Triangle Family – September/October 2023

EDITOR’S LETTER

As parents, we aspire to raise healthy, educated and well-rounded children. This means introducing kids to new experiences that often include age-appropriate sports. When a child falls in love with a sport, their devotion to it elevates the entire family’s commitment. For the child, this means training harder and setting performance-improving goals. For the parent, it means paying for the programs, trainers and equipment necessary to nurture their child’s athletic journey.

In this issue, we focus on all aspects of raising a youth athlete. Read tried-and-true advice from former D1 athletes in “The Pursuit of College Sports” on page 10. Specialists offer tips for how parents can make a positive impact on their child’s athletic experiences in “Helping Your Athlete Succeed” on page 16. In “Digging Her Future” on page 36, meet Kiarrah “Kiki” Horne, a UCLA Women’s Volleyball recruit, the 2022 North Carolina Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year and MVP of Millbrook High School’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state volleyball championship in 2022. Find our “Good Sport” athlete on page 47: Gianna McManaman, a point guard and 2023 graduate of Northwood High School in Pittsboro who now plays for the University of New Mexico Women’s Basketball team. We close out our youth sports coverage on page 38 with advice from a Raleigh mom who has 10 years of travel sports experience and answers the question: Are club sports worth it?

Autumn’s arrival brings a variety of events and attractions to the area. From pumpkin patches to Halloween festivities, discover 48 ways to enjoy the season in “Fall Fun in the Triangle and Beyond” on page 20. Take a fall trip to Boone on page 42, and meet six local influencers—who are also parents—in “Triangle Trendsetters” on page 26. The Food Network’s Aarti Sequeira dishes on why she, her husband and their two daughters decided to leave Los Angeles for Raleigh. You'll also get to know Durham’s Joy Caracciolo, creator of the Joy Eats World blog; Jenna Cooper Hudson, who appeared on ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2018; “Meals She Eats” authors Tom and Rachael Sullivan; and Cheyenne Levinson, a mother of two who is the creator of the Triangle Families Explore social media accounts and Little Oak Collective, a children’s clothing consignment boutique in Raleigh.

Downtown Cary Park has undergone a $68 million, 6-acre expansion expected to open by the end of November. Pleasant Park, a 92-acre complex near the intersection of Interstate 540 and Old U.S. Highway 1 in southwest Apex, will also make its longawaited debut this fall. Learn more on page 32.

In each issue of Triangle Family, we strive to introduce you to the events, people and places that make this region one of the country’s most family-friendly places to live. We’re always open to your story ideas! Email them to beth@trianglefamilymag.com. We’d love to hear from you!

Beth Shugg, Executive Editor

PHOTO OF MELISSA WISTEHUFF, AARTI SEQUEIRA AND BETH SHUGG BY BRUCE DEBOER

PUBLISHERS

Ronny Stephens

Kent Braswell

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Beth Shugg

ART AND WEB DIRECTOR

Sean Byrne

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Erica de Flamand-Shugg

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dathan Kazsuk

SECTION EDITORS

Janice Lewine

Calendar, Education and Technology

Melissa Wistehuff

Travel and Entertainment

Kurt Dusterberg

Health, Wellness and Youth Sports

Mandy Howard

Parenting, Growth and Development

COPY EDITOR

Cindy Huntley

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce DeBoer

MASH Photography

SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Melissa Wistehuff

SALES DIRECTOR

Sherry Braswell

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stefanie McClary

Paige Gunter

DISTRIBUTION

Joe Lizana

Berry Media Group

DistribuTech.net

Triangle Family magazine is published six times annually. Any reproduction in part or in whole of any part of this publication is prohibited without the express written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

Triangle Family magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or art. Unsolicited material is welcome and is considered intended for publication. Such material becomes the property of the magazine and is subject to editing. Triangle Family magazine will not knowingly accept any real estate advertising in violation of U.S. equal opportunity law.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

6 print issues per year

Available online at trianglefamilymag.com 4818-204 Six Forks Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

Phone: 919.782.4710 Fax: 919.782.4763

Ava of Raleigh and Keira of Apex (both 15) take home a trophy following their duet performance with The DanZe Zone of Garner.

The summer heat can’t keep Maddie of Fuquay-Varina and Eva of Raleigh (both 13) off the tennis courts.

Would you like to see your child featured on our Social Kids page? Email your photos and a short description to editors@trianglefamilymag.com.

Corey (14) of Fuquay-Varina takes the mound for his team during a game on the road in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

PHOTO BY MONÉ KINARD

Ian (10) of Raleigh beats the heat each summer by swimming on the Dutchman Downs swim team.

PHOTO BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

PHOTO BY NANCY ANDERSON

Olivia (17) of Cary sets up a hit during a volleyball game at GRACE Christian School.

PHOTO BY WARLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park in Wake Forest caters to certified scuba divers and water park lovers. The lake, which served as a stone quarry dating back to the 1800s, is perfect for scuba divers to explore. The park is also home to an inflatable water park, kayaking and paddleboarding. Water activities are suited for ages 6 and older, and guests must be able to swim. The 65-acre lake is open year-round. For more information, visit gofantasylake.com.

PULL OUT THE PADDLES

Frog Hollow Outdoors will host Intro to Kayaking classes at Farrington Point boat access at Jordan Lake on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, October 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Participants will learn basic strokes, how to identify hazards and how to properly handle their craft. Classes last four to five hours. Children are welcome, but each class has a minimum age recommendation. Learn more at froghollowoutdoors.com

PHOTO BY MONKEY BUSINESS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

NOSTALGIA SPORT

This one’s for the parents and guardians! Maybe deep down, you still remember being a kid on a middle school playground. Well, Durham Parks & Recreation has just the activity for you. Co-ed adult kickball leagues are available in the fall and spring for ages 18 and older. Games are played at C.M. Herndon Park on multipurpose turf fields every Thursday night, with matches starting at 7 and 8 p.m. Fees are $28 for city residents and $43 for non-city residents. Visit dprplaymore.org to learn more.

PHOTO BY KINGMAPHOTOS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

INDOOR PADDLE PLAY

Triangle Badminton & Table Tennis in Morrisville offers indoor play for all ages and skill levels. Walk-ins are welcome. A daily pass for table tennis is $12, while badminton is $10. Table tennis offers tournaments and league play, and professional instruction is available. The facility is open seven days a week beginning at 5 a.m. for members and 8:30 a.m. for nonmembers. Visit trianglebtt.com for more information.

If your family is into pickleball and you’re looking for indoor play options, the City of Raleigh offers indoor pickleball courts at the following community centers: Brier Creek, Green Road, John Chavis Memorial Park, Lake Lynn, Lions Park, Method Road, Optimist, Tarboro Road and Worthdale. A four-month pass costs $10 and single session passes cost $2. Learn more at raleighnc.gov/pickleball.

PHOTO BY SERGEI - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

FANTASY LAKE FUN

PHOTOS BY BRIAN MULLINS

BY JANICE

ENLOE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL TEAM WINS NC ENVIROTHON

A group of eco-conscious Enloe Magnet High School students known as Subchronic Exposure won the NC Envirothon April 28–29 at Cedarock Park in Burlington. The natural resource education program is designed to challenge middle and high school students and culminates each year in a two-day, interactive outdoor competition where teams are tested in the areas of aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils and land use, and current environmental issues. As winners of the state championship at the high school level, Subchronic Exposure earned $200 in cash and a plaque, and each team member received a $500 scholarship to an institution of higher learning. Subchronic Exposure also earned the opportunity to represent North Carolina in July at the international NCF–Envirothon competition in New Brunswick, Canada, where they achieved an impressive sixth place.

ATHENS DRIVE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL’S MARCHING BAND PARTICIPATES IN THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

The Athens Drive Magnet High School Marching Band of Raleigh performed in the National Memorial Day Parade May 29 in Washington, D.C. The parade featured three grand marshals who traveled to the moon: Astronauts Rusty Schweickart (Apollo 9), Charlie Duke (Apollo 16) and Jack Schmitt (Apollo 17). The band won 2022 grand champions in two state band competitions last school year. Jerry “Doc” Markoch, the Athens Drive Magnet High School Marching Band director, entered his 30th year at the helm in August.

THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY RECOGNIZES JUNIOR HISTORIANS

On June 14 young historians in grades 4–12 from across the state gathered for the North Carolina Museum of History’s 2023 Tar Heel Junior Historian Association Annual Convention in Raleigh. The convention recognized the students and their THJHA chapters for their impactful historical work. Young historians from 14 counties—including Chatham, Cumberland, Durham, Orange and Wake—received awards for their student projects, which used visual arts, photography, creative writing and other mediums to highlight the historical significance of people, places and events in their own communities and across the state. All winning projects are showcased in the museum’s exhibit “History in Every Direction: Tar Heel Junior Historian Association Discovery Gallery.”

WAKE COUNTY 6TH GRADER WINS ELECTION STICKER CONTEST

Shannon Fisher, a sixth grader from Neuse River Middle School, won the Wake County Board of Elections’ first-ever sticker design contest in June. Her original artwork, which will be featured during the 2024 elections at early voting polling places throughout Wake County, showcases a flying unicorn and an exuberant early voter, and it won 28% of the nearly 7,000 votes that were cast during two weeks of public voting. The Wake County Board of Elections received more than 100 “I Voted Early” designs from middle and high school students across the county as part of this initiative to inspire future voters to get involved in their local government and learn more about the elections process.

LOCAL AUTHOR

RELEASES “DIG IT! ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS”

Caitlin Sockin, a Cary resident and graduate of UNC–Chapel Hill with dual degrees in archaeology and classics, released her first book in April titled “Dig It! Archaeology for Kids,” which is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other booksellers. The book presents archaeological methods and discoveries from around the world, including scientific techniques in the field, ancient and modern cultures, critical thinking when interpreting artifacts, and unearthed global histories. It also contains QR codes that link to videos to immerse readers in archaeological sites and methods. Sockin wrote the book to inspire readers in grades 4–10 to explore ancient history and to pursue archaeological interests as a hobby or career.

IMAGE COURTESY OF PERSNICKETY PRESS/WUNDERMILL BOOKS

PHOTO COURTESY OF NCENVIROTHON VIA FACEBOO K

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ATHENS DRIVE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WAKE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

INNOVATIVE HEALTH PARK OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY AND PEACE

The Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education expanded its mission of supporting youth mental wellness with a new mental-wellness garden at WakeMed’s PlayWELL Park. The 1.5-acre location claims the title of the world’s first health education playground. Children and families can enjoy health-themed activities via a treehouse, zip line, maze, wall climb and more. Visitors can also experience mindful peace in the park’s MindWELL Garden & Labyrinth, a mental wellness–themed sensory garden.

“Providing a peaceful, calm place for children to rest and reset is just as important as providing them a place for active, boisterous play,” says Executive Director Ann Rollins. “PlayWELL Park now offers both in a safe and accessible location.” Located at 224 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh, the park is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to all abilities. Visit the park Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Learn more at poehealth.org

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ALICE AYCOCK POE CENTER FOR HEALTH EDUCATION

WHEN KIDS HELP OTHERS, THEY MAY FEEL HEALTHIER AND LESS ANXIOUS

A recent study published by JAMA Network Open, a monthly open access medical journal published by the American Medical Association, found that children and adolescents who volunteered had higher odds of achieving good health, and lower rates of anxiety and behavioral problems. While the study notes that it does not claim causality, it does show a connection between giving time to help others and experiencing good mental health. Over 50,000 youth ages 6–17 participated in the study. Many schools and civic programs require volunteer hours. Here are some ways to encourage younger children and teens to give back:

• Bake homemade goodies and take them to a local fire station or assisted living home.

• Host a lemonade stand for charity.

• Draw and decorate cards for soldiers overseas via Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude.com).

• Donate clothes or take a folding shift for Note in the Pocket (noteinthepocket.org).

• Research teen counseling opportunities at organizations such as Marbles Kids Museum and Arts

Together to work with younger children.

• Offer to mow lawns for neighbors with mobility or health issues.

PHOTO BY LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

APP HELPS PARENTS FIND A MIDDLE GROUND FOR TECH MONITORING

BrightCanary is a mobile app that allows parents to track their children’s online activity across multiple devices. Without slowing down internet speed or the requirement of buying additional software, BrightCanary walks parents through a customization process so they can determine what and how much activity they’d like to monitor. The app will also alert parents when their child searches specific concepts or words on Google, YouTube, social media and other platforms. Learn more at brightcanary.io

IMAGES COURTESY OF BRIGHTCANARY

FREE RESOURCE CONNECTS PARENTS TO WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

Nurturing Durham is a new resource website produced by Durham’s Early Childhood Mental Health Task Force and the READY Project. The site, which seeks to simplify the search for resources, introduces local and regional free and low-cost programs that support families through the critical early stages of parenthood. While many resources help families of all sizes and ages, the compiled resources are geared especially toward families with children up to age 8. Learn more at nurturingdurhamnc.org

PHOTO

JACOB LUND - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

BY

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

THE PURSUIT OF CO LL EG IATE SPORTS

D1 ATHLETES SAY THERE’S A LOT TO CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING THE COMMITMENT

When a young athlete shows signs of excelling in a sport, it’s only natural for parents to wonder, “Is my kid good enough to earn a college athletic scholarship?” After all, a scholarship helps defray the cost of higher education, and it can open doors to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

But determining how to pursue college sports is a complex issue. Many people are familiar with Division I, the NCAA schools with the largest athletic budgets. But there is also Division II, typically smaller institutions that offer athletic scholarships. At Division III universities, students receive nonathletics aid through grants and need-based scholarships. Division I schools typically require the most athletic commitment from students, while Division III schools put less emphasis on sports in general. There are also schools that participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, as well as junior colleges.

Beyond the classifications, however, are numerous issues that student-athletes and parents should consider. For most college athletes, the university years will be their last in competitive sports, putting additional emphasis on choosing the best academic experience. For other athletes—football, baseball, soccer and basketball players—the college experience could be a stepping stone to a professional career.

Here are both perspectives from two Triangle athletes who made the most of their collegiate athletic experience.

SETTING THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS

Apex High School class of 2015 volleyball star loved her college experience, “but it was a job.”

Ally Beckman was an Apex High School sophomore playing at Triangle Volleyball Club when she first heard the chatter about playing in college. “Recruiters were coming to our court at tournaments and talking to our coaches after the games,” Beckman remembers.

But before she ever set foot on campus, she realized her first steps came with a false start. After committing to Georgia Tech, the coach who recruited her accepted another job. “Ultimately, I decided I wanted to play for a coach who had recruited me and wanted me to play for them,” she says.

That’s how Beckman ended up at College of Charleston, where her name is all over the volleyball program’s record book. Her accomplishments came with some sacrifices. “Practices, workouts, lifting, study hall, meetings, travel, meals,” says the 2019 College of Charleston grad. “It was close to a 40-hour workweek. “It’s fun and it’s something you’re very passionate about. But it was a job.’”

As an exercise science major, that left little wiggle room with her remaining hours. “Broadly, I had more responsibilities,” she says. “I couldn’t skip class, whether I wanted to or not. There were already excused absences for volleyball, so absences in general were kind of detrimental to my education.”

The Division I athletic experience varies by school and sport, but playing

at the highest competitive level of collegiate sports changes the way the athletes experience university life. “While I did have my share of fun, there were times where I wasn’t able to partake in all the typical college nonsense,” she says. “We were sort of discouraged as far as Greek life, which wasn’t a huge deal at Charleston anyway. It would have taken more time that I didn’t have.”

But Beckman has no regrets about missing some elements of social life. “People say, ‘Oh I missed out on this college experience because of sports.’ I don’t know that I feel the same,” she says. “All the connections I made with everybody, whether those were with all my teammates or other athletes—we were very close-knit with all the other athletes at Charleston. I’m still really appreciative of that.” Beckman has seen parents go to great lengths to advocate for their young athletes, often directing them to the top programs in the country. A better approach, she says, is to ask a few questions. “You need to step back and say: One, is this actually realistic? Two, is this actually what your child wants? Three, is this going to be a good experience for them, or are they going to get there and last a couple of months and put themselves in the transfer portal? Really talk to your kid and find the program and environment that fits best for their needs—whether

that be academic needs, social needs or volleyball needs. A lot of people are going to school just for volleyball rather than looking at the actual school and education.”

Today, Beckman—a graduate of the University of North Carolina Physician Assistant Studies program—works in emergency medicine at a community hospital in Sanford. Her days are hectic and her hours vary. “I see a lot of crazy things. There’s never a day when you’re bored,” she says.

Beckman, who was a setter for both Apex High School and the College of Charleston, ranked second in career assists (5,016) for the College of Charleston and the Colonial Athletic Association. “I’m really grateful for how it prepared me for the real world,” she says. “It taught me how to work with other people to accomplish a similar goal. It taught me how to have a boss. It taught me how to be a leader, especially as a setter. There are a lot of very direct translations into the working world.”

PHOTOS OF ALLY BECKMAN AND MAX SCHROCK COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON AND THE MEMPHIS REDBIRDS

A SHORTSTOP TO THE PROS

2012 Cardinal Gibbons grad chose college over the pros, and still made it to the majors.

For Max Schrock, playing baseball at the University of South Carolina was more than just an opportunity to continue his athletic career. It was a roll of the dice on determining the fastest track to playing professionally.

Major League Baseball teams can draft both high school seniors and collegiate players who have finished three years at a four-year college. When Schrock was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 28th round out of Cardinal Gibbons High School in 2012, it set up a familiar dilemma for baseball prospects: Take a signing bonus and start the climb through the minor league ranks, or go to college and hope to improve your draft position three years later.

“On draft day, there was a decision to be made,” Schrock says. “My parents knew my ultimate goal was to play major league baseball, but they were very pro-college. I believe I made the right choice. My three years at South Carolina were three of the best years of my life.”

The shortstop was drafted again after his junior season, this time by the Washington Nationals in the 13th round. He received a $500,000 signing bonus. “What I was offered out of high school [compared] to what I ended up signing for out of college—I would give up the difference every day of the week,” Schrock said. “It wasn’t too terribly different, but I was in a scenario where I gave up a lot of signing bonus money to go to [South Carolina].”

While a Division I scholarship may not offer the financial value of a signing bonus for a top prospect, it’s important to weigh the risks and rewards. Major league organizations can often make a lesser financial offer to a college player who no longer has the leverage of choosing to accept a scholarship. On the other hand, three years of college baseball adds additional risks of serious injuries—or of just leveling off in skill development. Schrock had to weigh his options carefully.

“I was a 17-year-old, pretty reserved kid,” he says. “Being in a [minor league] clubhouse with guys who don’t even speak English—that would have been too much of a culture shock for me at 17. But there are some kids you can tell are just ready, and some families don’t put as high of an importance on education as mine did. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.”

With the benefit of hindsight, he recognizes that turning pro after high school puts players on the fast track. “In professional sports, having youth on your side is really nice. Being able to move up the ranks, you don’t have to wait those three years in college,” Schrock says. “It probably would have been a smarter idea from a standpoint of making it to the major leagues maybe. If they offer you a financial commitment that is sizable—$1 million or more— you’re going to get every opportunity [in the minor leagues]. You can fail and fail and fail, because they don’t want to

invest all that money in you and have you not make it.”

But Schrock is quick to point out that he enjoyed South Carolina, particularly playing a high-profile sport. “We were not on the same pedestal as the football players, but a lot of students go to the games and know who you are,” he says. “I had a pretty conventional college experience. I still had my fun.”

Eight years after he was drafted out of college, Schrock’s choice is paying off. He logged time in the major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds from 2020 to 2022, even going 5-for-5 in a 2021 Reds game. Shrock currently plays in the minors in the San Diego Padres system.

“When I was drafted, the goal was to play in the major leagues as long as I can,” Schrock says. “If my career ended tomorrow, I think I would be OK. I would be able to hang my hat on the career I’ve had.”

4 TIPS FOR COLLEGIATE ATHLETE HOPEFULS

Joy Caracciolo, a Durham-based food influencer featured in our “Triangle Trendsetters” story on page 28, knows a thing or two about collegiate sports Before her social media career took off, she played NCAA women’s basketball for Boston College and the University of Delaware. Caracciolo later got a master’s degree in strategic communication from Queens University of Charlotte. She offers these tips to young athletes hoping to play at the college level.

1. Be coachable. College coaches are going to see a lot of talented athletes as they travel across the country to scout players during the recruitment process. They are not only looking for athletes who are great at their sport, but they are also looking to see who has a good attitude, works well with their team and listens to their coaches when they receive feedback during the games. They want players who are coachable and know how to bounce back and move on to the next play after they make mistakes.

2. Do your research. Deciding where you want to spend four years of your life getting an education and playing your sport is an extremely tough decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important that you not only love the coaching staff and team culture of the school you choose, but that you also choose a school that has the academic program that will set you up for a successful career after athletics. I’m not saying you need to know what you want to major in right away, but you should make a shortlist of careers that you’d be interested in so you choose a school that can equip you with the knowledge you need to enter that field.

3. Set boundaries. The recruitment process can be very stressful and draining if you don’t set boundaries to protect your mental health. Of course, your parents and coaches will play a huge part in your recruitment process, but you will want to be transparent with them when you’re feeling overwhelmed or getting bad vibes from anybody you’re communicating with. You should be focused on enjoying your last years of amateur sports and working to improve your game; don’t allow the stress of being recruited to affect that.

4. Work on your time management skills. Once you get to college you will need to have great time management skills to keep up with your schedule, which will usually include multiple workouts, meal times, classes, team meetings and study hall periods. Start getting into the habit of being at least 10 minutes early to everything.

AT TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF JOY CARACCIOLO AT LEFT: PHOTO BY NEW DEPTH CREATIONS

OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOS OF MAX SCHROCK COURTESY OF THE CINCINNATI REDS

THIS PAGE, AT TOP: PHOTO OF MAX, SARAH AND SCARLETT SCHROCK COURTESY OF THE SCHROCK FAMILY

NOT YOUR TYPICAL COLLEGE STUDENT

Furman athlete combines D1 athletics with military service

Cary native and GRACE Christian School alumna Kaeli Braswell is a senior at Furman University who carries a heavy load, literally. The four-year Army ROTC scholarship awardee and D1 volleyball player for the Furman Paladins is the only player in the school’s history who will graduate as a second lieutenant. While most students are sleeping at 4 a.m., Kaeli—who is double majoring in communications and religion—may be in the woods on a 6-mile ruck, or preparing for a volleyball workout.

Kaeli’s ROTC journey started when the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s volleyball program showed interest in recruiting her while she was in high school. During her official visit there she experienced life as a cadet, which ignited a fire inside her. She received a congressional nomination to West Point, but chose to begin her military journey with the Paladin ROTC program. “I knew I wanted to be a part of something that was bigger than me,” she says.

During her junior year, Kaeli competed on Furman’s Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team, which consists of the school’s most physically fit and mentally tough cadets, since each team member must pass a U.S. Army physical fitness test and compete in patrolling, marksmanship, weapons assembly, one-rope bridge-building, a grenade assault course, land navigation and a 10-kilometer road march. Kaeli led the Alpha team, which won the Ranger Challenge’s small school division, besting 18 other small unit schools in the fourth brigade. Kaeli has also received Furman University’s Military Order of the World Wars award and Iron Paladin, given to the top female cadet for physical fitness.

This past summer, Kaeli was selected to attend West Point’s Air Assault School, where she trained to conduct air assault operations and won the highly coveted Air Assault Badge. Less than half of the participants typically make it through this experience, often referred to as the 10 toughest days in the U.S. Army.

On July 2, Kaeli graduated from Air Assault School and traveled to Fort Knox, Kentucky for five weeks of cadet summer training, where she graduated at the top of her class and received the Magellan Federal High Performer award. She returned to Furman University in August to begin volleyball practices and her senior year. She offers these tips to students considering a military path after high school.

1. Do well academically. Develop strong study habits. Good SAT and ACT scores help determine ROTC military scholarship winners.

2. Participate in a sport, or exercise regularly. Prepare for the physical fitness tests required by the military branch you’re interested in. Be disciplined with your workouts and develop good eating habits.

3. Visit and spend time with those who have served in the military. Ask lots of questions. It’s a choice that will change your life forever.

4. Practice your interview skills. Presenting yourself well will serve you well.

5. Never settle for doing the minimum on anything. Always do your best in the classroom, in the gym or on the field.

—Triangle Family staff

PHOTOS OF KAELI BRASWELL COURTESY OF THE BRASWELL FAMILY

The North Carolina Theatre Conservatory provides musical theatre classes all year round, ranging from 3 years old to adult. At the heart of this institution lies the transformative teachings of Jose Rondon Jr. He is an accomplished choreographer with accolades from Broadway World and Triangle Rising Stars. Jose is committed to cultivating the entire being of a person and that is reflected in his artistic teachings at the conservatory. Not only does he craft Broadway’s next superstars with music and dance, but also a child's character so that they are equipped to take on obstacles and confront hardships with strength.

The North Carolina Theatre Conservatory is a safe, supportive, challenging and innovative environment where students discover and develop their unique, creative voices. This training provides students with a profound path to empowerment and to unlocking their artistic potential. Classes are forming now in performance, dance, acting and voice.

PHOTOS OF JOSE RONDON JR. TEACHING YOUTH CLASSES PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA THEATRE CONSERVATORY.

Helping Your Athlete Succeed

Can parents make a difference?

BY MANDY HOWARD

PHOTOS BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY

We’ve all seen them: parents screaming at referees and criticizing athletes from the sidelines. While passions can run high—and often get the best of us—most parents understand that loud sideline antics are not the best way to support our kids.

So what is best? In this world of ever-increasing competition and opportunities, how should we support our athletes without sacrificing our relationships—or composure?

Raleigh-based mental performance specialist and coaching educator Nori Sie Pennisi, MS, EdD, has worked with collegiate, Olympic-level and professional athletes ages 8 and older. She has also increasingly assisted teams, coaches and parents with tackling topics such as goal-setting, mental preparation, talent development, sport parenting and more. Pennisi has witnessed parents become increasingly involved in their children’s activities and athletic careers. “I do believe parents want what’s best for their kids,” she says. “They just don’t necessarily know what best is.”

Dr. Rasheeda Monroe, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician with WakeMed Physician Practices, and her husband were both collegiate athletes who are now raising two athletes. Monroe says when parents ask for advice on how to help their child succeed in sports, her answers sometimes surprise them. The first step, she says, is to ensure your child’s good physical health.

Nurturing Your Athlete Comes First

Monroe says parents often ask about size, height and other growth factors as they pertain to athletics. “So we spend a fair amount of time talking about healthy habits,” she says. Some of her tips include:

• Encourage your child to eat a variety of foods by eating a rainbow of colors.

• Ensure good, consistent sleep, since children grow when they sleep.

• Make sure your child drinks plenty of water.

• Encourage your child to focus on activities he or she enjoys.

Pennisi says that last tip is key. When elite athletes at all levels are asked about why they succeed in their sport, a top-three answer—across the board—is, “because it’s fun.” At the earliest ages and exposure, sports should not be about winning or highlight-worthy performances. In fact, “I don’t think it even needs to be organized at [the preschool] age,” Pennisi says. “Playing games at the playground can be just as beneficial.”

Beware of “Specializing” Too Early

In a hilarious and, perhaps, hitting-too-close-to-home video, Raleigh’s Holderness Family show the progression of a sport-parenting journey. In “6 Stages of Youth Sports,” a reasonable couple approaches youth sports casually until they realize their child might actually be “really good.” They quickly go from casual Saturday soccer to discussing how this must become the only focus of their entire family. While funny, the parody is strongly rooted in reality.

An article titled “The Costs and Benefits of Early Sport Specialization: A Critical Review of Literature” published in the February 2019 edition of Quest (a journal for interdisciplinary scholarship for kinesiology professionals), highlights the increasing trend of youth athletes ages 13 and younger specializing in one sport year-round. It also suggests that we are just beginning to understand the long-term effects of this approach.

As stated in the article, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association all share the same concern: Sports specialization can increase the risk for overuse injuries, emotional and social problems, and burnout.

Pennisi acknowledges that some sports may be more appropriate for earlier specialization, but for most, fundamentals should be the priority. It’s a fact Pennisi, who has two daughters competing in collegiate sports, can point to within her own family. While her older daughter swam for most

of her life prior to her collegiate career, her younger daughter only started playing field hockey as a freshman in high school before receiving a Division 1 athletic scholarship. “She started mostly just to meet people in high school, but she was athletic and had a background in sports, ” Pennisi says. “Her soccer helped her [with speed and agility], and many other sports helped with her hand-eye coordination.”

While it’s tempting and possible to play almost any sport year-round, Monroe, whose husband played Division 1 football and baseball, advises against it. “Play other sports that compliment a main sport or interest. Working to improve speed, agility, explosiveness, strength and flexibility is important for all sports,” she says. “My two young athletes are following in their father’s footsteps. They were introduced to four or five sports that they narrowed down to two or three sports by adolescence. They were also exposed to activities that encouraged dance movements, artistic development, academic development and music.”

Communicate and Reassess

No matter where your child is in his or her sports journey, Pennisi stresses the importance of consistent communication between the two of you. Her tips include:

• Don’t let the highs be too high or the lows be too low. Whether your child won or lost, take a similar approach. Make sure your child understands you love him or her, not whether he or she won or lost.

• To keep the conversation consistent, ask similar postgame questions—regardless of the outcome. Whether it’s “Did you have fun?” or “What was one thing you learned?” make it a question that helps your child know your focus is on his or her journey, not the outcome of the game.

• Don’t compare your child to other athletes. “Comparing is one of the worst things you can do for a kid,” Pennisi says. “It leads to jealousy and can take the joy from sports. Each kid is on their own journey.”

LUCA WISTEHUFF, 16, PLAYS BASKETBALL FOR ATHENS DRIVE HIGH SCHOOL IN RALEIGH.

Monroe advises parents against unwittingly creating long-term expectations for children. After every season, ask if your athlete wants to sign up again. “Don’t assume your young athlete still loves the sport or wants to continue playing,” she says. “The drive has to be internal—versus external pressures from coaches and family. Give permission and accept walking away, changing directions and taking breaks. They are kids—not professional athletes—and we have to support them in a healthy way and remember that.”

Find the OPP (Optimal Parental Push)

How can we, as parents, determine what amount of pressure and training is safe to put on our kids without causing them to resent their sport, suffer an injury or just quit altogether?

Pennisi says this fine line is referred to as the “optimal parental push,” and it has puzzled parents and coaches for generations. In 2005, the United States Tennis Association’s Sports Science Committee funded a study that interviewed parents who successfully developed their children as tennis players. Some key findings included:

• OPP must be based on the child’s—not parent’s—goals. Parents need to ask themselves if this sport experience is for them or their child.

• OPP involves good timing. Understand when your child is going through the motions versus when he or she feels really down. Don’t push when your child’s emotions—or yours—are high.

• OPP requires providing the opportunity and resources for your child to achieve his or her goals.

• OPP also includes balancing fun and discipline by requiring your athlete to follow through on his or her commitments, and ensuring that you are focusing on the whole athlete, including your child’s mental well-being.

“Focus on the amazing benefits of team sports: fun, fitness and fellowship,” Monroe advises. She also notes that while the idea of your child playing in college is awesome, remember: “Only a small percentage of young athletes will achieve that goal. If they aren’t being developed in a more well-rounded way, not achieving that goal can be detrimental to their mental health and well-being.”

The Role of Parents in Athlete Talent Development

From Nori Sie Pennisi, MS, EdD’s Sport Parenting 101 series

Phase 1: The Early Years

• Allow your child to dream big but focus little attention on winning or “playing time.”

• Ensure lessons and activities focus on fundamentals.

• Recognize your child’s interest and provide opportunities for things he or she thinks are fun.

Phase 2: The Middle Years

• Ensure fun remains as the pressure to compete increases.

• Focus on holistic development by emphasizing life skills, values and sportsmanship.

• Provide encouragement, not coaching. Avoid post-competition critiques.

Phase 3: The Late Years

• Stress the following values: Work hard, take responsibility, honor commitments and balance fun with discipline.

• Let the coach do his or her job.

• Lessen your parental push as your athlete learns to push himself or herself.

FALL FUN

BY JANICE LEWINE

IN THE TRIANGLE AND BEYOND

Autumn is magical in the Triangle, and options for enjoying the season are nearly endless. Jump on a hayride, navigate a corn labyrinth or visit one of the area’s lively festivals. Looking for thrills and chills? Head to a haunted attraction where creatures of the night lie in wait. We’ve curated a robust selection of fall activities in the Triangle and beyond, and offer even more in our online roundups at midtownmag.com and 5westmag.com.

At press time, not all venues had updated information for 2023, so be sure to check with event organizers before heading out.

DON'T MISS IT!

NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR

October 12–22

4285 Trinity Road, Raleigh ncstatefair.org

Rides, music, live entertainment, livestock competitions and every fried food imaginable highlight this annual fair and exposition at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Visit the website for hours and rates.

PUMPKIN PATCHES AND CORN MAZES

Crossroads Corn Maze

5712 Watkins Road, Wendell crossroadscornmaze.com

October 6–29; Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visit the website for hours. Enjoy hay and rope mazes, hayrides, lawn games and s’mores. Visit the website for admission fees. “When the Stalks Go Dark,” a haunted attraction, takes place Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7–9 p.m. and requires a separate entrance fee.

DJ’s Berry Patch

1223 Salem Church Road, Apex djsberrypatch.com

Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Purchase pumpkins, North Carolina apples and other produce.

The Family Farm on Avent Ferry

1719 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs thefamilyfarmonaventferry.com

Visit the website for hours. Shop for pumpkins and gourds. Take a family photo on a vintage John Deere tractor.

Gross Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

1606 Pickett Road, Sanford grossfarms.com

Visit the website for hours and ticket information. Enjoy a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, pumpkin jump and more.

Hill Ridge Farms Fall Pumpkin Festival

703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville hillridgefarms.com

Open September 27–October 29; Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Experience a hayride, jumping pillow, train ride, gem panning, corn house and more. Admission is $19.95–$29.95 per person; free for ages 1 and younger.

Holder Hill Farm

4822 Holder Road, Durham holderhillfarmllc.com

Open daily September 22–November 5. Visit the website for operating hours and ticket information. Enjoy a corn maze, hay ride, farm animals, pumpkin patch and more.

Huckleberry Trail Farm

143 Pleasant Hill Church Road, Siler City huckleberrytrailfarm.com

Visit the website for hours and ticket information. Jump on a hayride, visit a pumpkin patch and navigate a corn maze.

Ken’s Korny Corn Maze

3175 Benson Road, Garner kenskornycornmaze.com

Open late September–early November; visit the website for hours. Experience a 10-acre corn maze, hayride, corn tunnel, mini golf and haunted attraction (on select nights).

Naylor Family Farm & Corn Maze

6016 U.S. 401 N., Fuquay-Varina naylorfamilyfarm.com

Visit the website for dates, hours and rates. Enjoy a hayride, visit farm animals, explore a pumpkin patch, navigate a barrel train and more.

Page Farms

6100 Mount Herman Road, Raleigh pagefarmsraleigh.com

Open September 23–October 29; Wednesday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Attractions include a corn maze, hayride, cow train, farm animals and pumpkins. Admission is $12–$15 per person.

Phillips Farms Corn Maze

6720 Good Hope Church Road, Cary phillipsfarmsofcary.com

Open September 16–October 29. Visit the website for hours. Admission is $15–$17 for ages 2 and older. Enjoy a corn maze, wagon ride, haunted attraction (on select nights) and more.

Porter Farms & Nursery

7615 Ten Ten Road, Raleigh porterfarmsandnursery.com

Open through October 31; Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, noon–6 p.m. Shop for pumpkins, mums and produce.

Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch 38 Lewter Shop Road, Apex jeansberrypatch.com

Shop daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., for mums, pumpkins and fall produce.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Carving Pumpkins With Goats

5306 Homer Ruffin Road, Chapel Hill springhaven.farm

Open select days September 20–October 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Carve pumpkins as goats delight you with their antics. Tickets are $13.50 plus $10 for a pumpkin.

PAGE 20: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR; AT RIGHT: PHOTO OF A CHILD AT PHILLIPS FARMS IN CARY COURTESY OF CATHERINE FRYE

Downtown Clayton Trick-or-Treat

348 E. Second Street, Clayton johnstoncountync.org

October 31, 1–3 p.m. Ages 10 and younger trick-or-treat on Main Street and play games in Horne Square.

Falling for Local

The Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park; 101 Blair Drive, Raleigh shoplocalraleigh.org

October 7, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Enjoy hay rides, inflatables, games, pumpkins and more.

“Frankenstein”

A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater; 2 E. South Street, Raleigh carolinaballet.com

October 12–29. Carolina Ballet’s interpretation is true to Mary Shelley’s original novel. The program also features “New Haunted Tale,” choreographed by Robert Weiss.

Fuquay-Varina Haunted Trails

Carroll Howard Johnson Environmental Education Park; 301 Wagstaff Road, Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.org

October 21, 5–6 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. While in costume, interact with characters along the Family Trail, 5–6 p.m. Journey through the woods at night on the Full Fright Trail, 7–9 p.m.

Goblin’s Groove Dance

Halle Cultural Arts Center; 237 N. Salem Street, Apex thehalle.org

October 28, 5–7 p.m. Enjoy costume contests, games, dance contests and a haunted gallery. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 2 and younger.

Halloween Boo Bash

E. Carroll Joyner Park; 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov

October 26, 4–7 p.m. Attractions includee a haunted obstacle course, ghostly games and more.

Halloween Food Truck Rodeo

Durham Central Park; 501 Foster Street, Durham eventbrite.com

October 29, noon–4 p.m. Enjoy 35-plus food/beverage trucks and international cuisine.

Magic and Mischief: A Wizard’s Market

Fred Fletcher Park; 820 Clay Street, Raleigh eventbrite.com

November 5, 10–3 p.m. Enjoy activities, crafts, live music, handmade goods and refreshments. Admission is free.

Marbles’ Kooky Spooky Halloween Party

Marbles Kids Museum; 201 E. Hargett Street, Raleigh marbleskidsmuseum.org

October 27, 6–8:30 p.m. Don a costume and experience the Mad Scientist Lab, Monster Mash Dance Party and more during this annual event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance ticket purchase is required online.

The North Carolina Symphony: “Halloween Spooktacular”

Meymandi Concert Hall; 2 E. South Street, Raleigh ncsymphony.org

October 28, 1 and 4 p.m. Enjoy frightfully fun music from classic movies and enter a costume contest.

October Storytime on The Roof at The Durham

The Durham; 315 E. Chapel Hill Street, Durham thedurham.com

October 25, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Children can wear a costume and enjoy a free Halloween-themed storytime and hot cocoa.

Pumpkin Flotilla

Bond Park Boathouse; 801 High House Road, Cary carync.gov

October 28, 4–7 p.m. Take a carved pumpkin to Bond Park from 4–6 p.m. to sail it across the lake at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy boat rentals, live music and food trucks.

Spellbound at Mordecai

1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh eventbrite.org

October 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Encounter mysterious creatures and magicians. Enter a costume contest and parade. Admission is free.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW HOPE VALLEY RAILWAY

Spooktacular

Sugg Farm Park; 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.us/2524/spooktacular

October 14, 5–7 p.m. Enjoy candy stations, slime-making, costume contests and s’mores for ages 3-11.

Track-or-Treat Halloween Express

New Hope Valley Railway; 3900 Bonsal Road, New Hill triangletrain.com

October 14, 21 and 28; 2:15, 3:30, 4:45, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. Ride the Triangle’s Train to see flying witches, smoking cauldrons, Count Dracula and other creatures in the woods. Tickets are $16 per person.

Triangle Oktoberfest

Koka Booth Amphitheatre; 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary triangleoktoberfest.org

October 6–7. Enjoy authentic cuisine, beer sampling and more. Tickets are $15–$25; free for ages 16 and younger.

Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Fuquay-Varina

Downtown Fuquay-Varina fuquay-varina.com

October 27, 2–5 p.m. Visit businesses for candy.

Trick-or-Treat the Trail Morrisville Community Park; 1520 Morrisville Parkway townofmorrisville.org

October 21, 3–6 p.m. Kids receive candy, coupons and more.

Trick-or-Treat the Trail White Deer Park; 2400 Aversboro Road, Garner garnernc.gov

October 31, 3-6 p.m. Trick-or-treat along a 1-mile trail.

The Witch’s Haunted Barn

4911 Hunt Road, Hillsborough fireflyfarmnc.com

October 7, 14, 21 and 28. Visit a witch in a haunted barn.

Zombiepalooza

Downtown Cary Park; 319 S. Academy Street, Cary thecarytheater.com/zombiepalooza

October 20, 7 p.m. Enjoy a costume contest and free movie.

HAUNTED ADVENTURES

Read additional details about these events online at midtownmag.com/fall-fun-roundup.

Clayton Fear Farm

1620 Loop Road, Clayton claytonfearfarm.com

Opening select nights October 6–31. Hours vary.

Darkside Haunted Estates

11959 N.C. Highway 222 W., Middlesex darksidehauntedestates.com

Open Fridays and Saturdays, September 22–November 4, 7–10 p.m. and October 31, 7–10 p.m.

Edward’s Battle Haunted House

9401 S. Mere Court, Raleigh facebook.com/edwardsbattlehauntedhouse Dates will be posted on Facebook.

Granville Haunt Farm Drive-Thru

4534 U.S. Highway 15, Oxford granvillehauntfarm.com

Open October 6–28, Friday–Saturday nights; October 29–31.

Haunted Forest at Panic Point

2808 Cedar Creek Road, Youngsville raleighhauntedhouse.com

Open September 16–November 4 on select nights.

Haunted History Walking Tour

200 N. Blount Street, Raleigh eventbrite.org

September 2–October 28; Fridays and Saturdays.

Haunted Trail at Sugg Farm Park

Sugg Farm Park; 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.us/1610/haunted-trail

October 13, 7–10:45 p.m.

Myrtle Grove Haunt

3510 N.C. Hwy. 86 N., Hillsborough myrtlegrovehaunt.com

October 1–31; Friday–Saturday, 8–11 p.m.; no-scare, 6–7 p.m.

Raleigh Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour tobaccoroadtours.com

Friday–Sunday nights; tours depart at 7:30 p.m.

Xtreme Haunt

7460 Wake Forest Road, Durham xtremeparkadventures.com

October 20–21 and 27–28, 7–11 p.m.

Herbert’s Haunted House

Herbert C. Young Community Center; 101 Wilkinson Avenue, Cary carync.gov

October 27–28, 7–10 p.m.

Ghostly Legends at the Old Hotel Page-Walker Arts & History Center

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary etix.com

October 28, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

TRIANGLE TRENDSETTERS

Local influencers share the region’s hottest spots, eats and activities

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

The word “influencer” has taken on new meaning over the past decade— especially when applied to social media. The redefined concept’s origin actually goes back to 2005, when Google launched YouTube so everyday folks could share funny videos. A number of artists and musicians also started releasing music on YouTube as a way to kickstart their careers. By 2009, bloggers were using the platform, increasing its influence.

Then along came Instagram in 2010. This popular platform allowed influencers to expand their following—and pick up new followers—via cross promotion. Since then, social media influencers have continued to build their reputation for knowledge and expertise on specific topics via YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and—beginning in 2017—TikTok.

Local influencers make regular posts on their preferred social media channel(s), and generate engaged followers. Restaurants, businesses and brands seek them out because they know these trendsetters have the power to encourage followers to buy the products they promote.

Influencers who spotlight a specific town or region can also quickly become local favorites of small business owners, because they help bring credibility to their products. It’s no surprise, then, that the Triangle has become a hotspot for countless social media influencers, each with their own focus on popular places to dine, shop or have fun.

We sat down with some of the region’s most prominent influencers to chat about their favorite brands, foods and hotspots. Needless to say, we quickly fell under their spell.

Influencer [ in-'flü-ǝn(t)-sǝr ]

1. A person who inspires or guides the actions of others

2. A person who has the power to influence many people, as through social media or traditional media

AARTI SEQUEIRA ’s journey as an influencer began with her season six win of “The Next Food Network Star” in 2010. That same year, she began hosting her own cooking show, “Aarti Party,” on the titular network. Now viewers can tune in to see her judge some of the network’s most popular contestant-based shows, such as “Guy’s Grocery Games.” She has written three books: “Aarti Paarti: An American Kitchen With an Indian Soul” (2014); “My Family Recipe Journal: With Prayers & Scriptures” (2021); and most recently, “Unwind: A Devotional Cookbook for the Harried and Hungry” (2023), which releases this month. Her QVC line comes out this fall. Originally from Dubai, Sequeira lived in Los Angeles with her writer/actor/ director husband Brendan McNamara for two decades before moving with their daughters, Eliyah (9) and Moses (7), to Raleigh in early 2020. “We wanted a better lifestyle for our daughters, quite simply,” Sequeira says. “We’ve always loved visiting the North Carolina mountains and my husband has family nearby, so it seemed to be a good fit for us.”

Though moving cross country at the beginning of a pandemic posed challenges, Sequeira and her family fell in love with exploring the area.

AARTI SEQUEIRA

From trying out new restaurants to shopping at local farmers markets, Sequeira says Raleigh is starting to feel like home.

In the social media sphere, Sequeira has a broad fanbase with international followers. Producing top-notch content comes naturally for her—she trained as a reporter and started her career in 2000 by producing and editing her own segments for CNN. Facebook was just beginning to skyrocket when Sequeira won “The Next Food Network Star.”

“I had 45,000 new ‘friends’ overnight,” she says. “I’d always dreamed of being in front of a camera as a reporter, which means delivering objective facts. It took me a while to get used to being able to express my own opinions, which is both good and bad, as far as social media goes.”

The popular TV host moderates the time she spends on social media by taking occasional breaks, and shutting down technology every Sunday. “It keeps me grounded,” she says.

Some of Sequeira’s favorite spots in the Triangle make frequent appearances on her Instagram account. She says her family’s perfect day might include coffee at Jubala, followed by visits to comic book stores, a walk around Lake Johnson and a slice of derby pie at Bittersweet. Other local favorites

include the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, Logan’s Garden Shop in Raleigh, ice baths at Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, and dinner at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale. (She says Prime’s Triple Threat Wings are worth a weekly trip!) She also raves about the Carrboro Farmers Market, calling it “the quintessential small-town market.”

“Social media used to be the cherry on top for putting your name out there, but now it’s the cake that you have to invest in, because it’s a big part of brand-building, messaging and profits,” Sequeira says of the importance of social media as it relates to one’s personal brand management. She does, however, advise aspiring—and established— influencers to take occasional breaks. “It’s imperative for your mental health to recharge,” she says.

Raleigh’s Aarti Sequeira won “The Next Food Network Star” in 2010. She is photographed here at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, one of her favorite restaurants.

BRUCE DEBOER

PHOTO OF SEQUEIRA ON PAGES 26–27 BY

JOY CARACCIOLO JENNA COOPER HUDSON

JOY CARACCIOLO topped off her collegiate basketball career at Boston College and the University of Delaware with a master’s degree in strategic communications from Queens University of Charlotte. Entering the influencer realm seemed like a natural step for this self-proclaimed “big-time foodie.” Caracciolo, a single mother, saw an opening during the pandemic when some of her favorite restaurants were hurting financially. The Durham resident launched her Joy Eats World blog and made it her mission to order takeout from as many small and minority-owned restaurants as possible. “It became a passion project for me,” she says. “I wanted to help as many places as possible, and it grew into a wonderful addition to my life.”

Her influencer gig comes in addition to her “day job” in public relations with a global tech company, making it necessary for her to carefully curate what she covers on social media. “I work remotely, so I am able to make restaurant visits during

lunch hours, and when possible, I bring my son or my sister, Jasmine, to evening or weekend events,” she explains.

Caracciolo hosts annual events, such as a Juneteenth celebration featuring food trucks, and an ugly Christmas sweater party at Boxyard RTP. She admits that she has to set limits for herself on Instagram, being careful to choose things that are the most meaningful to her. “If I could be a part of every restaurant or small business opening, I would—but there are only so many days in a week,” she says.

Some of Caracciolo’s favorite Triangle spots include Juju and Boricua Soul in Durham, Taverna Agora in downtown Raleigh, TrySeafood in Cary, and Mezcalito Grill in Durham and Apex.

Fans of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” might think JENNA COOPER HUDSON’s time on both shows in 2018 came before her start as a social media influencer—but it’s actually the other way around. “I’m an OG influencer,” Cooper Hudson says. Her job title while on the popular shows was social media manager. “I actually signed up to go on the show as a way to increase my social media following,” she says. Looks like it worked!

Originally from Indiana, Cooper Hudson has lived in Raleigh with husband Karl and daughter Presley (3) for several years now. While she mostly focuses on fitness-related news at @jennacooperfit, her @theraleighreview page is solely hyper-local, featuring reviews, giveaways and popular spots around town. Her sister, Peyten, helps make the videos and reels, and engages with followers. “Social media

can get really stressful as far as trying to maintain it, but having a team certainly helps,” Cooper Hudson says.

The Hudson family loves staycations. “We did one at The Mayton in Cary, which is so cute and unique,” she says. They also enjoy going to Pullen Park, or for a walk around Apex Community Park. Tai chi and yoga at Body & Brain— perfect outlets for the fitness-minded influencer—are also on Cooper Hudson’s list of favorites. Her pet pig Pearl is even a social media influencer!

Joy Caracciolo is photographed at left at Mezcalito Grill in Durham, one of her and her son Julius' favorite restaurants.

PHOTO OF CARACCIOLO AT LEFT AND ON PAGE 26 BY NEW DEPTH CREATIONS

Jenna Cooper Hudson, pictured at left and on page 26 with her daughter Presley, appeared on “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2018.

PHOTO OF COOPER HUDSON AT LEFT AND ON PAGE 26 BY GLYNNIS CHRISTENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

TOM+ RACHAEL SULLIVAN

When RACHAEL SULLIVAN was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) while hoping to become pregnant, her husband, TOM, decided to take a holistic approach by creating homemade gluten-, dairy- and refined sugar–free meals. The Raleigh couple wanted to avoid medications doctors were suggesting for the condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, and can cause missed or irregular periods and ovaries that are large or have many cysts—and instead focus on foods with properties known to regulate hormones.

As a way to document his recipes, Tom created an Instagram page called @mealssheeats—unbeknownst to Rachael. When she found out, she made a TikTok about “how cute I thought it was,” which went viral. The “Rachael Ray Show” and “Today” show contacted them about their story. And then? “We had no idea that this Instagram page would blow up the way it did,” Rachael says. “I think it

CHEYENNE LEVINSON

just goes to show how many women were desperately looking for resources to help with their own PCOS journeys.”

Their first book, “Meals She Eats: Empowering Advice, Relatable Stories, and 25+ Recipes to Take Control of your PCOS,” was released in April. It quickly rose to the top of the Amazon.com and New York Times bestseller charts. “It’s all mind-blowing,” Tom says. “Here I was, just wanting to keep track of recipes and pictures of the meals as a way to document what foods worked for her symptoms, as well as what she liked or didn’t like, and now we’re authors,” he muses.

Now that Tom and Rachael have a daughter, Sutton (1), the Sullivans have added another title to their resumes: parents.

The recipes Tom Sullivan created for his wife Rachael, who has PCOS, led to the couple publishing “Meals She Eats.”

PHOTO OF THE SULLIVANS AT LEFT AND ON PAGE 26 BY KELLEY JORDAN SCHUYLE

Mom to Oliver (9) and Sawyer (4), CHEYENNE LEVINSON saw a need to connect parents to fun things to do around the Triangle. “I kept hearing people say, ‘There’s nothing to do with kids in Raleigh.’”

So, she created Triangle Families Explore, a website and Instagram account. “Plus, I was looking for a creative outlet, and I didn’t see anyone else posting fun, engaging video content of family-friendly adventures,” she adds.

While Raleigh is home base for Cheyenne and her husband Caleb, the Levinson family frequents nearby towns like Carrboro and Hillsborough for family fun. They also enjoy mountain biking around Harris Lake County Park, exploring Prairie Ridge Ecostation, hiking at William B. Umstead State Park and hanging out at Bowstring Pizza and

Brewyard. “We love being outdoors, so we’re always searching for fun things to do outside,” she says.

Levinson recently opened Little Oak Collective, a children’s clothing consignment boutique in Raleigh’s Village District. “I’ll split my time between the new store, with my children being part-time shop kids, but I’ll keep exploring the Triangle with them as much as possible—both for fun and for Triangle Families Explore,” she says.

Cheyenne Levinson, shown at left and on page 26 with her husband Caleb and their children, Sawyer and Oliver, posts her family adventures on Triangle Families Explore.

PHOTO OF LEVINSON AT LEFT AND ON PAGE 26 BY GLYNNIS CHRISTENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW WAKE COUNTY PARKS

Three spaces offer places for families to relax and reflect

BY JANICE LEWINE

As the Triangle grows, new parks are in the works for some of Wake County’s fastest-growing areas.

DOWNTOWN CARY PARK

319 S. Academy

carync.gov

Street, Cary

Cary’s 1-acre crown jewel, Downtown Cary Park, has undergone a $68 million, 6-acre expansion expected to open by the end of November. New features include an adventure playground for children, interactive water features, a dog play area with a Bark Bar for pet parents, and performance and recreational spaces. Centered between Academy, East Park and Walker streets, Downtown Cary Park will also enable nature-inspired play, live entertainment and robust, year-round programming.

HEART OF THE PARK

The Great Lawn & Pavilion is the park’s heart and soul, where visitors will gather to enjoy outdoor movie showings, festivals, large-scale concerts and four fire pits that can seat up to 12 people each. The lawn is fronted by an impressive entertainment pavilion that will include innovative and technologically advanced use of Western Red Cedar wood for the pavilion’s finishes and structure.

The Park Street Courts, an expansive recreational area near the park’s center, will feature a variety of lawn games, a putting green, table tennis, theatrical performances and a farmers market. Surrounding the park’s iconic fountain off S. Academy Street is Town Square, another recreational space with a multipurpose lawn that will host yoga, high-intensity interval training classes, educational programming like art and photography classes, and activity carts for all ages.

PLAY SPACES FOR ALL

Affectionately known as “The Nest,” Downtown Cary Park’s kids playground encourages imagination and exploration. A pair of 20-foot cardinals—one red and one yellow—will entice children to climb inside for a bird’s-eye view of the park. Four slides are surrounded by plants so kids can play in nature, and towering contrabass chimes facilitate a larger-than-life musical experience with sounds that children can both hear and feel.

Four-legged friends can enjoy their own play space in the Barkyard along Walker Street to roam, join obedience and agility classes, or take part in a pet parade. The adjacent Bark Bar will serve not only dog treats, but drinks and snacks for owners as well, and will also be a lively gathering place for live music and paint-and-sip events. A social district will encompass the entire footprint of the park and allow for purchasing and consuming wine and beer from 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

A dramatic, elevated skywalk will enable visitors to see the 66,000 kinds of plants that will fill the park with lush beauty—from flowering varieties to native tree species.

Downtown Cary Park will offer over 500 annual public programs and events that fill General Manager Joy Ennis and her team with pride as the park nears its opening date. “We’re excited to share our excitement with the rest of the world,” Ennis says. “We want Downtown Cary Park to be a place where you can relax, have joy and make memories. That’s really what we’re hoping for.”

PLEASANT PARK

3400 Pleasant Plains Road, Apex apexnc.org

Pleasant Park, a 92-acre complex near the intersection of Interstate 540 and Old U.S. Highway 1 in southwest Apex, will make its long-awaited debut this fall. The amenity boasts six multipurpose athletic fields; 12 athletic courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball; a 5K cross country course; a field house; an “Enchanted Forest” featuring eight inclusive play areas; and “Splashlantis,” a dazzling water play facility.

In addition to hosting a variety of athletic tournaments, Pleasant Park offers plenty of space for large-scale community events, such as outdoor movie nights and food truck rodeos, as well as a variety of camps and classes organized by the Town of Apex.

ENCHANTING PLAY AREAS

The Enchanted Forest is a 1.5-acre themed playground inspired by fairy tales and fables with specialized equipment from seven manufacturers across the globe. Kids of all ages and abilities can explore the eight alluring play villages, including:

The Reading Nook. This ideal spot for starting an adventure in the Enchanted Forest is a quiet gathering space featuring toadstools that are perfect for storytime activities.

Discovery Dig. Shifting sands, buried treasure and archaeological finds are highlights of this play area that assists in developing gross and fine motor skills. A special sand table accommodates guests with mobility issues alongside other adventurers.

Gnome’s Hollow. Several larger climbing and rope structures provide two levels of play to develop body strength, flexibility and endurance. An accessible merry-go-round, climbing logs, a turf hill, a four-seat teeter-totter, a cozy cocoon and shaded benches highlight this play area, which also features a slide transfer station and adaptive equipment for children with physical and emotional disabilities.

Kingdom in the Clouds. This central village is home to Emerald Tritopia, a 35-foot climbing structure and artistic focal point of play surrounded by colorful and engaging components. Its multiple levels contain physical and sensory play nooks.

ABOVE : The Downtown Cary Park 6-acre expansion is expected to open by the end of November. New features include an adventure playground, interactive water features, a dog play area, a performance area and recreational spaces. IMAGES COURTESY OF OJB LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

TOP: Pleasant Park in Apex will include six multipurpose fields, athletic courts, an Enchanted Forest and Splashlantis, a water play area.

IMAGES COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF APEX

BOTTOM: Freedom Park in Raleigh pays homage to the African American experience and struggle for equality.

IMAGES COURTESY OF HOLT BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION

Melody Madness. This auditory area promotes music as a universal language that can be created, shared and enjoyed as multigenerational play.

Reverie. Swinging and spinning with incorporated light play in this section of the park promotes the development of gross motor skills.

Sticks & Stones. Constructed from trees, logs, boards and rocks, Sticks & Stones enables guests to climb, balance, stack, hop and build. The area heightens children’s problem-solving, abstract thinking and creativity in a natural space.

Trollway Bridge. This bridge connects the two sides of the Enchanted Forest and features open wire railings for expansive views of the protected wetlands below, which are shaded by the branches of swaying trees above the area.

MAKE A SPLASH

Pleasant Park is also home to Splashlantis, the town’s first water park for all ages. Visitors can enjoy splashing activities, water spray features and buckets that dump water on guests standing under them. To add to the fun, visitors can find buried treasure with the help of shipwrecked pirates, or follow the water’s path as it collects from the spray elements into a rill.

Apex Parks Planning Project Manager Angela Reincke says her joy in creating Pleasant Park stems from “the ability to imagine an inclusive play space created from childhood stories and constructed into reality, and then being able to see joy and wonder on children’s faces as they experience those moments. Every piece of equipment was selected to provide a different type of play, and focus on a different physical or mental aspect, so that each visitor can become a part of the story.”

NORTH CAROLINA FREEDOM PARK

N. Wilmington and E. Lane streets, Raleigh ncfmp.nationbuilder.com

North Carolina boasts a rich heritage of African American participation in the development of the state’s culture, education and economics. North Carolina Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh honors the African American experience and struggle for equality here. The late internationally renowned architect Phil Freelon’s award-winning design encourages visitors of all ages to reflect upon the importance of full freedom for every citizen, and to learn about the contributions African Americans have made to improve life and society in North Carolina.

Freedom Park, which opened in August, features five diagonal walkways with walls that frame each path. Twenty notable African Americans with ties to North Carolina—including enslaved persons, soldiers and civil rights leaders—“voice” inscriptions on each wall. These paths also form the edges of the park’s three major components: the existing North Carolina Victims’ Memorial Garden, an area to reflect, and an area to gather. A grassy plateau forms the gathering area, which is ideal for small performances, poetry readings and outdoor film screenings. Located in the center of the park is a 40-foot-tall sculpture known as the Beacon of Freedom that will be illuminated at night and serve to inspire present and future generations.

Digging Her Future Millbrook High School star Kiki Horne is headed west for her next volleyball adventure

BY KURT DUSTERBERG

Kiarrah “Kiki” Horne had just finished a long day on the volleyball court when she settled in to chat about her playing career. Her team, Triangle Volleyball Club 17 Black, finished fifth in the 17 Open Division of the USAV Girls’ Junior National Championships in Chicago this past July, marking one of her most memorable performances.

It was the latest big moment in a series of accomplishments for Horne, who was the MVP of Millbrook High School’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association

4A state volleyball championship win against Sun Valley High School last November. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter also earned the prestigious North Carolina Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year award for the 2022 season, which included 522 kills, 220 digs and 44 service aces.

Now a senior, Horne will strive to lead her teammates to another title this fall. Then she’s off to California to play for UCLA, where she will continue her education and playing career in fall 2024. Currently a member of the PAC-12, UCLA will move to the Big 10 in time for Horne’s freshman year. (She was originally recruited to Iowa State by associate head coach Jen Malcom, who accepted the same position at UCLA in December 2022.) Once in Los Angeles, Horne will try to leave her mark on one of college volleyball’s most successful programs.

How did you get started in volleyball?

When I started playing sports, I played soccer for seven seasons. I would always go to my sister [Khyliah’s] volleyball tournaments. I watched her and I loved the energy, so I decided to make the switch because I kept getting taller. I’ve played volleyball ever since age 13.

When did you know you were pretty good and begin to think you might want to play in college?

My coach in [North Carolina Volleyball Academy] 13 Diamond, Latacha [De Oliveira] helped me make the transition from middle to outside that year. She was very focused on making sure I did the small things. We were planning on having a big future, so I was ready for the big moments. My coach let me know I could be something special.

For players at your level, I know the competitive level in high school isn’t always the same as the club level. You won a state championship at Millbrook. What has your experience there been like?

Definitely school ball is not the same level, but it pushed me to be a leader. Millbrook definitely taught me to set a goal. To be able to reach that was amazing. Now I know it’s my job to step into those shoes and do the same thing again.

What do you do best on the volleyball court?

In the past, I would say my hitting. But now I love digging balls in the back row. I just started picking up on that. A good dig would get me hyped up the rest of the game.

How did you wind up committing to UCLA? That’s a big program far away from home.

I wanted to give myself time to take everything in. I took my time, talked to a lot of coaches, went on visits. Coach Jen Malcom used to recruit me from Iowa State, then she transferred. [UCLA] Coach Alfee [Reft] liked my film and said he would come watch me. The same day he watched me, he called me and said, “We’re going to offer you [a scholarship] at UCLA.” Ever since has been history. I love the coaching staff, the campus is beautiful, and LA has great beaches. Everything started to line up. The teammates were amazing. They were very welcoming. Being a Christian myself, it was great finding out a lot of the girls on the team are also Christians and have a church they go to. So having a Christian culture to come into was a big plus for me in choosing a school. They had that team culture. That was the biggest thing.

Can you tell that right away on a school visit?

Definitely not. Everyone’s trying to put up a facade, and they want the best players to come to their school. But you can tell when someone is being transparent. That’s one of the things I learned from being patient throughout.

What do you want out of a college experience?

My main thing is just to grow while I’m there. LA is big, and it can teach you a lot about yourself. I’m open to learning about a lot of things and learning about myself. I’m thinking about minoring in psychology. I’ve got plenty of time to decide. I’m not sure yet on a major.

Did you have any concerns about going all the way across the country for college and to play volleyball?

Surprisingly, no. My parents are very comfortable that they raised me right, and I just take it as a new adventure. No concerns at all. I’m just fully excited.

PHOTO OF KIKI HORNE AT BOTTOM RIGHT ON PAGE 36 BY MASH PHOTOGRAPHY. PHOTOS OF HORNE PLAYING AT MILLBROOK HIGH SCHOOL AND AT THE 4A STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BY SAL CASTENEDA OF 3LITTLEBIRDSMEDIA.

Are Club Sports Worth It?

BY MANDY HOWARD

The answer lies firmly in what you mean by “it.” A mom at a recent Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball tournament said, “[Club sports] used to be really elite—like you didn’t know if your child could make a team. Now, if you’re willing to pay, you can find a team.” She’s right—and this reality shifts the landscape. Since club sports are an option for nearly every athlete, the question changes from “Could they make it?” to “Should we do it?” Pam Morrow has a decade of experience in club volleyball. Her daughter, Hannah Rose, was recruited from club tournaments and is living her dream of playing in college. Her older daughter, Lily, left club volleyball to participate in high school marching band. While Morrow says both daughters had positive experiences, she is mindful of the sacrifices they had to make. Travel sports can provide impactful, life-forming opportunities, but they also require significant time and financial commitments. Consider the following points as you contemplate whether club sports are worth committing to for your family.

Financial Expenses

Initial dues for club teams range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Top-level club volleyball teams, for example, typically require an investment of more than $10,000 when it’s all said and done. Those upfront numbers rarely tell the whole story. “If parents want to travel to see their kids play … add parent airfare and hotel fees, sometimes car rental fees, and crazy expensive parking fees at the venue,” Morrow says. “We also have to buy tickets to get into the tournaments to watch our kids play.”

Other potential costs include:

• Family meals at tournaments

• Tournament T-shirts/sweatshirts

• Equipment and uniform needs not included in the initial fees

• Private lessons

“The kids who play on national teams usually have their eyes set on playing in college, and I think parents think volleyball will pay for college,” Morrow says. “I am pretty sure we have already paid for college with all we have invested in club volleyball over the years.”

However, Morrow also noted that many college recruiters rarely go to schools and opt to recruit directly from national club tournaments. So parents have to balance paying for college with what it costs to pay for their athlete to be seen by recruitment coaches. If the athlete ends up being recruited, the risk often pays off.

Nonfinancial Expenses

In addition to monetary considerations, it’s important to note the nonfinancial costs of pursuing club sports. “Club volleyball can take over your life,” Morrow says. “I have often joked that if I had a dollar for every time we have had to say, “Sorry, she/we can’t, we have a tournament this weekend,” I would be rich!” Missed events, Morrow says, included everything from prom to a decade of Easter Sundays. “We’ve missed a lot,” she says.

Parents must also consider the physical toll intense training takes on their athletes. Continuous, high-level training can lead

to overuse injuries and burnout. “It was somewhat intense when we started, but has grown to be more intense over time,” Morrow says. “We know two girls who have already had hip replacements!”

No Guarantees

Club and travel sports typically encompass tiers of competition. After a stressful tryout process, athletes often experience a grueling wait to find out what team they made. And, even if they make their dream team, parents might spend a lot of money to watch their athlete sit the bench.

“The goal is to win, and coaches will play the combinations that make that happen,” Morrow says. “My advice to parents would be to try and keep things in perspective, and to help your child keep things in perspective as well. How it’s handled can be a great opportunity for your child to overcome adversity and build resilience.”

Hard Choices

“Hannah Rose’s club training helped her make her varsity high school team as an incoming freshman, and also helped her finish her senior year with a state championship under her belt,” Morrow says of her daughter’s Millbrook High School 2022 volleyball season. But, while she sees the benefits for her daughter, she also laments that at some schools it’s hard for athletes to make their school team without club training, which is unattainable for many.

Additionally, at some point, parents and their athletes have to make hard choices. Morrow applauds her older daughter for pursuing the arts—even though it meant that Lily had to walk away from a sport she loved. “It takes maturity to walk away from something you’ve invested that much time in. It’s very hard—and sometimes impossible—to play club volleyball and be involved in other activities, so you’ve got to really love the sport above all else.”

OPPOSITE PAGE AND ABOVE: HANNAH ROSE MORROW WAS A SETTER FOR TRIANGLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB AND MILLBROOK HIGH SCHOOL IN RALEIGH DURING THE 2022–23 SEASON.

AT RIGHT: MORROW NOW PLAYS FOR MACALESTER COLLEGE IN MINNESOTA. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MORROW FAMILY.

MILLBROOK HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL’S KIKI HORNE AND HANNAH ROSE MORROW

What Impact Does Nature Have on Mental Health?

BY JESSICA FOWLER, CADC, CPS

Hundreds of studies have found a connection between spending time in nature and mental health benefits for children and adults. Celebrate fall’s beautiful colors by getting outside, centering yourself and encouraging others around you to do the same.

Let’s explore the mental health benefits of nature’s green and blue spaces:

• Improvements in overall mental health.

• Reduced stress.

• Boost in serotonin.

• Increase in resilience.

• More feelings of happiness.

• Positive social interactions.

• Greater confidence.

In Japan, many use the evidence-based practice of “Forest Bathing,” or spending time in the forest, to promote mental health. This practice improves health in a number of ways, including lowering blood pressure and decreasing the stress hormone, cortisol.

Getting outside doesn’t have to include a lush forest or rambling river. A local park, community garden, favorite neighborhood block, or friend’s backyard can be just as tranquil and reap the same mental health benefits.

Any time spent outdoors is time well spent and full of mental and physical benefits.

Try some of these ideas:

• Take a family walk.

• Blow bubbles outside.

• Play basketball or hopscotch at a local park.

• Enjoy a picnic together.

• Walk and point out favorite plants, flowers or landmarks.

These practices can increase family bonding and open communication. Making a habit of playing outside together will likely result in a mental health lift for the whole family.

Outdoor Playtime

Many benefits also come from playing outside. Time in nature can promote social-emotional learning by fostering the use of creativity and imagination.

The unstructured play experience that nature provides empowers children to interact with their surroundings, designing their own inventive play, which can increase confidence and self-esteem. Children learn responsibility while being outdoors as they experiment with caring for the planet and the living parts of their environment. Playing outside gets the body moving, which lowers stress and increases focus, concentration and physical wellness.

The impact of spending time in nature has even more pronounced benefits for children from historically marginalized communities. Those communities tend to have less access to green or blue spaces. There are 28 million U.S. children who do not live within 10 minutes of a high-quality park or green space. Rachna Buxani-Mirpuri, a licensed mental health counselor, founder of Buxani Counseling Care and author of “A Pint of Patience With a Dollop of Love,” says “several studies have found that kids from marginalized communities who have access to nature tend to engage in less crime and are more socially trusting. It helps promote a sense of safety, thus positively affecting the mental health of children and youth.”

Studies have also found that even a moderate number of shrubs or trees in a community has been linked to lower rates of depression. As a society, we need to advocate for equitable access to green spaces for all children and work to provide safe spaces for them to play outside.

As the seasons change, remember that no matter where you live, you can go outside and take deep breaths as you observe the sky and plants around you. This repeated practice will increase your family’s mental wellness, lower stress and open communication. Be present in nature with your friends and family, and reap the benefits on your mental and physical well-being.

Jessica Fowler, CADC, CPS is a substance use prevention senior specialist at the Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EQUUVATION.ORG

Understanding Your Child’s Learning Disability Diagnosis and Mental Health Medication

BY DR. ZEV ZINGHER, M.D.

Dr. Zev Zingher, M.D., a dual board-certified child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist operating a private practice in Raleigh, answers questions about your child’s mental health diagnoses and medication.

Q: How does diagnosing a child with a learning disability or mental health condition impact their identity and development?

A: Kids live up or down to labels we consciously and unconsciously give them. It’s important for the adults in a child’s life to use the diagnosis to create a roadmap to success. Consider these factors:

1. A diagnosis can provide a framework for understanding the challenges your child faces by acknowledging that their struggles are real and not a result of personal failings. This promotes self-compassion and helps your child develop a more accurate self-perception.

2. A diagnosis can open doors to empowering support services, accommodations and interventions that can help your child overcome challenges, build resilience and reach their full potential.

3. A diagnosis shifts the “blame” from the child to the condition, reducing societal stigma and misconceptions. It can cultivate empathy and create a supportive environment that validates the child’s difficulties.

4. Conversely, some children may internalize the diagnosis as a negative label, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth or feelings of being “broken” or “abnormal.” Some may compare themselves unfavorably to their peers, which can negatively influence their self-esteem and self-confidence.

5. Children who strongly identify with their diagnosis may see themselves solely through the lens of their condition, which can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of conforming to its associated limitations, thereby hindering growth and development. A diagnosis may overshadow their strengths and talents, as the focus often centers on the challenges they face. By approaching the diagnosis with sensitivity, understanding and a focus on your child’s overall well-being, you can encourage a growth mindset, promote self-acceptance and celebrate your child’s unique strengths.

Q: How can I help my child avoid feeling ashamed about taking psychiatric medication?

A: Supporting your child’s mental health and helping him or her feel comfortable with his or her medication is crucial. Here are some strategies to help.

1. Children understand that if they have trouble seeing at school or while playing sports, their parents will get their eyes checked and, if needed, an optometrist will prescribe glasses. Explain to your child that “an adjustment” can similarly help their mind focus, or help reduce any anxiety, and that medication provides that help.

2. Help your child understand their condition and why medication is needed. Explain that mental health conditions are common, and medications help restore balance in the brain, just like medication for physical ailments can restore the body’s full function. Encourage open conversations about your child’s feelings, and address any concerns with honesty and compassion.

3. Explain that many adults also take medication to help them feel and function better. Praise your child for tackling a difficult problem by getting help.

4. Normalize mental health by talking openly about it in your family. Discuss how mental health is an important part of life, just like physical health. Encourage empathy, understanding and acceptance toward people with mental health conditions.

5. Emphasize that taking medication is a choice your child makes to support their well-being. The best medication is the one your child feels good about taking. Encourage your child to take an active role in the prescribed treatment by tracking symptoms and discussing any changes with their health care provider.

6. Celebrate your child’s progress and resilience. Highlight their strengths, talents and achievements to emphasize that medication does not define who your child is. Support the activities and interests your child enjoys and is good at to reinforce a positive sense of self.

Learn more at zingherpsychiatric.com.

PHOTO BY J. RYKSE -

Fall in Love With Boone

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Autumn in North Carolina’s high country delivers spectacular beauty, breathtaking colors and endless opportunities for adventure. With its cool temperatures and vivid views, it’s no wonder fall is one of Boone’s most-visited times of year. Although peak fall foliage times differ each year, the best bet when planning to see the stunning change from green to yellow, orange and red is in October. We’ve compiled a list of must-dos while visiting Boone and its surrounding towns this fall.

Appalachian State University Football Games

appstatesports.com

Fall in Boone is not complete without attending an Appalachian State University home football game, when fans flock to the town’s quaint downtown area to cheer on the Mountaineers. Tailgaters expand from the stadium into most sections of town, giving weekend visitors a glimpse at how serious fans in this mountain town are about their football team.

High Gravity Adventures

highgravityadventures.com

Experience high climbing excitement at High Gravity Adventures, a zip line and aerial park. Unleash your inner Tarzan on the ropes course, zoom between valleys on the zip line, traverse the sky bridge and buckle up for a four-story, three-seater swing. This family-friendly park has something for every age—and thrill-seeker—in your group.

RiverGirl Fishing Co.

rivergirlfishing.com

Nestled beside the New River in Todd, a little over 12 miles northeast of Boone, RiverGirl Fishing provides all necessary gear for a day on—or in—the water. From bike to kayak and canoe rentals, you’ll find something to suit everyone in your group. Learn to fly fish in the trout-filled water with an experienced guide, or relax on a tube while the current carries you down the river. RiverGirl Fishing’s ecotours and equipment rentals ensure you’ll experience an unforgettable mountain day.

PHOTO BY DAVE ALLEN — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIAM MORONEY

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

exploreboone.com/things-to-do/attractions/rocky-knob-park

The pinnacle of fun for mountain bike riders, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park provides the ideal setting for all levels of experience. You’ll find four skill areas with five trails, plus more than a dozen side trails and connectors, each offering exceptional scenic experiences. Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park also contains a playground for younger members of the family.

Sky Valley Zip Tours

skyvalleyziptours.com

Journey through the High Country on an electric four-wheeldrive off-road vehicle at Sky Valley Zip Tours’ Mountain Cat off-road adventure tour in Blowing Rock. Conquer challenging inclines and rocky paths as part of this exciting experience for all skill levels. The 140-acre property features several miles of thrilling trails to explore.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train

September 22–October 28

tweetsie.com

The Wild West transforms into a Ghost Town each night during Halloween season at Tweetsie Railroad. Daytime guests can enjoy all of the usual attractions, but once the sun goes down, the park undergoes a full makeover complete with costumed characters, decorations, music and Halloween-themed wonders. Younger children will love the dance parties, trick-or-treat stations and Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular show. Braver guests can dare to take an ominous journey on the Ghost Train, trek through the Haunted House and explore the Freaky Forest.

Viaduct Views and Terrific Treks

blueridgeparkway.org and smokymountains.com

Travel 20 miles southwest of Boone to the Linn Cove Viaduct, a 7-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge in Newland that hugs the face of Grandfather Mountain and offers quintessential fall foliage views. Revelers can park at the visitor center and follow one of many trails that offer breathtaking scenery of the viaduct and its stunning surroundings. Boone is home to countless hiking trails, many of which lead to magnificent waterfalls.

Laurel Creek Falls, which are 30 feet tall and located near the Watauga River, are easy to reach and offer several swimming holes. For a moderately challenging hike, take the Boone Fork Trail in Julian Price Memorial Park to the 25-foot Hebron Falls, which is surrounded by enormous boulders.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com

Take your trip to the next level on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk. Tucked into the mountainside, North Carolina’s first alpine coaster follows the natural curves and ridges of the surrounding terrain. Race down a 3,160-foot track featuring three circular loops, a series of waves and several twists and turns, where you can reach a top speed of 27 mph if you’d like. If you’d rather coast a little slower, don’t fret! You control the speed with your own hand brake.

Wooly Worm Festival

October 21–22, 2023 woollyworm.com

One of the area’s most attended—and unique— festivals, Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival is Western North Carolina’s version of Groundhog Day. Nearly 1,000 racing worms vie for the honor of predicting the region’s upcoming winter weather. The position of the longest dark bands on the winning worm supposedly indicates which dates of winter will be coldest. If the head end of the caterpillar is dark, the beginning of winter will be severe. If the tail end is dark, the end of winter will be cold. You read that right: Instead of Punxsutawney Phil seeing shadows, the markings of a fuzzy worm tell winter sports aficionados when to expect the best snowfall. In addition to the main woolly worm attraction, attendees can find all the trappings of a successful festival: food, vendors, music and rides.

Ready to plan your trip? Learn more about Boone at exploreboone.com.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

—French philosopher Albert Camus

PHOTO BY TIMOTHY — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY SEANPAVONEPHOTO — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY BOYLES — STOCK.ADOBE.COM

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL

September 2–3

Downtown Raleigh aacfestival.org/festival-2023

The 14th annual African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County features a marketplace, art gallery walk, food vendors and a Creativation Station for kids.

NC DISNEYANA

September 2–3

Durham Armory

212 Foster Street, Durham ncdisneyana.com

Join thousands of fans to buy, sell and trade Disneyana collectibles at the Durham Armory. The event highlights performances, prize giveaways, cosplay entertainers and more. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and younger.

WAKE FOREST UNPLUGGED

September 3, 5–7 p.m.

E. Carroll Joyner Park

701 Harris Road, Wake Forest wakeforestnc.gov

Disconnect from smartphones, computers and other devices, and reconnect with friends and family at E. Carroll Joyner Park. Enjoy sack and relay races, corn hole and miniature golf in the vicinity of the Walker Garden.

ASIA FEST

September 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary asianfocusnc.org/asiafest

Move to the beat of the drums in celebration of Asian culture at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Watch dragon boats race across Symphony Lake and enjoy Asian offerings in food, stage performances, cultural exhibits and merchandise.

BUGFEST

September 16, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh naturalsciences.org/calendar/bugfest

Take part in more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games and activities as you interact with entomologists and other scientists while learning about the fascinating world of arthropods and spiders.

CENTERFEST ARTS FESTIVAL

September 16, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

September 17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Downtown Durham durhamarts.org/centerfest

CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with local performers. Kids can unleash their inner artist in the Creative Kids Zone.

“SPIDERS: FEAR TO FASCINATION”

Through October 8

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh naturalsciences.org

Get an up-close look at more than 48,000 known spider species and discover how this incredibly diverse group of animals has survived for 300 million years. View more than 250 real and preserved specimens, hold virtual spiders in your hand, test your fang agility and create your own animated arachnid. Purchase tickets online for $10–$14.

BUGFEST AND SPIDER PHOTOS COURTESEY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES

“WIZARD OF OZ”

September 16, 2 and 6 p.m.

Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts

405 S. Brooks Street, Wake Forest wakeforestrencen.org

Follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy and friends as they travel through a reimagined world of Oz. This scaled-down version from Vital Theatre Company lasts one hour and is suitable for children of all ages.

BENSON MULE DAYS

September 21–24

Downtown Benson bensonmuledays.com

Take the family for rodeos, mule competitions, arts and crafts, food vendors, carnival rides, bluegrass shows and more at Benson Mule Days, one of North Carolina’s largest festivals. Classic cars, antique tractors, beauty queens, and hundreds of horses and wagons round out the event.

OCTOBER

KILOMETERS FOR THE KIDS 5K AND FUN RUN

October 8; visit the website for race times UNC–Chapel Hill Campus carolinaftk.org/kilometers-for-the-kids.html

Lace up your shoes to support the Carolina For The Kids Foundation, the state’s largest student-run, nonprofit fundraising organization that funds what medical insurance cannot cover for patients and their families at North Carolina Children’s Hospital. A virtual option takes place October 6–8.

HUM SUB DIWALI

October 14, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary humsub.org

Immerse yourself in Indian culture at Hub Sub Diwali, the annual Hindi festival of lights. The event features live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, authentic cuisine and an evening fireworks display. Abby V and his band perform at 6:30 p.m. on the main stage. Admission is free; parking is $7.

BARKTOBERFEST

October 28, 3:30–6:30 p.m.

Durham Central Park 501 Foster Street, Durham dprplaymore.org/276/barktoberfest

Dogs take center stage at this festival featuring a costume contest, photo booth, pet market, food vendors and a canine food drive.

HOLLYFEST

October 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Jefferson L. Sugg Farm Park at Bass Lake 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs hollyspringsnc.us/356/hollyfest

Food vendors, children’s activities and local entertainment highlight this celebration of Holly Springs at Sugg Farm.

Be sure to check the websites for these events before you head out to ensure they are still taking place.

ABOVE: CENTERFEST PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE RANDY BASS BELOW: HUM SUB DIWALI PHOTOS COURTESY OF H UMSUB2

COME HUNGRY

New treats to taste, opportunities to learn and recipes to try

TASTE

Elmo’s Diner

776 9th Street, Durham elmosdiner.com

Elmo’s Diner is the perfect family brunch spot. This local Durham favorite prides itself on its friendly, efficient service and delicious, made-from-scratch entrees. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and repeatedly wins awards for its famous breakfast and kid-friendly atmosphere. A must-try is the cinnamon apple waffle—a perfect fall treat!

Pumpkin Bread

Makes 2 loaves

Provided by Once Upon a Chef | onceuponachef.com

With the leaves changing to autumn colors, the smell of apple cider in the air and pumpkins beginning to make appearances on porches, pumpkin bread is the perfect family fall recipe. It makes a great grab-and-go breakfast slice to eat on the way to school, and if you add chocolate chips, it transforms into an un-Boo-lievable Halloween dessert.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• ½ teaspoon of baking powder

• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg

• 1½ sticks (¾ cup) of unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups of sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée

• 1½ cups of chocolate chips (optional)

Taverna Agora

326 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh tavernaagora.com

Want to expose your kids to a dinner outing with Mediterranean flair? Look no further than Taverna Agora, a Greek kitchen in downtown Raleigh with authentic food and a homey atmosphere, where everything is a family affair. The service is excellent and specializes in helping find something that can fit anyone’s tastes—from the more adventurous grilled octopus to the classic pastitsio (Greek lasagna).

Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant

3905 Western Boulevard, Raleigh amedeosrestaurant.com

Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant has been a Raleigh institution since 1963. While still specializing in classic Italian cuisine and kind, hospitable service, Amedeo’s offers online reservations and orders, as well as delivery. Every Wolfpack fan should check out this unofficial “North Carolina State University Museum.” (Non–NCSU fans should prepare for the awesome shock of red!) Come dine in on Mondays when kids under age 10 eat for free with the purchase of an adult meal.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and grease two 8-by-4-inch loaf pans. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the mixture appears light and fluffy. Beat in the pumpkin, then add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. If you choose to add chocolate chips, stir them in now. Divide the batter into the pans, then bake for 65–75 minutes or until the bread is baked through. Let it cool for about 10 minutes and enjoy!

LEARN

Flour Power

10511 Shadowlawn Drive, Suite 117, Raleigh

201 Park at North Hills, Suite 106, Raleigh

1128 Parkside Main Street, Cary

244 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs flourpowerstudios.com

Flour Power Cooking Studios is the perfect place to give your child a fun and interactive introduction to cooking. Programs range from birthday parties and after-school classes, to the popular Kids Night Out event. If parents want to get in on the fun, Flour Power Cooking Studios offers family events and adult cooking classes as well. From learning basic cooking techniques, to mastering more advanced recipes, kids are guaranteed to sharpen their culinary skills and have a blast!

P HOTO COURTESY OF TAVERNA AGORA

P HOTO COURTESY OF F LOUR POWER COOKING STUDIOS

PHOTO BY O.B. – STOCK.ADOBE.COM

GETTING AN EARLY JUMP Northwood basketball star Gianna McManaman heads to New Mexico

By early June, Gianna McManaman left high school life behind to start on her college career. She moved into her University of New Mexico residence on a Saturday, and by Monday, was working out and running a basketball camp for kids. Never mind that her Northwood High School classmates back in Pittsboro hadn’t even graduated.

“I think they’re walking this Saturday,” she says without a hint of regret. “I’m not really bummed. I was ready to be here. I don’t really mind not walking the stage. I will do it in college.”

McManaman is a point guard from Chapel Hill— a playmaker who managed to build a basketball profile with a school 1,700 miles away. She owes that reality to her grandfather, Robert Sanchez, a longtime travel basketball coach in Albuquerque. During visits to see her grandparents, McManaman’s affection for the Lobos basketball program began to grow. Before seventh grade, she attended the school’s basketball camp.

“My grandfather would take me to the games,” she recalls. “It’s amazing here. Fans always go crazy for the guys, but for fans to go crazy for the girls? That, to me, was just so impressive.”

In high school, McManaman attracted attention from mid-major programs in North Carolina, but she always felt at home in the Southwest. “For years I had gotten to know these coaches,” she says. “So why do anything else?”

As a senior at Northwood, the 5-foot-8 point guard averaged 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.3 steals. Her numbers were a testament to the type of players she has always been: well-rounded but not flashy. “I’ve always been pass-first, which I’m trying to balance out with

some shots,” McManaman says. “I just have great vision and great [basketball] IQ. I’ve never been someone who’s dropping 30 points a game. I’m just consistent and efficient. I’m not going to be the super flashy player in all the highlight reels. I just like to get it done.”

It took some time before McManaman hit her stride. As a teen playing travel basketball, coaches told her she lacked confidence. Then as a high school sophomore, she broke her leg during a game. “I was very timid, I was kind of scared,” she says. “It took forever. I’m still working on it, how to be more confident and believe in yourself.”

There’s no lack of confidence anymore. Even far from home, McManaman is in familiar surroundings with family nearby. “I wake up and I’m so grateful to be here,” she says.

Do you know a Good Sport who deserves recognition in our next issue? Email editors@trianglefamilymag.com to share your news.

PHOTO BY ALLISON WEISS, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO ATHLETICS

per·se·ver·ance [per-se-vir-en(t)s]

Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure or opposition.

Apex High School seniors and twins, Analiza and Anamie Whittlesey (18), persevered to help bring home the 4A state softball title for Apex High School last spring.

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Photo by MASH Photography