jan 3-Feb 21 Th 7:05pm-8:05pm Brambleton 21605 $41

18+ Feb 28-Apr 18 Th 10:30am-11:30am Brambleton 21608 $41

18+ Feb 28-Mar 21 Th 7:05pm-8:05pm Brambleton 21606 $21

YogilatesA mix of elements from yoga and pilates is used to create a work-out that relieves stress, helps to gain coordination and balance, lose weight, and relax all at the same time. Eight week program. Instructor: Amy Light.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 9-Feb 27 W 10:15am-11:15am Brambleton 21603 $44

18+ Mar 6-Apr 24 W 10:15am-11:15am Brambleton 21604 $44

Fundamental Pilates Mat WorkCondition your total body by combining flexibility and strength techniques, using both Eastern and Western methods. Pilates increases physical and mental strength, improves posture, pro-motes ease of movement and boosts the immune system. It re-duces stress, fatigue and assists in a good night’s sleep. Ten week program. Instructor: Sondy M. Shiplett.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 24-Mar 28 Th 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21675 $40

Pilates intermediateThis class concentrates on lengthening and strengthening the body with emphasis on your core muscles and stability. Some Pilates experience is strongly recommended. Ten week program. Instructor: Sondy M. Shiplett.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 24-Mar 28 Th 6:35pm-7:35pm Brambleton 21676 $40

AdultA

Scan the barcode with a smart phone to visit our website.

Online

Center your mind and body with yoga and pilates classes from Roanoke County.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

WEL

LNES

S

38

Martial ArtsAikidoA Japanese martial art teaching self defense using efficient body movements, not strength, to redirect the force of an attack and dif-fusing it. Increase awareness, flexibility, and balance. Train your body and mind with movement, breathing, and meditative exer-cise helping you learn principals that are practical for self defense as well as daily life. Instructor: Eric Goodbar and Devin Hamden.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 5-Apr 27 Sa 9:30am-11:30am Brambleton 21584 $35

18+ Jan 10-May 2 Th 6:45pm-8:45pm Brambleton 21585 $35

18+ Jan 7-Apr 29 M 6:30pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 21463 $35

T’ai ChiT’ai Chi Chaun can be described as an exercise consisting of slow, relaxed movements that help us develop internal and external bal-ance and harmony. The moves are practiced in a slow controlled fashion that builds strength as well as balance. T’ai Chi Chaun requires mindful concentration similar to meditation. The slow rhythmic movements relax the body and clear the mind. The movements are done with a feeling of buoyancy and lightness as if swimming in air. Another important aspect is the positive effect it has on circulation and stimulating blood flow to the organs. Six week program. Instructor: Denis Spencer

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 11 M 11:15am-12:15pm Green Ridge 22028 $42

18+ Jan 16-Feb 20 W 10:00am-11:00am Brambleton 21938 $42

18+ Jan 16-Feb 20 W 5:30pm-6:30pm Brambleton 21939 $42

AdultA

Benefits of Personal Training• Provides motivation

• Reduces chance of injury by ensuring correct form• Maximizes time• Improves results

• Increases exercises retention• Improves fitness knowledge

• Breaks through plateaus

Overall Health Benefits• Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

• Lowers resting heart rate• Lowers blood pressure

• Lowers cholesterol• Maintains and increases bone mass• Increases well being and self esteem

• Lowers risk of developing diabetes• Improves joint stability

• Reduces stress

JudoJudo is a system of self-defense; a physical and mental discipline that was first contested at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. Judo is one of the best sports for boys and girls not only to de-velop self-confidence but as a sport that teaches skills that are transferable to all other sports. This course will be taught by cur-rent Olympic National coach Tarek Monier.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 17-Mar 7 Th 7:45pm-8:30pm Green Ridge 22129 $33

Linda Foster’s StoryI started at the gym as a middle aged novice after a physician's recommendation having not set foot in a gym or exercise class since high school 30 years before. I was over weight, suffered from chronic knee pain, and out of shape. Over the past six months, I've lost almost 30 pounds, my knee pain is gone, I no longer need blood pressure pills, and I sleep better. Initially starting in a Lose Big class, I added a personal trainer as a way to enhance and speed up the positive changes in my body. Working with a personal trainer has helped me become healthier, while providing individual attention to my specific problems.

Our judo classes feature family training for both youth and adults ages 12+.

Personal Training Special OfferGive the gift of better health to yourself or a loved one. Now through December 31, get your first THREE personal training sessions for 50% off when you pay with a Recreation Gift Card. Gift cards are available in any denomination, reloadable, and useable for any Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism program. Get yours at the Brambleton Center or Green Ridge front desk.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 39

WELLN

ESS

Scan the barcode with a smart phone to visit our website.

Online

Personal Training

green Ridge Personal TrainingA Certified Personal Trainer will work with you individually to develop a program based on your specific needs. Services begin with a complimentary consultation to discuss specific health his-tory, current fitness level and specific fitness goals. Our certified trainers will work with individuals to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. Benefits of personal training include improved motivation and increased exercise retention. Clients will also receive basic nutrition guidance and innovative fitness routines. Personal training is available for adults as well as teens and tweens ages nine and up. Call 777-6300 to register!

Number of Sessions One Hour Session Rate 1/2 Hour Session Rate

1 to 9 $45 / session $25 / session

10 to 19 $42 / session $25 / session

20 or more $39 / session $25 session

Lose BigStart the year off right by joining Lose Big! Lose Big is a 12-week program for all people and all fitness levels. Whether you need to lose weight or gain muscle, Lose Big can help. You will workout with a Certified Personal Trainer twice a week and work in a team of four. You will be given nutritional guidance and be taught lifestyle changes. If you’re nervous about joining, know that our personal trainers will help you each and every step of the way. They are committed to helping you succeed. Lose Big is exercising made fun, but be prepared to work hard! There will be monthly team challenges where you will go head to head with other Lose Big teams. Workout times are based on your availabil-ity. You do not need to be a member to join the program. This a value of $1000 for only $250! Installation payments of $62.50 are also available. Why not try to be Green Ridge’s Lose Big winner and start 2013 off right?! For further information, please contact Chelsea Arner at 540-777-6310.

Ages Date Day/Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 14-Apr 1 Various Green Ridge 21924 $250

new Year new You!!!It’s a new year…time for a new YOU! This 6-week program is guaranteed to get your body in shape. Be prepared to work hard and eat right! You will train hard in a group of four with a Certi-fied Personal Trainer THREE times a week. You will also receive a free consultation with our Nutritionist and a Wellness Coach. What more could you ask for? Our awesome Personal Trainers will encourage and motivate you inside and out of the gym. Let us help you change your life for the better! Signup now and start 2013 off with a bang! For only $150, what are you waiting for? For more information, contact Chelsea Arner at 540-777-6310.

Ages Date Day/Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 7-Feb 11 Various Green Ridge 22025 $150

Lose Big 2.0 (Bundle deal)Are you ready to see major results? Are you ready to burn through body fat and drop the pounds? If so, Lose Big 2.0 is for you! This is a combination of our Lose Big program and our New Year, New YOU program. For 6-weeks you will work with a Certified Personal Trainer FIVE times a week and then finish up the last 6-weeks training twice a week. Be ready to be sore and work every muscle in your body. Our trainers will help you discover muscles that you didn’t even know you had! This program is open to all fitness levels. Don’t hesitate to signup…just jump in! Your personal trainer will guide and assist you every step of the way. Take your workouts to the next level with Lose Big 2.0! Are you up for the challenge? For only $350, this is a steal! Installation payments of $87.50 are also available. For more information, contact Chelsea Arner at 540-777-6310

Ages Date Day/Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 14-Apr 1 Various Green Ridge 22096 $350

Did you know that you can participate in Green Ridge personal training and weight loss programs without a membership? Let us help you meet your personal fitness or weight loss goals! See pages 8-10 for more information about facility admission.

Benefits of Personal Training• Provides motivation

• Reduces chance of injury by ensuring correct form• Maximizes time• Improves results

• Increases exercises retention• Improves fitness knowledge

• Breaks through plateaus

Overall Health Benefits• Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

• Lowers resting heart rate• Lowers blood pressure

• Lowers cholesterol• Maintains and increases bone mass• Increases well being and self esteem

• Lowers risk of developing diabetes• Improves joint stability

• Reduces stress

New!

New!

Not ready for personal training? We’ve got two NEW classes to get you started. See page right.

40 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

ATH

LETI

CS

By Maureen Wilson

I know you’ve seen it. Everyone has…well at least every teen-ager in America has. Arrows, bows, and kids with cool leather

quivers are showing up everywhere! The youth of America have targeted archery, making it one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Archery has been around since sports where about surviving, and not just competition. Now, a new set of mov-ies highlighting the sport, from Hunger Games to Brave, have brought archery back in into the forefront of athletics.

Roanoke County public schools are among the many localities that have been including archery as part of their athletic curricu-lum, thanks to a nationwide effort to promote the sport. The Na-tional Archery in the Schools Program (N.A.S.P.) setup an initiative about 10 years ago to promote, train, and encourage youth to pick up a bow. Today, more than two-million students nation-wide will experience archery in gym class, and judging by its popularity among students, they’ve really hit the mark!

Bob Shelton has taught archery in Roanoke County public schools for the past 6 years. He says that the sport attracts a wide range of kids and is among the safest sports taught in physical educa-tion classes, surpassing even table tennis! “We teach the kids to be responsible, careful, respectful of equipment and procedures. If you can follow the steps to archery, you can follow the steps to almost any kind of work. Even better, it gives them a chance to have success without it being a matter of strength. Boys and girls are evenly matched, and often girls do better than boys.” It’s not just a gym class trend either. Archery offers kids who might not excel in more traditional sports a chance to shine and perform. These kids don’t have to be fast runners, or outstanding athletes. Youth who don’t like or are not interested in traditional ball and bat sports can get together with other kids just like them and have fun!

Find out why archery is one of the most popular

youth sports in the nation.

Beyond TraditionalArchery, & the New Trend in Youth Sports

Archery is a unique sport that is particularly good at promoting self confidence among youth. Why? When you shoot an arrow, your competing against your personal best, rather than a direct competition with your peers. You’re trying to better yourself. Lisa Sink, a Roanoke County Archery Instructor, wants parents and youth to know that there are no real physical boundar-ies with this sport. “It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, in a wheel chair, or even deaf. I’ve taught every kind of student there is and it still works out the same. The kids love it. Some of them even end up asking their parents for bows for Christmas.”

Archery provides a chance for your child to really grow in areas where they may be lacking due to not being involved in sports or athletics. Instructors and parents are happy to see kids develop strong Hand/Eye coordination and motor skills. Archery also tends to help kids with attention disorders focus and can help build upper body strength in all kids, especially children with special needs. Overall, it can really be a great avenue for your child to take part in sports without having the athletic background.

Archery isn’t just for hunting anymore. It’s a lifelong sport that can be a great option for a child who is not interested in tradi-tional sports. To excel at archery you need to learn patience, focus and perseverance. Archers are independent, and target shooting gives immediate feedback – either you hit the target or you didn’t. There’s no need to wait around to hear from the coach. Archery can be a great hobby and, if there’s an interest, can also be used for hunting. There are special hunting seasons reserved just for bow hunters.

Want to know more? Roanoke County now offers a series of week-end classes for beginner level youth, designed to take that next step past gym class instruction. N.A.S.P. has competitions locally, nationally and internationally so the possibilities are endless. Get your kids signed up today!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 41

ATHLETICS

indoor Baseball & Batting ClinicLooking to keep the rust off your child’s bat over the winter? If so, we have the perfect four session instructional clinic for you! The clinic will focus on the fundamentals of hitting and will be taught by qualified instructors, primarily high school coaches.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course Fee

6-8 Jan 15-Feb 5 Tu 6:15pm-7:15pm Hidden Valley HS 21949 $49

9-11 Jan 15-Feb 5 Tu 7:15pm-8:15pm Hidden Valley HS 21950 $49

Baseball & Softball Preseason Clinics Roanoke County has provided an opportunity for the youth of the Roanoke Valley to knock the rust off their bats and break in thier gloves prior to the 2013 recreation season. This fun and exciting camp will cover the fundamentals of baseball including hitting, infielding, outfielding, and base running. Local coaches are wel-come at no cost. Boys camps are led by the Hidden Valley High School Varsity Baseball Coaching Staff. Girls camps are led by the Virginia Class Action Scrappers, an area competitive organi-zation that is dedicated to developing softball for girls. The pro-grams will go on, rain or shine! In the event of inclement weather, the boys program will be moved indoors at Hidden Valley High School, and the girls program will be moved to Northside High.

Ages Gender Date Day Time Place Course Fee

6-12 Boys Mar 24-31 Su 1:30pm-4:30pm Hidden Valley HS

21948 $39

6-14 Girls Mar 24-25 Sa-Su 1:30pm-4:30pm Northside HS

21952 $39

Fast Pitch Softball Pitching ClinicsThe perfect clinic to allow your child to focus on her future de-sires to be a rec, school or travel softball pitcher. The clinics are led by the Virginia Class Action Scrappers, an area competitive organization that is dedicated to developing area softball for girls. The clinic will focus on the fundamentals of pitching, techniques, strategy and footwork to get the absolute best out of your child.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course Fee

8-16 Jan 13-Feb 3 Su 6:00pm-7:30pm Brambleton 21951 $50

Beyond TraditionalNew!

Tennis for Beginner Level YouthLearn to play tennis with little or no experience. This program is perfect for improving children’s coordination, agility, and fitness. Registration fee includes instruction from current and former col-lege coaches and players on the basics of the tennis stroke, court positioning and scoring system. Registration is limited to allow for adequate court time and personalized instruction for all partic-ipants. In the event of inclement weather, instructor will contact all registered participants with make up dates.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

8-12 Apr 9-18 Tu, Th 6:00pm-7:00pm Garst Mill Park 21967 $39

8-12 Apr 30-May 9 Tu, Th 6:00pm-7:00pm Walrond Park 21968 $39

8-12 May 21-30 Tu, Th 6:00pm-7:00pm Darrell Shell Park 21965 $39

indoor Flag FootballSpring rains got you stuck inside? Join us for a fun time playing indoor flag football. This is a non-contact game and encourages good sportsmanship between players. Players will learn how to play and rules of the game. Games held in Green Ridge’s Gym.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course Fee

8-11 Mar 7-Apr 11 Th 6:30pm-7:30pm Green Ridge 22054 $15

Youth ClinicsArchery ClassesRoanoke County’s newest program is designed to open the world of archery to children in a safe and fun environment. The classes core content includes archery history, safety, technique, equip-ment, mental concentration, and self-improvement. All instruc-tors are certified by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and have undergone a certification program referred to as BAI, ‘Basic Archery Instructor.’ This is the perfect opportunity to open the world of archery to children. Please note that this program will focus on the skills of archery, not hunting.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course Fee

8-10 Jan 13-Feb 10 Su 1:30pm-3:00pm Brambleton 21989 $75

8-10 Feb 17-Mar 17 Su 1:30pm-3:00pm Green Ridge 22131 $75

10-12 Jan 13-Feb 10 Su 3:00pm-4:30pm Brambleton 21990 $75

10-12 Feb 17-Mar 17 Su 3:00pm-4:30pm Green Ridge 22132 $75

12-14 Jan 13-Feb 10 Su 4:30pm-6:00pm Brambleton 21991 $75

12-14 Feb 17-Mar 17 Su 4:30pm-6:00pm Green Ridge 22133 $75

YouthY

inclement Weather CancellationsCall 540.387.6455• Press 6 for Youth Athletics• Press 7 for Adult Athletics

Get ready for team play with instruction from former college coaches & players!

Keep your eye on the ball... And learn the skills you need to play the game.

42 Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

ATH

LETI

CS

Preschool Athleticsgreat Beginnings Youth ClinicsDid you know that studies have shown 49% of kids under 10 do not have the basic motor skills they need to compete in or-ganized youth sports programs? This result often leads to frus-tration, embarrassment and fear that cause over 70% of young athletes to drop out of organized sports by age 13. To combat this problem, Roanoke County has developed a program designed to help prepare children for the challenges of organized sports in a non-threatening atmosphere, without the worry of competition.

The program, Great Beginnings, is a five week instructional pro-gram targeted to preschool and Kindergarten aged boys and girls with little to no organized sports experience. Under the supervi-sion of trained coaches, this program helps parents to work to-gether with their children to learn how to properly teach the basic motor skills that are needed for team sports. Using progressive skill stations, children are challenged to learn both fundamentals and new techniques. Active parent participation required.

PreschoolP

Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism offers youth athletics programs in cooperation with local Recreation Clubs. Youth Athletic par-ticipants must sign up through the local Recreation Club that serves the child’s area determined by their elementary school. If you have questions about which Recreation Club serves your school area, or if you need more information about various sports offered by each Recreation Club, please contact us at 387-6078 or visit www.roanokecountyva.gov/recclubs. Participants must be a Roanoke County resident or attend Roanoke County Public Schools to be eli-gible, and must play in their age bracket. Each club will have cut-off dates for sign-ups, so sign-up EARLY!

Recreation League directoryCave Spring American Little League • www.eteamz.com/csallCave Spring National Little League: • www.eteamz.com/csnllCave Spring Recreation Foundation • www.eteamz.com/cavespringrecGlenvar Recreation Booster Club • www.glenvaryouthboosters.net Hidden Valley Youth Sports Assoc. • www.hvysa.comMasons Cove Recreation Club • www.mceagles.orgMt. Pleasant Recreation Club: • www.mprecreation.comNorth Roanoke Recreation Club • www.nrrc.netSouth County Softball League: • www.eteamz.com/SouthCountySoftballLeagueValley AFC Soccer (SW County) • www.valleyafc.orgVinton Recreation Booster Club: • www.vintonboosterclub.com

SPORT SignuPS PRACTiCe gAMeS AgeS

Baseball/T-ball January April Late April 6-18

Lacrosse January April Late April 6-18

Softball January April Late April 6-18

Soccer May/June August August 6-18

Football May/June August August 6-12

Cheerleading May/June August August 6-18

Basketball September November January 7-18

YouthY

great Beginnings BasketballGreat Beginnings is a five week instructional program to help prepare children for the challenges of organized basketball in a non-threatening atmosphere, without the worry of competition. Learn basic skills while getting great social interaction.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-6 Jan 19-Feb 23 Sa 9:00am-10:00am Green Ridge 21945 $65

4-6 Jan 19-Feb 23 Sa 4:30pm-5:30pm Green Valley ES 21946 $65

great Beginnings SoccerGreat Beginnings soccer is designed to teach the basic motor skills needed to successfully move on to organized soccer includ-ing kicking, trapping, running and agility.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-6 Apr 13-May 11 Sa 9:00am-10:00am Bonsack ES 21947 $65

great Beginnings Baseball & SoftballEach child, along with his or her parents, will work together to learn basic motor skills needed to successfully move on to more organized baseball or softball; including throwing, catching, hit-ting, and base running. As the program progresses and children show improvement, the skill stations are altered so that each child remains challenged

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

4-5 Apr 13-May 18 Sa 12:00pm-1:00pm Walrond Park 21942 $59

4-5 Apr 13-May 18 Sa 2:00pm-3:00pm Bonsack ES 21943 $59

4-5 Apr 13-May 18 Sa 4:00pm-5:00pm Clearbrook ES 21944 $59

Registration is taken through your local recreation club!Find yours at RoanokeCountyVA.gov/recclubs

Youth Team Sports

Be a superman to your child, by participating in Great Beginnings clinics.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 43

ATHLETICS

Softball League The following softball leagues will be conducted by the Roa-noke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Athletic Division.

1. WOMEN’S OPEN: Open to any sponsoring organization. AGE: Sixteen (16) years old and above. (Women Only).

2. MEN’S OPEN: Open to any sponsoring organization. AGE: Sixteen (16) years old and above. (Men Only). Divisions: Ameri-can (Mon/Wed), Central (Mon/Wed), National: (Tues/Thurs)

3. MEN’S METRO: This competitive league is open to any sponsoring organization. AGE: Sixteen (16) years old and above. (Tues/Thurs)

4. MEN’S 35+: Open to any sponsoring organization for ages 35 and older. (Tues/Thurs)

5. MEN’S CHURCH: Open to church sponsored teams only. (PARTICIPANTS MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE SPONSORING CHURCH) AGE: Sixteen (16) years old and above. (Tues/Thurs).

6. COED: Open to church or company sponsored teams only. AGE: Sixteen (16) years old and above. (Men and Women). Divi-sions: Church (Tues/Thurs), Industrial (Mon/Wed)

SEASON BEGINS: The week of April 29. Practice starts April 1.

ENTRY FEE: $375 must be paid by check or money order.

DEADLINE: Last year teams – March 3-9 New teams – March 10-23

ALL REGISTRATION WILL BE TAKEN ONLINE AT:www.roanokecountyva.gov/athletics

Quick Start TennisQuick Start is a new format to help children eight and under learn to play. A few things have changed; the court size, the racquet sizes, the balls, the scoring system, the height of the nets. Quick-Start Tennis stresses the importance of actually playing the game of tennis and getting involved in team competition. This means that even more children will have the opportunity to experience this new format, have fun playing with their friends and develop skills that will become the foundation of their game. Fee includes all equipment needed, including age appropriate racquets.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course Fee

4-8 Apr 1-22 M 6:00pm-7:00pm Garst Mill Park 21953 $39

4-8 Apr 29-May 20 M 6:00pm-7:00pm Walrond Park 21954 $39

Preschool gymnasticsRoanoke Academy will introduce your child to all the fun gym-nastics has to offer! This class is designed with fun in mind! Children begin to learn proper skill development and basic gym-nastic terminology. Our instructors will help your child learn ex-citing new skills, interact successfully with other children, and develop confidence through achievement. Sign up for one ses-sion, or both!

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

3-5 Jan 9-30 W 5:00pm-5:45pm Green Ridge 22101 $56

3-5 Feb 6-27 W 5:00pm-5:45pm Green Ridge 22102 $56

Adults ClassesTennis Lessons for BeginnersRoanoke County is pleased to offer a fun and exciting series of tennis lessons for beginner level adult players with little or no tennis experience. This program is perfect for improving your co-ordination, agility, and fitness. Registration fee includes instruc-tion from current and former college coaches and players on the basics of the tennis stroke, court positioning and scoring system. Registration is limited to allow for adequate court time and per-sonalized instruction for all participants. In the event of inclem-ent weather, instructor will contact all registered participants with make up dates.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

16+ Apr 9-18 Tu, Th 7:00pm-8:00pm Garst Mill Park 21977 $39

16+ Apr 30-May 9 Tu, Th 7:00pm-8:00pm Walrond Park 21987 $39

16+ May 21-30 Tu, Th 7:00pm-8:00pm Darrell Shell Park 21978 $39

FencingThis course is designed to introduce complete beginners as well as further develop intermediates in modern Olympic-style Fenc-ing. It will include a brief history of the sport and general sword use over time, specific stretching and drill work, regular instruc-tion periods, and weekly fencing bouts with classmates and visit-ing instructors. Instructor: James A. Moser.

Ages Level Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

15+ Beginner Jan 16-Feb 13 W 6pm-8pm Green Ridge 22044 $75

15+ Intermediate Feb 20-Mar 20 W 6pm-8pm Green Ridge 22046 $75

AdultA

TeenTTeen Tennis

Tennis for Beginner Level TeensRoanoke County is pleased to offer a fun and exciting series of tennis lessons for beginner level teen players with little or no tennis experience. This program is a wonderful opportunity to get your teen off the couch and interested in a healthy lifetime sport!! Registration includes instruction from current and former college coaches and players on the basics of the tennis stroke, court positioning and scoring system.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

13-17 Apr 1-22 M 7:00pm-8:00pm Garst Mill Park 21959 $39

13-17 Apr 29-May 20 M 7:00pm-8:00pm Walrond Park 21960 $39

Adult Team Sports AdultA

Need instruction on how to hold your racquet? We can help!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

OU

TDO

ORS

44

Safety on Tinker Creek GreenwayBy Maureen Wilson

Crisp fresh air, far reaching vistas and all that gorgeous green space makes the Roanoke Valley one the most beautiful plac-

es in the nation to live. People come from all over to see our beau-tiful Blue Ridge Mountains. With such a large base of avid outdoor adventure seeking residents, Roanoke County has been working with the Greenway Commission and other localities on growing our Greenways. The joint efforts of the Roanoke Valley communi-ties have given us over 25 miles of trails, with many more still in the planning stages. Families enjoy the bike rides and avid hikers love the treks through the mountain areas.

One of the newest sections of trail in the valley opened to the public just a few months ago. Tinker Creek Greenway, with a trail-head just north of I-81 exit 146 near Hollins University, features a particularly dymanic environmental ecosystem. Some of the first hikers on this two-mile connection to Carvin’s Cove Reservoir have reported a wide range of species in the area, including birds, rabbits and to their surprise... BEARS!

Black bears are the only native bear in this area. They are rarely seen, because they are a shy species preferring to avoid people if possible. In fact in a recent survey done by Virginia Department of Inland Game and Fisheries, most residents report that they have never seen a bear, let alone encountered one in an aggressive manner.

Most bears are scared off before the hikers even notice they are there. However, there are some things to keep in mind when us-ing the greenways. Hiking at dawn or dusk increases your chance at encountering a bear. Use extra caution in places where hearing or visibility is limited, such as brushy areas, near streams, where trails round a bend and on windy days. Make sure to be noisy when traveling through common bear areas. The more noise the better the chances are that you won’t surprise any roaming bears. Make sure to keep your children and pets close by or within sight at all times. Keeping your dog on a leash or leaving it at home is also a good idea.

There are no definite rules about what to do if you meet a bear. In almost all cases, the bear will detect you first and leave the area. Unprovoked bear attacks are very rare, and have never been documented in Virginia. If you do meet a bear here are some suggestions from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:

Bears... Oh My

• Stay calm. If you see a bear and it has not seen you, calmly leave the area. As you move away, make noise to let the bear discover your pres-ence.

• Stop. Back away slowly while facing the bear.

• Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Bears rarely attack people un-less they feel cornered or provoked.

• Do not run or make any sudden movements. Running could prompt the bear to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear. If on a trail, step off the trail and slowly leave the area.

• If there is a bear in your yard and it approaches you, make yourself look big and make loud noises. Remain at a safe distance and throw rocks to make the bear feel unwelcome.

• If there is a bear in your house prop open all doors to the outside and get out of the way of the exit. Never close a bear into a room. Make noises and yell at bear to leave the house. Don’t approach the bear but make sure it knows it is violating your territory.

• If you surprise a bear speak softly. This may reassure the bear that you mean it no harm.

• Fight back. If a black bear attacks you, fight back. Black bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.

More information on Virginia’s Diverse Wildlife can be found at www.dgif.virginia.gov Many studies have shown that our pop-ulation of bears do not pose a threat. Enjoy the Greenway and feel free to explore, just make sure you’re singing your favorite tune and laughing loudly as you hike through.

The new Tinker Creek Greenway at the Hollins Trailhead is a great place to spot some of the area’s most unique wildlife.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 45

OU

TDO

ORS

Youth EducationBirds of Prey investigationExplore the fascinating world of birds of prey with a hands on investigation into their habitats and habits. Kids will have the op-portunity to see raptors, such as hawks and owls, up close while discovering what they eat.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-10 Dec 19 W 6:00pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21797 $12

Cozy CrittersEver wonder how so many animals can survive the cold and snowy winter? We will search for answers to this question by learning about some common adaptations that critters around here have been using to stay cozy during the winter.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-10 Jan 16 W 6:00pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21799 $12

Wigglin’ WormsWorms are constantly wiggling and working beneath our feet, but what on Earth are they really doing down there? We will dis-cuss the role worms play in the environment and how they can help us reduce our own wasteful habits.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-10 Feb 20 W 6:00pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21801 $12

Wilderness Survival SchoolLearn basic skills critical to winter survival in a real wilderness setting. We will build fires and survival shelters, and discuss locating and collecting food in the winter wilderness. Dress in warm layers and bring a lunch.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

8-13 Mar 2 Sa 9:00am-1:00pm Camp Roanoke 21706 $25

The great Resource HuntAnimals are constantly on the hunt for natural resources such as food, water, and shelter. To better understand the struggles wild-life face in finding these resources, kids will take on the role of different wild animals and search for their own valued resources.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6-10 Mar 6 W 6:00pm-7:00pm Green Ridge 21805 $12

YouthY

301 Market Street Downtown Roanoke

540-777-2727

4822J Valley View Blvd. Valley View Mall

540-777-0990

Smell the Roses

!!!

New!

A Camp Roanoke camper examines a small piece of the natural world. She knows that environmental stewardship starts at home!

New!

New!

New!New!

New!

Tons of Fun:

Dive into the FUN

A day of FREE indoor games, storytelling, rides, costumed characters, hands-on activities, entertainment and more for children 12 & under and their families.

Roanoke Camp Fair

Two FREE Events Tanglewood MallSaturday, February 2 • 10am-4pm

Meet with representatives of summer camps throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and find out which camp is right for your child. Door prizes including free weeks at camp!

See Pg. 20For More!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

OU

TDO

ORS

46

Family OutdoorsOrienteering - An Off The Trail AdventureDon’t wander aimlessly through the woods when you can travel with direction. In this course, participants will explore the back-woods of Camp Roanoke while learning the basics of navigating with a map and compass. No experience necessary.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7+ Dec 15 Sa 1:00pm-5:00pm Camp Roanoke 21798 $15

Holiday Bird CountBring your binoculars and bird identification guides and spend the morning searching for chickadees, cardinals, and other birds that come home to Camp Roanoke for the holidays. This is a great activity for the whole family. Previous bird knowledge helpful, but not required. Limited binoculars and bird identifica-tion guides are available.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

6+ Jan 5 Sa 7:00am-10:00am Camp Roanoke 21707 $15

evergreens of Virginia HikeWhether your New Year’s resolution is to gain knowledge or to get out more, this hike is a great way to ring in the New Year. Spend the day at Camp Roanoke learning how to identify com-mon Virginia evergreens and some practical uses of these plants. Bring hiking shoes, a lunch to eat on the trail, and warm layers.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

7+ Jan 12 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Camp Roanoke 21694 $15

Cross Country Skiing getawayExperience the breathtaking beauty of West Virginia’s snow cov-ered mountains by cross country skiing. This winter getaway is a great opportunity to learn the basics of cross country, and to ex-plore the natural wonders of our neighbor to the west. Begin your journey Friday as we head up to Davis, West Virginia. Saturday, we’ll have an early breakfast and immediately hit the trails at Whitegrass Cross Country Center. We’ll return to town for din-ner & relaxation that evening. Sunday, we will again spend the day skiing. Finally, take in a final meal, then head home.Fee in-cludes ski rentals, ski lessons, accommodations, transportation, two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner. Bring money for two meals on your own. Reserve your spot before January 9!

Ages Date Day Time Depart From Course # Fee

14+ Jan 25-27 F-Su 4:00pm-11:59pm Kessler Mill 21795 $300

discover Falls Ridge Preserve HikeWinter is a great time to enjoy the natural beauty of our area. This February, join us for a gorgeous winter hike at Falls Ridge Preserve which is home to an 80 foot waterfall and fascinating geological formations and biological diversity caused by the presence of the Salem Fault. Bring your hiking shoes, a lunch to eat on the trail, and warm layers. This is a moderate 4.8 mile hike.

Ages Date Day Time Depart From Course # Fee

8+ Feb 9 Sa 9:00am-5:00pm Kessler Mill 21705 $35

Horseback RidingShare your love for the outdoors with your family on a fun and exciting horseback riding trip. Participants will receive lessons and instruction on riding, then will be paired with a horse that’s right for them. Next, the group will set off on a guided trail ride and explore the beautiful countryside. No experience necessary. Must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Transportation, hel-mets, and all supplies included.

Ages Date Day Time Depart From Course # Fee

8+ Feb 23 Sa 1:00pm-6:00pm Green Ridge 21804 $50

Zip Line & High Ropes CourseCamp Roanoke is home to an awesome array of adrenaline pump-ing high ropes challenges. Participants will experience eight dif-ferent elements under the safety of trained professionals. Activi-ties include: Zipline, high multi-vine traverse, cargo net climb, plank bridge, and more. Usually only available to private user groups, we are opening our gates to you. Come out and experi-ence them all. No experience necessary.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Feb 24 Su 12:00pm-5:00pm Camp Roanoke 21803 $27.50

FFamily

Caving - An underground explorationHere is your chance to explore one of Virginia’s spectacular lime-stone caves. You will have an opportunity to experience a unique underground environment firsthand under the safe leadership of our trained guides. No experience necessary.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Jan 13 Su 10:00am-4:00pm Camp Roanoke 21806 $35

Hiking at Spring Hollow ReservoirYour family is invited to join us for a hike along the Spring Hol-low Reservoir. This is a light to moderate hike with opportuni-ties for bird watching (bring your binoculars), picture taking and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The reservoir is closed to the general public, so you don’t want to miss this great opportunity to explore its natural beauty. Please bring a bag lunch and water.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

12+ Mar 3 Su 11:00am-5:00pm Camp Roanoke 21800 $15

New!

New!

New!

New!

Don’t be afraid to get dirty on our exciting caving trip January 13.

No experience is needed to go on our cross country getaway in late January.

New!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 47

OU

TDO

ORS

Camp Roanokediscovery (rising grades K-5)Looking for an outdoor adventure based day camp experience? Participants will be introduced to a wide range of activities that include: archery, arts and crafts, field games, social development, rock wall climbing, hiking, creeking, special events, a trip to Splash Valley, and much more! Free satellite transportation is available from Tanglewood Mall.

Grades Sessions Availability Place Fee Before Apr 8 Fee After Apr 8

K-5 Weekly, M-F Jun 17-Aug 9 Camp Roanoke $195 $220

explorer (rising grades 3-4)Want to create the memories of a lifetime? The Explorer program provides a safe and fun co-ed, residential experience in a pristine outdoor environment. Your days will be spent canoeing, hiking, climbing our rock wall, playing field games, making arts and crafts, learning about the environment, archery and many more exciting camp activities!

Grades Sessions Availability Place Fee Before Apr 8 Fee After Apr 8

3-4 Weekly, Su-F Jun 16-Aug 9 Camp Roanoke $400 $425

Pioneer (rising grades 5-6)Designed for kids with a passion for the environmental sciences, this program takes a hands-on approach to learning and fun! Ex-perience the latest in green technology with an on-site learning lab, and learn about the natural world with an emphasis on envi-ronmental sustainability. Your days will be filled with fun camp activities like canoeing, crafts, field games, campfires, archery, the low ropes course and much more.

Grades Sessions Availability Place Fee Before Apr 8 Fee After Apr 8

5-6 Weekly, Su-F Jun 16-Aug 9 Camp Roanoke $410 $435

Voyager (rising grades 6-7)Looking for real summer adventure? The Voyager program is an exciting co-ed residential experience that engages children in ac-tivities ranging from canoeing to rock wall climbing. Campers will also participate in: arts and crafts, environmental education, mountain boarding, creeking, hiking, horseback riding, and more.

Grades Sessions Availability Place Fee Before Apr 8 Fee After Apr 8

6-7 Weekly, Su-F Jun 16-Aug 9 Camp Roanoke $430 $455

YouthY

Adventure (rising grades 8-9)Take your summer excitement to the next level with this program designed for new and veteran campers alike. Throughout the week, campers will experience high-adventure activities such as: high and low ropes course, zipline, kayaking, environmental edu-cation, rock climbing, hiking and more. Participants will travel to West Virginia for a three day, two night adventure.

Grades Sessions Session Start Place Fee Before Apr 8 After Apr 8

8-9 Weekly, Su-F Jun 16, Jul 21, Aug 4 Camp Roanoke $460 $485

Outpost (rising grades 9-10)Geared toward campers looking for a backcountry wilderness ex-perience, Outpost is guaranteed to be rewarding and fun! Camp-ers will start the week at Camp Roanoke participating in the high and low ropes courses and then venture off-site to experience three nights of tent camping, a day on the river, overnight back-packing, rock climbing, and outdoor living skills. Leave no trace principles and environmental awareness are incorporated into all aspects of this program.

Grades Sessions Session Start Place Fee Before Apr 8 After Apr 8

9-10 Weekly, Su-F Jul 7 Camp Roanoke $480 $505

Trek - Beach & Surfing (rising grades 9-11)Grab your swimsuit and join us for a week of fun in the sun! We’ll travel to the east coast and set up camp right next to the beach. Come make new friends and have the best week of your summer! Our time will be spent exploring unique local habi-tats while learning to surf, sea kayak, and stand up paddle board. There will also be plenty of beach play, swimming and evening sunsets. No experience necessary.

Grades Sessions Session Start Place Fee Before Apr 8 After Apr 8

9-11 Weekly, Su-F Jun 23 Camp Roanoke $575 $600

Trek - new River gorge (rising grades 9-11)Join us on our trip to wild and wonderful West Virginia! This Trek is an extreme experience not to be missed. Campers will begin their trip at Camp Roanoke going through the low ropes course as well as practicing on our climbing wall. They will then journey to West Virginia and experience tent style living, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking and environmental education in the beauti-ful and historic New River Gorge.

Grades Sessions Session Start Place Fee Before Apr 8 After Apr 8

9-11 Weekly, Su-F Jul 14, Jul 28 Camp Roanoke $550 $575Plunge down our three-story high zip line, either as a camper or as part of our family program on February 24. (left)

Participants who register for Camp Roanoke programs by December 31 will receive a free stainless steel water bottle.

New!

Est. 1925

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

TRAV

EL

48

By Scott Ramsburg

Most people don’t think of the Roanoke Valley as playing a sig-nificant role in the Civil War. There are very few tourist attrac-

tions or museums in this corner of the Commonwealth drawing attention to historic battles or landmarks. Nevertheless, this area had an important part to play, as a supplier of staple items such as wheat, corn, wool and cloth.

According to historian Dr. Deedie Kagey, Roanoke was largely a farming community during the 1860’s, consisting of the de-scendants of German immigrants who had traveled Southward through the Shenandoah Valley and settled here after completing indentured service in Pennsylvania. Compared to other parts of the south, the Roanoke Valley had very few slaves, and its residents were more divided in their sympathies to the North or South.

“Their faith, work ethic and their belief in the family was their strength.” says Kagey. “If you look at letters, most of the time every-thing was connected whether the time was right to grow wheat or other crops.” Furthermore, Kagey notes, this region may have seen fewer of its sons go off to fight as a result of the two colleges here. Both Roanoke College and Hollins remained open during the duration of the war, often resorting to barter to keep operating.

Residents here still underwent tremendous hardships during the war. Just like most of the South, they were in a mode of struggling to survive. With most doctors serving on the war front, medical care was also hard to find. Women and children took on a greater role as farmers and merchants.

With so much to take care of on the home front, recreation time became limited. Dr. Kagey says that years ago she interviewed a 97 year old woman who had lived near the Botetourt and Bed-ford County line since childhood. She asked what the woman did for fun, and the woman replied “We didn’t have time for fun. We had chores until we went to school, came home, ate supper and worked until bedtime.”

Civil War SocietyIn the Roanoke Valley & Beyond Living history re-enactor Eddie Goode will show off his

fife playing skills at our February 24th event, Civil War Music Brought to Life.

While that may have been a bit of an exaggeration, leisure time was certainly at a premium. Rather than participating in sports leagues or summer camps, children would often turn their daily chores into games. For example, it was the child’s duty to prepare wool for spin-ning by loading it in baskets filled with river water and stomping the fibers down so they were pliable.

Music was also a big part of life during the war. Kagey notes, “They did a lot of sing-songs, especially as they were working, or quilting, or churning butter. Since this was a heavily wooded area, there were some musical instruments, mostly handmade, like the lute, mando-lin or fife.” Not only was the Roanoke Valley rich in culture from im-migrant settlers, it was also a crossroads of two major routes, several natural springs, and the Virginia/Tennessee Railroad, which brought new economic life to the area in 1852. As a result, this area, perhaps more than most in Southwest Virginia, became a cultural mixing bowl.

You can learn more about the way this blending of cultures influ-enced music in our area on Sunday, February 24 at the South Coun-ty Library. Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is pleased to present “Civil War Music Brought to Life,” a commemorative tour of the sounds and cuisine of the time. (See page 20)

It wasn’t until the later years of the war that the Roanoke Valley saw the blood of skirmishes. Two incursions in 1863 and 1864 targeted the Confederacy’s supply lines here, underscoring the importance of the region as a breadbasket for General Lee’s tattered forces. By the end of the war, the communities here were struggling to survive. Union troops passing through would steal food, horses, wagons and even clothing as they passed. The economy was in shambles, with a large amount of municipal debt going to support the wounded and survivors of fallen soldiers.

Within a few years, however, the community bounced back thanks to the linkage of three new railroads in the area. Perhaps some of the resilience of the area also came from its people, who overcame adversity through a strong faith and a diverse society.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 49

TRAV

EL

Civil War SocietyDuring the civil war, the Exchange Hotel admitted tens of

thousands of sick and wounded from area battlefields.

Adult Daytrips AAdult

Lunch at the greenbrierSince 1778 distinguished guests from around the world have been coming to this award-winning resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Enjoy the Greenbrier Resort’s classic ar-chitecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape and unique gift shops as you have full access to the public areas. Your luncheon is a delightful plated lunch served in the Dining room. Dressy casual attire is requested. The Resort’s seasonal ac-tivities such as tour of the hotel, the bunker, golf, etc. are avail-able at your own cost. Fee includes bus transportation, plated lunch, escort and more!

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

18+ Apr 19 F 8:30am-6:30pm Brambleton 21638 $75

18+ Apr 19 F 9:00am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21638 $75

g Street FabricsThis trip is for anyone who loves to sew, quilt, crochet, knit, or embroider. Located in Rockville, Maryland, this mega-store is a sewers paradise! Started in 1942, the store quickly became a Washington DC landmark, where dignitaries sought couture fab-rics to replicate garments seen in Paris and New York. The flag-ship store grew and expanded and moved to Rockville in 1983. In addition to selling apparel and quilting fabrics, they offer a wide range of sewing related products, including Bernina ma-chines, unique patterns, sewing books and an extensive selection of notions, buttons and trims. Lunch is on your own at restaurants within walking distance. Fee includes breakfast biscuit, bus trans-portation and escort.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

18+ Mar 9 Sa 6:00am-9:00pm Brambleton 21693 $58

18+ Mar 9 Sa 6:30am-8:30pm Green Ridge 21693 $58

New!

exchange Hotel, Civil War Museum & Fried ChickenGordonsville, Virginia is home to this historic Hotel and Museum, which is Virginia’s only standing Civil War Receiving Hospital. Before the Civil War, the Hotel with its high ceilings and grand veranda welcomed weary passengers from two railway lines. But, in 1862 with the onset of War, the Confederate Army transformed the Hotel into the Gordonsville Receiving Hospital. By the war’s end over 70,000 soldiers had been treated at the hospital. The Museum houses a world-renowned collection of artifacts relating to medical care during the Civil War. Gordonsville’s famous fried chicken is a tradition brought up from the pre-civil war past and carried thru today. This is the ‘chicken leg center of the universe,’ described in 1869 by Dr. Bagby who witnessed the everyday scene as the Chicken Ladies sold their fried chicken, cornbread and pies to the train passengers waiting for their connections. The secret recipe has been passed downed thru generations. A special highlight is a lunch of this wonderful chicken recipe prepared by one of the direct descendants of the Chicken Ladies. Also, a visit to the Barboursville Ruins, the mansion of former Governor, James Barbour preserved as a ruin after its destruction by fire in 1884. This is one of three residences designed by Thomas Jef-ferson, Barbour’s close friend. Today the estate is an award win-ning vineyard. It is a 10 minute walk to the Ruins. Fee includes breakfast biscuit, all tour fees, lunch, wine tasting, bus and escort.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

18+ Apr 9 Tu 7:30am-6:00pm Brambleton 21809 $67

18+ Apr 9 Tu 8:00am-5:30pm Green Ridge 21809 $67

New! Civil war buff? You’ll want to check out our Civil War Music Event which will be held at the South County Library in

February. For more information, see page 20.

Take a trip to G-Street fabrics, one of the region’s best known fabric shops.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY

TRAV

EL

50

Albuquerque Balloon FiestaNew Mexico is a place diverse in culture and scenic beauty. In both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, you will discover cities rich in multiculturalism, natural beauty and profound history. High-lights of the trip are the Balloon Fiesta, Old Town Albuquerque, the Nuclear Science & History Museum, The Indian Cultural Museum, Turquoise Train, Santa Fe, Louetto Chapel and Santa Fe School of Cooking. Fee includes air transportation from Roa-noke, five Breakfasts, three dinners, lodging at the Albuquerque Marriott & the Lodge at Santa Fe, fully escorted. Not included is cancellation waiver and insurance of $165 per person. A deposit of $250 is required at registration. A discount of $100 per person is good until April 8, 2013 For full details of this trip, call 777-6351 or 6352.

Ages Date Days Depart From Course # Single Double Triple

18+ Oct 8 Tu Brambleton 22117 $3069 $2469 $2439

Please note: We are unable to accommodate large motorized chairs on bus trips. Participants using wheel

chairs must be able to walk up steps to get into a bus. Contact Kari Decker at 777-6357 for accommodations

OnlineRegister Online: it’s fast, easy and secure! Simply log onto www.RoanokeCountyParks.com and click on the icon shown here.

New!

Vacations Canadian Rockies & glacier national ParkBeginning in the Canadian province of Alberta, your tour com-bines the best of the prairies, the majesty of the Canadian Rock-ies, and the beauty of Montana’s Glacier National Park, giving you a superb overview of these U.S. and Canadian wonderlands. Highlights include a drive aboard the famous Jammer cars built in the 1930s over the breathtaking Going to the Sun Road, Banff where you will stay in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel known as the Castle in the Mountains, the Icefields Parkway and Colum-bia Icefield, and Calgary Alberta. Fees include round trip air from Roanoke Regional Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel transfers, six Breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners, and is fully es-corted by Collette Tours. Not included is the Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $165 per person. Save $150 if you book by De-cember 15, 2012. For a brochure with full details and to register, call 777-6351 or 6352. Deposit of $250 per person is required at registration with balance due on April 16, 2013.

Ages Date Days Depart From Single Double Triple Course #

18+ Jun 15-21 Sa-Sa Brambleton $3949 $3149 $3119 22004

discover ScotlandAn overnight flight transports you to a country of stunning land-scapes, lively cites, stirring history plus distinct myths and stories. You will experience the Orkney Islands during a full-day guided excursion, see the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster from the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, learn the art of producing Scotch whisky during a distillery tour and tasting, and witness the remarkable skills of working Scottish sheep dogs. Fee includes round trip air from Roanoke Regional Airport, air taxes and fee/surcharges, hotel transfers, lodgings, eight breakfasts, six dinners and is completely escorted by Collette Tours. Not included is cancellation waiver and insur-ance of $220 per person. A deposit of $250 per person is due at registration with the balance due July 4, 2013. A discount of $250 per person is good until March 2, 2013. For a detailed brochure and to register call 777-6351 or 6352.

Ages Date Days Depart From Course # Single Double Triple

18+ Sep 2-9 M-M Brambleton 22003 $4249 $3849 $3,819

New!AAdult

See over 550 hot air balloons at the world’s largest ballooning event!

Scotland is the perfect mix of history and natural beauty.

Want to see some real mountains, eh? Travel to Canada with us!

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 51

TRAV

EL

Over 55 Trips 55+Over 55

Wohlfahrt Haus - Country ChristmasThe brand new holiday production, Country Christmas Celebra-tion, is performed in true country fashion and features songs you know and love by artists both old and new. This fun-filled show features a breath-taking Nativity which is sure to put the whole family in the Christmas Spirit. Join us for one of Virginia’s fa-vorite Christmas traditions. Fee includes matinee theatre ticket, lunch, bus transportation and escort.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

55+ Dec 20 Th 9:45am-6:15pm Brambleton 21563 $69

55+ Dec 20 Th 10:15am-5:45pm Green Ridge 21563 $69

Wohlfahrt Haus - Southern nightsThis is Country music at its best! You will be entertained by the singers and dancers of the Wohlfahrt Haus performing many of your favorite Country songs. Just a few of the top charting hits in-clude Hey Good Lookin, Before the Next Teardrop Falls, Rhine-stone Cowboy, Coalminer’s Daughter, Boot, Scoot and Boogie, Delta Dawn, Honky Tonk Angels and many more. Sit back and relax to some of the most beloved music of all time. Fee includes theatre ticket, lunch, bus transportation and escort.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

55+ Mar 28 Th 9:45am-6:15pm Brambleton 21691 $69

55+ Mar 28 Th 10:15am-5:45pm Green Ridge 21691 $69

Highland Maple FestivalBe a part of the Highland County tradition of opening the trees and boiling down the sugar water. This annual festival celebrat-ing its 55th year, draws visitors from around the world to this unspoiled, rural region of Virginia. You will experience a unique and educational view of syrup making. No visit to Highland County would be complete without the sampling of plain or buck-wheat pancakes smothered in butter and delicious maple syrup. Fee includes pancake breakfast, tour of sugar camps, festival, bus transportation and escort.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

55+ Mar 16 Sa 7:00am-6:45pm Brambleton 21692 $45

55+ Mar 16 Sa 7:30am-6:15pm Green Ridge 21692 $45

graves Mountain LodgeGraves’ Mountain Lodge in Syria, VA has been handing out down home hospitality for the last 135 years. Known for their famous home cooked food, your lunch will be served family style. You’ll have time to shop at the gift shop and purchase some of the won-derful Graves Mountain Brand preserves and jellies. Also, a visit to Yoders Country Market which sells a variety of jams, spices, nuts, candies and delicious homemade baked goods, which are made from scratch in Mennonite homes and sold at the market. You’ll also get a tour of Hebron Lutheran Church, the oldest Lu-theran church in continuous use in the United States and is only one of a handful of wooden Virginia churches that pre-date the Revolutionary War. Fee includes breakfast biscuit, family style lunch, all tour stops, bus transportation, and escort.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

55+ Apr 24 W 7:00am-6:30pm Brambleton 21708 $67

55+ Apr 24 W 7:30am-6:00pm Green Ridge 21708 $67

Family Trips Snowtubing at WinterplaceCounty schools are out! We have planned a snowtubing trip to Winterplace Ski Resort. Bring a change of clothes and extra spending money for snacks. Lunch at Ryan’s Buffet, transporta-tion, staff, four hour snowtubing ticket all included in fee. Must be minimum height of 44” for the snowtubing slopes. Registra-tion Deadline: Jan 8.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

6+ Jan 11 F 6:30am-5:00pm Green Ridge 22010 $80

6+ Jan 11 F 6:00am-5:00pm Brambleton 22010 $80

Washington, dC - SmithsonianView the wooly mammoth in the Natural History museum or take in the Apollo capsule at the Air and Space Museum. Choose the Smithsonian, or two or three of interest that you would like to see! No thoughts about where to park-transportation via Abbott bus. Drop off and pick up will be in front of the Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum-walking to other sites is independent and tours are self-guided. Price includes transpor-tation. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Lunch and dinner is not included. Registration Deadline: Feb 28.

Ages Date Days Time Depart From Course # Fee

All Mar 15 F 6:30am-9:30pm Brambleton 22013 $59

All Mar 15 F 7:00am-9:00pm Green Ridge 22013 $59

New!

FamilyF

New!

New!

The Highland Festival was designated a “Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress in 1999.

In a good harvest year, Graves Mountain collects 100,000 bushels of apples and 12,000 bushels of peaches.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY52

1

2

Arnold R. Burton Complex1760 Roanoke Blvd. • Salem, VA 24153Adult Softball Fields

Bent Mountain Park10148 Tinsley Ln. • Bent Mtn., VA 24059Playground, Baseball Field, Softball Field, Tennis Court, Basketball Court, Trails

Bonsack ParkCrumpacker Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24019Shelter, Baseball Field, Soccer Field, Horseshoes, Playground, Grill, Portable Toilets

Brookside Park20 Verndale Dr. • Roanoke, VA 24019Shelter, Playground, Basketball Court, Portable Toilets, Baseball, Softball and Soccer Fields

Clearbrook Park5335 Clearbrook Park Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Grills, Playground, Basketball Court, Tennis Court, Portable Toilets, seasonal Softball and Soccer Fields

C. Darrell Shell Park6328 Merriman Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Grills, Bathrooms, Tennis Court, Volleyball, Basketball Court, Water Fountain, Playground, Trails, Softball and Football Fields

Garst Mill Park2699 Willowlawn St. • Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Grills, Playground, Bathrooms, Electricity, Water Fountain, Basketball Court, Tennis Court, Walking Trails, Softball Field, Baseball Field, Soccer Field

Gearhart Park100 Highland Rd. • Vinton, VA 24179Playground, Ballfield

Goode Park1594 Goode Park Rd. • Vinton, VA 24179Trails, seasonal Softball and Soccer Fields

Green Hill Park2500 Green Hill Park Rd. • Salem, VA 24153Shelters, Playground, Bathrooms, Hiking Trails, Event Field, Softball, Baseball, Soccer and Football Fields, Equestrian Center

Happy Hollow Gardens6697 Mt. Chestnut Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Hiking Trails, Amphitheater, Grill

Hollins Park5688 Hollins Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24019Playground, Soccer Field, Walking Path

Ingersoll Rand FieldOld Mountain Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24019Baseball Field, Softball Field, Soccer Field

M.A. Banks Park131 Craig Ave. • Vinton, VA 24179Playground, Basketball, Horseshoes, Grill, Portable Toilets, Water Fountain

Appalachian TrailAccess & Parking off Route 311 in Catawba Hiking Trail and Camping Areas

Blue Ridge ParkwayAccess from Route 220 Scenic Drive and Hiking Trails Garst Mill Park GreenwayAccess & Parking at Garst Mill Park Paved Walking Path

Roanoke River GreenwayAccess & Parking at Green Hill Park Paved Walking Path

Hanging Rock Battlefield TrailAccess & Parking along Kessler Mill Rd. Crushed Cinder Walking Path

Wolf Creek GreenwayAccess & Parking at Goode & Stonebridge Parks Crushed Cinder Walking Path

Tinker Creek Greenway/ Hollins TrailheadAccess & Parking just north of I-81, exit 146 Hiking trail and access to Carvin’s Cove

Attractions

1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Shelter Rentals

RenTABLe

PiCniC

SHeLTeRS

PiCn

iC S

HeL

TeRS

gRi

LLS

PLAY

gRO

un

d

BATH

ROO

MS

PORT

O-J

OH

nS

eLeC

TRiC

iTY

WAT

eR F

Ou

nTA

in

FiRe

PLAC

e

BALL

FieL

dS

Ten

niS

VOLL

eYBA

LL

BASK

eTBA

LL

HO

RSeS

HO

e Pi

TS

LAW

n A

ReA

S

TRA

iLS

AM

PHiT

HeA

TeR

diS

C g

OLF

Catawba Center 1 1 • • • Bonsack 1 2 • • • •

Brookside 1 1 • • • • • Clearbrook 1 2 • • • • • • Garst Mill 1 3 • • • • • • • • • • Green Hill 2 4 • • • • • •

Happy Hollow 1 1 • • • Mt Pleasant 1 3 • • • • • • • Oak Grove 1 3 • • • • • •

Starkey 1 2 • • • • Stonebridge 1 2 • • • • • • • •

Vinyard 1 2 • • • • • • Walrond 1 2 • • • • • • • • • • •

Whispering Pines 1 4 • • • • • • •Camp Roanoke 1 • • • • • • •

People Full Day FacilityUp to 50 $50 Any park

50-150 $80 Any park EXCEPT Oak Grove

Happy Hollow & Bonsack

150-500 $150 Green Hill, Vinyard & Walrond Parks

501 to 1000 $350 Green Hill Park ONLY

Over 1000 Call Green Hill Park ONLY

Starkey Park5701 Crystal Creek Dr. • Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Water Fountain, Portable Toilet, Baseball Field, Soccer Field

Stonebridge Park420 Swan Dr. • Vinton, VA 24179Shelter, Bathrooms, Playground, Grills, Baseball Field, Tennis Court, Trails, Basketball Court Vinyard Park150 Vinyard Park Dr. • Vinton, VA 24179Shelter, Playground, Grills, Portable Toilets, Electric-ity, Water Fountain, Baseball Field, Soccer Field, Football Field

Walrond Park6842 Walrond Dr. • Roanoke, VA 24019Shelter, Grills, Playground, Bathrooms, Tennis, Base-ball, Soccer, and Football Fields, Disc Golf Course

Wayside Park5880 West Main Sr. • Salem, VA 24153Small Boat Launch for Roanoke River

Whispering Pines ParkAbsalom Smith Rd. • Salem, VA 24153Shelter, Bathrooms, Grills, Tennis Court, Playground, Basketball Court, Softball, Baseball and Soccer Fields

19

21

20

22

23

24

25

26

27

Mayflower Hills Park3319 Rutrough Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24014Shelter, Playground, Grill, Ballfield

Merriman Soccer Complex6657 Merriman Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Ballfield

Mount Pleasant Park3071 Pitzer Rd. • Roanoke, VA 24014Shelter, Playground, Basketball Court, Baseball Field, Softball Field, Seasonal Soccer, Football Field

Northside ComplexFacility at Northside High SchoolSoftball Field Oak Grove Park5005 Grandin Rd. Ext.• Roanoke, VA 24018Shelter, Bathrooms, Grills, Playground, Baseball Field, Tennis Court, Water Fountain, Hiking Trails

Read Mountain Park6101 Crumpacker Dr. • Roanoke, VA 24019Hiking Trails Sadler Park8166 Emerald Ln. • Roanoke, VA 24019Playground, Basketball Court, Field, Portable Toilet

Parks & Athletic Complexes

We have 15 parks with picnic shelters that may be reserved between April 1 and October 31 each year, with reservations beginning February 1 for the upcoming calendar year. Shelters are open to the public unless they have been reserved by another group. Make advance reservations to guarantee the use of a particular shelter. Rentals are now FULL DAY ONLY, regardless of the time needed for your rental. ou may also book via phone by calling (540) 387-6078 ext 0, or book online at RoanokeCountyParks.com, by clicking on the Register Online icon, then selecting the Picnic Shelter Rentals tab. No refunds are provided if a reserva-tion is cancelled; however, we will reschedule your reservation to another available time or date during our current season. “Special Use Permits” from the County may be required for certain events, and those requiring special equipment including moon-bounces, dunking booths, and tents. For large events requiring portable toilets or staffing, direct costs will be applied to your rental. Please note that C.Darrell Shell Park is no longer available for reservation.

New this year, book your shelter online! Visit us online at RoanokeCountyParks.com, click on the Register Online icon!Online

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

7

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY 53

Attractions

Facilities, Rentals & Parties Green Ridge Recreation Center and Splash Valley Water Park7415 Wood Haven Rd, Roanoke, 24019 • (540) 777-6300For rental inquiries, email: [email protected] two multipurpose rooms, a party room, and a double gymnasium, Green Ridge has plenty of space for your next community meeting or birthday party. All rooms have FREE Wi-Fi Internet access.

• Indoor Pool Party - Enjoy exclusive use of a party room adjoining the indoor pool for one hour, then spend an hour in the pool. It’s our most popular rental package! Rates start at $150. • Splash Valley Pool Party - . Get 45-minutes exclusive use of the party pad picnic area, a drink and ice cream cup for participants, and UNLIMITED swim time afterwards! Rates start at $190.

• Basic Room Rental - Reserve space in a multipurpose room. Rates start at $50 per hour.

• Sports Banquet - Get time in a banquet room to celebrate with your team. Then give them unlimited play with Green Ridge day passes. Rates start at $150 on weekdays and $175 on weekends.

• Combination Packages - Ask about pre-packaged party options including the gymnasium, activity room, indoor pool, and more! Three-hour packages start at just $300.

• After Hours Rentals - Exclusive use of the indoor pool. Packages may include use of additional areas of the facility as negotiated. Prices start at just $600 for a two-hour indoor pool rental and $950 for a Splash Valley rental.

Brambleton Recreation Center3738 Brambleton Ave SW, Roanoke, 24018 • (540) 772-7529For rental inquiries, email: [email protected] offers meeting facilities of all shapes and sizes, with FREE Wi-Fi internet access in select rooms. Au-diovisual equipment is available on site. Amenities include seven meeting rooms, a large kitchen, a 2,500 square foot community room with stage, and a 2,500 square foot rec-room with a cafe. Rates start at $25 per hour.

Camp Roanoke 6498 Dry Hollow Rd, Salem, 24153 • (540) 387-6114For rental inquiries, email: [email protected] Roanoke’s overnight and meeting facilities are available for group rentals, business retreats and more! This location features presentation-ready meeting rooms, cabins for overnight retreats, on-site catering and a variety of outdoor recreation options. Ask about our Challenge Course programs, Climbing Tower, canoe trips or custom programs for groups and businesses.

Catawba Center4965 Catawba Creek Rd, Catawba, 24070 • (540) 387-6078For rental inquiries, email: [email protected] Catawba Center features a kitchen area, space for dining or meetings, along with tables and chairs, play-ground, outdoor basketball court and baseball field. Picnic shelter available with building or separately.

Craig Avenue Recreation Center900 Chestnut Rd, Vinton, 24179 • (540) 857-5035For rental inquiries, email: [email protected] a weight room, lounge, auditorium, kitchen, and gameroom, each available as separate rentals or in combination. FREE Wi-Fi internet access is available for rentals.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors CenterBlue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 115 • (540) 427-1800For rental inquiries, email: [email protected] a large indoor theater with small stage and full audiovisual setup. Seating available for up to 118 people.

Administrative Office1206 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, 24153 • (540) 387-6078This facility is not available for rent. Contact for general park questions.

Register online www.RoanokeCountyParks.com • Register by phone 540.772.PLAY54

Twenty-eight years is a long time to hold ANY type of event! Amazingly, the Valentine’s Dinner Dance for individuals with

disabilities has be come more popular than ever, boasting over 300 participants each year. Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism is thankful for the generous support of several local institutions that make the event possible.

For the past six years, the Hotel Roanoke has provided space free of charge for this exciting event. Hotel Roanoke’s senior cater-ing manager Peggy Wright says it’s an honor to be part of such a grand evening. “There is so much excitement in the air as the guests arrive. To see eyes light up as they come into the beauti-fully decorated room is delightful. It’s so much fun to see them dancing and having a good time.”

The Roanoke Jr. Women’s Club has been volunteering at The Dance since 2008, starting with funds for scholarships. For the past four years this organization has volunteered to take photos of the each participant and printed them on site. Each partici-pant is able to leave with a photo of the evening. The Dance just would not be The Dance without the Roanoke Jr. Women’s Club supporting this event.

Finally, what would an event be without music! The band Insuf-ficient Funds will be celebrating their 10th year of providing in-kind musical services for the dance. Our participants really enjoy the live music, and the songs they can all sing along to.

If your organization would like to be involved, TRS is accepting donation for door prizes and scholarships so that all adults with disabilities who are interested in attending are able to attend re-gardless of their financial restraints.

Monday night Social ClubThis new program is for adults ages 31+ who are looking to meet new people and create friendships while having fun and foster-ing independence. All activities will be planned by the group and may include things like bowling, eating out, arts & crafts or wellness & fitness activities. The group will meet every other week at the Brambleton Center from 6:30-8:30. Transportation is extremely limited, but we will work with you to help you find transportation and carpooling options.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

31+ Jan 14-May 20 M 6:30pm-8:30pm Brambleton 22107 $32

Snow TubingGrab your hats, gloves, and jacket as we head to Liberty Moun-tain in Lynchburg for an afternoon of snow tubing! Liberty Mountain offers multiple snow tube slopes year round, so we are guaranteed to have a blast! After two hours of tubing we will wrap up our adventure with a fast food dinner. Participants need to bring their own money for dinner. Participants must be capable of walking on uneven and slippery terrain with minimal assis-tance. Participants will be expected to provide their own winter attire, such as snow bibs, gloves, and jackets, if you have any questions on what to wear please contact TRS. Transportation will be provided from pick up points only.

Ages Date Day Time Depart From Course # Fee

18+ Jan 26 Sa 3:00pm-6:30pm Brambleton 22093 $18

ZumbaJoin TRS as we try the latest and most popular dance-aerobic class, Zumba! Learn the basic dance moves, then combine them with fun and upbeat Latin music to get your body movin’. Get lost in the music and dancing while making exercise fun! Partici-pants of all abilities are encouraged to try Zumba.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Jan 28-Feb 25 M 10:00am-11:00am Green Ridge 22090 $40

Therapeutic RecreationWe’re proud to be the Roanoke Valley’s regional service provider of recreation for individuals with disabilities. In partnership with the City of Roanoke and City of Salem, we provide top quality programs and services to people with a variety of disabilities. The programs shown here are a small sampling of our many offerings. Visit www.RoanokeCountyVA.gov/trs for more, or call 772-7529 ext. 2.

The City of Roanoke and City of Salem are valued partners in providing Therapeutic

Recreation Services to individuals with disabilities in the valley.

The Valentine’s Dinner Dance is our most popular event of the year!

Valentine’s dinner danceAttend the 28th Annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance at the elegant Hotel Roanoke ballroom. Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Monday February 11th. Come and enjoy delectable food, rocking music, delirious dancing, and an evening of fun and surprises. The sit down dinner begins at 6 PM sharp, followed by the crowning of the King and Queen of Hearts. Then dance to the good ‘ole rock and roll music of Insufficient Funds.

Ages Date Day Time Place Course # Fee

18+ Feb 11 M 5:30pm-9:00pm Hotel Roanoke 21790 $26

NAME ________________________________________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH ____________________________

ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CITY ________________________________________________________ STATE _______________ ZIP___________________________

HOME PHONE ______________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________

RESIDENT OF ROANOKE COUNTY? ______YES ______NO SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS? ? ______YES ______NO

TOTAL REGISTRATION FEES:

AUTHORIZED

SIGNATURE :_______________________________________________________

CheCk one: _____PARenT _____GUARDIAn ______PARTICIPAnT

___ VISA ___MASTERCARD ___DISCOVER ___ CASH

___ CHECK (CHECK #_________) ___MONEY ORDER

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE:________________________________________GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: ________________________________

HOME PHONE: __________________ BUS. PHONE: _________________ DATE: ___________________

Assumption of Risk And Indemnification AgreementI, the undersigned, do hereby agree to participate in or allow the individual named herein to participate in the aforemen-tioned activity. I assume all risks and liability that may arise from my or my child’s involvement and participation in this activity. I understand that this program carries the possibility of physical injury and may involve physical activity that may be strenuous and there are risks inherent in this recreational activity. With regard to the activity to which this form ap-plies, nothing shall be construed to grant an expressed or implied warranty of safety. I further understand that Roanoke County and its officers, agents and volunteers are not liable for any injury that may result from the negligence of persons conducting this program. Roanoke County recommends that participants secure adequate medical insurance to cover any injury that may arise from participation in Roanoke County’s recreation programs. In accordance with section 8.01-40 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby give permission to be photographed during this activity, and I give the department permission to use or distribute such photographs and identification.

Must Check Yes or No: _____ Yes _____No IF PARTICIPANT IS UNDER AGE 18, PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST ALSO SIGN

METHOD OF PAYMENTMUST BE RECEIVED WITH REGISTRATION

CHARGE CARD AUTHORIZATIONTOTAL AMOUNT TO BE CHARGED: $ _________________________________

EXPIRATION DATE: _________________________________________________

CARDHOLDER NAME: ______________________________________________

CARDHOLDER ZIP CODE: ___________________________________________

CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE: _________________________________________

COURSE # DAY/TIME LOCATION

1

23

FEESPARTICIPANT NAME AGE

®

CARD NUMBER:

Parks,Recreation

and Tourism

RoanokeCounty

When — Winter registration begins online Saturday, December 8 for County Residents only; Monday, December 10 walk-in and phone for County Residents only; and Wednesday, December 12 for non-county residents. Registration will be taken between 8 AM-5 PM each work day at all offices and recreation centers. You can also register during evenings and weekends at selected recreation centers, and online at any time.

How — Registration is on a first come, first pay basis. Registration will be taken until a class is full, or a class is cancelled for insufficient enrollment. You may mail-in, walk-in, or phone-in to any Roanoke County Parks facility or register online at www.RoanokeCountyParks.com.

Payment — Payment is required in full at the time of registration to reserve your space, unless otherwise stated. This policy excludes programs for which payment by installment is available. Payment may be made by VISA, Master-card, Discover Card, check, money order or cash. Make checks payable to: Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Confirmations — Please show up for the first class at the appointed time and place unless you are notified by phone. You will only be notified if your registration cannot be accepted in cases where the class is full or has been cancelled.

If Programs Are Full — Sometimes programs may fill. If this happens, we will gladly add your name to the waiting list. Mail-in registrants will automatically be placed on the list. You will be contacted if a space becomes available.

Weather Cancellation Policy — Recreation programs held in Roanoke County Schools will be cancelled when the Roanoke County Schools close due to inclement weather. Cancellation announcements for all other programs and events held at County Parks, the Brambleton Center, Green Ridge, and Craig Center will be available by calling (540) 387-6455 and online. When possible, closures may be listed on local TV and radio stations.

Refunds — In the event Roanoke County cancels the class, you may elect to receive a refund within 3 weeks. Refunds will not be given after the first session of the class or after the deadline date for trips, tours and special events, unless your place can be filled. A credit may be requested in lieu of a refund. Refunds for charged payments will be made by credit to your account. A minimum of $5 is required for a refund.

Registration Periods — Seasonal registration takes place in early De-cember, March, June, and September. County Residents may register first and Non-County residents after two days. Early online registration will be available each session for County Residents.

®

®

Program Registration Policies

Winter 2013

1 ) o n l i n e R e g i s t R a t i o nvisit Us online at www.RoanokeCountyParks.com. Click on the Register Online icon shown to the right. Browse our programs and register online using your VISA, Master-Card or Discover card.

already a Participant? If you have previously registered with us for any program, or if you have rented a Roanoke County picnic shelter, you ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT with us. You can get your USER ID and Family PIN by calling any number listed below, or by using the “Forgot My Password” feature on the sign-in page.

a new Participant? To register online, you will need to have your User ID and Family PIN. Request a new account online by selecting the “My Account Tab” within our online registration portal. Then click on the “Create New Account” button. New accounts are not activated until you complete your first program registration. You may also request an account via telephone by calling any number listed below.

2 ) P h o n e o R W a l k - i n R e g i s t R a t i o nsimply Call one of the numbers below to register for programs, or for more informa-tion about our offerings. Please direct questions about general recreation programs to the Brambleton Center, and questions about Green Ridge admission and membership to Green Ridge Recreation Center.

540.772.7529 Brambleton Center 3738 Brambleton Ave. 24018 540.777.6300 Green Ridge Recreation Center 7415 Wood Haven Rd. 24019 540.387.6078 Roanoke County Parks Offices 1206 Kessler Mill Rd. 24153

2 ) m a i l - i n R e g i s t R a t i o nUse the Form Below to complete your registration, and mail with check, money order or credit card information to any of the facilities listed above.

Registration

Program Registration

Scan the barcode to go directly to our site!

Now on sale, pick up a gift card at any recreation center!

Parks,Recreation

and Tourism

RoanokeCounty

Recreation Family Fun GuideA publication of:Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism1206 Kessler Mill RoadSalem, VA 24153

PRSRT STDUS PoSTAGe

PAIDPeRMIT no. 78RoAnoke, VA

*****eCRWSS*****PoSTAL CUSToMeR

Enter weekly trivia contests for prizes,and see daily program updates.facebook.com/RoanokeCountyParks

• Programs• Facility Admission• Summer Camps• Shelter Rentals• After School• Merchandise• Personal Training Discounts (pg. 38)

Use For:

They’re available in any denomination, and reloadable for your convenience! Pick one up at Brambleton or Green Ridge Recreation Centers.

Gift Cards:

For a Limited Time:Get a free $5 bonus card when you purchase $50 or more in gift cards! Offer ends December 31.