August 11 is National Sons and Daughters day! Share your family pictures with us for a chance to be featured
Thursday is National Sons and Daughters Day, and we’d love to see your beautiful family photos. Whether it’s an iPhone candid or a staged family shot, this is your chance to show off your fam.
15 simple ways new dads can help new moms
Whether your family just welcomed a baby, or your partner is about to give birth, it's safe to say that it's a really exciting time for everyone involved. Infants are snuggly and sweet, they have that classic new-baby scent and bringing home your first child is definitely a little surreal, in a good way!
5 fun, tried-and-true things you should absolutely do with your kids this holiday season
As an adult, by my late 20s, I started to feel a little bit “meh” about Christmas. Sure, it was a nice time of year, and I enjoyed seeing my family when I could, but I didn’t really understand the appeal of decorating, baking or most holiday-themed events. All of that changed, however, once I got into my 30s and had kids.
Live like Darian: What if teen’s simple acts of kindness could change the world?
Darian Locklear will be remembered as many things: bright, warm, kind, athletic and beautiful. But she was shy, too. Or as her mother phrased it with a laugh, “just a little socially awkward.” Even as a teenager, Darian was uncomfortable doing things like ordering at a restaurant.
Roanoke City Public Libraries recommends kid’s books to ease tough conversations
Roanoke City Public Libraries believes the magic is helping kids get through tough times. From politics and racial injustice to this pandemic and how much life has changed, there’s a lot of things kids are exposed to. Here is Roanoke City Public Libraries’ recommendation for children’s books for addressing topics like personal obstacles, death, stress, anxiety, friendships and more. For parents looking for a little more support, here are parenting books to help children and teens through stress and anxiety. Roanoke City Public Libraries are not open but are offering curbside services.
Lynchburg community celebrates Kwanzaa virtually
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Kwanzaa is going on right now. During the seven days of Kwanzaa, families and communities host activities surrounding seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The Legacy Museum of African American History in Lynchburg recorded a socially distanced Kwanzaa celebration for people to watch online during Kwanzaa. The pandemic does limit families coming together but it doesn’t stop wisdom being passed down to new generations, a main purpose behind Kwanzaa. I’m sure she has stories I haven’t heard yet, but that’s the impetus of Kwanzaa,” said White.
Love these Christmas lights? Nominate someone in need to win the same holiday light makeover!
Now, after all the positive attention the Bonsack Chick-Fil-A has gotten, Christmas Décor Roanoke, the local businesses that hung the lights wants to keep those smiles coming. Christmas Décor Roanoke is known for their over the top holiday displays. Offering a contest for a free home holiday makeover, Christmas Décor Roanoke is asking the public to nominate deserving people who may be struggling and could some extra love and light. Christmas Décor Roanoke will decorate the homes of the winners for free, and even take the lights down. They hope to do several of these free holiday makeovers and have yet to cap the number of winners.
Danville Science Center reopens with $9 million worth of renovations
DANVILLE, Va. – Danville Science Center is reopening Saturday, Nov. 14 after a multi-million dollar renovation. The science center has been around for 25 years, and Executive Director Adam Goebel said it was time for a change and a reimagination of the place. From design to installation it was a 15-month long process, and it’s only Phase Two to Danville Science Center’s reimagination plan. “Individuals can walk through a rain maze without getting wet, they can visualize water consumption on a 2,400 bottle water wall," said Goebel. Danville Science Center is operating at limited capacity and taking reservations to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Antique cars rev up their engines to celebrate Christiansburg woman’s 101st birthday
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – Genny Link donned a septor and crown as the Grand Marshall of an antique car show outside of the Commonwealth Senior Living Center in Christiansburg. Her family organized the parade of honking cars as a tribute to her cross country adventures as she has visited 49 states. With a smile on her face and a big wave, Link said the secret to her long life is to get up with caution. “It’s wonderful,” Link said. “And I just want to tell everybody to stay well and be careful when you are on your feet.”Link said she looks forward to hearing the Happy Birthday song once again, next year.
One family displaced by fire at Danville apartment complex
DANVILLE, Va. – One family is displaced after a fire at a Danville apartment complex Wednesday night, according to the Danville Fire Department. Authorities say firefighters responded to the fire on North Hills Court just after 11 p.m. When crews arrived, they found a fire in the kitchen of a ground floor unit. First responders got everyone out, rescued a family cat and then quickly put out the fire, which they say was caused by unattended cooking. Authorities say one family was displaced by the fire.
Oreo is giving away 10,000 packs of rainbow cookies. Here’s how to get yours
We’re PROUD to announce the first-ever Rainbow OREO Cookies made in honor of our partnership with @PFLAG 🏳️🌈 Join our #ProudParent campaign and you could snag a pack of Rainbow OREO Cookies! pic.twitter.com/Sg5U6Q7sTb — OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 9, 2020These rainbow Oreo cookies could be yours, here’s how the company said you can get the cookies:“Join OUR #ProudParent campaign and share a photo of what allyship means to you. Don’t forget to follow @OREO too.”Here’s how:1️⃣ Join OUR #ProudParent campaign and share a photo of what allyship means to you. Don’t forget to follow @OREO too. — OREO Cookie (@Oreo) October 9, 2020According to the company, 10,000 “rewards” will be made available to participants throughout the contest, which ends Oct. 31 or when all of the rewards are claimed.
Flames defense looking to rise to the occasion against North Alabama
While the Flames defense has dialed up 6 sacks and eleven tackles for loss this season, there have been some dropped calls, that is, explosive plays and missed tackles. We’ve played good defense at times and we can see we’ve got a chance to be really good,” said Liberty defensive coordinator Scott Symons. “A bit of a challenge since they haven’t played and they have a few transfers. “They’re not overly fast but good football players. Just solid football players,” said Flames linebacker Anthony Butler.
Family of Roanoke Valley man killed in shooting gather for candlelight vigil
ROANOKE, VA. – Family of Roanoke Valley man killed in shooting gathered for a candlelight vigilThe family of a Roanoke Valley man killed in gun violence this week gathered for a candlelight vigil in his honor Friday night. They printed two large photos of 29-year-old Carlos Jones with candles and ballon bundles around it at Staunton Park in Roanoke. Family and friends shared memories and a local bishop passed along his message of peace and faith. "Love everyone while they’re here on earth because you never know when it’s your last day.”Jones was shot and killed Wednesday at a Vinton apartment building. Police are investigating it as a homicide, and while they said they have a person of interest, they’ve shared no other details.
How the Bedford Police Department says you could be oversharing through bumper stickers
BEDFORD, VA. – A local police department is taking time to remind people while identity thieves may be staying indoors, they haven't given up trying to scam you. The Bedford Police Department is warning people across the area that cute bumper stickers could be just like leaving your keys on the doorstep. Bedford Chief Todd Foreman is in the classroom re-certifying as a crime prevention specialist. The department shared an infographic on social media pointing out the fact that your information is the currency of thieves. Just having bumper stickers on your car doesn’t guarantee you’ll fall victim.
Are your kids doing school virtually? We want to see what your home classroom looks like
Whether your children have already begun their school year or you’re still preparing, due to delays, there are many who are choosing to keep their kids home to learn as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. Parents are doing their best to adapt, and we applaud every parent for the decision they’re making -- regardless of what that is. But for those who are keeping kids home for virtual learning, we want to see exactly how you’re adapting. What does the “classroom” you’ve created look like? We’d love to see what kinds of ideas parents have come up with, and we have a feeling other parents might appreciate some good ideas, too.
“End of Summer Splash” benefit raises money for Tudor House
ROANOKE, Va – The family of a well-known swim coach in Roanoke is using his favorite pass time to raise money in his honor. Sunday the first annual End of Summer Splash was held at Hunting Hills Country Club to honor the life of Louis Tudor. Tudor died by suicide earlier this summer. The Tudor House was created to honor his life was raising money to help people who suffer from mental illness. The money raised will help get the non-profit up and running and also fund a scholarship in Tudor’s honor.
What’s that delicious juice concoction Walt Disney World serves?
Stitch juice, jungle juice, POG juice -- the names go on and on. Rumor has it, there is a popcorn stand in Animal Kingdom called Mahindi that even serves up a Jungle Juice Slushy. Combine 21 ounces passion fruit juice, 21 ounces guava juice and 14 ounces orange juice (pulp-free). If following a recipe isn’t your forte, Welch’s Guava Pineapple juice is the closest thing to POG juice in a carton. Whether you make it, buy it, or order it, be sure to have yourself a glass of POG juice the next time you sit down for breakfast.
4-year-old’s lemonade stand raises thousands of dollars for Beirut blast victims
The Badaoui family, who lives in Dearborn, Michigan, ended up hosting that lemonade stand -- but it wasn’t so little. Mustapha Badaoui was putting it into terms his 4-year-old daughter Fatima, who goes by the nickname Fufu, could understand. “We were saying people were hurt, they lost their stuff, and (Fatima) says, ‘Why don’t we help the people in Lebanon?’” Mustapha Badaoui recalled. In addition to Fufu, the Badaoui family has two other children, ages 2 and 1. “I haven’t told her that she won’t make this much in the future just yet,” Mustapha Badaoui responded with a laugh.
What could Disney crowds look like when the park reopens? We take a guess at the numbers
ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is set to once again open its gates to the Magic Kingdom following a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. But with most families staying inside and not traveling, how crowded will the theme parks really be when they reopen? Park Capacity Capacity at 25% Magic Kingdom 57,000 people 14,250 people Epcot 34,093 people 8,523 people Hollywood Studios 30,843 people 7,710 people Animal Kingdom 37,671 people 9,417 peopleA park at 25% capacity would mean very minimal wait times. As we can all imagine, visiting a Disney theme park when it reopens will be a new experience for all -- no matter how many times you’ve visited. The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom parks will open first July 11, with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening July 15.
‘Something just doesn’t add up’: Roanoke man’s death ruled suicide, but family has suspicions
WATCH LIVE: Family of Israel Jackson asks Roanoke leaders to reopen investigationWhile the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke ruled Israel Jackson’s death a suicide, his family has their suspicions and feels like they’re not getting the full story. His family filed a police report within the first week of the month, according to the Roanoke City Police Department. As the death was ruled a suicide, many media outlets chose not to report on the case. Feeling like he was coming into purpose because he knew which direction he wanted to go with his life,” said Melody Jackson. “He was a beautiful person and I just want to give that to the world,” said Melody Jackson.