FEBRUARY 2017 • FREE
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PartY Guide PARTY LISTINGS I 8 WORST PARTY PARENTS I GIFT-FREE PARTIES IN CONTROL PARENTING I THERAPEUTIC GARDENING
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.
HALLEY WHITE, DDS, MPH ANDY JOHNSON, DDS 8115 Market Street Suite 204 Wilmington, NC 910.686.1869 910.319.6014-fax
306 Dolphin Drive Suite 2 Jacksonville, NC 910.333.0343 910.333.0346-fax
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WILM INGTON
Christian Academy Comprehensive Christian Education – for –
Pre-K2 to Grade 12
Come experience the difference experience makes. est. 1969
Join us for an open house: Sunday Jan. 29th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Tuesday Feb. 7th, 9 am - 12 noon
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1401 N. College Rd. Wilmington, Nc
Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 1
GO THE EXTRA MILE for your children
High Quality Child Care That Will Last Your Child A Life Time
LEARNING CENTER • 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 Located off 23rd St. w/ easy access from MLK or Market St
Dr. Raaj Amin
27417 Andrew Jackson Hwy E, Delco, NC 28436
www.sandpiperpediatrics.com 910-207-0777
Coming in March...
Recycle Away from Home Recycling
MORE WITH THE CITY OF WILMINGTON
Summer Camp Guide 2017
Recycle Me!
I want to be a Kayak . Please don’t toss me in the trash I’ll end up in the landfill.
Plastic bottles
Your Guide to Find the Perfect Camp
Away-from-Home Recycling The most common recyclable materials collected at city parks are glass, plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Please recycle these items in this container.
Glass
Aluminum
Recycle More with the City of Wilmington wilmingtonnc.gov/recycling 910.341.7875
NORTH CAROLINA
2 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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cityballet
presents a beloved classic on March 25th & 26th
Dr. Sam Smith, Dr. Stephen Anderson and Dr. Natalie-Anne Reinhart
Saturday March 25th 7:00 pm Sunday March 26th 3:00 pm Wilson Center cfcc.edu/capefearstage/beauty-and-the-beast 910-362-7999
www.cityballetofwilmington.org 6
SMOoTHIE Fresh baby spinach is blended with frozen bananas, frozen mangos, apple cider, and lemon juice in a refreshing smoothie.
OPEN REGISTRATION FOR 2017-18 BEGINS FEB 1ST. CALL TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY
(910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 3
IN THIS ISSUE Gisella Mancilla
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Publisher/Editor in Chief Keith Jaworski 910-518-0011
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February 2017 SPECIAL SECTION: PARTY GUIDE
20 22 23 25
9 17 18 19
8 WORST PARTY PARENTS
E-mail: andreailmparent@gmail.com
Nancy Lievre 910-240-3461
Public Service Announcements/Calendar Please submit items/photos before the 2nd Friday of the prior month
PARTY LISTINGS SMALL PARTY, BIG MEMORIES IN CONTROL PARENTING CREATIVE WAYS TO SAY I LOVE YOU THERAPEUTIC GARDENING MANTRAS FOR MOMS 13 26 27 28 29
CHILDCARE LISTING GUIDE YOUR HEALTH FIT FAMILY SCHOOL NOTES PEANUT GALLERY
cover credits Photography by Tennille Gore, www.tennillegorephotography.com • 910-398-7425 4 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
Andrea Knight 910-632-0283
E-mail: nancywilmparent@gmail.com
GIFT FREE PARTIES
5 EDITOR’S NOTE 6 HAVE YOU HEARD 7 PRODUCT REVIEW 8 GROWING UP ONLINE 10 CALENDAR
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PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 or E-Mail: seasidemedia1@gmail.com Wilmington Parent is published 12 times a year. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication's standards. All contents of Wilmington Parent are protected under copyright. Reproduction of any content requires permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Wilmington Parent • PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 © Wilmington Parent 2016 Seaside Media, LLC Complimentary copies of Wilmington Parent are available to the public at various locations in the greater Wilmington area. One copy per family is permitted. Additional copies require the written permission of the Publisher. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
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EDITOR’S NOTE
The Children's Schoolhouse Montessori School Since 1985
L
ove is typically a February theme, but this year it is so much more important to make love an everyday goal. Love for our families, love for our friends, love for our community, nation, world, and even those who do not love us back. Love is not just an emotional response, it is a conscious choice - a verb that implies action. I am not suggesting total self-sacrifice, on the contrary, the first person you need to love is yourself. One writer this month, Christina Katz, encourages us all to find ways of speaking to ourselves that provides love to YOU first. Once you accomplish that, you will be powerful, fulfilled, and ready to spread greater love to everyone you meet! Every February we are excited to get into the party mood after the January break from the holidays. In our Party Guide section, you will find gift-free, charity-minded birthday party ideas, and a humorous article about the type of party parents we hope to never become. Of course, we also have an impressive listing of Party Resources to help you start your party planning. Don’t forget to look online for more ideas at www. wilmingtonparent.com.
Enrolling children 3 - 5 years 2, 3 or 5 day programs.
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!
SCHEDULE A SCHOOL TOUR! • 612 S. College Rd. 910-799-1531 • www.childrensschoolhouse.org
Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry
I hope to see everyone on March 4th for my favorite event, the Wilmington Parent Summer Camp Fair! It is so pleasantly distracting for me to plan summertime activities while forgetting about the cold weather outside. If you have never attended the Camp Fair, you are missing an extraordinary time! Overnight, day, full-time, and part-time camps for kids of all ages will have booths set up at Independence Mall. It is the ultimate in one-stop shopping to gather information about all types of camps. See you there!
SKIP TYSON, D.D.S. STEPHANIE HEANEY, D.D.S. February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Come celebrate with us!
I Love All Of You and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Danielle
791-7380
2606 Iron Gate Dr. Suite 200,Wilmington, NC
www.catchasmile.net www.wilmingtonparent.com
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surf our NEW website
Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 5
HAVE YOU HEARD….?
Special Kids The APRIL 2017 issue of Wilmington Parent Magazine will feature our annual resource guide devoted to Special Needs children. With articles, resources, tips, and provider listings of local businesses and organizations that serve the special needs population in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties.
For more information, contact: Andrea Knight 910-632-0283 andreailmparent@gmail.com Nancy Lievre 910-240-3461 nancywilmparent@gmail.com
Plan the Best Party Ever with our Party Listings!
February is overflowing with arts, culture, and love! If you are hoping for a quiet Valentine’s night in with the family, or you are looking for ideas for a romantic night on the town, you are sure to find something nearby to please your passion. One such event, presented by The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra is Symphony Pops! This concert is sure to be a fantastic Valentine’s Date Night. Performing on February 11th, 7:30pm at the Wilson Center, will be an evening of great music in the style of Arthur Fiedler’s Boston Pops! Linda Lavin also returns to the Wilmington Symphony in the headlining role accompanied by pianist Billy Stritch, bassist Tom Hubbard, jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein, and drummer (and husband) Steve Bakunas. Taking a turn in the spotlight will be the inspiring performances of the winners of the Wilmington Symphony’s annual Student Concerto Competition. Call 362-7999 for ticket information. University of North Carolina in Wilmington is offering a unique opportunity for Wilmington families to learn more about Russian dance and culture. UNCW will be hosting the Folk performance group from Russia and Republic of Georgia on February 10th, show starting at 7:00 pm. A group of 10 high school dancers from St. Petersburg, Russia and Soloists dancers from State Academic ensemble Rustavi of Georgia, accompanied by Russian folk musicians, will perform traditional singing and dancing, and meet with UNCW students who are going to participate in the summer 2017 study abroad in St. Petersburg. To learn more visit www.russianfolk.com and www.rotarychildrensfund.org.
We are in last months of school already, and parents have begun looking forward to educational opportunities for the summer. The Hill School of Wilmington is offering a unique opportunity for children with learning differences to keep working throughout the summer. Applications are now open for a five-week Summer Program that provides students an opportunity to improve their skills as well as to help prevent regression in performance that occurs without daily practice. The instructional program uses a researchbased, multisensory, structured language methodology based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. Students are taught in a 4:1 (student to teacher) classroom setting. Visit www. hillschoolofwilmington.org for more information.
Parenting is a challenge, and one local organization wants to offer solutions. Smart Start of New Hanover County presents Circle of Parents, a support group focused on all the perfect and imperfect moments of parenting children with special needs and special healthcare needs, and strategies to make family lives more fulfilling and successful. Programming is provided for children ages 12 and under, and the whole family is encouraged to attend. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 throughout the school year at Bridge Church (2101 Market Street, Wilmington). Free dinner for all and activities for children will take place at each meeting. Call (910) 815-3731 for more information. v
wilmingtonparent.com 6 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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
KRUPS Electric Tea Kettle KRUPS Electronic Tea Maker FL700 is a 2-in-1 tea maker and traditional kettle for hot tea & iced tea. Made using a glass jar and stainless steel body, bottom and base. I have found many uses for this tea kettle. One of the major benefits, is its ability to heat water quickly. While I definitely use this every day to heat water for tea, or use the basket to brew loose leaf tea directly in the kettle, I also use the kettle to heat water every morning for my oatmeal. The kids are even able to easily heat water for hot chocolate! One of KRUPS best features is the Keep Warm setting. The kettle will keep your tea warm for an hour before automatically shutting off. Available at Amazon and Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Gandhi For Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities This book is a fresh way to teach love, inclusion, and social responsibility on Valentine’s Day this year. Detailing Gandhi’s childhood and his work for equality and Indian independence, Ellen Mahoney makes clear connections between Gandhi’s philosophies and contemporary issues that kids deal with on a daily basis, such as bullying and conflict resolution, healthful eating from local sources, civil rights and diversity and the “reduce, reuse, recycle” movement.
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This book shows Gandhi’s impact on the lives and work of activists kids may be familiar with—Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai and others—Gandhi for Kids also offers 21 activities to illuminate Gandhi’s life, environment and ways of thinking. I found the historic photos, sidebars about historical figures and events, and timeline, useful when helping my kids better understand what Mahoney was explaining. Gandhi for Kids is an informative read for young activists and historians. Even as an adult I found this book an interesting learning experience. Available on Amazon.
Beef Jerky Outlet Looking for gift for a meat-lover in your life for Valentine’s Day? The Beef Jerky Outlet has so many fun snacks – beef sticks, candy, popcorn and of course, jerky! I’ve tried a few of the unique flavors of jerky, and I found a few favorites. For the really adventurous, there is duck, alligator, elk, venison, pork buffalo and kangaroo jerky. A trio of insects ants, crickets and worms are also available for the extra daring. The Beef Jerky Outlet is an interesting place to find a unique gift for Valentine’s Day. In addition to jerky, the store sells hot sauces, spice blends, candy, flavored popcorn, dried fruits and vegetables. Visit www.beefjerkyoutlet.com for more information. v
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910-795-2511 www.DrEggDental.com Mayfaire Town Center
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Accepting New Patients Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 7
GROWING UP ONLINE
Does Spending Time Online Destroy Empathy?
I
By Carolyn Jabs
t’s a valid question. There’s no doubt that, with the help of social media, some people boast and lie, spread rumors and behave like bullies online. Of course, the same thing could be said about the typical middle school cafeteria. People can behave poorly in any setting. For parents, the question is how to raise children who will be a force for good both on and offline. Empathy is a good place to start. Being able to imagine things from another person’s perspective makes it easier for people to get along with each other, and that capacity has lifelong advantages. “The ability to empathize affects our kid’s future health, wealth, authentic happiness, relationship satisfaction and ability to bounce back from adversity,” writes Dr. Michele Borba in her book Unselfie. If that’s not enough, she goes on: “Empathy is also a positive predictor of children’s reading and math scores and critical thinking skills, prepares kids for the global world and gives them a job market boost.” Some people worry that online interactions have an adverse effect on empathy because people don’t see the consequences of what they say. Research, however, suggests that things aren’t quite that simple. One study at the University of North Florida found that, under some circumstances, social media may actually “facilitate empathy” because it gives people a glimpse into perspectives other than their own. Researchers have known for a long time that empathy needs to be cultivated. Parents can start by giving children words for what they are feeling even when they are very young. Children whose feelings are valued are more likely to extend that understanding to others. Online, it’s important to talk about what your child encounters. How can she recognize and respond to individuals or communities that promote intolerance or hate? How can he find communities that encourage empathy and understanding? Here are just a few of ways in families can engage with online communities that are actively encouraging positive social values:
Play. Common Sense Media has compiled a list of simulations that are suited to a variety of ages. Each game immerses children in a situation that stimulates thinking about how things might seem to someone with different experiences. (http://bit.ly/2hE6gOC)
Create. Rock Your World encourages middle and high school students to identify, research and publicize issues that matter to them. The website includes lessons that lead students through the process of developing and sharing films, songs and written materials. (creativevisions.org/rockyour-world/)
Learn. Ashoka is a learning community built on the premise that children will “thrive in a world of rapid change” only if they master “essential skills of empathy, teamwork, leadership, and changemaking. “ At their
8 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
website, parents will find a wide variety of resources, including a bulletin board with thoughtful articles and videos about how to nurture empathy at home and in school. (startempathy.org)
Stand Up. Be Fearless Be Kind is a multi-faceted project underwritten by the toy company, Hasbro. Their website offers a variety of projects and programs that encourage compassion, empathy and the courage to stand up for other people. Rules of Kindness challenges children to create their own rules as well as a plan for putting them into action. Community Action Heroes spotlights young volunteers who embody empathy, kindness, and leadership. No Bully reinforces student empathy in an effort to prevent bullying in schools and in after-school programs. (befearlessbekind. hasbro.com)
Act. Doing Good Together is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping families form habits of kindness. On their website, they feature stories about big-hearted kids who have accomplished exceptional things in their communities. The Resources section of the website includes a list of engaging age-appropriate books in which characters exhibit empathy. The Good Stuff section has a collection of free printables including feeling flashcards and inspirational quotations. (doinggoodtogether.org)
Compete. Xocial is an alternative social network that invites members to raise their XO score by taking actions that create better communities. One campaign called Families for Good offered “social impact” points for everything from thanking a police officer or working at the local food bank to teaching a game to someone or performing a “secret act of nice.” Each challenge is assigned a certain number of points in the hope that members will compete with each other to see who can do the most good. (xocial.com) These are just a few of many efforts to use online resources to cultivate empathy. Of course, the best way to teach empathy will always be modeling it at home. Help your children understand how they can stand up for or express what’s important to them without insulting or demeaning other people. Kids who know the benefits of empathy because they’ve experienced them at home are in a much better position to fend off malicious influences online. v Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing Growing Up Online for over ten year. 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. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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in control
PARENTING By Meagan Ruffing
I
f you are a mom, than you know the word “overwhelmed” goes hand-in-hand with the role of raising little ones. I am here to tell you there is hope for you moms out there who feel overwhelmed. The first step is taking a deep breath, grabbing a pen (or the nearest crayon) and writing down what it is that is making you feel overwhelmed. Follow these steps below and you will be well on your way to going from overwhelmed to in control.
1. Ask yourself, “Why is this overwhelming me?” If it’s your weight that is bothering you, the reason might be something like, “My clothes don’t feel good on me. I can’t seem to stop snacking, etc.) Once you pinpoint why this overwhelming situation is making you frazzled, you can begin to take back control. State it for what it is and move on.
2. Write down your next small step. Literally, what is the next small step you can take in going from overwhelmed to in control? If it’s a rocky marriage that has your stomach in a ball of knots, maybe scheduling an appointment with a therapist is your next small step. It’s actually a big step but in the bigger picture, it’s one small step in taking control. 3. Decide how big of an issue this is. Is it an immediate problem? A problem that can wait a few weeks? Or maybe it’s something that can wait several months? Whatever your overwhelming situation is, decide where it falls on the urgency list and treat it as so. An example of each one of these might be: • Baby not sleeping = Urgent. • Want to lose weight = over the next several weeks. • Get my house back in order = Not Urgent but something I will work on over the next few months.
4. Have an accountability friend. This is key. Find someone who you can trust and who will hold you accountable. This might be your spouse, your closest friend, or your neighbor. Becoming a mom is tough stuff. It’s great stuff but it’s tough stuff. Who you once were will come through again, you just have to be diligent and intentional about letting her peek through from time-to-time. Your days of not showering and forgetting to eat will become a thing of the past before you can say, “I can’t believe he’s 8-years-old. Where did the time go?” v Meagan Ruffing is in the business of helping moms go from overwhelmed to in control. You can read more about her movement at www.meaganruffing.com and in her new book, “I See You: Helping Moms Go from Overwhelmed to In Control.”
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Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 9
CALENDAR
• PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH US
FEBRUARY | 2017
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. I’m With Cupid Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18. 6pm. TheatreNOW. Enjoy this
10 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
romantically themed comedy alongside a delicious three-course meal at Wilmington’s only dinner theater! Cupid, the delightful cherub, is all grown up now with everything but his wings, and after four centuries he is ready for love. Between dating services and his evermeddling mother Venus, there is a recipe for loveable mayhem, love triangles and a speed dating hijinks.
1 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 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 preliteracy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.
STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, handson 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. 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 399-1708 for more information.
2 THURSDAY GROUNDHOG DAY
Brain Boosters Play Group 10am, Wednesdays. Main Library. Join us as we explore ways to help your child get ready to read with simple activities you can do at home. All activities are based on Every Child Ready to Read® Different options for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will be discussed. No registration or fees.
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 2030 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.
S.T.E.M. Explorations 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum.
Messy Hands Toddler Art 10am. Main Library. “It’s the Process, Not the Product.” www.wilmingtonparent.com
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 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, Thursdays. USO Community Arts Center. Come learn sign language with us as we read stories, sing songs, and play games! Great for ages 0-5. Weekly themes of bath time, colors, transportation, and weather. $20 for 4 class punch card or $8 for one class. No reservation required. Visit Signing with Michaela on Facebook or call 603-581-6053 for more information. Color for Calm - Adults 2:00-3:30pm, Thursdays. Northeast Library. Join us as we engage in the stress-reducing activity of adult coloring. Studies have shown that engaging in this activity, once thought to be only for kids, has positive effects on your stress levels and general well-being. The library will supply a variety of coloring sheets and a limited supply of colored pencils. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own utensils. 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. 37th Annual NC Jazz Festival 7:30pm. Hilton Riverside Hotel. Enjoy one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast and a STS Top 20 Event! This musical weekend will feature Kevin Bales, Rossano Sportiello, Nate Najar, Chuck Redd, Jim Fryer, Dion Tucker, Herman Burney, Randy Reinhart, Jonathan Russell with Music Director Adrian Cunningham. Friday and Saturday nights feature All-Star musicians in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each with a different leader. These concerts will be 4-1/2 hours of beautiful jazz by the most talented musicians.
3 FRIDAY Toddler Time 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 10am, Fridays. 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 www.wilmingtonparent.com
participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.
Puddle Jumpers Nature Preschool
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. Adventures in the Arts 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. Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival 7pm. Coastline Convention Center. Pick your pleasure as participating regional vintners and chocolatiers offer their best for sampling and sale! Friday, enjoy the Grand Tasting event where upon arrival, you will receive a commemorative wine glass to begin the tasting experience and indulge yourself in the delicious abundance of hors d’oevres. Relax to live music while shopping beautiful artisan exhibits and enjoy a comedy show at 8 pm featuring Daniel Butler. 37th Annual NC Jazz Festival 7:30pm. Hilton Riverside Hotel. See 02/02.
Enrolling Adventurous Preschoolers ages 2-5!
910-231-6775
www.puddlejumpersnaturepreschool.com
ISLAND CARDIOLOGY Damian Brezinski, MD, FACC
4 SATURDAY Disney Reads Day 11am. Barnes & Noble. Celebrate the Magic of Storytelling on Disney Reads Day! Join us as we read popular Disney stories and do fun activities to inspire kids’ imaginations. Plus, giveaways including stickers, bookmarks and miniposters (while supplies last). Free and open to the public. Call 509-1880 for details. 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 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. Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival 11am-6pm. Coastline Convention Center. Pick your pleasure as participating regional vintners and chocolatiers offer their best for sampling and sale! Sip, nibble and sigh your way through a European style marketplace with a tasting tour of the best Carolina wineries, sample sweet sensations from the region’s signature chocolatiers and revel in the good things in life with specialty foods and fine artisan products as well as cooking demonstrations and more. 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 adven-
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General Dentistry for Youth first tooth through age 20
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¡HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL! Rafael Rivera, Jr., DDS, PLLC - Owner
Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 11
ture each week. Families welcome. $8/person. Visit www. theatrewilmington.com for tickets. 37th Annual NC Jazz Festival 7:30pm. Hilton Riverside Hotel. See 02/02.
5 SUNDAY - SUPER BOWL LI 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. Curiosity Carts 11:30am. 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. Wilmington Wine and Chocolate Festival 12-4pm. Coastline Convention Center. Pick your pleasure as participating regional vintners and chocolatiers offer their best for sampling and sale! Sip, nibble and sigh your way through a European style marketplace with a tasting tour of the best Carolina wineries, sample sweet sensations from the region’s signature chocolatiers and revel in the good things in life with specialty foods and fine artisan products as well as cooking demonstrations and more. 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. Potty Training Workshop 3-4pm. The Bump and Beyond. Is potty training one of your goals for 2017? Come learn more about the process, including how to prepare, get your child excited, and tell if he or she is ready to start. $15 per couple. Children are welcome. Please call or text Michaela at 603-581-6053 to reserve a space as spots are very limited.
6 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. Storytime at Pleasure Island 10:30am, Mondays. Pleasure Island branch Library. Join our fun and educational storytime for all preschool ages (babies to 5 years of age)! We’ll enjoy books, music, manipulatives, and other pre-literacy activities. No registration or fees required. 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. 12 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
7 TUESDAY Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. Drop-in craft: Make a Valentine’s Day card. We have everything you need! Follow the examples provided, or create your own, special design. No registration or fees, ages 12 & under. 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. Toddler Tuesday at the Aquarium 10am-12pm, Tuesdays. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Storytelling and crafts tickle the imagination of wee visitors. Activities are free with Aquarium admission. 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. Baby Signing Time 5:30pm, Tuesdays. The Bump and Beyond. Come learn American Sign Language that you can use with your infant or toddler! We’ll be covering all the essentials this month, like foods, nighttime routines, and diaper changing. $60 for 4 classes, plus receive a DVD and playgroup pass for signing up. Call or text Michaela at 603-581-6053 to sign up. Smart Start Circle of Parents Support Group 5:30-7:30pm. Bridge Church, 2101 Market St. A parent-led support group focused on all the perfect and imperfect moments of parenting children with special needs and special healthcare needs, and strategies to make our family lives more fulfilling and successful. Programming is provided for children ages 12 and under, and the whole family is welcome and encouraged to attend. Free dinner for all and activities for children will take place at each meeting. Please contact 815-3731 for more information. RSVP’s are welcomed by not required.
8 WEDNESDAY Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7. 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. www.wilmingtonparent.com
9 THURSDAY Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7. Baby Signing Time 9:45-10am, Thursdays. USO Community Arts Center. Come learn American Sign Language that you can use with your infant or toddler! We’ll be covering all the essentials this month, like foods, nighttime routines, and diaper changing. $60 for 4 classes, plus receive a DVD and playgroup pass for signing up. Call or text Michaela at 603-581-6053 to sign up. 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. Chocolate Fest 3:30pm. Main Library. This event is all about chocolate! Games & activities centered around chocolate: chocolate trivia, finger painting with chocolate, chocolate prizes, and more! Designed for elementary aged children. Registration required for each child. Register at www.nhclibrary.org. 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.
10 FRIDAY Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7. Triple P Seminar #1: Power of Positive Parenting 10am. Main Library. What is Positive Parenting? Creating a safe, interesting environment, having a positive learning environment, using assertive discipline, having realistic expectations, taking care of yourself as a parent. This is the first of three seminars presented by Smart Start of New Hanover County. Seminars will provide evidence-based principles and advice to enhance parents’ confidence as they promote their child’s social, emotional, and behavioral development. Open to parents of children ages birth to 12 years old. Space is limited; register online at www. nhclibrary.org, call 798-6353 or email Susan DeMarco at sdemarco@nhcgov.com to reserve your seat today. Sound Adventures 4pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Creative dance & pretend play with Mr. Scooter for ages 4-7. Space is limited. Registration required at www.nhclibrary.org. A Night to Shine 6-9pm. Global River Church. The Tim Tebow Foundation has a great passion for people with special needs and they are once again partnering with local churches to sponsor proms in 350 cities for people with special needs ages 16 and older. It is our vision to provide an unforgettable www.wilmingtonparent.com
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!
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.
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evening full of Faith, Hope and Love for our amazing guests and their chaperones. As you can imagine, it will take MANY volunteers and supporters to make this happen! We can’t possibly list all the ways you can help, so please reach out to us and we’ll find the perfect place. Call 392-8180 for details. Hugs & Fishes Valentine’s Day Lock-In 6pm-9am (overnight). NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Wish you could plan a romantic evening with your special someone but not sure what to do with the kids? The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher invites children, ages 5-12, to a Valentine’s sleepover. Hug them at the door and know the fish fun lasts all night with games, crafts and animal programs with qualified and trained staff. Dinner, snacks and breakfast are provided, so make plans to go out this Valentine’s Day without the kids!
11 SATURDAY Wrightsville Beach Valentine’s 10K 9am. Wrightsville Beach. Celebrate love with the Wrightsville Beach Valentine 10K! This race consists of a 10K run or a loop walk that begins in Wrightsville Beach Park. Runners can enjoy beautiful waterway views with their Valentines and are encouraged to wear red, white and pink! For a full schedule of events and further details please see its-go-time.com/wbvalentine10k. Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7. Valentine’s Day Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Featured titles are “The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story” and “Valentine’s Day Is Cool.” Don’t miss out! Call 509-1880 for details. Special Olympics Polar Plunge 11am. Kure Beach. Shivering plungers brave cold conditions and dive into the chilly Atlantic Ocean after completing a 5K winding through the beach. Contestants are encouraged to dress up and find their inner superhero! Contestants can opt for the 5K Run-N-Plunge, a 1-mile fun walk or just the plunge, but no matter what you choose to participate in, the day is sure to leave you smiling! Register at www.plungenhc.com Daddy Daughter Dance 2-4pm. Northeast Library. Daddies and Daughters of all ages are invited to boogie down to our collection of yesterday’s and today’s collection of greatest hits. Photo station provided to preserve this special moment. Registration online is required at www.nhclibrary.org. Hugs & Fishes Valentine’s Day Lock-In 6pm-9am (overnight). NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. See 02/10. Symphony POPS! Linda Lavin and Friends 7:30pm. The Wilson Center. Enjoy an evening of great music in the style of Arthur Fiedler’s “Boston Pops” featuring classic as well as popular music, jazz, Broadway, songs from the Great American Songbook and more. Enjoy tunes from Linda Lavin accompanied by pianist Billy Stritch, jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein and drummer Steve Bakunas as well as music from the Richard R. Deas Student Concerto Competition Winners.
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12 SUNDAY Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7. Intro to Baby Sign Workshop 1-2pm. The Bump and Beyond. Come learn more about using sign language with infants and toddlers in this fun workshop! You’ll learn the benefits of signing, how to sign, and 10 signs to use with your child. Spots are limited so register today! $10 per adult. Children are welcome. Call or text Michaela at 603-581-6053 to sign up! 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.
13 MONDAY Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7. Natures Valentines 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 pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 3410075 to register.
Binary Code Beading 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Ages 7-11. Learn basic coding skills with the Binary Alphabet, turning letters and words into a series of beaded patterns. Valentine treats provided! Registration is required and opens four weeks prior to program date. Register online at www.nhclibrary. org or call 798-6393.
15 WEDNESDAY Brain Boosters Play Group 10am, Wednesdays. Main Library. Join us as we explore ways to help your child get ready to read with simple activities you can do at home. All activities are based on Every Child Ready to Read® Different options for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will be discussed. No registration or fees.
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.
17 FRIDAY Little Explorers 10am, Fridays. 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.
14 TUESDAY VALENTINE’S DAY
18 SATURDAY
Natures Valentines 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 pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 3410075 to register. Toddler Tuesday at the Aquarium 10am-12pm, Tuesdays. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Storytelling and crafts tickle the imagination of wee visitors. Activities are free with Aquarium admission. Valentine’s Sign Language Storytime 12:30-1pm. Boombalatti’s Ice Cream. Come watch a sign language story time with a Valentine’s Day theme! Free and open to the public, but you probably will want to bring ice cream money! www.wilmingtonparent.com
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.
20 MONDAY PRESIDENT’S DAY 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.
16 THURSDAY
New Choices Single Moms Group 6pm. Main Library. This support group for single moms is presented by the YWCA in cooperation with New Hanover County Public Library. Learn about scholarships for going back to school, resources for job seeking, food assistance, and more! For more information about YWCA Outreach programs, contact Kelly Williams at 910-799-6820 ext 114.
Make a Valentine’s Card 9am. Main Library. See 2/7.
19 SUNDAY
Triple P Seminar #2: Raising Competent, Confident Children 10am. Main Library. Showing respect to others, being considerate, having good communication and social skills, having healthy self-esteem, becoming a good problem solver, becoming independent. This is the second of three seminars presented by Smart Start of New Hanover County. Seminars will provide evidence-based principles and advice to enhance parents’ confidence as they promote their child’s social, emotional, and behavioral development. Open to parents of children ages birth to 12 years old. Space is limited register online at www. nhclibrary.org, call 798-6353 or email Susan DeMarco at sdemarco@nhcgov.com to reserve your seat today. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site - Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. All of our favorite trucks are back on the construction site - this time with a focus on teambuilding, friendship and working together! Will they get the big job done? Come and find out at Storytime featuring “Mighty, Mighty Construction Site.” Coloring and activities to follow. Call 509-1880 for details.
21 TUESDAY Toddler Tuesday at the Aquarium 10am-12pm, Tuesdays. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Storytelling and crafts tickle the imagination of wee visitors. Activities are free with Aquarium admission.
22 WEDNESDAY Brain Boosters Play Group 10am, Wednesdays. Main Library. Join us as we explore ways to help your child get ready to read with simple activities you can do at home. All activities are based on Every Child Ready to Read® Different options for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will be discussed. No registration or fees.
23 THURSDAY Fiction to Fashion Runway Show 7pm. Expo 216, 216 North Front St. The Fiction to Fashion Runway Show at Expo 216 in downtown Wilmington is New Hanover County Public Library’s 3rd Annual Fashion Design Contest, where contestants are challenged to design outfits from recycled books, cassette tapes, and CDs. Contestants will model their designs for a live audience, and the fashion authorities will award special prizes. FREE.
24 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.
25 SATURDAY Make a Blanket Day 2017 10am-3pm. Northeast Library. Calling all quilters, knitters, crocheters, or fleece-crafters! Join together with other local “blanketeers” to make hand-made blankets for local Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 15
children in need. You can bring your sewing machine, an afghan in progress, or whatever you need to work on a blanket or two. Can’t sew or knit? you can still help with no-sew fleece blankets or by tying & labeling finished blankets. Drop in for an hour or the whole day. All blankets and donated materials will got to the New Hanover/ Brunswick/Pender chapter of Project Linus.
of pet goods and services, a silent auction, and a Kid’s Korner filled with games, prizes and interactive education about pet care (special music performance by the Broccoli Brothers). Kids under 12 admitted free. Proceeds benefit Monty’s Home dog rescue and prison training program. $5. Sorry, no pets allowed.
Triple P Seminar #3: Raising Resilient Children 10am. Main Library. Recognizing and accepting feelings, expressing feelings appropriately, building a positive outlook, developing coping skills, dealing with negative feelings and unpleasant situations, coping with stressful life events. This is the third of three seminars presented by Smart Start of New Hanover County. Seminars will provide evidence-based principles and advice to enhance parents’ confidence as they promote their child’s social, emotional, and behavioral development. Open to parents of children ages birth to 12 years old. Space is limited register online at www.nhclibrary.org, call 798-6353 or email Susan DeMarco at sdemarco@nhcgov.com to reserve your seat today.
27 MONDAY
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! In celebration of the beloved author’s birthday on March 2nd, we will host a special Storytime featuring coloring, activities and more. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled Storytime! Call 509-1880 for details. Seahawk Family Arts Matinee: Seussical 2pm. Kenan Auditorium. The Seahawk Family Arts Matinee at Kenan Auditorium in Wilmington, NC, features “Seussical” presented by Theatreworks USA. Amusing mischief-maker The Cat in the Hat hosts this musical adventure that includes memorable Dr. Seuss characters like Horton, Miss Gertrude McFuzz, Maysie La Bird, and JoJo. Get your tickets at uncw.edu/presents/FAM 962-3500. 15th Annual Full Belly Feast Fundraiser 6-10pm. Coastline Convention Center. Enjoy a night of international cuisine inspired by the countries where we work, the beats of Axiom, and a wide array of live and silent auction items from around the world. Test out our award winning innovations, and learn about our mission to empower rural communities so they can keep their own bellies full.
26 SUNDAY Monty’s Home 10th Annual Pet Expo & Silent Auction 11am. Coastline Convention Center. Features more than 70 pet related vendors showcasing a massive variety
Habitat, What’s That 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 pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 3410075 to register. Tinkercad 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Learn 3D design using Tinkercad. Then 3D print your design. Charges may apply for 3D printing service. Ages 8-12. Registration is required at www.nhclibrary.org.
28 TUESDAY - MARDI GRAS Toddler Tuesday at the Aquarium 10am-12pm, Tuesdays. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Storytelling and crafts tickle the imagination of wee visitors. Activities are free with Aquarium admission. Habitat, What’s That 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 pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 3410075 to register. Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella 7:30pm. The Wilson Center. Tony Award-winning musical from the creators of “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music” that’s delighting audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love plus some surprising new twists!
To submit events to the calendar, please email calendar.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions to the March issue is February 9, 2017. 16 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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Creative Ways to Say “I Love You” By Heidi Smith Luedtke
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ass up the overpriced greeting cards at the grocery store and show your affection with one of these crafty Valentine’s Day ideas. They’re easy, inexpensive and fun for cherubs of all ages.
Color Their World. Make your own Valentine’s Day crayons by melting rainbow-colored remnants in a heart-shaped silicone muffin pan. Find detailed directions at Sheknows.com. Wrap in clear cellophane and attach hand-made gift cards that say “You Color My World.”
Word Up. Make customized word clouds for each of your kids using the free tools at Wordle.net. Capture their favorite sports, hobbies and sayings. Put their nicknames in big bold letters. Frame each child’s personalized word art in a sassy red frame to make it extra special. Sweet Somethings. Bake fortune cookies stuffed with personalized messages to remind kids how lucky you are to have them in your life. Find easy recipes at AllRecipes.com and print your own fortunes on pink paper. Got bakers block? Order custom cookies from the delicious lineup at FancyFortuneCookies.com.
Make a Love Shack. Buy a leftover gingerbread house kit at your local craft store, where holiday merchandise is priced to sell. Toss the stale red and green decorations and let the kids use icing to attach red hots, candy hearts, pink marshmallows and licorice whips instead. Display their love shack as a centerpiece or mantle topper.
Tell Silly Stories. Give your kids the gift of giggles with a book of Mad Libs in Love by Roger Price and Leonard Stern ($3.99 for 24 wacky fill-inthe-blank stories). Better yet, create your own personalized mad libs using the free printable template from DollarStoreMom.com. Laugh together until your cheeks hurt.
Popping with Pride. Write affirmations on small strips of paper and slip each strip into a balloon. Inflate and tie the knots. Let your child hop and
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pop on the balloons to access your loving messages. Make sure to keep popped balloons away from little mouths – they can be a choking hazard.
Go on a “Date”. Many people go on a date with their significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day but consider taking your child on a “date” to a place of their choice. If you have more than one child, each parent can pair off or take turns so all kids get to participate. One idea is the Daddy Daughter Dance at Northeast Library on Feb. 11th. It’s free if you register online at www.nhclibrary.org. Wet and Wild. Make bath time extra special with homemade bathtub finger paints. Bottled baby shampoo and cornstarch are quickly (and easily) transformed into your own clean creations using the detailed instructions at TheRealisticMama.com. Let kids paint the walls of the tub or each other for some foamy fun. Lunchtime Love. Put a silly Valentine’s Day token in your child’s lunch box. Need inspiration? Find a flat rock in the yard and write “You Rock My World” on it. Or tag a lollipop with the words “I’m a sucker for you, Valentine!” And don’t forget to pack a heart-shaped sandwich while you’re at it.
Love You to Pieces. Make your own heart-shaped puzzles by mounting photos and messages on heavy cardstock or foam-core board with spray adhesive. Cut into pieces. Decorate a special box or envelope to hold the pieces of your heart. Your little Valentine will reassemble this crafty creation over and over again.
Family Date Night. Host a special Valentine’s event for the whole family instead of going out for a grown-up date with your spouse. Order heart-shaped pizza and watch an age-appropriate romantic comedy such as Alvin and the Chipmunks’ “A Chipmunk Valentine.” Spending time together is the best way to show your love. v
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THERAPEUTIC GARDENING
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on’t let the winter blahs keep you down! Gardening is one of mother nature’s great equalizers. It’s a satisfying and therapeutic activity that anyone--from a senior adult to a very young child-can tackle relatively independently. Many plants can begin their lives indoors before heading outside for the Spring and now is the perfect time to start your little seedlings. Some people also may feel hindered from beginning a garden because they are short on time, space, or money. However, it really doesn’t take a lot of resources at all. If you are concerned that you are limited in your gardening endeavors because you’re short on yard space or you live in an apartment, container gardening is always an option. Here are the essential reasons you’ll want to incorporate gardening into your and your family’s lifestyle:
Teaches Kids Responsibility. Garden caretakers will have to be conscientious in watering the plants regularly, checking to make sure they are looking healthy, and keeping them in direct sunlight (or shade) as directed. They will take pride in their “green pets” and the fact that they are thriving thanks to their hard work and dedication.
Provides A Tangible Source of Accomplishment & Pride. Gardening takes commitment and sustained effort, but there’s a payoff! It helps us to be less insular, less self-absorbed. We are forced to refocus our efforts on something external: there’s the diligence in watering the plants consistently, checking to make sure they are looking pruned back and healthy-looking, and getting enough sun (or shade), as the case may be.
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Reinforces Healthy Eating Habits. Practically nothing beats fresh produce, and definitely not artificial, pre-packaged foods full of preservatives. It can be easy to eat unhealthily when fresh food isn’t readily available, but what if it were right outside your front door? A successful garden project gives you an opportunity to get excited about eating the right foods in the most organic, fresh, and eco-friendly way possible, which could ultimately contribute to a self-esteem boost. Promotes Self-Esteem, Positive Personal Identity and Internal Locus of Control. Gardening engages both mind and body, and can help kids improve motor skills, boost self-esteem and stimulate the senses. Parents who teach their children how to nurture a garden soon discover that the garden nurtures the child as well.
Children learn better when they understand the context of their activity. They’ll have fun gardening, but beyond the fact that gardening is associated with “playtime” they are contributing to the overall family well-being. Besides planting and nurturing their garden beds, be sure they alone do the harvesting and preparation of their crop for the table, no matter how modest the offering.
We’re Reminded To Live In The Present Moment. Experiencing our gardens forces us to stop, see, smell, and sometimes taste. Just a short time experiencing the fullness of nature like this can be very restorative. Gardening can be a good way of gaining a sense of control. Moreover, whereas trying to control other situations or people is invariably a fruitless exercise, you’re more likely to succeed in controlling your rows, beds, and borders, which can make gardening a particularly satisfying experience. v
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MOMPOWER MANTRAS:
Positive Self-talk For Moms By Christina Katz
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n case of an emergency landing on a plane, we are instructed to put on our own air masks first, before assisting our children. We hear this advice so often, it eventually becomes like a mantra we repeat to ourselves as soon as we board an aircraft. But how often, in the midst of hectic times in our lives, do we jettison all the healthy instructions we know we should be repeating to ourselves right then when we need it most? Sit yourself down and commit these phrases to memory. This list of notes-to-self will remind you how to take care of yourself.
I Am Allowed To Say ‘No Thanks.” If you feel harried and hectic, running from one family activity to the next, you may have forgotten how to bow out gracefully. All you likely need is a little practice in the no thank you department. Once you get back in the habit of weighing and measuring before you commit, your schedule will calm down and you can better choose how to divide and conquer your time. Just remember, in times of distress, the cure is often the shortest word you know. Repeat: Sometimes I say, ‘yes,’ and sometimes I say, ‘no.’
My Health & Energy Matter. Expect to feel happy and healthy every day. And if you don’t, seek solutions and improvements immediately. If you are not feeling your best, don’t ignore niggling symptoms. Maybe a small adjustment in diet and exercise is all that is needed. Or maybe you need to consult with a health care professional. If you carry invisible hurts from the past, you owe it to yourself and others to seek healing support. Repeat: I take care of health concerns in a timely manner.
Oops, I Am Not Perfect. If you are putting yourself under too much pressure, or believe that others are holding you up to impossibly high standards, you may have trouble accepting yourself as you are. Forgive yourself for past errors in judgment or action, make amends with others swiftly as needed, and resist the tendency to be too hard on yourself. A penchant for self-recrimination will hurt you in the long run. Repeat: I am human, therefore I make mistakes. www.wilmingtonparent.com
My Voice Counts. Sometimes we convince ourselves that our opinion does not matter before we have even had a chance to share it. The truth is that everyone’s opinion matters, ours just as much as anyone’s. Sometimes it’s hard to share what you think, especially if your opinion goes against the grain, and speaking up is a risk that’s always worth taking. Repeat: My opinion deserves to be expressed and considered.
Acceptance Is Sanity. Practice accepting situations and others as they are. If you feel beholding to everyone and everything, maybe you have forgotten how to let the world spin on without your input. Sometimes we need to be reminded that the world will keep spinning without our expert micro-managing. Today, just tackles what’s already on your plate. Repeat: I am only responsible for what I choose to take on.
My Example Inspires. You matter. Sacrificing self is not a requirement; it’s an unhealthy habit that needs to be broken. If you relentlessly practice self-sacrifice, then that’s the legacy you pass along. You are all called to be an example for someone. Start with what you want to embody for your children and family and then move on to the rest of the world from there. Repeat: I strive to be a person I would admire.
Tomorrow Is Going To Be Great. Things don’t stay the same, so it’s important to expect life to be an adventure in growth and change. If you have a very traditional mindset and you like routine, it may take courage to embrace the idea of life as an continual evolution. But if you start by looking forward to tomorrow, and can simply let it be different from today, you will enjoy the journey instead of resisting it. If you want to raise brave, optimistic, adventurous children, you are going to have to be brave, optimistic, and adventurous yourself. Repeat: I look forward to every day of the future. v Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz tries to remember to slow down and smell the roses in her own yard, but she can always use another reminder.
Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 19
8 WORST BIRTHDAY PARTY PARENTS
SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide
By Lindsey Barnes
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h, birthday parties. What a wonderful way to get together with friends and family to celebrate each year of your precious little one’s life.
5. The Parents of the Kid Who Thinks It’s HER Party (but it’s not):
Here is a list of the Top 8 Worst Birthday Party Parents:
Hi guys, welcome to our child’s celebration. Enjoy the activities! Have a good time! I see your little one is enjoying herself. She seems to have made herself very comfortable in the birthday boy’s seat (as denoted by it’s rather conspicuous placement at the head of the table and clearly marked with a bevy of ribbons, streamers and balloons). Yes, but an honest mistake. Oh, and she seems to have commandeered the birthday boy’s special birthday hat as well. Yes, it does look smashing on her. And now the birthday boy is asking her to give him his hat back, and get out of his chair. Well articulated, Birthday Tot, but the kid that thinks it’s her party isn’t listening. As for her parents, well, their lack of action is noticeable. Thanks for that. Now I have to calm down a crying birthday boy.
1. RSVP Optional Parent: We sent you a card in the mail, chased it
6. Hungry Hungry Hippo: This one does not actually refer to anyone’s
A few years in though, it gets weird. The precious little ones go off to school, and now in addition to your beloved family, you are also including their new friends at these celebrations. And these new friends don’t come alone (cause that would be strange). They come with one, or sometimes both, parents. People you may or may not be that familiar with from your day to day passings, but with whom you become increasingly more familiar through a series of interactions at your kids’ birthday parties.
down with four email reminders, but still you keep us guessing. Will you or won’t you? Can you or can’t you? Are you coming or not? It’s really not that hard. Figure it out and let me know! Preferably before the day of, when you show up with no notification.
2. The Early Birds: Hey, what has two thumbs and likes to party? This girl. But, if I ask you to come to my party at 1:00, you aren’t doing anyone any favors by arriving at 12:45. We just arrived. We’re setting up, taking family pictures, fixing the kid’s hair. And here you are. Standing there looking like you want me to entertain you. Not gonna happen, my friend. And by “friend,” I mean person I do not actually know. Please, just hang out outside for another 14 minutes, instead of sitting there looking bored. Of course you’re bored, there’s no party going on yet!
3. Social Butterfly: As I said in the beginning, birthday parties are a
particular size. This one refers to the parents who take it upon themselves to push their way in front of the three employees efficiently distributing pizza to the guests, to really go above and beyond and start helping to serve the pizza to… oh, no, wait…you were just taking that one for yourself. Nevermind.
7. Cake Boss: So, the aunt of the birthday boy has made a pretty spectacular cake. It’s got two layers and on top there is a 3-D volcano made out of cake spouting Twizzler lava and marshmallow puffs of smoke, coated in grey buttercream. But please, disregard the time and effort that went into that when you loudly proclaim to the host mom, “Oh, your sister was very stingy with the icing.” Hey, cake boss. What’s the best kind of food? That’s right, free food. Pipe down over there.
8. Public Display Party Parents: Hey there you two. That’s really
4. One Way Mirror Parent: The interesting thing about a one way mir-
sweet that after five or ten years of marriage you both still have the hots for each other. But honestly, your smooching during the parachute was a little too hands on for some of the smaller onlookers. In addition, your grinding during that freeze dance party was inappropriate. And frankly, when you seductively feed your spouse cake in front of everyone else, it really just puts us all off the cake… and I hate being put off the cake. Just stop. It’s creepy behavior for a kiddie party. v
ror is that while I can see myself, from the other side, you can only see me. Now let’s pretend that mirror also divides our children, so while I can see my kid and her actions, you can only see my kid and her actions. So when my kid, after being pushed and pummeled by your little lad six or seven times finally decides she’s had enough and blows back, you are very quick to rush over and angrily point out that my kid just pushed your kid. How interesting.
Lindsey Barnes is a verbose friend, wife, mother and store owner who has trouble saying anything worthwhile in 140 characters or less, hence her blog www.missspartacus.com where she can ramble on and on about the things that either make her angry or smile, sometimes both at the same time. She loves run-on sentences (see previous), her family, cake, music, good bad food, sports, dancing, travel, and more cake. You can also find her @missspartacus on Instagram and Twitter.
great time to get to know other parents. Please enjoy yourself. That’s why you’re here. Well, that and to watch your kid. Oh yeah, remember your kid? He’s the one that just poured a tub of glue onto the birthday girl’s head. Yeah, you might want to do something about that. Then you can go back to your conversation.
20 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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BEST BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN WILMINGTON! Your party is the only party in the gym
I LOVE CGA!
BookYour Party Now - call or go online
910-796-1896
www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com
3529 Carolina Beach Road
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Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 21
SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide
Gym parties are FUN!
Gift-Free Birthday Parties 6
Kids Salon
Best Party Venue
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birthday is a special time to celebrate another wonderful year in your child’s life. There are many ways you can enjoy this day, and gifts are often one of the highlights during the party. However, does your child really need a pile of toys or gift cards every year? Substituting gifts for donations to a special charity is not a new idea, but the trend is becoming very popular and can be just as enjoyable for the birthday child and party guests.
SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide
Activities.
1427 Military Cutoff Rd, Unit 102 mantascuts.com • 910.239.9096
Wilmington Basketball Center
Instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, movies or kickball, consider an activity specific to the charity of choice. Be sure it’s age appropriate and enjoyable for everyone attending. Here are some suggestions: • Create care packages for people serving in the military • Make dog treats • Stuff teddy bears for donation to Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital • Plant native trees • Bake cookies for the shelter at Good Shepherd Center • Volunteer as a group – walk dogs at a local rescue, play with children at a family shelter, entertain residents of a retirement home, etc. Charity Party Favors. Ask the charity that you are going to support if they have t shirts or items for sale that will benefit the charity - then hand them out to the guests as party favors. Close the Loop. After the party, take your child to deliver the donation. It will truly make the gifts they’ve shared more important and lasting in their memories.
Giving ideas: Animal Shelters Ask guests to bring items for the animals at the Humane Society, Paws Place, or one of the other many local animal rescue groups. Collect gently used items for the shelter and then pack the guests up and let them deliver the items together. If you call ahead some shelters will give group tours and even let you walk and play with some of the animals. Betty H. Cameron Women & Children’s Hospital Let the guests make cards to cheer up the sick children at the hospital. Instead of birthday presents guests can bring books, toys and puzzles to donate to the hospital.
We offer our facility for birthday parties A trainer is available for your party. Contact us today to book your party that includes full access to our basketball courts.
7207 Ogden Business LaneWilmington, NC 28411
(910) 233-7468 • Sign up at wbcinc.org 22 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
Food Pantry Donations to local food pantries are always welcome. This year, the food pantries are especially low because of Hurricane Matthew. Visit www.foodbankcenc.org to find out about hosting a food drive for your next party. Good Shepherd Center Check with the Good Shepherd Center and see what items they need, as this list is constantly changing. You can ask guests on the invitation to bring some of these items instead of a birthday present. Military Care Packages If you know of a man or woman in the Armed Services you could brighten their day with a care package from home. Send the package to the whole unit and lift all of their spirits by knowing someone cares about them. Find out what items are needed and acceptable to send overseas and send it with your party invitation. v
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CRAZY. FUN. PARTIES!
Birthday Party Listings 6
CAMERON ART MUSEUM 3201 SOUTH 17TH STREET WILMINGTON, NC 28412 910-395-5999 INFO@CAMERONARTMUSEUM.ORG HTTP://WWW.CAMERONARTMUSEUM.ORG
Parties for youngsters through high school. Unique themes including clay, fabric dying and exhibition based projects.
Have your child’s PRIVATE party at Carolina Gymnastics Academy, and leave the entertainment and supervision to us! Your party is the ONLY party in the gym! For the first hour, children can play in the gym, use the inflatables, swing on the rings, jump on the trampoline, and play in our 2 foam block pits. After that, you have a half hour in the party room to enjoy your birthday cake. We provide the facility, coaches, tables, maps/invitations, and goodie bags; you provide whatever food, drink, paper products, and decorations that you want. Cost of the party is $250, payable upon reservation. Parties are non-refundable 2 weeks prior to date. There is a $50 cancellation fee with 2 week notice. Click on “View Monthly Events Calendar” to book online, or call the gym. 30 children MAXIMUM! Due to time constraints, we do not open presents at the gym.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF WILMINGTON 116 ORANGE STREET WILMINGTON, NC 28401 910-254-3534 EXT. 102 CONTACT PERSON: KATHLEEN KING MYPARTYIS@PLAYWILMINGTON.ORG WWW.PLAYWILMINGTON.ORG
A Children’s Museum of Wilmington Birthday Party includes a private party room for 2 hours, full day admission for party guests, birthday invitations, table decorations, napkins, plates, cups, utensils, tablecloths, a cake knife, all the materials for a fun party theme activity, and $1 admission pass for all party guests to come back and play another day! Choose from 4 exciting themes: Awesome Art, Spectacular Science, Pretty Princess, and Party Pirate! Set up and cleanup is provided by the Children’s Museum of Wilmington’s friendly staff. Come celebrate with us!
MANTA’S CUTS KIDS SALON 1427 MILITARY CUTOFF RD., UNIT 102, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 910-239-9096 WWW.MANTASCUTS.COM Manta’s Cuts, recently voted Wilmington’s Best Party Venue, is ready to WOW you! We have perfect parties for www.wilmingtonparent.com
OVER 10 YEARS!
NO SLEEVES MAGIC.com
MINI MONETS MINI MONETS BIRTHDAYS GREATER WILMINGTON AREA 910-399-1708 WWW.MINIMONETSART.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MINIMONETS
Does your artist have a birthday coming up? Why not celebrate with an art project designed by your artist! Art projects range from clay sculptures to painting on canvas. Mini Monets will come to your party, bring all of the supplies and materials, and the party guests get to keep what they make. Children 2-12 years old enjoy projects and the cost starts at $12.00 per artist. Please call or email for more details. I look forward to celebrating with you soon!
NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER 900 LOGGERHEAD RD. KURE BEACH, N.C. WWW.NCAQUARIUMS.COM/FORT-FISHER 910-458-8257 910-772-0530 – ONSITE PARTIES 910-772-0509 – OFFSITE PARTIES
Birthday Parties, Kids Programs, Intro to Climbing, Boy/Girl Scouts and other groups welcome
910-319-7209
wilmingtonrockgym.com
Aquarium Parties! Celebrate your child’s special day with a birthday party at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Program birthdays include a T-shirt craft with T-shirts and all art supplies included, a live animal presentation, use of the Aquarium’s classroom and a selfguided tour of the Aquarium. You can choose the following themes for a live animal presentation: Amphibians – Frogs, toads, salamanders, Reptiles - Turtles, alligators, snakes, Invertebrates – Sea urchins, starfish, crabs. Time Length: 2 hours. Parties are recommended for ages 4-10. Call for pricing. Aquarium Outreach Programs - Let our education staff bring a fun, interactive program to your classroom or other location. Each program is specifically adapted to fit your needs, customized for age, size and focus of your group. Live animals, props, handson learning activities and costumes make Aquarium Outreach parties enriching for groups of all ages. Please contact Special Activities Coordinator at 910-772-0530 for onsite parties or our Outreach Coordinator at 910772-0509 for offsite parties. Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 23
SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide
CAROLINA GYMNASTICS ACADEMY MICHELE ZAPPLE/REBECCA BISHOP 3529 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD WILMINGTON, NC 28412 910-796-1896 WWW.CAROLINAGYMNASTICSACADEMY.COM
Spa Fans, Princesses, Rock Stars, Mermaids, Pirates, and Scientists. Whether you have 2 or 16 partygoers we have a range of parties that can be customized with incredible additions to ensure your child has a dream worthy birthday party. Our standard parties include; custom digital invites, party table ready for guests, drinks, small goody-bags, and a take-home mylar balloon for the guest of honor. Additions include; a parent “party” zone, costumed character visit, dress up box, 3D sculpted birthday cakes, snacks, and much more. Don’t wait, pull up our website, pick an awesome party and give us a call to book your child’s party and any desired modifications to create a wonderful birthday party!
Wilmington School of Ballet
PRINCESS PARTIES AND SUMMER CAMPS
Feb. Special • Summer Camps only 100.00!
SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide
www.princessforadayparties.com www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com 910-794-9590
NO SLEEVES MAGIC 910-200-5300 WWW.NOSLEEVESMAGIC.COM
Voted Wilmington’s Best Party Entertainer since 2006! If you want to give your child one of the craziest and most FUNnominal Parties they will never forget, then take a RUN on the Wacky-Side with No Sleeves Magic. We provide an adrenaline rush of Magic mixed with comedy that’s great for the whole family. Some party packages include tricks, games & more! So, Sit Back, Relax and Laugh, while No Sleeves makes your event a success!To find out which package is best for you, contact one of our PARTYOLOGISTS or visit our website. We have different themes to suit your event and even offer magic telegrams as well as summer magic camps programs.
RIVER LANDING STABLES 690 OLD SWANN POINT RD. ROCKY POINT, NC 28457 INFO@RIVERLANDINGSTABLES.ORG LUCY TARASCIO 910-515-6104 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
We offer 1-2 hour pony parties at your location or come to ours for a fun filled 3 hour event. Call us to schedule all the details!
T.O.P. CAKES ~TALK OF THE PARTY~ 2323 S. 17TH STREET, WILMINGTON, NC 28401 TALKOFTHEPARTYCAKES@AOL.COM
Come see us at T.O.P. Cakes, the happy place, where we offer customized beautiful & delicious cakes for any occassion! We also offer Decorating Birthday Parties & One-On-One lessons which are great gifts for that special child in your life! Daily desserts also available because STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS!
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
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
THE LITTLE GYM OF WILMINGTON 132 RACINE DRIVE, UNIT 1 WILMINGTON, NC 28403 TLGWILMINGTONNC@THELITTLEGYM.COM WWW.TLGWILMINGTONNC.COM
Parents magazine named The Little Gym the #1 place to host children’s birthday parties. Your group will have the whole place to yourselves with games, music and fun activities created especially for your birthday kid. Our trained instructors handle everything from setup to cleanup, which means you get to go home to a clean, quiet house when all the fun is done.
WELL WITHIN CHIROPRATIC 3803 WRIGHTSVILLE AVE., STE. 8 WILMINGTON, NC 28403 910-515-4525 DRQ@GETWELLWITHIN.COM WWW.GETWELLWITHIN.COM
Complimentary New Patient Consultation, Neurological & Orthopedic Exam and Second Day Report of Findings; a $125 Gift Certificate Value for FREE!
WILMINGTON BASKETBALL CENTER 7207 OGDEN BUSINESS LANE 910-233-7468 INFO@WBCINC.ORG WWW.WBCINC.ORG
We offer our facility for birthday parties. A trainer is available for your party. Contact us today to book your party that includes full access to our basketball courts.The WBC afterschool program is a weekday afternoon basketball program for aspiring young players.
WILMINGTON ROCK GYM 8118 MARKET STREET (BEHIND PT’S GRILL IN PORTER’S NECK) WILMINGTON, NC 28411 910-319-7209 WILMINGTONROCKGYM@GMAIL.COM WILMINGTONROCKGYM.COM
Join us for a birthday adventure! Bring your group for an hour and a half of rock climbing games and roped-in climbing run by two enthusiastic and highly-trained staff members. Afterward, utilize our party room for cake, pizza, or any other treats you’d like to bring. Perfect for ages 6+ and up to 10 participants. All gear rental is included.
WILMINGTON SCHOOL OF BALLET DANCE STUDIO 2250 SHIPYARD BLVD. UNIT 12 WILMINGTON NC 28403 910-794-9590 WWW.WILMINGTONSCHOOLOFBALLET.COM WWW.PRINCESSFORADAYPARTIES.COM
The Princess Palace is an enchanted place that makes every little girl feel like royalty. The magic begins when you walk through the Palace doors and meet your favorite princess. The Palace provides you with the opportunity to not only make your daughter feel like the princess she has grown up watching, but also allows you to fully enjoy and cherish every memorable moment! Allow us to take the lead and do the work for you. Let us take a journey together and see what fun lies ahead at the Princess Palace. Choose a princess and a package and start making dreams come true.
WONDERWORKS 1313 CELEBRITY CIRCLE MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29577 843-626-9962 BIRTHDAYS@WONDERWORKSMB.COM WWW.WONDERWORKSMB.COM
Turn your child’s birthday upside-down! At WonderWorks, your child and their guests can enjoy a glow-inthe-dark laser tag arena and ropes course, and over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits. Book today and get the party started!
2323 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 910-899-2999 FIND US ON FACEBOOK
24 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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SMALL PARTY, BIG MEMORIES By Malia Jacobson
SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide
I
t happens all too fast: one minute, you’re wiping up the crumbs from the first-birthday cake smash. A few whirlwind years later, your precocious preschooler brings home a stack of birthday party invitations penned by parents you’ve never met. Party evites invade your inbox and group texts detailing last-minute party plans zip back and forth with the urgency of national security missives. Your child has hit the birthday party scene, and it’s hoppin’. While there’s no formula for the “perfect” party, avoiding an over the top bash keeps the focus where it belongs—celebrating your not-so-little-one’s big day.
Tiny glitterati Listed among party goers top parental peve. Supersized (or super spendy) soirees that make your casual neighborhood cupcake-and-juice fete look ho-hum by comparison. “I’m tired of over-the-top parties that make my kiddos wonder why we don’t spend $5 grand on their birthday,” says Eagle, Idaho mom of three Lynne Williams. “We went to one a few years ago that had two bouncy houses, hired entertainment, catered food, full bar, craft projects....all for a three year old.” While the size of the budget and guest list are personal preferences, you can skip some stress (and save green) by focusing on party details your child will notice and remember. And consider this: it will be hard to impress a teenager who’s received mega-parties since babyhood. One way to dial down the crazy is to only include activities and entertainment that can reasonably fit into a 90-minute party—roughly the party attention span of a kindergartener—with enough schedule space for cake and relaxed socializing. That means you don’t need the bounce house, band, slip n’ slide, pizza-making station, and petting zoo. One to two “main event” activities, with a quieter option like crafting or coloring for overstimulated kiddos, is festive without feeling forced. Scale back on decorations, too, says mom of two Yin Chang, co-owner of L3 Academy, a Montclair, New Jersey learning center that hosts STEM birthday parties. “Kids either completely ignore decorations, or they look at them for five seconds.”
Skip the sibs As soon as invitations go out, the “siblings welcome?” queries come in. And some parents will show up with their entire brood in tow. This stressful scenario stretches party budgets and party hosts’ patience, because some parties are simply more enjoyable on a smaller scale. “We do small birthday parties at our house, and if a child comes with a sibling or two and both parents, the party triples in size for food, gift bags, and activities,” Gretchen Coulson Smith, Tacoma mom of two, says. Avoid this sticky subject by clearly addressing paper invitation to the invited child, says Whitmore. This gets trickier for evites, which may not allow senders to specify which child the invite is for. In those cases, a quick email or text with “We hope Amelia can attend Jake’s party!” can spare an awkward back-and-forth later on. Birthday parties can be packed full of memories, without a lot of confusing, chaotic fuss. Sometimes the best parties are a few good friends simply having a good time! v Malia Jacobson is a nationally published sleep and health journalist and mom of three. Her most recent book is “Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, and Tirades.”
www.wilmingtonparent.com
NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING CLASSES The Little Gym of Wilmington
132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403
www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 910-799-3771
Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 25
YOUR HEALTH
Eat to Beat Heart Disease By Sandra Gordon
W
hether you’re curled up with a book or sprinting for a bus, your heart works hard for you—a healthy one beats 100,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood daily. To help it do its job--and prevent heart disease—the number one killer—take stock of your diet.
Target saturated and trans fats
Eat more whole grains
To keep your arteries clear, cut down on saturated fat and trans fats. Both types raise your body’s level of “bad” LDL cholesterol—much moreso than any cholesterol you get from food. Trans fats also lower “good” HDL cholesterol, making them doubly bad for your heart.
Whole-grain bread and cereals as well as beans, barley and lentils are good sources of vitamins A, B and E. These act as antioxidants, which may help neutralize free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules in the blood that may contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Food Fix: Aim to have no more than 10 percent of your calories come saturated fat. “Limit butter, vegetable shortening and lard in cooking,” says Bethany Thayer, RD. Instead, use olive and canola oils, which both contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Check the nutrition label to find snacks that are low in both saturated and have 0 trans fat. Keep in mind, however, that foods labeled “0 trans fat” can contain up to 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving, which can add up if you eat lots of 0 trans fat foods.
Go fishing twice a week Fish, especially cold-water fish like salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel and herring, are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce the rate of plaque buildup, decrease triglycerides and slightly lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends eating two fish meals per week. Food Fix: Try adding an easy-to-make fish like salmon to your family’s weekly menu. If you just don’t like fish, try incorporating flaxseed oil. It’s a rich source of hearthealthy alpha-linolenic acid (LNA). One teaspoon of the oil a day is all you need to get a beneficial dose (1.5 grams). But since flaxseed oil breaks down with heat, don’t use it for cooking.
Food Fix: Choose whole grain cereal such as instant or steel-cut oatmeal and opt for whole grain bread as often as possible. Aim for at least three (one-ounce) servings of whole grains per day.
Pack in produce Fruits and vegetables are filled with fiber as well as beta-carotene and the antioxidant vitamins A and C. Some also contain folate, a B vitamin that may help reduce the amino acid, homocysteine, high blood levels of which may have been linked with an increased risk of heart attack. They’re also natural sources of plant sterols. Food Fix: Top off your morning cereal or yogurt with fruit and add it to homemade breads, cakes and cookies. Add vegetables to sauces, stews, meatloaf, pizza and soup.
Ease up on eggs While it’s true that dietary cholesterol doesn’t affect your blood cholesterol to the extent that saturated and trans fats can, the dietary cholesterol in egg yolks can add up (a typical yolk contains 71 percent of the daily limit of 300 milligrams), and may contribute to high levels of LDL in your body. That’s why many nutritionists are conservative when it comes to recommending a daily limit for egg consumption. “Don’t have more than one egg yolk a day,” advises Melissa Ohlson, MS, RD. Food Fix: If you’re an egg lover or bake or cook with eggs, keep dietary cholesterol intake low by using just the egg whites or opting for commercially prepared egg substitutes whenever possible.
Develop a taste for dark chocolate It contains flavanols—antioxidants in the flavonoid family that may increase blow flow in arteries, reduce the stickiness of blood platelets and lower blood pressure. One study found that people who consumed 1.6 ounces of high-flavonoid dark chocolate daily for two weeks experienced an eightfold increase in the ability of their arteries to dilate, which improves blood flow to the heart. Food Fix: Even though it’s healthier than milk chocolate, dark chocolate is still a high-calorie treat. For occasional chocolate cravings or even just a small hit every day, “check the label for chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cocoa,” says cardiovascular researcher Mary B. Engler, PhD.
Sandra Gordon is an award-winning writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues
26 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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FIT FAMILY
Puppy Bowl Party Are you looking for a different way to celebrate while the rest of the country is cheering for the big game on February 5th? The Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet starts at 3pm, and has become a major event every year! Here are a few fun ways to get up and move around during puppy commercial breaks: Pin the Tail on the Puppy - Just like Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Have your favorite dog image blown up and tape it to the wall. Create a tail with heavy paper or use a feather or bow. Have the children take turns trying to pin the tail on the puppy with their eyes shut or blindfolded. Puppy, Puppy, Kitten - Just like “Duck, Duck, Goose.” This game involves the children sitting in a circle. One child goes around the circle lightly tapping the other children’s heads, saying “Puppy.” When the child taps someone’s head and says “Kitten,” both children must run around the circle in hopes of being the first to sit down. Whoever is left standing is “it.” Puppy Trainer Says - Just like “Simon Says”, only the “Puppy Trainer” tells the crew of children to do different dog tricks. He or she always starts with “Puppy Trainer says” and adds the trick, like “Puppy Trainer says sit” or “Puppy Trainer says roll over.” If the puppy trainer doesn’t say “Puppy Trainer” before the trick, and children do the trick anyway, they are out of the game. The winner is the child who outlasts all other game players.
Cardinal STRUT The 8th Annual Cardinal STRUT For Kids is coming! It’s time to sign up for this family friendly running event that happens on March 4th, 2017 at Holly Tree Elementary School at 8am. The Cardinal Strut offers a 5K, 10K, and a 1 Mile Fun Run. The race is hosted by Holly Tree Elementary and their PTA. “We Plan, We Run, We Race for Them” was a motto that originated seven years ago as a group of moms sat around the kitchen table to plan the First Annual Cardinal Strut. This group of moms made a promise to two other Holly Tree Elementary moms - that their sons, Bryson Parry and Jakob Hatton, who lost their battles with cancer, would never be forgotten. Over the years the call to support other local families whose children were diagnosed with cancer grew stronger, and led to the formation of Strut for Kids, Inc. Strut for Kids is a non profit organization that provides assistance funds to families of children in New Hanover County who have been diagnosed with cancer. For registration information visit www.cardinalstrut.com
Returning to Sports After a Concussion Your child fell during sports practice, was diagnosed with a concussion, and is now playing the “recovery time” game. What comes next? Can your child slowly return to practice? Are headaches common, and for how long after the injury? Concussions are tricky and should be taken very seriously. Here are some things to keep in mind: • The recovery time of a concussion can vary depending upon the child and the severity of the head injury. • Typically symptoms resolve after seven to ten days, but some children continue to have symptoms for weeks or even months. • The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urges that children refrain from all sporting activities until they are completely clear of all symptoms, which would include a headache. • Attending practice and watching the team play can be help your child still feel like she is part of the team, but isn’t risking the chance of reinjuring herself or making the symptoms worse. • Make and keep an appointment for reevaluation by her pediatrician. • Wilmington Health also offers a Concussion Clinic in their office located at 8090 Market St. The Concussion Clinic can help children with post concussion symptoms and guide parents with return to school and sporting activities. Call 937-2570 to make an appointment. Source: www.foreverfreckled.com
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Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 27
SCHOOL NOTES
School’s Out! NEW HANOVER COUNTY: Traditional Schools: 2/24 - Half Day for Students Year Round Schools:
High School Students Advance to Scholarship Semifinals New Hanover County Schools would like to congratulate the following students for advancing to the regional semi-final interviews for the MoreheadCain Scholarship: Monae Duplessis, Hoggard High School
2/24 - Half Day for Students
Kendall Hanks, Laney High School
CFCI Charter School:
Lauryn Highsmith, Ashley High School
2/24 - Half Day for Students
Thy Le, Laney High School
WECHS 2/24 - Half Day for Students
Courtney Loughran, New Hanover High School Drewv Magan, New Hanover High School Hannah Marable, Hoggard High School Claudia Opper, Hoggard High School
***BRUNSWICK COUNTY AND
Mina Yakubu, New Hanover High School
PENDER COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is a full scholarship with additional learning opportunities at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After semifinal interviews, 126 finalists are identified and invited to campus for Final Selection Weekend in March. For more information on these scholarships, please visit www.moreheadcain.org.
NO DAYS OFF IN FEBRUARY*** Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information.
The following students have been selected as semifinalists for the prestigious Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University: Grant Bonds - Wilmington, Early College High School Colton Casto – New Hanover High School Adam Coleman – Hoggard High School Yasmin Durmaz – Ashley High School Mackenzie Holcombe – Ashley High School Mariam Kharbat – Isaac Bear Early College High School Tara Poteat – Hoggard High School Abigail Scholer – Hoggard High School Approximately 35 scholarships will be awarded this year to outstanding high school seniors for undergraduate study in any discipline at NC State. For more information, visit www.park.ncsu.edu.
Penderlea School receives grant from James Patterson for school library Penderlea School received a $6,000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library. Penderlea was selected amongst thousands of applications for funding grants. Penderlea Media Specialist Linda Smith, who applied for the grant, said the funds will be used to replace lost library books and also to bring an author to visit. James Patterson and Scholastic Reading Club announced in March 2016 that Patterson would donate $1.75 million to save school libraries nationwide in the second installment of his School Library Campaign. Since the grant program’s launch in 2015, Patterson has donated $3.5 million to school libraries nationwide, with all funds are being personally donated by Patterson. In the first-ever partnership of its kind, Patterson joined forces with Scholastic Reading Club to administer funding applications to their network of 62,000 schools and 800,000 teachers. Patterson personally read and selected the winning recipients of the grants.
28 | February 2017 | Wilmington Parent
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PEANUT GALLERY
Brandon F. 2/24 • 3yo
Stevie M. 2/15 • 1yo
Addison T. 2/12 • 4yo
Piper C. 1/25 • 5yo
Nell S. 2/10 • 2yo
Nora S. 2/10 • 2yo
Aiden K. 2/1 • 1yo
Ashlyn O. 2/8 • 3yo
Isabella P. 2/1 • 5yo
Megan B. 2/7
Rylahnn M. 1/21 • 2yo
Divia 2/10 • 4yo
DOES YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD HAVE A BIRTHDAY IN MARCH? 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: 2/12. We have a limited number of spots, so if you sent your child’s picture Gianni M. 2/20 • 3yo www.wilmingtonparent.com
and do not see it this issue, please check back next month! Wilmington Parent | February 2017 | 29
Wilmington Parent’s 14th annual
Summer Camp Fair Saturday, March 4, 2017 10am - 3pm Independence Mall
FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING!
Camps for Every Interest and Age: Local Residential Sports Day Camps Science Athletic Drama Eco Art Nature Surfing Magic & Much More!
Sponsored BY www.nosleevesmagic.com