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A passion for learning starts early at Friends School of Wilmington in our Montessori Preschool. A passion learning startscommunity early at Friends School of Wilmington. Here, in a vibrant learning community Here, in a for vibrant learning known for its vigorous academics, exceptional teaching, and time-honored Quakeracademics, values, students are provided world of opportunity to discover, learn and known for its vigorous exceptional teaching,aand time-honored Quaker values, students are grow. Confident, independent thinkers, graduates areConfident, fully prepared for thethinkers, most ambitious high provided a world of opportunity to discover,our learn and grow. independent our graduates school – and the up world ahead. are fullysetting prepared to step to 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
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| editor’s note
Wilmington's Oldest Montessori School
The Children's Schoolhouse
I
hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now that we are all fully immersed in the holiday season, it’s time to start thinking of ways to not just fulfill everyone’s Christmas wishes, but also spend some of that energy helping others. Giving back and caring for our community is something that can be taught to children at a very young age. On pg. 27 see how even toddlers can begin to learn the true spirit of the season! We can also learn to care for our environment a bit more this season by finding creative ways to wrap up those carefully chosen gifts. Wrapping paper is pretty, but it’s admired for only a few moments before it is torn to shreds. Writer, Lara Krupicka, shows us on pg. 8 that wrapping paper can be found almost anywhere! Very soon, we will have some kids home from school for the Holidays. If you are looking for ways to keep them busy, you must keep this month’s calendar with you at all times! There are events, light displays, theater performances, festivals, and pages full of ideas to boost everyone’s Holiday spirit! For the school age kids, you’ll want to check out the article on pg. 12. Tradition Tracking is a way for kids to connect with family members while learning about the past, and how it affects the present.
Now Enrolling for 2014-15 School Year! The Children’s Schoolhouse is a small traditional Montessori School committed to a high quality of individual academic experience, administered with an enthusiastic but gentle approach. Now Enrolling students for 2, 3 or 5 day programs: ages 3-5, NC State recognized elementary kindergarten for 5-6 year olds, 1/2 day on-site Marine Science camp. Each classroom Directress is Montessori Certified Location: 612 South College Rd. (across from UNCW) Housed in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Lucy Hieronymus, Directress (910) 799-1531 TCSH admits students regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin
http://www.childrensschoolhouse.net Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry infants • children • teens
SKIP TYSON, D.D.S. STEPHANIE HEANEY, D.D.S. 791-7380
2606 Iron Gate Dr. Suite 200, Wilmington, NC
I would like to wish all of our readers a joyous holiday season! May you and your family enjoy special memories, and we’ll see you next year! Merry Christmas!
Danielle
surf our website
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 5
|
short stuff
Believe in the Magic? Believe Campaign The Thalian Association Children’s Theater does believe in the generosity of the season and our community. This holiday season we are partnering with Make-A-Wish® and the Macy’s “Believe” campaign during our production of Macy’s Yes Virginia The Musical. For every letter to Santa Claus that we collect Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish®. Macy’s Yes Virginia will be performed on the 2nd Street Stage in the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center December 4 - 7, 2014.
Macy’s Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus The Thalian Association, the Official Community Theater of North Carolina, invites everyone to the Thalian Association Children’s Theater production, Macy’s Yes Virginia, The Musical. This production, directed and choreographed by Michelle Reiff, runs December 4-7 at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. Macy’s Yes Virginia, The Musical tells the story of eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon who has always loved Christmas. Until the day her classmates bring up the age-old question: “Is there a Santa Claus?” Not sure what to believe, Virginia ventures into the city to find out for herself. Along the way she consults some unusual characters: a scraggly Santa ringing a bell, an excitable librarian with a shelf full of Christmas books, and her quirky doctor father. Unable to find the answers she’s looking for, Virginia writes to The New York Sun newspaper. Her letter makes its way to the desk of curmudgeonly editor Francis Church, who has better things to do than respond to a little girl’s questions. But through Virginia’s determination (and a little help from a scraggly Santa), Mr. Church is persuaded to write his answer…an answer that becomes the most famous newspaper editorial of all time.
Santa letters are being accepted now through December 7th at the HBHUSO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street in downtown Wilmington. Every child who submits a letter will have a chance to win two tickets to A Christmas Carol, main stage Thalian Hall December 11 - 21, 2014 or two tickets to SchoolHouse Rock Live, onstage February 20 - March 1, 2015 at the Community Arts Center. A drawing will be held at each performance of Macy’s Yes Virginia and the winners posted on our Facebook page the week of December 8th.
Showtimes: Dec. 4-7, Thursday through Saturday: 7pm & Saturday and Sunday: 3pm. Admission is only $12. For more information call 251-1788 or visit www.thalian.org.
(910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St
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Dr. Ron & Sharon Harris, DVM Dr. Rebecca Simmons - Resnick, DVM Dr. Matthew Resnick, DVM Dr. Stan Griffith, DVM Dr. Amy K. White, DVM • Vaccines • Surgery • Geriatric • Dentistry Wellness • X-Rays • Spay/Neuter • Boarding • Bathing Family owned & operated since 1999
Give the Gift of Membership! www.PlayWilmington.org | (910) 254-3534 116 Orange St. Wilmington, NC 28401 6 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
686-6297 Emergencies 791-7387 8129 Market St. (behind TLC Auto Wash)
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Holiday Lights in Wilmington Enchanted Airlie One of Wilmington’s most spectacular displays of lights and holiday displays! Tickets for these nightly light shows sell out quickly and must be purchased in advance. Plan ahead for this one! December 5 & 6, 11-14, 18-22. www.airliegardens.org Holiday Lights Trolley Tour Wilmington Trolley offers a festive 45-minute tour through the Port City’s best decorated neighborhoods on an authentically reproduced (and heated) trolley, complete with music and narration. Departure from Downtown Wilmington at Water St. at 6pm & 7:30pm nightly from December 15-23. www.wilmingtontrolley.com Island of Lights Visit Pleasure Island and enjoy an island-wide holiday festival featuring lighted displays around Carolina Beach Lake along with businesses and residences decorated for the season. Enjoy the fantastic light displays and holiday cheer with signature events taking place nightly through December 31. www.islandoflights.org Wilmington Christmas Lights If you want to take the family for a drive through elaborately decorated neighborhoods, but don’t know where to go, this is the perfect resource! This site is led by a “Christmas Light Enthusiast” who wanted to make it easier for everyone in town to know how to find the best Christmas light displays. The website has a map and a list of neighborhoods, pictures, and tutorials for those wanting to create their own display. You can also keep up with the facebook page for the most up to date information. www.wilmingtonchristmaslights.com Wilmington Railroad Museum Train & Light Spectacular Trains, lights, and winter scenes! Walk through and enjoy 20,000 lights on display with 20 operating model railroad units, all decked out for the holidays! Shows run the evenings of December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 from 6:30-8pm. $5 admission. www.wrrm.org
Be Good All Year. Do Gymnastics! Join Anytime! Register Online!
910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com
3529 Carolina Beach Road
Pet Safety During the Holidays We all like to include our four-legged family members in the festive celebrations, but we need to take precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during the holiday season: • Keep holiday plants out of your pet’s reach. Especially, holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies. • Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets. • Tape down or cover cords to prevent the chewing temptation and help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries. Unplug lights when you are not home. • Anchor Christmas trees to the ceiling with a string to keep it from falling on pets. • Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria. Very important: do not put aspirin in the water (some folks do this thinking it will keep the tree or plant more vigorous). If a pet ingests the aspirin-laced water, his health or even life can be at risk. • Keep pets away from gift packages as well as your gift wrapping area. Ingested string, plastic, cloth and even wrapping paper can lead to intestinal blockage and require surgical removal. Source: www.paw-rescue.org
910-795-2511 www.DrEggDental.com Mayfaire Town Center
Little mouths are a big deal.
Accepting New Patients www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 7
Earth-Friendly Giftwrap by Lara Krupicka
T
here’s nothing like the fun of tearing at colorfully wrapped gifts to make a celebration exciting for a kid. The mere sight of a bowbedecked box can elicit shrieks of delight. And no wonder - a study by Daniel Howard of Southern Methodist University found that, due to positive association, recipients automatically feel more favorably about owning a gift when it has been wrapped. Which may also explain why the tradition of disguising gifts is such a long-standing one. Some date it back to 105 AD in China. But for the environmentally conscious, this practice might make you cringe. So how can you beautifully wrap your holiday gifts--and still care for the earth? Try some of the following options:
The Sunday Funnies For years thrifty folks have used full-color Sunday comics pages for wrapping gifts. The large newsprint pages work well for smaller packages, or you can use multiple spreads for a larger box. Save each week’s funnies to build up your wrapping stash. Or simply grab the current Sunday funnies from your recycling bin.
Outdated Maps Did you know that your car’s door pockets and glove box can be sources of giftwrap? Cull any outdated maps and move them to your giftwrap bin. After a road trip, instead of discarding any maps collected, keep them to have on hand for the next celebration. The bright color and larger size pages make for great gift coverings, especially for guys. Or add a decorative touch to any present by cutting maps into strips and winding them around a pencil to create curls. Then tape a group of curls to the top of a wrapped package.
Retail Shopping Bags Ever since Hallmark introduced the first gift bag with handles in 1987, Americans have favored presenting gifts in decorative bags. Instead of buying bags specifically for gifts, why not use the cute shopping bags from retail chains you frequent? American Girl and Vera Bradley’s shoppers with their vibrant glossy colors and braided handles make alternatives as nice (and often stronger) than the “real thing.” Be selective about which shopping bags you recycle and save the best for wrapping gifts. When a gift-giving occasion arises, take a few minutes to cover the company logo or name on the bag with stickers or decorative paper scraps. Add tissue, or for an even greener filler use shredded paper, such as the shiny pages of last month’s magazine. Tie on a tag or add a card, and you’re set.
Empty Altoids Tin Care for a mint? If you have an Altoids lover in your household,
you have on hand the perfect gift card container. Simply wipe out the powdery residue from an empty Altoids tin. Then paint the top and sides with a layer of acrylic craft paint, glue on some cardstock, write your greeting and insert the gift card. For a two-in-one gift, decorate the top with a refrigerator magnet instead - it will stick readily to the metal tin.
Fabric Think outside of the box by using fabric to cover a gift. The Japanese originated the use of a fabric wrap during the Edo period (1608-1868). Furoshiki, as the colorful reusable cloth wrappers are called, began as a means for carrying personal items to the public baths, before being adopted as an all-purpose wrap. Create your own furoshiki out of any available cloth. Wrap a hand towel around bath toys. Buy a bandana in the recipient’s favorite color. If you sew, pull scraps from your fabric bin and secure with a long fabric strip tied in a bow.
Paper Grocery Bags Next time you buy groceries, ask the bagger to use one or two paper bags in place of plastic or your reusable cloth bags. Kraft paper grocery bags can be cut open and turned inside out. Then have your children color a design on it, or stamp images to decorate before taping around a gift.
Treasure Hunt Instead of wrapping your gift, tuck a clue written on paper in a small bow-topped box instead. Create a series of clues, each one hidden in a location prompted by the previous clue. At the final location, hide the gift. This works especially well for large and oddly-shaped gifts that are difficult to wrap or consume large amounts of paper. Keep your eyes open for other alternatives to traditional paper giftwrap. After all, even sheets and rolls of giftwrap originated as an alternative to customary wrappings. In 1917 the Hall Brothers’ stationery store ran out of tissue sheets commonly used for wrapping gifts. As a quick solution, they brought out decorative French envelope lining papers from their manufacturing plant and offered them for 10 cents a sheet. Customers loved them and bought out the supply, both that year and the next. Thus Hallmark started the business of giftwrap, which has expanded now to a nearly $3 billion dollar industry. Have fun trying new earth-friendly methods for packaging your gifts. You may surprise and amuse yourself as much as your recipient. v Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mom of three who keeps plenty of old maps and Altoid tins on hand for gift wrapping.
It’s a Calendar. No, it’s Gift Wrap Accessories If you appreciate artistic recycled gift packaging, tags, and cards, check out the Paper Source Wall Art Calendar. Enjoy twelve months of beautiful calendar spreads. Then when the year ends, flip the pages over and cut out the templates for notecards, pillow boxes, and other gift wrappings. Purchase at your local Paper Source store or online at http://www.papersource.com/.
8 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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Tis the season for
Warm & Washable Wool Elegant yet practical coats for every little girl.
Located in Blue Moon Gift Shop ~ 910.685.6080 MOVING to Mayfaire ~ Spring 2015 Swaddle Blankets, Bibs, Burp Cloths, Toddler Clothing, Kids Clothing, Shoes for Baby & Kids, Coats, Bathing Suits, Baby Shower Gifts, Natural Skincare for Mom and Baby, Mom Accessories, Nursery DĂŠcor, and so Much More! www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 9
| your health
Eye Healthy Recipes By Danielle Villegas
E
ye health is often neglected and its importance underestimated. Millions of people have problems with their vision every year. Some of these problems can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness, while others are common problems that can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Having a comprehensive dilated eye exam and always wearing protective eye wear are important ways you can make sure your family’s eye health is a priority. However, did you also know that what you eat can affect your vision?
Nutrition tips for your eyes: Increase your antioxidant intake. People with low antioxidant levels are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than those with higher levels. Eat your eggs. Egg yolks are also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Enjoy some “see” food. omega-3 fatty acids—particularly DHA—in fish are key components of the nerve cells in the retina. DHA is found in much higher concentrations in the retina than in other parts of the body, thus, a deficiency may trigger AMD. v
Green Mashed Potatoes Especially rich in: lutein/zeaxanthin and vitamin C Also rich in: fiber, potassium
Creamy Orange-Cherry Oatmeal Especially rich in: the omega-3 fat DHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and zinc. Also rich in: iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, fiber
Ingredients: 2 1 /2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 bunch collard greens, washed, stemmed and cut into 1 /2” strips (approximately 8 cups) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 /2 cup fat-free 1 /2 & 1 /2 cream 1 tbs butter salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups DHA-fortified milk or soymilk, such as Horizon milk w/ DHA or 8th Continent Complete soymilk 2/3 cup dried tart cherries 1 cup old fashioned oats 2 tbs orange juice concentrate 1 tbs chopped pecans (optional)
Directions: • Place potatoes in large pot of cold water, bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender, approximately 20 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to pot. • Place collards and garlic in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer and steam covered for 10 minutes or until cooked through, but still bright green, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat. • Add remaining ingredients to potatoes, along with collards. Mash or whip to desired consistency. Add more cream if too thick.
Directions: • In a medium saucepan, heat milk/soymilk and cherries on medium high, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. • When simmering, add oats. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until oats are cooked and liquid is absorbed, approximately 7 minutes. Remove from heat • Add OJ concentrate and stir thoroughly. Pour into bowls and sprinkle with nuts if desired. • Maximize the vitamin C content by adding the OJ at the very end, after cooking. This oatmeal is so sweet, you won’t even need sugar!
10 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Douglas S. Fry, DDS salon & shop for kids
You won’t believe the excitement! Your special birthday girl and her guests will have a celebration with their favorite dolls and enjoy learning to create fun hairstyles while each doll gets pampered and styled with a glamorous party up-do. Among the glitter and giggles, the girls will learn important do’s and dont’s of caring for their dolls’ hair, tips for creating pretty styles and practice creating 3-4 adorable new doll hairstyles. Each guest gets a take-home photo sheet showing the styles learned, and the Birthday Girl gets an exclusive Ribbet birthday gift pack!
(910) 399-4252 • www.RibbetSalon.com • 3610-E S. College Rd.
Dr. Fry and his team wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 2203 Delaney Avenue Wilmington NC www.drfry.dental.com • office@drfrydental.com 910-762-7736
Come Grow with Us!
The Salvation Army distributes more than $125,000 in clothing, furniture and household items help those in need. Help us Theto Salvation Army help others by donating your used clothing distributes more than and furniture.
$125,000 in clothing, To schedule a pick-up please call 762-6611 furniture and house-hold Thank you and God bless ! items to help those in need.
Pax Natura develops school readiness skills, fosters curiosity and fun, and brings focus to: • Nature & Eco-conscious Efforts • Character & Leadership Development • Diversity & Respect for All • Community Involvement
Early Foundations Infant & Toddler Programs • Preschool for 2 & 3 years olds • Kindergarten Prep for 4& 5 year olds • After School Programs
4202 Wilshire Blvd. Wilmington• (910) 791-2080 • www.childcarenetwork.net/159
Help us help others by donating your used clothing and furniture. To schedule a pick-up please call 762-6611
Thank you and God bless! www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 11
Tracking Holiday Traditions By Sara Marchessault
E
very year, my dad looks forward to Christmas because he knows he will get one specific treat – homemade chocolate covered peanut butter balls. We’ve never called them buckeyes and we aren’t from a place that is famous for making them, but they mean “Christmas” to my dad and without them, the holidays just aren’t the same. Every family has traditions like this. Special foods, putting out the old decorations, favorite carols, and even rituals like going to midnight mass or sharing what we’re thankful for are all ground in tradition. There are things that we do that make the holidays feel like the holidays. Each one of those acts in which we participate is special and unique. But where do they come from? Why are they special?
Learn the Story Traditions can become more meaningful when we know the history behind them. Tracking holiday traditions is about recording the stories of the rituals that make the holidays special for you and your family. And the best part? Tracking traditions is a great project to give your kids over winter break. If you have a kid who’s into writing or storytelling, let him take the lead on collecting stories from family members about their holiday memories. How about the sleuth in your family? Let her dig up facts and details from the days of yore and turn her results into a news broadcast. There are three basic ways to accomplish the goal of tradition tracking: audio, video, or good old-fashioned writing. Let your youngster choose his or her tools of the trade.
What do you need? For audio recordings, the required tools are a handheld voice recorder or a voice recording application or software on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. To conduct video interviews, you’ll ideally want a camera with a good
build-in microphone, and a tripod is a good idea too. That way if you have a long-winded great aunt, your videographer won’t get tired arms trying to hold the camera up. Finally, if your tradition tracker prefers to write, maybe a new journal or blank book would be an enticing tool to take notes and capture stories.
Getting Started Once the tools and method of tracking are selected, the real fun begins. You can work with your son or daughter to create a list of potential questions for tradition tracking, or let them give it a shot on their own. A list of questions is good to help people get started talking. The next step is to make a list of the people your child would most like to interview. A list will help keep him or her focused on getting the job done and give them the satisfaction of crossing off one name at a time.
Finished Product Once your youngster has a collection of holiday traditions collected, let him or her decide what to do with them. Will they become files that are stored in a special place on the shared family hard drive? The topic or content of a family home movie? Or perhaps put into a book that can be shared with family members? Not only will you have a record of family traditions and stories that you can treasure, you’ll also get to watch your child connect with other family members, learn about family history, and maybe even gain a new appreciation for the circumstances of their own life. v Sara Marchessault is an author, professor, and coach. She has maintained a personal journal writing practice for 25 years. Many of the journals from her childhood include stories she has collected from family members that she has been able to share with her own children.
Questions to get your interviews started When you sit down with your grandmother or great uncle to talk about what holidays were like when they were kids, it’s smart to have a few questions handy. Thoughtful questions can help keep the conversation going and may even jar a few memories. Here are a few to start with: What was (Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s, etc.) like for you as a child? Describe to me how you celebrated Christmas Eve when you were a kid. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving? What is the one food that you absolutely have to have around the holidays? What was your role in the family around the holidays? Did you prepare food? Help with the dishes? What relatives did you most look forward to seeing? What relatives did you least look forward to seeing? Were the holidays busy and crowded or pretty quiet and low-key? Do you enjoy the holidays more, less, or the same now as you did when you were a child? What was my mom/dad like around the holidays when she/he was a kid?
12 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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Holiday Shopping
GUIDE
Give the Gift of Membership
Surprise your family with a membership to the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Just $75 a year. Enjoy unlimited free admission for a full year at all three North Carolina Aquariums. Family memberships receive free admission for two adults named on the card and their children or grandchildren under the age of 18. As an added bonus members receive free or discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums around the country including the NC Zoo. Call us for details 800-832-FISH (3474) or go online and join today! www.ncaquariums.com/membership
A Membership to the Children’s Museum of Wilmington is the perfect gift for family and friends!
Art Classes Young Artist’s Series Give a child the gift of creativity!
Drawing lessons for ages 6-16. Not only will he/she learn techniques, skills, and study famous artists, the student will develop self-confidence, build self esteem and have fun along the way! I encourage imagination and self expression with a solid foundation of skills. I offer the same for adults! Art classes give a gift of fun, skill building, self confidence and creativity. It is a life long gift! Young Artist’s Series 3803 Wrightsville Ave. #8 Wilmington, NC 910-685-5137 www.youngartistart.com Cafaulkner@hotmail.com
salon & shop for kids
Artterro Art Kits
For the kid who has everything! Art Journals & Art Kits come complete with supplies and ideas to create fun projects and keep them creative for hours. Ribbet Salon & Shop for Kids 3610 South College Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 910-399-4252 Manager@RibbetSalon.com www.RibbetSalon.com
Children (and their grown-ups) will love coming to the Museum again and again for a year of exciting programs, events, and hands-on exhibits. Each membership includes unlimited admission for 2 named adults and all children in the household. Members also enjoy perks such as special event discounts and 10% off birthday parties! Show them how much you care this season with a gift for the whole family to enjoy together time and time again. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is where children play to learn and grownups learn to play! Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange St., Wilmington, NC 28401 910-254-3534 • www.playwilmington.org • kking@playwilmington.org
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 13
Holiday Shopping
Treat your children and family to a Cameron Art Museum membership this holiday season.
GUIDE
The whole family will enjoy discounts at the museum throughout the year on After-School, Summer Camps, Museum School classes and family time at the CAM Café. Stop by the museum shop this season to pick out the best in children’s books, art-related supplies, fun toys and games. Cameron Art Museum 3201 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 910-395-5999 www.cameronartmuseum.org
INSTEAD OF A MATERIAL GIFT, GIVE YOUR CHILD AN EXPERIENCE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!
A Gift from Once Upon A Child is always the Perfect Gift! “Kids Stuff With Previous Experience”™ 4719-J New Centre Drive Wilmington, NC 910-452-9976 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 9-8; Sun. 12-6.
Give your child the best start in life at The Little Gym of Wilmington. We offer creative, physical programs for ages 4 months to 12 years old designed to enhance skill development as well as Serious Fun in a non-competitive environment! All levels of gymnastics, karate, dance, sports skills, seasonal camps, Parents’ Survival Nights, Awesome Birthday Bashes are all part of what we offer and more! Our learning units and 3-D learning approach means kids are strengthening their physical skills, building self-esteem, and learning to love the feeling of achievement. It all adds up to a promise of confidence you can feel confident in for a lifetime! Purchase a $25 gift certificate, and receive $10 free! Expires 12/31/14 The Little Gym of Wilmington 910-799-3771 • www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com
Holiday Train Expo 2014 by the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society
November 28 - December 28 Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 1-6pm Come see our enchanted wonderland of trains! 795 S. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC (Next to Goodwill Store) Children under 3 admitted FREE Children AGES 3-17 $3.00. Adults 18 and up $4.00 More information at: www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org
Childcare Network Wilmington, Leland and Southport
Childcare network is pleased to offer free registration and second week free for all new families. A $200 value. Please visit www.childcarenetwork.com for school locations information on our programs. www.Childcarenetwork.com
Now taking Holiday Gift Orders for Gymnastics Equipment! Come by the gym to order mats, balance beams, and bars for home practice. Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com
14 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
www.wilmingtonparent.com
Natural Skincare Gift Sets for Baby & Mama
Beloved by Babies & Moms, Noodle & Boo and Nectar are luxurious skincare products containing wholesome ingredients that are optimal for sensitive skin. Manufactured in the USA, Noodle & Boo is highly recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists. Products do not contain: Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes, GMO’s, Triclosan, BPA, Essential Oils, Phthalates & Formaldehyde. Gift Set for Baby - Noodle & Boo’s Newborn 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash, Ultimate Ointment & Ultimate Cleansing Cloths. Gift Set for Mama – Nectar’s Elasticity Stretch Mark Oil & Perfecting Stretch Mark Crème. Sold at Lilly Nicole & Co. located in Blue Moon Gift Shop (relocating to Mayfaire in the Spring), 1-800-516-4988. Price - $38.50.
Help a child in need experience the hope and joy of christmas. Simply sponsor an “Angel” from any of The Salvation Army Angel Trees; purchase your gifts and return them before Dec. 14 to ensure that child will have a Merry Christmas. For more information please call 910-443-8513
Holiday Gift Guide
-Personal Training Packages -Y Memberships (no contracts) -Youth Soccer Leagues -Swim Lessons -Weight Loss Programs -Youth Basketball Leagues -Adventure Guides & Y Princess Programs Wilmington Family YMCA 2710 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-251-9622
Give a gift from the Airlie Gardens Gift Shop!
Did you know that you can visit the gift shop at Airlie Gardens year-round without paying garden admission? Stop to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from a unique and beautiful location. Find anything from kids toys, ornaments and stocking stuffers, to garden themed merchandise. You can even give the gift of membership! 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, www.airliegardens.org , or call us at 910-798-7700
Kid to Kid pays 20% more in store credit when you trade in the toys your kids no longer use: Then trade up to our great selection of new toys in any price range!. Kid to Kid 3501 Oleander Drive #12 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-833-8857 • www.kidtokid/wilmington
NC 529 Plan
The NC 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for your child’s or grandchild’s college education. Funds can be used at any eligible college, anywhere in the country. Start saving now at NC529.org. NC 529 Plan 1-866-866-2362 NC529.org
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 15
• P LA N YOUR MO N TH W ITH US
CALENDAR
december | 2014
All Month Long! Cotton Exchange Tours Daily (Year Round). Cotton Exchange, Downtown. Tales of mystery of the Cotton Exchange ghosts. $10/Adults. $8/Students & Seniors. Free/Under age 12. Visit www.TourOldWilmington.blogspot.com or call 409-4300 for information. Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunts Dec. 1-4 at Learning Express Toys, 1437 Military Cutoff Rd. & Dec. 5-8 at Learning Express Toys, 3804 Oleander Dr. Locate the elves hidden throughout the store, write down each elf’s name, and enter to win a $50 gift card to be given away in each store. Call 509-0153 for details. Holiday Window Art Showcase Dec. 1-31. Mayfaire Town Center. Mayfaire merchants have partnered with local schools to bring you a lighted Holiday Window Art Showcase. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, stroll the streets and view the magical lighted holiday window displays, created by Wilmington Students. Island of Lights Dec. 1-31. Nightly at Carolina Beach Lake. Visit Pleasure Island and enjoy an island-wide holiday festival featuring fantastic lighted displays and holiday cheer. www.islandoflights.org
16 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) December 4-7, 11-14 & 18-21, 8pm & 3pm on Sundays. Big Dawg Productions, 613 Castle St. Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told - plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical popculture and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season. Gen Admission $20, Seniors/Military/Students $18, Thursdays $15. Enchanted Airlie Dec. 5 & 6, 11-14, 18-22, Airlie Gardens. One of Wilmington’s most spectacular displays of lights and holiday displays! Tickets can be purchased at www.airliegardens.org Wilmington Railroad Museum Train & Light Spectacular Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 from 6:30-8pm. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Trains, lights, and winter scenes! Walk through and enjoy 20,000 lights on display with 20 operating model railroad units, all decked out for the holidays! $5 admission. www.wrrm.org Holiday Lights Trolley Tour Dec. 12-23, 6pm & 7:30pm. Downtown at Water St. Wilmington Trolley offers a festive 45-minute tour through
the Port City’s best decorated neighborhoods on an authentically reproduced (and heated) trolley, complete with music and narration. www.wilmingtontrolley.com Horsedrawn Tours - Christmas Caroling with Santa and his Special “Reindeer” Dec. 19 - 24. 6pm - 10pm. Water & Market Streets, downtown. Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special “reindeer.” Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights. $12.00 per adult, $5.00 per child under 12. Free candy canes for children. Call 251-8889 with questions. Visit www.horsedrawntours.com for more information. Holiday Train Expo Dec. 1-28 on Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 1-6pm. 795 S. Kerr Ave. Take a tour of an enchanted wonderland of trains! Visit www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org. .
1 Monday Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. Experience a winter wonderland of holiday trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations, plus enjoy musical and theatrical performances. Kids under 5 admitted free. Purchase tickets and learn more at www.capefearfestivaloftrees.org. www.wilmingtonparent.com
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. Grinch Day for Kids 4pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire.Special Storytime featuring the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Coloring and activities to follow. Call 5091880 for details.
2 Tuesday Happy Little Singers 9:45am Tuesdays. Ms. Susan’s Room in The Art Works. Ages 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information. Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. See 12/01. Preschool Storytime at the Museum 10:30am & 3pm, Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. This storytime is geared towards preschoolers to introduce simple stories and songs. Ideal for ages 2-4. Visit www. playwilmington.org for details.
sored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register. Holiday Marketplace 4-8pm. Country Club of Landfall. Vendors will be selling a wide variety of unique and must-have items to fit your every shopping need. Shoppers will be treated to complimentary holiday-inspired appetizers created by Olivier Andreini, CMC - Executive Chef, and a cash bar will be provided. A portion of all sales will support non-profit organizations in our community. Open to the public. Tickets are available at www.LandfallFoundation.org.
3 Wednesday Storytime at the Library 9:30; 10:00; 10:30am Wednesdays. Northeast & Myrtle Grove Library. Lapsit, Toddler, and Preschool storytimes! Stories, songs, and age appropriate activities for each group. Call 798-6303 with questions. Happy Little Singers 9:45am Wednesdays. Ms. Susan’s Room in The Art Works. Ages 4½ to 8 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information.
S.T.E.M. Explorations 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM Kid’s Cooking Club programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is spon- Children will learn about the scientific process while mea-
suring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. See 12/01.
4 Thursday Storytime at the Library 9:30; 10:00; 10:30am Thursdays. Northeast & Myrtle Grove Library. Lapsit, Toddler, and Preschool storytimes! Stories, songs, and age appropriate activities for each group. Call 798-6303 with questions. Happy Little Singers 9:45am Thursdays. Ms. Susan’s Room in The Art Works. Ages 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information. Baby & Toddler Music with Catherine 10am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff location. A free demo class for ages birth to 3. For reservations call 509-0153. StoryCOOKS 10am Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Cooking club for preschoolers. Read a story and create a dish inspired by the book. Sponsored by Harris Teeter. Call 254-3534 to pre-register.
GREAT GIFTS
FOR LESS at 3501 Oleander Dr. in Wilmington Find the best selection of new and used holiday toys, outfits and more at Kid to Kid! Plus, trade in the great stuff your kids have outgrown for cash or 20% more in store credit.
5
$
OFF
Your $30 purchase* *Must present coupon. Not good with other offers. One per family. Expires12/31/14 12/31/13. CPNWP1213B
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 17
Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. See 12/01.
WILMINGTON Christian Academy
Baby & Toddler Music with Catherine 11am. Learning Express, Oleander location. A free demo class. Rhythm, rhyme and fun for babies & toddlers ages birth to 3 and an adult. For reservations call 313-3100.
est. 1969
FAITH INTELLECT CHARACTER
• Bug Kids Room • Rock Climbing Wall • Plasma Cars • Play House • Slide • Dress-up • Toddler Fun • Basketball • Video Games • Birthday Parties • More! We think children are the greatest gift!
Happy Holidays! Hig h S c ho ol • Midd le S c ho ol E le me nt a r y S c ho ol • P re s c ho ol
Call for an “Open House” tour! w i lmingtonchr i s t i a n . com
9 1 0.7 9 1 .4248
1 4 0 1 N. C ol le ge Rd . Wilmington, NC
Like us on facebook
Child Yoga 3:30pm. Children’s Museum. Child Yoga is a fun, interactive way for children of all ages to get moving! Join us for 30 minutes to: perform animal poses, improve flexibility and coordination, and learn relaxation techniques that will help navigate life’s challenges with a bit more ease. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington.org. for more information. Jump! Move! Learn! 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in learning how to keep our bodies healthy and happy. Discover new exercises and games while learning all about the human body. Ideal for ages 5-9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details. Make a Gingerbread House 3:45pm. Northeast Library. Create your own Gingerbread House out of graham crackers and assorted candies. Join us for a fun afternoon and take your creation home to decorate your house. Free, but registration is required: online, by phone or in person. Please register for only one session to allow participation by more people. For ages 5-12. For more information call 798-6303 or visit www.nhclibrary.org for registration.
Specialized dentistry for infants, children adolescents and children with special needs
Greenfield Park Christmas Tree Lighting 6pm. Greenfield Park at the Rotary Wheel. Join the holiday festivities with the lighting of the City of Wilmington’s Christmas tree at the World’s Largest Rotary Wheel in beautiful Greenfield Lake Park! The tree lighting will be followed by a visit from Santa, hot and cold beverages and snacks.
Come meet the caring and compassionate team of Halley White Pediatric Dentistry today!
Ballet for Young Audiences: The Little Mermaid 7pm. Thalian Hall. Enjoy the dynamic talents of New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences with the enchanting adaptation of the iconic fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. This abbreviated version of the classic story of a young mermaid who dreams of a life beyond the sea will keep the whole family entertained with beautiful costumes, talented dancers and exquisite scenery. Visit www.thalianhall.org for ticket information.
For more information:
Growing Grins.com 910-686-1869 Wilmington
910-333-0343 Jacksonville
Macy’s Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus 7pm. Hannah Block Community Arts Center. Yes Virginia, is the perfect way to celebrate the joys of the holiday season. In 1897, one precocious girl named Virginia O’Hanlon was determined to find out if Santa Claus really exists. She boldly asked the question and her letter to The New York Sun prompted one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time, and inspired future generations to believe in the holiday spirit. This magical musical demonstrates the power of believing by
Two Locations: Wilmington: 8115 Market Street, Suite 204 - Jacksonville: 306 Dolphin Drive 18 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
www.wilmingtonparent.com
5 Friday Happy Little Singers 9:45am Thursdays. Ms. Susan’s Room in The Art Works. Ages 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 7778889 for more information. 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. Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. See 12/01. Family Yoga Storytime 10:30am, Fridays. Main Library. Parents & children, newborns and older, will have fun listening to stories while stretching and learning basic yoga postures with Miss Susan. Children must have an adult present. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. No registration required! Call 798-6353 for more details. Music & Movement Storytime 10:30am, Fridays. Northeast Library. Have fun moving with stories and music! Learn basic musical concepts and enjoy exciting and active stories. No pre-registration or equipment needed. Please wear clothing that is comfortable for active play or dance. Appropriate for ages 5 years and younger. Call 798-6322 for more details. Adventures in the Arts 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please preregister. 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. Make a Plate for Santa Cookies 4-5:30pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. $10 fee covers postage and production of a plate from your child’s original artwork. Ages 3+. Call 509-0153 for details. The Holiday Flea at the BAC 3-9pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. A three-day event with a wide array of vintage, retro, and up-cycled treasures! This is not just a market but a holiday staple in our community with Wilmington’s finest food trucks feeding the crowds, the great Grinder’s Cafe coffee shop in the courtyard, and the BAC cash bar serving liquid refreshments! Visit www.brooklynartsnc.com for more information. Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker 4pm & 7pm. Thalian Hall. Enjoy the dynamic talents of New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences with the www.wilmingtonparent.com
classic story of The Nutcracker. Perfect for the whole family, this show will be a narrated 60-minute version that will help get you in the holiday spirit! Visit www. thalianhall.org for ticket information.
Art Classes Young Artist’s Series
The Polar Express Storytime 7pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. The Polar Express will be read, along with some activities. Kids can come in their PJs, too! Call 509-1880 for details.
Katelyn
telling the true story of Virginia and her mission to find out if Santa Claus really does exist. Call 341-7861 for ticket information.
Macy’s Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus 7pm. Hannah Block Community Arts Center. See 12/04.
6 Saturday Moravian Candle Tea 9am-3pm. 4126 S. College Rd. A Wilmington tradition for over 25 years. Highlights include Moravian music, hot spiced tea and Moravian cookies, traditional craft demonstrations, the Moravian Putz (the Nativity story in narration, sight and sound) and an opportunity to buy those famous Moravian treats and crafts. Free admission. Hullabaloo Christmas Celebration 9am-5pm. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Come visit with Santa and Princess Elsa. Featuring a silent auction, raffle, entertainment, kids activities and surprises. $6 admission, proceeds benefit S.H.A.R.E. For more information visit www.sharenc.org or hullabalooplay.com . Christmas Arts & Crafts Show 9am-4pm. Poplar Grove Plantation. Join us Saturday morning for the Trails for Tails 5K, inflatables, animal education and information booths, Bessie’s Cow Pie Bingo, gift and food vendors, Education Area with local Law Enforcement & Rescue Groups, great raffle items, Kids Entertainment Area & Fun Zone, pictures with your favorite barnyard friends and more! Visit www. poplargrove.org for more information. Art and Craft Saturday – Hot Mess Painting 10am Saturdays. Ms. Susan’s Room in The Art Works, 200 Willard St. Children ages 3+ enjoy a weekly Art/ Craft project. $10 per child. Visit www.ms-susansroom.com for weekly events. RSVP required in advance by texting 910-777-8889 or emailing info@ ms-susans-room.com. Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker 10am. Thalian Hall. Enjoy the dynamic talents of New York’s Ballet for Young Audiences with the classic story of The Nutcracker. Perfect for the whole family, this show will be a narrated 60-minute version that will help get you in the holiday spirit! Visit www.thalianhall.org for ticket information. Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Workshop for Kids 10am-12pm. Cameron Art Museum. This fun event is part of the Cape Fear Festival of Trees and is included at no additional charge with festival admission. Nothing is sweeter than a gingerbread boy or girl (or snowman) decorated with glorious, goopy icing. Sweet! Or for the salty side, we have sea creatures
Kids Classes • Adult Classes drawing
• painting
Nationally Recognized, Professional Artist & Art Educator Carolyn Faulkner 3803 Wrightsville Ave #8, Downey Branch Office Park
www.youngartistart.com
Call 910-685-5137
www.capefearfestivaloftrees.org Glittering Holiday Trees, Live Performances, The Art of Gingerbread, Two Incredible Art Exhibitions. All included in admission!
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 19
galore from the gingerbread ocean. Brush some icing on sea turtles or mermaids or create a flashy, splashy shark. Join us under the big top, we’ll provide the cookies and decorations, you provide the creativity! Chef’s hat, apron and take-home boxes also included. The Holiday Flea at the BAC 10am-5pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. See 12/05. Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. See 12/01.
Now Enrolling for the 2015 Winter/Spring Season! Reserve a spot in our Holiday Camps December 22-January 2nd! Book one or two days or all of them!
CALL US AT 910-799-3771!
tlgwilmingtonnc@thelittlegym.com www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403
Make a Plate for Santa Cookies 2-4pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. $10 fee covers postage and production of a plate from your child’s original artwork. Ages 3+. Call 508-0153 for details. 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. Macy’s Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus 3pm & 7pm. Hannah Block Community Arts Center. See 12/04 Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour 4-8pm. Latimer House. Tour the beautiful historic homes of Wilmington decorated for Christmas and holiday cheer. Proceeds benefit the Society’s education, preservation, and museum programs. Call 762-0492 for ticket information. Polar Express Holiday Show 4:30 & 5:30. Wilmington Railroad Museum. In its 11th year of spreading holiday cheer, enjoy the telling of this wonderful holiday classic, followed by a visit from Santa! Afterwards, enjoy cookies, a special “first gift” and sip some cocoa too. Featuring on-air personalities from WWAY-TV3. $5 per person and seating is limited. Prepaid reservation required. Free for children age 2 and under. Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla 6-11pm. Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin. Fishing boats and pleasure crafts electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade of boats will cruise from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. A unique coastal tradition sure to please the hearts of all. Free parking. Visit www.islandoflights.org for more information. Christmas by the Sea 6:30-8:30pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Activities including Santa at the Welcome Center, fire pit with storytelling, hot chocolate at the welcome center, live nativity scene, caroling, holiday themed movies at the gazebo, puppet shows and an arts & crafts area with ornament making activities for kids. Free admission.
7 Sunday Family Fun Day 9am - 5pm. Airlie Gardens. Visit the parks and Arboretum for a full day of family fun. Contact 798-7700 or visit www.airliegardens.org for more information. 20 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
Cape Fear Festival of Trees 10am-7pm. Cameron Art Museum. See 12/01. Christmas Arts & Crafts Show 11am-4pm. Poplar Grove Plantation. Featuring 75+ vendors selling handmade and other specialty gift items, baked goods and local foods. Shop from a wide variety of products that are perfect for gift giving, decorating and holiday festivities. Visit www.poplargrove. org for more information. The Holiday Flea at the BAC 12-5pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. See 12/05. Teen Book Swap 1-3pm. Northeast Library. For the last swap of 2014, let’s talk about the great books we’ve read this year and find some new ones with which to bring in 2015! Residents Free Day - Cape Fear Museum 1 – 5pm. Cape Fear Museum. NHC residents are admitted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. Call 798-4350 or visit www.capefearmuseum. com for information. Candyland Christmas 1-5pm. Children’s Museum. Come visit Santa and Elsa from Frozen, plus enjoy holiday crafts and goodies. Kids will make reindeer food, construct gingerbread cottages, make ornaments and more in the holiday spirit! Admission for children is $12 for members, $15 for non-members. Adults join in the fun for free! Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour 2-6pm. Latimer House. See 12/06. Macy’s Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus 3pm & 7pm. Hannah Block Community Arts Center. See 12/04. Wilmington Holiday Parade 5:40pm. Downtown Wilmington. Join the Parade! Marching bands, floats, entertainers and of course, Santa Claus bring this holiday tradition to all ages. Parade will begin at N. Front and Walnut traveling south on Front to Orange and back north on Water Street. Don’t miss out on the Wilmington holiday cheer!
8 Monday History for the Holidays Book Fair 6-8pm. Northeast Library. Join the library for a book fair of local history authors. Presenters will give 10-minute talks on local history topics. The North Carolina Room will offer a small selection of books for sale. Guests include: Dr.Chris Fonveille, Beverly Tetterton, Susan Taylor Block, Skipper Funderburg, Daniel Ray Norris (SlapDash Publishing), Federal Point Preservation Society Cookbook Committee, Chuck Riesz, and more. Call 798-6305 for details. College for Middle Schoolers Workshop 6:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Parents and students - Join April Morey of College Foundation of North Carolina to learn about planning for college while in middle school. Topics include plans of study, financial aid, and applying to college. Call 798-6391 for details. www.wilmingtonparent.com
9 Tuesday Fort Fisher Holiday Open House 10am-4pm. Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Join us in celebrating the season! Enjoy seasonal refreshments, decorations, and entertainment throughout the day, including musical performances guaranteed to delight! Visit www.friendsoffortfisher.com for details. LEGOS in the Library 3:30pm. Carolina Beach Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day - singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 798-6303 to reserve a spot. Preschool Math and Science Program 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Play, learn, and explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, hands-on science experiments and exploration stations. For children between the ages of 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 798-6365 for required registration.
10 Wednesday Make a Gingerbread House 3:30pm. Main Library. Create your own Gingerbread House out of graham crackers and assorted candies. Join us for a fun afternoon and take your creation home to decorate your house. Free, but registration is required: online, by phone or in person. Please register for only one session to allow participation by more people. For ages 5-12. For more information call 7986303 or visit www.nhclibrary.org for registration. Preschool Math and Science Program 3:30pm. Northeast Library. Play, learn, and explore with your child. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive story times, handson science experiments and exploration stations. For children between the ages of 3-6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 798-6365 for required registration. LEGOS in the Library 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day - singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 798-6303 to reserve a spot. Holiday Pops Concert 7:30-9:30pm. Kenan Auditorium. We’ve made a list and checked it twice; Holiday Pops is oh-so-nice! North Carolina Symphony is coming to town. Hear favorites such as Silver Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Fantasia on Greensleeves, plus our always popular audience sing-along. This concert always sells out, so don’t get left out in the cold and buy your tickets today! Visit www.ncsymphony.org for ticket information.
11 Thursday Children’s Discovery Time: Seasons of the Sea 11am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Come learn all about the different seasons and how the seasons affect the ocean and its animals. Participants will meet some of our live www.wilmingtonparent.com
Childcare Listing Guide Childcare – Preschools Childcare Network 8 convenient locations in Wilmington, Southport and Leland 866-521-KIDS www.childcarenetwork.com Ages 6-weeks to 12-years The Children’s Schoolhouse Montessori 612 South College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-799-1531 www.childrensschoolhouse.net 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, City of Wilmington, North Carolina 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 28403 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. 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 Simply Play Drop-In Childcare 3818 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, Nc 28403 910-791-0022 www.playsimplyplay.com 12 months-12 years, Monday-Thursday 830am-830 pm, Friday-Saturday 830 am-1130pm. Simply Play is an award winning drop-in childcare center created by a Kindergarten teacher to meet the needs of today’s busy families.
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. Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 21
animals, hear a story, and make a fun, seasonal craft. For ages 3 to 5. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. LEGOS in the Library 3:30pm. Main Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day - singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 798-6303 to reserve a spot. Make a Gingerbread House 3:45pm. Northeast Library. Create your own Gingerbread House out of graham crackers and assorted candies. Join us for a fun afternoon and take your creation home to decorate your house. Free, but registration is required: online, by phone or in person. Please register for only one session to allow participation by more people. For ages 5-12. For more information call 798-6303 or visit www.nhclibrary. org for registration.
Photo credit: Jennifer Jiggles
A Christmas Carol 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. A theatrical and spirited version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens; classic tale center stage. A swirling, dancing chorus of ghosts that weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic and hope. Join Thalian Association to celebrate the spirit of Christmas! Call 632-2285 for ticket information.
12 Friday Create a Plushcraft Ornament 4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free for ages 5+ while supplies last. Call 509-0153 for more information. Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show 6:30pm. Downtown Kure Beach. Enjoy Frosty and his penguin friend, Harriet Hippo, The Grinch, Cookie Monster, the dancing bears and more, along with Santa Claus and crazy elves, as they entertain you with song, dance and their zany antics. Dress warm because it always snows at the show!! Visit www.townofkurebeach.org for more information. Snowmen at Night Storytime 7pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Join us for this special Storytime reading of Snowmen at Night. Special activities! Call 509-1880 for details. A Christmas Carol 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. See 12/11.
13 Saturday Jingle Bell Run 9am. Wrightsville Beach. Race participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel (Santa costumes, antlers, snowmen, etc.). Timing will be by Its-Go-Time.com with Colin Hackman. Proceeds benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. Art and Craft Saturday – Snowman Art/Christmas Tree Art 10am Saturdays. Ms. Susan’s Room in The Art Works, 200 Willard St. Children ages 3+ enjoy a weekly Art/Craft project. $10 per child. Visit www.ms-susans-room.com for weekly events. RSVP required in advance by texting 910-777-8889 or emailing info@ms-susans-room.com.
Photo credit: Kimberly L.
Santa Claus Cruise 10am & 1pm. Downtown Wilmington. Cruise aboard the Henrietta III to the North Pole and pick up Santa Claus! Talk to Santa and enjoy some holiday cheer on the Cape Fear River while spreading some cheer yourself! Admission is six non-perishable food items per person (Adults and Children). Call today to reserve your spot! All food collected will go to the Wilmington Salvation Army. Visit www.cfrboats.com for more information. Family Science Saturday: Toy Science 10am-1pm. Cape Fear Museum. Explore toys that spin, balance, and roll to uncover the scientific principles involved in play. Why do tops spin? How does a yo-yo work? 22 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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Build a Lego car and see how fast it will go. Experiment with historic toys, investigate the inventive process, and create your own toy to take home. Free for members or with museum admission. Parental participation is required. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Create a Plushcraft Ornament 3-4pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free for ages 5+ while supplies last. Call 509-0153 for more information. Christmas Stroll Through the Past 4-8pm. Bellamy Mansion. Stroll down Market Street through the past. Celebrate the holidays with a luminary walk, period decorations, music, costumed interpreters, petting zoo, refreshments and more! The St. James Church nave will also be open for visitors during the Stroll, with architectural historian Edward F. Turberg available for questions. Tickets available online and at the Burgwin Wright-House, the Bellamy Mansion www.bellamymansion.org. Island of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes 4-9pm. Carolina Beach. Take a self-guided tour through some of Pleasure Island’s most beautiful homes when they are decorated for the holidays. Enjoy Southern hospitality at its best as the owners welcome you into the privacy of their homes for this special holiday treat. Visit www.islandoflights.org for ticket information.
CAPE FEAR MODEL RAILROAD SOCIETY Presents
Holiday Train Expo 2014 continuing
Wilmington traditions
November 28 - December 28 Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 1-6pm Come see our enchanted wonderland of trains!
• New Polar Express exhibit • Interactive layouts • 6,000 sq. ft. of trains • Trains of all sizes Children under 3 admitted FREE • Children AGES 3-17 $3.00 Adults 18 and up $4.00 Located at 795 S. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC. Next to Goodwill Store More information at: www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org
Movie in the Park: Frozen 4:30pm. Wrightsville Beach Park. Elsa, Anna, Santa, and Ms. Claus will arrive at 4:30, movie starts at 5:15. Bundle up and bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy an evening of family fun, food, and entertainment under the stars. Polar Express Holiday Show 4:30 & 5:30. Wilmington Railroad Museum. In its 11th year of spreading holiday cheer, enjoy the telling of this wonderful holiday classic, followed by a visit from Santa! Afterwards, enjoy cookies, a special “first gift” and sip some cocoa too. Featuring on-air personalities from WWAY-TV3. $5 per person and seating is limited. Prepaid reservation required. Free for children aged 2 and under. Santa by the Sea 5-8pm. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Enjoy holiday crafts, cookie decorating, story time, games and more. Watch as Santa goes diving alongside sharks, eels, and his favorite sea turtle friend, Shelldon, at this exciting holiday event. Visit www.visitkurebeachnc. com for details. Christmas by the Sea 6:30-8:30pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Activities including Santa at the Welcome Center, fire pit with storytelling, hot chocolate at the welcome center, live nativity scene, caroling, holiday themed movies at the gazebo, puppet shows and an arts & crafts area with ornament making activities for kids. Free admission. Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show 6:30pm. Downtown Kure Beach. See 12/12.
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 23
A Christmas Carol 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. See 12/11.
14 Sunday
Photo credit: Olga Avramenko
A Christmas Carol 3pm. Thalian Hall. A theatrical and spirited version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens; classic tale center stage. A swirling, dancing chorus of ghosts that weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic and hope. Join Thalian Association to celebrate the spirit of Christmas! Call 632-2285 for ticket information. Polar Express Holiday Show 4:30 & 5:30. Wilmington Railroad Museum. See 12/13. Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show 6:30pm. Downtown Kure Beach. See 12/12.
15 Monday Photo credit: Bekah Cavenaugh Swain
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.
16 Tuesday - Hanukkah Begins Make a Gingerbread House 3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Create your own Gingerbread House out of graham crackers and assorted candies. Join us for a fun afternoon and take your creation home to decorate your house. Free, but registration is required: online, by phone or in person. Please register for only one session to allow participation by more people. For ages 5-12. For more information call 798-6303 or visit www.nhclibrary. org. for registration. Winter Holiday Crafts 3:30-4:30pm. Northeast Library. Join us for your choice of winter holiday crafts! We will have Chanukah, Christmas, and snow crafts for 4 to 8 years of age to enjoy! Please pre-register as space is limited. Call 798-6373 or visit www.nhclibrary. org to register.
17 Wednesday Make a Gingerbread House 3:30pm. Main Library. Create your own Gingerbread House out of graham crackers and assorted candies. Join us for a fun afternoon and take your creation home to decorate your house. Free, but registration is required: online, by phone or in person. Please register for only one session to allow participation by more people. For ages 5-12. For more information call 798-6303 or visit www. nhclibrary.org for registration.
18 Thursday
Photo credit: Tara Willis
Baby & Toddler Music with Catherine 10am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff location. Gentle music and movement for ages birth to 3 yrs and an adult. $10 fee for each class payable at time of reservation, $5 for siblings. Call 509-0153 to reserve a spot. Baby & Toddler Music with Catherine 11:15am. Learning Express, Oleander location. Rhythm, rhyme and fun for babies & toddlers ages birth to 3 yrs and an adult. $10 fee for each class payable at time of reservation, $5 for siblings. Call 313-3100 for reservations. Holidays in the Woods: A Wintery Wonderland 1:30-3:30pm. Halyburton Park. Discover what’s happening in the woods in prepara24 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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tion for the holidays and colder weather. Join park naturalist on a hike in the Long Leaf to get a sneak peek at the habits of the different critters preparing for a cold winter ahead. We will engage in a nature holiday song and story, and build a really coooool craft. $7. Call 341-0075 to register. Make a Gingerbread House 3:45pm. Northeast Library. Create your own Gingerbread House out of graham crackers and assorted candies. Join us for a fun afternoon and take your creation home to decorate your house. Free, but registration is required: online, by phone or in person. Please register for only one session to allow participation by more people. For ages 5-12. For more information call 798-6303 or visit www.nhclibrary. org for registration. A Christmas Carol 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. See 12/11.
19 Friday Make a Snow Globe 4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free for ages 6+ with a helper. Please call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for a reservation. Photo credit: Sarah H. Nowak
Holiday Storytime: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 7pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Join us for a special holiday storytime featuring Holiday classics such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and The Night Before Christmas. Kids, come in your PJs for stories and fun. Call 509-1880 for details. A Christmas Carol 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. See 12/11.
20 Saturday Nature Holiday Craft Creations 9am-12pm. Halyburton Park. Come on out and join park naturalists in all the nature festivities building different nature crafts such as bird feeders out of a pine cone, and much, much more. Each child will have the chance to create something awesome at each station. All creations are yours to keep. $5. Call 341-0075 to register. Morning Music with Mr. Mark 11am-12pm. Children’s Museum. Family concert with local favorite Mr. Mark! Come early and make jingle bell sticks with Mary Ellen before the show. Visit www. playwilmington.org for details. The Nutcracker Ballet 1pm & 5:30pm. Minnie Evans Art Center. Wilmington Ballet Company has our area’s only full-length, traditional and professional local production of the Nutcracker Ballet. The Wilmington Ballet Company produces an exciting and progressive yet elegantly traditional ballet and is proud to present enchanting characters brought to life by the area’s most talented dancers, professional company dancers as well as special guest artists. Visit www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org for more information. Make a Snow Globe 3-4pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free for ages 6+ with a helper. Please call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for a reservation.
Photo credit: Max K.
Honeyky Hanukkah Storytime 4pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Join us for a Hanukkah Storytime featuring Honeyky Hanukkah by Woody Guthrie. It’s Honeyky Hanukkah time! A fun story celebrating Hanukkah with accompanying CD. Call 509-1880 for details. Polar Express Holiday Show 4:30 & 5:30. Wilmington Railroad Museum. In its 11th year of spreading holiday cheer, enjoy the telling of this wonderful holiday classic, followed by a visit from Santa! Afterwards, enjoy cookies, a special “first gift” and sip some cocoa too. Featuring on-air personalities from WWAY-TV3. $5 per person and seating is limited. Prepaid reservation required. Free for children age 2 and under. www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 25
Christmas by the Sea 6:30-8:30pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Activities including Santa at the Welcome Center, fire pit with storytelling, hot chocolate at the welcome center, live nativity scene, caroling, holiday themed movies at the gazebo, puppet shows and an arts & crafts area with ornament making activities for kids. Free admission. A Christmas Carol 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. See 12/11.
21 Sunday - Winter Solstice A Christmas Carol 3pm. Thalian Hall. A theatrical and spirited version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens; classic tale center stage. A swirling, dancing chorus of ghosts that weave through this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic and hope. Join Thalian Association to celebrate the spirit of Christmas! Call 632-2285 for ticket information. The Nutcracker Ballet 3pm. Minnie Evans Art Center. See 12/20. Polar Express Holiday Show 4:30 & 5:30. Wilmington Railroad Museum. See 12/20.
22 Monday
28 Sunday
Holiday Lights Trolley Tour 6pm & 7:30pm. Downtown at Water St. Wilmington Trolley offers a festive 45-minute tour through the Port City’s best decorated neighborhoods on an authentically reproduced (and heated) trolley, complete with music and narration. www.wilmingtontrolley.com. See additional dates below.
Skyquest Digital Planetarium Shows 1:30; 2:30; 3:30pm. Cape Fear Museum. This is a 30-minute program. Themes will vary and space is limited to 26 participants for each show.
24 Wednesday - Christmas Eve Horsedrawn Tours - Christmas Caroling with Santa and his Special “Reindeer” 6pm - 10pm. Water & Market Streets, downtown. Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa and his special “reindeer.” Snuggle under warm lap blankets while enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights. Visit www.horsedrawntours.com for more information. See additional dates below.
25 Thursday - Christmas Island of Lights Nightly at Carolina Beach Lake. Visit Pleasure Island and enjoy an island-wide holiday festival featuring fantastic lighted displays and holiday cheer. www. islandoflights.org
26 Friday 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.
27 Saturday Create Thank You Notes 2-4pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free for ages 6+ (bring a list of people you want to thank and their addresses). Cards, envelopes and art supplies provided.
30 Tuesday Hair 7:30pm. Thalian Hall. Cape Fear Theatre Arts presents Hair, the classic sixties musical tells the story of a group of idealistic hippies living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War. The score features such hits as Aquarius, I Got Life, Good Morning Starshine, Easy to be Hard as well as the title song.
31 Wednesday - New Year’s Eve New Year’s Noon 10am-12pm. Children’s Museum. Toast to 2015 with a juice toast, make a party crown, streamer sticks, glittery slime and more! The event culminates with an epic confetti toss at NOON in the courtyard! Masquerade at the Mansion 8:30pm. Bellamy Mansion. Historic Bellamy Mansion with a Masquerade themed party! Masquerade Masks required. $20/person includes light hors d’oeuvres, a DJ and dancing and a champagne toast at midnight Tickets available online or at the Bellamy Mansion www.bellamymansion.org. New Year’s Eve Countdown and Fireworks 9pm. Ocean Front Park Kure Beach. Count down to the New Year beach style with fireworks by the sea!
To submit events to the calendar, please email
calendar.wilmingtonparent @gmail.com Deadline for submissions to the January issue is December 9, 2014.
Photo credit: Tara Willis
Photo credit: Sherry Skiles
It’s a Wonderful Life Film Screening 7pm. Thalian Hall. Revel in this world-wide Christmas Classic! Famous director Frank Capra’s iconic holiday film has become a Wilmington holiday tradition and is shown yearly as it was meant to be seen--on the big screen. This timeless tale has been digitally re-mastered and brings back old memories while creating new ones for children and grandchildren alike when viewed in majestic Thalian Hall. Admission $10. Visit www.thalianhall.org for more information.
23 Tuesday
Photo credit: Olga Avramenko
Santa by the Sea 5-8pm. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Enjoy holiday crafts, cookie decorating, story time, games and more. Watch as Santa goes diving alongside sharks, eels, and his favorite sea turtle friend, Shelldon, at this exciting holiday event. Visit www.visitkurebeachnc.com for details.
26 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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A, B, C, D…Easy! Teaching Toddlers How To Help Others By Ruth Hanley
T
he holidays are a time when we focus on reflecting the love and care in our own life, by caring for others. Teach your toddler about the joy of giving with simple, fun ideas that let him be a part of making the choices. Making a tradition to help others each year will leave a lasting impression on their lives. You’ll also be making habits that can turn into bigger service projects when they get older.
demanding job, a cookie and a bright young face can brighten your day and keep you going. Your toddler can help you create simple treats to give to others. Deliver the creations to an elderly neighbor, a friend, a relative who has had an operation, or to your local fire fighters! Let your child know that her time with the recipient was as important as the gift, and that she helped someone today by being a friend.
A is for Animal Shelters
D is for Letter Delivery
Your toddler can help the pets in animal shelters by donating food, pet toys, and even old baby blankets. Help her choose the items to donate the next time you are at the grocery store together. Look at the pet toys with her and describe how a pet would play with each one. Include an old baby blanket with your donation to provide the pet a soft place to rest. Make an appointment with the shelter and let your child give the donation to the person in charge. When you call ahead, see if your appointment is at a time when your child can see the animals as well!
Your child can create holiday cards for elderly nursing home residents or neighbors. The card can celebrate a holiday, or say “Thinking of You”. Let him draw with crayons, markers, pastels, or paint on a folded piece of paper. Call ahead to your local nursing home and see if you and your toddler can deliver the card to the residents or take a walk to your neighbor’s house and deliver your card. Let your child know that his card will help them to have a happy day.
B is for Baby Food
As the holidays approach, charitable giving displays pop up everywhere to buy presents for families in need. Let your child help find presents for these families. If she gets upset because she wants the present you picked out, let her know that she can put the same gift on her list of holiday or birthday presents. Tell her that the gift that you are buying will be given to a child who doesn’t have as many toys as she does and describe how happy that child will be to get it. Let her be the one to hand the gift to the person in charge or put it into the bin. v
Did you know that baby food is one of the lowest inventories in your local food bank? Let your child pick some out to donate and help replenish it! Read the labels on the jars of baby food to your toddler and let him have fun picking out flavors he thinks the babies would like. It will make him feel like a big kid to care for someone smaller than himself. Drive your donation to a nearby food bank or find out if your local grocery store has a food bank bin in the store. Let your little one put the food into the bin himself.
C Is For Cookie Delivery When you are recovering from an ailment, feeling lonely, or working at a
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E is for Empathy
Ruth Hanley is a parent of two girls, and has facilitated parenting groups for many years. She is always amazed at how much a bright little face can make a huge difference in this world.
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 27
| fit family
Give the Gift of Healthy Snacks 1. Healthy Surprise. Filled with all natural, gluten-free, and (mostly) vegan treats. www.healthysurprise.com 2. JackedPack. Sample different sports nutrition supplements with the promise to strengthen up. From recovery drinks to protein-packed brownies. Part of the proceeds goes to Vitamin Angels, a charity that supplies undernourished children with essential vitamins and minerals. www.jackedpack.com 3. KlutchClub. This all-around box includes workouts (like a yoga DVD!), apparel, skin products, and nutritious treats. www.klutchclub.com 4. Love with Food. Eight or more curated, gourmet bites that are hard to find outside this box (sweet chipotle almonds, for one!). The best part? Buy a box, and Love with Food will donate a meal to food banks around the country. www.lovewithfood.com 5. Pairings Box. Offering a sampling of unique food and music, subscribers receive a 7-inch vinyl single, a mixed tape, and up to two local, fresh ingredients for an opportunity to plug in while cookin’ out. www.turntablekitchen.com 6. PaleoPax. The paleo diet may be tricky for some to follow at home, not to mention when on the go. (Gas station snacks aren’t all cave-man friendly.) Luckily, PaleoPax delivers snacks from the professional cavemen to our door. From coconut oil to kelp noodles, eating paleo has never been easier. http://member.ly/paleopax-tasting-box Source: www.greatist.com
Holiday Heart Attacks The holidays should be a joyous time spent with family. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when many people are vulnerable to heart attacks. Doctors have long known that December and January are peak months for heart trouble for many reasons—some of them avoidable. Remember these tips: Easy on the Alcohol - Knocking back too many drinks can raise blood pressure in the long term and trigger atrial fibrillation—an irregular heartbeat that can cause weakness, dizziness, and chest pain. Beware of Cold Weather - Cold weather can constrict blood vessels and trigger the release of hormones, which may increase the risk of heart attack. Don’t Overeat - The two-hour period after a heavy meal is risky. Diverting blood from the heart to aid digestion may also spur angina, or heart-related chest pain. Overeating can be a heart-attack trigger, much in the same way that extreme physical activities and severe anger episodes. Acid Reflux? Maybe Not. - The brain can mix up the pain signals from chest and stomach. When in doubt, see a doctor. Source: www.health.com
Staying Active in Cold Weather The advantages of physical activity are too great to be put on hold when the weather is bad. It may take a little creativity, but don’t hibernate during the cold months! Find other ways for your family to keep moving. Walk the mall - This is a good idea for moms with strollers, and it’s a warm way for you to get a couple of fast laps in during inclement weather. Indoor activity center - Wilmington has a few places specifically geared toward kids that include bouncing on inflatables and other indoor play opportunities. I even hear there may be an indoor trampoline center coming to town. Time for the adults to pull out that inner child! Embrace the cold - We get enough hot days to enjoy, why not enjoy some of that fresh cold air? If the weather isn’t cooperating, head down to the ice rink for some cold fun! Pull out those video games - You know the ones. The dance and sport games you bought for the purpose of having fun and staying fit. They probably haven’t been used in a long time, but guess what? They really are fun, and they can be a great indoor family activity!
28 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 29
Cookie Exchange Alternatives
By Danielle Villegas
I
love a cookie exchange almost as much as I enjoy opening gifts on Christmas morning! However, after I’ve tried every variety of sugary, sprinkled goodness I can get my hands on, I feel the calorie guilt settle into my sugar buzzed brain. How about this year we mix it up a bit? Here are two alternative ideas that are full of festive fun that won’t leave you with a sugar hangover.
Bazaar Exchange This is a quirky and fun way to clean out your closet, obtain new treasures, and maybe even start a new tradition without spending a dime. 1 – Invite your friends for a “bazaar exchange” instead of a traditional cookie exchange. Serve holiday beverages, but keep snacks light. This makes planning easier and focuses the party on the gifts, rather than food. 2 – The rules are simple. Clean out your closet and bring anything you find. No gift is too “good” or too “bad.” Surprisingly popular items include; partially used perfume, old candles, purses, dishes, art work, children’s toys, books, make-up samples, and even coupons. 3 – Award a prize for the craziest donation. This just makes it fun and gives people permission to bring odd items. 4 - Attendees get to take home as many treasures as they bring. No need to be firm on this rule, most people take home less than they bring, but it does incentivize them to bring lots of treasures. 5 – Donate any leftover, appropriate, items to charity. Many local organization, like the Salvation Army, can pass along these “treasures” to the next person.
30 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
You can make this event kid-friendly as well. Set up a separate area for children to let them make selections as well. This helps during the holidays as there is no need to hire a babysitter and the kids see an immediate reward for parting with a few toys.
Soup Exchange Inspired by soup’s versatility (and it’s easy-to-freeze nature), why not share the love of soup with your friends this winter — and to help them stock their freezers — by hosting your own soup exchange party? Some things to consider: Don’t over-invite. Remember that each guest will have to make at least one container of soup per guest, plus one to sample from. Therefore, hosting 19 people might be a bit too much to ask; limit your list to about 10 people. Make the rules clear. When you send out the invitations, include the rules so that everyone knows what’s going to happen. Ask for a list. When RSVP’ing, ask each guest to indicate what kind of soup they are making. Then you can avoid any duplicates. Sealable quart containers work best. This will keep portions consistent and easy to transport. Make sure each one is labeled with what kind of soup it is. Round out the meal. Serve warm and crusty bread while everyone is sampling and open some bottles of wine to complete the meal. v
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Summer Camp Fair 2015
Saturday, March 7, 2015, 10am-3pm Westfield Independence Mall Contact your Acct Exec or our office: 910-343-1226
7th Annual
Education Fair
Saturday, January 10, 2015, 10:00am-3:00pm NEW LOCATION: Independence Mall
Wilmington Parent’s Education Fair provides parents all the educational options they need to make decisions about their child’s education from preschool to high school. www.wilmingtonparent.com
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 31
| school notes
School’s Out! New Hanover County: Traditional Schools: 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays Year Round Schools: 12/19 - Half day for students 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays CFCI Charter School: 12/19 - No School, Teacher Workday 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays IBEC: 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays WEC: 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays Brunswick: Traditional Schools: 12/19 - Half day for students 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays Brunswick Early College: 12/19 - Half day for students 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays
Cape Fear Academy Thespians Receive Top Honors at NCTC High School Play Festival Congratulations to the CFA Theatre Department who won the Distinguished Play Award at the NCTC High School Play Festival in Charlotte this weekend. This honor advances the cast and crew of both “The Actor’s Nightmare” and “Asylum” to State Competition at Greensboro College. Other awards for CFA thespians were: Excellence is Ensemble Acting - Asylum (Eric Kanzinger, Zach Tomosunas, Micah McDaniel, Samantha Melin, Clare Glenn, Lily Zukerman, Wilker Ballantine and Camryn Kellogg) Excellence in Costume Design - Asylum (Shephard Sullivan) and The Actor’s Nightmare (Kelly Butler) Theatre Arts Award: Excellence in Scenic Construction - Asylum and The Actor’s Nightmare (TJ Carter, Fisher Yeargan, Camille Bourne and Eric Kanzinger - Independent Study in Technical Theatre) Theatre Arts Award: Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design and Technical Implementation - Asylum (TJ Carter) Excellence in Acting (Female) - Grace Murtha (The Actor’s Nightmare) Outstanding Achievement in Acting (Female) - Lea Jaffe (The Actor’s Nightmare) Excellence in Directing - Ms. Jennifer Avery Distinguished Play Award - “Asylum”
Pender: Traditional Schools: 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays Penderlea: 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays Pender Early College: 12/12 - CFCC classes end 12/22-1/2 - No School, Holidays Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information.
Instructional Resources for Parents You want to help your children succeed in school, but how do you even begin to help them with their homework? The best way to help, is to first see what they can accomplish on their own. When you are sure they have made the best effort possible, and now require your assistance, visit www.nhcs.net/resources for excellent links and ideas for grades K-12! On this site you will find: • The Daily Five for Literacy • Daily Three for Math • The Science Spot • Online textbook links and log on information • Mental math practice • Roadmaps for parents to support their children • A multitude of activities, quizlets, and websites!
Mole Day at WAAS At Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences, the middle school Chemistry classes celebrated Mole Day on Thursday, October 23 from 6:02 am to 6:02 pm. This unique celebration pays tribute to one of the most important (and dreaded) chemistry topics ... Avogadro’s number and the mole unit of measurement. Mole day commemorates Avogadro’s number (6.02 x 10^23), which is a basic measuring unit in Chemistry. Mole Day was created as a way to foster interest in Chemistry. Schools throughout the U.S. and around the world celebrate Mole Day with various activities related to chemistry and/or moles. WAAS students celebrated with moley food (le-mole-ade, guaca-mole, pie-a-la-mole, and ani-mole crackers), mole games (pin the tail on the mole), mole jokes and take a Mole Day pledge. They also had a Mole Day t-shirt design contest and their most popular event, Human Whack-A-Mole, where the teachers were the moles. Science teacher Lisa Giacomelli said, “The students have worked so hard this year conquering Chemistry. We took a day to celebrate and make science fun! I’m sure they won’t remember all the Chemistry they will learn this year, but I’m sure Mole Day will be one they remember!”
32 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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Thinking Outside the (Toy) Box A Different Approach to Gifting By Alyssa Chirco
T
he holiday season’s hottest toys have hit the shelves, and children around the world are eagerly adding these coveted items to their holiday wish lists. But how many new toys do our children actually need? If you are tired of spending your hard-earned money on presents that get played with briefly and then tossed aside, keep in mind that toys are not the only type of gift that parents can place beneath the Christmas tree. When doing your holiday shopping this year, try thinking outside the proverbial toy box. You will discover many creative, non-toy gift ideas sure to surprise and delight children of all ages.
A Membership. When you invest in season passes or annual memberships, your kids get to visit the places they love all year long. Choose from favorite local destinations like zoos, wildlife centers, amusement parks, water parks and children’s museums.
time a new issue arrives in the mail or becomes available for download.
Lessons. From weekly dance or karate lessons to a special parent-child cooking class, kids love the opportunity to learn new things. Wrap up an item they can use for their lessons – perhaps a new leotard for dance or a personalized apron for cooking – to place under the tree.
A Coupon Book. Why not turn the tables on those handmade coupon books that kids love to give as gifts? Design a book of your own featuring coupons your children will be excited to redeem. Possible coupon ideas include: • A “Get Out of Chores Free” pass • An ice cream date with Mom or Dad • A “Technology Ticket” for extra time using an electronic device • A chance to stay up 30 minutes past bedtime
mall, why not give a gift certificate or voucher for an experience or activity your child would enjoy? Consider options like bowling, ice skating, horseback riding or indoor rock climbing. Or fill a bucket with tokens from a nearby arcade and promise to visit over the holiday break from school.
A Gift that Gives Back. Make a donation to the World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org and you can adopt an animal in your child’s name. Or buy a new pair of TOMS shoes as a Christmas gift and a second pair will automatically be donated to a child in need. When you give a gift that gives back, you also give your children one of the best gifts of all: a reminder that Christmas is about far more than just the presents – toys or not – beneath the tree. v
A Subscription. Popular children’s magazines like Highlights and Cricket help build literacy skills – and they also encourage kids to read for fun. Give your child one copy for Christmas, and then watch his eyes light up each
Alyssa Chirco is a freelance parenting journalist and mother of two. Every year, she buys her children fewer and fewer toys as Christmas gifts.
An Experience. Instead of buying a gift card to yet another store at the
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Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 33
| peanut gallery
Jae-Alaia W. 12/28• 1yo
Kalish C. 11/05• 9yo
Lydia H. 12/3• 5yo
Lacy B. 12/1• 5yo
Max H. 12/18• 7yo
Andrew C. 12/28• 4yo
Zoe T. 12/14• 5yo
Ny’Asia L. 12/26• 4yo
Emalee Marie R 12/25• 1yo
Landon R. 12/5• 1yo
Braelynn J. 12/13• 3yo
Elizabeth-Ann T. 12/15• 7yo
Jonathan F. 12/17• 12yo
Brayden & Bailey Y. 12/23• 3yo
Valen Stone P. 12/28• 2yo
Does your child or grandchild have a birthday iN January? Honor them by having their photo published in Wilmington Parent. Here's how: e-mail image (size not to exceed 1mb) to birthday@wilmingtonparent.com. Deadline for publication: 12/12. We have a limited number of spots, so if you sent your child’s picture and do not see it this issue, please check back next month! 34 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
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Fowler's Funflatables LLC 910-297-5214 or 910- 231-7470 fowlersfunflatables@aol.com Choose from 30 units!
No Sleeves Magic
910-200-5300 www.nosleevesmagic.com Voted Wilmington’s Best Party Entertainer since 2006! If you want to give your child one of the craziest and most FUNnominal Parties they will EVER have, then take a RUN on the Wacky-Side with No Sleeves Magic! We provide an adrenaline rush of Magic mixed with comedy that is great for the whole family. So....sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh, because No Sleeves Magic will make your event an unforgettable success! To find out which package is best for you, contact one of our PARTYOLOGISTS, or visit our website. We have different themes to suit your event, and we even offer magic Party-Grams and summer magic camp programs.
Fowler's Funflatables, Family Fun For All Ages
BIRTHDAY PARTIES at GREENLANDS FARM
668 Midway Road, Bolivia, NC 28422 T 910.253.7934 F 910.253.9386 email: info@greenlandsfarmstore.info • www.greenlandsfarmstore.info Book your party with us! Have a bucket full of fun petting the animals, ride a pony, devour a custom made cake, a platter full of cupcakes, or lick up some hand-dipped ice cream, all while enjoying a “down on the farm” experience. BUILD YOUR PARTY! Rent the Farm (1.75 hrs) and choose to add on any of the following:Farm Goodies! · Cupcake or Sheet Cake per slice (chocolate or vanilla, made with organic flour, plates and plastic utensils provided) or ice cream scoop (hormone and antibiotic free) · Specialty Cupcake or Cake per slice (made with organic flour, plates and plastic utensils provided): Inquire at Farmstore · Juice box/drink/water · Organic Popcorn
BIRTHDAY BRACELET PARTIES AT GEMS4U
21 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 T 910.742.5938 email: gemsbymary@aol.com www.gemsbymary.com Laughter and fun for your child! Relaxed atmosphere for you! That’s what you get at your child’s Birthday Bracelet Party with GEMS4U! Mary Sedcieski, Owner of GEMS4U, will host your party and help the children make beautiful beaded bracelets. Children will love what they’ve created! Many colors and beads available. Great for building self-esteem, hand-eye coordination and social skills. We can even organize your child’s party with pizza, drinks and cupcakes. Call GEMS4U now for more information and to schedule your party in our brand new, bright and cheerful Event Room.
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Looking for party planning ideas? Check out our party planning guide at wilmingtonparent.com for party places, eats and treats, bounce houses, entertainers, gifts and more! Go to www.wilmingtonparent.com/guides/party-planning
Mini Monets Birthdays
Greater Wilmington Area 910-399-1708 www.minimonetsart.com www.facebook.com/minimonets Does your artistic child have a birthday coming up? Why not celebrate with an art project designed by your child! Art projects range from drawing or painting on canvas or a clay sculpture. Mini Monets will come to your party, bring all the supplies and materials, and the party guests get to keep what they make! Children 2 - 12 years old enjoy projects and the cost starts at $10 per child. Please call or email for more details. I look forward to celebrating with you soon.
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 35
Happy Family Friendly New Year! By Michelle Shirk
A
s the parent of one or more young children, you may be anticipating a New Year’s Eve that is less sequins and champagne and more mini hot dogs and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Fortunately, celebrating this traditionally decadent night in a family friendly way can be just as much fun for grown-ups as for kids. If you’re willing to push back bedtime at least a little bit, those extra hours can provide a great opportunity to enjoy a creative family activity while making memories that will last for years to come. Consider using one of the sixideas below to help your family ring in 2015 in style.
1.
Create something together.
Take a break from your usual movie night and tackle a more adventurous project as a family. If your children are young, collaborate on a giant butcher paper mural or use wooden blocks to recreate your home and street. Older kids may be ready to take on a 500-piece puzzle or an elaborate LEGO construction project. Your family will end the night with a sense of accomplishment plus some great photos of your creation.
2.
Reminisce about the old year.
Given the current popularity of digital cameras, camera phones and online photo sharing, many parents have gotten out of the habit of regularly printing photos, let alone displaying them in neatly labeled albums. New Year’s Eve is a perfect time to cycle through the digital photos you’ve stored on your laptop over the past year. Talk about the memories associated with your pictures, then ask each family member to select their five or ten favorites. You can spend New Year’s Day arranging the chosen pictures in a customized photo book to print and enjoy.
3.
Create a family “must do” list for the coming year.
How can your family make 2015 your best year yet? Maybe you really want to take the kids ice-skating for the first time this January. Or, perhaps your daughter’s life won’t be complete unless your family attends the town’s annual Easter egg hunt in March. Decide as a family which events and activities are most important for the months ahead and commit to them in writing. Then,
36 | December 2014 | Wilmington Parent
immediately schedule upcoming activities on the family calendar to make sure they don’t get lost in the shuffle of daily life.
4.
Dress for Dinner.
Regardless of whether you’ll be leaving the house, encourage family members to don their snazziest attire to say goodbye to 2014. Even take-out pizza eaten off of paper plates feels special when you’re dressed to the nines! Pick up some New Year’s Eve party hats, leis and other accessories at www.orientaltrading.com to complete the look.
5.
Stretch your celebration.
It’s midnight somewhere! Check out www.timeanddate.com to see where. Per the site’s handy New Year Countdown, Melbourne will celebrate the arrival of 2015 at 8:00 a.m., Tokyo at 10:00 a.m., and London at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. If one round of “Happy New Year!” isn’t enough for your family, enjoy a quick celebration every hour on the hour! Or, focus on celebrating with the countries you feel personally connected to due to your family history or past travel adventures.
6.
Enjoy your own private “ball drop.”
Whether or not you plan to stay up to watch the big Times Square Ball Drop, kids will have a blast recreating this tradition in your home. A racquetball or tennis ball can be manually “dropped” down a length of string while family members count down from 60. As an added bonus, decorating the chosen ball with sequins, glitter, feathers, or paint will make a great art project for your kids during the days leading up to New Year’s Eve! Choose one of these activities, add some tasty snacks and festive music, and enjoy a fun and memorable night with your family. Happy New Year to you and yours! v Michelle Shirk is an attorney, freelance writer and proud mother of one. She writes about family, travel and seasonal events for parenting publications across the United States.
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Saving for my college education yet? The earlier you start, the better. Not only because early and regular saving makes even small amounts add up, but because it shows me you see college in my future. Open an NC 529 Plan college savings account today to get started! • No enrollment fees or sales charges to open an account • Earnings free from federal and North Carolina income taxes when used for qualified higher education expenses* • Use to pay for virtually any college, anywhere in the country • Investment options from the State Treasurer of North Carolina, State Employees’ Credit Union, and Vanguard* • Low asset and administrative fees
To invest in your child’s future today, visit NC529.org or call 800.600.3453
NC529.org © 2014 College Foundation, Inc.
expenses is subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.(NCUA) or any governmental or private person, except that contributions and interest allocated to the Federally-Insured Deposit Account Investment Option are guaranteed by SECU and insured by NCUA.
Before opening an NC 529 account, or contributing funds to an existing account, you should carefully read the Program Description, which includes information on investment objectives, risks, and expenses, as well as important tax information. The Program Description can be downloaded from NC529.org. * The features of a qualified tuition program are complex and involve significant tax issues. The earnings portion of a withdrawal not used for qualified higher education www.wilmingtonparent.com
**
Vanguard is a registered trademark of The Vanguard Group, Inc.
Wilmington Parent | December 2014 | 37
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