Things to Do - June 2012

Here are some of the inexpensive, family-friendly happenings around the area for June 2012.

Carmike Summer Kid Series
Thursdays June 21 to Aug 23
10am
Carmike 10 (Tanglewood)
$2 each (includes admission, popcorn, & drink)
Different kids movie every week, see website for movie lineup
http://www.carmike.com/Promotions/120

Regal Summer Movie Express
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, June 12 to Aug 8
10am
Valley View Grande
$1 each
Different kids movies each Tues & Wed, see website for movie lineup.
http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx

Also, if you're into bowling, AMF has Free Bowling for Kids all summer - register and get a weekly voucher for two free games per child (doesn't include shoe rental). Free bowling available at participating AMF Bowling Lanes until 8 p.m., 7 days a week, May 14 – Sept. 3, 2012. They also have AMF Summer Passes available for ANYONE. Each AMF Summer Pass is $29.95 and allows you and three other family members ages 16 and up to bowl two games per day all summer long!
https://freebowling.amf.com/ OR https://summerpass.amf.com/

City Market Saturdays
Saturdays May through September
11:00am - 2:30pm
City Market - Downtown Roanoke
FREE
Come enjoy something different every Saturday, including live entertainment, cooking demonstrations from Downtown chefs, “How-to" Workshops, street performers, family days, and much more.
http://www.downtownroanoke.org/city-market/haley-toyota-city-market-saturdays

Party in the Park
Thursdays June through September
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Elmwood Park
$6 adults, children 12 and under are free
Enjoy good dance music in Elmwood Park on Thursday nights! This is also a fundraising event for local charities. Food and drink available for purchase, no coolers allowed. Bring a blanket and a lawn chair! See website for list of weekly music.
www.pitp.org

Craft Time
Wednesdays
10:00am - 11:00am
Salem Public Library
Come and make some great crafts and have lots of fun!!
http://library.salemva.gov/AboutUs/Events.aspx

Story Time
Thursdays
10:00am for ages 2-3, 11:00am for ages 4-7
Salem Public Library
http://library.salemva.gov/AboutUs/Events.aspx

Jr. Rangers at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Fridays June 15 - August 10
10am to noon
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston
free
For children ages 7 and up. This weekly series offers youngsters a chance to explore their natural surroundings. Go on maneuvers as we learn what life was like for a Civil War soldier and learn what it's like to be a Ranger. We meet at the Discovery Center. Snack included. It's all free thanks to the generous sponsorship and volunteers provided by The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Come early to the Discovery Center Friday to register.
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

Troutville Trail Days
Friday, June 1 - Saturday, June 2
Starts at 10:00am on Friday and 8:00am on Saturday
Troutville Town Park
See website
1st Annual Troutville Trail Days will be an exciting and fun adventure for all who participate. Together we will celebrate Troutville's designation as an Appalachian Trail Community. The two day free event will host food, music, a farmer's market, hiking on the trail, instructional clinics, kids activities, Friday night movie about the Appalachian Trail, and so much more. Visit their website for a detailed event schedule and to register for the Hiker's Hustle 5K run. Come join us at the Troutville Town Park. Be sure to bring your own chairs and blankets, but please no coolers, food or pets. Camping and thru hiker amenities available.
http://www.togetherfortroutville.com/

Passport for Kids
Saturday, June 2
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Roanoke Civic Center
FREE to attend
Bring the family out for a fun day with food, live entertainment, vendors, and an amazing children's activity area! Sponsored by Macaroni Kid and Fashionista Roanoke.
For more info: email jamiec@macaronikid.com

Home Depot Workshop
Saturday, June 2
9:00am - 12noon
Home Depot (Hershberger or Franklin Rd)
Free
These workshops teach kids do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. This week's project is to build an organizer perfect for Dad, or for holding hair bands or race cars!
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=HT_WS_KidsWorkshops&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053

Celebration at the Station
Saturday, June 2
10:00am - 3:00pm
O. Winston Link Museum
$5 ($4 with canned food donation)
It's Norfolk Southerns 30th Anniversary Celebration! There will be face painting, inflatables, games, popcorn, candy, food trucks, crafts, birthday cake, and much more!
www.linkmuseum.org

Bluegrass at Salem Farmer's Market
Saturday, June 2
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Salem Farmer's Market
Free
Bring your blanket or lawn chairs for a night of acoustic music.
email bluegrass-in-roanoke@comcast.net

Youth Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 2
10:00am - 4:00pm
Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center
Free
Learn how to cast, identify fish, choose bait and tie on lines. Fishing tackle and lunch will be provided free ($3 for parents). For ages 6-14. Register with Bedford County Parks and Rec by calling 586-7682. Limited to first 200 participants.

Woofstock 2012
Saturday, June 2
10:00am - 5:00pm
Elmwood Park
Adults $5, Children under 12 & their dogs FREE
Enjoy a fun festival for families and dogs!
www.woofstockdogfestival.com

War Horse
Saturday, June 2
2:00pm
Gainsboro Library

Botetourt Children's Fishing Carnival
Saturday, June 2
9:00am to 1:00pm
Buchanan Carnival Grounds
Free
The Botetourt Children's Fishing Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 2nd from 9am to 1pm. The event will take place on the Buchanan Carnival Grounds in Buchanan, VA. Children 15 and under are invited to enjoy a multitude of activities, including but not limited to Casting Contests, Water Rescue Challenge, Kiddies Games, Gold Fish Eating Contest, tattoo art, face painting, coloring contest door prizes and much more. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Lunch will be served to children and family. Register on site. COST IS FREE.
http://www.virginia.org/Listings/EventsAndExhibits/BotetourtChildrensFishingCarnival2012/

Promote Commotion for Life Relay Event
Sunday, June 3
12:00pm - 8:00pm
Roanoke Moose Lodge #284 Family Center, 3233 Catawba Valley Drive, Salem
Fundraising event
This a great cause and great, family event! Featuring live music, vendors, food, raffles, and fun. And a special karaoke competition that even kids under 12 can get involved in!
http://promotecommotionforlife.blogspot.com/p/music-raffles-dancing-for-cause.html

67th Anniversary of D-Day
Wednesday, June 6
11:00am
National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-587-3619
Free Admission until Noon
Spend the 67th anniversary of D-Day at the National D-Day Memorial where valor, fidelity, and sacrifice are honored every day. Pay tribute to those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Normandy 67 years ago and honor those veterans who lived to fight another day. There will be a ceremony at the site and tours throughout the day. Admission is free until noon.
http://www.dday.org/

SoCo Family Movie Night - The Secret World of Arrietty
Thursday, June 7
6:30pm
South County Library

Journey 2
Thursday, June 7
2:00pm
Gainsboro Library

Glenvar Summer Kick-off Picnic
Friday, June 8
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Green Hill Park
Join us at the lovely Green Hill Park to celebrate the start of summer and get registered for the summer reading program. We will have magic and games for the kids, face painting, and of course food. We are providing hot dogs, drinks, and chips. Please bring a dish to share. Be sure not to miss it, and if you would like to sign up to bring a dish please call the Glenvar library at 387-6163.

Movies at the Tower - Cars 2
Friday, June 8
6:00pm, movie begins at dusk
Wells Fargo Plaza (intersection of Salem Ave and Market St)
FREE
This week's feature: Cars 2 - Bring a chair or blanket, food and drinks (no coolers) and come watch a movie! Concessions will be available.
www.downtownroanoke.org

A Night of Jazz
Friday, June 8
7:00pm
Longwood Park Amphitheater
FREE
The Salem High School Jazz Band will be playing a wide variety of music including Big Band, Jazz, Blues and Funk. Bring you blankets and chairs and join us for night of music and fun!! Free and Open to the public.
http://www.salemva.gov/news/index.html

Insect Investigations
Saturday, June 9 (registration deadline June 4)
10:00am - 11:30am
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
$6
With nets in hand, we'll catch and release insects, so we may experience close encounters while learning about the six-legged creatures around us. Intended for children ages 5 and over. Register online at www.roanokeva.gov or call 853-1236.
For more info, contact christine.elder@roanokeva.gov

Lowe's Build and Grow - Monkey Powered Planes
Saturday, June 9 or Sunday June 10
10:00am Saturday or 2:00pm Sunday
Lowe's Stores
Free
DreamWorks is flying into Lowe’s this Summer! Your child will love building this Monkey Powered Plane straight from the Madagascar movies!
http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

Claytor Lake Celebration of Summer Festival
Saturday, June 9
10:00am to 10:00pm
Claytor Lake State Park
$10 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle with a five-can food donation.
Start summer off with a blast! Enjoy fireworks, live music, a car show, antique fire trucks, food vendors and live demonstrations. It's only $10 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle with a five-can food donation. Vendor preregistration is required. Please call the Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley at 540-980-7363 or visit www.facnrv.org for more information.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/cla.shtml

Unplugged Gaming
Monday, June 11
4:00 pm
Melrose Library
Free
Come be a part of gaming - the kind that does not involve electricity!

Little Rangers at SML State Park
Wednesday, June 13 & Wednesday, June 27
10:30am - 11:30am
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston
Free
Head to the Discovery Center to introduce your 4 - 6 year old to the wonders found in their very own back yard. Our Little Rangers will discover and explore nature through hands-on activities and crafts. Come early to pre-register.
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

Bent Mountain Summer Kick-off Picnic
Wednesday, June 13
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Bent Mountain Library
Join us at the Bent Mountain library to get the summer started! We are providing hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Please bring a dish to share. We will have magic, games and a visit from the Bent Mountain Fire station. This is a great time to sign up for summer reading and get started on your summer goals.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Friday, June 15
2:00 pm
Melrose Library

Relay for Life - Salem
Friday, June 15
7pm
Salem High School
Fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Survivor Lap at 7:00pm, Luminaria Ceremony at 10:00pm. Come out and walk to show your support for cancer survivors. There will be food, raffles, and other items available that will benefit the ACS.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11National?sid=128433&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=40846

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds
Saturday, June 16
2:00pm
Gainsboro Library

Fun Nature Games
Saturday, June 16 (registration deadline June 11)
10:00am - 11:30am
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
$6
Bring your family to the mountain for a fun-filled morning of nature games. You will play interactive games with your children all while teaching them to appreciate our natural environment. Intended for children ages 4 and over. Register online at www.roanokeva.gov or call 853-1236.
For more info, contact christine.elder@roanokeva.gov

9th Annual World War II in Miniature Display and Flag Day Event
Saturday, June 16
10:00am - 5:00pm
National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-587-3619
$7/adult, $5/child, under 6 free
On this Father’s Day weekend, treat dad to a one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring miniature World War II model planes, tanks, ships, jeeps, historic figures, and more. Sponsored by the Roanoke Valley International Plastic Modelers Society, the event includes over 100 models on display and special activities for children. Tours of the Memorial are available throughout the day. Enjoy a brief Flag Day ceremony at 11AM.
www.dday.org

Breakfast with the Animals - Feast with the Feathered
Saturday, June 16 (registration required by June 9)
8:30am
Mill Mountain Zoo
See website for cost details
Come for breakfast; stay for a great conversation with keeper staff about our feathered friends. When the chat is over, children will have the opportunity to make a fun “flock of birds” masterpiece and do a bird themed activity sheet intended to get families engaged in discovering more about the zoo’s feathered occupants.
http://mmzoo.org/Home/ZooInformation/CalendarofEvents.aspx

Salem Summer Reading Program Kickoff
Tuesday, June 19
10:00am or 1:00pm
Salem Public Library
Come and meet the famous Haredini, the puppet. This will get our Summer Reading Program started on the right (rabbit's) foot. See you there!!!
http://library.salemva.gov/AboutUs/Events.aspx

Preschool Storytime
Thursday, June 21
10:00am
Jackson Park Library
Enjoy stories and songs especially for your preschoolers.

Dragonheart
Friday, June 22
2:00pm
Melrose Library

Batty About Bats
Friday, June 22 (registration deadline June 18th)
8:00pm - 9:30pm
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
$6
If you are fascinated by these night fliers, join us to discover more about them. We will learn all about what makes bats amazing, why we need them, and how to attract them to live near (but not in) your home. Intended for children ages 4 and over. Register online at www.roanokeva.gov or call 853-1236.
For more info, contact christine.elder@roanokeva.gov

Salem After Five
Friday, June 22
5:30pm
Salem Farmers Market
$5, children under 12 are free
"Salem After Five", 5:30, "Project 4" and "The Kings", Children's Play Area and Food Court, Admission: $5/children 12 and under are free. Proceeds benefit Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry. Sponsored by Salem Parks & Recreation, Q-99 FM, Pepsi and Aaron's. NEW this year - We will be raffling one item donated by Aaron's during each Salem After Five. The June 22nd raffle will be for a 32" Magnavox LCD TV. Raffle tickets will be $1 each and will be sold at the Salem Parks & Recreation Main Office (620 Florida Street) and Aaron's (1471 W. Main Street) the week of the concert as well as during the concert. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Salem Parks & Recreation. (540) 375-3057.
http://www.salemva.gov/news/index.html

Lowe's Build and Grow - Madagascar 3 Luxury Assault Vehicle
Saturday, June 23 or Sunday, June 24
10:00am Saturday or 2:00pm Sunday
Lowe's Stores
Free
Alex and the gang are back this weekend! Register your child for this clinic and they can build this awesome Luxury Assault Vehicle from Madagascar 3!
http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale
Saturday, June 23
11:00am - 2:00pm
Glazed Bisque-It, 3534 Electric Rd, Roanoke
100% of donations for cookies will go to Cookies for Kids' Cancer. Help us raise money for pediatric cancer research by stopping by and purchasing some cookies at our bake sale.
For more info, email jamiec@macaronikid.com

Demolition Derby
Saturday, June 23
3:00pm - 8:00pm
Craig County Fairgrounds
For info, call 540-598-9066.

Great American Backyard Campout
Saturday, June 23
On June 23rd, thousands of families like yours will come together for a night of exploration and fun as part of Great American Backyard Campout. All you need is a taste for adventure and a desire to share the great outdoors with your children. Join us in your backyard, a park, campground or even your balcony. By registering, you'll have the opportunity to raise money for programs help connect kids to the great outdoors plus you can become eligible for Great American Backyard Campout t-shirts and more!
http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Great-American-Backyard-Campout.aspx

Fire Starting 101
Saturday, June 23
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Claytor Lake State Park - Campground D Campfire Circle
No extra event fee
If you're stoked about fire, join us for a blazin' good time in honor of the Great American Backyard Campout. You'll be introduced to the essentials of campfire construction, and some really unique ways to achieve a flame! Learn how a soda can save your life, and how water can actually contribute to fire! If you're new to building campfires or an old campfire pro, you'll don't want to miss this.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/cla.shtml

Movies at Longwood - Zookeeper
Saturday, June 23
Movie begins at dark
Longwood Park
FREE
The first 50 families will receive a free bag of popcorn from Frito Lay. Food available to purchase from Fun Times.
http://www.salemva.gov/news/index.html

Summer Reading Program - Shadow Puppets
Monday, June 25
10:30am
Roanoke City Main Library
Come be a part of our great Dream Big, READ! Summer Reading Program and see a great Shadow Puppet Play!

Summer Reading Program - Shadow Puppets
Monday, June 25
1:00pm
Melrose Library
Come be a part of our great Dream Big, READ! Summer Reading Program and see a great Shadow Puppet Play!

Summer Reading Program - June Bug Center (Black Light Bonanza)
Tuesday, June 26
10:30am
Melrose Library
Come be a part of the great Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and create glowing hands as a basis for creating stories with the June Bug Center.

Stuntology
Tuesday, June 26
10:00am - 12:00pm
Salem Public Library
Stuntology- stunts, music and fun galore!
http://library.salemva.gov/AboutUs/Events.aspx

Summer Reading Program - Roanoke Children's Theater Go, Dog! Go!
Wednesday, June 27
10:30am
Raleigh Court Library
Come be a part of the great Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and see Go, Dog! Go a great performance by the Roanoke Children's Theatre.

Summer Reading Program - Roanoke Children's Theater Go, Dog! Go!
Wednesday, June 27
12:00pm
Williamson Road Library
Come be a part of the great Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and see Go, Dog! Go a great performance by the Roanoke Children's Theatre.

Summer Reading Program - Lights and Shadows
Wednesday, June 27
10:30am
Roanoke City Main Library
Come be a part of the great Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and experiment with Lights and Shadows with the Science Museum Of Western Virginia.

Summer Reading Program - Dome Theater
Thursday, June 28
All day
Gainsboro Library
Come be a part of the great Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and experience the outer space and beyond with the Dome Theater.

Summer Reading Program - June Bug Center (Black Light Bonanza)
Thursday, June 28
10:30am
Jackson Park Library
Come be a part of the great Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and create glowing hands as a basis for creating stories with the June Bug Center.

Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department Carnival
Thursday, June 28 to Saturday, July 7
6:30pm to 10:00pm
Downtown Buchanan
Cost Varies
Step back in time as you and your family rediscover an old fashioned 4th of July Carnival during Buchanan’s annual, Fourth of July Carnival hosted by the Buchanan Volunteer Fire Department. Activities begin each evening on the Buchanan Carnival Grounds on Lowe Street at 6:30PM. Enjoy dozens of rides, games, musical performances and great food.
http://www.townofbuchanan.com/

Summer Reading Program Movie - Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Wererabbit
Friday, June 29
10:30am
Roanoke City Main Library
Come watch this great family movie as part of the Summer Reading Program! RATED G

Summer Reading Program Movie - Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Wererabbit
Friday, June 29
2:00pm
Melrose Library
Come watch this great family movie as part of the Summer Reading Program! RATED G

Summer Reading Program - Glowing Gliders Craft
Friday, June 29
10:30am
Raleigh Court Library
Come be apart of the great
Dream Big READ! Summer Reading Program and make a Glowing Gliders Craft. Please call to register. (35 spots available)

Star City Motor Madness
Friday, June 29 & Saturday, June 30
Friday 6:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Downtown Roanoke
FREE
The 11th Annual Advance Auto Parts/WRABA Star City Motor Madness is one of the biggest automotive events in Virginia this year, celebrating America’s passion for the automobile and the love of cruising. Friday, June 29, 6-10pm: Cruise on Williamson Road, Roanoke's quintessential cruise route, featuring thousands of unique automobiles, trucks and motorcycles, music, food, and displays. Saturday, June 30, 10am-6pm: Car and Truck Show in downtown Roanoke. Over 400 cars are expected, plus music, food and automotive displays.
http://www.starcitymotormadness.com/

Big Miracle
Saturday, June 30
2:00pm
Gainsboro Library

Radical Reptiles
Saturday, June 30 (registration deadline June 25th)
10:00am - 11:30am
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
$6
Are you ready for a radical time? Learn all about what makes a reptile a reptile, scales and all. We will meet some resident reptiles at the Discovery Center, and best of all...you will be able to watch the amazing way a snake eats! Intended for children ages 4 and over. Register online at www.roanokeva.gov or call 853-1236.
For more info, contact christine.elder@roanokeva.gov

Roanoke No Kill Coalition: A Response To Saturday's Editorial

Roanoke No Kill Coalition: A Response To Saturday's Editorial: "Last year in Roanoke 4764 homeless dogs and cats were killed at the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection. Channel 10 b..."

"The people I've met on this journey have given me a home; not a place or shelter necessarily, but where peace dwells inside of me" ~JW

So, I've been meaning to make this post for a while. I figure it's close to overdue, especially since the Meet Me Halfway Finale was this past weekend. Meet Me Halfway is a project that Jimmy Wayne began to raise awareness of the fact that too many youth — especially those who are aging out of the foster care system — are facing circumstances similar to those he faced when he was young.

Let me back up a minute and tell you a bit about Jimmy Wayne. He's a country music artist, and I've been a fan ever since I first heard his song Stay Gone in like... 2003? I saw Jimmy Wayne in concert last summer, and I knew of his history at the time, but hearing him talk about it made it that much more real. (And okay, maybe I cried a little at the concert, but really, between hearing him talk about it and the lyrics to some of his songs, it was a valid reaction.) Jimmy Wayne survived a turbulent, abusive childhood. His father abandoned the family. His mother went to prison, and Jimmy and his sister were shuttled to a series of foster homes. His stepfather tried to murder him. He was a homeless teen, living by his wits on the street, until he met the Costners, the couple that gave him a home and a family. They had first hired him to mow their lawn, and then offered him a place to stay, with the agreement that he would go back to high school. After high school, he worked in a textile mill and as a prison guard as he was working his way toward an associate degree in Criminal Justice before he ended up in Nashville. He spends a lot of time talking with and supporting foster children and homeless youth. One of the articles I read quoted him as saying that someday, he'd like to build an orphanage for kids who are too old to be adopted.

Earlier this year, Jimmy began a campaign called Meet Me Halfway. He would walk from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ. The walk would be halfway across the country, he would find supporters who would "meet him halfway" by volunteering and helping to spread the word, and he would interview with media outlets to generate publicity and awareness of the issue. "Because I was helped when I needed it, I want to try and help now," Wayne said. "I'm not asking people to come out and walk with me, but I am asking them to meet me halfway by getting involved - donate money, adopt a kid, learn more about the foster child/foster parent program in your local community. There's so much one person can do, and so many ways they can make a difference. It just takes one person to help someone to a better life."

There are 463,000 American youth in foster care. Foster children don't have the option of staying with their families when they become adults. They don't have the emotional and financial support that most kids do. Most of them don't have the skills necessary to transition from foster care to independent living. More than 20% of young adults aging out of the system experience homelessness. As many as 3 in 10 of the nation's homeless adults have a history in foster care.

Obviously, a lot of people don't have the resources to be foster parents, but there are other ways you can help: financial donations, volunteering time or resources, getting involved in local community programs that help with foster care.

There is a list of national and state organizations that help with foster children on the Meet Me Halfway Website.

You can also Make a Financial Donation to Meet Me Halfway.

Or you can join an MMH Street Team and help spread the word about the project and the issue.

One person, one contribution, can make a difference in a child's life. If you want to find more information about the Meet Me Halfway organization, you can visit the website at http://projectmmh.org/.

March of Dimes / Relay for Life

I know that everyone is doing fundraiser stuff this time of year, but I am too, and I know that there is no better way to spread the word and get donations than the internet. Don’t feel like you have to donate, but if you can spare a few dollars and would like to, it would be greatly appreciated.

I am a captain for a March of Dimes team for a walk that is taking place on April 25th, and a walker for a Relay for Life team for a walk that is taking place on June 18th. For the March of Dimes event, both boys are also signed up to participate as walkers, so I’m actually just going to link to their donation pages. For the Relay for Life event, I’ll link you to my personal page.

I know the economy is tough right now, but as someone pointed out to me, babies don’t stop being born early just because we can’t afford them. The same with cancer; people don’t stop getting sick just because they can’t afford healthcare. Both these organizations do a lot to promote research and wellbeing. The money raised by the March for Babies goes to helping women have healthy, full-term pregnancies and funding research to find answers to the problems that face all babies. The money raised by Relay for Life goes to the American Cancer Society for help finding cures, helping people get well, and helping people stay well.

Again, don’t feel like you need to donate. I know that we all have other obligations and causes we personally support. However, if you are interested, here are the links:

Ronnie’s March of Dimes page:


Davey’s March of Dimes page:


My Relay for Life page:

Favorite New Songs of 2009

At the end of 2008, I made a post of my favorite albums of the year. This year, that was a little more difficult. I listened to such a wide mix of things this year, that I'm not even sure I have a favorite album. Except for The Used's Artwork, which I love. But my most listened to albums this year would be either The Lost Trailer's album from last summer or Luke Bryan's previous album or possibly even HOWL, which never strays far from my CD player.

Instead, I came up with a mix of my favorite songs that came out in 2009. This is the track listing as it was randomized by my iTunes, so they aren't in any particular order. also, I don't have the Gold Motel EP, so I can't include one of those songs, but GRETA! ♥ I know there is at least one of her songs that deserved to be included.

1. Weightless, off All Time Low's Nothing Personal. Okay, so I really, really dislike All Time Low, and I wouldn't mind never seeing them live again, but I love their music. And I really have liked this song ever since I heard it at the first BND date I went to in Dallas.

2. American Saturday Night, off Brad Paisley's American Saturday Night. I'm a huge Brad Paisley fan. I think everyone in this family is. And it's always hard for me to pick a favorite of his songs, but I really like this one.

3. I May Be Rude But I'm The Truth, off Cobra Starship's Hot Mess. I still muchly prefer the older stuff, but I like Hot Mess okay. &gabe;

4. Are You Blind?, off Drive A's Loss of Desire. I don't know that I ever would have listened to Drive A if they hadn't been on tour with The Used, but I think they're pretty adorable little babies. (also, I'm not sure "adorable" is the image they're going for, but I can't help thinking this. Seriously, they're so young!) This song is also known as the "going down" song, b/c I don't know the actual titles of any of their songs, lol.

5. Bang, by Empires. I love them immensely and, if you didn't know that, you apparently don't pay that much attention to me. Obviously, I mention it a lot on LJ, but I'm pretty sure I mention it plenty in my day-to-day life too. And if you don't have this song, you need to visit their website right the fuck now and download their music for free because they are made of awesome.

6. I Love Your Love The Most, off Eric Church's Carolina. Eric Church played an acoustic set at the Jefferson Center while I was in Texas. I was pretty sad I missed it.

7. Don't Think I Can't Love You, off Jake Owen's Easy Does It. Okay, so I almost put included Eight Second Ride instead, but I figured that was cheating because there was a version of that on one of Jake's other albums. So you get the love song instead.

8. Big Green Tractor, off Jason Aldean's Wide Open. Do yall even know how much I want to go see Jason Aldean in February?

9. Why Don't We Just Dance, off Josh Turner's Haywire. I absolutely love Josh Turner's voice, and this song is just catchy and dancey and addictive. Possibly should have been on the happy songs mix as well. :)

10. Do I, off Luke Bryan's Doin' My Thing. *happy sigh* Yall, I love Luke Bryan. And he's gonna be here next month with Jason Aldean! I really really really want to go to this concert.

11. New Perspective by Panic! at the Disco. This one didn't need an explanation on my LJ beyond "Brendon Urie." :P I love this song, and how different it feels from both AFYCSO and pretty. odd., and I like how Brendon felt the need to point out "that means blow job!" Also, I'm super excited to see what Brendon and Spencer have in store for us, musically, in 2010.

12. Simple Things off Rodney Atkins' It's America. Rodney Atkins songs always make me think "omg, that's our life." This one is definitely no exception.

13. I Hate Everyone, off Say Anything's self titled album. I hate everyone. What more is there to say? (also, this song will forever remind me of Stevie and Texas, so that's a bonus)

14. Everything Must Go, off Taking Back Sunday's New Again. Idk what it is about this song that I like, but I really, really do.

15. Born to Quit, off The Used's Artwork. Do you know how difficult it was to pick a favorite off this album? But the first time I listened to Artwork, this was my first favorite, so it was the one I stuck with.

16. Rain Falls Down, off We The Kings' Smile Kid. WTK is one of those bands that I love the boys more than the music, but this is possibly my favorite off the new album. I haven't listened enough to be able to tell.

Year in Review

Okay, I know this was the end-of-year meme, but we’re only two days into 2010, so it’s still totally acceptable, right?

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? lots of things.

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don’t know that I actually made any resolutions for 2009, but if I did, I’m sure I didn’t keep them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Does Shonna count? Um… my cousin’s wife Lisa, my cousin Courtney, Kristin. No one really “close” to me.

4. Did anyone close to you die? My grandma. And the supervisor from my previous job.

5. What countries did you visit? Narnia.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? more money, lol. more time for friends and family.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory? Um. I don’t know if there are any actual dates that stick out? I’m more likely to just remember events.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Graduating from National College and passing my CPC exam.

9. What was your biggest failure? hahaha, I fail at so many things, I wouldn’t even know how to pick the biggest.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Mental illness. Ugh, bipolar. But that’s an everyday thing. Um. I… had a few colds and complained miserably about them, but nothing really serious.

11. What was the best thing you bought? Concert tickets. And sometimes the plane tickets to go with them. Oh, and my crackberry.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?Mine. *g* Ohhh, and Wendy for graduating and becoming an official librarian. And I’m sure there are others, but that’s what comes to mind.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? ahahaha, Idk if I should say, especially since it was someone I considered for years to be a sister. Now, I’d rather not even claim to know her.

14. Where did most of your money go? Ronnie and Davey. Kids are expensive!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Concerts. Really! Plus the fangirl times; those were even more exciting than the concerts.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2009? Idk. I listen to such random stuff. The Used’s Artwork was my favorite album to come out this year, and I have a LOT of good memories associated with the album and the concerts and the friends I’ve made through being a fan, so I’m gonna go with that one. There are certain other songs that will be forever tied to events of 2009, though, like Ludo’s Lake Pontchartrain, or Panic! at the Disco’s New Perspective.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? happier.

ii. thinner or fatter? I would say fatter, but that’s b/c it’s my fat week. I actually think I’m about the same.

iii. richer or poorer? such an objective question. I am totally rich in friendships and love and all that jazz. As for money, I’m at a job that pays quite a bit more than the one I had last year, but I don’t actually seem to have any more money.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Um. I’m not big on regrets or wishing I’d done more of something, so I don’t really have an answer to this one.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? worried about bullshit I couldn’t change

20. How will you be spending Christmas? I spent Christmas Eve at work most of the day but came home and spent the evening with my kids, Mom, Harley, RT, Kristina, Haley, Joseph, and Tim. Christmas Day, I went to my Aunt Lettie’s house for more family time, then we came back to Salem and went to Pam’s to spend the evening with our other family (except for James & Holdon)

22. Did you fall in love in 2009? On a daily basis, with LJ friends and fictional characters and bands.

23. How many one night stands in this last year? Zilch. What kind of girl do you think I am? (don’t answer that)

24. What was your favorite TV program? I think Criminal Minds beat out Supernatural this year (I know, I’m a bad fangirl for even admitting it! But I’m not too jazzed about the whole apocalypse thing. Also, I have to say I’m going to be sad if the rumors about a sixth season of SPN are true, b/c from the beginning we’ve been planning on 5 seasons. I mean, I love my Winchesters, but it’s time.), and I was also pretty invested in Leverage (okay, I’ll admit I started watching just for the Christian Kane, but I love the show. Especially Parker; I’m pretty sure she’s my favorite.) and Psych. There are other things I watch but those are the biggest. (Also, I’ll admit to watching every episode of Phineas and Ferb, but don’t believe it if you hear I’ve been watching Jonas or the webisodes of Mackenzie Falls.)

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I Hate Everyone! *g* No, really, I don’t hate anyone.

26. What was the best book you read? Shadow Magic! Lol. I read a number of books, but the only three that were actual published books and were memorable were Jim Butcher’s Turn Coat, Jaida & Dani’s Shadow Magic, and Sam Starbuck’s Nameless. I read plenty of LJ fic that was novel-length, if those count. (Thursdayverse!)

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? Pass, this question is too difficult.

28. What did you want and get? Fangirl time! *g* I got to spend time in Texas TWICE this year, plus I got to go hang out in Ohio with Krystal and go to a concert in Baltimore with Maryatha. Good times. Plus, a new job.

29. What did you want and not get? a new laptop. Hurry up tax time! I’m suffering internet withdrawals!

30. What was your favorite film of this year? Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I was a little surprised about how much I did enjoy the movie, especially considering I hated that book so so much. Even though as a fan of book canon, there are still a number of things wrong or missing from the movie ‘verse. Also, Wolverine, Transformers, um… And I have good memories of the Hannah Montana Movie. I saw a gazillion kid movies. I really liked Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Hotel for Dogs, Race to Witch Mountain. My Bloody Valentine, purely for the Jensen. Fast and Furious. Inkheart. Taken. 500 Days of Summer. Yeah, we watch a lot of movies, lol.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 29 and… I’m not sure we did anything? OH! (thank goodness for LJ archives, lol.) The weekend before my birthday (which was the weekend btwn my brother’s bday and mine, and also the day before I graduated), we had a family picnic at Garst Mill and had a fantastic time.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Having my own bedroom, lol

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Jeans and tshirts and hoodies, have you met me?

34. What kept you sane? hahaha, who ever said I was sane? I’m medicated, there is a huge difference. Seriously, though, the answer to that would be my friends. Yall are the best.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you like the most? that changes on a daily basis.

36. What political issue stirred you the most? I make a point to never talk about politics on LJ.

37. Who did you miss? De, b/c she’s never around anymore. She’s got a JOB or something, idek. Um, Chael, b/c he hasn’t been around since the Australia fires. Jessie & Jon from RMG. I missed my baby brother while he was away at boot camp for the summer.

38. Who was the best new person you met? Everyone that I met this year is fabulous. I can’t remember if I was friends with Lesa prior to 2009 or not, but I did get to actually meet her (and a handful of other TX girls) when I was there in April. I finally got to meet Krystal in person in August, and Maryatha in October. And Stevie and her sister when I went to Texas again in November. I have also made a bunch of new friends on LJ, mostly due to fandom association of The Used. And Heather, Amy, and Britney from my new job.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. My ass is awesome so smile when you’re kissing it ;) Really, yall, I think the lesson is to not take anything to seriously, the have fun and live your life and be happy with who you are rather than be miserable trying to be someone others think you should be. There will always be someone out there that gets it and who will love and understand and support you unconditionally.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year? Oh, ain't it funny how it always seems / Time has a way of changin' all your dreams. (from Restless Heart’s Big Dreams in a Small Town)

I should really update this more often, but I keep forgetting. Plus, it's been a busy summer. But there is something that I feel I need to spread the word about, so here I am.

This is pretty much copied from Sam's (aka copperbadge) LJ post here.

A few days ago, Wordpress suspended A Search For Survivors, and there was a letter campaign that had to be called off because they deleted it. [Read More About It Here] Now, they've brought it back, sort of, and are taunting waywardradish with it. They are, in fact, tormenting an abuse survivor by telling her she has no control over her words and her story.

So please, feel free to email them again at tosreports@wordpress.com to -- politely and courteously -- request that they stop interfering with the journal. No specific subject line is needed. Suggested text (via Sam):

I strongly protest your continued interference with the Wordpress journal childtorture.wordpress.com. It is a vital and invaluable resource for holding therapy survivors. The documentation it presents includes firsthand experiences, eyewitness accounts, and news, medical, and legal documents available to the public.

In suspending and/or removing this journal you are doing both the community and your own public image a severe disservice.

Holding therapy is abusive and lethal and aimed at children, who have no voice. Please give abuse survivors back their voice.

Please take a moment to send a short email, reblog if you are able, and if you have support to offer please offer it to Radish directly.