October 2015 • FREE
www.wilmingtonparent.com
Our 18th Year of Serving
& Pender County Families!
Cover Kid: Alexys
Health & Wellness
Breast Cancer Update i Healthy Weight Kids Autism and Apraxia i Resource Listings i Safe Infant Sleep Choosing a pet i Halloween Happenings i Trick or Treat Safety Tips
Batty Battleship's Halloween Bash 2015
No tricks. Only treats! JOIN US ABOARD THE USS NORTH CAROLINA FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL BATTY BATTLESHIP’S HALLOWEEN BASH, FEATURING TRICK OR TREATING, GAMES, AND FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES.
T u e s d a y, O c t o b e r 2 7, 5 : 3 0 - 8 : 0 0 p m A D M I S S I O N O N LY $ 5 • K I D S 2 A N D U N D E R F R E E
BATTLESHIPNC.COM 910-251-5797
High Quality Child Care That Will Last Your Child A Life Time We are now offering a Morning Program 5 days a week
• 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 - Friday • School Age - After School & Summer Camp • We are an official 4-H club. Located off 23rd St. w/ easy access from MLK or Market St
Free to
explore learn excel
Motivated to
Challenged to
Congratulations, Jesse! NHHS Valedictorian, Class of 2015 Friends School of Wilmington Alumnus Attended K-8
“FSW has given me a great basis for my learning in high school and beyond. I often A passion for learning starts early at Friends School of Wilmington. Here, in a vibrant learning community find, even in my harder classes, that FSW has not just prepared me to succeed, but known for its vigorous academics, exceptional teaching, and time-honored Quaker values, students are has taught meofmuch of the materiallearn already, allowing meindependent to delve deeper the provided a world opportunity to discover, and grow. Confident, thinkers, into our graduates subject matter."to—Jesse are fully prepared step up to Berliner-Sachs the most ambitious high school setting – and to conquer the world ahead. Call 910.791.8221 and Schedule a Tour Today! 18 months – 8th grade | An Independent Quaker School | 910.791.8221 | www.fsow.org FSW-002 7.25x4.1825 4 color Ad.indd 1
11/1/13 1:22 PM
We’ve crossed the river so you don’t have to! We’ve opened a second office in Leland! Come see all our dentists at both locations.
Leland 1003 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 1A Leland, NC 28451 910-794-2266
Wilmington 3505 Converse Drive, Suite 175 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-794-2266
Dimock,Weinberg & Cherry C O A S TA L C A R O L I N A P E D IAT R I C D E N T I S T RY www.ccpedo.com www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 1
Busy children ~ busy families!
Specialized dentistry for infants, children adolescents and children with special needs
Children learn how to slow down, focus, and nurture their inner lives at The Atrium Gentle Christian formation based on a Montessori model. Ages 3-11 / Sundays 9:30
Come meet the caring and compassionate team of Halley White Pediatric Dentistry today! For more information:
Growing Grins.com 910-686-1869 Wilmington
910-333-0343 Jacksonville
Two Locations: Wilmington: 8115 Market Street, Suite 204 - Jacksonville: 306 Dolphin Drive
Church of the Servant, Episcopal 4925 Oriole Drive, Wilmington 910-395-0616
SATURDAY,
October 17, 2015 6-9 PM
Members: FREE NOn-members: $7
Unleash your inner mad scientist and discover the science behind the spooky and mysterious. De-creepify the season with exciting, hands-on activities throughout the Museum! NEW tHis yEar Outdoor and preschool fun!
Cape Fear Museum has Halloween down to a SCIENCE!
science spooktacular
814 Market St.
Downtown Wilmington
910.798.4350
capefearmuseum.com 2 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
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6800 Parker Farm Drive Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28405 910-685-1081 LilyNicoleAndCo.com
Now Open! Few Spots Still Open in Tue/Thurs 3's! (910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 3
in this issue
Have a cute photo you’d like to share?
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
Design/Layout Department: Yulia Zarubina - Brill
E-Mail: ads@wilmingtonparent.com Photo credit: Meghan Mullins
Submit your photo for consideration seasidemedia1@ gmail.com November Theme Fall Fun Deadline for Submissions 10/12.
October 2015 Breast Cancer update
raising Healthy Weight Kids
5 6 7 8 10
Autism and Apraxia
Choosing a pet Halloween Safety Tips 13 18 19 28 29
Childcare Listing guide school notes fit family Peanut Gallery market place
Cover by Katie Mathews Photography 910-297-5378 • www.katiemathewsphotography.com 4 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
Andrea Knight 910-632-0283 Nancy Lievre 910-240-3461
E-mail: nancywilmparent@gmail.com Public Service Announcements/Calendar Please submit items/photos before the 2nd Friday of the prior month
PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 or E-Mail: seasidemedia1@gmail.com
Halloween Happenings
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Resource Listings
Editor’s Note have you heard Product Review growing up online Calendar
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Safe Infant Sleep
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SPecial Section: Health & Wellness pg. 20
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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 2015 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
H
ealthy Families is the focus this October! Before we get too deep into the holiday season, let’s stop for a moment and focus on an area of our lives that sometimes gets overlooked. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but there are many other health issues we would like to bring to your attention in our special Family Health section. Starting on pg. 20 you can find a variety of health resources for your entire family! We will be starting the Wilmington Parent Me and My Pet Photo Contest on October 1st, so start submitting those adorable, wacky, and surprising pet photos at www.wilmingtonparent.com! Don’t have a pet? If your household is considering a furry addition to your family this year, take a look at the article on pg. 9, Choosing a Family Pet, for some pet finding guidance. Don’t let the fall season pass you by without checking out the calendar for some pumpkin-filled activities! We have a special Halloween Happenings section in our calendar this month. Once you get your princesses, pirates, and little witches all dressed up for a night on the town, take along the calendar so you don’t miss any of the Halloween fun! Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!
HELPING THE COMMUNITY All proceeds from our charity sale will go to Breast Cancer research!
One day charity sale
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3rd
Danielle www.wilmingtonparent.com
3501 Oleander Drive in Wilmington Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 5
have you heard….?
T
here are exciting and progressive changes coming to Wilmington this month! Mayor Bill Saffo plans to announce a proclamation to name October as Dyslexia Awareness Month in Wilmington in the city council chambers on October 6th at 6:30pm. This momentous occasion is happening at the request of The Hill School of Wilmington and Decoding Dyslexia. The Hill School of Wilmington, is a non-profit school that offers a unique academic program for students in grades 1-8 with learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder. Students attend The Hill School for a half-day and attend their base school for the other half. Also, in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness month and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, Hill School Director Dr. Dawn Hodges will be presenting a FREE workshop for parents on November 10th, at UNCW 6-7:30pm titled Twice Exceptional - Who are they? Dr. Hodges will speak about how to recognize when giftedness and learning differences appear together and how parent and teachers can help these children. Dr. Hodges has over 20 years of classroom experience in general education, gifted education, and specific learning disabilities. For information on registering for the free workshop or to request a tour, visit www.hillschoolofwilmington.org, or email Heather Bowman at info@hillschoolofwilmington.org.
RAINBOW GARDEN PRESCHOOL
Opens: October
Preschool available 3 & 4 days/week, ages 3-6 1497 Country Club Rd, Hampstead, NC 910-515-1100 • www.capefearchild.org
eck Veterinary Ho N s ter A Full Service, Small sp or Animal Hospital
l ita
P
We’ll treat your pet like one of our own!
Dr. Ron & Sharon Harris, DVM Dr. Rebecca Simmons - Resnick, DVM Dr. Matthew Resnick, DVM Dr. Stan Griffith, DVM • Dr. Amy K. White, DVM
Family owned & operated since 1999
•Vaccines •Geriatric Wellness •Spay/Neuter •Surgery •Dentistry •X-Rays •Boarding •Bathing
686-6297 Emergencies 791-7387
8129 Market St. (behind TLC Auto Wash)
www.portersneckvets.com
6 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
We’re not the only ones focusing on health this month! New Hanover County Health Department, in collaboration with UNCW, is asking residents to help improve the health of the county by participating in the 2015 New Hanover County Health Survey. The survey takes less than 15 minutes to fill out and is anonymous and confidential. Paper copies are available at each library or you may fill it out at www.surveynhc.com. You can also call 7986516 for more information. October also brings us fall weather and outdoor festivals! Greenlands Farm will host their fourth annual Fall Farm Fest on Saturday, October 10th from 10am to 3pm. The Fall Fest will include activities for children, live music for adults, and lots of fun for everyone! There will be opportunities to meet, learn from, and interact with all of the rescued farms animals on the farm. Pony rides, llama cart rides and hayrides will take place throughout the day. Bring the family to celebrate homestead farming and the harvests of fall. Admission is free, there is a nominal fee for rides, and you should bring your own chair. Food and beverages are available at the Farm Store. Greenlands Farm is located at 668 Midway Rd SE, Bolivia, NC. For more information, visit www.greenlandsfarmstore.info. If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, Progressive Gardens is planning a Pumpkin Palooza to be held on October 24th. This year, they are selling a variety of organic pumpkins for occasions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and general Fall decorating. Progressive Gardens will be hosting this event that will include pumpkin carving and a safer, pumpkin painting contest for adults and their children. There will be candy, music, costumes, food, and even a face painter. The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County invite artists to Paint Out Wilmington! This event is happening in Downtown Wilmington during the week of Oct. 11-17. This is a wonderfully artistic opportunity for adult and youth artists who use oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, pencil, or pen/ink. The opening event showcases youth ages 12-18 on Oct. 11, and the adult division will run Oct. 11-16. Find more information, rules, and registration form, visit www.artswilmington.org. Have a tip, lead, or just an interesting bit of news to share? I want to hear all about it! Send me an email at danielle.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com. If you include a picture, I’ll be extra excited!
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Product Review
Allergen-Free Alternative Peanut Butter For parents looking for a substitute for those with peanut and tree nut allergies that is safe to pack in your child’s lunch box, WOWBUTTER offers a taste and texture just like peanut butter, without the nuts. WOWBUTTER can be used in recipes that typically call for peanut butter as a yummy allergen-free alternative! Most schools have banned peanut butter due to extremely dangerous allergies, so even children who are not allergic, can not bring anything to school that contains peanut butter. One thing I really liked about this product, each jar comes with 16 labels to affix to your child’s snack or sandwich that lets teachers know that it is not made with peanuts or tree nuts. WOWBUTTER is actually more nutritious than peanut butter as it is a complete protein food, containing all 9 essential amino acids, just as do eggs, dairy and meat. It is Vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO, as well, and available in both Creamy and Crunchy versions. Visit www.wowbutter. com for more information.
LINKS-IT Pet Tags There are some situations in life that make us all wish we had a third hand: tying a bow while gift wrapping a present, trying to open the front door when your arms are full, and putting new tags on your pet’s collar. LINKS-IT is a lightweight plastic device designed by a pet owner and team of veterinarians to make attaching tags simple and painless. Just pull back the locking crossbar, snap apart the LINKS-IT, slide tags onto the bottom half and the collar ring onto the top half and then lock the LINKS-IT in place. Personally, I have lost many important tags when I’ve used less than secure rings to attach them to my dog’s collar. My lab is an escape artist and runner, so it is very important that her tags be firmly attached. I have used LINKS-IT for 2 months now and not had a problem with it coming detached. LINKS-IT is affordable and available in a variety of colors to coordinate with your pet¹s collar. Visit www.links-it.com for ordering information and to see their new Halloween collection!
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 (910) 202-9337.
3133 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington
Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle
Crispy Green Healthy Snacks An easy and affordable solution to packing a healthy snack in your child’s lunch everyday is Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green, 100% freeze-drying fresh fruit into crispy snacksize bites. I’ve had snacks similar to this, but they tend to leave an aftertaste. Crispy Green Snacks had a natural flavor with no aftertaste. These are 100% natural products and Non-GMO Project Verified. Crispy Fruit comes in a variety of flavors including Tangerine, Apple, Asian Pear, Banana, Cantaloupe, Mango and Pineapple. The freeze-drying process results in a light crispy texture that snacks like a chip, but has all the nutrients of fresh fruit. Crispy Green has teamed up with Produce for Kids by participating in their Power Your Lunchbox program. Parents can take the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge to pack healthier lunchboxes and get access to lunchbox ideas, tips and coupons. For every pledge taken, $1 will be donated to Feeding America to support children’s hunger programs. Take the pledge at poweryourlunchbox.com. v
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Now recycle me downtown!
Find new recycling containers downtown!
Recycle More with the City of Wilmington wilmingtonnc.gov/recycling 910.341.7875
NORTH CAROLINA
Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 7
growing up online
H
Should Toys Talk to Kids?
aving a toy that can talk is a persistent childhood fantasy. Adults have been trying to bring that fantasy to life ever since Thomas Edison installed miniature, hand-cranked phonographs in porcelain dolls. Over the years, toy manufacturers have experimented with toys that say pre-recorded phrases or tell entire stories when a child pulls a string or presses a button. More recently, toys have become truly interactive, equipped with software that makes them seem responsive to children. This fall, Mattel announced development of Hello Barbie, a new version of the iconic doll, which, with the help of a WIFI connection, analyzes what a child says so Barbie can respond with something appropriate. Cognitoys has introduced a talking dinosaur named Dino that answers questions and responds to commands. Both toys are supposed to “learn” as a child uses them, so their responses become tailored to the child. These toys join a crowd of other talking toys ranging from a baby doll that can “read” 70 words to a “talk back” doll that repeats what a child says in a squeaky voice, from programmable “pets” to radio-controlled robots. Some people think all this responsiveness has educational potential. One intriguing study found that children who played with toys programmed to say their names and other personalized information were more attentive when the toy presented unfamiliar material. At the same time, many experts continue to feel that young children, in particular, are better served by toys that allow the child to control the script. Playing is a way for children to work out their own ideas about the world, and it may be better for them to be the ones putting words in the mouths of their favorite stuffed animals, dolls and action figures. Some toys that seem amusing to adults may actually limit a child’s imagination. In short, parents will want to think carefully before purchasing the season’s most seductive talking toys. Here are some questions worth asking: Will the toy work? Nothing is more frustrating than a new gadget that doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do. Before choosing a talking toy, be sure your child is developmentally ready to manage the controls. Think about whether the toy will challenge or frustrate your child. Will it be too difficult to use without adult assistance? Consider durability too. Some talking toys are fragile. A toy that breaks down or has technical glitches will interrupt the flow of play. Does the toy gather information about the child? Whenever a toy connects to the cloud, parents have to assume that anything a child says in its presence is being recorded. What use will companies make of those recordings? The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood worries that Hello Barbie will “eavesdrop” on children. “It’s creepy,” says Executive Director, Dr. Susan Linn, “and it creates a host of dangers for children and families.” Others are concerned that toys that depend on WIFI will become
8 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
By Carolyn Jabs
targets for hackers who have already demonstrated that they can manipulate talking dolls, baby monitors and other household equipment. To minimize security risks, parents should turn off toys when they aren’t in use and take advantage of any safeguards provided by the manufacturer. The makers of Dino, for example, allow parents to set up an account so they can monitor and, if necessary, delete what a child says to the toy. Is the toy a good role model? If a toy is going to have regular conversations with your child, you’ll want to be sure that what it says is consistent with what you want your child to hear. Some toys are surprisingly sassy. How will you feel if your child mimics the toy? Other toys embody exaggerated ideas about gender—hypermuscular action figures or heavily made up dolls. If a toy is going to function as a child’s friend, it should be a positive influence. Is the toy affordable? Interactive toys tend to be expensive. Talking Barbie, for example, will cost $75. Think about whether the price matches the play value of the toy. What else could you buy for the same money?
Does the toy stimulate imaginative play? Talking toys are often one trick ponies. The toy does the work, so your child becomes a passive consumer of entertainment. Once the novelty wears off, your child is likely to be bored, a sure-fire indication that the toy isn’t giving your child room to think and grow. Many child development experts believe that children benefit most from simple toys that give them open-ended opportunities to experiment and explore. If you decide to invest in interactive toys, be sure young children also have access to basics like blocks, puppets, puzzles and art supplies. School age children are often inspired by interactive toys, but not necessarily in the way that the manufacturer intended. Some kids try to manipulate the toy to see if they can make it do outrageous things. If your child has that kind of inventive spirit, he or she might benefit more from a toy like Ozobot that puts programming power in the child’s hands. Finally, it’s important to understand the limitations of talking toys. Children need to become skilled with language because it’s the best way to share information, express feelings and build a sense of closeness with other people. Toys that talk may be clever and amusing but they cannot help a child develop understanding and empathy. That’s something they can learn only in the company of living, breathing, caring people. v Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www. growing-up-online.com to read other columns.
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High School • Middle School Elementary School • Preschool
Choosing a Family Pet I
By Mary Helen Berg
f you find you that you have extra space in your house and extra room in your heart, it may be time to consider a pet. In addition to being tons of fun, caring for a pet has been linked to improved health and mental wellness. Animals everywhere are waiting for a human family. All you need to do is choose.
FAITH INTELLECT CHARACTER
Make a Match What makes sense for your family? Consider carefully before investing in what may be a very longterm relationship with an animal. A dog may live 12 years, cats can live 20 and a bird may last several decades. Take a look at your lifestyle. Are you an active brood? Do you really have room for a big, bouncy Labrador? A large dog needs lots of attention, room to roam and a good amount of exercise to remain healthy and calm. If you work out of the house or travel a lot, you may want to consider a more independent animal, such as a cat. If you still want company, but you don’t have a lot of space, consider the intelligent and loyal rat or a low maintenance hamster.
Adopt or Buy Pet adoption agencies host events every week to encourage people to take home a homeless animal. There are specialized organizations that rescue particular breeds or types of pets. So whether your family has a giant soft spot for Great Danes or prefers a lap-size bunny, there is a rescue organization out there for you. For families on a budget, adoption is usually cheaper than buying a pet from a breeder. Remember that when you adopt, you are often saving an animal, however, adopted animals may have behavioral issues from being abandoned or abused. Often, they will need patience and tender loving care before they can relax in their new home.
www.wilmingtonchristian.com 1401 N. College Rd • 910.791.4248
Enter your child in the
Achoo! Don’t let your allergies keep your family from enjoying a fun and fulfilling relationship with apet. Research dog breeds that are hypoallergenic or ask your physician about the possibility of allergy shots or medication. You may want to look into pets without fur. Think about a tortoise, snake or lizard.
How Much Work? Think about how much time you have to devote to an animal before bringing one home. All dogs will need companionship and exercise. A new puppy will need tons of attention, including house training and bedtime training. You need time to teach a puppy not to eat your shoes or chew the rug. You will be integral in helping to form their personality. Adopted pets are often older and already understand commands house training. They also are more likely to be settled into their personalities so you know what you are getting.
What’s the Cost? Whether a pet is adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder for thousands of dollars, feeding and maintaining the health of the animal is never cheap. In addition to the cost of food, your pet budget will include neutering, vaccinations and other veterinary care, license fees, grooming and boarding costs, toys and other expenses. Pets can also develop chronic health problems such as allergies, ear infections. If a pet gets cancer, the cost of treating it can be sky high. You may want to look into pet insurance, which can help cover vaccinations and annual check-ups for your animal and be critical when emergency care is needed. As with any insurance policy, read the fine print. Pre-existing conditions may not be covered. v Mary Helen Berg is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles and once owned an epileptic Labradoodle.
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Me & My Pet Photo Contest Enter online at wilmingtonparent.com Winners will receive prizes and have their photo featured in Wilmington Parent Magazine! Sponsored by:
The Dog House Agnes Gray Designs | Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 9
• PLAN YO U R MONT H W IT H U S
CALENDAR
October | 2015 All Month Long! Haunted Cotton Exchange Tours Daily (Year Round). Cotton Exchange, Downtown. Haunted Cotton Exchange Tours in downtown Wilmington, NC, features one of the most haunted locations in the Port City, and are conducted by an acclaimed storyteller. Under age 12 admitted free. Call for tour times. $10/Adults. $8/Students & Seniors. Free/Under age 12. Visit www. TourOldWilmington.blogspot.com or call 409-4300 for information. Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! Daily, Oct 1-11. The Gallery of Fine Art in Mayfaire. The Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! exhibition will feature Dr. Seuss’s hat collection alongside his little-known Secret Art, a series of Estate authorized works adapted and reproduced from Ted Geisel’s original drawings, paintings, and sculpture. Guardians of the Garden Airlie Gardens. Through 10/25. Airlie Gardens is proud to host artist Dumay Gorham, III for his first solo exhibit in seven years! His creations in copper showcases his artistic talent for bringing creatures both real and imagined into the third dimension. Admission included with garden admission. Dumay Gorham, III is a Wilmington native, a graduate of NCSU and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He has been welding and working in metal for 15 years and is one of the many talented artists at ACME Art Studios in downtown Wilmington. In addition to private homes and gardens, Dumay has completed projects for: The City of Wilmington, the Bald Head Island Conservancy, Oak Island Recreation Center, Marriott Inc., UNCW, The North Carolina
10 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
Aquariums, New Hanover County Arboretum, Live Oak Bank, & our own Airlie Gardens. Copper has always been his favorite metal. 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.
1 Thursday Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Thursdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast 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. StoryCOOKS 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes. Child Yoga 3:30pm. Children’s Museum. Get moving the first Thurs-
day of every month in Child Yoga. This month’s theme is “OMazing Love.” Visit www.playwilmington.org for details. Nature Navigators 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.
2 Friday Riverfest All Day. Downtown Wilmington. Join in celebrating Wilmington’s 37th Annual Riverfest! This festival will include over 200 craft and food vendors plus fireworks, entertainment on two stages, the Great Waiters Wine Race, Riverfest StandUp Paddleboard Race, various exhibits and a children’s area. Also, make sure not to miss out on the rowing regatta. Visit www.wilmingtonriverfest.com for a complete schedule. Toddler Time 10am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. Projects and activities for our youngest visitors (ages 4 and under) and their special grownups to work on together. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Family Yoga Storytime 10:30am, Fridays. Main Library. Parents & children, newborns and older, will have fun listening to stories while
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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. Baby Play! 11am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. An informal playtime for babies to explore the world around them through hands-on discovery, sensory play, music, baby sign language, early creative experiences, and more! (Ideal for ages 6 - 18 months) Adventures in the Arts 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including but not limited to painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www. playwilmington.org for details. Come Meet SkippyJon Jones 7pm. Barnes & Noble. We’ll have a Storytime and then Skippyjon Jones will be visiting, so bring your cameras! Call 509-1880 for details.
3 Saturday Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Last market of the season! Local growers, artisans, and crafters. Come enjoy a walk around the lake with the family, pick up some locally grown and made products. Visit www.carolinabeachfarmersmarket.com for more information. Riverfront Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays. Downtown Riverfront. Through Nov. 21. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine. Riverfest All Day. Downtown Wilmington. See 10/2. Family Farm Day 9am. Children’s Museum. Oink, bah, moo, neigh! The Children’s Museum of Wilmington presents Family Farm Day, a chance for kids to get up close and personal with some favorite barnyard animals. Children can meet chickens and bunnies and many other four-legged creatures in the courtyard of the Museum. There will be pony rides and a place to enjoy milk and cookies at story time, plus they will learn to plant herbs and take some home too. We’re in the Wrong Book, Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Barnes & Noble’s Picture Book of the Month, We’re in the wrong book! Call 509-1880 for details. Bark in the Park 11am. Wrightsville Beach Park. Mighty mutts and playful purebreds will leap to the sky to catch flying discs at the 22nd Annual Bark in the Park 2015 Skyhoundz Hyperflite Canine Disc Championships. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this free, unique event and applaud the talented canine athletes. The event begins at 11am and no experience is necessary, admission is free to spectators and competitors. Young Living Yoga & Essential Oils Class 12pm, Saturdays. Be Unlimited Yoga, 5725 Oleander Dr. Suite B10. 30 minutes of gentle yoga, 30 minutes oil workshop with different themes every week. $5.
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Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 11
Photo credit: Bekah Cavenaugh Swain
Super Saturday Fun Time 3pm Saturdays. TheatreNow. Join DOCK, the dog, and his two-legged friends as they uncover mysteries and discover artifacts (courtesy of Cape Fear Museum). Different adventure each week. Families welcome. $8/person. Visit www. theatrewilmington.com for tickets.
Kid’s Cooking Club 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register.
American Girl Event: Roadtrip with Maryellen 3pm. Learning Express. Create a carryon bag, a paper helicopter and postcards. Ages 8+ with reservation 313-3100. During October we will also host a drawing for a Maryellen doll.
Scare Squad at Myrtle Grove 6pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Calling all teens! Help build scary props for NHCPL’s Haunted House attraction: Library Labyrinth. Call 798-6390 for more information.
4 Sunday
7 Wednesday
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.
Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Poplar Grove Plantation. Through Nov. 18. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine and more.
Residents Free Day - Cape Fear Museum 1 – 5pm. Cape Fear Museum. NHC residents are admitted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. Call 7984350 or visit www.capefearmuseum.com for information. Riverfest All Day. Downtown Wilmington. See 10/02.
Photo credit: Brandy Moore
Boogie in the Park Concert Series: Sonic Spectrum 5-7pm. Ocean Front Park, Kure Beach. Free concert series featuring Sonic Spectrum. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy the music!
5 Monday Railroad Storytime 10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $4/Family. Free/ Members. Call 763-2634 for more information. Family Storytime at the Library 10:30am, Mondays. Carolina Beach Library. All ages are invited to storytime with Mr. Scooter! Join us for 30 minutes of stories, songs and other activities! Meets at the Carolina Beach Community Building (directly behind the library).
Photo credit: Jennifer Powell
Minecraft at Myrtle Grove 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Children will explore and build within MinecraftEDU worlds as well as complete different challenges each session. Ages 8 & up. Space is limited. Registration is required. Register online or contact Mr. Scooter at 798-6393 or shayes@nhcgov.com. 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
Photo credit: Karen Enger
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. French for Tots 10am. Learning Express. Immersion in French language, music and games with native speaker Marie Field from the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Ages 6 months-5 years, free with reservation 910-313-3100.
12 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Wednesdays. Myrtle Grove Library & Northeast 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. S.T.E.M. Explorations 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www. playwilmington.org for more information. 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.
8 Thursday Music for Babies & Toddlers with Catherine 10am. Learning Express. Music and movement and fun for babies from birth to toddlers (newborn-3 years). Free with reservation, 910-313-3100. Get Up, Get Healthy! 2pm. Northeast Library. Get Up! Get Healthy! is a weight management program that provides strategies proven to work. In the one hour weekly meetings, participants learn strategies for adopting behaviors that will help with weight management today and in the future. Each week, there is an opportunity to monitor your progress, receive support, get exercise ideas, recipes, a journal, a full color workbook and door prizes! Call 798-6370 for details.
9 Friday Children’s Discovery Time: Camouflaged Critters 11am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Halloween is right around the corner, so come learn how different animals “wear costumes” or disguise themselves under the sea. Play hide-and-seek with some of our exhibit animals and meet some live reptiles that use camouflage. Ages 3-5, must be accompanied by paying adult. Visit www.ncaquariums.com for details.
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Character Appearance: Pete the Cat 4pm. Learning Express. Bring your camera and get pictures with Pete the Cat. Minecraft at Myrtle Grove 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Children will explore and build within MinecraftEDU worlds as well as complete different challenges each session. Ages 8 & up. Space is limited. Registration is required. Register online or contact Mr. Scooter at 798-6393 or shayes@nhcgov.com. Kids Consignment Event 9am-8pm. Elk’s Lodge, 5102 Oleander Dr. Sell your gently used children’s items and shop at up to 90% off retail! Sellers make up to 80% of what they price their items for. Simply register online, tag and price items, and drop off items at the Armory, and you receive a check right after the sale. The event is free to the public and there are volunteer opportunities, which earn a “shop early” pass. You must register online, just Google “Kids Exchange Wilmington” or visit http://kxconsignment.com/wilmingtonnc/ Kure Beach Jazz Funeral 7-9pm. Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Help us mourn the passing of summer with a New Orleans style jazz funeral with music by the Dixieland All Stars.
10 Saturday Riverfront Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays. Downtown Riverfront. Through Nov. 21. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine. Aviation Day & 5K 9am. Wilmington International Airport. Come celebrate the wonders of aircrafts with the Wilmington International Airport! Bring out the whole family for a day of fun including a static aircraft display (including warbirds), tons of food from local eateries and a 5K run and 1 mile fun run on the newly rehabilitated runway! Also in tow will be the Wilmington Model Flying Club, The Sun Coast Cruisers Car Club and a kids area complete with a bouncy house, face painting a clown and more. Visit jonesracingcompany.com/ilm-airport-5k to register. Migration and Hibernation 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Discover nature through hands on activities, games and hikes while you explore the park. $3/ participant. Ages 5-7. Call 341-0075 to register. Fall Farm Fest 10am-3pm. Greenlands Farm. Fourth Annual celebration of homestead farm & fall harvest. Bolivia’s Finest, Fire & Rescue, Pumpkins, Farm Demonstrations, Live Music, Tractors, Pet Adoption, Rides [Pony, Llama, Hay], Hot Pepper Eating Contest, Petting Farm, Win at Chicken Poo Bingo. Tickets & event updates at www.greenlandsfarmstore.info/fallfest and www. facebook.com/greenlandsfarm. A majority of event proceeds and benefit Greenlands Farm’s rescue farm animals. Kids Consignment Event 9am-8pm. Elk’s Lodge, 5102 Oleander Dr. See 10/09. Wilmington Railroad Museum Train Show & Yard Sale 10am-4pm. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Discounted Admission! $5 for ages 5 and up - Under age 5 free. Railroad Collectibles and Artifacts on sale. Valuable pre-owned goods on sale. Test your train engineer skills on the main model train layout. Make your own take-home model building. Spectacular modular HO layout on display. Try your luck with
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Childcare Listing Guide Childcare – Preschools AAI Pharma 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. 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 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. 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. Rainbow Garden Preschool 1497 Country Club Rd Hampstead, NC 28443 910-515-1100 • www.capefearchild.org 3 day and 4 day preschool inspired by Montessori and Waldorf philosophies for ages 3-6 (Potty trained is required). 4K program for 4-5 year old children. 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.
Drop in childcare Porter’s Neck Playhouse 7946 Market Street #200 Wilmington, NC 28411 910-319-7879 • www.PNPlayhouse.com The Play House is a drop in play center that cares for children 12 months and older on an as needed, no reservation required, basis. Daily play involves lots of art, games, computers, pretend play, dancing, relay races, movies (sometimes), puzzles and story time. No matter what time of day you stop in your child will have a great time! Promise. After school care available. Weekly and monthly packages available.
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.
The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1, Wilmington, NC 238403 910-799-3771 • www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 3-12 years. The Little Gym of Wilmington Parentsʼ Survival Nights lets you enjoy some adult time to see a movie, catch up with friends or enjoy a meal. We schedule Parentsʼ Survival Nights for select Friday and Saturday evenings.
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the John Allen “Time-saver” switching challenge. Check your model engine at the diagnostic bench. Find out how much your train set is worth. Expert model railroad advice. Call7632634 for more information
Photo credit: Katie Turner
Star Wars Reads Day 10am. Northeast Library. Star Wars Reads day at the Library is back! Padawans and their families are invited to join us for fun, games, and activities related to Star Wars. Compete with your chosen side-- Empire or the Rebels-- in our fighter navigation course. No registration is required. Family Science Saturday: Explore the Nanoscale 10am-1pm. Cape Fear Museum. Big things come in small packages when you explore the world of nanoscience! Engage in hands-on experiments to see real-world applications of this emerging field of science. Parental participation required. 10 AM: Preschool; 11 AM and 12 PM: Ages 5-14. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.
Photo credit:Tonya Sales
Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues, Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues. Call 5091880 for details. Star Wars Reads Day 2pm. Learning Express. Join our Annual Star Wars Reads Day with activities and more! Call 509-1880 for details. Character Appearance: Pete the Cat 3pm. Learning Express. Bring your camera and get pictures with Pete the Cat.
11 Sunday Kids Consignment Event 9am-2pm. Elk’s Lodge, 5102 Oleander Dr. See 10/09. Photo credit: Noelle Sayer
Wilmington Railroad Museum Train Show & Yard Sale 10am-4pm. Wilmington Railroad Museum. See 10/10.
12 Monday - Columbus Day Scampering Squirrels 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Ages 2-5, $3. Call 3410075 to register.
13 Tuesday Preschool Math & Science Program 10am. 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.
Photo credit: Danielle Poulosl
Scampering Squirrels 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Ages 2-5, $3. Call 341-0075 to register. Scare Squad at Myrtle Grove 6pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Calling all teens! Help build scary props for NHCPL’s Haunted House attraction: Library Labyrinth. American Girl Night 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Join us as we discuss Maryellen Larkin a new American Girl from the 1950s. Each time we have an educational activity that ties into the history of that particular girl. All are welcome!
14 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
14 Wednesday Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Poplar Grove Plantation. Through Nov. 18. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine and more. Preschool Math & 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.
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 toddlers, 2’s and 3’s and their adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. WHAT Birthday Celebration 11:30am. Hilton Riverside. 20th Birthday Celebration to benefit Wilmington Health Access for Teens (WHAT), a communitybased non-profit that provides primary medical care, mental health and preventative services to adolescents and young adults. This event features a panel of local and national health care advocates, an amazing lunch, and birthday surprises! Purchase your tickets in advance at www.whatswhat.org for $35 per person or sponsor a table for $250. Tickets must be purchased in advanced and space is limited! Get Up, Get Healthy! 2pm. Northeast Library. Get Up! Get Healthy! is a weight management program that provides strategies proven to work. In the one hour weekly meetings, participants learn strategies for adopting behaviors that will help with weight management today and in the future. Each week, there is an opportunity to monitor your progress, receive support, get exercise ideas, recipes, a journal, a full color workbook and door prizes! Call 798-6370 for details. Magic Tree House Night 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Join us for discussion and activities related to story #12 Polar Bear Past Bedtime. All are welcome! Call 509-1880 for details.
16 Friday Shopkins Swap 4pm. Learning Express. Bring your duplicate Shopkins figures to trade for what you want. All ages.
17 Saturday Riverfront Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays. Downtown Riverfront. Through Nov. 21. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine. Native Plant Festival 9am. Arboretum. Come join us for this fun and educational event! The NHC Arboretum, sponsored by the North Carolina
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State University extension service, the Native Plant Alliance and the New Hanover County Public Library are hosting a Native Plant Awareness Festival. Bring the whole family to enjoy the gorgeous gardens, presentations by local gardeners and horticulture experts, plant vendors, a seed swap, and information booths all focused on our native plants. Don’t miss the Cape Fear Audubon Society’s’ “Discover the Wonder of Birds,” hands-on learning centers and be sure to check out the area for the NEW native plant garden! Salty Paws Festival 11am. Carolina Beach Park. Pet lovers unite, at the 7th Annual Salty Paws Festival. There will be fun activities, contests, raffles, arts & crafts, food, pet adoptions, $30 micro-chipping, music and more so bring the whole family including your furry friends! Imaginary Fred Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring the title Imaginary Fred. Call 509-1880 for details. Fire in the Pines Festival 11am-3pm. Halyburton Park. Free. Celebrate the importance of fire in the longleaf pine ecosystem with games, food, live music, animals, interactive educational activities, hay rides, raffles and face painting. The highlight of the festival is a demonstration controlled burn weather permitting to give festival goers the opportunity to see how burns are conducted and learn more about their importance to the ecosystem. Fire equipment will be on display and Smoky Bear is scheduled to be a special guest. LEGO Architecture Studio Event 2pm. Barnes & Noble. This event is for adults and teenagers (ages 14 & up) to build with LEGO Architecture Studio blocks, discuss their inspiration for their build and explore how they can use basic architecture shapes and principles to influence their build. Space is limited. Advance registration required, call 509-1880 to sign up. Pokemon Trading Post 3pm. Learning Express. Bring your card collection and get ready to trade. All ages. No reservations needed. Science Spooktacular 6-9pm. Cape Fear Museum. Discover the science behind creepy, mysterious, and gross phenomena through exciting hands-on experiments. Uncover the secrets behind magic and haunted house tricks as you make things bubble, smoke, and even disappear. Unleash your inner mad scientist and turn your fright into delight! Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Yacht Venture 2015 6-10pm. Marine Max, Wrightsville Beach. YachtVenture is the most unique and exciting event in the Cape Fear area. For one evening, we’ve brought together some of the finest yachts in the area, live music, good food and drinks, and great company! All proceeds go to the Children’s Museum of Wilmington! For More Information visit our YachtVenture website www.yachtventure.org
enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $4/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information.
20 Tuesday French for Tots 10am. Learning Express. Immersion in French language, music and games with native speaker Marie Field from the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Ages 6 months-5 years, free with reservation 910-313-3100. Scare Squad: Haunted House Design & Decoration 12-6pm. Main Library. Design and decorate our Haunted House anytime from 12-6pm. If you would like to participate, contact Mr. Scooter at 798-6393 or shayes@nhcgov.com.
21 Wednesday Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Poplar Grove Plantation. Through Nov. 18. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine and more.
22 Thursday Music for Babies & Toddlers with Catherine 10am. Learning Express. Music and movement and fun for babies from birth to toddlers (newborn-3 years). Free with reservation, 910-313-3100. Scare Squad: Haunted House Design & Decoration 10-6pm. Main Library. Design and decorate our Haunted House anytime from 10-6pm. If you would like to participate, contact Mr. Scooter at 798-6393 or shayes@nhcgov.com. Children’s Discovery Time: Slimy Sea Creatures 11am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Children will learn how different animals use slime to survive life under the sea. Participants will meet some live slimy invertebrates, hear a slimy tale, and even make their own slime. Ages 3-5, must be accompanied by paying adult. Visit www.ncaquariums. com for details. Get Up, Get Healthy! 2pm. Northeast Library. Get Up! Get Healthy! is a weight management program that provides strategies proven to work. In the one hour weekly meetings, participants learn strategies for adopting behaviors that will help with weight management today and in the future. Each week, there is an opportunity to monitor your progress, receive support, get exercise ideas, recipes, a journal, a full color workbook and door prizes! Call 798-6370 for details.
23 Friday
18 Sunday
Scare Squad: Haunted House Design & Decoration 10-5pm. Main Library. Design and decorate our Haunted House anytime from 10-5pm. If you would like to participate, contact Mr. Scooter at 798-6393 or shayes@nhcgov.com.
Boogie in the Park Concert Series: The Imitations 5-7pm. Ocean Front Park, Kure Beach. Free concert series featuring The Imitations and their Beach, Soul, Rock & Roll music. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy the music!
Fourth Friday Gallery Walk 6 – 9pm. Downtown Galleries & Studios. An after-hours celebration of art and culture through a self-guided tour. Free. Visit www.wilmingtondowntown.com or call 343-8997 for map of participants.
19 Monday
24 Saturday
Railroad Storytime 10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and
NC Festival by the Sea 9am-5pm. Holden Beach. The NC Festival by the Sea is a
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Halloween Happenings Museum of Nightmares
6pm-12am. Daily in October. 201 S. Water St. Experience the Museum of Nightmares any spooky night of your choosing this October at the Museum of the Bizarre! Enjoy insane special effects by local movie artists including Tony Rosen credited for his scary magic in The Conjuring and Annabelle.
Fall Farm Fest
10am-3pm. 10/10 Greenlands Farm. Fourth Annual celebration of homestead farm & fall harvest. Bolivia’s Finest, Fire & Rescue, Pumpkins, Farm Demonstrations, Live Music, Tractors, Pet Adoption, Rides [Pony, Llama, Hay], Hot Pepper Eating Contest, Petting Farm, Win at Chicken Poo Bingo. Tickets & event updates at www.greenlandsfarmstore.info/fallfest and www. facebook.com/greenlandsfarm. A majority of event proceeds and benefit Greenlands Farm’s rescue farm animals.
Poplar Grove Plantation Halloween Festival
2-11pm. 10/16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25. Come visit the Haunted Manor House in the actual Manor House, or ride the Haunted Wagon through the Abbey Nature Preserve, or enjoy the Goblins and Games Fun House in the barn. Bring the entire family for food, fun, inflatables, fortune-teller readings, petting zoo, and other favorites. Daytime Wagon Ride on Saturdays and Sundays starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. More appropriate for younger children. The later you come, the more courage you’ll need. Admission: Free admission.
Haunted Library: A Spooky Storytelling Festival for Children
6-9pm. 10/24. Main Library. Join us for NHCPL’s 4th Annual Spooky Storytelling Festival for Children! This special after-hours event is fun for the whole family. The 1st Floor will have activities for all ages. Music! Mummy Wrapping! Mystery Doors! Trick or Treat Story Walk! Photo Booth! Free comic books provided by Memory Lane Comics! The 2nd Floor will feature scary stories for school age and older with performances by Mr. Scooter, NHCPL Rap Club, The Dance Element, Samantha Hunt & Joe Sheppard. The 3rd Floor will feature a Haunted House! Recommended for upper elementary & older. FREE admission for the whole family! Be sure to WEAR YOUR COSTUME!
Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash 2015
5:30pm. 10/27. Battleship NC. No tricks. Only treats! Join us aboard the USS North Carolina for the 7th annual Halloween Bash. Featuring trick or treating, games, and fun for kids of all ages.
Trick or Treat Under the Sea
4:30-8pm.10/28, 29, 30. Bring the kids to the aquarium for early Halloween trick-or-treating! Candy stations, special programs and decorations provide a fun and safe Halloween building for this event. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Admission is $11.00 for children and adults. NC Aquarium Members receive a 10% discount. Kids 2 and under are admitted free. ATTENTION PARENTS: No masks for adults please. No refunds or exchanges. Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Annual Halloween Costume Contest
10am-4pm. 10/31. Learning Express. Show us your creativity! $25 gift card prizes awarded for Best Family Theme, Best Handmade Costume, Best Baby Costume, and $50 gift card award for Halloweeniest Costume (i.e. “Best of Show”).
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2-day event that kicks off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway on Saturday. This is the only day of the year that you can walk across the Holden Beach bridge. Arts and crafts vendors are available both days. Enjoy a horseshoe tournament and a sandcastle building contest. Children enjoy face painting, huge kites flying overhead and children’s rides and amusements. Live musical entertainment both days at Holden Beach’s Pavilion. Mr. & Mrs. Pumpkin Heads and a Halloween Story 10-11am & 3-4pm. Learning Express. Use pumpkins, veggies and toothpicks to create a wacky pumpkin head. Ages 5+ (with help). Reservations, please 313-3100. Migration and Hibernation 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Discover nature through hands on activities, games and hikes while you explore the park. $3/participant. Ages 8-10. Call 341-0075 to register.
25 Sunday NC Festival by the Sea 9am-4pm. Holden Beach. See 10/24.
26 Monday Creepy Crawlies 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Ages 2-5, $3. Call 341-0075 to register.
27 Tuesday Creepy Crawlies 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to
the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Ages 2-5, $3. Call 341-0075 to register.
28 Wednesday Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays. Poplar Grove Plantation. Through Nov. 18. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine and more.
29 Thursday Get Up, Get Healthy! 2pm. Northeast Library. Get Up! Get Healthy! is a weight management program that provides strategies proven to work. In the one hour weekly meetings, participants learn strategies for adopting behaviors that will help with weight management today and in the future. Each week, there is an opportunity to monitor your progress, receive support, get exercise ideas, recipes, a journal, a full color workbook and door prizes! Call 798-6370 for details.
30 Friday Creepy Crawlies 2-4pm. Cape Fear Museum. Come examine the creepy crawlies all around us! See how bugs view the world, learn about native bloodsuckers, and create your own insect to take home. The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher will present their “Freaky Friends” program to visitors from 2-3pm. Costumes encouraged, no costume weapons or masks on adults, please. Parental participation required. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Day of the Dead Craft Event 3:30pm. Main Library. Children will enjoy learning about this traditional Mexican holiday while creating beautiful crafts. Crafts include coloring and/or designing ornamental skull masks, constructing paper marigold necklaces or boutonnieres, and making traditional papel picado banners. This is a drop in event, with no registration required. Craft time is open for one hour, or while supplies last. Ages 5 – 9. Cape Fear Fair and Expo 5pm. Wilmington International Airport. Since 1964 this county fair has been bringing friends and family together to celebrate the start of a new season. Enjoy the celebration in Wilmington with food, animal exhibits and competitions, horticultural contests, amusement rides, children’s activities, family fun and live entertainment!
31 Saturday - Halloween Spooky Sound Paddle Fest 8:30am. Wrightsville Beach. Bring the kids and enjoy a familyoriented paddle boarding event just in time for Halloween! This festive morning will consist of a non-competitive paddle race that includes standup paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and any other non-motorized water crafts. The course will be approximately one and a half miles long, starting and ending at Wrightsville SUP with clinics and demonstrations offered prior to the start of the race. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded for best costume as well as strangest watercraft! Cape Fear Fair and Expo 5pm. Wilmington International Airport. See 10/30. To submit events to the calendar, please email calendar.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions to the November issue is October 9, 2015.
16 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
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Have a Spooky and Safe Halloween:
Halloween Safety Tips By Alexa Bigwarfe
R
eady for some Halloween trivia? Do you know who produces the most pumpkins in the United States? The top six pumpkin-producing states are Illinois, California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Halloween can be a really fun and enjoyable evening but not all Halloween facts are fun. The harsh reality is this: on Halloween, children are two- four times more likely to be hit and killed by a car than any other day. That’s a scary fact. (Pun not intentional.) There is potential for injury through Halloween activities. Follow these tips to ensure everyone has a safe Halloween.
Trick-or-Treating Safety • Children under twelve should not be out alone. They should be supervised by an adult, and if at all possible, traveling in a group. Older children should plan a route with their parents and have an established return time. • Walk on sidewalks or other paths and make sure to check before crossing any streets. • Only visit homes with the porch light on. • Ensure your children are carrying glow sticks or flashlights so that drivers can see them better. A note to drivers: most children trick or treat between 5:30 and 9:30, so slow down and be vigilant if driving during those hours.
Costume Safety • Select a costume that fits well. If their costume is too big, there’s a good chance they will trip and fall. • Pick out flame resistant costumes and do not walk too closely to lit candles. • Use reflective tape on their costumes and bags. • Avoid masks that can obscure their vision. • Test out make up first to make sure your child does not have a sensitivity. • Don’t use over the counter decorative contact lenses.
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Pumpkin Carving Safety: • Make sure pumpkins with candles are placed far from anything that they may catch on fire. • Candles in a votive is the safest route, but consider glow sticks rather than a lit flame.
Stranger Danger: Remind your children: • Never accept rides from strangers. • Do not enter a stranger’s house. • Stay in familiar areas. • Do not accept treats or candy that are not factory wrapped.
Food Safety • If you’re going to parties, don’t forget common food safety. Don’t leave food out that needs to be refrigerated. • Feed your child a meal prior to parties to help them avoid over eating candy and other foods that may lead to stomach pains. • Have an adult sort through all of the candy once the children are home and throw out any candies that are unwrapped. • If hosting parties, provide some fun, yet healthy treats. Have a fantastic, spooky, and safe Halloween! v Alexa Bigwarfe is the mother of three little ghouls. They very much enjoy darting into the street and eating too much candy on Halloween.
Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 17
school notes
School’s Out! New Hanover County: Traditional Schools: 10/30 - Half Day for Students Year Round Schools: 10/1-16 - Intersession 10/30 - Half Day for Students CFCI Charter School: 10/29 - Half Day for Students 10/30 - No School, Teacher Workday WECHS 10/9 - No School, Teacher Workday Brunswick: Brunswick Early College: 10/15 - No School, Teacher Workday 10/16 - No School, Teacher Workday Roger Bacon Academy: 10/14 - No School, Teacher Workday Pender: Traditional Schools: 10/28 - Half Day for Students Penderlea: 10/28 - No School, Teacher Workday Pender Early College: 10/28 - Half Day for Students
Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information.
NHCS-TV Announces “Throwback Sunday” with High School Sports Classics New Hanover County Schools Television (NHCS-TV) will air past sporting events during their new series “Throwback Sundays.” For the past sixteen years, NHCS-TV has produced “Sports Round Table,” the longest running high school sports program in the area and has been recording and televising cross-town match-ups for a variety of sports. NHCS-TV Director Aaron Oliver will begin pulling from the NHCS-TV sports archives for the new weekly show. Each Sunday night at 7:00 p.m., retro games from past football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball games will be featured in their original format. All games were produced and crewed by the students of New Hanover County Schools. Viewers will be able to watch Laney High School battle against Independence High for the State Football Championship, thrill at Ashley’s first big cross-town victory in basketball, and see all the great plays and players from the last sixteen years. Viewers are encouraged to share their own memories of area high school sports with other “Throwback Sunday” fans on Twitter using the hashtag #TVsportsclassics @NewHanoverCoSch. Join NHCS-TV as they turn back the clock in area high school sports with “Throwback Sunday,” every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on The Learning Network, Time Warner Cable Channel 5, and Charter Cable Channel 191. Sports Round Table airs Wednesday’s at 8:00 p.m. with an encore presentation on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Aaron Oliver at (910) 254-4106.
Pine Valley Elementary School Site for Global Launch of New Book Wilmington children’s book author and illustrator Jena Ball, the creator of the CritterKin series of books and programs designed to teach empathy, compassion and kindness, debuted her latest book, The Not Perfect Hat Club, on September 23, 2015 at Pine Valley Elementary School. The Not Perfect Hat Club is the fourth in the CritterKin series and will be used as the basis for a global blogging challenge (NPHCBlogIt.com) starting November 2nd. The challenge, which will bring students in classrooms around the world together to read, discuss and write about the book, was co-created by Ball and Beverly Ladd, a second grade teacher at Pine Valley Elementary. Ladd, who is known for the innovative ways she uses technology to expose her students to new people, places and ideas approached Ball with the concept. “I loved the message Jena was sharing,” says Ladd, “and thought it would be a great book for kids to blog about.” “If you have ever seen the look on a child’s face when she gets a comment from another student on the other side of the world,” Ladd adds, “then you’ll know why we’re doing NPHCBlogIt. That look is priceless. Our goal is to make that moment happen for as many kids as possible.” To learn more about NPHCBlogIt, the events planned for the launch, or to schedule an interview with Jena Ball or Beverly Ladd please contact Jena Ball: JenaBall@CritterKin.com, Phone: 919-615-0666 or Beverly Ladd: beverly.ladd@nhcs.net, Phone: 919-233-0170.
Four Schools Receive Mini Grants from Farm Bureau Four New Hanover County schools have been awarded $100 grants by the New Hanover County Farm Bureau as part of NC Farm Bureau’s “Ag in the Classroom” Program. The grant money will be used in school projects for gardens and other agricultural educational activities. The schools that were awarded the grant money are Bellamy Elementary, coordinator Cate Woessner; Castle Hayne Elementary, coordinator Lisa Cole; Murrayville Elementary, coordinator Linda Espy; Eaton Elementary, coordinator Mary Claire Caine. About the “Ag in the Classroom” Program The mission of NC Farm Bureau’s “Ag in the Classroom” Program is to educate school children about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. Because New Hanover County is predominantly urban with very little farming activity, it is especially important to help students understand where their food comes from. This is the first year New Hanover County Farm Bureau has sponsored these awards. Applications for the 2016 funding cycle (deadline May 1st) can be requested from Board Member and “Ag in the Classroom” Coordinator, Melissa Hight at coastalgardener1@aol.com.
18 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
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fit family
Just Do It I
By Erin Gallagher
t’s so easy in today’s hectic lifestyle to get caught up in not-so-healthy habits - or to let fitness go to the wayside in favor of more pressing family time commitments. As we transition into fall weather, it’s even more difficult to get up and moving. But don’t worry – this month, there are plenty of local events, resources, and programs available to you and the whole family. From health classes to yoga, help for new parents and a day for plant lovers, there’s something for everyone.
• Offered free of charge at the Northeast Library in October and November, Get Up! Get Healthy! is a sixweek weight management program presented by Angelia Clinton, a Health Educator with New Hanover County’s Health Department. Contact Consumer Health Librarian Mary Ellen Nolan by email or call (910) 7986307 for more information. • Family Yoga Story Time at the Main Library on Friday, October 2nd from 10:30-11 a.m. is perfect for families with children of all ages looking to learn basic yoga poses. Bring a mat or towel and you’re ready to stretch! No registration needed. Call (910) 798-6353 for information. • Yoga at the Bellamy Mansion For just $10, you can enjoy an hour of gentle yoga perfect for everyone in the family, whether you’re a novice to experienced yogi. A portion of the proceeds is donated to support the mansion. Offered every Monday night at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. from October 5th through November 23rd. More info at bellamymansion.org • New Parent Meeting at Carolina Pediatrics: On Thursday, October 8th at 5:30 p.m., expecting and new parents can come to Carolina Pediatrics to learn about the office, meet the doctors, get information on services and the healthcare needs of their bundles of joy. See carolinapedswilm.com for more information. • The Native Plant Festival at the NHC Arboretum on Saturday, October 17th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is free and open to the public. Come learn about the unique and beautiful plant life in the Cape Fear Area to get the green conversation started in your family. Activities for children and adults, exciting vendors, gardening information and more promise to make it a great day for all! Find the NHC Arboretum at arboretum.nhcgov.com • Farmers’ Markets are a great way to get your family up, moving, and eating healthy and local foods. Create a family culture of mindful eating by learning about where your food comes from and having a more connected grocery shopping experience. • The Carolina Beach Farmers’ Market at Carolina Beach Lake Park ends Saturday October 3rd – catch this one soon! Live entertainment and information from local nonprofits sets this market apart. Free parking available at the lake and on Lake Park Boulevard. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. • The Riverfront Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays until November 21st from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find them on Facebook or call (910) 538-6223 for more info. • The Poplar Grove Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday until November 18th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. See poplargrove.org/farmers-market. • Wrightsville SUP’s Spooky Sound Paddle-Fest on October 31st from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is a steal at just $15 per person! Starting and ending at Wrightsville SUP, this is a noncompetitive, family-oriented Halloween paddleboarding race that includes canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized water crafts, too. At 1.5 miles long, it’s a fun, easy “race” that has demonstrations offered before it begins. Wear your costumes and spookify your board or vessel – they’re giving prizes for best costume and strangest water craft! Call (910) 378-9283 for information. v
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Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 19
Breast Cancer Risks Update
Symptoms, and New Revelations on Early Detection by Kimberly Blaker
“There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is early detection.” — Ann Jillian
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welve percent of women today will develop invasive breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die from it this year alone, reports BreastCancer.org. That’s why a refresher course on early detection and keeping up-to-date on latest studies is so important and the reason for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).
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Risk Factors Pregnancy and child birth affect risk. But it isn’t all one way or the other. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (SGKF), having more than one child provides increased protection with each successive birth. Women who have never had a child have a slight increased risk over those who have had more than one child. Yet, women who give birth to only one child at the age of 35 or older will have a slightly increased risk over those who had no children. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast cancer, as SGKF explains. And the greater the total length of time spent breastfeeding during child rearing years, the greater the protection. Oral contraceptives, according to the ACS, slightly increase risk. But once a woman has been off contraceptives for a period of 10 years, that risk is no longer present. Alcohol is a risk factor. Having one drink daily increases risk only slightly, while the greater the consumption, the greater the risk. More than 5 drinks daily increases risk for other cancers as well. Breastcancer.org says smoking also slightly increases risk for breast cancer.
Symptoms There are several signs to watch for that could be indicative of breast cancer. Though most of these symptoms could also be caused by something other than breast cancer such as caffeine, menstrual periods, infection, or other illness or factors. If you do notice any of these symptoms though, you should at least see your health care provider to rule out breast cancer. Symptoms to watch for, says SGKF include: • A new lump or breast change that feels different from the rest of your breast • A new lump or breast change that feels different from your other breast • You feel something different that you’ve not previously felt • Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing the nipple • Nipple discharge that occurs in only one breast • Bloody or clear discharge, rather than milky • Thickening, a lump or hard knot inside the breast or in underarm area • Breast swelling, warmth, or redness • Change in breast shape or size • Breast skin dimpling or puckering • A sore or rash on the nipple, particularly scaly or itchy • Your nipple or other parts of your breast pulling inward • Sudden nipple discharge • Pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
20 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
Early detection and screenings Screenings are an important means for detecting breast cancer, hopefully in its early stages. Until more recently, women were encouraged to do a monthly selfexamination. But a major study reported in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2002, concluded self-examination has played no role in improving cancer detection. It also found the extensive teaching of selfexamination lead to an increased rate of benign breast biopsies. Clinical breast exams, however, are still recommended. For women with average risk factors, these should be done every one to three years starting at age 20. At age 40, clinical exams should be done annually. Women with greater risk factors should have exams more often and consult with their doctor for the recommended frequency. Mammograms have come under fire over the past couple years as more studies have revealed the debatable usefulness of this screening technique, at least for younger women. This is because breast cancer and detection is more complex than it was once understood to be. It is now known there are at least four types and subtypes of breast cancer. Mammography often does not detect the more lethal types until they are in the later stages. Add to this, mammograms result in significant overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary treatment, which comes with its own risks. Doctor Deanna Attai, president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, explains, “Ductal carcinoma in-situ [DCIS] is also referred to as noninvasive, or Stage 0 breast cancer. It is primarily diagnosed by screening mammogram, as it often does not form a palpable lump. DCIS accounts for approximately 20% of mammographically detected breast cancers. As screening mammography has become more prevalent, the rate of DCIS detection has increased.” Some medical experts say DCIS is really not a form of cancer at all and by referring to it as such results in overly aggressive treatment. The likelihood of low grade DCIS developing into invasive breast cancer is only 16%, says Dr. Attai, while high grade DCIS has a 60% chance over 10 years. The problem, however, is there is currently no way to determine which cases of DCIS will ultimately develop into breast cancer. More study is needed to better answer questions about approach to both detection and treatment. Additionally, better screening techniques should be developed for detecting the more deadly forms of breast cancer. And finally, there is no one-size-fits-all plan that works best. Therefore, mammography screening for breast cancer should be based on informed decisions and individualized plans taking into account a woman’s age, risk factors, and both the advantages and disadvantages of mammograms for each woman’s unique situation. v
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Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry SKIP TYSON, D.D.S. STEPHANIE HEANEY, D.D.S.
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Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 21
SPECIAL SECTION: Family Health
Discover who you are, and love it!
5 Areas for Parents to Monitor to Help Raise Healthy Weight Kids By J’nelle Ruscetti
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here is nothing I enjoy more than raising my four children, but I have found it to be a challenge to raise healthy-weight children in today’s society. With the tripling of the child obesity rate in our country, there are record numbers of children experiencing health problems that a generation ago were primarily only observed in adults. As a physician’s assistant in family medicine, my job is not only to treat patients for their various health problems, but also to educate patients on ways to prevent diseases. For most, this prevention must stem from lifestyle changes. While there are multiple contributors to the child obesity epidemic, here are five areas that parents need to pay the most attention to:
SPECIAL SECTION: Family Health
1. Sleep. Research shows that people who regularly sleep too little and at the wrong time suffer long-lasting consequences: an increase in obesity and risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. During sleep, the body produces a substance called leptin, which makes you feel full. American children are the most sleep-deprived in the world. Children should get 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night, teen-agers eight to nine, and adults eight. 2. Eat enough produce. It is difficult to maintain a healthy weight i9sports.com
without the inclusion of fresh produce. Our stomachs sense fullness more by stomach stretching than by the number of calories consumed. Fresh produce is a high-density, low-calorie food that helps those that consume it to feel more satisfied throughout the day.
3. Limit media time. Of all the areas I speak to patients about, our society’s excessive amount of time spent on media is the habit that poses the greatest challenge. Most parents underestimate the amount of time their kids spend on media. Current data reveals that U.S. children spend an average of 7.5 hours a day staring at screens. This screen time is affecting their physical activity, slowing their metabolism, interfering with their sleep cycles, exposing them to toxic advertising, and taking over time that could be spent interacting with family, friends, honing their artistic skills or growing their spiritual life. It is recommended that children limit screen time to two hours or less a day.
4. Get enough physical activity. According to a recent study, Ameri-
Introducing Motherhood Matters Psychotherapy Program an opportunity for expectant and new mothers to receive specialized group and individual therapy We also provide: •Individual mental health & nutrition therapy for children, adolescents and adults •Metabolic testing as well as both pediatric and adult weight management •Group, Couples, and Family Counseling
Call today to set up your first appointment (910) 790-9500. Chrysalis Center for Counseling and Eating Disorder Treatment 3240 Burnt Mill Drive, Suite 1, Wilmington, NC 28403 Please visit us at www.chrysaliscenter-nc.com 22 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
cans are spending eight hours a day barely moving. Couch-potato adults are now raising “tater-tots.” With physical activity no longer being scheduled into our daily lives, our society is experiencing the negative health consequences that accompany it. It is recommended that children get at least one hour of exercise a day. As a working mother of four, I find this advice to be impractical—at the end of the day, I have no idea how much time each of my children have spent exercising. I needed a watchdog to make sure my kids are getting the exercise they need. My easy solution has been to invest in pedometers for everyone in my family. By having our brood wear pedometers, I can ensure that my children (and their parents) get the minimum of 10,000 steps recommended daily.
5. Drink more water. Soda and other sugary drinks are the No. 1 source of calories in many Americans’ diets and the food item most commonly linked to weight problems. The average American gets an extra 300 calories a day in the form of liquids. Common culprits in a kid’s diet also include juice, sports drinks and flavored milks. Patients are surprised to learn that they need to run about three miles to burn off one soda. By replacing liquid calories with water, it is possible to see a dramatic impact on weight problems in a short period of time. v J’nelle Ruscetti is a physician’s assistant for Wilmington Health at the Monkey Junction location. She started a child obesity intervention/prevention program in Wilmington, NC, the “Family Fitness Challenge” and recently released her book of the same name. Learn about upcoming challenges at www.wilmingtonhealth.com/family-fit-challenge
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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Douglas S. Fry, DDS Gym & Learn!
Gymnastics • Girls Gymnastics Rhythmic Gymnastics • Cheerleading Boys Class • Tumbling • Competitive Teams BEST Birthday Parties!
2203 Delaney Avenue Wilmington NC www.drfry.dental.com • office@drfrydental.com 910-762-7736
Best gym in Town!
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www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com 3529 Carolina Beach Road • 910-796-1896
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Just give us a call at your Pediatrics office, and we’ll get you in the same day! Silver Stream Lane 2421 Silver Stream Lane Wilmington 910.763.2072
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Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 23 8/25/15 9:29 AM
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Get your teeth checked this Fall!
The ABCs of Infant Safe Sleep: Alone on their Backs in a Crib
By Janice A. Freedman
their backs to sleep and exclusive breastfeeding are some examples. Accidental infant suffocation and strangulation related to sleeping claim the lives of babies in our state and can be prevented. Items in the crib or near the sleeping baby pose a threat. Babies sleeping on sofas, in chairs, infant car seats or with other people are also known dangers. Sharing a bed with siblings or adults is known as co-sleeping or bed sharing. And, it is a controversial practice.
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The Bed-sharing Debate
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f you’re like most new parents to-be, after hearing the words “you’re pregnant” you immediately think of everything you’ll need for your new bundle of joy. From strollers to car seats to high chairs, the amount of baby gear that can be purchased boggles the mind. Still, few items are as important as what your baby sleeps in – the crib. A baby’s crib should be his or her sanctuary – a safe place to catch some zzz’s between feedings, being held and all-too-frequent diaper changes. After all, babies sleep 14 to16 hours a day early in life, so parents want where their baby sleeps to be both comfortable and safe. Sadly, more than 125 babies in North Carolina die each year due to sleep-related factors. Following a few recommendations can prevent many of these tragedies.
Why Do Babies Die While Sleeping? Infant sleep-related deaths in North Carolina are caused by three things: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation, and other undetermined causes. SIDS deaths have decreased significantly over the years. While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, and cannot be totally prevented, parents and caregivers can reduce the risks. Keeping secondhand smoke away from babies, placing babies on
Parents have various reasons for wanting their babies to sleep with them. It may be the cultural norm for people raised in other counties. It may also include the desire to breastfeed since breastfeeding benefits (for babies and mothers) are well documented. Still, support for breastfeeding often spurs the bed-sharing debate. Some breastfeeding advocates encourage moms to sleep with their babies to promote breastfeeding and bonding. Other groups supporting breastfeeding, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say that sleeping with your baby poses unnecessary risks. American beds often have soft mattresses, fluffy pillows and blankets that can smother an infant. Babies can also get wedged between the mattress and bed frame or headboard, causing injury or death. Adults can accidentally roll onto their babies, especially when adults are overweight, have used drugs or alcohol, or are extremely tired. So, how can moms breastfeed without bed-sharing? The American Academy of Pediatrics promotes room sharing as an alternative to bed sharing. Room sharing keeps baby close without posing unnecessary dangers. Parents can place their baby in a crib, bassinet, or playpen right next to the bed. This way the baby is easy to pick up or put down, without the risks of sharing the adult bed.
Less Is More Advertising works, so the temptation is for new parents or well-meaning friends and grandparents to buy bumper pads, pillows, sleep wedges and stuffed animals for the crib. While these items may be adorable, they pose some serious risks to your baby’s safety. Save your money. Keep the baby’s crib as safe as possible by steering clear of extra gear. And don’t use products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS. Follow these crib do’s and don’ts and share them with others who care for your baby. If your baby goes to a licensed NC childcare facility, safe sleep policies and staff training are mandated by law. v Janice A. Freedman, MPH Executive Director, North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation
Find more resources at www.wilmingtonparent.com 24 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
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Autism Goes Hand In Hand With Apraxia By Lisa Geng
Choosing a maternal-fetal medicine specialist is one of the most impor tant decisions you will make during pregnancy. When you make your choice, we encourage you to ask your provider the following questions:
Lisa Geng’s skills are as varied as her accomplishments: Writing books, creating toys, designing assistive websites, philanthropic endeavors, pilot studies, to name a few. As the mother of two boys, both “late talkers,” she is the founder and president of the Children’s Apraxia Network, a non-profit organization for children with neurologically based language disorders, as well as the nonprofit CHERAB Foundation, dedicated to providing support and information for anyone who cares for children with speech challenges.
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Are you board certified?
Do you offer a comprehensive scope of services in one location?
Do you offer the most advanced prenatal testing available today, including chorionic villus sampling?
Do you provide genetic counseling?
Do you provide diabetes education?
Do you offer same day appointments for urgent issues?
Does your team include a full complement of providers, including genetic counselors, MFM sonographers and nurse practitioners?
Is your practice certified in obstetrical and fetal echocardiography by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)?
The Wilmington Maternal-Fetal Medicine team has provided quality care to high-risk pregnant women in Wilmington and the surrounding communities since 1993. When considering your options, consider Wilmington Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
www.wmfm.net 910.332.3660 Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 25
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R
ecently Penn State University published a study that autism goes “hand in hand” with a speech disorder called apraxia, and that children with autism should be screened for apraxia. Most know what autism is, but have never heard of apraxia. Apraxia is a neurological disorder that is not in itself a social, cognitive, or developmental disorder. It is rarely limited to just speech, and typically with an apraxia “of speech” diagnosis there are global neurological soft signs as well such as motor deficits, sensory processing disorder, and/or hypotonia. There are numerous parent friendly signs of apraxia, however a pediatric neurologist evaluation along with a speech assessment from an experienced speech therapist will be crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis will help you seek appropriate therapies for the best prognosis. Therapy is where it gets a bit tricky. Even though some of the symptoms of autism and apraxia may overlap, and even though the two conditions go hand in hand, one of the key therapies used to address autism, called ABA, is highly inappropriate to address a motor planning impairment like apraxia. If a child has both autism and apraxia you’ll want to make sure any ABA therapy used is modified to not address the motor planning deficits. Apraxia is a baffling motor planning impairment that interferes with the ability to do or say something on command. As it is for most special needs children, if they are sick, stressed, or tired, a child with apraxia may break down more. For apraxia a key issue is performing on command. Another key difference between apraxia and autism is intent. Children with apraxia desperately want to be able to communicate, but need to be taught how through therapies. A child with apraxia may be fully aware of their limitations, and they can show their frustration by either lashing out or withdrawing. As Deborah Norville said on a segment about apraxia for Inside Edition “Imagine being stuck in a world where you can understand perfectly well, but where you don’t have the voice to communicate.” Alternative means of communication ranging from simple sign language, to the use of an iPad with various apps will provide an ability for a child with apraxia to communicate, help protect their self-esteem, and help reduce frustration. I know through my own son Tanner, and over 16 years of outreach through the Cherab Foundation, that with appropriate therapies there is huge hope for a verbal and mainstreamed school and life experience for a child diagnosed with apraxia. v
Resource Listings Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Road 910-796-1896 www. carolinagymnasticsacademy.com contact@carolinagymnasticsacademy.com
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 60 minutes of physical activity EVERY DAY. Gymnastics is a great way to provide that with cardio, stretching, coordination, and gross motor skills in every class. Kids who do gymnastics perform better in school and excel at all other sports!
SPECIAL SECTION: Family Health
Chrysalis Center Contact Person: Alexis Hunter – Practice Manager 3240 Burnt Mill Dr, Suite 1 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-790-9500 www.chrysaliscenter-nc.com alexis@chrysalicenter-nc.com
Chrysalis Center offers an array of outpatient individual and group counseling services for children, adolescents and adults. Our specialties include but are not limited to eating disorder treatment, specialized trauma services, and a comprehensive program for weight loss surgery patients. We also provide nutritional counseling for medical issues, eating disorders, and weight management. ADHD Center for Wellness @ Clinic for Special Children Contact Person: Sharon Aldridge Morris 5725 Oleander Drive, Suite C-1 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-319-7744 www.clinicforspecialchildren.net/ADHDCenterforWellness csc@clinicforspecialchildren.net
Personalized plans of care based on your child’s specific genetic susceptabiltiies, biochemical levels, EEG diagnostics, computerized diagnostics, rating scales and extensive family history intake. Parent & Patient coaching helps to ensure success through awareness, connectivity and support. Dr. Egg Pediatric Dentistry Contact Person: Dr. Allison Eggleston 6781 Parker Farm Drive, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC 28405 910-795-2511 www.dreggdental.com office.dr.egg@gmail.com
Our goal is to promote and help families achieve optimal oral health in a state-ofthe-art facility. Dr. Doug Fry 2203 DeLaney Ave. Wilmington NC 28403 910-762-7736 office@drfrydental.com
We are a pediatric dental office that caters to the needs of small children. We accept insurance, medicaid & private pay. G-Force Empowered 5905 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412 910-274-3887 www.gforceempowered.com www.facebook.com/gforceempowered gforceempowered@gmail.com
G-Force Empowered is a girls only fitness and empowerment studio. Rocking out to our favorite songs we incorporate self-defense, pilates, yoga, kickboxing, zumba and barre. Through fitness and games we teach girls to motivate themselves by reaching their healthy physical limits. Not giving up is what makes a girl strong, being strong is what makes her beautiful, and believing in herself is the only power she needs to become ANYTHING she WANTS! Help your daughter love who she is, appreciate a healthy lifestyle, and become a leader! Girls are guaranteed to feel accomplished and confident after every class! COME TRY A CLASS FOR FREE!
26 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
Halley White Pediatric Dentistry 8115 Market Street, Suite 204, Wilmington, N.C. 28411 910-686-1869 306 Dolphin Drive Jacksonville, NC 28546 910-333-0343 www.growinggrins.com jlpedodds@gmail.com
Special health care needs encompass a wide array of conditions. Dr. Halley White understands health care for these individuals requires specialized knowledge, increased awareness and attention, adaptation and accommodative measures beyond what are considered routine. Our mission is to make each visit to our office individualized, comfortable, interactive and educational. Our office design allows care to be provided in an open or private setting. In addition, we offer patient care using measures such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas), anti-anxiety medications, oral sedation and general anesthesia in a hospital setting. i9 Sports 910-667-2299 jay.mechtly@i9sports.com www.i9sports.com
Youth sports offer benefits that last a lifetime. Children that participate in youth sports not only receive the health benefits of exercise now, but are also more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. Youth sports also helps them develop social skills and increases their self-esteem. Here at i9 Sports our mission is to help kids succeed at life through sports. We offer sports year round that are fun, safe and convenient. They think they are just having fun with their friends, but they are also becoming healthier and learning life skills in the process. Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry Skip Tyson, DDS and Stephanie Heaney, DDS 2606 Iron Gate Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 910-791-7380 www.catchasmile.net
Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry has been providing dental care to the infants, children and teens of Wilmington since 1997. We make dental care FUN, from our youngest patients who are seen in their parent’s lap to our teens being treated in our state of the art “Teen Zone.” We treat every child like they are our OWN and kids love to come back to see us year after year. We have been voted Family Favorite by Wilmington Parent Magazine readers every year since the contest’s inception in 2006. Come see what makes us special. The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 910-799-3771 www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com tlgwilmingtonnc@thelittlegym.com
Want to give your child the best start in life? Bring them to The Little Gym. We offer programs for ages 4 months to 12 years that include gymnastics, dance, karate, sports skills and more! Our classes are designed with a creative approach to physical activity leading to confident, successful kids. In other words, Serious Fun provides some serious benefits. Enroll today by calling us at 910-799-3771. Wilmington Dental Care Contact Person- Tera Cline Office Manager 2520 N College Rd, Wilmington NC 28405 910-790-3836 www.wilmingtonNCdentalcare.com omwilmington@smilestartersdental.com
General Dentistry for Youth. New Patients Welcome. Immediate Appointments available . Most Insurance plans accepted including Medicaid, Health Choice, TRICARE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Please follow us on Facebook! Wilmington Health Foundation Family Fit Challenge www.wilmingtonhealth.com/family-fit-challenge familyfitnesschallenge@wilmingtonhealth.com
Wilmington Health’s Family Fit Challenge has contributed to smaller waist lines and lowered BMIs. Its mission is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic starting with our community. www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Health Pediatrics 910-763-2072 www.wilmingtonhealth.com
At Wilmington Health Pediatrics, we make it a priority to offer quality, convenient care for our patients. Our goal is to partner with you to achieve optimum health for your child. We will do our best to make each visit a good experience. Wilmington Maternal-Fetal Medicine Contact Person: Ashley Tompkins 2212 Delaney Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-332-3660 wmfm.net ashley_tompkins@pediatrix.com
Wilmington Maternal-Fetal Medicine provides the most specialized care for women with high-risk pregnancies. Our experienced multi-disciplinary team of certified sonographers, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors, diabetic educators, and maternal fetal medicine physicians brings the highest quality care to mother and baby.
Little mouths are a big deal.
Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The Y is a place where you can work toward that balance by challenging yourself to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections through fitness and sports or bringing your loved ones closer together through familycentered activities. At the Y, it’s not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.
Accepting New Patients
Do You Know Your Child’s BMI? Body mass index (BMI) is a value that takes age, sex, height, and weight into account. Currently, 1/3 of children in the U.S. have a BMI that is not in the healthy range. An above normal BMI can increase risks for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can also worsen asthma, joint pain, and back pain.
If you don’t know your child’s BMI, ask your healthcare provider about it today. There are simple steps you can take to improve your child’s BMI! The Wilmington Health Family Fitness Challenge has shown a reduction in BMI in kids and adults! Find out more about our ongoing Family Fitness classes at www.wilmingtonhealth.com/ family-fit-challenge, or email J’nelle Ruscetti at familyfitnesschallenge@wilmingtonhealth.com. www.wilmingtonparent.com 9431 Family Fit WP Ad.indd 1
Wilmington Parent | October 2015 | 27 9/9/15 9:00 AM
SPECIAL SECTION: Family Health
Wilmington Family YMCA Express Y 11 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403 Pool & Gymnasium 2710 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28403 910-251-9622 www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org
910-795-2511 www.DrEggDental.com Mayfaire Town Center
peanut gallery
MaryClaire M. 10/23• 8yo
Stella
9/28• 2yo
Alaina C.
9/25 •3yo
Cali 7/31
Chloe B. 9/12• 10yo
Charlotte J. 10/10• 3yo
Brooke.D 10/2• 3yo
Finn T. 9/14• 3yo
Jada D. 10/22• 4yo
Lienise W. 10/24• 4yo
Rodney H. 8/8 • 1yo
Mia S. 10/26 • 5yo
Tatum W. 10/6 • 1yo
Hannah 9/21
CJ J. 10/1 • 6yo
Emma 10/13 • 1yo
Gianna G. 10/10 • 2yo
David L Jr. 10/9 • 2yo
Lily C.-H.
10/11 • 8yo
Naelise W.
10/24• 4yo
Does your child or grandchild have a birthday iN November?
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: 10/12. 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! Alydia T. 10/18 • 10yo 28 | October 2015 | Wilmington Parent
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