Wilmington Parent February 2015 by Seaside Media

February 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ FREE

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Our 17th Year of Serving New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender County Families!

Party Guide Eco-Friendly Birthday Parties i Hiring a Party Entertainer Unique Gifts for First Birthday i Party Resource Listings Volunteer For Valentines i No Fear Parenting The financial abundance always flowing in to this magazine!

WI LMI NGTON Christian Academy est. 1969

Open House Dates: Sunday February 1 2:00-4:00 pm Thursday February 12 5:30-7:00 pm

Hig h S c ho ol • Midd le S c ho ol • E le mentary School • Preschool

wilmingtonchristian.com | 9 1 0.7 9 1 . 4 2 4 8 1401 N. College Rd. Wi l m i ng t on , NC

Friday February 27 9:00 am-noon

Free to

explore learn excel

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Challenged to

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

11/1/13 1:22 PM

We’ve crossed the river so you don’t have to! We’ve opened a second office in Leland! Come see all our dentists at both locations.

Leland 1003 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 1A Leland, NC 28451 910-794-2266

Wilmington 3505 Converse Drive, Suite 175 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-794-2266

Dimock,Weinberg & Cherry C O A S TA L C A R O L I N A P E D IAT R I C D E N T I S T RY www.ccpedo.com www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 1

High Quality Child Care That Will Last Your Child A Life Time We are now offering a Morning Program 5 days a week

Reduce, Reuse,

Recycle

Now recycle me at the park! • Infant & Toddler Program - Safe, nurturing & Loving environment • 2 to 4 year old Preschool Classes - Preparing your child for kindergarten • 2 to 4 year old Morning Program - 8:30 - 12:30pm Monday - Friday • School Age - After School & Summer Camp • We are an official 4-H club. Located off 23rd St. w/ easy access from MLK or Market St

Find new recycling containers at Halyburton Nature Park

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

NORTH CAROLINA

Posh Whale Sale Spring Upscale Consignment Clothing Sale Selling Posh New Items for your sweet little ones...

March 11th - 14th

Elks Lodge - 5102 Oleander Dr Consign and Shop with us!

Find More Details at

www.poshwhalesale.com 2 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

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N W E

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Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 3

Photo credit: Thea Gregory

| in this issue

Publisher/Editor in Chief Keith Jaworski 910 343-1226

E-Mail: seasidemedia1@gmail.com

Features Editor Danielle Villegas 910 343-1226

Have a cute photo you’d like to share?

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Submit your photo for consideration seasidemedia1@gmail.com March Theme - St. Paddy’s Day. Deadline for Submissions 02/12.

Design/Layout Department: Yulia Zarubina - Brill 910 343-1226

E-Mail: ads@wilmingtonparent.com

February 2015 SPecial Section:

Party Guide pg. 20-26 20 Eco-Friendly Birthday Parties 22 Hiring a Party Entertainer 23 Unique Gifts for First Birthday 24 Party Resource Listings 09 18

Show your Community Some Love: Volunteer No Fear Parenting

Customer Service 910 343-1226

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PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 or E-Mail: seasidemedia1@gmail.com

Editor’s Note

Childcare Listing guide

short stuff

school notes

Wilmington Parent is published 12 times a year. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication's standards. All contents of Wilmington Parent are protected under copyright. Reproduction of any content requires permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

growing up online

fit family

Wilmington Parent • PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

your health

Peanut Gallery

Calendar

Party Pages

cover credits

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© Wilmington Parent 2015 Seaside Media, LLC Complimentary copies of Wilmington Parent are available to the public at various locations in the greater Wilmington area. One copy per family is permitted. Additional copies require the written permission of the Publisher. Subscription rates for home delivery are $24 for one year. Please recycle this magazine

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| editor’s note

Wilmington's Oldest Montessori School

The Children's Schoolhouse

e’ve gone directly from being tempted by every tree and Santa shaped candy, to not being able to escape the lure of heart shaped sugar. Must be February! During this month of love, Annie Anthony at the Cape Fear Volunteer Center could use some help! Annie has many volunteer opportunities available, and what better way to teach your family how to show their love, by giving back to the community! Our traveling, adventure mommy is back with more advice and encouragement for Wilmington parents on pg. 18. Crystal Blue Mascaro is still out traveling with her little River girl. The blond duo is currently on a tiny piece of land in the Marshall Islands, in the middle of the blue Pacific. Crystal encourages us all to show our kids the ultimate love, by joining the revolution of No-Fear Parenting. February is also Wilmington Parent’s Party Guide issue. Starting on pg. 20, you can find many new resources for your next celebration! Also, if you’re planning to upgrade your party this year with live entertainment, there are a few tips on pg. 22 that will help you find the perfect entertainer. Coming in March...the highly anticipated 12th Annual Summer Camp Fair! Keep an eye on our Facebook page, and www. wilmingtonparent.com for updated information. This is always an exciting event for the whole family! Hope to see you there!

Now Enrolling for 2015-16 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 February is Children's Dental Health Month! So remember to Brush, Floss and Drink Water!

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

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Danielle

surf our website www.catchasmile.net

Proudly serving the children of Wilmington since 1997. www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 5

short stuff

Free Digital Magazines for Children With Flipster

Shirts From the Heart

Children with New Hanover County Public Library (NHCPL) cards can now go online to read Ranger Rick, Cricket, Boys’ Life, Ladybug, Click, and Ask! Arts and Sciences for Kids. These popular educational magazines for children are available electronically through a library subscription to Flipster™ from EBSCO Information Services.

Meet Emma Brown, an 8 year old Carolina Beach Elementary School student. Emma comes from a military family and has spent much of her little life traveling all over the United States. Throughout her travels, she has seen many different types of poverty and ever since her mom could remember, she has always wanted to help people. Emma finally decided she wanted to take action! For the past few months, Emma has started collecting T-shirts from friends and family members to give to people in need. Emma’s mom Tiffany explained to her that their family would donate the clothing to Goodwill who would then turn around and sell those clothes. Although this seemed like a good cause, Emma truly wanted to help people who could not even afford to buy the clothes from a thrift store.

Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine service that allows subscribers to browse the latest issues of high quality digital versions of popular magazines. Magazines can be downloaded to iPads or iPad Minis via a native app for offline reading anytime anywhere, and can be read in Internet browsers on other brands of computers and devices. Contact the Main Library Reference Desk at 910-798-6301 or visit www.nhclibrary.org and click on ‘eResources’ to learn more about accessing digital content through the Library’s subscription to Flipster and other companies. To learn more about Flipster, visit http://flipster.ebsco.com.

The solution? Little Emma started her own organization called Shirts From the Heart. Emma collects T-shirts and, with the help of her mom, delivers these shirts to children in group homes all around the state. Currently, Emma is accepting adult and youth sized shirts and plans to make deliveries to homeless shelters while still continuing her deliveries to children’s organizations. Her goal one day is to personally deliver her shirts to Africa and Mexico. Anyone who would like to learn more about Shirts From the Heart can visit her Facebook page!

Call to schedule a tour

(910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St ENTER TO WIN A FREE WEEK OF MAGIC CAMP!

Summer Camp Fair

Saturday, March 7, 2015 10am - 3pm Independence Mall

6 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

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

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Fashion Design Contest for Teens Teenagers with creativity and fashion sense are challenged to design an outfit using discarded library books for New Hanover County Public Library’s Fashion Design Contest. Young people ages 13 to 18 are eligible to enter, individually or in teams of two. Prizes will be awarded to the top three designs, and the first place winner will receive two tickets to NCSU’s College of Design Art 2 Wear show. In order to participate in the contest and be eligible to win a prize, entrants must attend all of the following four meetings: • 6:00 pm on Feb 3 at Myrtle Grove Library: to sign up for the contest, pick up the design packet, and review the contest rules and guidelines • 6:00 pm on Feb 10 at Myrtle Grove Library: to submit runway bio and runway song • 6:00 pm on Feb 17 at Northeast Regional Library: dress rehearsal— practice walking down the runway and striking a pose • 6:00 pm on Feb 24 at Northeast Regional Library: fashion show—model your design for a live audience and celebrity judges. If working in a team, only one member may model. Outfits will be judged on: • Use of library book. How well is the book or books integrated into the outfit? • How original, unique, and fashionable is the outfit? • Can the outfit be worn without falling apart? Is it comfortable? • How well is the outfit put together? • How well is the outfit presented on the runway?

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

Little mouths are a big deal.

For more information about the Fashion Design Contest for Teens please contact Myrtle Grove Youth Services Librarian Scooter Hayes at shayes@ nhcgov.com or 910-798-6393.

Accepting New Patients

The Longer you wait... the deeper they sink Heart Pops Make your own valentines for kids to take to school and pass out to all their friends! What you’ll need: • felt • glue • googly eyes • scissors • craft cord • lollipops What you’ll do: Assist your child in cutting out matching heart shapes — about two to three inches tall — from colored felt — instead of the having the heart meet in a V at the bottom, create a little fan of fabric. Make a face on half of the felt hearts using googly eyes, and nose and mouth cut from extra felt pieces. Once dry, match up a decorated heart with a plain one. Place a lollipop between the two felt pieces and thread the craft cord through the hearts so the ends meet at the bottom with a few inches left on each side to tie a bow. Source: www.sheknows.com

K-12th Grade 6:1 Student/Teacher Ratio Individualized Instruction ADD, ADHD, Autism & Dyslexia Affordable, Quality Education Tours by appointment Monday-Thursday

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4714 College Acres Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 PointInstituteWilmington.org • (910) 540-9100 www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 7

| growing up online

| By Carolyn Jabs

Making the Most of Infographics

ou can’t miss them online. Infographics are those mash-ups of facts and ideas with illustrations and design. Educators and journalists use them to make complicated stories memorable and easier to understand. Marketers and lobbyists use them to persuade and motivate. If books were the meat and potatoes that nourished a previous generation of learners, infographics are the lite bites that can substitute for dinner only if they are very carefully chosen. Colorful and concise, the best infographics graphics provide almost instant insight into challenging topics. By condensing and organizing data, they draw young people into new material so they remember it more easily and think about it more deeply. As attention spans shrink, it’s seductive to think students can communicate and learn in quick, bright bursts of information. Unfortunately, all infographics are not equal. Although they can clarify, some are confusing or even misleading. And any infographic is only as good as the facts on which it is based’ For parents and educators, this is a new frontier in literacy. Young learners will benefit when they can find reliable infographics that help them quickly grasp new material. Some will also discover that making infographics extracts the tedium out of homework such as reports, science projects and even basic note-taking. All kids will need some adult guidance about how to extract meaning from infographics without being hopelessly distracted. Here are some suggestions:

Recognizing Good Information When You See It Some of the best educational infographics come from news sources such as the New York Times, the Washington Post and USA Today. Liking these organizations on Facebook will infuse a teenager’s timeline with interesting, fact-based maps, graphs and charts. Many of the largest collections of infographics aren’t suitable for children because they accept uncurated submissions, so kids may encounter material that’s of dubious accuracy or intended for adults. Parents can safely point teens toward coolinographics.com, a blog that presents and critiques a new infographic each week. A word cloud makes it possible to search the archive and zero in on topics of interest. Educational infographics, suitable for elementary age children, have by collected by k12inc on a Pinterest board (http://www.pinterest.com/k12inc/educational-infographics/). Regardless of where they are found, infographics are only as good as the information they include, so encourage your kids to ask the same critical questions they should be asking about other materials they find online. Who is the source? Infographics come from media companies, educators, marketers, bloggers, political organizations, health providers and lobbyists. Encourage your child to do the detective work to figure out who made the infographic. If the source isn’t clear, the information is suspect. What is the purpose? Sometimes infographics are simply about presenting complicated data in an interesting way. Often, however, the person or organization behind the infographic has an agenda. Talk to your child

8 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

about how some people—researchers, reporters, teachers—are trying to get to the facts about a subject. Others pick and choose their facts so that they can persuade people or sell them something. In other cases, infographics are simply meant to be entertaining, so their content shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Where did they get their information? A good infographic, especially one about a controversial topic, will include the equivalent of footnotes. Point out to your child that someone who is confident enough to cite sources is at least trying to present objective information.

DIY Infographics as a Learning Tool Making an infographic can be a very effective way for a child to think deeply about new material and how it could be organized. Word clouds and concept maps help kids find connections between ideas. Charts make it easy to do compare and contrast studies. Different kinds of graphs can help kids make sense of data. And timelines help kids get a grip on the sequence of historical events. Happily, there are many free tools for creating infographics, and many of them are kid-friendly. Innovative teachers are already making use of some of these programs in the classroom, but you may also want to explore them with your child at home. Create.ly – No need to register to use the free tools on this website. In addition to templates, the site offers open-ended options that are ideal for creating timelines and diagramming ideas by identifying key concepts and clustering facts around them. Easel.ly – This website makes it very easy for students to create eyecatching posters. The intuitive interface gives kids access to templates, illustrations and tools that will help them clean interface, templates and illustrations. Infogr.am – The free version on this website requires registration but then students have access to 30 easy-to-use templates for charts, graphs and other ways of presenting data. Piktochart.com – Designed for business, the free version of this site offers a wide variety of templates that will help students construct charts, graphs, maps and other infographics. Textisbeautiful.net – This fascinating tool allows students to find patterns in a piece of writing by uploading text and then creating graphics that show how often different words are used. If you—or your kids—develop a passion for infographics, check out the learning blogs sponsored by the New York Times. (http://learning.blogs. nytimes.com). Typing “infographics” into the search engine will bring up lesson plans from educators who are thinking hard about how to help young people master the skills they’ll need to become competent consumers of information in all its many forms. v Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Show your Community Some Love: Volunteer By Danielle Villegas

ebruary is considered the season of love, but what does that mean? Romantic love is usually what we see advertised. How about showing your family how to express another type of love - love for community and humankind. Annie Anthony, with the Cape Fear Volunteer Center, matches volunteers with events and organizations all year long. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to contact CFVC to find out about their ever-changing list of opportunities! Annie wants everyone to know, “We are the home of all National Days of Service, like Global Youth Service Day, 9/11 Day of Service, National Make a difference Day, and National Volunteer Week. We also have a Youth Leadership Committee, and Kids Care Clubs.” Volunteer opportunities are available with kids, seniors, animals, technology, graphic arts and more. Annie also says, “We assist with mentors for at risk youth, senior projects, and foster children aging out of the system - and we offer internships in many fields.” Below are some current needs around the community. Show your children how selfless, giving love is even more important than hearts, candy and flowers this Valentines Day. Go to www.capefearvolunteercenter.org to fill out a volunteer registration form or contact Annie Anthony at cfvcdirector@gmail.com or 392-8180.

Teen Court Dinner Seeking volunteers for the agency Teen Court. Teen Court meets on the first Monday of the month. They need help from 5:00- 6:00 p.m., serving pizza and drinks to students in the courthouse. The kids are great! This event started on November 3rd and ends May 26th, 2015. A minimum of 1 volunteer and a maximum of 3 volunteers are needed with no required skills. They will be serving approximately 50 students at the New Hanover County Courthouse.

Envelope Fundraiser We are asking people to donate to the Big Buddy Program through the 200 Envelope Fundraiser. 200 Envelopes marked 1 -200 are available at the Cape Fear Volunteer Center located at 214 Walnut Street, for donations to be made from $1 - $200, based on which envelope you choose. All proceeds go toward the Big Buddy Program.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

NHC Downtown Library Children’s Department Seeking a volunteer to help with shelving in the Children’s Department at the downtown NHC LIbrary. The Library needs a dependable person (or persons) to help keep our books shelved and in order so families can find what they are looking for. This job involves a lot of bending and squatting while shelving. We prefer a six-month commitment with a weekly schedule but this is negotiable. Training is provided. This is a longterm commitment with 2 or 3 different days and times.

Bread for Life Drivers Volunteer drivers needed who will pick up Panera Bread donations on Monday at 10pm and also volunteers to pick up Chipotle donations in the morning hours. A minimum of 2 volunteers are needed and a maximum of 6 volunteers.

Battleship Restoration Volunteers This is a battleship restoration project. Opportunities to work on restoration projects in the Battleship NC. Various areas to work available according to your interest. Materials and supervision supplied, can work in groups or individually with very flexible time schedule.

All 4 Cats Volunteers Seeking volunteers for the agency All 4 Cats. They need an adoption counselor. Volunteers will receive training to participate in adoption events at local sites such as Petco, Petsupermarket, etc. They will talk with the public and help with transport of cats/kittens to events, set-up and interview potential cat adopters. This is a long term commitment. Adoption counselors work in teams of two or three and are needed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Phoenix Employment Ministry Child-care Workers In addition to employability training, Phoenix Employment Ministry offers working adults to participate in the “Life Skills Program”. Life Skills will take place each Wednesday from 5:30pm-8:00pm until April 22. PEM offers childcare for participants who are parents. PEM is seeking several volunteer groups to serve 1-2 Wednesdays per month as childcare workers. We anticipate approximately 25 children (ages 3 months - 12 years) during Life Skills, and would like to recruit 12-15 volunteers per week. v

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 9

| your health

Essential Oils for Health By Danielle Villegas

f you have a health concern, there is probably a medication out there that will claim the ability to cure - if you don’t mind a few side effects. Often those “minor” side effects can end up being worse than the initial diagnosis. With many people wanting to find alternatives that actually work, essential oils have stepped into the spotlight. Personally, I have seen displays at various markets all over town and paused to look at them with interest...then moved on. Essential oil use seems intriguing, but after a few minutes of perusing the choices, I feel overwhelmed. It looks so complicated with all the different types and possible uses. Since I’m sure this confusion is not limited to my own experience, I decided it was time ask a few experts.

Holly Zacchino, a Yoga instructor at Be Unlimited Yoga and Young Living essential oil enthusiast, says that she became convinced of the the oils benefits when she first used them on her son. Holly’s son had chronic ear infections from the time he was 9 months old and was in the doctor’s office every other month for 2 years. They tried antibiotics, oral and injections, and nothing helped. The ear infections always came back. Finally the doctor said he would need to have tubes put in his ears. Holly wanted to find some way to avoid this surgery, so she looked up essential oil uses for ear infections. She tried Immunepro essential oil on a cotton ball around the outside of the ear. His ear infections cleared up in less than a week and did not return.

Jamie Getz, a Wellness Advocate and doTERRA consultant with East Coast Oils, says “Our team researches extensively and educates all who wish to try the essential oils. There is a science to using oils and we help to make them less intimidating and super family friendly.” Jamie has worked in adolescent and child psychiatry and at one time ran a private family counseling practice before she began teaching undergraduate psychology. Jamie explains that many of her teammates use the oils and, in their experience, they have had much success combating symptoms that come with attention deficiencies, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, mood changes, and other neurological issues common for parents and children.

Holly explained to me that essential oils are the lifeblood of the plant and keep the plant healthy. The structure of oils is similar to blood, and your cells recognize that structure and are able to work with the oils. In short, they work and that’s why people are using them. In response to my concern about the overwhelming choices, she says, “Beginner kits are a good place to start with the 7 most common oils and a diffuser. These come with an easy to understand user guide. When you have these available in your home for everyday uses, you begin to use it more and retrain yourself to grab oils instead of other medications.”

Jamie and her team understand the complex nature of essential oils and realize how confusing it can all be in the beginning. Jamie says, “We have a mood matrix diagram to help us decide which oils may be most effective to increase motivation, decrease distractions, energize the senses, or soothe disparity. This is what we are all about, helping people understand and safely use essential oils.” Dr. Gregory Woodfill D.O. of Wilmington Health is also a part of East Coast Oils. Dr. Woodfill says he believes that more people are interested in essential oils secondary to the rising rates of conditions such as autism and ADHD as well as other conditions with no known etiology. The ability to avoid the high costs of health care and to be in control of their families health in a safe and natural manner. “The population is driving a change for preventative medicine, essential oils being part of this, along with healthy diet and exercise, that will improve our country’s health care,” says Dr. Woodfill.

10 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

Be sure to check with a healthcare professional to rule out a more serious health condition, and before using essential oils as a treatment. It is also important to take the time to get educated about the different essential oils, their chemistry, safety, and proper applications. An essential oils class with an experienced instructor is where most people should begin.

Classes East Coast Oils, doTerra International Monthly classes offered at 17st, AR Hullabaloo in Hampstead, and at Hot Mess Studios in Hampstead. Visit www.eastcoastoilsathome.com for more information about times and locations, or email Jaime at www. eastcoastathome@gmail.com. Young Living Weekly Saturday classes at noon, Be Unlimited Yoga - 5725 Oleander Dr. Suite B10. 30 minutes of gentle yoga, 30 minutes oil workshop with different themes every week. $5 v

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Specialized dentistry for infants, children adolescents and children with special needs Come meet the caring and compassionate team of Halley White Pediatric Dentistry today! For more information:

Growing Grins.com 910-686-1869 Wilmington

910-333-0343 Jacksonville

Two Locations: Wilmington: 8115 Market Street, Suite 204 - Jacksonville: 306 Dolphin Drive

Come Grow with Us!

East Coast Oils at Home and On the Go is dedicated to education about the safe and effective use of essential oils in your home and for your family Contact us today for additional information, a schedule of upcoming events, and to order doTERRA Certified Pure Therapuetic Grade Oils!

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

www.eastcoastoilsathome.com https://www.facebook.com/ eastcoastoilsathome www.eastcoastathome@gmail.com www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 11

• PLA N YOUR MO N TH WITH US

CALENDAR

February | 2015 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. Gems4U Bracelet Making Daily. 12-5pm. 21 N. Front St. Downtown. Come to our Beading Buffet! Making jewelry is FUN and Mary Sedcieski, Owner of GEMS4U, will help you make your special bracelet. $15 per child or adult. Walk-ins are always welcome. Great family time and we provide everything you need. So many beads to choose from! Call 742-5938 for information or directions. Visit us at www.gemsbymary.com. Downtown Wilmington Trolley Tour Downtown at Water St. Wilmington Trolley offers a tour through the Port City on an authentically reproduced trolley. Tour highlights include: museums, beautiful mansions, birthplaces of famous natives, TV & movie locations, fine dining ideas, shopping, history and more! www.wilmingtontrolley.com. Romantic Valentine Carriage Ride Water & Market Streets, downtown. Treat your sweetheart to a moonlight carriage ride for two. Surprise him or her with a red rose, a box of chocolates, and your private French evening coach for a romantic tour of downtown Wilmington! Nightly from February 8-15, private reservation required. Call 251-8889 with questions. Visit www. horsedrawntours.com for more information.

1 Sunday Family Fun Day 9am - 5pm. Airlie Gardens. Visit the parks and Arboretum for a full day of family fun. Contact 798-7700 or visit www.airliegardens.org for more information. Residents Free Day - Cape Fear Museum 1 – 5pm. Cape Fear Museum. NHC residents are admitted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. Call 798-4350 or visit www.capefearmuseum. com for information.

2 Monday Groundhog Day Family Storytime 10:30am, Mondays. Carolina Beach Library. All ages are invited to storytime for approximately 30 minutes of stories, fingerplays, and other pre-literacy enhancing activities. No registration is required, but all children should bring an adult chaperone. Call 798-6303 for details.

12 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

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. Mom to Mom at Downtown Library 1-2pm. Downtown Library. Moms, bring baby to the library and discuss all things baby related with other moms. Parenting books and guest speakers will be available to help answer questions. During this hour it’s okay to: be late, nurse/feed baby, change diapers, and cry (baby or mom). Scheduled speaker: Rachael Birkenhauer, CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor). No registration required. Contact Librarian (and new mom) Susan DeMarco at 798-6353 for more details. Scavenger Hunt 3:30pm. Tmuffin. Kids get to search for different items around the playspace. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for more information. Inspired: Award Winning Picture Book Art 3:30-4:30pm. Northeast Library. Be inspired by the art of Caldecott medal winning picture books to create your own art! Listen to picture book stories and create your own art. Be inspired by some of the winners or create your own unique artwork. Call 798-6373 for details. Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 4:45-5:30pm, Mondays. Kings Grant Area. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 3991708 for more information.

3 Tuesday Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Tuesdays. Main Library. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details. Happy Little Singers 9:45am, Tuesdays. Hannah Block USO/ Community Arts Center. Music and Movement program for children 6 mos to 6 years. Sing, Dance, Instruments, Creative Play with your child. Drop ins welcome, $10 per family. Please call or text in advance 777-8889. French for Tots 10am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff location. Get

ready to sing, dance, and speak French with native teacher Miss Marie. A bientot! Ages 6 months-5 years. Call 509-0153 for reservations. Obstacle Course 11am. Tmuffin. Kids will have a blast making it through an obstacle course that parents help put together using items in the playspace. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. Exercise Time 1:30pm. Tmuffin. This one’s for parents, but kids can join along. Work your way through a workout routine that we write on the board, or we’ll put on a workout video to get you sweating. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. Kid’s Cooking Club 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register.

4 Wednesday Storytime and Music & Movement at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Wednesdays. Myrtle Grove Library. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details. S.T.E.M. Explorations 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 4:15-5pm, Wednesdays. Carolina Beach Rec Center. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 399-1708 for more information.

5 Thursday Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Wednesdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast Library. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are

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StoryCOOKS 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes. Music for Babies & Toddlers with Catherine 10am, Learning Express, Oleander location; 11am, Military Cutoff location. A free demo class. Rhythm, rhyme and fun for babies and toddlers ages newborn-3 and an adult. For reservations call 313-3100. Sensory Time 10:30am. Tmuffin. Every week, we’ll pull out a different sensory item–like water, rice, and sand–for kids to explore. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. Exercise Time 1:30pm. Tmuffin. This one’s for parents, but kids can join along. Work your way through a workout routine that we write on the board, or we’ll put on a workout video to get you sweating. Free with admission/membership. Call 3675722 for details. Child Yoga 3:30pm. Get moving the first Thursday of every month in Child Yoga. This month’s theme is “OMazing Love.” Visit www. playwilmington.org for details. 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. 35th Annual Jazz Festival 7:30pm. Hilton Riverside. One of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast. Thursday night features 3 hours of different styles of jazz which will open with The Benny Hill Quartet. Friday and Saturday nights, our All-Star musicians perform in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader. These concerts will be 4-1/2 hours of beautiful jazz by the most talented musicians. To see a full list of musicians and activities please visit www.ncjazzfestival.com.

6 Friday Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 10-10:45am, Fridays. TMuffin. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart. com or call 399-1708 for more information. 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 2543534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Family Yoga Storytime 10:30am, Fridays. Main Library. Parents & children, newborns and older, will have fun listening to stories while 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. Story Book Drama 10:30am. Tmuffin. Music and movement combine with a

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story to get kids up and moving creatively. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. 10th Annual Red Dress Project Luncheon 11am. Wilmington Convention Center. Each year, nearly half a million women die from cardiovascular disease. The Red Dress Luncheon proceeds are used to provide free heart disease education to help women identify risk factors so they can be proactive in their health. This year’s event will feature our special vendor shops as well as local celebrity, Fanny Slater, winner of the Rachel Ray cookbook contest. Fanny will speak to the luncheon attendees about her experience on the show and her new cookbook coming out next fall! Visit www.nhrmc.org/RedDress to register for this event.

Art Classes Young Artist’s Series Katelyn

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

Adventures in the Arts 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including but not limited to painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www. playwilmington.org for details. Meet Curious George 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Meet Curious George and we’ll read Curious George stories. Call 509-1880 for details. 35th Annual Jazz Festival 7:30pm. Hilton Riverside. See 02/05.

7 Saturday Community Yard Sale 8am-12noon. Silver Lake Baptist Church. Rent your space for $15. Bring your own table and canopy. A limited number of tables are available to members. For more information & to reserve your space contact: Larry Batson 619-5888 or ehobbs403@yahoo.com. Disney Performance Auditions 4-5pm, 7-12 yrs old; 5-6pm, 13-adult. Wilmington Ballet Company. Any youth actor, dancer, musician, acrobat, cheerleader, juggler, or alternative performing talent is invited to audition. The show will be a medley of live music, varied styles of dance, acrobatics, and drama – all performed with professional lighting on a Disney stage. Visit www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org for more information about rehearsal times and costs. I Love Snow! 10am-2pm. Main Library. Please join us for a morning of excitement as your children visit our frozen wonderland while exploring the financial literacy concepts of making choices and learning about value. Drop in anytime to enjoy these activities: 10:00-12:00 Watch ©Walt Disney Pictures, Frozen; 10:00- 2:00 Learn through play with snow; 11:001:00 Savings Jar Activity with Princess Elsa & Princess Anna; 12:30- 1:00 Storytime. No registration for this FREE event. Contact Susan for more details: sdemarco@nhcgov.com. Supported by PNC Grow Up Great.

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

Disney Youth Performance

Perform at Disney World on Spring Break Dancers, Actors, Singers, Acrobats, Musicians

Ready Rabbit Gets Ready 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Ready Rabbit Gets Ready! Join us for fun and see if he is able to get ready for school in time. Call 509-1880 for details. Young Living Yoga & Essential Oils Class 12pm, Saturdays. Be Unlimited Yoga, 5725 Oleander Dr. Suite B10. 30 minutes of gentle yoga, 30 minutes oil workshop with different themes every week. $5. Cape Fear Mix and Mingle 7-10pm. Tmuffin. A Mom’s Night Out and kid-free shopping experience. Free to attend, drinks and appetizers, and prizes! Visit capefearmixandmingle.com for more information. 35th Annual Jazz Festival 7:30pm. Hilton Riverside. See 02/05.

more info:

www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org

910-794-9590

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 13

Bachfest 8pm. Kenan Auditorium. Enjoy this beautiful composition of J.S. Bach! The Wilmington Symphony will offer a generous selection of the master’s orchestral and choral music for your entertainment. Visit www.wilmingtonsymphony.org for ticket information.

Natures Valentines 10-11am. Halyburton Park. See 02/09. Obstacle Course 11am. Tmuffin. Kids will have a blast making it through an obstacle course that parents help put together using items in the playspace. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details.

8 Sunday

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.

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.

American Girl Club 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Discover the 2015 Girl of the Year, Grace Thomas. She’s a girl with a mind for business who loves to bake! Call 509-1880.

Autism Friendly Day at the Aquarium 10am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Programs tailored especially for individuals who live with autism spectrum disorder. A calmspace to help provide comfort, relaxation or a break will be available to families and their children. The Aquarium hosts Autism Friendly Day with the assistance of the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program to better serve the needs and interests of children and adults living with autism.

11 Wednesday

35th Annual Jazz Festival 10:30am-2pm. Hilton Riverside. See 02/05.

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.

9 Monday

12 Thursday

Natures Valentines 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 for more information.

Music for Babies & Toddlers with Catherine 10am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff location. Gentle music and movement with babies and toddlers ages newborn to 3 yr and an adult. $10 fee per child, $5 for sibling. Payable at time of reservation. Call 509-0153 to reserve a spot. Children’s Discovery Time: Friendships Under the Sea 11am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. In honor of Valentine’s Day, learn about how some animals live together and help each other survive in the ocean. Meet some live invertebrates and make a fun craft. Ages 3-5. Members-$5; Non-Members-$14.

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.

10 Tuesday

13 Friday

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

A Big Red Dog for Valentine’s 4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff location. Come give Clifford a big hug for Valentine’s Day! Bring your camera and get pictures. Call 313-3100 for details.

Hugs and Fishes Valentine’s Day Lock-In 6pm-9am the next morning. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Wish you could plan a romantic evening with your special someone? Not sure what to do with the kids? Here’s your solution. Ages 5-12 are invited for a sleepover with the fishes! They will play games, make crafts and enjoy animal programs with our qualified and trained staff. What’s not to love? Dinner, snacks and breakfast will be provided. Pre-Registration is required. Visit ncaquariums.com for ticket information. 3rd Annual Pizza Putt 6:30-9:30pm. Children’s Museum. The perfect date night with your Valentine! Enjoy beer, pizza, putt-putt and a night of “cheesy” fun. Admission is $20 per person or $30 per pair. Must be 21 or older. Stay thirsty, my friends! Family Storytime 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Bring the family for a special reading of Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool. Call 509-1880 for details.

14 Saturday Valentine’s Day Animal Sweethearts 9:30-10:30am. Halyburton Park. Join us as we discover the many animal sweethearts of the woods as we hike the trails of the park. Discover the many antics critters do to attract each other in an ever challenging world. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. $1/Participant. Call 341-0075 for details. A Big Red Dog for Valentine’s 10-11am. Learning Express, Oleander location. Come give Clifford a big hug for Valentine’s Day! Bring your camera and get pictures. Call 313-3100 for details. Family Science Saturday: Wonders of Light 10am-1pm. Cape Fear Museum. Why is the sky blue? What makes a rainbow? Discover the colors of light and see what happens when you mix them. Conduct fun mirror experiments and learn how light travels. Explore the mysteries of light and color and even make an object disappear! 10am: PreK; 11am & 12pm: Ages 5-14. Parental participation is required. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. 22nd Annual Intercultural Festival 10am-2pm. Burney Center. A celebration highlighting cultures and countries represented in Wilmington and at UNCW. Food, dance, music, performances and exhibits showcase the rich cultural diversity of our community and beyond. Don’t miss the fun! Free parking in lots M and N. Visit www.uncw. edu for a complete schedule and more information. I Love You Just Like This 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for a Valentine’s Day Storytime and activities. There are many ways to say, “I love you,” and Elmo and his Sesame Street friends are ready to tell you. Call 509-1880 for details.

14 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

Photo credit: Max K.

Photo credit: Jennifer P.

Photo credit: Karen Enger

Valentines in the Woods

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Photo credit: Stella McTaggart

1:30-3pm. Halyburton Park. Changes in seasons bring about changes in animal behavior of the forest. Nature’s sweethearts find each other in pursuit of love. Join a naturalist on a hike as we trek through the forest looking for signs of nature’s love birds. Then show off your artistic skills by building a nature’s valentines craft. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 for more information. Hugs and Fishes Valentine’s Day Lock-In 6pm-9am the next morning. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Wish you could plan a romantic evening with your special someone? Not sure what to do with the kids? Here’s your solution. Ages 5-12 are invited for a sleepover with the fishes! They will play games, make crafts and enjoy animal programs with our qualified and trained staff. What’s not to love? Dinner, snacks and breakfast will be provided. Pre-Registration is required. Visit ncaquariums.com for ticket information.

15 Sunday 8th Annual Monty’s Home Pet Expo 11am. Coastline Convention Center. Features more than 50 pet related vendors showcasing a massive variety of pet goods and services, a silent auction, a Kid’s Korner with games, door prizes, and free goodie bags. Proceeds benefit Monty’s Home dog rescue and the Pawsitive Partners Prison Program. Admission $5. Kids under 12 get in free. Tea Ceremony with Mrs. Mitsuyo Ito 3pm. Cameron Art Museum. At the Tea Ceremony with Mrs. Mitsuyo Ito demonstrates and discusses the importance of the tea ceremony in Japanese life and culture. Seating is limited to 30. Visit www.cameronartmuseum. org for ticket information.

16 Monday President’s Day 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.

17 Tuesday

18 Wednesday Chinese New Year Celebration 3:45-4:45pm. Northeast Library. Join us to celebrate Chinese New Year--the year of the sheep with stories and crafts. Must register to attend by calling 798-6373 or online www.nhclibrary.org. Free for ages 5-11.

19 Thursday Sensory Time 10:30am. Tmuffin. Every week, we’ll pull out a different sensory item–like water, rice, and sand–for kids to explore. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. Exercise Time 1:30pm. Tmuffin. This one’s for parents, but kids can join along. Work your way through a workout routine that we write on the board, or we’ll put on a workout video to get you sweating. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. LEGOS in the Library 3:30pm. Northeast 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.

Magic Tree House Club 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Join us as we talk about Mummies in the Morning. Crafts and activities will follow. Call 509-1880 for details.

Scavenger Hunt 3:30pm. Tmuffin. Kids get to search for different items around the playspace. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for more information.

Story Book Drama 10:30am. Tmuffin. Music and movement combine with a story to get kids up and moving creatively. Free with admission/ membership. Call 367-5722 for details.

French for Tots 10am. Learning Express, Oleander location. Get ready to sing, dance, and speak French with native teacher Miss Marie. A bientot! Ages 6 months-5 years. Call 509-0153 for reservations.

ACS Wilmington Spring Home Show 11am-8pm. Wilmington Convention Center. An event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Each event includes hundreds of home improvement and landscaping exhibits with product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. Free admission. Visit www.acshomeshow.com for more information.

Exercise Time 1:30pm. Tmuffin. This one’s for parents, but kids can join along. Work your way through a workout routine that we write on the board, or we’ll put on a workout video to get you sweating. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. Masked Mardi Gras Party 7-11pm. Bellamy Mansion. Join the Bellamy Mansion on Fat Tuesday to help kick-off the Mardi Gras season! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres provided by Tasteful Creations, a photo booth, live New Orleans style jazz music a cash bar serving beer and wine and a taste of a specialty cocktail made just for the night. Complimentary cab rides will also be available by The British Taxi Company. Visit www.bellamymansion.org for ticket information.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

20 Friday

Family Storytime 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Bring the family for a special reading of The Secret Life of Squirrels. Call 509-1880 for details. School House Rock LIVE! 7pm. Hannah Block USO Building. Based on the Emmy® Award-winning Saturday morning animated educational cartoon series and pop culture phenomenon which aired on ABC-TV from the 1970’s -1980’s. Schoolhouse Rock Live! JR. follows Tom, a nerve-wracked schoolteacher who is anxious

about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through such songs as “Just A Bill,” “Three is a Magic Number,” and “Conjunction Junction.” Visit www.thalian.org for ticket information.

21 Saturday UNCW MarineQuest Marine Explorers: Rubber Ducky, You’re the One! 9am-12pm. Center for Marine Science. Celebrate Valentine’s day at MarineQuest as we discover how lovable rubber duckies are helping scientist learn about the ocean gyres and plastic marine debris. Ages 7-10, Visit www.uncw. edu/marinequest/explorers to register. ACS Wilmington Spring Home Show 10am-8pm. Wilmington Convention Center. See 02/20. Morning Music with Mark 11am-12pm. Children’s Museum. Family concert with local favorite Mr. Mark! Come early to make jingle bell sticks with Mary Ellen before the show. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information. Click, Clack, Peep! 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Click, Clack, Peep! From the award-winning creator of Click, Clack, Moo comes an adorable story of a cute little duckling that won’t quiet down! Call 509-1880 for details. 11th Annual Polar Plunge 5K Run & 1 Mile Fun Walk 11am. Kure Beach. Run for a cause or take a chilly plunge to support Special Olympics NHC. Live music, art, food, Chinese auction, costume contest, classic car show and more. Visit its-go-time.com/polar-plunge-5k-2015 to register. The Purple Carpet 2015 11am-2pm. Port City Community Church. A free event for children with life threatening diseases and their families. Hosted by a small group of high schoolers from PCCC. To RSVP send an email to thepurplecarpetevent@gmail.com with your last name, name of guest of honor, number of attendees, and any dietary needs. Art For All 5 3-9pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. Come celebrate Wilmington’s community of local, original artists with 50 -plus of the region’s finest presenting their work in the magnificent BAC church and courtyard. Event will feature a marketplace of local and original artwork, raffle, courtyard vendor tent, food trucks, and BAC cash bar. Tickets $5, ages 12 and under are free. Visit www.brooklynartsnc.com for more information. School House Rock LIVE! 7pm. Hannah Block USO Building. See 02/20.

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 15

22 Sunday ACS Wilmington Spring Home Show 11am-6pm. Wilmington Convention Center. See 02/20. Art For All 5 11am-7pm. Brooklyn Arts Center. Come celebrate Wilmington’s community of local, original artists with 50 -plus of the region’s finest presenting their work in the magnificent BAC church and courtyard. Event will feature a marketplace of local and original artwork, raffle, courtyard vendor tent, food trucks, and BAC cash bar. Tickets $5, ages 12 and under are free. Visit www.brooklynartsnc.com for more information. School House Rock LIVE! 3pm. Hannah Block USO Building. See 02/20. Friends School of Wilmington Open House 3-5pm. 207 Pine Grove Drive campus (aged 18 months – 2nd Grade); 350 Peiffer Avenue campus (3rd – 8th Grade). Tour the campuses and grounds, visit classrooms, and meet dedicated faculty, administrators and current parents. For more information call Ann Souder at 791-8221 or anns@fsow.org. Visit our website www.fsow.org for more information.

23 Monday Animal Moves and Sounds 10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 for more information.

Mom to Mom at Downtown Library 1-2pm. Downtown Library. Moms, bring baby to the library and discuss all things baby related with other moms. Parenting books and guest speakers will be available to help answer questions. During this hour it’s okay to: be late, nurse/feed baby, change diapers, and cry (baby or mom). Scheduled speaker: Rachael Birkenhauer, CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) No registration required. Contact Librarian (and new mom) Susan DeMarco at 798-6353 for more details. Beethoven’s 7th 7pm. Kenan Auditorium. Enjoy the music with the North Carolina Symphony as they present Beethoven’s 7th! The Symphony will perform Borodin: Overture to Prince Igor and In the Steepes of Central Asia as well as Rimsky-Korasakov’s Russian Easter Overture and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Also, feel free to join the pre-concert talk at 6:20 pm with William Robin, North Carolina Symphony Scholar-in-Residence. Visit www.ncsymphony.org for ticket information.

24 Tuesday Happy Little Singers 9:45am, Tuesdays. Hannah Block USO/ Community Arts Center. Music and Movement program for children 6 mos to 6 years. Sing, Dance, Instruments, Creative Play with your child. Drop-ins welcome, $10 per family. Please call or text in advance 777-8889. Animal Moves and Sounds 10-11am. Halyburton Park. See 02/23. Obstacle Course 11am. Tmuffin. Kids will have a blast making it through an obstacle course that parents help put together using items

in the playspace. Free with admission/membership. Call 367-5722 for details. 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 storytimes, 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.

25 Wednesday 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 storytimes, 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.

26 Thursday Music for Babies & Toddlers with Catherine 10am. Learning Express, Oleander location. Gentle music and movement with babies and toddlers ages newborn to 3 yr and an adult. $10/child, $5/sibling. Payable at time of reservation. Call 313-3100 to reserve a spot. Children’s Discovery Time: Polar Pals 11am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Learn about the animals that live in the coldest parts of the world and how they survive the weather. We will read a story about these chilly animals, make a cute craft, and meet some native animals that are great at surviving the cold months here in North Carolina. Ages 3-5. Members-$5; Non-Members-$14.

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY -- CONTACT ANDREA KNIGHT @ 910-632-0283, email andreailmparent@gmail.com

ENTER TO WIN A FREE WEEK OF MAGIC CAMP!

Wilmington Parent’s 12th annual

Summer Camp Fair Saturday, March 7, 2015 10am - 3pm Independence Mall

FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING! 16 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

Camps for Every Interest and Age: Local Residential Sports Day Camps Science Athletic Drama Eco Art Nature Surfing Magic & Much More!

Sponsored by: www.nosleevesmagic.com www.wilmingtonparent.com

LEGOS in the Library 3:30pm. Northeast 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.

27 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. Family Storytime 7pm. Barnes & Noble. Bring the family for a special reading of The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. Call 509-1880 for details. School House Rock LIVE! 7pm. Hannah Block USO Building. See 02/20.

28 Saturday Tidewater Camellia Club 65th Annual Show & Sale 9am. New Hanover County Arboretum. Camellia experts will display over 1,000 blooms for evaluation by American Camellia Society judges. An excellent selection of camellias will be available for purchase. Free admission. For a detailed list of the day’s event schedule please visit www. tidewatercamelliaclub.org.

Childcare Listing Guide Childcare – Preschools AAI Pharma Learning Center 2320 Scientific Park Drive 910-254-7384 denise.ward@aaipharma.com Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years, 5-Star Program with degreed teachers, low staff/child ratios, and a Project Approach based curriculum. Full day, After School and Morning Programs available.

Trek Upon a Long Leaf Forest 9:30-10:30am. Halyburton Park. Explore nature up close as we take a hike through a long leaf pine savannah learning the many properties that make up this type of ecosystem. We will hike through several trails inside the park, and then along the forest trail of the Gary Shell Cross City Trail. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. $3. Call 341-0075 for details.

Childcare Network 8 convenient locations in Wilmington, Southport and Leland 866-521-KIDS www.childcarenetwork.com Ages 6-weeks to 12-years

Make a Blanket Day 10am-3pm. Northeast Library. Calling all quilters, knitters, crocheters, or fleece-crafters! Join together with other local “blanketeers” to create blankets for children in need. You can bring your sewing machine, an afghan in progress, or whatever you need to work on a blanket or two. Can’t sew or knit? You can still help with no-sew fleece blankets or by tying & labeling finished blankets. Have extra kid-friendly cotton fabric, yarn, fleece, or batting lying around? You can donate it to our blanketeers. All blankets and donated materials will go to the New Hanover/Brunswick/Pender chapter of Project Linus. Registration is not required but it will help us know how many “blanketeers” to expect.

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.

Celebrate Black History Month 11am. Barnes & Noble. In celebration of Black History Month, join us for Storytime and activities featuring two notable figures with the titles “I am Rosa Parks” and “I am Jackie Robinson.” Call 509-1880 for details. 2nd Annual Light up the Night 6pm. Coastline Convention Center. Features bands, DJ, food, drink specials, raffles and auctions, and more. Proceeds benefit Love is Bald and Pretty in Pink. Call 688-3433 for more information. School House Rock LIVE! 7pm. Hannah Block USO Building. See 02/20.

To submit events to the calendar, please email

calendar.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com Deadline for submissions to the March issue is February 9, 2015.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

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, fullday program including developmental, experiential & academic elements in a secure, faith-based environment.

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 | February 2015 | 17

No-Fear Parenting By Crystal Blue Mascaro

“Y

ou may swim out to that rock, and then come back.” “You may run to that tree, but that’s all. Then come back.” “You may climb to that limb, but then come down.”

We hear this all the time. And we probably say this to our children. We say it without thinking. What if we were to erase this micro-managing parenting style? What if being immersed in a world of limitations like this actually affects our children’s psyches and souls and lives. What if we only go so far in life because we are raised that way? “Don’t swim past that rock.” That can easily be translated to “Don’t follow your dreams. Stay in your safe cubicle. Don’t test yourself. Do less, not more.” And we never do. We end up never knowing how strong and capable we actually are. We repeat the cycle by raising our children this same way. It is a vicious cycle. Remember that feeling we get when we think we can only swim out to that rock, because we have grown up 30 years being told that’s as far as we could go? But one day, under the bright sun, we swim farther than that rock. We swim and it feels so good. We can do so much more than we know. We can swim so far, if only we had known this years ago, we would have been swimming past that rock for the last 20 years. So imagine raising the next generation to not live this way. Imagine them growing up knowing that they can swim as far as they want. Ever since my daughter was very little, she was an adventurer like me. Two weeks old at the beach, on the sandy blanket, feeling that sand, becoming one with it. Four months old in the dirt. I didn’t keep her protected from the elements. I facilitated her embracing them. Through no fear parenting she is learning that she can do anything, believe anything and create anything she wants to. She knows the beauty of self-regulation and the pride in accomplishing a personal goal. Her life is not set out for her by me.

18 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

This is because I do not impart my own fears onto her. I am very careful not to set limitations based on my own fears. We put our fears onto our children, never giving them a fair shot at this thing called life. These are the lessons that are so critical to surviving this life: Strength, perseverance, challenge, success, accomplishment, dreams, happiness, passion, self-awareness, confidence. Some good, some bad, but all leading to a balanced, healthy adult who is aware of themselves and their place. One who is in touch with their emotions and knows what they are personally capable of and what they personally desire for themselves and for others. How revolutionary. Let your kids be free. Test this theory out. Watch them for sure. But don’t hawk over them. Let them become themselves. Let them know themselves. Let them swim as far as they can one day. Be there to catch them when they fall, but let them try. Don’t tell them how far to run. Instead, maybe run with them, and see how far they can go. Without thinking something bad will happen. Remove your fears. Think of all the good that will happen inside of their little bodies and souls. They are capable of so much. They will amaze you. Let them develop their own fears, and not inherit ours. They don’t deserve our hand-me-downs. They don’t deserve our emotional baggage or toxic memories or understanding that a world operates on a plate of limitations and frustrations and dream-avoidance. Parenting through no fear. Be conscious. Join the revolution. v Crystal Blue Mascaro, a Wilmington native, cultural anthropologist, writer and currently a teacher practicing fearless parenting in the Marshall Islands has made life an adventure. You can catch up with her and her inspirational international adventure at www.enlightenedglobetrekker.com or on facebook at The Enlightened Globetrekker. Article recently featured on Elephant Journal.

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| school notes

School’s Out! New Hanover County: Traditional Schools: 2/20 - Half Day for Students Year Round Schools: 2/20 - Half Day for Students CFCI Charter School: 2/19 - Half Day for Students 2/20 - No School, Teacher Workday WEC: 2/20 - Half Day for Students Brunswick: Traditional Schools: 2/23 - No School, Teacher Workday Pender: Traditional Schools: 2/25 - Half Day for Students Penderlea: 2/25 - Half Day for Students Pender Early College: 2/25 - Half Day for Students Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information.

Snipes Academy of Arts & Design Switches to Year-Round Calendar New Hanover County School Board approved the decision for Snipes Academy to switch to a year-round calendar beginning in the 2016-2017 school year. During a recent survey, parents overwhelming expressed an interest in the school becoming a year-round school. With 85% of the parents supporting this decision, the school is excited to see the anticipated improvements in test scores. Many students lose ground over the 10week summer break, and that must be recovered when students return to school in the fall. Before new material can be learned, many weeks are spent reviewing and remembering. Without the “summer slide”, school officials are hoping the students will be able to retain information taught throughout the year. Applications will be available at www.nhcs.net starting in March 2015 for any parents wanting to enroll their children in Snipes Academy’s year-round program.

NHCS’ Young Authors Contest Winners New Hanover County Schools had 17 elementary and middle school student winners in this year’s Young Authors Contest. The contest, sponsored by the North Carolina Reading Association, encourages young authors to write about personal experiences using prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction. This year’s theme, “Dare to Dream,” asked students to write about their own dreams or about how they have been inspired by the dreams of others. The county level winners and the Council’s Choice winner will move on to compete in the state level competition. The NHCS winners are: Tyler Beacham, grade 3, Wrightsville Beach Elementary School Isabel Carlin, grade 8, Roland-Grise Middle School Maylani Carr, grade 4, Castle Hayne Elementary School Maddie David, grade 4, Forest Hills Global Elementary School Ethan Fincannon, grade 6, Roland-Grise Middle School Caroline Hill, grade 5, John J. Blair Elementary School Charlie Imig, grade 6, Holly Shelter Middle School Austin Johnson, grade 8, Myrtle Grove Middle School Jasmine Kollmann, grade 5, Bellamy Elementary School Elizabeth MacDonald, grade 8, Holly Shelter Middle School Sydney McAlear, grade 3, Codington Elementary School Ni’Kayla McKnight, grade 4, Codington Elementary School Jaritza Cruz Montalban, grade 5, Wrightsville Beach School *Mikala Parnell, grade 8, Roland-Grise Middle School, COUNCIL’S CHOICE Erin Satterlie, grade 6, Myrtle Grove Middle School Andrea Vazquez, grade 4, Castle Hayne Elementary School Megan Widerman, grade 7, Holly Shelter Middle School For more information about the Young Authors Contest, visit http://www.ncreading.org/ young-authors/.

Mosley Performance Learning Center Launches Career Readiness Academy Mosley Performance Learning Center (PLC) will begin implementation of a Career Readiness Academy in 2015. The Career Readiness Academy model is designed to increase student achievement and graduation rates, provide relevant job skills and credentials to students, and to increase sustainable partnerships with the local business community. “The vision of the new academy is for students to graduate with a high school diploma and industry recognized credentials,” said Principal Adrian Pearson. “We are excited to see the positive impact the academy will make on students.” Mosley PLC will begin improving instructional design, delivery and data analysis with a focus on literacy based on the Career Readiness Academy model during the current 2014-2015 school year and will continue to plan for the implementation of Career-Technical Education (CTE) credentialing process and increased community partnerships. The Career Readiness Academy will be fully implemented beginning the 2015-2016 school year. Mosley PLC was established in 2008 as a non-traditional high school designed for those students not succeeding in the traditional high school setting. The Career Readiness Academy will differ from the current model in that Career-Technical Education will be integrated throughout core content areas and the focus on increased community partnerships will allow more hands-on experiences for students, such as job shadowing and internships. The school will continue to serve the current student population and will begin recruiting students throughout New Hanover County Schools who demonstrate a desire to attain CTE credentials and career readiness skills.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 19

Eco-Friendly Birthday Parties

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

By Danielle Villegas

Princess Themed Birthday Parties & Dance Classes www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com

910-794-9590

irthday parties are a time for the guest of honor to reflect on the past year while enjoying the excitement of the celebration and anticipation of a fresh, new year full of surprises! This birthday, let’s all take the time to teach our kids about the importance of living a life that supports a healthy planet.

Include the kids Don’t waste a good lesson! There will be no point in all this “green” party planning if the kids don’t realize what’s happening. Explain each choice you make, and why it would be a good decision. Then let them make a few educated choices.

Go electronic The electronic invitation is an easy way to invite multiple people without needing paper invitations. You can use a simple facebook event page, or www.evite.com allows you to design a personal invitation.

Ask the guests to participate Request that all gifts be wrapped in something other than wrapping paper. Newspapers, paper bags or reusable bags make perfect gift covers! Even better, ask for a donation to a earth friendly cause in lieu of gifts. Some ideas: Cape Fear River Watch: Support programs that preserve and safeguard our river. Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Support our local sea turtle hospital! North Carolina Coastal Land Trust: Saves beaches that become state parks, clean water streams and forests. Ocean Conservancy: Promoting trash-free seas, sustainable fisheries and more. Wildlife Conservation Network: protects endangered wildlife.

No more goodie bags Purchase tiny pots for each guest to fill with soil and a small plant or seedling. Sending home something beautiful that continues to grow is better than a plastic bag filled with more plastic that will end up in the trash. v

20 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

salon & shop for kids

Best Birthday Parties in Wilmington!

Your party is the only party in the gym

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.

(910) 399-4252 • www.RibbetSalon.com • 3610-E S. College Rd.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Gym parties are FUN!

I LOVE CGA!

Book Your Party Now ~ call or go online

910-796-1896

www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com 3529 Carolina Beach Road

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 21

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

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!

Hiring a Party Entertainer By Danielle Villegas

9 years running!

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

ou’ve decided to make this birthday the best one yet! In order to accomplish extreme happiness and excitement that all the guests will remember for years to come, you feel an entertainer is what you need. Hiring a party entertainer will either make or break your party. Poor planning during this process could cause at best, a no-show or a bored crowd. At worst, you could end up with an entertainer sporting a fancy ankle bracelet that tells the police when they should expect him home. Here are a few tips to make sure your hired entertainment is a top-notch show!

nosleevesmagic.com

Keep it local. First reason for this, you want to meet the entertainer before you hire them. Second, hiring an out of town entertainer means you will pay more for their travel, and there is a very high chance they might outsource the work to an agency nearer to you, which means you will pay more. Do a background check. This can be done a number of ways. See if they are listed in any forum, club, or organization. Read up on them as much as you can. Ask for licenses and documents such as identity proof.

Investigate previous work. Ask if it’s possible to observe them in action. Maybe they are performing in a more public venue and they can allow you to see how they work.

Talk to Recent References. Preferably people they have performed for in the last month. Call these references and inquire about their experience. Don’t forget to ask about the age group the entertainers entertained. This way, you can rest assured that your children are in safe hands and that your party is going to be a success.

The Business Side and Questions to Ask How many children does the contract cover? How many people are coming with your team? How much time do you need to set up? Are other services included? Cake cutting? Decorating? Photography? Is eating time included in the contract? v Source:www.buzzle.com

FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

SAVE 50% ON JOINING FEE THROUGH FEBRUARY 2015 BRING THIS AD TO OUR MEMBERSHIP DESK TO REDEEM YOUR DISCOUNT

22 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

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Unique Gifts For a Child’s First Birthday

By Christina Katz

ere’s what I remember about my daughter’s first birthday. We made a big fuss. She had no idea what was going on. She was not even interested in the carrot cake I had made especially for her. What I wish I had realized instead is that her birthday was a big deal for us, but just another day in babydom, for her. Now that I’m older and wiser and my daughter is also older and more wise-cracking, these are the gifts I wish I had lined up for her on her first birthday instead of trying to impress upon her that her birthday was a super big deal. Then, if I had served a cake and she had barely noticed, it could have been to celebrate her parents for being so smart and planning ahead. So, implement as many of these suggestions as you can by the time your child turns one. And if you have not implemented them by that first birthday bash, be sure to give them some serious birthday cake for thought.

Savings Account. Whenever you get money gifts from relatives, put half of the money in your child’s savings account. Why? Because even though you think you need every kiddy gadget known to mankind when your child is young, you can often find items discounted or gently used for a lot less. And a few of the suggestions that follow, require money. So if you don’t have extra money of your own, you will be able to draw on money from your child’s saving account.

Safety Deposit Box. Savings accounts are a fairly vague concept for kids to understand. This is how they think: so, you want to take my money away from me and go put it in a boring-looking building where I can’t even visit it? This makes no sense to developing brains. But all kids innately understand the concept of treasure. And this is why you should have one (aka, a safety deposit box). Take them to visit your family treasures once a year. Show them how you keep a little cash, some jewels, and copies of important documents there and watch their eyes grow wide with excitement every time you say it’s time to go to the bank. And then, while you have their rapt attention, teach them all the ways you use the bank to secure and manage your money. v Journalist, author, and writing coach, Christina Katz offers creative saving and spending strategies to growing families who would like to enjoy a sense of future security. Her latest book is The Art Of Making Time For Yourself.

Toddler Tuesday $7 all day

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

Book your party online today!

4310 Shipyard Blvd. Ste. 101 Wilmington, NC

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

Fowler's Funflatables LLC 910-297-5214 or 910- 231-7470 fowlersfunflatables@aol.com Choose from 30 units!

Fowler's Funflatables, Family Fun For All Ages www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 23

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Name As URL. We are living in the digital age and life is only going to become increasingly online and virtual by the time our little ones become big ones. So it’s nice to know that your future celebrity or entrepreneur has digital security in the form of their name reserved online. How will they use it? This is a lot less important right now than making sure that the possibility exists. Besides, you already saved some of that gift money, so you can use it for this and they won’t even owe you anything when they become rich and famous. But don’t worry about hosting. All you need to pay for is the URL itself and the privacy to keep your personal information offline.

Birthday Party Listings • Birthday Parties • Drop In Care • Open Play • Intersession & summer Camp Open 7 days a week!

www.PowerofPlayWilmington.com

910-332-1660

powerofplaywilm@yahoo.com 6644 Gordon Road Wilmington, NC

Home of Playnation of Wilmington

Inflatables Rentals

Party Entertainers

Fowler’s Funflatables LLC Susan Fowler 2118 Old Savannah Rd. Burgaw, NC 28425 910-231-7470 910-297-5214 fowlersfunflatables@aol.com www.fowlersfunflatables.com

No Sleeves Magic 910-200-5300 www.nosleevesmagic.com

Fowlers Funflatables is a family-owned business. We have 5 kids of our own and enjoy seeing the excitement in a child’s eyes when we deliver and inflate one of our Bounce Houses or Slides. The smile on a childs face from watching the inflatable come to life is “priceless.” Our goal is to provide you with the “BEST” products & customer service at a reasonable rate. We will provide you with safe, clean and entertaining inflatables & products to inspire fun and happiness for all your party needs. We are fully insured and bonded. All of our units are inspected annually by the N.C. Department of Labor to meet State safety requirements. We have 31 units to Choose from, we offer concessions (Cotton Candy, Popcorn Machine, Snowcone Machine), Dunk Tank, and Mobile Photo Booth!

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

Gift Ideas Backyard Paradise Scott Key 5603 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-399-4870 www.byparadise.com

What better birthday party than one at home with a new playset, basketball goal, or trampoline? Engineered with quality and safety for fun year after year, our 100% cedar or redwood playsets are expandable and designed to grow with your children. We have different models and sizes to fit any yard or budget, backed by the best warranty in the industry. Our basketball goals are the toughest made and have adjustable, lift assisted rim heights and backboard sizes to fit any age. Choose your trampoline from our double bounce, variable bounce, or Springfree technology. All are fully enclosed with safety nets, or you may want one of our in ground trampoline systems for a less obstructed view of your yard. We provide professional delivery and installation at your convenience. Please come tryout our Superior Play products and take advantage of our end of summer sale and instant rebates!

Lily Nicole & Co. Opening in Mayfaire Spring 2015 - 6800 Parker Farm Rd. Suite 100 1-800-516-4988 lilynicoleandco@gmail.com www.lilynicoleandco.com

Bricks 4 Kidz® is local franchise serving New Hanover County, Leland, Southport, and the surrounding areas. We provide experienced-based education programs that introduce kids to the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M) using LEGO® bricks.

Bricks 4 Kidz Coastal SE NC

www.bricks4kidz.com/coastalse • kleonard@bricks4kidz.com

24 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

Lily Nicole & Co. carries USA made, 100% organic, natural fiber and eco-friendly clothing, accessories and products for children ages preemie to 8y as well as maternity. You’ll find everything you need and want such as swaddle blankets, bibs, burp cloths, baby & toddler clothing, kids clothing, shoes, coats, bathing suits, baby shower gifts, natural skincare for mom and baby, mom accessories, maternity and nursery décor. We carry your favorite lines such as 3 Marthas, Elephantito, Kickee Pants, Joyfolie, Noodle & Boo, Bella Tunno, Baby Bella Maya, Pink Chicken, Zuccini, Hatley, Mack & Co., Belly Bandit, Aden & Anais, Kickee Pants, Robeez, Moxie & Mabel, Pee-Pee Teepees, Ribbit Ribbit, Ce Ce Co, Mamma’s Jewels, Tea Collection and so much more! Lily Nicole & Co. makes shopping fun and easy, and we’ll take excellent care of you and your little ones throughout your entire shopping adventures.

Once Upon A Child 4719-J New Centre Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-452-9976 www.onceuponachildwilmington.com At Once Upon A Child you can select from New and Used gifts for any occasion and best of all our Cool gifts are always at super affordable prices.

Voted Wilmington’s Best Party Entertainer since 2006! If you want to give your child one of the craziest and most FUNnominal Parties they will never forget, then take a RUN on the Wacky-Side with No Sleeves Magic. We provide an adrenaline rush of Magic mixed with comedy that’s great for the whole family. Some party packages include goodie bags, tricks, games & more! So, Sit Back, Relax and Laugh, while No Sleeves makes your event a success!To find out which package is best for you, contact one of our PARTYOLOGISTS or visit our website. We have different themes to suit your event and even offer magic telegrams as well as summer magic camps programs.

Party Planners at Your Place Bricks 4 Kidz Kathy Leonard, Bricks 4 Kidz Director kleonard@bricks4kidz.com www.bricks4kidz.com/coastalse 910-619-8889

Give your child the best birthday party on the block! Whatever you do, don’t tell the kids that the best birthday party they can imagine having is actually educational, too! At a Bricks 4 Kidz® birthday party we learn, we build and we play. A Bricks 4 Kidz® celebration allows the birthday child to choose and build a model from one of our many proprietary plans. From Robot’s to Butterflies, Dragsters to Carousel Swings, and just about everything in between. Party guests will also enjoy age-appropriate games and challenges using our extensive LEGO® collection. The birthday boy and girl and their guests will have a building blast! Check out our website for more information.

Mini Monets 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.

The Wow Factor of Wilmington 910-520-7925 www.wowfactorofwilmington.com

We bring the party to you or at our new location in one of our Themed Private Party Rooms! 2 hour Hostess, set up and clean up, 1 hour character with age appropriate activities. We provide all the bells and whistles from table settings, chairs, decorations, balloons, party favors, props for photo ops, goodie baskets/bags if needed and all supplies for cake time. All you have to do is be there and enjoy. Our party packages starts at $225 (at your venue) for 8-10 children, $8.00 for each additional child or call for a large group pricing. We have something for everyone. Add-ons available for each party such as a bounce house, special updos, mani’s or pedi’s, or a UFO landing in your yard! Parties include: Princess Party, The Enchanted Tea Party, Spa Party, UFO Laser Encounter, Nerf Blast, Who Dunnit Mystery, Super Hero and Carnival Party. Check out the NEW parties we have available such as Our Minecraft Party and our Red Carpet Event Party!

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Party Venues Art Off the Wall 1048 S. KERR AVE, UNIT C WILMINGTON, NC 28403 Located near the corner of South Kerr Avenue & Wrightsville Avenue - directly off of Maple Avenue 910-859-FUN1 (3861) artoffthewallfun@gmail.com facebook.com/artoffthewallfun

Art Off the Wall is your birthday party place for arts and entertainment! We focus on building creative imaginations! Whether it’s a Pirate Party, Princess Party, or even a PiratePrincess-Penguin Party that you prefer, our creative staff can cater to any “off the wall”, “out-of-the-box” party theme you can dream! We offer customized Arts and Entertainment Party Packages for the best birthday party your child can imagine! Kids love hands-on fun with “Create-A-Craft Packages”, GET ACTIVE with “Wet & Wild Paint Parties”, or select our “Movie Magic Package” for a Backstage Pass to go “behind the scenes” with Makeup Extremes and a movie! “Get into character” with our “Theater Package”, or “be a shining star” with our “Center Stage Package”! Each package includes cupcake designing, a private party room with 4 hours of fun, creative party favors, a special gift for the birthday child, a costumed party host, art supplies, and options for photos, foods, music, dance, and more!

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

Book an Awesome Birthday Bash and receive a free class! Call for info!

The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403

www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com • 910-799-3771

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

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

Carolina Gymnastics 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com 910-796-1896

Register online @ www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Private Party in the Gym! Inflatables, Free Play, Tumble Trak & Foam Block Pits, Superswing! Saturdays 1.5 hours. Cost: $250 (30 children maximum)

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd. Kure Beach, N.C. 28449 www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher 910-458-8257

Aquarium Parties or Sleepovers. We can even come to you! Celebrate your child’s special day with a birthday party at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Program birthdays include a T-shirt craft with T-shirts and all art supplies included, a live animal presentation, use of the Aquarium’s classroom and a self-guided tour of the Aquarium. You can choose the following themes for a live animal presentation: Amphibians – Frogs, toads, salamanders, Reptiles - Turtles, alligators, snakes, Invertebrates – Sea urchins, starfish, crabs. Cost: $275.00 for up to 12 children and 12 adults, $10.00 for

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Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 25

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

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

each additional child, $9.30 for each additional adult Time Length: 2 hours. Parties are recommended for ages 4-10.•Aquarium. Outreach Programs - Let our education staff bring a fun, interactive program to your classroom or other location. Each program is specifically adapted to fit your needs, customized for age, size and focus of your group. Live animals, props,handson learning activities and costumes make Aquarium Outreach parties enriching for groups of all ages. Please contact Special Activities Coordinator at 910-458-8257

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

For ages 1-11 Play time for your birthday party includes an indoor jungle gym, play sets, climbing walls, tire swings, trike track and 12 imagination stations. You’ll get 2 hours in a private party room, a personal party host, pizza, drinks and many other add-ons for your convenience. Check out our website for more info!

Ribbet Salon & Shop for Kids Amy Haley, Manager 3610 South College Rd, St E Wilmington, NC 28412 Manager@RibbetSalon.com 910-399-4252 www.RibbetSalon.com

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

We offer salon styling parties and American Girl doll parties for girls and Nintendo Wii parties for both boys and girls. Over 40 games to choose from or bring your own. Use our large party room for your own dance party, crafts, food and fun! Each birthday child gets a special Ribbet gift pack. Available Monday through Saturday.

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

For a full list of our parties and services go to

wowfactorofwilmington.com or call (910) 520-7925.

Parents magazine named The Little Gym the #1 place to host children’s birthday parties. Your group will have the whole place to yourselves with games, music and fun activities created especially for your birthday kid. Our trained instructors handle everything from setup to cleanup, which means you get to go home to a clean, quiet house when all the fun is done.

TheatreNOW 19 S. 10th Street, Wilmington NC 28401 910-399-3NOW (3669) info@theatrewilmington.com www.theatrewilmington.com

Party Packages starting at $7/person for groups of 10+. Package includes the Super Saturday Fun Time kid’s show & Dock Street Kid’s Mystery, cupcakes, non-alcoholic beverages and snack. Other food options available. We can even customize a show featuring your child or put together a photo video show of your child to show on our 12’x12’ screen. Party package details at: theatrewilmington.com/birthdaypartypackages.html.

The Wilmington School of Ballet 3834 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-794-9590 www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com

Wilmington School of Ballet & Dance offers Princess & Glamour Parties (ages 3-18) and Inflatable Preschool Parties(ages 2-5) . In our princess parties, you choose a princess theme and all of your guest magically transform into the princess of your choice. The Frozen Princess, Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, the Frog Princess, and a Fairy Princess are just some of your choices. Rockin’ Glamour parties can have pop star or ballgown themes.Teen Glamour parties include a facial, a hand treatment, a color analysis, and make-up lesson. All parties include a fashion experience, a glamilicous makeover, a groovin dance routine, and a runway show. Inflatable parties include a game time with parachutes, body skates, and obstacle course followed by 30 minutes of bouncing fun. Each little bouncer also gets their face painted and gets a fun tattoo!!

Wilmington Family YMCA 2710 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-251-9622 www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org

YMCA Birthday Parties Have your birthday at the Y! Whether your birthday child wants to splash in our pool, jump on our inflatable slide or play soccer & kickball with friends- we are here to celebrate with you! Choose from a Splash Party, Sports Party, Bounce Party or Deluxe Party for two hours of fun and celebrations!

26 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

| fit family

Salt and Sodium: How to Cut Back It’s clear that Americans have a taste for salt, but salt plays a role in high blood pressure. Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Think fresh. Most of the sodium Americans eat is found in processed foods. Eat highly processed foods less often and in smaller portions— especially cheesy foods, such as pizza; cured meats, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli/ luncheon meats; and ready-to-eat foods, like canned chili, ravioli, and soups. Fresh foods are generally lower in sodium. Fill up on fruits & veggies. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits—fresh or frozen. Eat a vegetable or fruit at every meal. Adjust your taste buds. Cut back on salt little by little—and pay attention to the natural tastes of various foods. Your taste for salt will lessen over time. Pay attention to condiments. Foods like soy sauce, ketchup, pickles, olives, salad dressings, and seasoning packets are high in sodium. Choose low-sodium soy sauce and ketchup. Have a carrot or celery stick instead of olives or pickles. Use only a sprinkling of flavoring packets instead of the entire packet. Boost your potassium intake. Choose foods with potassium, which may help to lower your blood pressure. Potassium is found in vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes, beet greens, tomato juice and sauce, sweet potatoes, beans (white, lima, kidney), and bananas. Other sources of potassium include yogurt, clams, halibut, orange juice, and milk. Source: healthymeals.nal.usda.gov

Learn to Play Tennis Spend a fun afternoon learning to play the wonderful game of tennis! Join the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association for Jamboree & Play Day. Jamboree & Play Day February 13, 2015 4-5:30pm, $10 Register at www.wilmingtontennis.com New and beginner players 10 years and under are invited to have fun playing tennis games! Experienced players over 10 years old will play round robin matches. No tennis racket, no problem! There will be tennis rackets available to borrow.

Super Bowl Fitness While your family is still hyped about the 2015 Super Bowl on February 1st, get them to download an app that will get everyone moving! The American Heart Association has teamed up with the NFL’s PLAY 60 campaign to create the NFL PLAY 60 game for smartphones and tablets. With this fun and interactive game, you move and your character moves too. You run, jump, and turn while holding your device and your character does the same. You move and your character moves on screen through an endless runner game. In NFL PLAY 60 you can: • Collect coins to buy really cool NFL team gear. • Unlock funky characters. • Get NFL football power-ups that give you 2x points. • Get American Heart Association hearts that make you invincible. • Jump over fun obstacles. • Find activity ideas on how to get moving with your friends. • Get involved with NFL PLAY 60 and AHA through additional resources. • See how many yards you’ve run! • Compare yards run to NFL players like the Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith & the Rams’ Eric Dickerson! • New art featuring Super Bowl XLIX

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 27

| peanut gallery

Lucas W. 2/13• 2yo

Myles M. 2/2• 8yo

Gianna R. 1/2 •1yo

Gray H. 2/9• 10yo

Celine M. 2/11• 1yo

Jaydon B. 2/14• 8yo

Cole J. 2/29• 7yo

Allison O. 2/9• 7yo

Cameron H. 2/20• 4yo

Bruce 2/1 • 4yo

Sydney M. 1/16• 10yo

Victoria S. 2/21 • 5yo

Emma C.

Alden P. 2/4 • 5yo

Zaylah H. 2/18 • 1yo

Zaebiah S. 22/4 • 11yo

Loch M. 2/23 • 4yo

Samuel H.

Brinley M. 2/13 • 3yo

Gabriella S. 2/4 • 6yo

Declan S. 2/9• 2yo

Teague

2/19 • 8yo

2/18 • 2yo

2/10• 1yo

Darran

2/23 • 12yo

Does your child or grandchild have a birthday iN March? Honor them by having their photo published in Wilmington Parent. Here's how: e-mail image (size not to exceed 1mb) to birthday@wilmingtonparent.com. Deadline for publication: 02/12. 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! 28 | February 2015 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

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.

Parties at Greenlands Farm 668 Midway Road, Bolivia, NC 28422 910.253.7934 email: info@greenlandsfarmstore.info www.greenlandsfarmstore.info Book and build a party with us to create your special day! Have buckets of fun petting farm animals, ride a pony and a llama, 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. With so many enjoyable options, come celebrate at Greenlands Farm! Cupcakes, Cakes, & Ice Cream - Farm Fresh Catering - Popcorn - Pony Rides - Llama Cart Rides - Barnyard Petting, Farm Games - Arts & Crafts - Party Favors – Decorations www.wilmingtonparent.com

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 Wilmington Parent | February 2015 | 29

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