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May 17, 2012
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Around the Valley

by Jennifer Chasse

Win tickets to the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival at Chantilly Farms in Floyd!

Pinterest Users: you can follow us and share your great ideas on our boards here.
New to Pinterest and need an invite? Ask me at jenniferc@macaronikid.com 

I'm so glad we made the whirlwind trip to Florida to see my niece graduate from Stetson. I almost didn’t go due to work, the expense and all the usual excuses, but it was the first time my family has been together in 5 years!  It was beyond great, and that's the Larrabee women all sharing a laugh pictured. We celebrated with a party at Booth's Bowery, and even caught the sunrise at Daytona Beach Sunday before the 3 million hour drive home.  Are we there yet?

The cub scouts had their annual cake auction and we bought a yummy cake made by Tammy, our frequent giveaway winner.  It  tasted  and looks like a Girl Scout Samoa cookie and holy yum!  Speaking of yum, have you tried Jill’s pie of the month?  It's strawberry rhubarb, a real New England favorite this time of year.

Did you enjoy our week of giveaways last week? Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all the local businesses who sponsored last week's prizes in honor of Mother's Day!  Rebekah was lucky enough to win 2 giveaways last week, while another winner was not subscribed so we had to pick again!  Show your love to Body Balance Spa, In Balance Yoga Studio, Jamberry Nail Shields with Melissa Henderson, Katie Thacker Photography, Lacie's in  the Valley Garden Supply, Quest Floor Care, Send Out Cards, Tan-N-Tone, Tech Sports Plex, Thirty One by Karen Carrier, Zeppolis  and keep them in mind when you need their services.  We make a big difference in our local economy by supporting these and other small businesses.  See you around the valley!


Win Tickets to the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival!

Two chances to win!

Chantilly Farm is proud to host the annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival each May. This family-friendly outdoor event is the perfect way to celebrate the coming of summer and showcases the rich musical heritage of Floyd County and the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, Floyd County is a premier stop on the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail and arguably one of the most musically rich places you’ll find anywhere!
You'll find Delicious Food Vendors,  Arts and Craft Vendors, Antique Tractor Show and Antique Cars, Kite Flying, Children's Activities ...


This Week's Calendar:

May 17th through May 23rd

Thursday, May 17 - Story Time at the Christiansburg Library

Storytimes at the Christiansburg Library                                                                            
Tots 12-24 months - Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Toddlers 2-3 years - Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.  
Where: Christiansburg Library, 125 Sheltman Street, Christiansburg VA
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/youthservices.php#news
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Thursday, May 17 - Story Time at Meadowbrook Public Library

Storytimes at the Meadowbrook Public Library, Shawsville
All Ages Storytime - Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meadowbrook Library, 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville, VA
When: 10:30 AM
Who:  All welcome
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/activities.php
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Thursday, May 17 - Book swap

Bring up to 10 books to swap  out.
Where: Christiansburg Recreation Center, 1600 N. Franklin Street in Christiansburg
When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: All  welcome
How: Just show up with your books
Cost: $1
For more info:  382-2349
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Thursday, May 17 - Giles Old Time Jam

Live music for all to enjoy
Where: Old Virginia Smokehouse BBQ Co, 401 N. Main Street in Pearisburg
When: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: 922-2258
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Thursday, May 17 - Hotel Floyd Concert Series

 Music In the Mountains featuring Leela & Ellie Grace
Where: Floyd Country Store, 206 South Locust Street in Floyd
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
For more info: 540-726-3545
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Thursday, May 17 - Meet Author Tom Angeleberger

His newest book is Fake Mustache: Or, How Jodie O'Rodeo and Her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind.  Come disguised in your favorite mustache.   Prizes will be given for most outrageous staches.  Meet the author and have your book autographed.  Books will be available for purchase. See tom's work here: http://origamiyoda.wordpress.com/
Where: Meadowbrook Library, 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville
When: 6:00 PM
Who: All welcome!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!  Books will be for sale.
For more info: http://www.mfrl.org/activities.php
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Friday, May 18 through Saturday, May 19 - Giles Fiddlers Convention

A positive weekend focused of family entertainment with music, canoeing, and primitive camping. The beautiful 30 acre Whitt-Riverbend Park on the New River will be transformed into a community event with bluegrass and old time competitions, activities for kids, and fun on the river for all ages.

Canoe tours, both short jaunts for the inexperienced and long tours for river veterans, will be available from our friends at Tangent Outfitters.
Where:  Whitt- Riverbend Park on the New River.   For directions: http://maps.google.com/
When: 10:00 AM (times vary per day)
Who: All ages welcome.   Musicians! We will be offering $3000 in cash prize money, complete with all the traditional old time and bluegrass categories AND we will also offer one non-traditional band category. Youth competitions and dance contests will also be available at the convention.  
How: Just show up! No dogs.
Cost:  Free admission, other prices vary.
For more info: www.halfacrepromo.com  
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Friday, May 18 - Radford Baseball


Radford Baseball - vs. Liberty
Where: Radford Baseball Stadium
 
When: 6:30 PM
Who: All welcome.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.radford.edu 
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Friday, May 18 through Tuesday, May 24 - At the Lyric Theatre: BULLY –rated PG-13

Directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch.  Bully follows five kids and families over the course of a school year. Stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With an intimate glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals' offices, the film offers insight into the often cruel world of the lives of bullied children.
Where: The Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg
When: 7:00 PM (times vary per day)
Who: Rated PG 13.
How: Just show up
Cost: Ticket prices range between $4 and $6
For more info: http://www.thelyric.com/events/?ID=1160
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Friday, May 18 - Movies on the Lawn at the Alexander Black House

Movies on the Lawn at the Alexander Black House
Friday, May 18 - The Adventures of TinTin
Movies begin at dark. Rain date Saturday. Bring a blanket or chair! Free popcorn!!
Where: Alexander Black House at 204 Draper Road, Blacksburg
When: 8:30 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.sopac.vt.edu/events/summer_arts_festival.html
For more information call 540-558-0746.
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Saturday, May 19 - SEEDS – Blacksburg Nature Center Open Hours

Rain or shine...nature discovery for children right in downtown Blacksburg.  It's a museum and more for children and the young at heart! Come explore the center filled with hands on activities, animals, and more.
Where:  Blacksburg Price House Nature Center. 107 Wharton Street, SE, Blacksburg
When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.seedsguys.org Tuesday: 9AM – 12PM
Thursday: 2PM – 5PM
Friday: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Saturday: 9AM – 1PM
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Saturday, May 19 - Bookmarks: Recycle, Reclaim, Recreate

Stop by all day on Saturday and  make a flower print using  a recycled drink bottle.  
Where: Meadowbrook Library, 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville
When: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All welcome!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!  Books will be for sale.
For more info: http://www.mfrl.org/activities.php
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Saturday, May 19 - Stand-Up for Strays

 Come out and support the Floyd Humane Society.  
Dog Wash, Flea & Tick Dip, Nail Trimming, Dog stroll at 10:15 am, Blue Ridge K9 Sports Club demo at 11 am, drug detection and tracking Flyball demo by New River Rapids Flyball team, Blessing of the Animals by Pastor Rhonda Hobbs at 1:30 pm Cats & Dogs for Adoption, Yard sale & Plant sale, Activities for children - including Face Painting & Eli the Therapy Donkey, Food, Crafts, Music, and more!
Where: Floyd United Methodist Church
417 E. Main St., Floyd
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up.  Pets welcome on leashes.
Cost: Free to attend, some fees for services and to participate in the dog stroll.
For more info: floydhumane@gmail.com
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Saturday, May 19 - COLOR COLLEGE AVENUE

Children will create a beautiful painting on College Avenue before it is repaved. Latex paint will be used. Bring your own paintbrush or roller. Co-sponsored by the Lyric Council, the Blacksburg Regional Arts Association and the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. The event begins at 10:00 a.m.
Where: College Avenue
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up, bring brushes!
Cost: Free
For more info: volcoord@thelyric.com
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Saturday, May 19 - Sixth Annual Celebration of Be Kind to Animal

Come and enjoy a WOOF, WOOF, MEOW, MEOW, afternoon . Star City Greyhounds will be presenting a program on their adoptions of retired racing greyhounds.  We will have some special greyhounds for you to meet.  Program hosted by Animal Hope Alliance, a local animal rescue organization.   This program will focus on rescue animals and their stories.
Where: Meadowbrook Library, 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville
When: 2:00 PM
Who: All welcome!
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!  Books will be for sale.
For more info: http://www.mfrl.org/activities.php
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Saturday, May 19 - Radford Baseball


Radford Baseball - vs. Liberty
Where: Radford Baseball Stadium
 
When: 2:00 PM
Who: All welcome.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.radford.edu 
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Saturday, May 19 - NRV Chili Fest

Each team will cook up their best chili to be judged
Where: West main Street, Radford
When: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: $5
For more info: 639-2202
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Saturday, May 19 - Traditional Dance Workshop

A Traditional Dance Workshop on Saturday, May 19th, from 3:00-5:00pm at the Pearisburg Community Center gym.  Participants, under the tutelage of “Wild Bill” Anderson, will be learning the basic steps of the Virginia Reel and other favorites. Sneakers or gym shoes required. 
Where: Pearisburg Community Center gym
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Call the Historical Society at 921-1050 to register.
Cost: There is a $5.00 fee for the class.
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Sunday, May 20 - Golden Hills Disc Golf Course


Montgomery County Parks & Recreation has an 18-hole Disc Golf Course for you to enjoy.  This is a very unique course that consists of wooded fairways with a variety of elevation gains.  The course is free to play; all we ask is that you take out what you bring in.
Where: 390 Cinnabar Rd, Christiansburg, VA
When: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomerycountyva.gov/content/1146/98/165/1837/2819.aspx
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Sunday, May 20 - Sunday Afternoon Jam

Traditional Bluegrass and Mountain Music Jams. Acoustic musicians of all levels are invited to come and play in an informal “round” style jam. This is an event dedicated to the sharing of the musical tradition and stories of this area– another way to enjoy the music and energy of Floyd.  
Where: Floyd Country Store
206 South Locust St.
Floyd VA 24091
When: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: All music lovers are invited to come and play or listen to an afternoon of impromptu live jams. Please come and join us.
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: info@floydcountrystore.com
Telephone (540) 745-4563
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Monday, May 21 - Blacksburg Story Time

Story Time for children and their caregivers. Tots 12-24 months - Mondays at 9:30 a.m.                                                                         
Lapsit   Babies 0-14months - Mondays at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Blacksburg Library, 200 Miller Street
When: 9:30 AM
Who:  Toddlers and preschoolers
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/youthservices.php
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Monday, May 21 - Very Fun Reading Group

 Book group for children in 3rd through 5th grades and a parent(s).  This month we will be discussing  Monsters of Morley Manor  by  Bruce Coville. Come and enjoy lots of fun activities.
Where: Meadowbrook Library, 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville, VA 24162 (map)
When: 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Children in grades 3-5 and thier caregivers.  
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/activities.php (540) 268-1964  
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Tuesday, May 22 - SEEDS – Blacksburg Nature Center Open Hours

Rain or shine...nature discovery for children right in downtown Blacksburg.  It's a museum and more for children and the young at heart! Come explore the center filled with hands on activities, animals, and more.
Where:  Blacksburg Price House Nature Center. 107 Wharton Street, SE, Blacksburg
When: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All welcome
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.seedsguys.org Tuesday: 9AM – 12PM
Thursday: 2PM – 5PM
Friday: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Saturday: 9AM – 1PM
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Tuesday, May 22 - Blacksburg Story Time

Story Time for children and their caregivers. Toddlers 2-3 years - Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. 
Preschoolers 4-5 years – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Blacksburg Library, 200 Miller Street
When: 11:00 AM
Who:  Toddlers and preschoolers
How: Just show up
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/youthservices.php
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Tuesday, May 22 - Tropical Luau

Tuesday, May 22, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.,  Meadowbrook Public Library
Celebrate springtime and take in a fun evening of games and an opportunity to sample refreshing tropical beverages and snacks.   Join in the fun with a limbo contest and other activities.    Prizes awarded for limbo contest winners.  For all ages!   Co-sponsored by Montgomery County Parks Recreation. 
Where: Meadowbrook Library, 267 Alleghany Spring Road, Shawsville, VA 24162 (map)
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: All welcome  
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/activities.php (540) 268-1964  
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Tuesday, May 22 - Family Night At Paint N' Fun

 Bring the whole family to Paint N’ Fun to enjoy the fun of painting together. Receive 10% off your purchase  from 6pm—8pm. Snacks & Beverages are Welcome.
Where: Paint N' Fun in the NRV Mall, 782 New River Road Christiansburg
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All welcome!
How: Just show up. Snacks & beverages are welcome.
Cost: Save 10% off your purchase from 6 to 8 pm
For more info: call 540-381-1770 or visit www.paint-n-fun.com
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Wednesday, May 23 - Story Time at the Floyd Library

All Ages Storytime - Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m                                                          
Where: Jessie Peterman Library, 321 West Main Street, Floyd.
When: 10:30 AM
Who: All ages welcome
  
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.mfrl.org/activities.php
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Wednesday, May 23 - Open Gym at Romp N Roll

Open Gym at Romp n' Roll is the ultimate indoor playground for children.  These unstructured, parent-supervised indoor play sessions are great for letting kids blow off steam while they have fun on our play equipment. Other times are available; check the website.
Where: Romp N Roll 1101 North Main Street, Blacksburg
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Children 6 and under
How: Just show up
Cost: $7 or $5 per child for 2 or more kids.
For more info: http://rompnroll.com/index.php?f=blacksburg
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Plan Ahead:

May 26th through May 29th

Saturday, May 26 - 2nd Annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival

Award Winning BBQ Vendors, Antique Cars, Antique Tractors, Hayrides, Children's Area, Arts & Crafts Vendors, Facepainting, Kite Flying, and of course some of the best Bluegrass and Mountain music that you'll hear anywhere!
Where: Chantilly Farms
When: 1:00 PM
Who: All Welcome
How: Tickets  are available online at http://chantillyfestivalfarm.blogspot.com/p/tickets.html Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Floyd Professional Center in the Village Green.
Cost: See website for prices.
For more info: http://chantillyfestivalfarm.blogspot.com/p/tickets.html
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Tuesday, May 29 - Mother Daughter Book Club

Tuesday, May 29,  7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mothers and daughters enjoy an evening out together!  Discuss the book “Breaking Stalin’s Nose,” eat a snack, and create a craft to celebrate the book of topic.  Eugene Yelchin’s Breaking Stalin’s Nose is a Newbery Honor Book about a ten-year-old boy and his perspective on the Soviet government.
Where: Blacksburg Library, 200 Miller Street,
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who:  Girls ages 8-12 and mothers or other adults
How:  Just show up. Contact Elizabeth at 552-8246 extension 109 or at esensabaugh@mfrl.org to reserve your copy of the book today.
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://www.montgomery-floyd.lib.va.us/activities.php
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Food Allergy Awareness Week

By Tami Pyles

Do you read every label, on every package of food, every week, at the grocery store? Have you ever feared for your child’s life as you took them to a friend’s birthday party or school celebration? Do you bake most things from scratch so you can control the ingredients? Chances are no, unless you have a child or family member with a life-threatening food allergy.

It is estimated that 15 million Americans have food allergies and there has been a dramatic increase in the last few years by ...


Summer Public Health Conference at Virginia Tech

For Rising High School Juniors and Seniors


This summer the Commonwealth Public Health Training Center is sponsoring Let’s Talk Public Health at Virginia Tech, a conference focused on introducing Virginia's rising high school Juniors and Seniors to public health issues while increasing their awareness of and interest in public health careers.
 
August 2-4, 2012, fifty students will have the opportunity to learn from public health professionals from a wide array of disciplines and backgrounds. Through investigation of current health topics, conference participants will learn about core areas in public health: epidemiology/biostatistics, infectious disease, environmental ...


Make Your Own Bubble Solution

Its fast, easy and inexpensive

Oh yes, it is that time of the year. The kids are dying to get outside and play. The sun is shining and what is more fun than bubbles? Oh how kids love blowing bubbles.

But those bubbles get expensive when the bubble solution goes so fast. And my kids definitely go through it fast! My solution is to make my own bubble mixture for the kids.

Long Lasting Bubble Solution
Ingredients:

  • 1oz Dishwashing Detergent (Joy, Dawn or Palmolive work best)
  • 1oz Glycerin
  • 1 Cup of Water

Mix ingredients together ...

The Pirates! Band of Misfits!

Reviewed by Eric Cohen

The latest unique offering from Aardman, the makers of Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run & Arthur Christmas, arrives on Friday with a fresh dose of dry British Humor, sarcastic wit and a blend of subtle farce and slapstick buffoonery.

The claymation characters are instantly recognizable and enjoyable to watch with their carved hair, gaping mouths, crooked teeth and improvised body parts. The film is a charming distraction with many giggles and a few guffaws. There are plenty of jokes that adults will get, and that will soar over the heads of tweens ...

Dawn Junior Wildlife Champions

Join the movement! Macaroni Kid is helping Dawn educate more than 2 million kids this spring about the issues affecting wildlife, from oil spills to backyard ecosystems. Check out the FREE, downloadable lesson plans and experiments for teachers and parents. The fun doesn't end in the classroom – you'll also find FREE "Wildlife Weekend" family activities that you can do in your own backyard.

To continue Dawn's 30+ year commitment to preserving wildlife, Dawn worked with their partners at The Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue to ...

Macaroni Kid Camp Guide

We took the work out for you!

In  the 2012 Macaroni Kid Camp Guide you'll find a variety of programs to appeal to many different interests.  Our camping partners welcome your questions about their programs so feel free to call for more information,  and please let them know you saw them here.  The Guide  is updated regularly so check back often.  

Summer Camp Guide

If you are not a subscriber, please take a moment to subscribe.  Subscribers help us get discounts and giveaways for you, and tell our sponsors you're reading.


KIDS EAT FREE!

Family Bargains In & Around the Valley

Thanks everyone for sending in all these restaurants offering family specials. Keep ‘em coming!

Blacksburg

BUFFALO WILD WINGS
211 Prices Fork Road
540-552-9464
Mondays all day kids under 12 eat free from the kid’s menu 

FIREHOUSE SUBS
University Plaza
Tuesday all day free kids sandwich with medium combo purchase.  Child must be present.

JOE'S DINER
212 N. Main Street
540-961-4194
Tuesday night - one free kid's meal with adult purchase

MACADO'S
922 University City Blvd
540.953.2700
Tuesday nights - one free kid's meal with adult ...


Winners!

Who has won what?

The massage from Body Balance Spa goes to Jayme of Christiansburg

Kristen won 2 sets  of  Jamberry Nail Shields by Melissa.

Rebekah won a $50 certificate to Quest Floor Care, and a spray tan from Tan N Tone

Kacie also won Quest Floor Care services

Cynthia wins a  porttrait by Katie Thacker Photography

Whitney won a gift certificate to Zepollis

Shannon won $25 worth of Send Out Cards with Gilda

Shana won Thirty One goodies by Karen Carrier

Tech Sport Plex family membership goes to Linda

In Balance Yoga free ...


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