DECEMBER 2016 • FREE
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Celebrate the Holidays ! HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS I GIFT GUIDE I HOLIDAY BREAK BOREDOM BUSTERS KEEPSAKE THANK YOU CARDS I GIFTS TO AVOID GIVING I STAFF TRADITIONS
We specialize in dentistry for infants, children, adolescents and children with special needs. Our goal is to provide an easy and enjoyable dental experience for both children and parents. Call to make an appointment to meet our caring and compassionate team.
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OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2017-18 STARTS FEB. 1ST CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE A TOUR.
(910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St University of North Carolina Wilmington
Give your young scientists the best gift ever. Registration is now open for MarineQuest Summer Camp 2017 Spring Engineering Expectations & Saturday Morning Marine Explorers www.uncw.edu/youth/registration.html
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We have a designated time for learning. Always.® Come see how Life Essentials®, including our Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum, Technology, Health & Fitness and Character Education programs, are preparing children for school and for life. • Infants to age 12 • Nutritious meals served family style • Developmentally appropriate curriculum • Secured webcams • Spanish, Music, Sign Language, Move and Groove • Splash pad • Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 3
INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP
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IN THIS ISSUE
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December 2016 SPECIAL SECTION: CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS
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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
WHAT NOT TO GIVE MAKE KEEPSAKE THANK YOU CARDS HOLIDAY BREAK BOREDOM BUSTERS GIFT GUIDE
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CHILDCARE LISTING GUIDE YOUR HEALTH FIT FAMILY SCHOOL NOTES PEANUT GALLERY
cover credits Photography by Tennille Gore, www.tennillegorephotography.com • 910-398-7425 4 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS - WP STAFF
5 EDITOR’S NOTE 6 HAVE YOU HEARD 7 PRODUCT REVIEW 8 GROWING UP ONLINE 10 CALENDAR
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EDITOR’S NOTE
The Children's Schoolhouse Montessori School Merry Christmas!
H
appy Holidays! I’m sure everyone is still working through Thanksgiving leftovers, but I am looking forward to the Christmas cookies, candy and special dishes that taunt me all December long. I will give in, more than I should, because it’s the one month we all accept a little unhealthiness in the spirit of the holidays. In this month’s Your Health, get some tips on how to enjoy the holidays without completely hating yourself by January! Every year I am overwhelmed by all the lights, music, and festivities. I genuinely want to experience every holiday event! Of course life doesn’t stop demanding my attention, so I have to choose my favorite seasonal traditions in the spirit of saving my sanity, and maybe choose a couple new ones. This year, the staff at Wilmington Parent magazine shared their favorite traditions of the season! We hope among these ideas you will find a new way to celebrate with your family, and maybe a sweet recipe to include in your holiday plans! This year’s Celebrate the Holidays section is full of ideas to keep your family happy and healthy this season! Whether you are looking for new ideas to stifle the boredom cries from children on holiday break, or need gift suggestions, we’ve got it all! Not to mention a calendar overflowing with storytimes, craft days, festivals, parades, performances, and more!
Where children find joy in learning!
Montessori Preschool and North Carolina State Recognized Kindergarten (including a Transitional Kindergarten) Our academically rich program prepares children not only for school but for life! Reading, Writing, Spanish, Art, Geography, Music, Stage Performances, Botany and Gardening and much more! Visit our Facebook Page And Enjoy!
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Thank you to everyone who came out to the Education Fair last month! If you are still looking for more information on school options for next year, visit www. wilmingtonparent.com for a list and links to local schools.
Happy Holidays
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We are a holistic chiropractic office, offering the latest in treatment and techniques to treat the whole person. Kids, sports, digestive & hormone problems. We have the tools to treat it all! Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
910-515-4525 www.GetWellWithin.com
Looking for a preschool option? Hullabaloo, Hampstead’s favorite play and party venue is now offering preschool! Our loving and caring staff of teachers are ready to engage your preschooler with hands on learning activities designed with each individual child in mind. Space is limited, call TODAY!
HullabalooAcademy.com 6 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
HAVE YOU HEARD….? The magical lights and sounds of the Holidays are taking over Wilmington! While there are many opportunities to spend money this season, you can just as easily step out your front door and find free Christmas spirit around every corner! Every year, Wilmington’s own Christmas Light Enthusiast provides the community with information about outdoor holiday decorations and displays, an interactive map of the best neighborhoods to drive through, and a Facebook page that accepts comments and suggestions as the season progresses. On the website www.wilmingtonchristmaslights.com you will find pictures and directions to glowing streets all over the county, and even tutorials to help with your own decorating.
During this season of spending, you will also find many ways to teach your children the importance of a giving spirit. Leigh Robertson, Program Director for the Diaper Bank of NC Lower Cape Fear, is one organization that would greatly benefit from increased donations and volunteers this month. Due to the recent flooding that devastated areas of the state, and the hard work of the Diaper Bank to help our neighbors in need, they are now in need of replenishment. The Diaper Bank was founded to help the 1 out of 3 families in our community that suffer from diaper need. If you would like to donate diapers or time, please contact Leigh at 232-2824. Another organization looking for help this season is Andrew’s Toy Box. This non-profit, tax exempt foundation, provides new toys, books, crafts, stuffed animals, games, and other miscellaneous gifts year round to sick children from infancy to age 18, who are patients in local hospitals, as well as to those in many clinics and other hospitals throughout North Carolina. Their motto is “Helping Sick Children Smile” and its mission is simply to bring special joy into the lives of precious sick children. Andrew’s Toy Box was founded in 2001 in loving memory of Andrew Fimbel, who passed away at the age of 6 months from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Its headquarters is located here in Wilmington and is overseen by Andrew’s grandparents, Richard and Mary Fimbel. In order to keep the giving going, Andrew’s Toy Box relies on donations of new toys, miscellaneous gifts, gift cards, and financial contributions. Donations can be sent to Andrew’s Toy Box, 607 Salo St., Wilmington, NC 28411. You can also schedule donation pick-ups by calling 319-7911.
Every year when I’m putting up our Christmas tree, I want so desperately to be one of those families with a beautiful model train choo-chooing around the base of the tree. However, my pets have veto power by destroying anything low enough for them to reach. The one solution I have found, The Wilmington Railroad Museum fulfills my need by providing a much better model train set up than I could ever accomplish. Every year their Christmas Train and Light Spectacular amazes guests with their winter wonderland. To top it off they even have a reading of the Polar Express with Santa and hot chocolate! Visit www.wrrm.org for their complete schedule. v Have a tip, lead, or just an interesting bit of news to share? I want to hear all about it! Send me an email to danielle.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com.
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PRODUCT REVIEW
Peppermint Dandies These marshmallows are a delicious change from your normal sweet treat. Dandies Peppermint Marshmallows: are the first Non-GMO Verified marshmallow on the market. Their new Peppermint flavor is a perfect addition for the holiday season. Our family decided to replace regular marshmallows with Peppermint Dandies when we made rice krispie treats. They added a nice pink color and peppermint flavor that will make an appearance on our holiday table this year. Dandies Peppermint Marshmallows are air puffed to melt and taste just like the marshmallows we grew up with. They’re also made with all-natural ingredients and completely free of gelatin, artificial ingredients, and high fructose corn syrup. Visit www.dandiesmarshmallows.com to learn more and for some yummy recipe ideas.
MyDor Door Wrap For Halloween we tried a MyDor Door Wrap as an easy way to liven up our door with a durable, colorful cover. We have tried something similar in previous years, but this was the first time a door decoration survived. Now for the upcoming Holidays, the Merry Christmas door wrap features Santa and Rudolph on one side with a snowflake and wreath on the backdrop. On the flipside, a Christmas Tree with gifts underneath. The Happy Holidays door wrap features a snowman and gifts on a navy blue snowflake background on one side. On the flip side, a blue Christmas tree with Rudolph. The company’s patented home décor innovation, the door wrap, is made of durable, kid-tested material that affords reuse year after year. The wraps are also machine washable and UV resistant. Thanks to their pre-installed Velcro, Mydor door wraps install in under a minute. Visit www. MyDoorWrap.com to order yours.
Be Good All Year. Do Gymnastics! Join Anytime! Register Online!
910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com
3529 Carolina Beach Road
Kind Notes If you are looking for a personal gift that is perfect for long distance gift giving, Kind Notes are a perfect present. The beautiful jar comes with 31 messages and linen envelopes included in completed sets. Notes can be kept as keepsakes to forever love and cherish. When ordering there is an option to personalize the notes or create customized designs. The envelopes are meant to be opened one each day or anytime. If you have loved ones that live far away, this would be a unique, personal gift that they can enjoy for longer than one special day. v
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 7
GROWING UP ONLINE
Digital Resources To Keep Your Family Healthy
P
By Carolyn Jabs
arents who have searched for health information online know it can be every bit as frustrating as it is enlightening. Many websites have an agenda that isn’t obvious until you finally figure out who is paying to put all that information at your fingertips. Even more worrisome, researchers have found that information on many health websites is outdated, incomplete or simply inaccurate. Even though the medical Internet seems like a free-for-all, there are reputable sites that can help you manage healthcare for your family more efficiently and effectively. Here are a few ideas about what you should— and shouldn’t—do online:
Master the basics. Time with your pediatrician is short and precious so don’t waste it on things you could have learned online. Use a reliable, non-profit website like Kidshealth.org or Healthychildren.org to get up-to-speed on basic childhood health issues like cold medicines, diaper rash or chicken pox vaccine. Avoid using multi-purposesearch engines like Google for basic health info because they will cough up too many sites that have an axe to grind, a product to sell or a conspiracy theory to defend. Check out drugs. Don’t buy medicine for your family online. The risk of getting counterfeit drugs is simply too great. Instead, use Drugs.com to research benefits and side effects of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Both the website and the app are easy to use. If you can’t afford drugs that have been recommended for a family member, go to Rxassist. org, a non-profit website that has up-to-date information about assistance programs, many run by the companies that manufacture the drugs.
Find healthcare providers. Word-of-mouth from other parents is probably still the best way to find a pediatrician, but a website like Healthgrades.com and Ucomparehealthcare.com can be invaluable when you need to check out specialists, hospitals and other health facilities. Among other things, these services allow you to see where physicians were educated, where they have hospital privileges and whether they have faced disciplinary action.
Comparison shop. Healthcare is the only area in which consumers don’t know the price of things before they buy and where costs vary dramatically from place to place. Slowly, the Internet is making the cost of health services more transparent. If you have health insurance, your company’s website may have lists of what they regard as reasonable and customary costs for everything from office visits to surgery. BlueCross has also produced a useful app called Healthcare Bluebook that allows you to look up a fair price for services in your community. Similar information is available at newchoicehealth.com and fairhealthconsumer.org. New Choice is easier to use but it lists fewer procedures. 8 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
Research alternatives. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (nccam.nih.gov) provides candid advice about the pros and cons of alternative practices ranging from acupuncture to yoga as well as supplements such as probiotics and Valerian. Under the section entitled “Be an Informed Consumer”, you’ll find detailed advice about evaluating health websites as well as information about what to do if your health insurer is unwilling to pay for CAM treatments.
Keep records. Every time you go to a new doctor, you have to fill out a hundred little boxes asking for everything from dates of immunization to family health history. Keeping this personal health record in one master file minimizes tedium and increases accuracy. Although it’s convenient to store health information with an app like mymedicalapp, it’s also risky. Check the company’s privacy policy and realize that you may lose access to information if the company is sold or goes out of business. To learn more about how to set up and store personal health records for your family, visit myphr.com. If you want to keep your records on paper, you’ll find helpful forms in the Choose a PHR section under the Start a PHR tab.
Locate support. An online community with active message boards is often the best place to find encouragement when you are facing family medical problems. Parents of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses can benefit enormously from sharing their experiences with other parents who “get” what they are talking about. Teenagers and even children facing health challenges such as cancer or diabetes may also find such communities helpful. Healthfinder.gov offers an extensive list of support groups at http://bit.ly/2fN9rE3. You may also want to check with your local hospital or organizations devoted to specific illness. Both parents and teens should remember that any medical advice provided by people in online groups is simply one person’s opinion. Of course, any health information or services you find online should supplement and not replace consultation with your physician. Doctors often have ambivalent feelings about patients who pre-research medical conditions online, in part because they have to spend so much time reeducating those who have been seduced by improbable claims and wishful thinking. By using reliable health information sites, you can become the exception—a patient whose online research actually contributes to informed decisions that will protect and improve the health of your family. v Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart, a book that describes a highly effective way to address conflict in families, schools and communities. Visit cooperativewisdom.org for more information.
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TEACHING KIDS SELF CONTROL A
s our children grow, they will be faced with many difficult choices. Each choice they make will determine their success in school, friendships, and their future. So how do we begin to teach them to make good choices in the moment? The answer is by teaching them self control. Research shows that it is worth the effort to teach our kids self control beginning at an early age. “Kids who displayed greater amounts of self control at age four went on to earn better grades, were more popular with peers and teachers, were less likely to report problems with drug use, and earned higher salaries as adults.” (www.thrivingfamily.com) Now that we have established the importance of self control, how do you go about teaching it? Encourage activities that teach self control Activities like sports, music lessons, or clubs like Boy Scouts teach kids self control. Children may not always want to practice, but spending the time to work on their skills will help them become more skilled.
Enforce limits Setting limits for children and enforcing them is healthy for all families, but it also has the added benefit of teaching young children self control. If a child’s ball rolls in the street, they have to make a quick decision whether to run after the ball or stop and ask an adult to retrieve it. A child that waits is showing that they understand the limits their parents have set and they are exercising self control as they wait to get the ball back.
Delay gratification and reward self control When teaching self control it is important to reward kids for waiting, for finishing the task, and for their hard work over time. In today’s society, instant gratification is becoming the norm. By delaying the reward, kids have a goal to work towards and they feel a sense of accomplishment because they have worked towards and completed their goals. v Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay at home mom living in the midwest with her husband, and their six children.
SELF CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE Quite often young children become upset when being disciplined. Teaching children to respond positively to correction helps build self control. Try these tips: • Teach children to work through their emotions • Don’t brush off their feelings, talk through them • Model appropriate behavior and self control • Enforce limits and praise the child when they make a good choice • Be consistent with discipline
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 9
• PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH US
CALENDAR
DECEMBER | 2016
ALL MONTH LONG!
History Walking Tours of Old Wilmington Daily (Year Round). Cotton Exchange, Downtown. This leisurely tour takes us back in time as we talk about: Three of the most historic homes in Wilmington. History of Wilmington’s downtown and how it developed. Cape Fear River and its importance to the area. Wilmington during the Civil War, what life was like. Victorian customs, Folklore and Much More. Under age 12 admitted free with 2 paying adults. Call for tour times. $12/Adults. $8/Students & Seniors. Visit www.TourOldWilmington.blogspot.com or call 409-4300 for information.
Space Place Daily. 9am-5pm. Cape Fear Museum. Designed and fabricated in-house with help from GE employees, Space Place is an interactive experience inspired by and modeled after the International Space Station—a spacecraft that orbits Earth where astronauts from around the world live and work. Hands-on STEM interactives in Space Place include a robotic arm, microscopic experiments and a glove box challenge. Visual elements offer real-time information about the International Space Station’s location and daily operations. Visitors will also discover how astronauts sleep in space, examine the water cycle aboard the space station and engage in several rotating activities appropriate for all ages from preschoolers to adults.
1 THURSDAY Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Thursdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast Libraries. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details. Messy Hands Toddler Art 10am. Main Library. “It’s the Process, Not the Product.” Toddlers and their adults will be introduced to a variety of hands-on art experiences. The focus of this program will be on child driven art exploration. Come join us for a half hour of Messy Fun, make sure to wear play clothes. This program is designed for children between the ages of 2-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at www.nhclibrary.org. StoryCOOKS: If You Take a Mouse to the Movies Holiday Snack Mix 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes. Sign Language Playgroup 11-11:45am. Wilmington Community Arts Center. Whether you have been using sign language with your child for years or you have just begun your sign journey, you are welcome to join us for sign language playgroup! This week’s theme is winter. We’ll get a mini lesson in sign language, followed by themed play. Ages 0-5. $8 for one week, or only $20 for a 4 week pass! Visit signingwithmichaela.com for more information. Crafts at the Library 2:30-4:30pm, Thursdays. Northeast Library. Come get cre-
10 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
ative! We will have craft supplies ready for you to make a craft. No registration required.
Christmas Tree Craft 3:30pm. Main Library. Create and decorate an edible Christmas Tree out of sugar cones, icing and assorted candies. Register online at www.nhclibrary.org. Nature Navigators: Grow Your Own Christmas Tree 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Greenfield Lake Park Christmas Tree Lighting 6pm. Greenfield Lake Park. Join the holiday festivities with the lighting of the City of Wilmington’s Christmas tree at the World’s Largest Rotary Wheel in beautiful Greenfield Lake Park! This joyous occasion will be full of excitement starting with the tree lighting at 6:00 pm followed by a visit from Santa and more. Ballet for Young Audiences: Beauty and the Beast 7pm. Thalian Hall. New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences presents this mesmerizing adaptation of an iconic fairy tale at Thalian Hall! It tells the story of Belle, a young woman taken captive in an enchanted castle and finding love in the mysterious beast who is her keeper. This kid-friendly, abbreviated version of the classic tale features talented dancers, exquisite scenery, and beautiful costumes. A perfect introduction to ballet for the entire family!
2 FRIDAY Toddler Time: Sparkly Star Craft 10am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. Projects and activities for our youngest visitors (ages 4 and under) and their special grownups to work on together. Call 2543534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Little Explorers: A Season of Trees 10am. Cape Fear Museum. Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Adult participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Visit www.capefearmuseum. com for more information. Family Yoga Storytime 10:30am, Fridays. Main Library. Parents & children birth- 5 will have fun listening to stories while stretching and learning basic yoga postures with Miss Susan. Children must have an adult present. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. No registration required! Call 798-6353 for more details. Holiday Flea at the BAC 3-9pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. Known as the “ultimate vintage flea” and named previously a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, this market is attended by more than 1,500 shoppers and dozens of vintage vendors from around the region. The Holiday Flea is a 3-day event that will again be the go-to
shopping experience of the season with a wide array of vintage, retro, and up-cycled treasures! This is not just a market but a holiday festival with food trucks feeding the crowds, a coffee shop in the courtyard, and the Brooklyn Arts Center cash bar serving up holiday cheer!
Adventures in the Arts: Hyper Colorful Painted Paper Plate Flowers 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including--but not limited to--painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details. Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker 4 & 7pm. Thalian Hall. Enjoy the dynamic talents of New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences with the classic holiday story of The Nutcracker. This Christmas tale tells the story of a young girl named Clara who with the help of her godfather, is transported to a magical realm where she journeys through the land of sweets, witnesses a daring battle, and meets the sugar plum fairy. Perfect for the whole family, this show will be a narrated sixty minute version that will help get you in the holiday spirit! The Polar Express Pajama Storytime 7pm. Barnes & Noble. All aboard! Come in your PJs and join us for a magical evening as we host our annual Polar Express Storytime. Coloring and activities to follow, including writing a Dear Santa letter! Call 509-1880 for details. Island of Lights Parade 7:30pm. Carolina Beach. Area residents young and old look forward to the annual Christmas Parade. The parade proceeds from Atlanta Ave down Lake Park Blvd to the Federal Point Plaza in Carolina Beach. Floats, bands and Santa Clause will be there to add to the festivities of the season and provide a night of entertainment for families.
3 SATURDAY Riverfront Family Market: Holiday Event 9am-5pm. Downtown Wilmington.Features professional photos with Santa, more than 100 vendors, and bounce houses to help kick-off the holiday season! Breakfast With Santa 9:30am. Santa’s Village, Mayfaire Town Center. come out for “Breakfast with Santa” where kids can enjoy a delicious breakfast from the Atlanta Bread Company, The Fresh Market, Clean Juice and Starbucks. Also in store for the “Breakfast with Santa” will be crafts, entertainment and of course, a special visit from Santa. Visit www.mayfairetown.com for details. Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker 10am. Thalian Hall. See 12/02. Holiday Flea at the BAC 10am-5pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. See 12/02. Museum Explorers 11am & 2pm, Saturdays. Cape Fear Museum. Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear through interactive science investigations, hands-on exploration and unique artifacts. Our activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage families to have fun
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together. Themes vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Approximately 45 minutes each time slot. Adult participation is required. Visit www. capefearmuseum.com for more information.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes!” and celebrate all things Grinch with a reading of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! We will have good deed badges and tracking booklets for kids to log all the good things they do this holiday season. Activities to follow. Call 509-1880 for details. Saturday Afternoon Engineering Expectations Brainy Bobsleds 1-4:30pm. UNCW Natural Science Trailer. Construct a bobsled to race down your very own bobsled track. Determine the best combination of sled and track to minimize friction and maximize kinetic energy. Hopefully you will slide your way to victory using the engineering design process. For ages 10-11 & 12-14. Super Saturday Fun Time 3pm Saturdays. TheatreNow. Join DOCK, the dog, and his two-legged friends as they uncover mysteries and discover artifacts (courtesy of Cape Fear Museum). Different adventure each week. Families welcome. $8/person. Visit www.theatrewilmington.com for tickets. Island of Lights Flotilla 6pm. Carolina Beach. Fishing boats and pleasure craft electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. The boats compete for prizes and add to the wonderful holiday spirit. A panel of judges will be on hand to choose the winners. Bring the family and enjoy the evening at Carolina Beach. A Carolina Nutcracker 7pm. Wilson Center. Set in Wilmington in December 1865 at the Bellamy Mansion, A Carolina Nutcracker tells the story of a family rebuilding their lives and a young woman with a special gift. An exciting blend historical characters and the cherished holiday ballet, this year’s performance of A Carolina Nutcracker will feature a live professional orchestra and treble chorus. Performed by Wilmington’s premiere ballet company, this full length performance will be a treat for all ages!
4 SUNDAY Family Fun Day 9am - 5pm. Airlie Gardens. Visit the parks and Arboretum for a full day of family fun. Contact 798-7700 or visit www.airliegardens.org for more information. Riverfront Family Market: Holiday Event 9am-5pm. Downtown Wilmington.Features professional photos with Santa, more than 100 vendors, and bounce houses to help kick-off the holiday season! Curiosity Carts 11:30am, Sundays. Cape Fear Museum. Get your hands on history and science! Examine artifacts and science specimens. Gain insight into topics featured in museum exhibits. Carts are stationed in Museum galleries and feature short hands-on, facilitated experiences for visitors. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.
5 MONDAY Storytime at Pleasure Island 10:30am, Mondays. Pleasure Island Library. Join our fun and educational storytime for all preschool ages (babies to 5 years of age) every Monday morning at 10:30 a.m.! We’ll enjoy books, music, manipulatives, and other pre-literacy activities. No registration or fees required.
Residents Free Day - Cape Fear Museum 1 – 5pm. Cape Fear Museum. NHC residents are admitted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. Call 798-4350 or visit www.capefearmuseum.com for information. A Carolina Nutcracker 3pm. Wilson Center. See 12/03. Wilmington Holiday Parade 5:40pm. Downtown Wilmington. Join the Parade! Marching bands, floats, entertainers and of course, Santa Claus bring this holiday tradition to all ages. Parade will begin at N. Front and Walnut traveling south on Front to Church Street. Don’t miss out on the Wilmington holiday cheer!
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Nature Preschool 910-231-6775
www.puddlejumpersnaturepreschool.com
Railroad Storytime 10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $5/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information. Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 4:45-5:30pm, Mondays. Kings Grant Area. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 399-1708 for more information.
6 TUESDAY Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Tuesdays. Main Library. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details. Happy Little Singers 9:45am, Tuesdays. Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center. Music and Movement program for children 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance, Instruments, Creative Play with your child. Drop-ins welcome, $10 per family. Please call or text in advance 777-8889. Art on Easels 2:30pm, Tuesdays. Northeast Library. We will have 5 double-sided easels set up from 1pm - 4pm for children to come in and create a masterpiece. www.nhclibrary.org. Kid’s Cooking Club: Reindeer Dip 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www. playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to preregister.
7 WEDNESDAY Storytime and Music & Movement 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Wednesdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast Libraries. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am
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Holiday Flea at the BAC 12-5pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. See 12/02. Sensitive Santa 12-5pm. Mayfaire Town Center, Santa’s Village. Mayfaire has a created a sensory friendly environment that offers children with special needs the opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with Santa in a low stress, quiet environment. Each child will receive a free Kids Meal Pass from On The Border. Visit www.mayfairetown.com for details.
Puddle Jumpers
Damian Brezinski, MD, FACC
Kathy Bush Real Estate Broker
1001 Military Cutoff, Suite 101 Wilmington, NC 28405
910-398-0225 Let me help you find the home that meets your family’s growing needs
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call or text for appointment
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 11
Holiday Happenings Cape Fear Festival of Trees Dec. 1-4. 9am-5pm. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. You are invited to wander through a winter wonderland of holiday elegance. Glittering trees decorated by local businesses, various organizations and individual artists transform the aquarium space into an enchanted forest for all to enjoy. In addition to the dazzling array of trees, enjoy performances by local musical groups and artists. Treat your ears to the wonderful sounds of harps, handbell and ukulele choirs, A Capella singing and more. Visit www.lcfhfoundation.org for more information. Star of Wonder, Star of Night Dec. 1-17. Nightly, 5-8pm. Poplar Grove Plantation. Join Poplar Grove as they open the beautiful grounds that will be aglow with lights twinkling under the stars! Get in the holiday spirit with a campfire as it blazes for roasting marshmallows, or drop a letter in the mail to Santa. Enjoy a wagon ride through the Abbey Nature Preserve, a “naughty” children’s workshop in the blacksmith studio and then snuggle up together for an outdoor movie night! Movies featured will be “A Christmas Story, ” “The Polar Express” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Don’t miss out on a chance to do some holiday shopping as well and pop into the agricultural building filled with local artists, crafters and foodies. Santa’s Village Dec. 1-24, Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm (break 3-4). Mayfaire Town Center. Bring the whole family to visit Santa and create memories that will last a lifetime. Mayfaire’s Santa Village will house the big man himself ready to take professional photos with your loved ones, including your furry, four-legged family members. The timeless holiday tradition of selecting a Christmas tree comes alive this season at Mayfaire as well with their “Christmas Tree Farm” complete with trees, wreaths and elves on hand for assistance! Visit www.mayfairetown. com for details. Holiday Train Expo Dec. 1-30. Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays, & Sundays 1-5pm. Independence Mall. Visitors will be enchanted by spectacular displays of model trains as they travel across miles of scale track through a wonderland of villages, parks and landscapes. Take advantage of a photo-op with the one and only Santa Claus or The famed Polar Express. Start the holiday season right with a visit to the Holiday Train Expo. No matter what the age, everyone in the family will find something they enjoy.
Christmas Train & Light Spectacular Dec. 2-23. Every Friday & Saturday 6:308pm. Wilmington Railroad Museum. This great show of trains and lights will bring the spirit of the season to all and includes the sounds and lights of Christmas with the trains running through a winter wonderland, Santa waiting to talk with all the children, and cider and cookies for all. $5 each, children under 2 are free! Christmas by the Sea Dec. 3, 10, 17. Every Saturday evening 6:30-8:30. Carolina Beach. Come celebrate the holidays with different events every night featuring: Santa at the Welcome Center, fire pit with storytelling, hot chocolate at the Welcome Center, live Nativity scene, caroling, holiday themed movies at the Gazebo, puppet shows and an arts & crafts area with ornament making activities for kids. Visit www.pleasureislandnc.org for more information. Enchanted Airlie Dec. 2-4; 9-11; 15-22. 5 & 7pm. Airlie Gardens. A New Hanover County tradition since 2005! Take in the sparkling sights and festive sounds of the season. Guests will experience a 0.5m stroll through the Gardens, on a self-guided walking tour while feasting their eyes on a spectacular array of lights and holiday displays. Also in attendance, Santa Claus himself, and a few local food and beverage vendors with coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and more! Purchase your tickets early at www. airliegardens.org. Annual Reading of Polar Express Dec. 3, 10, 11, 17, 18. 4:30 & 5:30pm. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Space is limited so reservations are required by calling 763-2634. Each reading is followed by a visit from Santa then hot chocolate is served to all. $5.00 per person with those under 2 free. Make an Icicle Ornament All day, Dec. 12-18, Main Library. Check out a craft tub at Main Children’s desk and make icicles out of chenille stems and beads. Materials and instructions are included in the bin. The craft bin will be available during the week while supplies last. This craft is simple enough for preschool and up with parental supervision. Small beads can be a choking hazard. No registration is needed. Caroling by “Reindeer” Drawn Carriage or Trolley Dec. 16-24. Nightly, 6-10pm. Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa! See the beautiful holiday lights of old Wilmington snuggled under warm lap blankets an enclosed Christmas carriage or trolley, pulled by our special “reindeer.” Kids will also receive free candy canes from Santa himself on this exciting holiday excursion that is perfect for the whole family!
to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.
S.T.E.M. Explorations: Watercolor and Crayon Art 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www. playwilmington.org for more information. Wii on Wednesdays 2:30pm, Wednesdays. Northeast Library. Come and play the Nintendo Wii in our Children’s Room. Get some exercise playing the Wii Sports or Just Dance video games. Parents will have to sign in and out controllers. Preschool Math and Science Program 3:30pm. Northeast Library. Play, learn, and explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, hands-on science experiments and exploration stations. This program is designed for children between the ages of 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 4:15-5pm, Wednesdays. Carolina Beach Rec Center. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 3991708 for more information.
8 THURSDAY StoryCOOKS: Wild Christmas Reindeer Reindeer Dip 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington. org for more information and weekly themes. Sign and Shop 10:30am. Whole Foods Wilmington. Come learn sign language with us as we tour Whole Foods! We’ll learn signs for food as we talk about healthy eating. $10 or use playgroup pass. Ages 0-5. Please pre-register on signingwithmichaela.com or call/text 603-581-6053 as limited spots are available. Preschool Math and Science Program 10am. Cape Fear Museum. Come join us at the Cape Fear Museum to Play, Learn, and Explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, hands on science experiments and exploration stations. This program is designed for children between the ages of 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Preschool Math and Science Program 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Play, learn, and explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, hands on science experiments and exploration stations. This program is designed for children between the ages of 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Nature Navigators: Thumbprint Animals 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
12 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
9 FRIDAY Toddler Time: Paper Plate Ornaments 10am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. Projects and activities for our youngest visitors (ages 4 and under) and their special grownups to work on together. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Little Explorers: Wild Winter Weather 10am. Cape Fear Museum. Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Adult participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Adventures in the Arts: Australian Aboriginal Style Painting 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including-but not limited to--painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details. Home-At-Sea - Dirt Detectives 5:30-8:30pm. UNCW Center for Marine Science. Learn why geologists rock as you get down and dirty exploring the messy world of sediment science. For ages 11-14 and completed 5th grade. Visit uncw.edu/youth to register. Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show 6:30pm. Kure Beach. Come and see this Kure Beach tradition! Enjoy Frosty and his penguin friend, Harriet Hippo, The Grinch, Cookie Monster, the dancing bears and more, along with Santa Claus and crazy elves, as they entertain you with song, dance and their zany antics. Dress warm because it always snows at the show!! Harry Potter Magical Holiday Ball 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Dress like your favorite Harry Potter character, wear your holiday best or come as you are and join us for fun activities and giveaways. Call 509-1880 for details.
10 SATURDAY Nature Holiday Crafts 9am. Halyburton Park. Come on out and join park naturalists in all the nature festivities building different nature crafts such as bird feeders out of a pine cone, and much, much more. Each child will have the chance to create something awesome at each station. All creations are yours to keep. $5/ person. Age 3 and up. Call 341-0075 to register. Extreme Cookie Sale 9am-1pm. Wrightsville United Methodist Church. A Cookie Walk just in time for the holidays! Enjoy a holiday atmosphere while you choose from thousands of holiday cookies, candies and treats. Boxes and gloves are provided. Proceeds go to local missions. Visit WUMC Cookie Walk on Facebook and Pinterest or www. Wrightsvilleumc.org for more information. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for a Storytime featuring If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, one of the most beloved children’s books of all time. Coloring and activities to follow. Call 509-1880 for details. Signing With Santa 12pm. The Bump & Beyond. Come sign with Ms. Michaela and Santa Claus! We’ll learn sign language signs related to Christmas, including holiday greetings, toys, and decorations. We’ll also listen to a Christmas story and sing some Christmas songs. Then Santa will come out to sign with us and take photos with the children. $10 per family, limited to 12 families per session.
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Saturday Afternoon Engineering Expectations Brainy Bobsleds 1-4:30pm. UNCW Natural Science Trailer. Construct a bobsled to race down your very own bobsled track. Determine the best combination of sled and track to minimize friction and maximize kinetic energy. Hopefully you will slide your way to victory using the engineering design process. For ages 10-11 & 12-14. Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show 6:30pm. Kure Beach. See 12/09.
11 SUNDAY Handel’s Messiah 2pm. Wilson Center. Under the direction of Paula Brinkman, the 100+ voice Choral Society with soloists and chamber orchestra, open their 66th Season and second year in The Wilson Center with Parts I and II from Handel’s masterpiece, ‘Messiah’. Composed in 1741 and first performed in Dublin, the oratorio has become one of the best known, loved and most frequently performed choral works. Please join us for this seasonal favorite, performed by the oldest and largest choral organization in the area. Visit www.cfcc.edu for ticket info. Discovery Lab 2:30-4pm. Cape Fear Museum. Investigate, experiment, and explore! In the Discovery Lab, the whole family can drop-in for fun, quick experiments and hands-on investigations. Themes vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Adult participation is required. Floating Lantern Ceremony 4pm. Cameron Art Museum. Connect the present to the past and future with the Cameron Art Museum’s Floating Lantern Ceremony. Write, draw, express your love, gratitude, and wishes on a lantern and watch as it floats on the majestic museum pond. This delightful event will be accompanied by live music. Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show 6:30pm. Kure Beach. See 12/09.
12 MONDAY Nature Ornaments 10am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” ages 2-5 out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and preregistration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to register. Book Making for Teens 4:45pm. Main Library. Register for this free book-making program in which you will learn to construct a side-bound book with recycled library materials. All tools and materials provided. Ages 12 & up. Call or email Shannon Vaughn with questions: svaughn@nhcgov. com 910-798-6363
13 TUESDAY Nature Ornaments 10am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” ages 2-5 out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and preregistration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to register. Fort Fisher Holiday Open House 10am-4pm. Fort Fisher Recreation Center. Join the Fort Fisher State Historic Site in celebrating the holiday season. Enjoy refreshments, decorations, and entertainment throughout the day, including musical performances guaranteed to delight! Kid’s Cooking Club: Bagel Wreath Bites 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register.
14 WEDNESDAY S.T.E.M. Explorations: Leaf Proof Bag 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please preregister. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
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CHILDCARE LISTING GUIDE CHILDCARE – PRESCHOOLS Childcare Network 8 convenient locations in Wilmington, Southport and Leland 866-521-KIDS • www.childcarenetwork.com Ages 6-weeks to 12-years The Children’s Schoolhouse Montessori 612 South College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-799-1531 • www.childrensschoolhouse.org Since 1985. Preschool and North Carolina State Recognized Kindergarten Program. Spanish, Gardening for little hands. Now enrolling students ages 3-5, for 2, 3, or 5 day programs. Jenkins Preschool Academy 7888 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28411 910-367-7210 • www.jpawilmington.com Half day programs 9am-12pm, 2 or 3 day classes for 2-3 yr. olds, 5-day programs for 4 y.o. And PreK Friends School of Wilmington PreK 207 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-8221 • www.fsow.org A truly unique and desirable educational experience. Montessori teaching principles are used for preschool. Gym & Learn Preschool Program Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Ages 3-5, boys & girls, 9am-1pm. A good mix of structure, instruction, and free play including developmentally appropriate academics, gymnastics class, arts & crafts, & socialization. Ongoing registration~choose 2-5 days per week! Hullabaloo 16717 Hwy 17 N, ste 210, Hampstead, NC 28443 910-821-1250 • www.hullaballoacademy.com Hullabaloo Academy offers a creative preschool for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Hands on learning and learning
through play insures your little one will be ready for school when the time comes! Choose from 2, 3, and 4 day options for your 3 and 4 year old and a two day option for your 2 year old. . Learning Center 2320 Scientific Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 910-254-7384 • denise.ward@aaipharma.om Ages 6 weeks-12 years. 5 star program with degreed teachers,low staff /child ratios, and a Project Approach based curriculum. Full day, After School and morning programs available. Pax Natura Academy 4202 Wilshire Blvd. Wilmington, NC 910-791-2080 • www.childcarenetwork.net/159 Early Foundations Infant & Toddler Programs. Preschool for 2 & 3 yo. Kindergarten Prep for 4 & 5 yo. After School Program. Puddle Jumpers Nature Preschool 15670 US Hwy.17 N. Hampstead, NC. 28443 910-231-6775 Enrolling Adventurous Preschoolers ages 2-6! www.puddlejumpersnaturepreschool.com Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/puddlejumpersnaturepreschool/ Wilmington Christian Academy 1401 North College Road 910-791-4248 • www.wilmingtonchristian.com Ages 3 & up, WCA offers a year-round, full-day program including developmental, experiential & academic elements in a secure, faith-based environment. Wilmington Family YMCA’s Preschool 2710 Market Street 910-251-9622 x257 • www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org Preschool program begins September 1st and operates daily from 9:00am-12:30pm. Ages 3-5
PARENTS NIGHT OUT Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Friday & Saturday nights, 6-10pm, ages 3-10. Drop your children off for supervised free play in our 15,000 sq. foot gymnastics facility. Run, jump, & flip with your friends all night long! Parents can relax at home, or get things done in time for the holidays!
The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1, Wilmington, NC 238403 910-799-3771 • www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 3-12 years. The Little Gym of Wilmington Parentsʼ Survival Nights lets you enjoy some adult time to see a movie, catch up with friends or enjoy a meal. We schedule Parentsʼ Survival Nights for select Friday and Saturday evenings.
Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 13
High Quality Child Care That Will Last Your Child A Life Time
LEARNING CENTER
15 THURSDAY
17 SATURDAY
StoryCOOKS: Gingerbread Baby Decorate a Gingerbread Cookie 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes.
Saturday Morning Marine Explorers Holiday Lights 9am-12pm.UNCW Center for Marine Science. Get into the holiday spirit with MarineQuest as we uncover the science behind bioluminescence and discover how deep sea organisms create and communicate with their own festive lights. For ages 7-10 and completed 1st grade. Visit uncw.edu/youth to register.
Sign Language Playgroup 11-11:45am. Wilmington Community Arts Center. Whether you have been using sign language with your child for years or you have just begun your sign journey, you are welcome to join us for sign language playgroup! This week’s theme is winter. We’ll get a mini lesson in sign language, followed by themed play. Ages 0-5. $8 for one week, or only $20 for a 4 week pass! Visit signingwithmichaela.com for more information.
• Infant & Toddler Program - Safe, nurturing & Loving environment • 2 to 4 year old Preschool Classes - Preparing your child for kindergarten • 2 to 4 year old Morning Program - 8:30 - 12:30pm Monday to Friday • School Age - After School & Summer Camp
Christmas Tree Craft 3:30pm. Main Library. Create and decorate an edible Christmas Tree out of sugar cones, icing and assorted candies. Register online at www.nhclibrary.org. Nature Navigators: Paper Owls 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
Located off 23rd St. w/ easy access from MLK or Market St
16 FRIDAY
Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle
Now recycle me after the match!
Recycle More with the City of Wilmington 14 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
Little Explorers: Senses of the Season 10am. Cape Fear Museum. Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Adult participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Visit www.capefearmuseum. com for more information. Family Yoga Storytime 10:30am, Friday. Main Library. Parents & children birth- 5 will have fun listening to stories while stretching and learning basic yoga postures with Miss Susan. Children must have an adult present. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. No registration required! Call 798-6353 for more details.
Find new recycling containers at Empie Park’s Tennis Area
wilmingtonnc.gov/recycling 910.341.7875
Toddler Time: Bedazzled Gingerbread Men 10am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. Projects and activities for our youngest visitors (ages 4 and under) and their special grownups to work on together. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
Polar Express Day 9am. Children’s Museum. Winter Wonderland 10-11:30am. Myrtle Grove Library. Ages 2-5. Come make a seasonal craft, enjoy storytime with Mr. Scooter and play outside in the snow made by our snow machine! Make sure to dress for the outdoor weather. There is no registration for this event. Santa’s Sleigh Is On Its Way! Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. It’s a magical Christmas Eve, and all of the children in your town are sleeping. Well, all of the children but you! How could you possibly fall asleep when you know Santa and his sleigh are on their way? Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Santa’s Sleigh Is on Its Way! Call 509-1880 for details. Sea GEMS - Marine Debris Science 1-4pm. UNCW Center for Marine Science. Marine Debris is a global environmental issue that is too close to home. Not only can Marine Debris entangle marine organisms, but it can be ingested. Upon ingestions stomachs fill and toxins that are adsorbed by the plastics are transferred to the organisms. In this Sea GEMS session learn all about marine debris and what is being done to manage this issue. For ages 12-14 and have completed at least 5th grade. Visit uncw.edu/ youth to register. Santa By The Sea 4:30-7:30pm. Fort Fisher Aquarium. A magical holiday experience with Santa and his aquatic friends. Guests make holiday crafts, decorate cookies and play games while exploring the Aquarium’s decked halls. Visitors can also listen as Mrs. Claus shares a fishy and festive tale during story time. Good girls and boys can visit with Santa for a photo. He may even surprise everyone by diving alongside sharks, eels and one of his favorite sea turtle friends. Start a holiday tradition your child will always remember. Visit www.ncaquariums.com for more information. The Great Wilmington Nutcracker 6pm. Wilson Center. Presented by the Wilmington Ballet Company featuring Daniel Seamans (WWAY anchorman) as master of ceremonies, professional guest dancers, and local professional and student talent. Visist www.cfcc edu for ticket information.
18 SUNDAY
Adventures in the Arts: Christmas Ornament Craft 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including-but not limited to--painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www. playwilmington.org for details.
Curiosity Carts 11:30am, Sundays. Cape Fear Museum. Get your hands on history and science! Examine artifacts and science specimens. Gain insight into topics featured in museum exhibits. Carts are stationed in Museum galleries and feature short hands-on, facilitated experiences for visitors. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.
Gingerbread Houses 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. For ages 5-10. Come build your own Gingerbread house with our yummy ingredients and your imagination! Registration is required and opens four weeks prior to program date. Register online at www. nhclibrary.org or call 798-6393.
Discovery Lab 2:30-4pm. Cape Fear Museum. Investigate, experiment, and explore! In the Discovery Lab, the whole family can drop-in for fun, quick experiments and hands-on investigations. Themes vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Adult participation is required.
NORTH CAROLINA
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The Great Wilmington Nutcracker 3pm. Wilson Center. See 12/17.
19 MONDAY Railroad Storytime 10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $5/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information.
Wilmington Ballet Company & The Wilmington School of Ballet Presents
20 TUESDAY Kid’s Cooking Club: Cookies and Cocoa 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register.
21 WEDNESDAY 1ST DAY OF WINTER S.T.E.M. Explorations: Flying Santa 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Family LEGO Workshop 2pm. Cape Fear Museum. Engage in science, technology, engineering and math as you construct and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot! Let your imagination soar as you imagine a world with more robot helpers. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for registration information. It’s a Wonderful Life - Film Screening 7pm. Thalian Hall. Revel in this world-wide Christmas Classic! An angel, in an attempt to earn his wings, helps a compassionate yet frustrated business man by showing what life would have been like had he never existed and giving him the inspiration to remember what life is all about. This original movie by famous director Frank Capra has been digitally remastered for your Christmas enjoyment!
22 THURSDAY StoryCOOKS: The Polar Express - Hot Cocoa 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes. Holiday Pops Concert 3 & 7:30pm. Wilson Center. The North Carolina Symphony’s Holiday Pops is a musical tradition that will fill your heart with cheer. Enjoy all your holiday favorites and a popular sing-a-long. “Yule” definitely be in a holly jolly mood when you leave this concert and don’t forget to visit Santa in the lobby before the performance! Tickets will sell out, so please make your plans early and ask about discounts for children. Visit www.ncsymphony.org for ticket information. Nature Navigators: Clay Christmas Trees 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the
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Saturday, December 17 - 6 PM & Sunday, December 18- 3 PM CFCC WILSON CENTER 910.362.7999 DANIEL SEAMANS (ANCHOR WWAY) IS MASTER OF CEREMONIES OF THE TREASURED HOLIDAY CLASSIC.
PROFESSIONAL GUESTS FROM THE PRESTIGIOUS WASHINGTON BALLET GRACE THE STAGE ALONGSIDE LOCAL PROFESSIONAL AND STUDENT TALENT. Sponsors: Landfall Foundation, Cape Fear Formal Wear, Wilmington Arts Council, Trask Land Company, Wilmington Parent, Cape Fear Living Magazine
Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 15
SUNSHINE
CHILDREN'S DENTISTRY Douglas S. Fry, DDS
beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
23 FRIDAY 4th Friday Gallery Night 6pm. Downtown Wilmington. The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County presents 4th Friday Gallery Night, a free monthly self-guided tour of galleries, studios and art spaces featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, glass, metals, wood, ceramics, mixed media and more. 4th Fridays also include opening receptions, artist discussions, demonstrations, live music, wine, food and other traditional and nontraditional art-related activities.
24 SATURDAY CHRISTMAS EVE 25 SUNDAY - CHRISTMAS HAPPY HOLIDAYS
New Location! 1911 17th St. Suite 140 1911 17th St. Suite 140 Wilmington, NC www.drfrydental.com • office@drfrydental.com 910-762-7736
Wilmington Basketball Center
26 MONDAY Christmas Train & Light Spectacular Encore Performance 6:30-8pm. Wilmington Railroad Museum. This great show of trains and lights will bring the spirit of the season to all and includes the sounds and lights of Christmas with the trains running through a winter wonderland, Santa waiting to talk with all the children, and cider and cookies for all. $5 each, children under 2 are free!
27 TUESDAY Stories Under the Stars 10am & 1:30pm. Cape Fear Museum. Engage in science, technology, engineering and math as you construct and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot! Let your imagination soar as you imagine a world with more robot helpers. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Solar Quest 11:30am & 3:30pm. Cape Fear Museum. Take a trip to our nearest star, the Sun. Soar over its scorching surface. Discover what modern science has revealed about the Sun and modern life on Earth. Adult participation is required. Kid’s Cooking Club 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register.
Supervised after school program
Offering homework assistance, daily basketball instruction and competition! Monday- Friday, dismissal-6:00 PM Registration fee: $35.00: $85.00 per 1 child: $5.00 discount per additional sibling AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP FOR: Ogden, Blair, Murrayville, Castle Hayne, Noble Middle, Holly Shelter and Trask Middle
7207 Ogden Business LaneWilmington, NC 28411
(910) 319-7454 • Sign up at wbcinc.org 16 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
28 WEDNESDAY S.T.E.M. Explorations 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington. org for more information.
Lights, Camera,....Science! 11am. Cape Fear Museum. Explore 3D vision and special effects. Create strange and silly sound effects. Bring the mystery of movie magic into focus! Adult participation is required.
29 THURSDAY StoryCOOKS 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes. Stories Under the Stars 10am & 1:30pm. Cape Fear Museum. Engage in science, technology, engineering and math as you construct and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot! Let your imagination soar as you imagine a world with more robot helpers. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Solar Quest 11:30am & 3:30pm. Cape Fear Museum. Take a trip to our nearest star, the Sun. Soar over its scorching surface. Discover what modern science has revealed about the Sun and modern life on Earth. Adult participation is required. Nature Navigators 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
30 FRIDAY Toddler Time: Bedazzled Gingerbread Men 10am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. Projects and activities for our youngest visitors (ages 4 and under) and their special grownups to work on together. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
31 SATURDAY NEW YEAR’S EVE New Year’s Noon 9am-12pm. Children’s Museum. Countdown to the New Year with us! Toast to 2017 with a juice toast, make a party crown, streamer sticks, glittery slime and more! The event culminates with an epic confetti toss at NOON in the courtyard! Hap-Pea All Year, Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Just in time for New Year’s, the peas from the bestselling LMNO Peas are back for more fun --- this time exploring the months of the year! Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Hap-Pea All Year. Call 509-1880 for details. Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown 9pm. Carolina Beach. Don’t miss the giant beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration. This free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. In an Island of Lights tradition there will be a raffle, with the winner taking home the original artwork for the Island of Lights 2015 official Christmas card and ornament.
To submit events to the calendar, please email calendar.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions to the January issue is December 9, 2016.
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STAFF PICKS FOR HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Danielle
A Christmas Stroll Through the Past
The Bellamy Mansion Museum and the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens invite you to stroll down Market Street through the past. Celebrate the holidays with a luminary walk, period decorations, music, costumed interpreters, petting zoo, refreshments and more! $20 for adults • $10 for children (3-18) 12/10/16 • 4-7pm
Nancy
Volunteer at the Salvation Army - Always looking for help. www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/wilmington Go downtown and Mayfaire for Christmas Tree Lighting - Wherever you are, there is a tree preparing for a lighting ceremony! This tradition is a major Christmas spirit boost! Carolina Beach and Downtown Christmas Parade or Holiday Flotilla Wrightsville Beach - Whether on land or water, any opportunity to see the community get together with lights and music is an important part of the Holiday season.
Bellamy Mansion Museum 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 info@bellamymansion.org
Andrea
We started a new tradition this year - a thankful pumpkin! Each day we wrote 1-3 blessings in our lives. We love to decorate our house with lots of nativities from many different countries. Our family collects unique nativities from other countries. I have about 30 from places like Vietnam, the Philippines, El Salvador, Mexico, Poland, Sierra Leone, etc. It’s random but it’s fun to see! We love to make various types of Christmas candy each year, including Potato Candy! Ingredients: 1 medium baked potato 2lb bag of powdered sugar 1tsp. vanilla 1/2tsp. salt Directions: Bake potato. Peel and mash the potato for 1/2 cup of potato. Add salt and vanilla. Work in sugar, until dough can be handled easily. Divide dough into half. Roll out dough onto waxed paper to 1/4 inch thick. Spread with peanut butter. Roll up jelly roll style. Chill until firm.
Yulia
Stroll through the lights at Airlie Gardens. They work all year to turn these gardens in a magical masterpiece! See a local production of Nutcracker. There are 3 to choose from in Wilmington! CFCC, UNCW, and Thalian Hall even has a performance just for young audiences. Carolina Beach and/or Downtown Christmas Parade. The night parades are gorgeous with all the lights! Eat, drink, try to slow down and enjoy friends and family. Everyone should do this, even if you have to schedule time to relax. v
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NOW ENROLLING FOR THE WINTER/ SPRING SEASON! The Little Gym of Wilmington
132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403
www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 910-799-3771
Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 17
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
Chinese Lantern Festival - Although I love seeing the lights around Wilmington, the trip to the Booth Amphitheater in Cary during the Holidays is a must! Every Tuesday-Sunday night through Jan 15th. boothamphitheatre.com/nc-chinese-lantern-festival-cary See at least one production of The Nutcracker - I already know how it ends, but I can’t help it! I love watching different dance companies perform this classic. This year I will see the City Ballet production because I want to check out the new Wilson Center. Make too many batches of Christmas Crack - Great Grandma started this and we can’t stop! Ingredients: 35 – 40 saltine crackers 1 cup butter (2 sticks) 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15” x 10” x 1” pan with foil. Coat with nonstick cooking spray. Line up crackers in a single layer in rows on foil. Meanwhile, melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil 3 minutes. Immediately pour over crackers and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and turn oven off. Sprinkle chocolate chips over crackers and return baking sheet to the oven for 5 minutes more, or until chocolate chips are melted. Sprinkle walnuts on top and press into the chocolate using a greased spatula. Cut into squares while warm. Cool completely and store in the refrigerator.
What NOT to Give Kids for Christmas By Sarah Lyons
SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOMIZED & DELICIOUS CAKES & CUPCAKES FOR ANY OCCASION! Offering: Readily available desserts daily Cupcakes, Cookie Cakes, Dirt Cake, Funnel Cakes & many other items... Customized Special Order Cakes Birthday Decorating Parties for Boys & Girls Wine & Ice Sessions
2323 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 910-899-2999 FUND US ON FACEBOOK
M
y children began their Christmas lists in October. Curious to see what made the list this year, I read over my daughter’s shoulder and was shocked to see that she had asked for a doll that spits up and wets itself, an expensive Lego set, and a live donkey. These items were NOT on my Christmas list for my children. I asked parents what they prefer well meaning gift givers leave off their shopping list when bringing presents to get togethers.
A million pieces Everyone is likely to get frustrated with a toy that comes with “a million” pieces. In no time, the pieces tend to get spread across the entire house and it is nearly impossible to get them back together. “Once the pieces are lost the whole toy is pointless because you can’t do anything with it if certain pieces are missing.” says Kassie Rew, Olathe mom of three. Prior to giving, consider the ages of the children in the home. A nine year old may ask for Polly Pocket dolls or Legos but they can easily turn into a choking hazard for a baby brother and a become huge stress for the parents.
Some assembly required
We offer sales, service, and installation of electronic pet fencing. We also offer service of any brand, including Invisible Fence.
910-395-8260 www.coastalpetfence.com
SIGNING
With Michaela American Sign Language Classes in Coastal North Carolina for infants, toddlers, and kids of all ages.
signingwithmichaela.com 603-581-6053 18 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
Every parent cringes when their child opens a fun and exciting toy and the box has the words “some assembly required” which usually means the parent spends hours reading frustrating directions and assembling the toy late into the night. If you are giving a toy that requires assembly, please consider putting it together prior to giving.
A not-so-joyful noise Loud toys have been irritating parents since toys were invented. Musical instruments, toys with hammers, and battery operated toys with no volume control all contribute to the already high level of noise pollution in the average household. When purchasing a loud toy for a favorite niece or nephew, please stop and imagine it being passed back to your own house when you have children. If that makes you shudder, keep shopping.
Toys that encourage violence Lauren Heller, Overland Park mom of twins, says “Anything that encourages hitting or violence against siblings is discouraged. They fight enough as it is.” Toys such as Nerf guns, swords, punching bags, and boxing gloves are not ideal for families that may not want weapons in the house. Amy Cameron, Olathe mom of three has a different perspective “A water gun, lightsaber, or Nerf gun for only one sibling is not desired. They need to be equally armed.” It is best to ask permission before purchasing these items.
All that glitters isn’t always gold Many families love to receive craft items as gifts and even ask for them specifically. Others may find them messy, stressful, and frustrating. Play dough, paint, markers, stamps, beads, and glitter all fall into this category. “It doesn’t feel like a gift when we are trying to get ink out of laundry, carpet, or off the walls.” says Bridget Estelle, Olathe mom of four. Purchasing a gift for someone is always challenging because you want it to be enjoyed. Ask the parents what they suggest, if anything is not permitted in the house, and if you have a great idea, run it by them first. v
Gifts parents LOVE to receive for their kids • Educational toys • Experiences - zoo membership, movie passes, classes, camps • Complete gifts - a tablet, case, warranty, and gift card for apps • Accessories - a train to go with a new train set, furniture for a new doll house • Books • Batteries • Practical gifts - clothes, shoes, coats
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TRAMPOLINES • DODGEBALL BASKETBALL • SLACK LINES FOAM PITS • NINJA COURSE PARTIES
6431 Market Street 910-444-1002 DefyGravity.us.Wilmington
®
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 19
How to Make Keepsake
THANK YOU CARDS FROM YOUR CHILD By Christa Melnyk Hines
There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude. —Robert Brault
December 10, 2016 9 am-1 pm
Wrightsville United Methodist Church 4 Live Oak Dr., Wrightsville Beach Tables filled with thousands of beautiful and tasty cookies, candies and treats for you to choose from! Select the cookies you want or a pre packaged box. Ideal for gifts or for your own holidays. Boxes and gloves provided. Proceeds go to local missions.
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
WUMC Cookie Walk
Wilmington School of Ballet
PRINCESS PARTIES for only $100.00
www.princessforadayparties.com 910-794-9590
W
ith two little boys and many generous friends and relatives who send us gifts over the holidays, I’m frequently searching for meaningful and beautiful thank you cards. But despite my personal penchant for quality stationery, quietly browsing through a display of cards is just another slain warrior from my pre-children past. To help teach my children to appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness that went into each of the many gifts they receive, I’ve enlisted them to help me create the thank you cards. Through this simple project my goal is to not only acknowledge the generosity of our loved ones, but also help my kids slow down and learn to show gratitude for the gifts they receive. In addition to costing very little to make, homemade cards featuring a special, personal piece of artwork is a wonderful keepsake particularly cherished by grandparents and other relatives. For this project, you will need: • Textured watercolor paper • Watercolors • 4x6 blank cards in a variety of colors • Matching envelopes • Glue stick • Pair of decorative, serrated craft scissors (for adult use) • And if the mood strikes, extra decorative notions such as stickers, beads or glitter. Six simple steps: 1.) Have your child paint whatever strikes his fancy on the watercolor paper. Young children will often just play with the watercolors, experimenting with the paint brush and the different colors. Don’t worry, this free-form technique works especially well for this project. 2.) When the pictures are dry, use the decorative craft scissors to cut out parts of the watercolor pictures into squares, or whatever shapes you prefer. The serrated scissors not only add a pretty border to the artwork, but they are also a little more forgiving than a regular pair of scissors when it comes to cutting a straight line. Out of one sheet of watercolor paper, you can easily make several cards, which keeps this project from getting overwhelming for children of all ages. 3.) After cutting the watercolors down to size, situate them onto the covers of the pre-made blank cards. The solid color of the cards provides a lovely frame around the miniature canvases and helps the watercolors pop on the page. 4.) Enlist your child to paste his masterpiece onto the card using the glue stick. Make a variety of cards and have fun experimenting with different designs. Your child can also add glitter, beads or stickers to the card. 5.) On the back of the card, be sure to include a note or a small label indicating that the artist is your child. For example, “Artwork by Jane Smith, age 3” and the date. 6.) After you have written your thank you notes, have your child sign her name at the bottom if she’s able, or put your child’s thumbprint next to her name. v Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, and her husband are the parents of two active boys. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
•Birthday party rooms •Parties for all budgets •Large arcade to entertain kids of all ages Only 8 miles from downtown Wilmington
Watch football on 14 large screen TV's. Check the web for weekly specials 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, (right behind Walgreens in Magnolia Greens)
www.thunderalleybowling.com • 910 371 0119 20 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
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HOLIDAY BREAK
Boredom Busters
I
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
t’s day two of the kids being home from school for the holidays, and an argument over an electronic device is on the verge of a full-blown, day-ruining meltdown. Kids are accustomed to scheduled days and exhausting afternoons. A little time off can be a relief, but soon boredom will set in and a little creativity may save the day.
Stuffed-Animal Zipline: A long piece of string or yarn and a clothes hanger with clips make for a funny way for little ones’ stuffed toys to travel. Check out www.sunhatsandwellieboots. com/2012/08/indoor-zip-wire to get started.
Carpet Expressway: Use masking or painter’s tape to make roads and tracks on the floor for Matchbox cars and other vehicles. (If the kiddos are really motivated, they can use LEGOs to build a whole town around it!)
Yarn Lasers: Remember those cool scenes of thieves and spies gingerly maneuvering through laser fields in movies like Ocean’s Twelve and Entrapment? Let your kids try it out at home with yarn and tape in a hallway. Indoor Spider’s Web: Use blue painter’s tape to make a web at the top of a doorway. Kids can take turns throwing crumpled newspaper balls at the web to see what sticks and what sails through the gaps. See what it looks like here: handsonaswegrow.com/sticky-spider-web-activity-halloween Wrapping-Paper Murals: You’ve likely got rolls of the stuff around for the holidays, so unroll it, flip it over and cover a table with it. Kids can go to town with markers and crayons.
Stuffed Animal Hide-and-Seek: Hide one of their stuffed pals and send them on a bear hunt—or a monkey, puppy, kitty or dinosaur hunt—to retrieve it. (Just make sure you’re always the hider!) Family Room Drive-In: Every once in a while, a movie is just the ticket. Recycle square cardboard boxes from holiday gifts into little cars for kids to sit in to watch the flick. Decorate with racing stripes and paper-plate “tires”. v Source: www.dailyparent.com
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 21
HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
GIVE THE GIFT OF FUN, HEALTH AND FITNESS. Gift cards are available in any amount and redeemable for any Wilmington Family YMCA program or membership. 2710 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 251-9622
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM WILMINGTON PARENT FAMILIES TO YOURS! www.wilmingtonparent.com
GIVE THE GIFT OF FUN CLASSES! 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com
22 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
WILMINGTON SCHOOL OF BALLET & DANCE Wilmington School of Ballet & Dance teaches a love of dance from princess ballet to professional training. Little ones learn in a magical princess & pirate class. Older students can train professionally or recreationally. All students are thrilled with our many dance performance opportunities. Come try a free class and be a part of our dance family. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, & Tumble classes from 2 1/2 years old and up 1/2 off a 100.00 gift certificate for any new student Wilmington School of Ballet 2250 Shipyard Blvd. Unit 12 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-794-9590
COOKIE WALK DECEMBER 10, 2016 9AM - 1PM Enjoy a holiday atmosphere while walking around the large hall filled with thousands of beautiful and tasty cookies, candies and treats! Personally select individual cookies or choose a pre-made box. Boxes and gloves provided. Wrightsville United Methodist Church 4 Live Oak Dr. Wrightsville Beach
CONTACT US FOR GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMS. Wilmington Basketball Center 7207 Ogden Business Lane 910 233-7468 wbcinc.org • info@wbcinc.org
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
10% DISCOUNT ON PROSHOP GIFT CERTIFICATES. 4 games of bowling with shoes with a purchase of a gift certificate valued at $100.00 or more. Thunder Alley 1224 Magnolia Village Way 910-371-0119 www.thunderalleybowling.com
GIVE THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCES WITH OUR MEMBERSHIPS! For the month of November mention Wilmington Parent Magazine and receive 20% off all annual memberships. (Not to be combined with any other offer) Hullabaloo 16717 Hwy 17 N STE 210 (910) 821-1250 • HullabalooPlay.com
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GIVE THE GIFT OF THE LITTLE GYM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Enroll now and save half off your membership! Offer expires 12/31/2016 The Little Gym of Wilmington (910) 799-3771 • www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com
T.O.P. CAKES ~TALK OF THE PARTY~ Stop by and visit us! We offer gift certificates for our Talk Of the Party Cakery. Find Us On Facebook! 2323 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910-899-2999
Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 23
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
GIVE YOUR YOUNG SCIENTIST THE BEST GIFT EVER! Registration is NOW OPEN for MarineQuest Summer 2017 Camps for young people ages 4-17 910-962-2640 www.uncw.edu/youth/registration.html
A GIFT OF RELAXATION One Hour Massage - $49.95 We happily place your gift on a certificate suitable for gift giving. 910-452-5555 www.shavernaturalmedicine.com
HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAM
We nurture compassion. Future medical visionaries don’t make their mark on the world by accident. They start early, developing the determination to reveal solutions that change lives. Kiddie Academy® Life Essentials® lights the path for each child to discover individual potential, showing anything is possible. To schedule a tour and enroll, visit kiddieacademy.com/wilmington
Kiddie Academy® of Wilmington 7633 Market Street ∙ Wilmington, NC 28411 910-742-4344
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
GIVE A GIFT FROM THE AIRLIE GARDENS GIFT SHOP! Did you know that you can visit the gift shop at Airlie Gardens year-round without paying garden admission? Stop to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from a unique and beautiful location. Find anything from kids toys, ornaments and stocking stuffers, to garden themed merchandise. You can even give the gift of garden membership! 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, www.airliegardens.org , or call us at 910-798-7700
GIFT CARDS IN ANY DENOMINATION, GREAT GIFT FOR ALL AGES! DefyGravity Gift Card 6431 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405 910-444-1002 www.defygravity.us
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE IN ANY AMOUNT. CONTACT US FOR DETAILS. Coastal Pet Fence 6120-102 Riverwoods Dr. Wilmington, NC 28412 910-395-8260 www.coastalpetfence.com
24 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
NOW ENROLLING!
KIDDIE ACADEMY® OF WILMINGTON Kiddie Academy’s Life Essentials lights the path for each child to develop individual potential, showing anything is possible. To schedule a tour and enroll, please visit kiddieacademy.com/wilmington. Use the code GIFTGUIDE to receive $10 off your child’s registration fee. 7633 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28411 910.742.4344 wilmington@kiddieacademy.net www.kiddieacademy.com/wilmington
HELP A CHILD IN NEED EXPERIENCE THE HOPE AND JOY OF CHRISTMAS. Simply sponsor an “Angel” from any of The Salvation Army Angel Trees; purchasese your gifts and return them before Dec. 13 to insure that child will have a Merry Christmas. For more information please call 910-443-8513.
LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE SET Give a child you love the gift of a new and exciting language this holiday season! With this great set, they’ll learn American Sign Language through videos, pictures, and an in-person class. 1 Signing Time DVD, 1 Signing Time Flashcard Pack, and 1 Signing with Michaela class gift card. A $50 value for $25! Available in infant/toddler, preschooler, and older child sets. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Signing with Michaela 603-581-6053 trefethenmi@gmail.com www.signingwithmichaela.com
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE
CITY BALLET Enrollment in Ballet Classes at City Ballet with no registration fee for new students ($50 value) or family (2 or more students, $100 value). For new students age 3 and up. 5814 Oleander Dr. #3, Wilmington, NC 910-622-8545 www.cityballetofwilmington.org
A CHRISTMAS STROLL THROUGH THE PAST $3 off a Christmas Stroll Through the Past Admission (One discount per coupon) Expires: 12/10/16 Bellamy Mansion Museum 503 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 info@bellamymansion.org
GET YOUR SHOPPING DONE WHILE THE KIDS HAVE FUN! Pop-in Nature Playcare BOGO pass @ Puddle Jumpers Buy one 4 hour nature playcare pass & Receive a BONUS 4 hour pass FREE! Offer good for one pass per family. Dates: Nov. 12th-Dec. 23rd Puddle Jumpers Nature Preschool www.puddlejumpersnaturepreschool.com 910-231-6775
PORT CITY XTREME Wilmington’s Ultimate Mobile Video Game Truck – bringing the best idea in entertainment for birthday parties, school and church events, fundraisers, corporate parties, family reunions and more! Serving New Hanover County, Brunswick and Pender County from our Wilmington location. 859- GAME (4263) portcityxtreme@gmail.com www.portcityxtreme.com www.wilmingtonparent.com
ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION AND CONSULTING ACC is a full service construction company. Offering commercial and residential construction services from design to completion. Specializing in roof replacement and insurance mitigation. Atlantic Construction Consulting will offer a gift certificate for dinner at Oceanic, Henry’s or Bluewater with completed contract. $75 www.acc.builders 910-239-8067 freeestimates@acc.builder
COMPLIMENTARY 30 MINUTE MASSAGE With the purchase of a $37 New Patient Consultation, Neurological & Orthopedic Examination and Second Day report of findings Normally $125.00. Excludes Medicare / Medicaid. Well Within Chiropractic 910-515-4525 www.getwellwithin.com *If you decide to purchase additional treatment you have the legal right to change your mind within 3 days and receive a refund.
Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 25
SPECIAL SECTION: Celebrate the Holidays
Come for some Winter Fun at Puddle Jumpers Nature Preschool!
YOUR HEALTH
Tips For A Healthier Holiday By Dyan Hes, MD
F
reshly baked pies, holiday cookies, hot chocolate, and candy canes are common holiday treats. But just as adults pack on the pounds around the holidays, so can the kids. Denying a child from partaking in sugary confections may seem like an easy fix during the holidays, but that’s easier said than done. With so many festive parties that include desserts, candies, and fat-laden foods, it is better to teach your child moderation and how to make healthy choices. Dr. Dyan Hes, Medical Director of Gramercy Pediatrics, offers advice to parents to allow children a little indulgence, but while maintaining a healthy diet during the holiday season. “I believe in moderation, not stringent restriction which can create an unhealthy relationship with food,” says Dr. Dyan Hes, Medical Director at Gramercy Pediatrics. “I specialize in childhood obesity and while I don’t condone binging on desserts and candy, I also don’t recommend denying your child treats during the holidays. Instead, limit how much your child consumes.”
1.Teach your Child Portion Control when Choosing from the Dessert Table – “Often there are multiple desserts on a holiday table. By allowing your child to choose their favorite, not only gives them a sense of freedom in their food choices, but also teaches portion control and limitations,” recommends Dr. Hes. If your child wants to taste several desserts, then give them a small taste of each one, that equals one serving. “If a child is completely denied a dessert, it will only make them want it more.”
2. Keep Sugary Drinks to a Minimum – The holidays are the perfect time to break out the sparkling cider and hot cocoa. But just as adults need to watch their consumption of highly caloric beverages, so should kids. A 12oz hot chocolate with whipped cream can have up to 400 calories and about 40 grams of sugar! Dr. Hes recommends keeping an eye on how many “holiday beverages” your child is consuming during meals and parties. “Make hot chocolate from low sugar instant mixes and use 26 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
reduced fat (light) whipped cream or skip it entirely,” says Dr. Hes. “There is also a ton of sugar in fruit juice, and although sparkling cider is fun, limit your child to one glass to celebrate.”
3. Lead by Example – Children learn eating habits from their parents. Don’t use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge, but as another touch point to teach kids healthier eating habits. If you are piling up on desserts, your child will think it is acceptable. Make sure to load your plates with lots of veggies during dinner and limit the sweets to one after the meal. 4. Create Healthier Food Traditions – Much of the holidays are focused on food and many families have special dishes that have become traditions. Those “traditional dishes” are often highly caloric and filled with fat. Grandmother’s sausage stuffing, or Aunt Sara’s cheesy casserole might be a “must” for every holiday meal, but they can also expand the waist quickly. Instead, Dr. Hes recommends creating new healthier favorites that are reserved only for the holidays and get kids excited to see them on the table. We make chopped salad (Mediterranean style) that everyone loves and always have fruit salad as a dessert option.
5. Non-Food Activities – Food may play an important role in the holidays, but adding other fun into the festivities takes the focus off eating. Kids love games, making arts and crafts, decorating the house, acting out stories, and loads of other activities that can involve the whole family. Be creative and come up with something that is unique and special to your family’s holiday traditions. v Dyan Hes, MD, named a 2013 top doctor by NEW YORK magazine, is the Medical Director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City and sits on the board of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. In conjunction with the Park Slope YMCA, Dr. Hes created the Be Fit program for overweight children, which has served as a successful model of collaboration between hospitals and community centers.
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FIT FAMILY
Jingle and Run All Month Long December 3rd - RiverLights Dashing Through the Glow 5K RiverLights Community, 4410 River Rd, Wilmington Presented by Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders. Holiday Lights, Meet Santa Cookies, Milk and More. Register at https://its-go-time.com. December 3rd - Merry Fitness 5K Jacksonville Commons Elementary, Jacksonville, NC. The Axis Physical Therapy Merry Fitness 5K is the end of the season celebration 5k race for Girls on the Run, Heart & Sole, and STRIDE participants. Come join over 500 boys and girls, grades 3rd-8th, as they celebrate their accomplishments of the season! Public runners are welcome as this race provides scholarships to children who need assistance to participate in the Girls on the Run and STRIDE programs. Professional race production by the Wilmington Family YMCA and timing by Atlantic Coast Timing ensures a fun, safe, and accurate 5k race experience! Visit www.sportoften.com to register. December 10th - Wrightsville Beach Jingle Bell Run 5K 303 W. Salisbury St, Wrightsville Beach The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History invites you to participate in the museum’s 8th annual Jingle Bell 5K Run. As this will be a celebratory, holiday event, race participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel (i.e. Santa costumes, antlers, snow men, etc.). Prizes for Best Overall Holiday Costume, Best Group Holiday Costume, Best Family Holiday Costume, and Best Pet Costume. Register at https://its-go-time.com.
Safe Toys and Gifts Month Millions of toys are out there, and hundreds of new ones hit the stores each year. Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important part of any child’s development. But each year, scores of kids are treated in hospital emergency departments for toyrelated injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger, because they tend to put objects in their mouths. Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new toys for specific age groups. But perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is to supervise play. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely monitors and regulates toys. Any toys made in — or imported into — the United States after 1995 must comply with CPSC standards. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for toys: • Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant • Stuffed toys should be washable. • Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint. • Art materials should say nontoxic. • Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they’ve been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Steer clear of older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and family. Those toys might have sentimental value and are certainly cost-effective, but they may not meet current safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break and become hazardous. Visit www.safekids.org for a list of recent toy recalls.
New Year, New You Start Early! Do you plan to start the new year with a new list of health and fitness goals? Joining a group of like-minded people can help you stay motivated. Wilmington has its very own Jogging Group to help you get started! The Free Movement Running Group meets Mondays at 6pm at Jengo’s Playhouse (815 Princess Street, Wilmington) through March 6, 2017. The group is trying to build community and health through organizing events in the community. Call Martha at (609) 556-4196 or check The Free Movement Team Facebook page for more details.
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Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 27
SCHOOL NOTES
School’s Out! NEW HANOVER COUNTY: Traditional Schools: 12//21 - Half Day for Students 12/22 - No School, Holiday 12/23-30 - No School, Holiday Year Round Schools: 12//16 - Half Day for Students 12/19 - No School, Holiday 12/20-30 - No School, Holiday CFCI Charter School:
Wilmington Christian Academy Raises Money for Local Breast Cancer “Champions” The faculty, staff and students at Wilmington Christian Academy recently presented a check totaling $2,080 to Joy Wade, Director of the local Pretty in Pink Foundation. This money was raised through WCA’s 4th Annual “Patriots for Pink” Volleyball/Soccer games, held this September. In just four short years of hosting the “Patriots for Pink” games, the WCA family has helped to raise a grand total of $15,380 to assist local men and women, diagnosed with breast cancer. Students from Wilmington Christian Academy also volunteer monthly at the local PIPF office, emphasizing their commitment to support local breast cancer “Champions” not only financially, but by serving the organization through volunteer hours. The WCA Patriot family is honored to partner with the local Pretty In Pink Foundation as we seek to support local breast cancer “CHAMPIONS” together!
12/19-30 - No School, Holiday Isaac Bear Early College HS: 12//19 - No School, Teacher Workday 12/20-30 - No School, Holiday WECHS 12/21-30 - No School, Holiday BRUNSWICK: Traditional Schools: 12/21-30 - No School, Holiday
The Hill School of Wilmington Selected as Landfall Foundation Grant Recipient The Hill School of Wilmington’s iPads for Hill 2016 grant request was one of 89 projects selected to be funded by Landfall Foundation for its 2016 grant cycle. This grant, totaling $2,825, gives The Hill School, a 501(c)3 nonprofit school for students with learning disabilities, the ability to purchase a classroom set of iPads to support the intensive remediation provided to its students. Hill School students benefit from an alternative learning environment where their individual needs are addressed. The use of iPads and a variety of research-supported applications can improve the reading fluency of struggling learners by giving them access to tools they need. This is the twenty-first year Landfall Foundation has been awarding grants to organizations in our community, and this year they will be presented during a ceremony on November 3rd.
Brunswick Early College: 12/21-30 - No School, Holiday Roger Bacon Academy: 12//16 - Half Day for Students 12/19-30 - No School, Holiday PENDER: Traditional Schools: 12/21-30 - No School, Holiday Penderlea: 12/21-30 - No School, Holiday Pender Early College:
Students Replace Bullying With Kindness
12/19-20 - No School, Teacher Workday
Rachel’s Challenge is a national non-profit organization that strives to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Two local schools participated this past month. Students and staff at Murrayville Elementary combined their annual Anti-Bullying Event with Rachel’s Challenge. Students formed links to show their commitment to the challenge and examples of kindness.
12/21-30 - No School, Holiday Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information. 28 | December 2016 | Wilmington Parent
Students at Williams Elementary have been learning how to practice random, intentional acts of kindness to prevent bullying. To learn more about this national movement visit www.rachelschallenge.org
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PEANUT GALLERY
Braelynn J 12/13 • 5yo
Liam N. 11/25 • 2yo
Avery H. 10/30 • 4yo
Carl B. 11/20 • 11yo
Simone S . 12/26 • 13yo
Connor M • 6yo
Briley 12/22 • 5yo
AJacob J. 12/2 • 11yo
Andrew C. 12/28 • 6yo
Mathew H., Jr. 12/18 • 9yo
Isabel W. 12/17 • 8yo
Mason W. 11/26 • 2yo
DOES YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD HAVE A BIRTHDAY IN JANUARY? Honor them by having their photo published in Wilmington Parent. Here's how: e-mail image (size not to exceed 1mb) to birthday@wilmingtonparent.com. Deadline for publication: 12/12. We have a limited number of spots, so if you sent your child’s picture London H. 12/10 • 4yo
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and do not see it this issue, please check back next month! Wilmington Parent | December 2016 | 29
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