Wilmington Parent September 2016 by Seaside Media

september 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ FREE

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Our 18th Year of Serving New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender County Families!

Cover Kids: Brody and Bellamy

party guide

Party Listings i hidden lessons i surviving toddler birthdays Planning to Pay for College i teaching kids to enjoy nature

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

Visit our website at growinggrins.com

coming soon... 6

Hig h S chool • Mid d l e S c h o o l E lem e n tary S choo l • P re s c h o o l

Tues/Thur morning Toddler class ages 18-24 mo

Call for more information.

W I LM I NG TON

(910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St

Christian Academy est. 1969

FAITH INTELLECT CHARACTER www.w i l m i n g ton c h r is t ia n.com 1401 N. Col l e g e Rd • 910 .791.42 48

UNIVERSITY of NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON

Engineering Expectations STEM Programs Let’s Engineer Together This Fall!

Registration Now Open uncw.edu/youth 910.962.2640 An EEO/AA Institution

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Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 1

Providing Wilmington families with the best musical instruction for guitar, piano, drums, bass, brass, ukulele, and voice for all ages and ability levels! Enrollment for Summer Rock Camp now open with limited availability! Let us help you get your family rocking! 6

voted best music lessons by readers

7946 Market Street Suite 500 Wilmington, NC (910) 319-7081 â&#x20AC;˘ steelemusicstudios.com

2 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

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High Quality Child Care That Will Last Your Child A Life Time

Youth Sports

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

Fun, Safe and Convenient

Located off 23rd St. w/ easy access from MLK or Market St

• Ages 3-14 • Fall Season runs 9/24/16 - 11/12/16 • Flag Football, Cheerleading, Soccer & T-Ball

Reduce, Reuse,

Recycle

Big Smiles...

Now recycle me downtown!

Bigger dreams...

all they need is YOU!

Find new recycling containers downtown!

Recycle More with the City of Wilmington wilmingtonnc.gov/recycling 910.341.7875 www.wilmingtonparent.com

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina’s kids need your love as a foster, foster-to-adopt or respite parent. Foster Parent training classes are forming now.

To learn more, call or visit us online: (910) 202-9337. 3133 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 3

in this issue Publisher/Editor in Chief Keith Jaworski 910-518-0011

E-Mail: seasidemedia1@gmail.com

Features Editor Danielle Villegas

E-Mail: danielle.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com

Events Calendar:

E-Mail: calendar@wilmingtonparent.com

Have a cute photo you’d like to share? Submit your photo for consideration seasidemedia1@gmail.com October theme - Halloween Deadline for Submissions 09/12.

September 2016 SPecial Section: party guide

18 21 22

hidden lessons at parties surviving toddler birthdays party listings

9 17

Planning to Pay for College teaching kids to enjoy nature

Editor’s Note

13 Childcare Listing guide

have you heard

your Health

Product Review

fit family

growing up online

school notes

Peanut Gallery

10 Calendar

cover credits

Photography by Katie Mathews, www.katiemathewsphotography.com • 910-297-5378 4 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

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or E-Mail: calendar@wilmingtonparent.com Opinions/Suggestions/Feedback We value our readers opinions — help us to serve you better! Our mailing address is: Wilmington Parent

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

ave new school schedules and after school activities taken over your life yet? September is a crazy month of adjustments, but there are also many things to look forward to this month! September is one of the most popular months for birthdays, so if you are planning a party this month, check out our Party Guide section for ideas on how to create a memorable celebration. If this is your child’s 2nd or 3rd time celebrating their birth, allowing them to help with some of the planning might be the key to a happy party. Author Suzy Fielder has a few tips for avoiding toddler meltdowns on the big day on pg. 21. If a meltdown happens, don’t worry! Not every unplanned event at a birthday party should be marked down as a negative. Sometimes these inconveniences are perfect times to teach life lessons. Hidden Lessons at Birthday Parties on pg. 18 point out a few times that children can learn from disappointments. If you haven’t checked out the calendar recently, this month is a good time to get back in the habit. Summer events are coming to a close and fall activities are beginning to pop up all over town! Don’t miss out on the outdoor fun, festivals and concerts! You can always check the latest events at www.wilmingtonparent.com from any mobile device. I enjoy summertime, but my favorite season is fall. Summer in North Carolina can be a little too hot for long hours outside, but the cooler temperatures of September make it the perfect time for a long stroll through the park. Encouraging kids to enjoy nature can be difficult with so many modern distractions, but Sarah Lyons article on pg. 17 has some great ideas for getting kids outside and having fun!

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 ber m e r m Re ar you en e h to w uard w ! s thg sport u o m ing play

SKIP TYSON, D.D.S. STEPHANIE HEANEY, D.D.S. 6

Happy Fall!

Danielle

791-7380

2606 Iron Gate Dr. Suite 200,Wilmington, NC surf our NEW website

www.catchasmile.net www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 5

Puddle Jumpers

Nature Preschool 910-231-6775

www.puddlejumpersnaturepreschool.com

Enrolling Adventurous Preschoolers ages 2-6!

have you heard….? The first day of fall is around the corner. On September 22nd we can start celebrating cooler temperatures, earthy colors and outdoor festivals. This September, we have a unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the African Children’s Choir. This free, but ticketed event, will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 7pm at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College.This special event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Brunswick Community College, Brunswick Arts Council, Brunswick Intercultural Festival, AARP, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Bring the family and help Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow. Call the OWA Box Office (910)755-7416 for more information.

September is also National Baby Safety Month. Children are naturally curious. Tasting, touching and feeling are how infants and toddlers learn about the world around them. Take a moment to look at your surroundings from a youngster’s point of view and find changes needed to protect your growing little one! Below are a couple of ideas, for more information visit www.nsc.org. Tips: • Suffocation and Choking - Babies should sleep on their backs and crib bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent infants from getting their heads stuck between them. • Falls and Burns - A mixer faucet on the basin, tub and shower will prevent scalds. • Drowning - Never leave a child unsupervised in the bathtub.

Kathy Bush Real Estate Broker

1001 Military Cutoff, Suite 101 Wilmington, NC 28405

910-398-0225 Let me help you find the home that meets your family’s growing needs

• Knowledge of local market, neighborhoods, and schools • Experience handling the challenges of moving with children • Customer service oriented

I will make the buying and selling process as easy as possible! www.kbush.seacoastrealty.com www.facebook.com/kbushseacoast

Island Cardiology

As I’m sure you’ve all heard, there’s an election soon. The New Hanover County Board of Elections is looking for help during this important time. They are in need of poll workers for its 43 precincts on Election Day, Nov. 8. The board needs more than 500 precinct officials and although they consider poll workers to be “volunteers,” North Carolina State Law requires that they compensate them. All precinct officials receive a minimum of $120, plus paid training opportunities. So if you would like to lend a hand on Election Day while making a little money, visit www.elections.nhcgov.com to find out more information.

National Theatre Live has a big announcement! All screenings are moving from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) building to Kenan Auditorium. The 2016 lineup features Arthur Miller’s tragic classic, A View From the Bridge; the racy Threepenny Opera; the spooky Frankenstein; the passionate and poignant The Deep Blue Sea; Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet; and the pioneering puppetry in War Horse. Call 962-3500 for tickets.

Damian Brezinski, MD, FACC

call or text for appointment

September 10th bring the kids out for a fall afternoon of BBQ, cold beverages, raffles, museum tours, and first responder vehicle tours at The Bellamy Mansion Museum in Downtown Wilmington. First Responders Day will be held from 1-4pm and tickets for food, drinks, and raffles will be available for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Wilmington Firefighters Foundation, the Wilmington Police Recreation Association, and the Bellamy Mansion Museum. Visit www.bellamymansion.org for more information. v

910-262-6300

1328 N. Lake Park Blvd. Sut. 103 Carolina Beach, NC

www.keepthebeatalive.org

6 | September 2016 | 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

Crunchies Fruit Snacks These fruit snacks are an easy and healthy add-in to any school lunch. Crunchies’ line of single-ingredient snacks has zero sugar added and is non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. There are many freeze-dried fruit snacks on the market, but these have are tasty enough that you can be sure your kids eat them and get their recommended daily fruit servings. When adding fruit to your child’s lunch box, there is always the concern that they will not make the trip to school undamaged. Enjoyed straight from the bag, Crunchies Grapes are a wholesome alternative to raisin boxes. Visit www.crunchiesfood.com for more information and for a list of stores that carry Crunchies.

Eve Mattress You’ve just sent your child off to college and they are looking forward to many new experiences. One experience, is possibly sleep deprivation. Although you can’t control how late they stay up, you can help them have a good night’s sleep once their head hits the bed. College dorm mattresses are notoriously uncomfortable, but you can fix that. Easily shipped to anywhere in the United States, Eve Mattress promises a more energized morning and productive day. The Eve Mattress combines a high density foam base, a mid-layer of high resilience comfort memory foam and a new-generation memory foam top layer. I have traded my mattress for an Eve Mattress for the past 30 days, and can honestly say that I wake up less and sleep more soundly. There are no springs, but it is a firm and supportive mattress. It can be used without a box spring or with one. For more information on eve Mattress visit www.evemattress.com.

910-795-2511 www.DrEggDental.com Mayfaire Town Center

Little mouths are a big deal.

Accepting New Patients

Cape Fear Pirate Candy Cape Fear Pirate Candy (CFPC) is a family-owned and operated business located in Wilmington, NC. Their peppers are a blend of sweet/hot and the juice, called Drizzle™, can be drizzled on everything. CFPC combines spicy jalapeño peppers in a sweet, tangy marinade which is used as a condiment that can be served a limitless number of ways. I like spicy foods, but not too spicy. So I was a little worried about trying these peppers, but I had noticed they were selling out at the farmer’s markets every week and I had to find out why. I first tried them on a tortilla chip with some cheese, and that was all it took to convince me. All you taste is the sweet at first, then the spicy kicks in. Now I am looking for any excuse to add them to a dish or snack. Their products are available at farmer’s markets all over the area and in over 17 local shops and restaurants, including Sam’s Hot Dogs, Chop’s Deli, Cape Fear Spice Merchants and Carolina Coast Harley Davidson. CFPC offers five products: Candied Jalapeños, Garlic and Ginger Candied Jalapeños, Biker Candy™, Garlic and Ginger Biker Candy™, and Drizzle™ (aka candied jalapeño juice). Visit www.capefearpiratecandy.com and follow them on Facebook and at Instagram. v

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Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 7

growing up online

Family Guidelines For Pokemon GO

By Carolyn Jabs

okemon GO may be the first breakthrough game to use augmented reality (AR), but it certainly won’t be the last. The boundaries between virtual and tangible worlds have been blurring for a long time, and new games fuse the two into one irresistible package. As everyone knows by now, Pokemon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. So far so good. But augmented reality also creates risks. Thinking through the pros and cons of Pokemon GO gives parents a good platform for making common sense rules about the many AR games that are likely to follow. As you develop family guidelines, keep these 4 P’s in mind.

Permissions. Children under 13 can’t sign up for games unless they have permission from parents. That’s a reminder that younger children need augmented supervision in augmented reality. Play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you (literally!) through the game so you can see and comment on what’s fun and what’s risky. AR apps also ask for permissions when they are installed, and parents should get in the habit of reviewing every request. Obviously, smart phones hold lots of information—who a child knows, where she hangs out, what photos he’s taken, what social media she uses. This information may seem trivial, but it’s catnip to marketers. Even if the company that makes the app promises to use the information responsibly, tech companies often change hands. The best policy is to give each app as little permission as possible. Pokemon Go, for example, needs access to the phone’s camera but not contact information. To revise your choices after installation, find the Settings icon on the phone. Look for the Apps folder. Find the relevant app and uncheck as many boxes as possible.

Place. AR games encourage children to explore the world. That’s terrific! But kids still need boundaries. For kids mature enough to play without direct supervision, be very clear about where they are allowed to go. In the case of Pokemon GO, monsters may very well show up outside the approved play zone. Talk in advance about how you want your child to handle this situation. (To confirm that the rules are being followed, click the Pokeball button at the bottom of the screen. You’ll see a list of captured Pokemon and details about where they were caught.) Before turning a child loose with AR, remind them about tangible concerns. Exercise special caution near water and never cross safety barricades. Don’t trespass on private property and don’t play the game in inappropriate places like cemeteries and churches. Use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Traffic is another obvious risk. People staring at phones have bumped into things and stepped in front of cars. Some parents insist that kids set the phone to vibrate when a Pokemon is nearby so they can walk without

8 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

distraction. To its credit, Pokemon GO reminds players to turn the game off while driving. The same rule should apply to other forms of transportation—bikes, scooters, skateboards.

People. The best games are often social, and AR is no exception. Chatting with others who are playing in the same vicinity seems natural, and some objectives require teamwork. Most of the people your child encounters will be fellow enthusiasts. But the Pokemon GO game includes devices that draw Pokemon—and their hunters—to specific locations, and that creates opportunities for predators. Remind your child that all the usual rules about talking to or going anywhere with strangers apply. Encourage kids to play with friends and reiterate the fact that, even with friends, they shouldn’t go into isolated places like dark alleys or abandoned buildings. As an extra layer of protection, consider keeping track of your child’s phone with a service like Find my Friends (Apple) or Google+ (Android)

Price. Apps are seductive because they seem to be free. Still, the people who develop these things need to be paid, so something is always for sale. In the case of Pokemon GO, players can purchase Pokeballs, Pokecoins and lures that will make it easier to catch rare specimens. For parents, this is a teachable moment. Consider giving your child an in-game allowance or encouraging her to earn money for game items by doing chores. Make it crystal clear that your child needs to get approval before spending real money on virtual goods. AR games are also likely to have other costs. Because Pokemon GO depends on GPS tracking, it consumes lots of data. Show older kids how to monitor usage so they don’t incur extra charges by exceeding the family limit.

Privilege. Playing any game is a privilege that can be revoked if kids don’t follow household rules. In the case of a craze like Pokemon GO, you may want to be flexible at first to see how the game fits into family life. When is it OK to play? When do you expect phones to be powered down? Are there things your child can do to earn extra time? What behaviors will result in suspending privileges? The answers to these questions won’t be the same for every family, and they may need to be hammered out in family meetings. Still, it’s always up to parents to be sure that the allure of AR is tempered with the real world common sense. v Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing Growing Up Online for more than a decade. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart, available on Amazon and at cooperativewisdom. org. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Planning to Pay for College

igh school seniors are coming down the stretch of their high school careers, and as they prepare for college, a new local survey shows their parents aren’t necessarily prepared to pay for college. The survey distributed on behalf of North Carolina’s college savings program, the NC 529®Plan shows 68% of families have only saved $5,000 or less for each of their children’s college education. The newly released survey of 1,001 North Carolina families with at least one child 18 or under beginning to think about college found: • 33% of the parents surveyed indicate they have not saved anything for college • 68% say they have $5,000 or less saved for each child • 60% are concerned they won’t have enough to pay for college • 44% expect their child or children will need to help pay Of the parents who say they are saving: • 72% use regular savings accounts • 22% use a tax-advantaged 529 plan • 54% are unclear about 529 plans and how they work. • 68% are not aware it’s possible to start saving in an NC 529 plan with as little as $25. “More than 131,000 accounts have been opened in the NC 529 Plan for college savings and we’re eager to help more parents learn that it’s never too early or too late to put money away for college,” says Michael Ochsenhirt, NC 529 Savings Program Manager. “There are no fees or sales charges to enroll and the money saved can be used at virtually any college, anywhere in the country.” Many parents participating in the survey expect their children to chip in too.

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• 77% expect their children to take out loans and apply for grants and/or scholarships. • 41% of current parents whose parents paid their college bills – now expect their children to help pay. • 83% worry about their children finishing college with a degree, but also debt. While information from the survey was helpful, it’s important for families to know that very few people pay the full cost of higher education out of pocket. Families are expected to pay what they can reasonably afford, but there also are resources available from federal, state and colleges when there’s need to make up the difference. There are scholarships, grants, work-study programs and loans. No one has to be rich to go to college today when there is more than $50 billion in financial aid available to assist with college costs each year. Whatever families can save for college will reduce their need to borrow. Having other family members who can add to savings is a big help too. Many grandparents or other relatives enjoy contributing to a 529 account for a child rather than showering the child with holiday and birthday gifts that will likely be outgrown. The NC 529 Plan is a program of the State of North Carolina, established and maintained by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority as a qualified tuition program under federal tax law, and administered by College Foundation, Inc. To learn more about North Carolina’s National College Savings Program, its investment objectives, risks and costs, read the Program Description available at NC529.org/pd or call toll-free 800- 600-3453 to request information. Also, create an account with www.cfnc.org to learn more about saving for college. v

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 9

• P L AN YOUR MONTH WITH US

CALENDAR

September | 2016 All Month Long! History Walking Tours of Old Wilmington

Daily (Year Round). Cotton Exchange, Downtown. This leisurely tour takes us back in time as we talk about: Three of the most historic homes in Wilmington. History of Wilmington’s downtown and how it developed. Cape Fear River and its importance to the area. Wilmington during the Civil War, what life was like. Victorian customs, Folklore and Much More. Under age 12 admitted free with 2 paying adults. Call for tour times. $12/Adults. $8/Students & Seniors. Visit www.TourOldWilmington.blogspot.com or call 409-4300 for information.

Downtown Wilmington Trolley Tour

Downtown at Water St. Wilmington Trolley offers a tour through the Port City on an authentically reproduced trolley. Tour highlights include: museums, beautiful mansions, birthplaces of famous natives, TV & movie locations, fine dining ideas, shopping, history and more! www.wilmingtontrolley. com.

Dinosaurs Roar to Life

Daily through Sept. 12. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Dinosaurs roar to life at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher this spring and summer! Visit for this pre-historic experience featuring the new exhibit of life-sized animatronic beasts that are guaranteed to wow visitors with their realistic roars of life. Who wouldn’t want to see Dinosaurs at the beach?!

Butterfly Bungalow

Daily through Sept. 12. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Watch as the beloved Butterfly Bungalow exhibit takes flight! Hundreds of exotic butterflies fly free and land on tropical plants and maybe even on your head, arms and nose. Species inside the enclosure will vary but look for vibrant blue morphos, native to Latin America, emerald swallowtails or red lacewings, both found in Asia, among many others from around the world! Visit www.ncaquariums.com for details.

1 Thursday

Storytime at the Library

9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Thursdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast Libraries. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.

10 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

Upward Soccer Registration

Art Shelf Fridays

Messy Hands Toddler Art

Jammie Jam

10am. College Acres Baptist Church. Register today for the Upward Soccer League of College Acres Baptist Church! The cost is $75 per person. League play is open to all boys and girls in K4-6th grades. For more information, visit www.CollegeAcres.com or call 799-3773. 10am. Main Library. “It’s the Process, Not the Product.” Toddlers and their adults will be introduced to a variety of hands-on art experiences. The focus of this program will be on child driven art exploration. Come join us for a half hour of Messy Fun, make sure to wear play clothes. This program is designed for children between the ages of 2-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at www. nhclibrary.org.

StoryCOOKS: Dragons Love Tacos - Tacos

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.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove Evening Market

3-7pm, Thursdays. Until Oct 26th. Poplar Grove Plantation. The market strives to promote local farmers & the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices, and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmer, their baker, their artisan maker! Visit www. poplargrove.org/farmers-market for more information.

Nature Navigators: Native American Scavenger Hunt 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.

2 Friday 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.

3pm, Fridays. Pleasure Island Library. Enjoy a self-paced creative art station in the children’s area. We’ll put out supplies and a suggested craft or activity, but let the various art supplies and recyclable items inspire your creative and artistic abilities. Create unique art by yourself! No registration required. 5-7pm. Children’s Museum. Wear your favorite pajamas and bring a special stuffed friend for an evening PJ party! Play board games, make a dreamcatcher, snack on cookies and milk and listen to a bedtime story. FREE with admission purchase or qualifying membership! Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Summer Fireworks by the Sea and Concert

6:30pm. Carolina Beach Boardwalk. The beach strand on Pleasure Island lights up with weekly fireworks! The music starts at 6:30 followed by the fireworks at 9:00. Follow Facebook for weather delays, changes and updates.

3 Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Saturdays. Until Nov. 19th. Downtown Wilmington Riverfront. Curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. Visit www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmersmarket for details.

Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Saturdays. Until Oct. 1st. Carolina Beach Lake Park. A selection of artists and crafters have their handmade items available each week on a rotating basis. Shop an abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music. Pet friendly! Visit www.carolinabeachfarmersmarket.com for details.

If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t - Storytime

11am. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Note to self: If your teacher tells you to bring something from nature for show-and-tell, she does not want you to bring an alligator! But nothing will stop Magnolia, who’s determined to have the best showand-tell of all! Just in time for back-to-school, join us for a fun-filled Storytime. Call 509-1880 for more information.

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Super Saturday Fun Time

3pm Saturdays. TheatreNow. Join DOCK, the dog, and his twolegged friends as they uncover mysteries and discover artifacts (courtesy of Cape Fear Museum). Different adventure each week. Families welcome. $8/person. Visit www.theatrewilmington.com for tickets.

4 Sunday Family Fun Day

9am - 5pm. Airlie Gardens. Visit the parks and Arboretum for a full day of family fun. Contact 798-7700 or visit www.airliegardens. org for more information.

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.

Grooves in the Grove: Mojo Collins & Band

Music and Movement Storytime

10:30am, Tuesdays. Pleasure Island Library. Join other children, parents, and caregivers 5 years and younger for a music and movement storytime! We’ll read a few books, sing, dance and have other active fun! We’ll exercise and develop gross motor skills using a variety of movement and stretching disciplines including dance and yoga. No registration required.

Art on Easels

Kid’s Cooking Club: Apple Cider Pancakes

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.

Scare Squad

Boogie in the Park Concert Series The Central Park Band

Ogden Park Farmer’s Market

Summer Movies at the Lake The Peanuts Movie (G 2015)

8pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Grab the kids, blankets and beach chairs and head to the lake in Carolina Beach to enjoy a FREE Outdoor movie on a ‘gigantic’ screen! Movie goers can purchase cotton candy, popcorn, candy, soft drinks and much more. You can also bring your own food and beverages. Movies start at dusk. Visit www.pleasureislandnc.org for a complete summer schedule.

5 Monday Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Mondays. Through Sept 28. An opportunity for residents and visitors of Wrightsville Beach to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. Visit www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com for more information.

Railroad Storytime

10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $5/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information.

Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class

4:45-5:30pm, Mondays. Kings Grant Area. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 399-1708 for more information.

6 Tuesday Storytime at the Library

9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Tuesdays. Main Library. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.

Happy Little Singers

9:45am, Tuesdays. Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center. Music and Movement program for children 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance, Instruments, Creative Play with your child. Drop-ins welcome, $10 per family. Please call or text in advance 777-8889.

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at the Arboretum

2:30pm. Northeast Library. We will have 5 double-sided easels set up from 1pm - 4pm for children to come in and create a masterpiece. www.nhclibrary.org.

5-7pm. Poplar Grove Plantation. There is no better place to bring family and friends, and the necessary coolers to keep everyone jovial and in good spirits. The grounds will open at 4 pm, so you can stake your claim in front of the Gazebo. In support of our conservation efforts, there is a $5 admission fee for adults. Little ones & preteens free. Coolers and good times are welcome. Kona Ice will be on site, and we may be surprised by Catch the Food Truck. Visit www.poplargrove.org for a complete fall schedule.

5-7pm. Ocean Front Park. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy free, live music by the sea! This week enjoy the sounds of Lynn & the Wave! Visit www.pleasureislandnc.org for a complete summer schedule.

Art in Bloom

6pm, Fridays. Main Library. In preparation for Haunted Library, teens are building scary props and designing a Haunted House in the Main Library Basement! For more information call 798-6393 or e-mail Mr. Scooter at shayes@nhcgov.com You must be ages 13-18 to participate.

7 Wednesday 8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Until Nov. 16th. Ogden Park. Curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. Visit www. wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmers-market for details.

Juried Art Show & Sale

Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd • 10am - 4pm $5 Admission • Free for Members & Military

• Children’s Activities (tent) on Sat & Sun (10/1-10/2) provided by The Children’s Museum • Food Trucks • Live Music • Auction • Raffles • Beer & Wine Tent

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove

8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Until Oct 26th. Poplar Grove Plantation. The market strives to promote local farmers & the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices, and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmer, their baker, their artisan maker! Visit www.poplargrove. org/farmers-market for more information.

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 pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.

Event and Ticket Info: 6206 Oleander Dr nhcarboretum.org • 910.798.7660

Wilmington's premiere mother, child & baby boutique

S.T.E.M. Explorations: How it Works - Diapers

10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

Wii on Wednesdays

2:30pm, Wednesdays. Northeast Library. Come and play the Nintendo Wii in our Children’s Room. Get some exercise playing the Wii Sports or Just Dance video games. Parents will have to sign in and out controllers.

Preschool Math and Science Program

3:30pm. Northeast Library. Play, learn, and explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, hands-on science experiments and exploration stations. This program is designed for children between the ages of 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class

4:15-5pm, Wednesdays. Carolina Beach Rec Center. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www. minimonetsart.com or call 399-1708 for more information.

• Eco-Friendly Products • Mom, Baby & Child Gifts • Education & Wellness Services • Community Space • Baby Registry • Pregnancy & Post-partum Classes Mon- Sat 10:00 am- 5:30 pm Sun 12:30-4:00 pm

890 S. Kerr Ave. Wilmington NC 28403 910-769-6443 www.thebumpandbeyond.com Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 11

8 Thursday StoryCOOKS: The Donut Chef - Donut Glaze

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.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove - Evening Market

3-7pm, Thursdays. Until Oct 26th. Poplar Grove Plantation. The market strives to promote local farmers & the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices, and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmer, their baker, their artisan maker! Visit www.poplargrove. org/farmers-market for more information.

Nature Navigators: Sunprints

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.

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.

LEGO Challenge

4pm. Pleasure Island Library Library. Test your LEGO creativity each month! We provide a theme at 4pm and you have up to 45 minutes to build using our LEGOs with that theme as your guide. Compare what you create with everyone else who comes to meet the challenge! Ages 5 to 12. Pictures of the creations will be posted on our Facebook page. Visit www.nhclibrary.org to register.

9 Friday Toddler Time: Fall Leaf

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.

Teen Lit Club

3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. For ages 13-18. Come discuss what books, music, movies & TV you’ve been into! This program gives teen the chance to exchange opinions & recommendations, while participating in games, stories and activities. No Registration Required! Call 798-6391 for more information.

Adventures in the Arts: 3-D Line Art

3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including-but not limited to--painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Home-At-Sea - Astonishing Arthropods

5:30-8:30pm. UNCW Center for Marine Science. Dive in for a finstastic evening at MarineQuest as we uncover the ABSeas of marine science by first exploring the astonishing world of arthropods! Be prepared to get up close and personal with these wild marine crustaceans. Explore through lab experiments, field activities, games, art and more. It’s time to discover your new Home-at-Sea with MarineQuest! For ages 11-14 and completed 5th grade. Visit uncw.edu/youth to register.

10 Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market

Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Saturdays. Until Oct. 1st. Carolina Beach Lake Park. A selection of artists and crafters have their handmade items available each week on a rotating basis. Shop an abundant selection of

12 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music. Pet friendly! Visit www.carolinabeachfarmersmarket.com for details.

troduce you to and teach you how to use resources and databases to advance students to the head of the class.

Pier 2 Pier Open Water Swim Race

5:30-6:45pm. Wilmington Ice House. Children & Teens ages 5 - 14 yrs. join us for a free lesson. Please arrive on time! Warm clothing, socks and gloves needed for this activity. Skaters may wear their own bike helmet. Rental Skates are provided. Advanced registration is required by calling 686-1987.

9am. Johnnie Mercer’s Pier. This annual event entails swimming approximately two miles between Johnnie Mercer’s Pier and the Crystal Pier as well as swimming around marker buoys from the start line to the finish line. The starting point for the race will be determined on race day in accordance with the ocean current that day. Visit www.pier-2-pier.com for details.

Bike Rodeo

10am-2pm. Carolina Beach Recreation Center.The Carolina Beach Police Department in conjunction with the Town of Carolina Beach is proud to announce that the Bike Rodeo is back! Tighten your helmets and dust off your bike for an afternoon of bicycle awareness and safety. This free event is the perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year, learn safe habits while riding your bike, make sure your helmet is properly fitted and register your bike! Enjoy music, food, games & activities, raffles and give-a-ways all for FREE. Give-a-ways include helmets, reflectors, lights and other stuff. Call 338-7811 for more information.

Family Science Saturday: Incredible Insects

10am-1pm. Discover the incredible world of insects! Investigate how they communicate and what they build. Investigate the life cycle of a butterfly and a create fascinating firefly model to take home. Adult participation is required. Preschool; 11 am and 12 pm: Ages 5-14. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.

Ada Twist, Scientist - Storytime

11am. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. The creators of the New York Times bestselling picture books Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect are back with a story about the power of curiosity in the hands of a child who is on a mission to use science to understand her world. Call 509-1880 for more information.

Free Family Movie Night

7pm. College Acres Baptist Church. The community is invited to watch an ocean-themed family friendly movie outdoors! Free drinks, free snacks, free bounce house, free FUN! For more information, call 799-3773 or email youbelong@collegeacres.org.

11 Sunday Grooves in the Grove: Folkstone String Band

12 Monday Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market

Monarch Migration

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 341-0075 to register.

Storytime @ PI

10:30am, Mondays. Pleasure Island Branch Library. Join our fun and educational storytime for all preschool ages, babies to 5 years of age, every Monday morning at 10:30 am! We’ll enjoy books, music, manipulatives, and other pre-literacy activities. No registration or fees required.

Homework Help

3:30 & 6pm. Northeast Library. NHCPL has several great resources to help students of all ages have academic success. Parents and students are welcome to attend a hands-on class designed to in-

Free Ice Skating Lesson

13 Tuesday Monarch Migration

Kid’s Cooking Club: Mud Balls

Scare Squad

14 Wednesday Ogden Park Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Until Nov. 16th. Ogden Park. Curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. Visit www. wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmers-market for details.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove

S.T.E.M. Explorations: How it Works - Fulcrums

10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please preregister. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

15 Thursday Messy Hands Toddler Art

10am. Main Library. “It’s the Process, Not the Product.” Toddlers and their adults will be introduced to a variety of hands-on art experiences. The focus of this program will be on child driven art exploration. Come join us for a half hour of Messy Fun, make sure to wear play clothes. This program is designed for children between the ages of 2-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at www.nhclibrary.org.

StoryCOOKS: Apples, Apples, Apples - Applesauce

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.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove - Evening Market

3-7pm, Thursdays. Until Oct 26th. Poplar Grove Plantation. The market strives to promote local farmers & the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices, and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmer, their baker, their artisan maker! Visit www.poplargrove. org/farmers-market for more information.

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Nature Navigators: Static Electricity Lab

Story Art

3:30pm. Main Library. Story Art pairs a book with an art activity. This session focuses on the meaning of art using the book “The Dot,” by Peter Reynolds. Today just happens to be International Dot Day! Designed for Grades K-2. Registration at www.nhclibrary. org is required due to space and materials.

16 Friday Toddler Time: Autumn Cork Painting

Adventures in the Arts: Textured Landscape

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival

4pm. Carolina Beach. Come celebrate sports, health, wellness and the arts! Enjoy the famous Dragon Boat Race. Each boat will be manned by 20 people plus a steersman and a drummer for full effect. On Friday evening, enjoy a kickoff party complete with a parade and introduction of all competing teams, live music and refreshments (available for purchase). Visit www.carolinabeachdragonboat.com for a complete schedule of events.

17 Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market

Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival

9am. Carolina Beach. Get ready to race with the first event starting at 9:00 am! Teams will compete for trophies with awards for the Fastest time, Slowest time, Most Spirited team, Best Costumes, Match Race Winners and more. The Awards Ceremony and Celebration Party will begin at 4 pm on Saturday evening and feature 30 vendors serving their best fare at the Marina. Visit www. carolinabeachdragonboat.com for a complete schedule of events.

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. Hullabaloo 16717 Hwy 17 N, ste 210, Hampstead, NC 28443 910-821-1250 • www.hullaballoacademy.com Hullabaloo Academy offers a creative preschool for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Hands on learning and learning through play insures your little one will be ready for school when the time comes! Choose from 2, 3, and 4 day options for your 3 and 4 year old and a two day option for your 2 year old. .

Learning Center 2320 Scientific Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 910-254-7384 • denise.ward@aaipharma.om Ages 6 weeks-12 years. 5 star program with degreed teachers,low staff /child ratios, and a Project Approach based curriculum. Full day, After School and morning programs available. Pax Natura Academy 4202 Wilshire Blvd. Wilmington, NC 910-791-2080 • www.childcarenetwork.net/159 Early Foundations Infant & Toddler Programs. Preschool for 2 & 3 yo. Kindergarten Prep for 4 & 5 yo. After School Program. Puddle Jumpers Nature Preschool 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

NHRMC Medication Drop Off Event

9am-12pm. Medical Mall. All medications should be in their original containers with the label still attached. Unopened syringes and needles will be accepted by NC Harm Reduction Coalition. Medications can be prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins or herbal. Reduction Law enforcement will be on hand to accept controlled substances. Drive thru service available. For more information, contact Kathy Rawlings at 910.667.5152 or kathy.rawlings@nhrmc.org

Saturday Morning Marine Explorers Schooling With The Fishes

9am-12pm.UNCW Center for Marine Science. Why are fish so smart? Because they are always in school! Join MarineQuest as we explore fish behavior and anatomy to uncover why fish love to stay in school! Explore through lab experiments, field activities, games, art and more. Experience first-hand what it’s like to be a true Marine Explorer! For ages 7-10 and completed 1st grade. Visit uncw.edu/youth to register.

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Parents Night Out Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmingon, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Friday & Saturday night, 6-10pm, for ages 3 – 10. Manta’s Cuts Kids Salon 1427 Military Cutoff Rd, Unit 102 Wilmington NC 910-239-9096 • www.mantascuts.com Pizza, movie, games, crafts and our pirate ship will keep you kids entertained. PNO are scheduled 5:30-9pm on select Friday nights.

The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1, Wilmington, NC 238403 910-799-3771 • www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 3-12 years. The Little Gym of Wilmington Parentsʼ Survival Nights lets you enjoy some adult time to see a movie, catch up with friends or enjoy a meal. We schedule Parentsʼ Survival Nights for select Friday and Saturday evenings.

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 13

NC Shell Show

9am-5pm. Cape Fear Museum. Featuring hundreds of seashells – remnants of bivalves and gastropods alike – collected far and wide by club members and other exhibitors. Participants from up and down the East Coast will install museum-quality displays and compete for ribbons, trophies and bragging rights. Shell club members will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer questions. There will also be dealers selling shells and shell-related items. The shell show will feature scientific and arts-and-crafts exhibits in more than 20 categories. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for details.

Chocolate Tech Tasting

10am. Pleasure Island Library. Taste test different kinds of chocolate as you tour FREE tech resources for children and adults. Learn about the dangers of texting and driving, find out how to download ebooks and eaudiobooks, explore homework resources for children and teens, discover downloadable e-movies, and hear about free legal downloadable music for your own personal use. Neither pre-registration nor eating chocolate are required for this program.

Curious George Storytime

11am. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. 2016 marks the 75th birthday of everyone’s favorite monkey - Curious George! Come join the fun and #GetCurious at our Curious George Storytime. Activities to follow. Call 509-1880 for more information.

Sea GEMS - Keeping Our Biosphere Clean

Jennifer P.

1-4pm. UNCW Center for Marine Science. Calling all Girls! Each month this program explores a different field of marine science and highlights female scientists from UNCW and across the community. The weekend of world cleanup has arrived! To celebrate a clean world Sea GEMS will focus on the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Learn all about water quality monitoring and the health of North Carolina’s waters. Also in this session we will look at the health of the atmosphere. Learn where ozone is bad and where it is necessary for life on Earth. For ages 12-14 and have completed at least 5th grade. Visit uncw.edu/youth to register.

Saturday Afternoon Engineering Expectations

Photo by indigosilver

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.

20 Tuesday Kid’s Cooking Club: Apple Dip

Scare Squad

6pm, Fridays. Main Library. In preparation for Haunted Library, teens are building scary props and designing a Haunted House in the Main Library Basement! For more information call 7986393 or e-mail Mr. Scooter at shayes@nhcgov.com You must be ages 13-18 to participate.

21 Wednesday Ogden Park Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Until Nov. 16th. Ogden Park. Curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. Visit www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmersmarket for details.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove

Batman Day

18 Sunday

NC Shell Show

Back to School Education Law Clinic

1-5pm. Cape Fear Museum. See 09/17.

Boogie in the Park Concert Series - Sonic Spectrum

5-7pm. Ocean Front Park. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy free, live music by the sea! This week enjoy the sounds of The Clams! Visit www.pleasureislandnc.org for a complete summer schedule.

Grooves in the Grove: Massive Grass

African Children’s Choir Concert

7-9pm. Odell Williamson Auditorium. FREE, but ticketed event. Helping Africa’s most vulnerable children today, so they can help Africa tomorrow. Made possible through the collaborative efforts of Brunswick Community College, Brunswick Arts Council, Brunswick Intercultural Festival, AARP, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Call the OWA Box Office at 755-7416 for more information.

Maria U.

Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market

1-4:30pm. UNCW Natural Science Trailer. Assistive and adaptive technologies are a growing part of the work of biomedical engineers. Design and implement your own engineering solutions to genuine problems for people with physical limitations. You may just engineer a way to a better life! Engineering Expectations encourages students to use engineering to solve problems creatively, along with applying their science, technology, and mathematics knowledge. For ages 6-7 & 8-9. 2pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Join us for the third annual Batman Day celebrating the Dark Knight’s endearing legacy. The event will include activities, trivia, coloring and much more. Cosplay welcome! Call 509-1880 for details.

14 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

19 Monday

S.T.E.M. Explorations: How it Works - Alka Seltzer

12pm. Main Library. Legal Aid of North Carolina wants to help families enforce their legal rights in the North Carolina public school system. Learn about school discipline issues like suspension and expulsion, special education and the rights and protections available to children with special needs. This clinic will focus on student’s and parent’s rights in the school system with a particular focus on school discipline and special education rights. This clinic is intended for parents of school age children and for those who work with this population on a regular basis. There will be an opportunity for questions and educational materials will be provided for clinic participation. Registration is not required. Please call the Legal Aid Helpline for more information: 1-866-219-5262.

22 Thursday Car Seat Checkup

9-11:30am. Northeast Library. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat. Find out if it’s time for a change. Have your child’s car seat checked for proper installation by nationally certified technicians. This FREE event is sponsored by Safe Kids Cape Fear. For more information call Susan DeMarco, 910-798-6353 or the Northeast Library, 910-798-6373.

StoryCOOKS: Ten Apples Up On Top - Apple Dip 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for

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preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes.

So Many Shells

2-3pm. Main Library. Summer is the time for collecting shells, and we have so many shells we’d like to share them with you! Join us at the Main Library for a fun-filled craft and science program all about shells. No registration required, Ages 3 - 7. Contact Shannon for more info: svaughn@nhcgov.com/910-798-6363

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove - Evening Market

3-7pm, Thursdays. Until Oct 26th. Poplar Grove Plantation. The market strives to promote local farmers & the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices, and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmer, their baker, their artisan maker! Visit www.poplargrove. org/farmers-market for more information.

Nature Navigators: Ice Chalk

23 Friday Toddler Time: Apple Printing

Adventures in the Arts: Volcano Painting

3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including--but not limited to--painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Preview Sale: Friends of the Library

5:30-9pm. Northeast Library. Preview night of Fall Book Sale! Come as a Friend or join at the the door. Visit www.nhclibrary.org for more information.

24 Saturday Downtown Farmer’s Market

Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market

Friends of the Library Book Sale

9am-5pm. Northeast Library. Open to all! Thousands of books for sale for all ages. Visit www.nhclibrary.org for more information.

Racing for the Gold Fundraiser Event

9am-12pm. Jungle Rapids. This event will benefit the kids program A Kids Hope. A Day at the Races consist of sponsors racing for the Gold to benefit children with cancer. Hope Abounds will graciously accept donations as fans come to cheer on their favorite team. Sponsors will compete by racing go-carts in multiple heats to qualify for the Racing for the Gold Championship Race Finale. A Victory Celebration will be held from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside 301 N. Water St. Wilmington NC, 28401. For ticket information please visit www. hopeabounds.org

The Cookie Fiasco and We Are Growing! - Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. From the ‘Elephant & Piggie

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Like Reading!’ series comes The Cookie Fiasco and We Are Growing! The Cookie Fiasco is about four friends with three cookies and one big problem! And in We Are Growing!, eight friends are growing up fast, just like you! Activities, coloring and fun to follow. Call 509-1880 for details.

Saturday Afternoon Engineering Expectations

25 Sunday Friends of the Library Book Sale

1-5pm. Northeast Library. Open to all! Thousands of books for sale for all ages. Visit www.nhclibrary.org for more information.

Music Discovery

3:30-4:30pm. Main Library. Join North Carolina Symphony flutist Mary Boone, in a reading of a children’s book, followed by an interactive demonstration of the flute! Learn how the instruments of the orchestra makes their sounds and hear examples of classical and popular music composed for flute. After the demonstration, everyone in the audience will have the opportunity to try their favorite instrument in the instrument zoo! This Music Discovery program is sponsored by PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative, promoting literacy and arts education for preschoolers and their families. No registration is required for this FREE event. Call or email Susan DeMarco for more details.sdemarco@nhcgov.com, 798-6353

Grooves in the Grove: Stray Local

Find more resources at www.wilmingtonparent.com

26 Monday Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market

Scampering Squirrels

27 Tuesday Scampering Squirrels

Kid’s Cooking Club: Autumn Apple Patch

Scare Squad

6pm, Fridays. Main Library. In preparation for Haunted Library, teens are building scary props and designing a Haunted House in the Main Library Basement! For more information call 7986393 or e-mail Mr. Scooter at shayes@nhcgov.com You must be ages 13-18 to participate.

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 15

28 Wednesday Ogden Park Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Until Nov. 16th. Ogden Park. Curbside market featuring local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. Visit www.wilmingtondowntown.com/events/farmersmarket for details.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove

S.T.E.M. Explorations: How it Works - Tornadoes

29 Thursday StoryCOOKS: Ten Red Apples - Apple “Cookies”

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.

Listen & Color Book Club for Adults: Banned Books Week

3pm. Pleasure Island Library. Enjoy a stress free, no prep,

no reservation book club! We’ll provide coloring sheets and coloring pencils. Listen to a 20-minute selection then discuss with others. This month we observe Banned Books Week by discussing books that have been challenged at libraries. Selections will be at the staff desk if you want to preview them before we meet. The 3 pm group is for ages 18 and up. Visit www.nhclibrary.org for more information.

Farmer’s Market at Poplar Grove - Evening Market

Nature Navigators: Create A Dam

Story Art

challenged at libraries. Selections for each age group will be at the staff desk if parents want to preview them before we meet. Visit www.nhclibary.org for more information.

30 Friday Friends of the Library Book Sale

9am-5pm. Northeast Library. Open to all! Still thousands of books to choose from. Visit www.nhclibrary.org for more information.

Toddler Time: Fall Tissue Paper Wreath

Adventures in the Arts: The Land of La La

3:30pm. Main Library. Story Art pairs a book with an art activity. This session focuses on the collage work of Henri Matisse using the book Henri’s Scissors by Jeanette Winter. Designed for Grades K-2. Registration is required due to space and materials. Visit www.nhclibary.org for more information.

Listen & Color Book Club for Kids and Teens: Banned Books Week

4 & 5pm. Pleasure Island Library. The 4:00 p.m. group is for ages 10 to 14 years. The 5 pm group is for 14 years and up. Enjoy a stress free, no prep, no reservation book club! We’ll provide coloring sheets, markers, crayons, and coloring pencils. Listen to a 20-minute selection then discuss with others. This month we observe Banned Books Week by discussing books that have been

To submit events to the calendar, please email calendar.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions to the October issue is September 9, 2016.

Classes and Performances for All Ages

A highly-acclaimed ballet school…



The region’s own ballet company…

 Ages 3 to Adult, Pre-Ballet to Professional

 Resident ballet company at CFCC’s Wilson Center

 Exceptional training with professional ballet faculty

 Professional performances with costumes provided

 Classical music and clean, sprung-floor studios

 Story ballets plus new contemporary repertoire

 No combo classes, costly competitions, or recital fees

 A Carolina Nutcracker with live orchestra Dec 3-4

 Stress-free performances

 A cultural treasure

Enroll online now for the 2016 - 2017 Season! www.cityballetofwilmington.org 16 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Teaching Kids to Enjoy Nature By Sarah Lyons

n today’s digital age, families are spending more time inside and less exploring nature. Studies show that kids who spend time outside have better overall health and fitness levels, report better vision, less stress and depression, and are more likely to have good social skills. (www.nwf. org) The National Wildlife Federation also reports that “Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.” (www. nature.org) If your kids fall into the 90% of children that don’t get out every day, here are some fun ways to change that.

Become a nature artist Kids will begin to notice the beauty in nature if they are observing it from an artist’s standpoint. Bring the easel and art supplies out to the backyard and have the kids paint or draw what they see around them. Let the kids try their hand at photography while exploring nature by photographing plants, insects, and the landscape around them. Later make a scrapbook or frame their masterpieces.

Get dirty

spend time outside.” Simply spending time in the great outdoors can help kids grow to love nature. Observe your surroundings and talk about what you see and hear. Read a book, take a nap, and observe the cloud shapes. A great book for encouraging creativity when looking at cloud shapes is It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles Shaw.

Treasure hunt Allow kids to take their time as you are on a nature walk. Do you see any flowers, insects, or birds you have not noticed before? If the park allows, collect treasures as you walk the trails. Have the children pick up sticks, rocks, leaves, or anything of interest.

Campout Camping is a great way to spend time in the outdoors as a family. A family campout, whether at a local park or in your backyard, encourages family bonding time and helps kids “unplug” from their electronics and enjoy the fresh air.

Get comfortable

One of the most important things to remember when you are trying to teach your kids is to model it yourself. “We try to get out and explore together. I try to just let them be in nature and really experience what exists.” says Sara Sinani, mother of three boys. Get involved, show the kids by example that nature is fun to explore and has great health benefits. If kids grow up spending time outside, they are sure to develop a desire to spend more time outdoors as they grow. v

Collect some old pillows and blankets, bring them outside, and get comfortable. Darcy King, mother of two, says “I teach my kids to enjoy nature by enjoying it myself. Stop and admire flowers, sunsets, scenery, and

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six who loves to explore parks and go camping with her family.

Dress the kids in play clothes and give them permission to enjoy nature even if they get a little dirty. Allow kids to dig for worms, lift rocks to find insects, and try fishing. Teach kids about gardening while letting them plant flowers, vegetables, and other plants. (www.childrenandnature.org)

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 17

Hidden Lessons at Birthday Parties By Kerrie McLoughlin

6431 Market Street 910-444-1002 DefyGravity.us.Wilmington Lattitude Longitude 34.236575 -77.954144

birthday party may look like just a birthday party to you now, but what I see is a breeding ground for life lessons kids can learn that will carry them through their lives to help make them successful, happy and kind. And aren’t those things that we really want for our kids anyway?

Gratefulness. Nobody wants to hear, “I already have this” or “I didn’t want this” when they give someone a gift. Likewise, kids should not be opening gifts at breakneck speed and tossing them over their shoulders like they are rocks. Your kid should always be saying “thank you” sincerely and looking the gift giver in the eye. Some parents have their kid sit in a chair while they open the gift while sitting right next to the gift giver so they can have a moment together to have some appreciation shown and a picture taken. Graciousness and disappointment. I’m lumping these two together because they seem to go hand in hand. The birthday child gets disappointed by not getting something they really wanted … or sometimes not getting anything they wanted at all during the entire party. That’s when it’s time to step in and talk about how disappointment is okay, but that we should be gracious about it. It’s kind of like being a sore loser versus being a happy loser, even though there is disappointment going on, you want your kid to learn how to still say thank you and show appreciation for the gift giver’s time and money or skills that went into the gift.

To learn more, visit battleshipnc.com/visit/birthdayparty or call 910-251-5797, ext. 3024

Consideration. Yes, it’s your kid’s party, but consider where everyone would have a good time when planning your party venue. If it’s at your house, think up some fun games everyone might enjoy and build in plenty of time for just playing around. Have a friend with food allergies, such as gluten or dairy? Make sure to pick up something special for that friend. Sharing. Your kid may get some pretty good stash at his birthday party, and other kids are certainly going to want to play with the new goods. I’ve seen some parents not let their kid even open the gifts until after all the guests have left so they don’t have to deal with this conundrum, but I think that’s a mistake, and here’s why: it doesn’t teach the birthday kid anything, and I am all about teaching opportunities, even when they are inconvenient for me! Listen, as an adult, I do not expect you to share your sweet new ride with your friends, but I know you will share a room in your home, your food, your coffee and maybe even a meal or some clothing. Again, the kids see what you do so practice what you preach! Instead of lecturing, which we all know gets tuned out anyway, get your party on with some cool hidden lessons that will take your kid beyond their kid years and into a fun and full life! v

USN

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Trampolines • Dodgeball Basketball • Slack Lines Foam Pits • Ninja Course Parties

18 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

Kerrie McLoughlin puts on 5 birthday chaotic parties per year for her kids and lives to tell about it at TheKerrieShow.com.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Best Birthday Parties Ever!

30 Children Maximum Free Play, Inflatables, Fun!

Come Register for the Fall! Classes start September 6th!

www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com • 910-794-9590

910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com

3529 Carolina Beach Road

Kids Salon

Best Party Venue

• Birthday party rooms • Parties for all budgets • Great food • Private bowling area available • Large arcade to entertain kids of all ages Only 8 miles from downtown Wilmington 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, (right behind Walgreens in Magnolia Greens)

www.thunderalleybowling.com • 910 371 0119 www.wilmingtonparent.com

1427 Military Cutoff Rd, Unit 102 mantascuts.com • 910.239.9096 Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 19

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Princess & Pirate Dance • Classical Ballet Training Pointe & Variations • Contemporary & Partnering Spectacular Nutcracker • Performance Opportunities Birhday Parties • Free Boys Training

Call Now To Reserve Your Day

Toddler Tuesday $7 all day Offering all new bounce and obstacle inflatables, a toddler only soft play zone and toddler only bouncer and obstacle course, redemption games, snack bar, birthday parties, group and fundraising events.

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Book your party online today!

4310 Shipyard Blvd. Ste. 101 Wilmington, NC 28403

www.bounce-wilmington.com 910-769-1080

Apraxia Articulation Disorders Receptive Language Disorders Expressive Language Disorders Dyslexia Oral Motor Dysphagia Feeding Phonological Disorders Hearing Impaired Literacy Program Social Skills Auditory Processing Pragmatics Autism Voice Fluency Memory Enhancement Listening Comprehension ADD/ADHD Fine Motor Handwriting Without Tears Sensory Processig Disroders Sensory Integration Tele-practice Mommy & Me classes Comprehensive Evaluations Complimentary Screenings 20 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

Back to School Free Screening Coastal Therapy Partners Prompting Paths to Brilliance

Accepting New Patients

Clinic and Home Visits Provided to Meet Our Client's Need Parents: Are your children ready for back to school? During the month of August Coastal Therapy Partners is offering free screenings at our Wilmington Clinic located in Mayfaire! Our licensed speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists will perform a play based screening of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speech sound development, language development, vocabulary, phonics, reading readiness, hand writing, sensory and fine motor skills. Our play-based screening will take place using our large state of the art sensory gym! Results and recommendations given immediately. No appointment is necessary! Stop by and see us today! This offer expires August 31st.

Coastal Therapy Partner's sensory gym located at our brand New outpatient clinic in Wilmington. Focusing on speech & occupational therapy services with an emphasis on sensory integration. One-of-a-kind sensory gym like no other!

Call us Today to Schedule a Complimentary Screening at: 910-679-8385 Offices at Mayfaire: 6770 Parker farm Drive, Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28405 Phone: 910-679-8385 Fax: 910-679-8387 www.wilmingtonparent.com

surviving Toddler Birthdays By Suzy Fielders

10 years running!

NoSleevesMagic.com

How can parents combat some of this stress? One way is to let the child give some input and get him or her involved in the party planning. During the toddler days kids are all about trying to gain independence and learn about the world around them. Often their frustrations, which usually lead to a meltdown, stem from their lack of feeling in control or not involved. Letting toddlers give ideas and be a part of the birthday party planning will help them feel involved. It will also give them a first-hand look at what will be happening that day so they will know what to expect. Having set expectations goes a long way in preparing your toddler for the big day. Below are a few ways to get a toddler involved in their birthday party plans. Since many parents still like to have a few surprises with a birthday party, try keeping the actual cake design a secret and the presents of course will be a surprise!

Looking for a preschool option? Hullabaloo, Hampstead’s favorite play and party venue is now offering preschool! Our loving and caring staff of teachers are ready to engage your preschooler with hands on learning activities designed with each individual child in mind. Space is limited, call TODAY!

HullabalooAcademy.com

Choosing a theme. Letting a child choose their birthday party theme is an easy way to get them involved and it’s also a lot of fun for them. Since it’s something they selected that’s also a sure guarantee it’s a topic, television show or movie they are really interested in and will be excited about. My daughter, who is turning 10 soon, has been picking her birthday party theme since her 2nd birthday. It’s still one of the things she’s most excited about when her birthday comes up!

Making invitations. Not only will this get them involved in their party planning, but it’s a creative & fun activity that can help them work on their motor skills. This will also let them know who is being invited so they will know who might be at the party.

Setting up games. For those who choose to have party games, letting a toddler help set these up will not only let them feel like they are helping out but they will know and understand what games they will be playing. To take it a step further, older toddlers (for instance 3 year olds) can also help parents explain and demonstrate the game to the other kids at the party. This will eliminate confusion for toddlers and they will feel more confident playing the games.

Creating a spread. Many parties include lots of finger food and snacks that are pretty easy to put together even for a toddler. Parents can use their time more wisely on the big day by letting their toddler put things like cheese and crackers on a plate. They will again also feel like they are a big time help and involved. Even let them get creative and put learning skills to use by having them make shapes with the cheese, fruit or vegetables. v Suzy Fielders is a working mom of a spirited 9 year old daughter. She has a BA in Psychology (with an emphasis in Child Development) and Communications and a MA in Communication Studies. She works in marketing & public relations and is also a freelance writer. For more of her work visit: suzyfielders.wordpress.com

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 21

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

oddler birthday parties can be a source of both great fun and high stress. With all the planning going into it and possible temper tantrums at the party, it’s no wonder many parents of toddlers can find this big event potentially stressful.

wow!

Birthday Party Listings

moments happen at

come rate celeb y part your s! with u

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

116 Orange St. Wilmington NC (910) 254-3534 www.playwilmington.org

Birthday Party Package/ End of the Season Party

Each party package includes: 2 instructors • Playing field 311full batting cages Pro-batter machine 6 Orange St. •Wilmington NC Drinks • Party supplies • T-shirt (910) 254-3534 Games based on players choices!

www.playwilmington.org Price:$250.00 (10 players or less) ($5.00 for each additional player)

Battleship North Carolina #1 Battleship Road, Wilmington 910-251-5797 www .battleshipnc.com

For kids of all ages, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is the best place in Wilmington to hold your next birthday party. You will instantly become the coolest parent as your party will be the most talked about among all the children. For only $200** you will receive the following: * A private space onboard the ship for two hours. * Admission for the birthday child and his/her guests (including adults). * A sailor hat and a Battleship t-shirt * Tables and chairs. **This fee does not include any food, drinks, or decorations.**

Bounce Parties & Games 4310 Shipyard Blvd. Suite 101 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-763-1080 www.Bounce-Wilmington.com

We have 7 bounce houses and obstacle courses including a toddler only bounce house and a soft play toddler zone along with an arcade with prizes! Parties include a unlimited time on the bouncers, a private party room for two hours, a personal party host, pizza, drinks and many other add-ons are available for your convenience. Check out our website for more info!

Carolina Gymnastics Academy Michele Zapple/Rebecca Bishop 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com

Wow Factor of Wilmington FUN KIDS INTERACTIVE PLAY

Surf Simulators, Obstacle Courses, Rock Climbing and more!

wowfactorofwilmington.com (910)520-7925

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 Address: 116 Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 Contact: Kathleen King 910-254-3534 ext. 102 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 and envelopes, table decorations, napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths, spoons, cake knife, fun party theme activity, and $1 admission pass for all party guests. Set up and cleanup is provided by the Children’s Museum of Wilmington’s friendly staff.

22 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

Coastal Athletics Tiffany Bates 2049 Corporate Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 910-452-5838 fletcher@coastalathletics.net www.coastalathletics.net

A birthday party at Coastal Athletics is a two-hour time slot in which the entire indoor and outdoor facility has been reserved for your party only. Along with this special reservation, 2 Instructors will offer sports fun that will make it a birthday to remember. We want the parents to relax and enjoy the party as much as the children while the Instructors and Staff make your son/daughter’s party a HUGE success.

Coastal Therapy Partners Contact: Holly 6770 Parker Farm Drive #102, Wilmington NC 28405 910-679-8385 Marissa@coastaltherapypartners.com www.coastaltherapypartners.com

Coastal Therapy Partners is a multi-disciplinary company who treats all ages in the areas of Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy. We have multiple locations across the southeast region. We strive to provide a whole-hearted, caring, team approach and seek to provide the best therapeutic programs and approaches. We are excited to build lasting relationships as we promote superior care! We offer rental of the gym and space up to full service parties. The party rental will include an hour and a half room rental, cake and clean up. You can also choose to rent the gym for an hour and a half with clean up. Contact us for rates.

DefyGravity Wilmington 6431 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28405 910-444-1002 wilmington@defygravity.us

DefyGravity Birthday Parties are the best in Wilmington! The Ultimate Birthday Party Package Includes: 1 Hour Flight Pass for 10 Jumpers plus the Birthday Jumper Exclusive Use of a DefyGravity Party Room for 45 minutes Party Host; Set-Up and Clean-Up One Large Piece of Pizza for each Jumper Beverage (1 Bottled Water and 1 Soda/Juice for each Jumper) Plates, Utensils, Napkins & Table Covering Flight Shirt and Socks for the Birthday Jumper Questions?, contact us for more details!

Horseplay Farms Bolivia, NC 910-253-7722 or Jazmynn Brown at 910-833-2398 www.horseplayfarms.org

It’s never the wrong time to throw a party! Horseplay Farms welcomes birthday parties for all ages! We offer a fun filled day of horseback riding, mini ponies, decorations, lunch, games, painting a real horse and more! Everyone is welcome!

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Horseplay Farms

Hullabaloo Contact: Andrea West 16717 Highway 17N STE 210, Hampstead, NC 28443 910-821-1250 info@hullabalooplay.com www.hullabalooplay.com

Offering a variety of birthday party options from play to themed parties! Choose from endless themes such as Tea Parties, Super Hero Parties, Nerf Gun Wars, Science Parties, Pirate Parties and more! Add a super-hero or princess character to your party for even more excitement.

A therapeutic riding farm and the home of Our Heroes non profit organization. located in Bolivia, NC. Camps, Lessons and Parties for Everyone - book now! (910) 253-7722 book your party today!

Manta’s Cuts Kids Salon 1427 Military Cutoff Rd., Unit 102, Wilmington, NC 28403 www.mantascuts.com 910-239-9096

now registering for our 2016-2017 School Year Season Classes begin August 29th Bring this coupon in and save $25 off new class enrollment Offer expires September 30,2016

Find more resources at www.wilmingtonparent.com

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

The Little Gym of Wilmington

132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403

www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 910-799-3771

Birthday Parties Open Play Drop In Care After School Care Intersession & Summer Camp Open 7 days a week!

www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org

CELEBRATE WITH US!

August 31st marks the 1 year anniversary of our Express Y! Celebrate with us and SAVE through the month of September with $0 joining fee! www.wilmingtonparent.com

www.PowerofPlayWilmington.com

910-332-1660

powerofplaywilm@yahoo.com 6644 Gordon Road Wilmington, NC

Home of Playnation of Wilmington Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 23

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Manta’s Cuts, recently voted Wilmington’s Best Party Venue, is ready to WOW you! We have perfect parties for 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!

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!

New Hanover County Arboretum 6206 Oleander Drive Wilmington NC 28403 910-798-7665 www.nhcarboretum.org

Cost is $45 for four-hour use of picnic area -this includes use of gardens and a fun interactive children’s garden.

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Wilmington Basketball Center

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

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 self-guided 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, hands-on 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 910-772-0509 for offsite parties.

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.

Port City Xtreme Contact: Bradley Carter 910-859-GAME (4263) portcityxtreme@gmail.com www.portcityxtreme.com

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) 319-7454 • Sign up at wbcinc.org

24 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

Port City Xtreme – Wilmington’s Ultimate Mobile Video Game Truck – bringing the best idea in entertainment for birthday parties, school and church events, fundraisers, corporate parties, family reunions and more! Serving New Hanover County, Brunswick and Pender County from our Wilmington location. Five HUGE screens inside, with Stadium-Style seating to seat your whole crowd! With two more GIANT flat screens outside, up to 28 can play at one time! We’ve got the greatest game titles on the best gaming consoles! Fully climatecontrolled and self-powered, our luxurious limo-like video game truck is ready to bring the ultimate party to you! A custom 16’ retractable awning will keep your guests shaded from sun and dry during wet conditions! We’ve got the most exciting birthday party idea, school or church event idea, fundraiser or corporate event entertainment idea on wheels!

Power of Play 6644 Gordon Road Wilmington, NC 28411 910-332-1660 www.powerofplaywilmington.com

For ages 1-11 Play time for your birthday party includes an indoor jungle gym, play sets, climbing walls, tire swings, trike track and 12 imagination stations. Parties are two hours and include a private party room, party host, pizza, drinks and many other add ons for your convenience. Check out our website for more info!

www.wilmingtonparent.com

The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-799-3771 tlgwilmingtonnc@thelittlegym.com www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com

Gift Guide

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.

TheatreNOW 19 S. 10th Street, Wilmington NC 28401 910-399-3669 info@theatrewilmington.com www.theatrewilmington.com

Ideal for ages 4-10, this award-winning, interactive live theater experience features videos, live music and a mystery show with Dock the Dog and the Dock Street Kids as they solve adventures like the Ghost of the Battleship—combining adventure and local history. TheatreNOW has in-house catering and full service bar (for the adults) and can outsource any other items you may want (photo booths, cotton candy machines, etc.) for the perfect party experience.

Family entertainment center, large arcade, fourteen lanes of bowling with a private 2 lane area, pool, pinball, café with fresh ground hamburgers, fresh pizza, NC bbq. Cosmic bowling, wide screen sports tv. Craft brews on tap.

Wilmington Basketball Center Contact: George Greene 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 School of Ballet and Dance 2250 Shipyard Blvd Unit 12 910-794-9590 wilmingtonschoolofballet@gmail.com www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com

Each little princess gets to wear their favorite princess outfit (available is Elsa, Snow White, Tiana, Jasmine, Ariel, Cinderella), get their make-up and nails done and have a fashion runway show! Come enjoy a dance party and games and even a bounce house! Book one of the parties below and let us make your enchanted birthday dreams come true! Let us do all the work for you and your princess!! Call the Wilmington School of Ballet office at 910-794-9590 to book a party

Perfect Gifts to Pamper Wilmington’s Girls Surprise the girls and young ladies in your life with a gift certificate to get pampered. Manta’s Cuts hair and nail services are sure to be a favorite gift. Our most popular gift certificates are for pedicures and princess pampering packages. We also carry an exciting, fun and safe line of children’s hair products, with names like Glitter Gum Gel or Cake Batter Conditioner. Gift Certificates can even be bought over the phone. Manta’s Cuts Kids & Family Salon 1427 Military Cutoff Rd., Unit 102, Wilmington, NC 910-239-9096 • contact@mantascuts.com

Wow Factor of Wilmington 910-520-7925 Wowfactorofwilmington@gmail.com Wowfactorofwilmington.com and Facebook

Fun Interactive Kids Play, Surf Simulators, Obstacle Courses, Rock Climbing Wall, Bounce houses, Water Slides and More.

Wilmington Family YMCA Party Rentals 910-251-9622 www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org

Have your birthday at the Y! Every party includes two hours of fun for the birthday child and up to 35 total guests. Children will be led through activities of your choice by a trained Y associate to ensure a good time. You can choose from a splash party at the pool, a sports party for the athletic birthday bunch, or a deluxe party option that incorporates both! Y Members: $125.00 Non-Members: $175 (add $5 per child over 19 children)

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Give the Gift of Membership! Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910-254-3534 www.PlayWilmington.org

Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 25

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Thunder Alley Contact: Blanton Hamrick, Manager 1224 Magnolia Village Way, Leland, NC 28451 910-371-0119 gbhamrick79@gmail.com www.thunderalleybowling.com

Why give a birthday bag when you can fill a fun 3 Sprouts Storage Box! These make great gift baskets and are perfect for kids of all ages! Fill it with any of the toys, clothing or any number of the fun items we carry! Make it a happy birthday from The Bump & Beyond! The Bump and Beyond 890 S. KERR AVE. Wilmington NC 28403 910-769-6443 www.thebumpandbeyond.com

your health

10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Family’s Diet By Rhonda Franz

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Make casseroles with healthy foods by replacing condensed soup with vegetables. Sauté vegetables before adding to the casserole mixture to bring out a little natural sweetness. Use meat or vegetable stock as filler and add spices for seasoning and extra flavor. Use carbohydrate-heavy foods (macaroni and cheese, white bread) as a small side item rather than as the main part of the meal.

Divide foods ahead of time into snack-sized portions for the family to grab out of the pantry or refrigerator.

Batch meal prep tasks during your most convenient time of the week: cut up fruits and vegetables and cook meat to use in dishes for the next few days. Keep colorful fruits and veggies set out as an “anytime” option for hungry tummies.

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Replace sugary, salty snacks with healthy alternatives of the same texture. Use mixed nuts instead of candy bars, soft fruits and yogurt instead of ice cream, and an ounce or two of dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate candies. Try mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes in place of mashed potatoes.

Add a splash of lemon juice or a slice of fruit to water to make it tasty. Keep a pitcher in the refrigerator with this flavored water so it’s ready to be poured any time. Don’t give up dessert altogether. Choose one day each week for your favorite after-dinner treat.

Get the children involved. “Play a game to see how many different colors of food your family can eat in one meal,” Stephna Masters says. “Red tomatoes, yellow squash, orange carrots, purple eggplant, green celery: these are just a starting point.” v

Rhonda Franz lives, writes, and cooks at her northwest Arkansas home for her husband and three young sons. One of her boys’ favorite snacks is berries and dark chocolate.v

26 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

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fit family

Farmer’s Market Fall Soup It’s time to enjoy the harvest at your local Farmer’s Markets! Cauliflowers and potatoes are in season now. A tasty and comforting soup can be made from ingredients found any any local market, giving you the benefit of knowing who’s growing your veggies! Ingredients 1 each 1 large 1 head 1 stalk 1 medium 1/2 medium 1/2 teaspoon 2 cup 1/4 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon 2 cup

pork chop, boneless russet potato medium cauliflower celery carrot onion thyme, dried chicken broth, low-sodium paprika salt black pepper, ground milk

Directions Chop up pork chop, potato and cauliflower. Slice celery and carrot. Chop onion. In a large sauce pan combine all of the ingredients aside from milk. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove most of the cauliflower. Place the cauliflower into a blender with the milk. Pour the cauliflower mixture back into the soup and stir. Enjoy!

Learn to Love Running Don’t let busy school schedules keep you from getting outside and staying fit! If you’re looking for way to be active and thrive best when motivated by a group, consider joining Wilmington Road Runners! This club with over 400 members has been around since 1977 and are always looking for new members. You don’t have to be a runner to start running with the Road Runners! They accept runners of all speeds and are an encouraging community of folk who just want to pass on their love of running. During the spring, kids can join the fun with Kids Run the Nation - sponsored by Wilmington Road Runners. Joining the Road Runners provides many benefits. Your initial membership packet includes: • 10% discount on most purchases from Omega • 10% discount on most purchases from TrySports • Free pizza night once a month, after the hill run the second Tuesday of every month • Discounts on some local races • You will receive email updates on upcoming events • You will receive a monthly newsletter by email, keeping you informed of the clubs activities • Your membership fee also automatically makes you a member of our umbrella organization, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). Visit www.wilmingtonroadrunners.org for more information and follow their facebook page for daily updates and trail running invitations.

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. One in 3 children in the United States are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. There are ways parents can help prevent obesity and support healthy growth in children. • To help ensure that children have a healthy weight, energy balance is important. To achieve this balance, parents can make sure children get adequate sleep, follow recommendations on daily screen time, take part in regular physical activity, and eat the right amount of calories. • Parents can substitute higher nutrient, lower calorie foods such as fruit and vegetables in place of foods with higher-calorie ingredients, such as added sugars and solid fats. • Parents can serve children fruit and vegetables at meals and as snacks. • Parents can ensure access to water as a no-calorie alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages. • Parents can help children get the recommended amount of physical activity each day by encouraging them to participate in activities that are age-appropriate and enjoyable. To get you started, a list of possible activities that children and adolescents can do to meet the Guidelines is available at www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/children/ what_counts.htm. These activities serve as a guide, so encourage your child to do any of them, as long as they are age-appropriate.

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Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 27

school notes J.C. ROE CENTER A SAFE ALTERNATIVE FOR STUDENTS

School’s Out!

New Hanover County Schools plans for the new J.C. Roe Center to serve as a safe haven for suspended students to correct their behavior while they continue their school work. The NHC Board of Education approved the program earlier this year.

New Hanover County: Traditional Schools: 9/5 - No School, Holiday Year Round Schools: 9/5 - No School, Holiday 9/26-30 - Intersession CFCI Charter School: 9/5 - No School, Holiday 9/30 - No School, Teacher Workday IBEC: 9/5 - No School, Holiday WECHS 9/5 - No School, Holiday Brunswick: Traditional Schools: 9/5 - No School, Holiday

Before the Roe Center model, a suspended student could spend up to 10 days at home or in some cases, out in the streets getting into more trouble. The district believes the Roe Center is a better alternative for students. “All students will be treated with dignity and respect,” said Glen Locklear, the school’s new principal. “My goal is for the students’ time with us to be a positive experience. I want them to gain new skills, so when they return to their original school, they will have some better strategies for success,” Mr. Locklear said. In addition to the principal, the center will have two coordinators - one for middle school and another for high school. Roe will have a total of 19 instructional and instructional support staff serving the three distinct programs will be housed at Roe - the Choices Program (short-term suspension) for students in grades 6-12, Turning Point (long-term suspension), also for students in grades 6-12 and the Transition Program for students in grades 1-12 who have been hospitalized and need time to adjust before going back to their home schools. Mr. Locklear plans to give students the opportunity to participate in sports or other fun activities through a partnership with the nearby Brigade Boys and Girls Club as a reward for good behavior. For those interested in supporting the school, Mr. Locklear is looking for mentors who willing to making a commitment to spend time with the students. For more information about the Roe Center, visit www.nhcs.net. The school is located at 2875 Worth Avenue, Wilmington. Contact Principal Locklear at glen.locklear@nhcs.net, or by phone at 395-4472.

Brunswick Early College: 9/5 - No School, Holiday Roger Bacon Academy: 9/5 - No School, Holiday 9/26-30 - Intersession Pender: Traditional Schools: 9/5 - No School, Holiday Penderlea: 9/5 - No School, Holiday 9/19-30 - Intersession Pender Early College: 9/5 - No School, Holiday

Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information.

Pender High to Launch HOPE Squad “It takes an entire village to raise a child. It takes an entire community to save one.” These words were met with nods of agreement as Dr. Gregory Hudnall spoke to parents, students, church leaders, law enforcement officials, emergency responders, mental health and healthcare professionals, school administrators, and other community members Aug. 8 at Pender High School. Hudnall, a former high school principal, student service director and associate superintendent in Utah, has more than 20 years of experience in suicide prevention. He shared his experiences as a first responder and consultant to dozens of suicides, reminding community members that while suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 15-14, it is also preventable. Enter the HOPE Squad, a group of students identified by their fellow classmates and trained to identify warning signs and provide friendship to at-risk peers, as well as report signs to an adult. “We are often scared to start the conversation about suicide because we are worried that by talking about it, we may give someone the idea to self-harm,” said Pender High Principal Chris Madden. “But our students are already talking about it. By starting a community dialogue and developing an understanding of the warning signs, we can save lives.” Pender High School will pilot the Hope Squad curriculum this year and plans to also hold suicide prevention trainings for the community. For more information about HOPE Squad, visit www.hopesquad.com.

28 | September 2016 | Wilmington Parent

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peanut gallery

Everett C. 8/25• 7yo

Ava M. 9/24• 10yo

Braelyn K.

8/17

Tallulah O. 7/15 • 11yo

Kamirea

8/27• 5yo

Sarah M. 9/22• 5yo

Finn T. 9/14 • 4yo

Kaitlyn B. 9/9 • 6yo

Sloan S.

Ethan R.

8/2 •3yo

Finley S. 8/12• 1yo

9/27 • 4yo

Conner B. 9/20• 7yo

Jace P. 9/6 • 3yo

Andrew W.

9/3

Kinley B. 8/8• 2yo

Akshara D.

9/26• 3yo

Rebecca J. 9/14 • 9yo

Ethan S. 9/21 • 9yo

Finn C. 9/26

Lailah M. 9/14 • 5yo

Does your child or grandchild have a birthday iN october?

Mary G. 8/27 • 8yo www.wilmingtonparent.com

Emma G. 8/27 • 8yo

Estella J.

9/27 • 3yo

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: 09/12. We have a limited number of spots, so if you sent your child’s picture and do not see it this issue, please check back next month! Wilmington Parent | September 2016 | 29

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