Triangle Family magazine – November/December 2023

67 FESTIVE EVENTS CELEBRATING GRATITUDE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

W A K E | D U R H A M | O R A N G E | C H AT H A M | + B E YO N D

091023TF_Cover_3.indd 1

10/25/23 10:20 AM

111223TF_COVER_F.indd 2

10/24/23 5:42 AM

111223TF_Front_IC.indd 1

10/25/23 9:05 AM

EDITOR’S LETTER Rarely does a live performance

endure more than two generations of sell-out crowds, making such

an impact that fans return to see it year after year. Perhaps even

more extraordinary is that for all

five decades Theatre in the Park

has presented “A Christmas Carol,”

PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLINS

audience members have watched

the same beloved protagonist—who also happens to be the antagonist—journey

through humility, enlightenment and forgiveness. From the moment Ira David Wood III

sets foot on stage as the cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge, to his illuminating realization of the true meaning of Christmas, we hang on every “bah humbug” and pop culture caricature he tosses out. We watch him transition from an ill-mannered miser to a

generous protector who experiences heartache, healing and love. Wood’s portrayal of this transformation has become as poignant as the journey itself.

This holiday season as the Triangle’s theatrical crown jewel enters its 50th season,

we are honoring it for another notable reason: 2023’s “A Christmas Carol” marks

Wood’s final appearance as Scrooge before he officially hands his iconic teddy bear—

and prosthetic nose—over to son Ira David Wood IV. In “Scrooge Takes a Final Bow” on page 10, Wood and both sons, Ira and Thomas, share favorite memories and dreams of what the future holds. Don’t miss this exclusive by Melissa Wistehuff.

“A Christmas Carol” is just one of 67 festive events featured in “Holiday Celebrations”

on page 18. “WNC Wonderlands” on page 22 takes you to McAdenville, Greensboro and Bryson City. Asheville is also worth a day trip, since that’s where you can find

America’s largest home all decked out for Christmas. You’ll also get the scoop on

the Hallmark holiday movie filmed there in “Blissfully Biltmore” on page 14. Browse our holiday gift guide on page 17A. And while we’re on the subject of giving and receiving, check out our suggestions for “Fostering Gratitude” on page 26.

The idea of crafting traditional toys from wood may seem like a relic of the past,

but Triangle Woodworkers Association members have been making it a priority since 1986. Read “Toy Joy” on page 30 to learn more about this selfless group of Cary

woodworkers who make holiday gifts for impoverished children across the region.

Two Wake Forest fathers are also in the business of crafting kindness. Read “Giving

Back in a Meaningful Way” on page 33 to learn more about Made4Me, a nonprofit that builds custom equipment for disabled children.

In “Serving Up Racquet Sports” on page 32, discover the Triangle Badminton &

Table Tennis center in Morrisville. And on page 34, The Social Institute’s founder Laura Tierney shares “What Parents Should Know About TikTok Algorithms.”

’Tis a very busy season, but we suggest you use this time to experience a holiday

show, drive through a festive light display or ride on a Christmas train with your family.

Someday, after your kids are all grown up, you’ll hear a “Remember that time?” and

be glad you made it happen. Trust me, I speak from experience. Happy holidays—from our family to yours!

Beth Shugg, Executive Editor 2 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_Front_IC.indd 2

10/25/23 9:44 AM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 3

111223TF_Front_IC.indd 3

10/25/23 9:05 AM

PUBLISHE RS Ronny Stephens Kent Braswell EX EC UTIVE E D ITOR Beth Shugg A RT A N D WE B D IRE CTOR Sean Byrne S EN I O R G R A PHIC D E SIGNE R Erica de Flamand-Shugg G R A PH I C D E SIGNE R Dathan Kazsuk S ECTI ON E D ITORS Janice Lewine Calendar, Education and Technology Melissa Wistehuff Travel and Entertainment Kurt Dusterberg Health, Wellness and Youth Sports Mandy Howard Parenting, Growth and Development COPY EDITOR Cindy Huntley CON TRIB U TORS Crystal Watts Brian Mullins Laura Tierney S O C I A L ME D IA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Melissa Wistehuff S A LES DIRE CTOR Sherry Braswell ACCOUN T E XE CU TIVE S Stefanie McClary Paige Gunter DI STRIB U TION Joe Lizana Berry Media Group DistribuTech.net Triangle Family magazine is published six times annually. Any

reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication

is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

Triangle Family magazine is not responsible for unsolicited

manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material

becomes the property of the magazine and is subject to editing.

Triangle Family magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

6 print issues per year Available online at trianglefamilymag.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27609 Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

4 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_Front_IC.indd 4

10/25/23 9:05 AM

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

FEATURES

10

17A

HOLIDA Y GIFT GUIDE

SCROOGE TAKES A FINAL BOW

Ira David Wood III prepares to hang up his top hat after 50 remarkable years

14

BLISSFULLY BILTMORE

Celebrate the holidays in America’s largest home

17 A

10

14

18

22

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Browse our detachable booklet for holiday gifting inspiration

18

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS

Discover 67 ways to find holiday joy in the Triangle

22

WNC WONDERLANDS

Take a trip to McAdenville, Greensboro and Bryson City

26

ON THE COVER. Ira David Wood III—joined by sons Ira and Thomas—enters his 50th and final season of playing Ebenezer Scrooge in Theatre in the Park’s “A Christmas Carol.”

FOSTERING GRATITUDE

Read tips for creating a grateful mindset

DEPARTMENTS 30

Crafting toy joy for kids

32

YOUTH SPORTS

33

PARENTHETICALS

34

Photo by Brian Mullins

DISCOVERIES

26

Serving up racquet sports

Constructing help for special needs families

ASK THE EXPERT

Understanding TikTok algorithms

IN EVERY ISSUE 6

NEWS + NOTES Social Kids Active Kids Smart Kids Healthy Kids

36

OUT + ABOUT

Things to Do Little Foodies Good Sport The Tfam Club

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 5

111223TF_Front_IC.indd 5

10/25/23 9:06 AM

NEWS + NOTES | SOCIAL KIDS

Kori (1) and Jawann (7) of Wendell wear their fall finery for a seasonal family photo.

PHOTOS BY PRETTY IN PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Xyler (9) of Cary made his acting debut as the Grinch in Encore’s “Seussical, the Musical.”

PHOTO BY MIRANDA HENDRIX

Kaydin (6) of Cary enjoyed a magical visit with Santa at New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill last December.

PHOTO BY ANN CLAGGETT

Kyla (14) performed the role of Clara in Campaneria Ballet School’s 2022 production of “The Nutcracker.”

PHOTO BY TINA SHAW

Would you like your child featured in SOCIAL KIDS? Email your favorite photos and a short description to editors@trianglefamilymag.com

Malcolm (8) of Durham looks forward to picking out a fresh tree the day after Thanksgiving each year.

PHOTO BY ANOUSONE BRANDY KETTISACK TURNER

6 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_NAN_IC.indd 6

10/24/23 5:55 AM

NEWS + NOTES | ACTIVE KIDS

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

GRAB YOUR HIKING BOOTS PBS North Carolina has produced a program called “Ten to Try: Trails.” The 30-minute show highlights 10 trail experiences across the state, seen through the eyes of nature lovers and trail experts. If you find yourself nearby, take the challenge.

1. Spearfinger at Fire Mountain Trails, Cherokee. Spearfinger provides one of the fastest downhill mountain biking experiences in North Carolina.

2. Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Grandfather Mountain. Offering one of North Carolina’s most iconic vistas, this trail features an abundance of biodiversity and scenic views.

PHOTO BY TOM POLAND

3. Three Waterfalls Hike, DuPont State Forest, Cedar Mountain. This hike is nearly 4 miles but is made up of a series of shorter trails that take you to every major cascade in the park.

4. Little Sugar Creek Greenway, Charlotte. Popular with trail runners, hikers, bikers and birders, the footpath links neighborhoods from uptown all the way to the South Carolina border.

5. Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, Troy. This well-marked, well-maintained Piedmont trail runs just under 30 miles point-to-point.

Seldom crowded, it offers several trailheads and campsites, and is perfect for day hikes, overnights or extended thru-hikes.

6. Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, Hillsborough. Nestled along the banks of the Eno River in a forest of pine and sycamore trees, this trail (pictured above) lies within an abandoned NASCAR dirt speedway, dating to 1949.

7. Roanoke River Paddle Trail, Hamilton. Winding nearly 140 miles from Roanoke Rapids to the Pamlico Sound, this water-based trail offers boaters everything from day trips to longer adventures. There are 16 sleeping platforms along the route.

8. Rachel Carson Reserve Paddle Trail, Beaufort. Just off the port city, this trail offers up-close access to rich marine habitats and small islands abundant with wildlife.

9. Sugarloaf Trail, Carolina Beach State Park. This coastal trail consists of a 3-mile loop offering ecological diversity and natural beauty, as well as an alternative to the nearby crowded beaches.

10. Longleaf Pine Trail, Carvers Creek State Park. This relatively flat and seldom crowded trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and afternoon trail rides.

For more information, visit pbsnc.org/watch/ten-to-try.

HOOP IT UP

Got game? Teens can test their basketball skills at Durham Parks and Recreation open gyms during November and December. Holton Career & Resource Center hosts open gyms on Tuesdays, 6–9 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. for ages 13–17. A valid ID is required.

Ages 5–12 can enjoy open gyms on Saturdays at W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 10–11:30 a.m.; and Weaver Street Recreation Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Walltown Recreation Center has open gyms most weeknights, 4–5:30 p.m., for ages 7–12.

Facility attendants are available to organize games for all levels.

PHOTO BY MATIMIX - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NEW WAKE COUNTY PARK COMING SOON

Beech Bluff County Park, Wake County’s first new park in nearly 14 years, is taking shape and is expected to open in spring 2024. Located at 3355 N.C. Highway 42 in Willow Spring, the 300-acre park will include trails, community gardens, playgrounds, picnic shelters, a wildlife viewing platform, classrooms and more. Public art is included in the park’s design, as well as renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal energy to help power the lights and heat or cool the buildings. This marks the first time the county has combined all three renewable energy sources in a single project. The property contains undeveloped forests, wetlands, stream channels, flood plains and rock outcrops, all of which support a diverse ecosystem and help protect critical natural resources. Wake County has not built a park since Green Hills County Park in Raleigh, which opened in July 2010.

PHOTO BY MARIA SBYTOVA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 7

111223TF_NAN_IC.indd 7

10/24/23 5:55 AM

NEWS + NOTES | SMART KIDS

BY JANICE LEWINE

RALEIGH TEEN EARNS GLORIA BARRON PRIZE FOR YOUNG HEROES

As a first-grader, 17-year-old William Winslow was impacted by seeing young people in his community struggle with hunger. Since then, he has collected more than 70,000 pounds of food and raised more than $80,000 for the organization he founded, The Food Drive Kids. These donations enable him to stock his network of nine Little Free Pantries in Raleigh. William also organizes an annual one-day food drive with the help of his brother and dozens of volunteers stationed at 10 local grocery stores, and provides sustainable hunger relief by building gardens at schools in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh produce. His endeavors recently earned him the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, a national award established by author T.A. Barron that celebrates young leaders.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BARRON PRIZE

WAKE COUNTY LIBRARIES LAUNCH SENSORY STORYTIMES

Starting September 9, Wake County Libraries adapted its popular storytime program to include curated Sensory Storytimes in support of children with autism or sensory processing challenges. Modeled after the Every Child Ready to Read principles of talking, singing, reading, writing and playing, these events also incorporate other elements— smaller audiences, lower volumes, and sensory kids with headphones and fidgets—to engage children who may find the regular programs overwhelming. Learn more at wake.gov/news/wake-county-librarians-expand-sensory-storytimes-exceptional-children.

PHOTO BY MONKEY BUSINESS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

LOCAL YOUTH RECEIVES BORIS LAWRENCE HENSON FOUNDATION JOY AWARD

Tristen Olive, a 15-year-old from Cary who has autism spectrum disorder, recently received a Joy Award from the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation for his work in supporting the local community. Tristen stocked a food pantry for struggling households, assisted a neighbor fighting a terminal illness and competed in the Greatest Baker Contest, raising over $500 for pediatric cancer research. Named in honor of the father of actress Taraji P. Henson, the foundation serves to improve access to mental health services for black communities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BORIS LAWRENCE HENSON FOUNDATION

A+ PARENTING TEACHES FUN WAYS TO RAISE SMART KIDS

Believing that parents can and should play a critical role in their children’s intellectual development, founder and CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools Eva Moskowitz, along with her husband Eric Grannis, recently published “A+ PARENTING: The Surprisingly Fun Guide to Raising Surprisingly Smart Kids.” The book is based on Moskowitz’s personal experiences of educating thousands of students from underserved communities, as well as nurturing her own three children, and includes practical guidance and information for caregivers, such as activities to foster inquisitiveness in kids, which extracurricular activities are best for a child’s development and how to help a child overcome a learning disability.

IMAGE COURTESY OF HARPER COLLINS

BECOME A JUNIOR CONDUCTOR AT PULLEN PARK

Kids ages 5–12 have a new way to explore Pullen Park in Raleigh while learning about engaging topics along the way. The Junior Conductor Adventure, a digital experience powered by TRAKID, encourages kids to strap on a smart compass and visit the different landmarks throughout the amusement area. By completing various tasks, they can then become a Junior Conductor. The cost of the adventure is $7 per family and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. An Android or iPhone is required to participate.

TRAKID bands are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis at the park’s welcome center. Learn more at raleighnc.gov/parks/news/new-pullen-park-experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RALEIGHNC.GOV

8 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_NAN_IC.indd 8

10/24/23 5:55 AM

BY MANDY HOWARD

N E W S + N O T E S | H E A LT H Y K I D S

NOT-SO-YUMMY GUMMIES

A legal loophole has allowed for increased distribution of THC and CBD products, according to North Carolina Health News. The problem comes in the confusing legislation surrounding CBD, which is a legal ingredient often found in products that prompt relaxation, better sleep and pain relief. THC can cause a high, and since both CBD and THC are derivatives of the same cannabis plant, manufacturers have taken advantage of this loophole to create products specifically targeted at minors—such as Doweedos (instead of Doritos) and Stoney Patch (instead of Sour Patch Kids). The packaging, including the font and packaging colors, are made to specifically mimic these popular brands. While statutes already exist to ban the targeting of minors with such products, North Carolina leaders hope to create greater limitations and regulations surrounding hemp-derived consumables via House Bill 563.

PHOTO BY UMAIR - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

CAR SEATS AND PUFFY COATS DON’T MIX

Although puffy winter coats are not always a necessity for North Carolina’s typically mild winter weather, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children never wear puffy coats when buckled into their car seat. In a 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics news release, Dr. Sarah Denny, a pediatrician with expertise in injury prevention, says “A car seat harness or belt needs to fit snugly enough so that you cannot pinch the straps of the car seat harness. A safer alternative is to drape a blanket or coat over the car straps.”

Other reminders for winter car seat safety include giving yourself extra time in the morning to warm up the car, and keeping extra hats, booties, gloves and blankets in your diaper bag.

PHOTO BY ALENA OZEROVA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PREPARE YOUR TEEN FOR WINTER DRIVING

The COVID generation is behind the wheel and on the road. Due to the backlog of driver education applicants resulting from the pandemic, many of these drivers are several years out from online classes, and most have never driven on ice or snow. Before your teen has to tackle potentially dangerous conditions, be sure to share these important tips from familyeducation.com with him or her.

1. Invest in a good scraper and show your teen how to clear ice and frost off the front windshield, rear window, side windows and mirrors prior to driving.

2. Help your teen understand when to use the AC versus the defroster to help clear foggy windows. Explain that sometimes opening the windows can help evaporate condensation.

3. Help your teen feel prepared to drive in snow by explaining that there is no need to panic—just drive slowly and steadily, and take additional care when stopping and changing lanes. Make sure your teen knows to never, ever slam on the brakes if he or she hits ice, but to calmly pump the breaks instead.

PHOTO BY ALENA OZEROVA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

DURANT ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES SCHOOL GARDEN FROM SPROUTS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION

Durant Road Middle School in Raleigh was selected to receive a new school garden as part of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation’s 24 School Garden Builds in 24 Hours in 24 Communities campaign, a $500,000 investment in local schools across the country for nutrition education. Launched in April to celebrate Earth Month, Durant Road Middle School was chosen as one of the 24 schools from a pool of over 3,000 nominations by Sprouts customers. An estimated 500 Sprouts team members across the country joined together September 23 to install these learning spaces, building 24 school gardens in 24 hours. In addition to funding the physical garden spaces, the foundation’s donation will also support training for educators at each school site to learn how to effectively incorporate the garden into teaching practices across all grade levels.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPROUTS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 9

111223TF_NAN_IC.indd 9

10/24/23 5:55 AM

Ira David Wood III plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Theatre in the Park’s annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” for his 50th—and final—season this year.

10 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_Scrooge_IC.indd 10

10/24/23 5:51 AM

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF | PHOTOS BY BRIAN MULLINS

F

ew landmarks, fixtures and traditions have withstood the countless changes Raleigh has experienced in recent decades. Natives wax nostalgic when asked about their fond recollections of yesteryear, with stories about Jesse Broyles—also known as the Peanut Man—who sold peanuts alongside his pigeon companions. They recall memories of pay phones lining Fayetteville Street and WRAL’s “Time for Uncle Paul” TV show. Popular restaurants and businesses have closed, and the skyline has drastically changed. But one local icon has remained a beloved piece of our city’s ghosts of Christmases past, present and future.

Ira David Wood III—David, as he likes to be called— has been delighting Raleigh audiences as the lovable curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge in Theatre in the Park’s “A Christmas Carol” since 1974. This cherished holiday tradition has endured the evolution of downtown Raleigh’s landscape over the last half century, and soon we will bid farewell to the man who arguably and singlehandedly revitalized North Carolina theater over the last five decades.

Wood’s musical comedy adaption of the Charles Dickens classic has become as synonymous with holiday traditions as the lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree.

Triangle natives and newcomers alike flock each year to see performances at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and Durham Performing Arts Center (for which

“A Christmas Carol” was the first theatrical show to debut in 2008) in what is lauded as one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theater history.

Wood’s oldest son, Ira David Wood IV—who goes

by Ira—took over for his dad in 2010 when David had heart surgery and, in recent years, has been donning Scrooge’s prosthetic nose and carrying his signature teddy bear every other night as his proud father looks on. “I love being able to sit in the audience and see the show from the other side of the curtain,” David says.

Eleven-year-old Thomas, Wood’s youngest son, will return for the fifth year as the baker’s son. Daughter Evan Rachel Wood—of “Westworld” and “Frozen II” fame—played the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past for the production in past years, making “A Christmas Carol” a true family affair. With more than two million tickets sold during David’s tenure as Scrooge, it’s fair to say “A Christmas Carol” has been a family affair for Triangle families as well.

Although his character brings the “bah humbug,” David adds a twinkle in his eye—his love of the story evident in each performance. “For me, Scrooge is like seeing an old friend each year,” he says, wistfully. “It’s been a good ride.”

We sat down with David and his sons to reminisce about their time together on stage and off, chat about what is to come, and find out how Ira and Thomas feel about carrying on their father’s legacy.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 11

111223TF_Scrooge_IC.indd 11

10/24/23 5:51 AM

Can you describe how it feels to know that your final curtain call as Scrooge is drawing nearer?

DAVID: I don’t think it has set in yet. We’re now in the throes of putting together the show, so I haven’t had time to wallow in my emotions. I have a feeling that it won’t hit me until the final curtain call. How much can one prepare for such a huge transition? It’s also David Moore’s last year [as Bob Cratchit] after 25 years, and he’s been a wreck.

How does it feel to be taking over your dad’s iconic role?

IRA: I’ve literally grown up with this play, and many of the cast members have been around so long that they are family to us.

It’s bittersweet because this has been a dream for so long, and a goal that I’ve worked toward for most of my life. And now that the time has come, it doesn’t feel real.

DAVID: It helps that he’s taken over half the performances for the last few years, so we’ve been easing ourselves, as well as the audiences, into the transition.

IRA: Stepping into the role that first year was intimidating, because I didn’t want to let down the audiences. I started having more fun about halfway through the season, but I don’t take the responsibility lightly.

When did you know Ira was the right person to take over as Scrooge?

DAVID: Theater has always been Ira and Evan’s playhouse.

They grew up on or behind the stage. I can’t think of a better place or group of people to grow up with. Every time a baby is born to someone in the “A Christmas Carol” family, I bring their baby on stage with me to sing the Christmas lullaby. Ira made his first appearance in the play when he was just weeks old. So as far as I’m concerned, Ira has been the only choice to take over the role.

IRA: It’s always been a discussion with Dad. It’s such a humbling experience to have this opportunity. “A Christmas Carol” is an amazing tradition, and it’s an honor to be invited to spend Christmas with local audiences. I’ve lived and worked in Hollywood, and I can easily say that I’ve never experienced anything as special and magical as “A Christmas Carol.”

You’re both deeply involved in the day-to-day work at Theatre in the Park. What is it like working so closely with family?

DAVID: I wouldn’t have it any other way.

IRA: I don’t know anything different! I’ve lived my life surrounded by theater, and so many people at Theatre in the Park and in “A Christmas Carol” feel like family. David Henderson, who has played Jacob Marley in “A Christmas Carol” since 1994, is like an uncle to me. It’s a unique experience to work with real family and chosen family, and it’s special. Dad is a wonderful teacher and mentor, especially with 12 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_Scrooge_IC.indd 12

10/24/23 5:51 AM

developing and learning things that are fundamental but aren’t necessarily things that can be taught, like how to listen to an audience.

What is your favorite moment of the show?

DAVID: The Christmas lullaby at the end of the show is so special to me. That’s when I take a moment to look out into the audience and see how people have taken the emotional ride with Scrooge.

IRA: It’s hard to pick a favorite moment, but the rapport I have with some of the castmates who have been around for so long is really special to me. It’s like being on stage with playmates that I get to have fun with. Each year, I look back and have a new favorite moment.

THOMAS: I like the part when I come in and say “that’s not how the song goes” and start flossing behind Scrooge’s back.

You work hard to keep each season of “A Christmas Carol” fresh by incorporating topical jokes. What current events have given you ideas for this year’s show?

DAVID: This show isn’t a matter of “adding water and stir,” in the sense that we work hard to keep it relevant each year— particularly for those who have been coming for decades.

I start taking notes for the next year as soon as the curtain closes for the season, and we tweak what we find funny and most newsworthy when rehearsals start each fall.

IRA: 2023 is all about Barbie-mania! There’s also plenty of political fodder. I like being spontaneous because it helps keep the show fresh and fun night after night, but you have to know what is too much in the realm of play, because we don’t want to take the train off the tracks.

DAVID: There are times that we find something funny, but we have to realize that there’s a fine line between funny and offensive. It can be a tricky balance, especially with politics.

There’s always someone who will find something offensive, but we do try to be funny and pertinent without ticking people off, and certainly without hurting feelings. I like to warn audience members to untighten their corsets before they come to the show (laughs). Everyone is so uptight these days, and this show is best experienced with a light heart.

can savor parenthood more. Learning how to be a better, more present dad is a dream come true.

IRA: Camping in Uwharrie National Forest is my favorite getaway. I set up a tent, read a book by the campfire and enjoy being in nature.

THOMAS: I like to hang out with my friends and cousins. My parents and I went on a trip to New York City this summer.

I’m a big “Back to the Future” fan, and we went to see the new Broadway play. It was awesome! The DeLorean flies out and hovers over the audience. It was so cool.

Thomas, do you dream of taking over the role of Scrooge one day?

THOMAS: Yes!

Where can we find you next December, David?

DAVID: I’ll be watching “A Christmas Carol” as a proud dad. Plus, I’ll be sticking around as the show’s director.

They can’t get rid of me that easily!

Ira (opposite page) has performed in Hollywood, and says nothing compares to being in “A Christmas Carol.”

Thomas (below) plays the role of Baker’s Boy for the fifth year—and plans to keep the role of Scrooge in the Wood family.

Thomas, what do your friends think of you being a part of such a big show?

THOMAS: I guess they think it’s cool. Some have come to watch me, which is nice.

When you’re not on stage, where is your favorite place to spend time?

DAVID: Ashley (David’s wife), Thomas and I love to spend time at the Outer Banks. I love being a dad again. I can look at it with a unique appreciation, having the opportunity to experience it all over again. When my older children were young, I was working so hard to build the theater, and now I

111223TF_Scrooge_IC.indd 13

10/24/23 5:51 AM

Blissfully Biltmore Celebrate the holidays

at America’s largest home

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Trade in the normal hustle and bustle of the season for the breathtaking grandeur and fascinating history that only the Biltmore Estate in Asheville magically provides. Thousands of glittering lights set amongst a backdrop of indescribably majestic mountains transform America’s largest home into a holiday wonderland November 3–January 7.

This riveting estate transports visitors back in time, captivating history buffs and holiday aficionados alike. The stunning array of twinkling lights, glittering ornaments and Christmas trees adorning the estate’s interiors and exteriors are the hallmarks of a timehonored tradition dating back more than 125 years, when George Vanderbilt celebrated the first Christmas in his North Carolina chateau. Today, Biltmore’s staff reveres traditions of yesteryear, sparing no detail in recreating the estate’s whimsy and wonder.

Given the home’s enormity, planning Biltmore’s Christmas

D AY T I M E M E R R I M E N T S Tour Tour the French Renaissance chateau’s 250 rooms, which include 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces, then stroll the formal and informal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Don’t miss the wide variety of exotic plants in the Conservatory, which features tall, arched windows offering views of the terraced butterfly garden.

season takes a year-round effort. Biltmore’s floral design team pulls inspiration from the estate’s rich history and architecture, while incorporating what is arguably its most striking feature: the allure of the surrounding North Carolina mountains.

Although preparation is extensive, decorators base much of their design decisions upon tradition. The home’s massive banquet hall showcases a 35-foot-tall fresh Fraser fir adorned with 500 ornaments and 500 lights. The Biltmore archives note that the Vanderbilt family began this tradition in 1895, inspired by the classic story of “The Night Before Christmas.” The grand hall glitters in shades of red, emerald and gold.

Experience the enchantment by day or night at Biltmore each Christmas. Here’s a list of can’t-miss attractions for either option, so you can fully experience the wonderment.

Shop Mark gifts off your Christmas list—or simply treat yourself—at the Biltmore Shop. Discover wines made from grapes grown on the estate, Christmas décor, crafts, food and more throughout this sprawling store.

14 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_Biltmore_IC.indd 14

10/24/23 5:47 AM

Gingerbread Peruse the stunning art of gingerbread at The Omni Grove Park Inn from November 27–January 2. This three-decades-long competition brings together artists from around the country to showcase their whimsical creations in the historical inn. Stay for gingerbread ale and sweet treats by the glow of the iconic Omni Grove Park Inn fireplaces.

Falconr y Discover the ancient art of falconry while learning how to handle a trained hawk or falcon as you experience the thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to interact with a majestic bird of prey.

A BILTMORE CHRISTMAS

Nature Quests Gear up to explore Biltmore Estate’s natural wonders with the geocache challenge and kids’ nature quest adventures. Navigate hidden caches and collect clues on a scavenger hunt that includes scouting out hidden locations, solving riddles and practicing wayfinding skills.

SILENT NIGHTS Candlelight Tour Step back in time with an experience reminiscent of the earliest Christmases the Vanderbilt family spent in Biltmore House.

A 55-foot Norway spruce radiates on the front lawn, flanked by hundreds of luminaries lining the home’s walkway, setting the stage for a peacefully festive evening.

Carriage Ride Relax in an elegant carriage drawn by Belgian draft horses as you take in picturesque views of the bedecked Biltmore House from its 8,000-acre backyard.

Wine and Dine Taste an assortment of the estate’s award-winning wines at Biltmore Winery, and enjoy a romantic or family-friendly dinner at one of the many restaurants scattered throughout the property.

Menus feature fresh produce and meats harvested from the estate.

Antler Hill Village Antler Hill Village showcases George Vanderbilt’s farming legacy, merging Biltmore’s past and present with a constellation of holiday lights, illuminated

In January 2023, Biltmore Estate set the scene for the Hallmark Channel’s nostalgic holiday film, “A Biltmore Christmas.” More than 300 locals flocked to the estate to work as extras for the 15-day shoot.

The film’s leading actors, Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha, as well as the rest of the cast and crew, stayed on the property at The Inn on Biltmore Estate and the Village Hotel.

The majority of scenes were shot at night, which meant Biltmore House tours were not suspended during filming. And since Biltmore’s furniture and accessories are safeguarded for preservation, the estate’s staff worked with Hallmark’s team to ensure that period-appropriate furniture was used for the film. “A Biltmore Christmas” is about a screenwriter named Lucy Hardgrave (Lenz), who is hired to write the remake of a fictional Christmas classic film in the present day. During a tour of Biltmore House, she accidentally knocks over a magical hourglass and travels back in time to the set of the original 1947 movie, where she meets its leading man, Jack Huston (Polaha).

To honor the film, the Biltmore House library will be decorated this year in the style of the 1940s, with dramatic cascades of silver-sequined tinsel adorning the room’s Christmas tree. “A Biltmore Christmas” debuts on the Hallmark Channel on November 26 at 8 p.m. Download the Hallmark Movie Checklist app for the latest details. Biltmore Estate will celebrate the movie’s release with Biltmore’s Holiday Dinner Dance on December 8, featuring an experience with live music and dancing “that blurs the lines of past and present.”

trees, quaint buildings and picturesque walkways. Santa Claus visits on the weekends throughout the holiday season.

PAGE 38, PHOTO AT TOP ©WARNER PHOTOGRAPHY 2022. ALL OTHER PHOTOS ON PAGE 38 AND ABOVE COURTESY OF BILTMORE.

PHOTOS AT TOP RIGHT ©2023 HALLMARK MEDIA TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS BY KENT SMITH TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY DAVID SCOTT HOLLOWAY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 15

111223TF_FEA_Biltmore_IC.indd 15

10/24/23 5:47 AM

111223TF_FEA_Biltmore_IC.indd 16

10/24/23 5:47 AM

C O M P I L E D B Y C R Y S TA L W AT T S Photos courtesy of stores and manufacturers listed, unless otherwise noted.

PHOTO BY ELENABDESIGN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 1

10/23/23 4:14 PM

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 2

10/23/23 9:26 AM

2 0 2 3 H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E It’s time to make your list and check it twice!

Our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide connects you to local shops and boutiques offering unique options you can give to loved ones this holiday season.

Note: While all of these shops and businesses are local, some items are available online purchase only.

The Aurora + The Arie Mommy & Me Set Starting at $240 Zuna Apparel | zunaapparel.com

BuDha Girl All Weather Gold Bangles Single Children’s $20 Women’s Set $125 The Gatorbug | thegatorbug.com

Classic Portraiture for the Modern Child Packages start at $375 Allie Roepe Creative | allieroepe.com

Multi-Activity Walker $79.99 Cottage Baby Boutique cottagebabyboutique.com

Dinosaur Bamboo Convertible Pajamas $38 Cottage Baby Boutique cottagebabyboutique.com

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 3

Youth Performance Hat in White $28 Albatross Youth Polo $56 Youth Performance Short in Khaki $64 Bald Head Blues | baldheadblues.com

10/23/23 9:26 AM

Zander Stays

by Maureen Fergus $18.95 Quail Ridge Books quailridgebooks.com

2024 Triangle Dog of the Year Calendar $27 Five Freedoms Photography fivefreedomsphotography.com

The Wild Robot Protects

by Peter Brown $17.99 Quail Ridge Books quailridgebooks.com

Nancy Panko Children’s Books Starting at $9.99 each | Amazon.com

NCMNS Family Membership $85/year North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences naturalsciences.org/support/membership-levels-benefits

Dino-Opoly $24.99 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences store.naturalsciences.org LGB/Märklin G Scale Set $410 Nick’s Trains, Inc. | nickstrains.com Kato N Scale CB&Q Silver Streak Zephyr Set $350 Nick’s Trains, Inc. | nickstrains.com

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 4

10/23/23 4:23 PM

Tiny Earth Toys Membership $145 for four months or $37 per month Tiny Earth Toys tinyearthtoys.com

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 5

10/23/23 9:26 AM

Biltmore Winery Experience, starts at $105 To access the winery and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, guests must have a daytime ticket ($105–$140) or a Biltmore annual pass ($299); or stay at one of the estate’s overnight properties (prices range).

Biltmore wine prices range from $18–$75 per bottle. biltmore.com

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 6

10/23/23 4:56 PM

Big Spoon Roasters Holiday Trio Set $39.95 Big Spoon Roasters bigspoonroasters.com Leather Laptop Bag Oxford Green $285

DIY Baking Kit Corkcicle Cigar Glass $39.99 (one-time kit) Swagger $36.50 and up (for subscriptions) $24.99 Bake Eat Love bakeeatlovebox.com

Cassini Terrestrial MOVA Globe Stuf N Such $160

Men’s Crew Socks DECO Raleigh $12

Mommy & Me Paint Kit $55 Wine & Design wineanddesign.com

Aunt Ruby’s Fabulous Five $67.95 Wooden Cuff Links Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts Oxford Green auntrubyspeanuts.com $48

Growlerwerks Pressurized Growler Apex Outfitter and Board Co. $229

Ornament Apples $8 Kandy Apples by K kandyapplesbyk.com

Kids Night Out Event Gingerbread House Fun $59 Flour Power Cooking Studios flourpowerstudios.com/special/caryparkside/knogingerbreadhouses

PHOTO BY ANNA SHEPULOVA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 7

10/23/23 4:32 PM

111223TF_HolidayGiftGuide_IC.indd 8

10/23/23 9:26 AM

111223TF_FEA_Biltmore_IC.indd 17

10/24/23 5:47 AM

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS 67 Ways to Find Holiday Joy in the Triangle

BY JANICE LEWINE

From Carrboro to Zebulon, the Triangle is gearing up to celebrate the holiday season in grand style.

From extravagant light shows and parades to dazzling live performances, there are countless ways to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s our hearty selection of seasonal offerings that even the Grinch would enjoy!

Skate the Square 201 Fenton Gateway Drive, Cary fentonnc.com November 15–February 5.

Gather at Fenton’s ice skating rink for winter holiday cheer. Purchase tickets for a 75-minute session online in advance, or on-site, on a first-come/ first-served basis.

The Desserter y 2 E. South Street, Raleigh martinmariettacenter.com/dessertery November 17–December 23; hours vary. Indulge in a family-friendly holiday-themed dessert cafe at Kennedy Theatre. Tickets range $15–$28.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary boothamphitheatre.com November 17–January 14. LED lights transform Koka Booth Amphitheatre.

Cultural performances are featured nightly at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Straight No Chaser: Sleighin’ It Tour 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com November 19, 3 p.m. The renowned a cappella group performs beloved holiday songs at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

THE RINK 500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink November 18–January 15. Enjoy the thrill of ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater. Tickets are $15 for skaters ages 2 and older (includes skate rental), and $6 for nonskaters.

“A Magical Cirque Christmas” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh martinmariettacenter.com November 22, 7 p.m. See world-class acrobats, contortionists and aerialists perform to Christmas songs at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Girl on a carousel ride by famveldman - stock.adobe.com; gingerbread houses by vachom - stock.adobe.com; sweet treats courtesy of The Dessertery; trumpets by jontcphoto - stock.adobe.com; Charlotte Motor Speedway courtesy of Explore Cabarrus; Cary Ballet Company image courtesy of Brooke Meyer Photography.

18 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_HolidayRoundup_IC.indd 18

10/24/23 5:50 AM

Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland 409 Blackwell Street, Durham woolebull.com Showings presented on select nights November 22–December 31.

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park transforms into a winter wonderland.

Lights on the Neuse 1620 Loop Road, Clayton lightsontheneuse.com Weekends and select days beginning November 24. Take a hayride through a holiday light spectacular featuring s’mores and photos with Santa.

Martina McBride: “The Joy of Christmas Tour” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh martinmariettacenter.com November 24, 7:30 p.m. Country music icon Martina McBride performs holiday favorites at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

The Christmas Carousel 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh christmascarousel.com November 24–26; visit the website for hours and ticket information. Over 250 exhibitors showcase holiday gift-giving merchandise.

Pullen Park Holiday Express 520 Ashe Avenue, Raleigh raleighnc.gov November 29–December 15. Enjoy a winter wonderland of holiday happenings throughout Pullen Park.

Santa Paws 212 Foster Street, Durham dprplaymore.org/324/santa-paws December 1, 5–8:30 p.m. Take your canine friend to meet Santa at the Durham Armory.

16th Annual Apex Christmas Tree & Wreath Exhibit and Auction 237 N. Salem Street, Apex apexnc.org December 1–18. Drift into a whimsical wonderland and bid on displays during a silent auction at the Halle Cultural Arts Center.

Festival of Lights 703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville hillridgefarms.com November 23–26 and December 1–30, 5:30–9 p.m. Immerse yourself in magical lights from the comfort of your vehicle. Tickets are $20 cash or $23 credit/debit per vehicle.

Apex Farmers Market Holiday Festival 1517 Beaver Creek Commons, Apex apexfarmersmarket.com December 2, 9 a.m.–noon. Enjoy live music and yuletide activities.

Gingerbread House Competition Downtown Cary carync.gov December 2–9. Downtown businesses display gingerbread houses created by local participants. Winners will be displayed throughout December at the Cary Arts Center.

December 15, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; December 16, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; December 17, 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Car y Players Present “A Gift to Remember” 101 Dry Avenue, Cary caryplayers.org December 1, 7:30 p.m.; December 2, 3 and 7:30 p.m.; December 3, 3 p.m., and December 4, 7:30 p.m. Shows take place at the Cary Arts Center.

“Cinderella” 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh raleighlittletheatre.org December 1–17. Enjoy this retelling of the beloved fairy tale filled with music, laughs and a sparkle of magic.

A Gift to Car y Celebration 327 S. Academy Street, Cary carync.gov December 2. Celebrate the opening of Downtown Cary Park with a full day of live performances, a skating rink, Santa’s workshop, the town’s tree-lighting ceremony and more.

Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker 119 Ambassador Loop Road, Cary carync.gov December 2, 2–5 p.m. Enjoy old-fashioned holiday fun as the Page-Walker Arts & History Center welcomes guests with cider, cookies, carolers, storytelling and carriage rides.

A Shopping Spree!

1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh jlraleigh.org/fundraising/ a-shopping-spree November 30–December 3; visit the website for hours and ticket information. Shop and raise funds for nonprofits programs and community service initiatives.

Let It Snow 220 N. Salem Street, Apex apexrotary.org December 2, 3–5 p.m. Enjoy the fun of interactive booths, a selfie station and guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus in The Depot parking lot prior to the Apex Christmas Parade at 5 p.m.

Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express 3900 Bonsal Road, Apex triangletrain.com December 2–3, 9–10 and 16; departure times are 9:30 and 11 a.m.; and 12:30, 2:15 and 3:45 p.m.

Travel on the New Hope Valley Railway to search for Santa’s missing reindeer.

Infinity Ballet Presents “Dances of the Nutcracker” 237 N. Salem Street, Apex etix.com December 1–3; see website for times.

See this holiday ballet at Halle Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $10–$12.

Car y Ballet Company: “The Nutcracker” AJ Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South Street, Raleigh caryballetcompany.org/the-nutcracker December 2, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary

Apex Holiday Tour of Lights Throughout Apex apexnc.org December 2–31, 6–9 p.m. See holiday light displays of 32 homes and businesses across Apex. The Tour of Lights provides two route maps.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 19

111223TF_FEA_HolidayRoundup_IC.indd 19

10/24/23 5:50 AM

“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpcacnc.com December 5–10; see website for times. The Grinch discovers the true meaning of Christmas at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Deck the Hall-Z Downtown Zebulon zebulonchamber.org December 8, 5:30–9 p.m. Zebulon turns on the holiday charm with live music, holiday displays, an outdoor movie showing and more.

PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLINS

Evening With Elves 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org December 8, 6–8:30 p.m. Celebrate the season at Marbles Kids Museum with s’mores, arctic museum play and a visit from the Snowflake Fairy. Wear pajamas.

ON OUR COVER! Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh 123 Vivian Street, Durham theatreinthepark.com December 8–10 and 13–17; see the website for times. Ira David Wood III’s “A Christmas Carol,” a musical comedy adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, celebrates 50 years of holiday magic, and is also Wood’s final performance as Scrooge before turning the role over to his son, Ira David Wood IV. Performances take place December 8–10 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh and December 13–17 at the Durham Performing Arts Center.

Disney on Ice Presents “Magic in the Stars” 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh pncarena.com December 6–10; see website for times.

Experience the magic of ”Frozen 2” and celebrate the power of love with Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff.

Grinch Candy Cane Hunt 801 High House Road, Cary carync.gov December 9, 10–11 a.m. Find all of Santa’s candy canes hidden in Bond Park before the Grinch swipes them. $9/resident, $12/nonresident.

Reserve a spot at mycary.org by using course code 031177.

Holiday Pops 101 Dry Avenue, Cary etix.com December 9, 7:30 p.m. The Concert Singers of Car y symphonic choir and guest musicians present holiday tunes.

Raleigh Youth Choir’s “Carols of Christmas” 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh raleighyouthchoir.org December 8, 7 p.m. The Raleigh Youth Choir performs yuletide favorites. Tickets are $10–$20.

Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour Downtown Raleigh historicoakwood.org December 9 and 10, 1–5 p.m. The 52nd annual self-guided tour features 11 properties dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Tickets are $30–$35.

Apex Chanukah Festival December 10, 3-6:30 p.m.

Downtown Apex apexnc.org Enjoy a Chanukah Wonderland organized by Chabad of Cary featuring crafts and games, a menorah lighting, a fire show, a kosher food truck and a gelt drop at 5:15 p.m. at The Depot.

Durham Craft Craft Market Holiday Show 501 Foster Street, Durham durhamcraftmarket.com December 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. More than 50 local artisans showcase holidaythemed foods and gifts.

North Carolina Master Chorale Presents “Joy of the Season” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh ncmasterchorale.org December 12, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy familiar carols and contemporary settings.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh pncarena.com December 13, 7 p.m. Celebrate Christmas with Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s allegorical rock opera.

Car y Hanukkah Menorah Lighting 101 Dry Avenue, Cary carync.gov December 13, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Join Chabad of Cary for treats, activities and holiday music as a menorah is lit on the seventh night of Hanukkah.

Morrisville Menorah Lighting December 14, 5:30 p.m.

Indian Creek Trailhead; 101 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville morrisvillenc.gov Enjoy a live flame lighting of the town’s menorah with Rabbi Cotler on the final night of Hanukkah.

Carolina Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” 2 E. South Street, Raleigh carolinaballet.com December 14–24. Carolina Ballet honors past productions of “The Nutcracker” with refreshed choreography in Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

The Raleigh Ringers’ Holiday Concerts 2 E. South Street, Raleigh rr.org December 16–17, 4 p.m. Hear The Raleigh Ringers present interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music arranged for handbells.

Gingerbread Jamboree 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org December 16–17; 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Decorate a gingerbread house at Marbles Kids Museum.

20 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_HolidayRoundup_IC.indd 20

10/24/23 5:50 AM

HOLIDAY PARADES

Wreaths Across America December 16, noon wreathsacrossamerica.org Honor service members by placing wreaths on the graves of all veterans in both Hillcrest Cemetery and First Christian Church Cemetery in Cary.

“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com December 20, 4 and 8 p.m. Showcasing the exquisite artistry of Ukraine ballet performers, this ballet dazzles with larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics and dazzling costumes.

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Christmas Ballet Show” 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham carolinatheatre.org December 20, 7 p.m. Classical Arts Entertainment presents the Brothers Grimm fairy tale as a ballet with staging

by The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine.

Car y Kwanzaa Celebration 101 Dry Avenue, Cary carync.gov December 29; time TBA. This cultural celebration at the Cary Arts Center honors African American people and their heritage.

First Night Raleigh Downtown Raleigh firstnightraleigh.com December 31; 2 p.m.–midnight. Ring in the new year with live entertainment, roving street performers, arts and crafts, and the Acorn Drop at midnight.

Visit the website for ticket information.

Kwanzaa Fest December 28 (Ujima), 4 p.m.

5291 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh January 1 (Imani), noon 212 Foster Street, Durham aadekwanzaafest.com The African American Dance Ensemble hosts the 38th annual Kwanzaa Fest for two days of festivities.

TOP LEFT: PHOTO BY LEEYIUTUNG - STOCK.ADOBE.COM LOWER RIGHT: PHOTO BY RL PHOTOGRAPHY

79th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade (Downtown Raleigh) shoplocalraleigh.org November 18, 9:30 a.m.–noon Apex Christmas Parade (Downtown Apex) December 2, 5 p.m.

TRIANGLE TREE LIGHTINGS Waverly Place Tree Lighting (Cary) waverlycary.com November 17, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Lafayette Village Lighting of the Trees (Raleigh) lafayettevillageraleigh.com November 18, 3–6 p.m.

North Hills Tree Lighting ­(Raleigh) visitnorthhills.com November 18, 4–7 p.m.

Fuquay-Varina Tree Lighting, Sleigh Rides and Santa fuquay-varina.org November 30, 6–8 p.m.

Apex Tree Lighting Ceremony apexnc.org December 1, 4–6 p.m.

Town of Morrisville Tree Lighting morrisvillenc.gov December 1, 6 p.m.

Lighting of Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov December 1, 5–8 p.m.

Hillsborough Holiday Parade (Downtown Hillsborough) hillsboroughchamber.com December 3, 4 p.m.

Rolesville Christmas Parade (Downtown Rolesville) business.rolesvillechamber.org December 3, 2 p.m.

Chapel Hill–Carrboro Community Holiday Parade (Downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro) chapelhillarts.org December 9, noon Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade (Downtown Cary) caryjaycees.org December 9, 2–4 p.m.

Durham Holiday Parade (Main Street, Durham) dprplaymore.org December 9, 10 a.m.

Happy Holly Days Parade (Downtown Holly Springs) hollyspringsnc.gov December 9, 10 a.m.

Garner Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting garnerchristmasparade.com December 2, 4:30 p.m.

Holly Springs Tree Lighting hollyspringsnc.us December 7, 5–8 p.m.

Visit midtownmag.com/merry-moments for holiday events outside of the Triangle and additional details about the events listed in this article.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 21

111223TF_FEA_HolidayRoundup_IC.indd 21

10/24/23 5:50 AM

WNC

BY KU R T DU STE R B E R G

WONDERLANDS Celebrate the season in McAdenville, Greensboro and Bryson City Looking for a festive day trip destination this holiday season? Head west to experience Christmas Town USA, Winter Wonderlights and the Polar Express.

CHRISTMAS TOWN USA, MCADENVILLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTMAS TOWN USA

No community in North Carolina takes Christmas more seriously than McAdenville. The Charlotte suburb, which winds through the South Fork Catawba River valley, is known as Christmas Town USA, and the community delivers on its name.

From December 1–26, more than 600,000 visitors will make their way to the town of less than 1,000 residents. All of downtown is decked out in holiday decorations and awash in red, green and white light. Even the local pond—appropriately referred to as Christmas Town Lake—displays the holiday spirit, with a dozen floating Christmas trees.

But the highlight is a 1.3-mile stretch of neighborhoods where homes are dressed for the holidays. Each night, a slow procession of cars makes its way through town all evening, but the neighbors welcome a more personal approach.

22 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_HolidayTrips_IC.indd 22

10/24/23 5:52 AM

“I do recommend walking for a more enjoyable experience,” says Christy Gliddon, a human resources executive in McAdenville. “The driver has to pay attention to traffic rather than enjoy the lights.”

Setting out on foot has its perks. One home features a sleigh in the front yard, where Santa likes to settle in for pictures. And most of the residents seem to understand their responsibility to the Christmas season, with nearly everyone putting up lights and decorations.

“Especially on the route, I would say 98% of the people participate,” Gliddon says. “We start putting lights on the commonarea trees around Labor Day. Most of the residents will start getting their homes prepped around Thanksgiving. People get pretty creative.”

The town lights up each night at 5:30 p.m. and the twinkling continues until 10:30 p.m. McAdenville may not be the North Pole, but it is prepared to host more than a half-million guests. If you plan to make an evening of your visit, Terra Mia Ristorante offers upscale Italian fare, and the neighboring towns of Cramerton and Belmont offer more dinner options. If you need a quick warmup after your holiday walk, Knowledge Perk Coffee Company has you covered with coffee, hot chocolate and pastries.

If you plan to visit Christmas Town USA, head out as early in the season as possible. The caravan of cars picks up closer to Christmas, so it’s a good idea to choose a weeknight early in the month. “And I always recommend that people come to town a little early—around 4 p.m.,” Gliddon says. “The town is very walkable.”

Christmas Town USA kicks off the season with a tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. and celebrates with a yule log parade on Thursday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit townofmcadenville.org.

WINTER WONDERLIGHTS, GREENSBORO If you can’t get enough of the holiday lights, plan a quick trip to the Triad for Winter Wonderlights at the Greensboro Science Center, which is also a zoo and aquarium. The grounds are decked with more than one million lights and a variety of holiday-themed interactive displays and activities. If you’re looking for memorable photos, this is the place to capture them.

“The peppermint walk is really popular,” says public relations coordinator Bekah Robinson. “It’s a bunch of peppermint projections on the ground, and spinning candy canes. That’s a really great area for pictures.”

An interactive light tunnel is also popular for the selfie set, along with the 18-foot-tall walk-in gingerbread house and 26-foot big blue bear. While most of the displays are outdoors on the 22-acre property, some displays are moving inside this year. The center’s dinosaur gallery will be converted to a dino disco. “We’ve changed the walls to look like lava lamps. We’ve got disco balls—and of course we’re playing disco music,” Robinson says.

PHOTOS OPPOSITE PAGE (TOP) AND AT RIGHT: During Winter Wonderlights, the Greensboro Science Center is decked out in more than one million lights.

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 23

111223TF_FEA_HolidayTrips_IC.indd 23

10/24/23 5:52 AM

Winter Wonderlights opens to the public on Wednesday, November 22 and runs through Sunday, December 21 from 5:30–10 p.m. General admission is $20, but Monday–Thursday tickets cost $16. The science center is open from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. during the day, but don’t count on seeing the zoo animals at Winter Wonderlights.

“Some of the animals in the zoo have a bedtime, but you might catch a glimpse of them,” Robinson says. “It’s really more about the lights. You can easily spend 90 minutes to two hours here, especially with new interactives inside and the addition of our aquarium, which will be lit up.”

Visit shop.greensboroscience.org/#/specialeventscategory/ wonderlights for more information. Group tickets are also available, but are limited, so head over to the website to book your visit.

PHOTOS THIS PAGE: Bring the Polar Express to life for your little ones with a visit to the Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City.

IMAGES COURTESY OF BRYSON CITY TDA

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE, BRYSON CITY Make the Christmas season come alive for little ones on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express. Hop aboard an historic train car in Bryson City for a 75-minute round-trip ride to pick up Santa Claus.

The steam train journey brings to life Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 book, “The Polar Express,” later turned into the 2004 movie of the same name. Today, the story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole is a Christmas classic. Once the train departs, guests will be immersed in a timeless Christmas story while enjoying hot chocolate and sweet treats. On the return trip to Bryson City, Santa visits each coach and gives each child a special gift: a silver sleigh bell.

The town is located in the mountains of western North Carolina, an hour west of Asheville. Seasonal rides begin on Thursday, November 9 and run through Sunday, December 31. Individual tickets run $44–$99, depending on the class of service. To purchase tickets, visit gsmr.com/the-great-polar-express-train-ride or call 800.872.4681.

24 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_HolidayTrips_IC.indd 24

10/25/23 10:13 AM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 25

111223TF_FEA_HolidayTrips_IC.indd 25

10/24/23 5:52 AM

fostering

gratitude

Tips for creating a grateful mindse t in your

child

BY M AN DY HO

W AR D

26 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_Gratitude_IC.indd 26

10/24/23 5:48 AM

I

t’s morning. You’ve just hosted an epic sleepover complete with a gingerbread house–making competition, ice cream sundaes and a chocolate chip pancake breakfast. The movie was on point and everyone got enough sleep, without an ounce of fun sacrificed.

You. Were. Brilliant.

As other parents arrive to pick up your tiny houseguests, you are getting ready for your mom-of-the-year hug from your adoring child. However, when the guests leave, your child has a tiny tyrant meltdown and the very words you recall your parents saying threaten to escape from your lips: “Why you little ungrateful … ” OR …

It’s Christmas morning and your family is FaceTiming with Grandma and Grandpa. Your child rips through wrapping paper at a devilish pace, tossing gifts aside, greedy to get to the next. Your eyes widen, burning holes into your child, until you finally say, “Well, sweetie, what do you say?”

In these moments, it’s easy to feel defeated, angry and willing to punish your child for not showing gratitude. However, Andrea Hussong, PhD, a professor in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s department of psychology and neuroscience, says these moments can become powerful opportunities.

THE GRATITUDE PROJECT Hussong is the director of the Family Journeys Co-Lab and, for the last decade, has been studying gratitude—especially in regard to the parent-child dynamic. Members of the co-lab wanted to learn if, and how, parents instill their children with a sense of gratitude— not just good habits like saying thank you, but a genuine feeling of gratitude that binds people together.

Like many important academic works, Hussong began this study from a perhaps unexpected place. “Much of my work focuses on substance abuse and on children who grow up surrounded by addiction,” she says.

In the course of her work, she and her colleagues wondered if a sense of gratitude could serve as a protective factor—a condition or attribute that helps people deal more effectively with stressful events, mitigating the increased risk for negative outcomes. “We figured, we’ll just go get the research literature about what parents do to foster gratitude in their kids, and, it turns out, there was none.”

Beginning in 2012, Hussong and her colleagues at the (then) Center for Developmental Science convened several focus groups to ask questions about what gratitude is and what it looks like in the context of parent-child relationships. What they found, after years of study, is a definition for gratitude that both carries weight and provides a model for how parents can create genuine conversations that go beyond the instinctive prompt, “What do you say?”

To define it, Hussong says, “We think of it as a ‘micro-process’ that happens in a moment.” That process is broken down to four ‘beats’: Notice, Think, Feel and Do.

FEELING THE GAP Generally speaking, we are pretty good at the first step: Notice.

Even as children, we realize when we have been given a gift or act of kindness. Additionally, proactive parents are good at trying to instill the fourth step: Do. This is when your child can express his or her gratitude somehow—write a note or call the giver to say “thank you.”

Somewhere in between, however, is where Hussong’s research discovered a meaningful gap. “Even the 6-year-olds in our study would say, ‘She said thank you, but she didn’t mean it,’” Hussong says. “Even they understood that gratitude is about more than the action.”

Defining the “think” and “feel” beats comes down to helping kids slow down to really analyze the situation. “It’s what you notice about what you have been given, how it makes you feel, and how you make sense of why you have that thing,” Hussong says.

LEFT: PHOTO BY DENIRA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

RIGHT: PHOTO BY JENKO ATAMAN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 27

111223TF_FEA_Gratitude_IC.indd 27

10/24/23 5:48 AM

For example, if your daughter receives a stuffed animal in her favorite color, take a moment to ask thoughtful questions like: ‘I wonder why Grandma chose that color?’ or ‘I wonder why she picked that animal?’ In the same moment, help your child verbalize how the gift makes her feel. Focus on the joy, the surprise, the smile—any positive feeling she experiences.

This kind of conversation guides your child to the understanding that the person who gave her the gift wanted to make her happy. It will help her understand the giver’s intention behind the gift and how that connects to the positive feelings she is experiencing as the receiver.

What’s great about these moments is they can start at any age.

Fostering a sense of gratitude is something that builds with time, and matures as your child grows.

A COMMON PITFALL These “gratitude conversations,” as Hussong refers to them in the Raising Grateful Children study, can be crucial to helping instill awareness in children. However, it is important to navigate them in a positive way.

A common pitfall is when you feel like your child is not as grateful as he should be. It’s easy to personalize those moments and want to admonish or punish your child for not modeling the “do” part of the Notice/Think/Feel/Do model. However, Hussong says, this is when it’s most vital to focus on the beginning of the gratitude process, instead of the end. The key, she says, is to listen. “Sometimes we assume their reaction is about them not being grateful, when it is about something else going on for them in the moment,” she says. “We need to listen so we can draw our kid’s attention back to what they didn’t notice happening in the moment.”

CARE AND SHARE On the Family Journeys Co-Lab website, there is a free online program and handout that summarizes the “care and share” model, which is used to gain mutual understanding in these specific moments. Visit fjcolab.org/research-tools for free access to the model.

Within the larger model, there are videos that display differing approaches to a child who is not showing gratitude. Generally speaking, in the first scenario, a parent blends frustration, guilt and blame to tell a child that it’s wrong to not express gratitude.

In the second, the mother redirects the conversation, asking open-ended questions to help the child remember the joy of the moment and how that joy came from someone caring for him or her, and wanting to show that care. It may seem like a slight shift, but it’s a powerful one—and it’s one that may be more vital than ever to teach our children now.

“That type of experience that gratitude provides, I think, is particularly helpful now because one of the biggest concerns, post-COVID, is about loneliness and isolation,” Hussong says.

“Gratitude is certainly something we know helps prevent those feelings of loneliness and isolation, because it binds us together.”

TRY THIS

Follow these steps to begin fostering a sense of gratitude in your child.

1. Model the gratitude process out loud.

Say, “Look, I got a card with a funny dog on the front from Aunt Susie today! She knows how much I love dogs and knew this would make me smile. I’m going to call her and let her know I appreciate it!”

2. Take every chance to be a part of groups that model gratitude, whether it’s in a service or religious organization, or by spending time with other families who do a great job of talking about gratitude. “The more opportunities parents take, the more we see children understanding that whole experience of gratitude,” says Andrea Hussong, PhD, a professor in UNC–Chapel Hill’s department of psychology and neuroscience.

3. Talk to your child when he does a great job of showing gratitude. Ask: How did you feel?

What did you notice?

4. Take advantage of opportunities to talk to your child when he or she doesn’t do a great job of showing gratitude. Listen to your child and see the moment from her perspective. What did she notice, think or feel? And then, try to direct her to see the joy. Use the care-and-share model to help her gain mutual understanding.

TOP: PHOTO BY ASIER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

BOTTOM: PHOTO BY NEW AFRICA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

28 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_FEA_Gratitude_IC.indd 28

10/24/23 5:48 AM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 29

111223TF_FEA_Gratitude_IC.indd 29

10/24/23 5:48 AM

D E PA R T M E N T D I S C O V E R I E S

Toy Joy Triangle Woodworkers Association crafts thousands of toys for less fortunate children

BY JANICE LEWINE

T

he holiday season is a time of joy and giving, with children eagerly awaiting the gifts they’ll receive at Christmas.

However, for impoverished children across our community, the stark reality is a holiday without gifts.

Since 1986, a selfless group of Cary woodworkers have used their time and talents to change that circumstance.

Each year, members of the Triangle Woodworkers Association build and donate thousands of wooden toys as an annual gift donation to children in need through the Marine Toys for Tots program. Marines distribute the wooden toys, along with other donated toys from across the area, to various nonprofit organizations throughout Wake, Durham, Johnston, Granville, Vance and Franklin counties.

Last year, 40 TWA members handcrafted nearly 6,600 toys for Toys for Tots. To date, they have created over 75,000 one-of-a-kind toys, and each year the group’s enthusiasm for the project grows along with the number of toys they make.

AT RIGHT AND OPPOSITE PAGE: VOLUNTEERS LOVINGLY CRAFT WOODEN TRUCKS, CARS, KEEPSAKE BOXES AND OTHER WOODEN TREASURES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED EACH YEAR.

30 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_DEP_Discoveries_IC.indd 30

10/24/23 5:44 AM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TRIANGLE WOODWORKERS ASSOCIATION

“It really boils down to giving back to the community,” says Joe Sabo, TWA committee chairman for the Toys for Tots project. “We make toys that we want to make, and ones we know will bring a smile to a child’s face,” he says.

Members meticulously build each toy—trucks, helicopters and 1,000 Volkswagen cars—out of raw, kiln-dried wood, which is durable and free of chemicals, unlike pressure-treated wood. Camouflage patterns and a sleek coat of lead-free paint enhance the beauty of tanks and helicopters.

Older children also benefit from the group’s creativity. Sabo particularly enjoys building keepsake boxes and adds a special touch to each. “I put a coat of clear finish on them because it highlights the grain and the different colors in the wood,” he says.

Undoubtedly, handcrafting thousands of toys takes time. After the club’s annual kick-off meeting in June, members begin building the toys so they can be delivered in November to

the Marine Toys for Tots’ headquarters in Raleigh, where they are then sorted by age and gender. Some, like Sabo, start crafting the toys much earlier than June—a task they find pleasurable and rewarding.

“We have enjoyed a relationship with the Triangle Woodworkers Association for years,” says Marine Toys for Tots Staff Sergeant Justin Houston. “Our Marines have the distinct honor of distributing the beautifully crafted wooden toys to the underprivileged children throughout our six-county area who might otherwise not receive any presents during the holiday season.”

As a volunteer-run nonprofit that promotes woodworking education and community interest in woodworking, TWA depends on its generous longtime sponsors, all of whom have a direct hand in the club achieving its goals.

The Hardware Store of North Carolina donates the wood for the toys; Woodcraft Supply provides quality woodworking tools and supplies; and

Ashcroft Saws and Tools assists with accessories and sharpening services.

Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop not only provides tools and heavy machinery, but also a space for TWA to craft its Volkswagen cars in a group session and host its monthly meetings that are open to the public. Nationally recognized woodworking experts come in to explain their particular trade while sharing tips and methods, and representatives from various woodworking suppliers attend meetings to explain their products and help woodworkers improve their skill.

TWA welcomes hobbyists and professionals—many of whom enjoy various aspects of woodworking, such as carvers, turners, restorers, furniture builders and musical instrument creators. The 82 members of the club have formed a tight bond through their enduring mission to help less fortunate children enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Learn more at trianglewoodworkers.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 31

111223TF_DEP_Discoveries_IC.indd 31

10/24/23 5:44 AM

D E PA R T M E N T YO U T H S P O R T S PHOTOS BY ODUA IMAGES — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

“Hopefully I can win the Olympics and the World Championship,” Neog says.

“But right now, it’s all about the process and learning. Badminton really helped me grow—making more friends and being able to talk to people.”

Serving Up Racket Sports Morrisville business hosts all ages for badminton and table tennis

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

O

n a late-summer morning at Triangle Badminton & Table Tennis, young athletes blasted shuttlecocks back and forth across a sea of nets. Playing on side-by-side courts, nationally ranked teens rotated through badminton

drills next to wide-eyed beginners just learning the game. It’s a typical scene at the Morrisville facility, where all ages and skill levels come to hone their talent.

The makeup of the players provides a quick reminder that even niche sports are gaining popularity in the Triangle.

“Most American people think of them as backyard sports,” says Jason Niu, a co-owner of the business. “But badminton and table tennis are the most popular sports in Asian countries like China, India and Thailand.”

The facility opened in 2014 with a focus on table tennis only, but Niu, a U.S. citizen who was born in China, purchased it in 2020 and split the 30,000 square feet between 17 table tennis courts and nine badminton courts.

Today, the badminton courts are so busy at peak evening hours that the players have to rotate on and off the courts. “It’s a very unique business,” says the former software engineer.

“Besides the members and the walk-ins who come in and play, we do a lot of training, especially for 18-and-under.”

The business employs 10 badminton coaches and seven for table tennis. Amila Fernando played for his country in Sri Lanka and moved from Los Angeles two years ago to coach at Triangle Badminton & Table Tennis. He teaches some of the best young players in the country. “Some of them want to reach the Olympic level,” Fernando says. “There are very dedicated kids who come in six or seven days a week and play and train three or four hours a day.”

One of his students is 14-year-old Eshan Neog. He began playing at age 4 after watching his father play at a community center. He recently finished sixth in U15s at a national tournament.

An Outlet for All Ages On the other side of the curtain, table tennis players of various skill levels are dialed in on their games, including two seniors warming up with lightning-quick strokes. Bob Neal, an 80–year-old Garner resident, and 77–year-old Chris Mapley-Brittle from Durham put each other through their paces as warmup partners several days each week.

“Once I got old, tennis got kind of hard,” Neal says. “This is a good sport. The camaraderie and exercise is good.”

Mapley-Brittle has been an on-and-off player all his life but has been a regular at the facility since 2016. “It’s a wonderful sport because it’s ageless and genderless,” he says. “I’ve been beaten by young girls and boys.”

The club has a gym, a pro shop and a break room—amenities that serve both serious athletes and devoted recreation players. With 400 badminton members and 250 table tennis members, the business is looking for a larger space to accommodate growth. By catering to audiences of all ages and skill levels, the future of the two racket sports is a smash. “It’s not just a place to play the sports, but also to have a social [outlet],” Niu says. “The first generation families that came from Asian countries, they want to play with their kids. Badminton is more intensive than table tennis when you play seriously, but both sports are very good for seniors, too.”

32 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_DEP_YouthSports_IC.indd 32

10/24/23 5:45 AM

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADE4ME

D E PA R T M E N T PA R E N T H E T I C A L S

Giving Back in a Meaningful Way Two local dads start a nonprofit to help families with specal needs

BY MANDY HOWARD

S

even years ago, John Mainey’s next-door neighbor walked across the yard and said, “Hey John, I’m thinking about starting a nonprofit to help people with special needs. Would you like to help?”

The Wake Forest residents, both fathers to children with special needs, were privy to a hard truth: It’s an incredibly challenging world for people with special needs—and their caretakers.

Inspired by the work of Adaptive Design Association in New York City, they started Made4Me, a Raleigh nonprofit with a mission to improve the lives of those with special needs and those who care for them. They do this by creating innovative, lightweight, adaptive solutions for specific daily challenges— for example, supportive seating for floor PHOTO COURTESY sitting and eating, OF MADE4ME adaptive stools, and personalized desks and toys.

The process goes like this: 1. A family identifies a challenge and contacts Made4Me. 2. Made4Me collaborates with the family to find an adaptive solution.

3. Over 20 measurements are taken to ensure an exact, custom fit (two years of growth are also built into the design).

4. A solution is created using ultrastrong and ultra-lightweight industrial cardboard, which is then brought back to the family to ensure fit and utility.

5. If the fit and utility are sound, the piece is finished with paint, cushioning (if needed) and detailing with the child’s favorite artwork.

6. The final product is delivered.

“That’s clearly the best part, when we get a chance to walk in with a finished piece—at no cost to the family—and they

get to use it with their loved one. It not only helps the child with disabilities, but it also gives the caregivers a little bit of rest and respite as well,” Mainey says.

“I consider a lot of what we send out to be functional pieces of art. We go to great lengths to ensure that we provide whatever the family wants.”

What makes this especially poignant is the fact that all of the work, from design and build to paint and detail, is done by volunteers. From “weekend engineers” who love using tools, to natural artists who stop by on their lunch hour to paint beloved characters, volunteers are the lifeblood of Made4Me. New volunteers are always welcome.

“Everyone who comes through our doors has a skill God gave them,” Mainey says.

“They may not know what it is when they first walk in, but we’ll help them find it,” Mainey says.

Despite incredible hardships, including losing a child to cancer, Mainey considers himself blessed. “God gave me some good gifts and taught me to use them,” he says, adding that he felt called to remember that it’s his responsibility to use those gifts. “The world was not built for people with special needs. Do something about it.”

Donating time or treasure to Made4Me makes a big impact, but to answer the bigger question about contributing in a meaningful way, take inspiration from Mainey’s story. He found something he was passionate about and directed his gifts toward helping make that passion become a reality. “Even if it’s just one family at a time, you can help change their life if you just use the skills and gifts God has given you.”

Made4Me needs volunteers on a daily basis, but donations are also vital.

While labor is given, donations help pay the rent and purchase supplies, since Made4Me doesn’t charge families for the products. Learn more about volunteering, making a donation or attending a Made4Me event at made4me.org.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 33

111223TF_DEP_Parentheticals_IC.indd 33

10/24/23 5:45 AM

D E PA R T M E N T A S K T H E E X P E R T PHOTO BY GPOINTSTUDIO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

So what’s a concerned parent of a teen—who has the best of intentions when starting out on TikTok—to do? At The Social Institute, we encourage students to live up to our Seven Social Standards that empower them to navigate their social media and tech in positive and high character ways.

We’re breaking down three of our Social Standards that you can equip your child(ren) with to navigate TikTok, as well as other social media platforms, in positive ways.

Find Your Influencers Empower your child to navigate their social world positively by filling their social feeds with positive and credible influences. When we follow and interact with positive

What Should Parents Know About TikTok Algorithms?

BY LAURA TIERNEY

A

s kids across the country wish for new phones or devices this time of year, many parents are bracing for how to help prepare them for navigating their

shiny new devices in ways that will positively impact their lives. In my work as founder and CEO of The Social Institute, coaching students and their role models to use social media and tech for good, I often hear from parents who are concerned by the amount of time kids spend with their faces in their phones—and one of the biggest culprits is TikTok, the most downloaded app during both 2022 and 2023.

In a recent survey of nearly 23,000 U.S. public and independent school students, The Social Institute found that 70% of high school students say they use the app on a weekly basis.

What is it about this app that is so appealing, and why does it lead to what I call “the TikTok wormhole”—where users literally lose track of time as they scroll through their feeds?

It all has to do with the infamous TikTok algorithm, a system that determines which videos will appear on your highly feed you content based on your viewing preferences.

TikTok has publicly shared some of the factors behind its recommendation system, including likes and comments as well as video information like hashtags, sounds and captions.

The company also focuses on “retention”—whether a user comes back—and according to a July 2021 Wall Street Journal report titled “Inside TikTok’s Algorithm: A WSJ Video Investigation,” TikTok also relies heavily on how much time you spend watching each video in order to ser ve you similar videos that will keep you scrolling for long periods of time.

likely to see similar content on our feed.

When they scroll, encourage your teen to pay attention to who they’re following and how these influencers make them feel. When your teen makes a conscious effort to follow people who make them feel good and mute/unfollow the people who don’t, social media can be a positive place for connection, self-expression and—let’s face it— entertainment.

Strike a Balance Because TikTok’s algorithm is specifically designed to keep and hold a user’s attention, it can be easier than we’d like to admit to get caught up in that TikTok wormhole. But there is good news.

Smartphones, other devices and the apps themselves come with settings that can help manage screen time.

Make sure your teen is aware of these settings and encourage him or her to set (and stick to) screen time limits that you agree upon as a family. Other ways you can support your teens to manage their screen time is to create tech-free zones in your home, show them how to use “Do Not Disturb” features when they are tr ying to be productive, and set the example of prioritizing the people in the room over your own device (looking at you, email app).

PHOTO BY MOTORTION - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

personalized “For You” page, which is constantly working to

influences that reflect our values and interests, we are more

34 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_DEP_AskTheExpert_IC.indd 34

10/24/23 5:43 AM

Play to Your Core

To make sure teens are playing to their core on TikTok,

When we play to our core, we are being our true, authentic

or any other social media platform, remind them to only

selves online. We do this by posting, commenting and

share things they wouldn’t mind being made public, to play

sharing things that reflect our interests and values. In

to their strengths and to appreciate their wins. And, make

today’s world where a screenshot can last forever, it’s

sure that whatever they post reflects how they want others

important for teens to remember that, according to test

to view them.

prep company Kaplan, 65% of college admissions officers

It’s true that there are a lot of things we can’t control on

view social media as fair game when evaluating potential

social media—followers, likes, algorithms—but we do have

enrollees; and, according to IT and engineering recruitment

control over how we post, who we follow and interact with,

agency Apollo Technical, 67% of employers look up job

and what TikTok dances or challenges we participate in.

candidates on social media.

Knowing how social media algorithms work gives us the

PHOTO BY DROBOT DEAN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

power to fill our feed with positivity, balance our screen time, and become our best selves online and offline.

Laura Tierney is the founder and CEO of The Social Institute in Durham and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators and families to navigate social experiences—online and offline—in positive, high-character ways. Follow Tierney and her team’s work at @thesocialinst.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 35

111223TF_DEP_AskTheExpert_IC.indd 35

10/24/23 5:43 AM

O U T + A B O U T | T H I N G S T O D O NOVEMBER + DECEMBER 2023

BY JANICE LEWINE

NOVEMBER THE RINK November 18–January 15 Red Hat Amphitheater 500 S. McDowell Street, Raleigh redhatamphitheater.com/the-rink Experience outdoor ice skating at The Rink, presented by UNC Health, complete with stunning views of the Raleigh skyline at Red Hat Amphitheater. The rink features games, photo stations, fire pits and a snack bar. Tickets are available in two-hour time slots; $15 for skaters (skate rental included) and $6 for nonskaters.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DLWSTORYTELLER.COM

OLD NORTH STATE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL November 3–4 The Cary Theater 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary oldnorthstatestorytellingfestival.com Acclaimed national and regional storytellers, including Donna Washington, Kim Weitkamp, Lipbone Redding and Larry Pearlman, present hours of stories to entertain and warm your heart. The festival is presented by the North Carolina Storytelling Guild. Purchase tickets online.

GOOD HOPE FARM FALL HARVEST FEST November 18, noon–4 p.m.

1580 Morrisville Carpenter Road, Cary carync.gov/goodhopefarm Celebrate Cary’s agricultural roots at historic Good Hope Farm and enjoy live music, local food, craft vendors, environmental education, kids activities and more. Park at Good Hope Baptist Church, 6628 Good Hope Church Road, and enjoy free shuttle service to the farm.

HOLLY SPRINGS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE DAY November 4, 11 a.m–2 p.m.

Holly Springs Law Enforcement Center 750 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs bva.foundation Experience a neurodiverse resource fair that supports southern Wake County autistic families and organizations through the Brady Valcho Autism Foundation. Enjoy music, games, food and Kona Ice. PEPPA PIG SING-ALONG PARTY! November 13, 6 p.m.

Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian Street, Durham dpacnc.com Dance, clap and sing with Peppa and her family, who are joined by Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe, in this high-spirited, 60-minute musical.

TURKEY TROT 5K RUN November 18, 10 a.m.

Apex Community Park 2200 Laura Duncan Road, Apex apexnc.org Chase down that turkey on a scenic course at Apex Community Park. Take part in a competitive or recreational 5K in either the youth or adult division. Register online.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD HOPE FARM FALL HARVEST FEST

FAMILY NATURE WALK November 25, 3–4:30 p.m.

Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve 4621 Shady Greens Drive, Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.org Take a hike and discover what wildlife is up to this time of year.

An experienced naturalist will share stories about the great outdoors and help participants use their senses to discover the wonders of nature on the 2.2-mile Red Trail. Suitable for ages 5 and older. Register online using course code 15032.

36 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_OutAbout_IC.indd 36

10/24/23 5:39 AM

NOVEMBER + DECEMBER 2023

OUT + ABOUT | THINGS TO DO

DECEMBER APEX FARMERS MARKET HOLIDAY FESTIVAL December 2, 9 a.m.–noon Beaver Creek Crossings 1517 Beaver Creek Commons Drive, Apex apexfarmersmarket.com Enjoy the market’s regular vendors and local makers.

Kids activities round out the event.

JINGLE BELL RUN WakeMed Soccer Park December 2, 9 a.m.

101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary events.arthritis.org Be a part of the original festive race for charity and the Arthritis Foundation’s signature holiday event. Wear your favorite holiday attire and jingle all the way to a cure.

Register online as an individual or family to run, walk or stroll, and spread good cheer.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PLAYTIME December 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Marbles Kids Museum 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org/sensory-friendly-playtime Kids with disabilities and their families experience Marbles Kids Museum in a calmer, quieter environment. Before Sensory Friendly Playtime, watch the “The Polar Express” in 2D with the lights up and sounds down. Admission is free, but registration is required online.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RINK RALEIGH

FAMILY BASKETBALL HAM TOSS December 19, 6–9 p.m.

John M. Brown Community Center 53 Hunter Street, Apex apexnc.org Family members join teams to shoot foul shots with a chance to win a holiday ham in this event presented by Lowes Foods.

Visit the website for age divisions and times. Admission is free.

Be sure to check the websites for these events before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

FAMILY BASKETBALL HAM TOSS

PHOTOS BY YUMA KOBAYASHI/HILLSBOROUGH ARTS COUNCIL WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN WALK December 21, 5 p.m.

Hillsborough Farmers Market Pavilion 144 E. Margaret Street, Hillsborough hillsboroughartscouncil.org/solstice Take part in a winter-themed event that celebrates creativity and community. After sundown, follow a procession along Hillsborough’s Riverwalk with hundreds of LED lanterns lighting a collective path towards warmer, brighter days ahead.

Online registration is required to attend.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 37

111223TF_OutAbout_IC.indd 37

10/24/23 5:39 AM

OUT + ABOUT | LITTLE FOODIES

COME HUNGRY

New holiday treats to taste, opportunities to learn and recipes to try

TRY Buckeyes From my family to yours, here’s the Pierce family favorite holiday treat.

This recipe yields about 4 dozen buckeyes, depending on the size of your peanut butter balls.

PHOTO BY LILIGRAPHIE - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham guglhupf.com On a beautiful winter day, visit Gugelhupf in Durham. This German bakery, cafe and biergarten offers a kids menu and a wide variety of baked goods. Adults will love the expanded dinner menu, which focuses on traditional German breads, charcuterie, cheese, savory spreads, and smoked and marinated fish.

The large outside seating area allows space for kids to move around.

PHOTO BY PETRRGOSKOV - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUGLHUPF

TASTE Angus Barn 9401 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh angusbarn.com The Angus Barn boasts an iconic reputation in the Triangle. If you’re new to the area, be sure to experience it for yourself. Known for its steaks and savory sides, Angus Barn’s sentimental value doubles during the Christmas season when the restaurant transforms into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights and ornaments. If you aren’t able to get a reservation prior to Christmas, the decorations usually stay up through mid-January.

Be sure to get a family picture in front of the tree!

The Carolina Inn 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill carolinainn.com From an ornate display of gingerbread houses to brunch with Santa and the annual holiday tea, Chapel Hill’s historic Carolina Inn offers holiday events that have become a tradition for many Triangle families. These events sell out quickly. Reservations are best handled by phone at 919.918.2777 or email at crossroads@carolinainn.com. If you miss out this year, get on the list for next year. These events are worth the wait!

BY MANDY HOWARD

INGREDIENTS • 1½ cups of smooth peanut butter • ½ cup of butter, softened • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract • 4 cups of powdered sugar* *Add more as needed.

• 4 cups of semisweet chocolate chips • 1 box of toothpicks DIRECTIONS Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, butter and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a stiff dough forms. (You may need more than you think.)

Start with 3 cups, then keep adding ¼ cup at a time until you can roll the peanut butter into 1-inch balls without the mixture sticking to you. After rolling the dough into 1-inch balls, place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Stick toothpicks into the peanut butter balls before you chill them to simplify the dipping process and refrigerate the buckeyes overnight.

After the peanut butter balls have chilled, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave. (If you use the microwave, heat for 10–15 seconds at a time, removing, stirring and reheating. While this takes more time, it’s worth the effort to prevent burning the chocolate.) Dip each buckeye into the melted chocolate, leaving the top of the ball uncovered so it looks like a buckeye. Place the dipped buckeyes back on the baking sheet.

Remove the toothpicks and smooth over the hole with a spoon. Refrigerate the buckeyes for at least two hours before serving them.

If you’d like to gift your buckeyes, put them in wax candy bags. Buckeyes are quick friend-makers!

PHOTO BY JENNA HIDINGER PHOTO - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

LEARN Treasured recipes play a prominent role in many holiday meals. It’s never too early to share the experience of making a family recipe with your child.

Have your child call a grandparent, aunt, uncle or dear friend to ask them to share a recipe they love.

From a simple cookie recipe to a favorite side dish, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to pass on or create new family traditions with your kids in the kitchen this holiday season.

PHOTO BY PATRISH JACKSON - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

38 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_OutAbout_IC.indd 38

10/24/23 5:39 AM

OUT + ABOUT | GOOD SPORT

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Christopher’s Game and Grades Suited for the Ivy League Chase Christopher has the skills to play college football at the highest level. But that’s not the only place he has an A game. The Holly Springs High School graduate is playing football at Princeton University this fall. As a two–time all-state linebacker, there’s no questioning his athletic success, but his 4.56 grade-point average speaks to something more than tackling skills.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a super genius,” Christopher says. “I just kind of get the work done to the best of my ability. That’s always worked out for me.

What I want to pursue in college is economics and finance.”

Christopher dominated on defense as a senior at Holly Springs, averaging 15 tackles per game with nine quarterback sacks. The Golden Hawks finished 9-3, but the stats and the winning record won’t be his lasting memories. “Winning the games is really fun, but it’s just hanging out with my teammates and lifting in the offseason and having fun,” he says. “Those are the things that stick out to me.”

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound defender seemed destined to play linebacker. Chase’s father, C.H. Christopher, played the same position at Liberty University from 1995–98. “We watched film every week in high school and kind of gameplanned together,” Chase says. “He pretty much taught me everything I knew since I was really young. He would always give me really intense linebacker learning.”

So how does all that instruction translate on the field? “Just flowing to the ball,” he says. “I’m just a ball hawk. I’m pretty strong, but mainly flying to the ball is my strength.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIDELINE PHOTOS

While Christopher chose Princeton for the Ivy League education, he would welcome the opportunity to play in the NFL someday. “That would be a dream come true. If it happens, that would be awesome,” Christopher says. “If you play in the NFL, great, but if you don’t, you’ve still got a Princeton degree.”

In the meantime, he will be wrapping up running backs and bearing down on books. “I know it’s definitely going to be tough, but I think I’ll be able to handle it,” Christopher says. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s going to be worth it.”

Do you know a Good Sport who deserves recognition in our next issue?

Email editors@trianglefamilymag.com to share your news.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 39

111223TF_OutAbout_IC.indd 39

10/24/23 5:39 AM

O U T + A B O U T | T H E T FA M C LU B

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

gen·er·os·i·ty /je-nə-’rä-sə-tē/ The quality of being kind and generous.

For G105’s Erica Delong—here with members of the U.S. Marine Corps; her husband, Ken; and their two children, Easton (7) and Ella (4)—giving to others is the highlight of the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Erica DeLong

Want to be in the Tfam Club? Go to trianglefamilymag.com to submit a photo and description that includes your child’s first name, age, town or city, and location where the photo was taken. By submitting your photo, you’ll also receive special Tfam Club deals and discounts.

40 | trianglefamilymag.com

111223TF_OutAbout_IC.indd 40

10/24/23 5:39 AM

111223TF_COVER_F.indd 3

10/24/23 5:42 AM

111223TF_COVER_F.indd 4

10/24/23 5:42 AM