Carolina Parent May 2018

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Navigating Chivalry in a Progressive Society 21 May Festivals in the Triangle

How to Host a Modern-Day Tea Party 1 carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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CONTENT › M AY

14 Chivalry and Modern Manners Navigating etiquette guidelines in a progressive society

18 Three Tiers for Tea How to host a modern-day tea party

21 It's Showtime!

10 theater etiquette tips for kids and families

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 May Online 6 Editor's Note FYI 8 Community 10 Education 12 Health CO LU M N S 23 Growing Up 25 Tech Talk 26 Understanding Kids 29 Father Figuring 30 College Transitions 31 Excursion 40 Faces and Places CALENDAR 32 Our Picks 33 Performances 34 Festivals 36 Exhibits 37 Daily

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EDITOR’S NOTE

May I Take Your Coat?

T

he term “chivalry” rarely surfaces in modern conversation, unless it’s part of an academic lecture on medieval history or English literature. Think about it. How often do you see acts of chivalry today? While I don’t regularly expect my husband to lay his coat across a puddle of water for me to walk over, I do like it when he holds the door open for me, pulls out my chair and helps me put my coat on. (Let’s face it — coats, especially long, puffy winter ones — are a pain to deal with.)

This begs the question: Have acts of chivalry become a thing of the past? Or are parents continuing to instill chivalrous behavior in children while teaching them proper etiquette? We attempt to answer these questions in Caitlin Wheeler's “Chivalry and Modern Manners: Navigating Etiquette Guidelines in a Progressive Society” on page 14.

The Lucy Daniels Center continues this conversation on page 26 by offering tips for how to teach your child manners and etiquette as he or she grows, and Tech Talk columnist Laura Tierney explains the benefits of including digital etiquette in your overall etiquette teaching strategy on page 25.

Theater etiquette involves yet another set of rules children should adhere to while watching a live performance. We discuss how to prepare your child to be a polite and quiet audience member in Dustin K. Britt's "It's Showtime!" on page 21.

There’s no better place for your child to show off good manners than at a tea party.

On page 18 in Layla Khoury-Hanold's “Three Tiers for Tea,” we offer tips for how to plan and host a modern-day tea party your entire family — and guests, of course — will enjoy.

Speaking of parties, Whitney McDonald, a Hillsborough father of two boys, reflects on the evolution of the birthday party in this month’s Father Figuring column on page 29.

If your rising junior or senior will soon take the SAT or ACT, check out what College Transition columnist Dave Bergman advises on page 30 for how to approach the test-optional admissions policy many colleges and universities have adopted.

Don’t miss Kimberly Blaker's Excursion column on page 31, which takes you to North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest. And our calendar section, which begins on page 37 and is compiled by our resourceful associate editor, Janice Lewine, is packed with naturebased activities, festivals and other ways to spend quality time outdoors with your family.

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Phone: 919-956-2430 · Fax: 919-956-2427 5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 advertising@carolinaparent.com · editorial@carolinaparent.com Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services.

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Cover photo of Lily Donahue and Hugh Wheeler taken by Jack Morton of Morton Photography in the Washington Duke Inn’s Fairview Dining Room.

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carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

› FYI

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community

BY JANICE LEWINE

Walk the Moon to Perform for Band Together NC Band Together NC, a Trianglebased organization that uses live music as a platform for social change, has announced that alternative rock-pop quartet Walk the Moon will headline this year’s main event concert on June 23 at Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh, with two opening artists to be announced. Proceeds from the event will benefit Band Together NC’s 2018 nonprofit partner, Triangle Family Services, which

Patrick Mueller is a Great Cycle Challenge participant.

Photo courtesy of the Great Cycle Challenge

Great Cycle Challenge USA Seeks Riders to Fight Kids’ Cancer More than 48,000 cyclists are gearing up for the fourth Great Cycle Challenge USA during the month of June to benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, a nonprofit that invests in groundbreaking cancer research. Great Cycle Challenge USA encourages riders of all ages and abilities to set personal mileage and fundraising goals, and to track their progress online through a personal profile page at greatcyclechallenge.com. Riders can use any type of bike to accumulate miles and also register for group rides supporting childhood cancer patients. Founded in 2015, The Great Cycle Challenge USA has quickly grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the country, with more than 76,000 riders raising $9 million for Children's Cancer Research Fund. This year’s goal is for 48,000 riders to raise $5.5 million.

Knightdale Accepts Historic Donation for Recreation Center The Knightdale Town Council recently accepted a land donation of 10 acres from Wake Stone Corporation to serve as the future home of a Knightdale recreation center and athletic complex.

Located near the intersection of Forestville and Old Crews roads, the parcel of land, valued at $503,850, is the largest corporate contribution in the town’s history. In 1994, Wake Stone donated eight acres of land that became an environmental park in Knightdale. Learn more at knightdalenc.gov.

has provided innovative solutions for families facing crisis since 1937. Tickets for the show can be purchased at etix.com. Learn more at bandtogethernc.org.

STATS

Top Reasons for Bicycling in the U.S. RECREATION

33%

EXERCISE/ HEALTH

28%

PERSONAL ERRANDS

17%

VISIT A FRIEND/ RELATIVE

COMMUTING TO/FROM WORK

COMMUTING TO/ FROM SCHOOL

8%

7%

4%

Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, based on its 2012 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, pedbikeinfo.org/data/factsheet_general.cfm.

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FYI

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education

BY KAREN SHORE

Pandora the poodle greets a student.

Photo courtesy of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

PetPalsNC Sends Comfort Therapy Dogs to Local Schools Pandora the Poodle has become a Carrboro High School Jaguar, joining other PetPalsNC therapy dogs that have been matched with schools in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools district. Once a week, Pandora checks in at the office with her handler, Ginny Murray, and they set up in the cafe commons area to hang out with students during lunch.

April Crider, a Carrboro High School social worker, says the school “borrowed” a therapy dog from Culbreth Middle School earlier this school year after the death of a student. “The students found the dog to be a great distraction, and it just felt good at that moment to cuddle with her,” she says. Now Carrboro High School has its own dog, and Pandora will attend on a regular schedule.

The presence of trained dogs in middle and high schools is relatively new, and the impact they make is less tied to academic activities than to general emotional and social benefits.

“There isn’t a child who can’t use 15 minutes with a dog every week,” Culbreth Middle School social worker Stefanie Mazva-Cohen says.

Learn more about the program at petpalsnc.org.

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WCPSS Board Member Christine Kushner and former WCPSS Superintendent James Merrill present Emily Baratta with a Bronze Acorn award.

Photo courtesy of WCPSS

NC PTA Announces Bronze Acorn Award Winners Throughout the year, the North Carolina PTA recognizes PTAs across the state for building strong teams of parent, teacher and community volunteers. The Bronze Acorn Award acknowledges PTAs that have increased membership by at least 10 percent as of March 15, when compared to the previous year. For 2018, two Orange County school PTAs, 12 Durham County school PTAs and 39 Wake County school PTAs earned this distinction.

“PTAs are the heart of our schools. An active PTA addresses concerns and supports parents, staff and students in a huge variety of ways that our administration simply cannot address on its own,” says Holly Springs High School PTA President Emily Baratta. “We work hand-in-hand with administration and our work is often behind the scenes. It is vital to some of the issues families face today.”

Go to ncpta.org/index.php/2018/03/30/congratulations-bronze-acorn-winners to see a list of the winning schools.

Durham Public Schools Supports Students in Crisis There are many students who, for medical or legal reasons, are not able to participate in a traditional school setting. Durham Public Schools' Hospital School and Homebound Programs are dedicated to serving all students who cannot come to a classroom and offers special programs to continue their educational experience.

For elementary-aged students, teachers use innovative learning techniques designed especially for those who are medically fragile. Adapting to the unique needs of this population, the middle school program emphasizes the skills necessary to transition to high school-level learning. High school students are challenged as their teacher collaborates with the base school to ensure continued progress and graduation.

Students who are incarcerated earn high school credit through a collaboration between Durham Public Schools and the Durham County Detention Facility. These students get academic assistance and work toward course completion within a small group setting. Learn more at dpsnc.net.

M AY

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WIN TWEETSIE RAILROAD TICKETS Tweetsie Railroad will celebrate its 61st year of Wild West family fun in 2018, and your family could win four tickets to visit during the upcoming season, which offers all the fun and excitement that have made it into a treasured North Carolina tradition for generations, along with new events guests are sure to love.

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Enter to win by going to carolinaparent.com/cp/contests and clicking on the “Tweetsie Railroad” post. Type this code in the online form you’ll be required to fill out: CPTweetsieTix. We’ll announce a winner May 25, 2018. Good luck!

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FYI

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health

BY KATHERINE KOPP

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Trampoline Safety Trampoline jumping is fun for many children, but it does pose a high risk of injury for kids. The activity can result in sprains and fractures in arms and legs, as well as potentially serious head and neck injuries.

The risk of injury is high enough that the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages the use of trampolines at home. Trampoline park injuries are also an area of concern.

If you allow your child to use a trampoline, follow these important safety rules:

• Use safety nets and pads. At home, install a trampoline enclosure and cover the frame, springs and surrounding area with pads.

• Regularly check the equipment for tears and detachments.

• Only allow one person at a time on the trampoline, and do not allow somersaults or other potentially risky moves without supervision and instruction.

• Place a home trampoline at ground level and make sure it’s a safe distance from trees and other hazards.

• Do not allow unsupervised jumping. If you use a trampoline ladder, always remove it after use to prevent unsupervised access by children.

• Do not allow children younger than age 6 to use the trampoline.

• Check with your insurance provider to see if it covers trampoline-related claims.

Source: mayoclinic.org

Exercise in Midlife May Reduce Dementia Later On Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden followed a group of women for up to 44 years. They found that women with high fitness levels in midlife, as opposed to moderate levels, had an 88 percent lower risk of developing dementia. They also found that if the highly fit women did develop dementia, the disease developed an average of 11 years later than it did in the women who were moderately fit.

Go to n.neurology.org/content/early/2018/03/14/WNL.0000000000005290 to read the complete results.

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The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metro area’s ranking in WalletHub’s “2018’s Fattest Cities in America” survey.

Among other North Carolina cities, Winston-Salem ranked 18, Greensboro ranked 20, Asheville ranked 38 and the Charlotte metro area ranked 40.

Source: wallethub.com/edu/fattest-cities-in-america/10532

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Health and Safety Tips for Parties Having a birthday party for your child? Here are a few tips from Allstate Insurance to help ensure it is a safe and healthy experience for all: • Be mindful of food allergies. Avoid serving foods that can be highly allergenic, such as peanuts. Provide choices so that kids with food intolerances such as gluten or lactose will have something to eat.

• If you plan to grill, be sure to have enough adults available to keep kids away from the cooking area.

Have a fire extinguisher on hand.

• Be extra careful with balloons and small party favors, which could present choking hazards.

• If you plan to go to a petting zoo or have animals brought to your home, be sure there is adequate supervision of the animals. To avoid possible animal bites, don’t let children feed them. Children should wash their hands thoroughly after petting the animals.

• If hosting a pool party, it’s a good idea to get written permission from the other parents to allow their child(ren) to swim. A safe ratio of adults to children for a pool party is two adults for every one child.

For more party safety tips, go to blog.allstate.com/ten-safety-tips-foryour-childs-next-birthday-party.

Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer in Chapel Hill.

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Githens Middle School students Hugh Wheeler, 13, and Lily Donohue, also 13, enjoy afternoon tea at the Duke Washington Inn in Durham.

Chivalry and Modern Manners Navigating etiquette guidelines in a progressive society

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STORY BY CAITLIN WHEELER • PHOTOS BY MORTON PHOTOGRAPHY

t is hard to imagine a cuter scene than the annual Valentine's Day Tea at St. David’s School in Raleigh.

Dressed in coats and ties, second-grade boys escort secondgrade girls — all in red party dresses — to their tables. The boys pull out chairs for their partners and gallantly pass cookies. Pinkies are not necessarily extended, but napkins are in laps. Emily Post would approve.

MAY 2018 | carolinaparent.com

For the most part, parents — who are invited to the event as observers — approve, too. However, second-grade teacher Abby Brown says last year was the first time several parents expressed doubts. Is teaching traditional etiquette, with its age-old gender differentiation, appropriate in an age proud of its strong, independent girls and women? Here are four arguments to consider.

THE KINDNESS ARGUMENT Chivalry, Brown says, is all about kindness, respect and “being aware of the people around you.”

“Should a boy hold a door for a girl?” she asks. “Absolutely.

And not just for a girl. It’s important to form habits of respect and awareness for everyone around you.”

Teachers at St. David’s School place a huge emphasis on character development and showing kindness and respect to teachers, parents and peers.

“We focus on this in everything we do, and the traditional manners we teach at our Valentine’s Tea are central to that message,” Brown says.

Margaret Vermillion, co-director for Durham Junior Cotillion, agrees that chivalry is simply a matter of learning to adjust your behavior to make other people feel comfortable.

“It feels good when someone holds the door open for you,” she says. “You feel respected. And it feels bad if you’re sitting across from someone chewing with their mouth open or slurping their soup.”

Brown incorporates the lessons from the Valentine’s Day Tea at St. David’s School into her classroom every day. Once a month, the “golden tray” is given to the class that has shown the best manners and etiquette in the lunchroom. Brown gives out a “golden spoon” each day to the child who has gone above and beyond to show respect and kindness to another student.

Donna Foard Knorr, who was a speech pathologist in Cabarrus County schools for 40 years, opened The Piedmont School of Etiquette because she sees manners as “life skills” that many children with whom she worked were lacking.

“Children want to know the rules,” she says. “They want to be polite and use good manners.”

Knorr says she is pleased at how quickly her students pick up the nuances of social interaction and how eager they are “to show the world they know how to act.”

Brown is equally pleased with the results at St. David’s School.

“I see it all the time in the halls: Middle schoolers holding the door open for a teacher, male or female; and students addressing me and other adults with respect.“

It just gives you confidence to focus on the people around you rather than on yourself.”

These lessons are not only still relevant, Vermillion insists, but vital at a time when social interaction is minimal among teens. She believes cotillion training provides the perfect phone-free, rule-protected venue for practice.

“Adult conversation is particularly difficult for this generation because their in-person exposure is so limited,” she says.

And the ballroom dancing? Important, too, Vermillion says, for helping preteens feel comfortable with the opposite sex.

“The first time those boys have to escort a girl into the room, they are so embarrassed. But that lasts about five minutes and then the awkwardness dissipates and they’re fine,” she says.

Vermillion doesn't believe that leading a girl into the room or pulling out her chair is chauvinistic. Indeed, she finds the opposite to be true.

“Clearly, a girl is capable of doing these things herself,” she says. “It is simply a sign of the boy’s admiration and respect. He is showing the girl he holds her in high esteem.”

Knorr is a stickler for gendered manners and reminds her students that a boy should not only hold the door open for a girl, but also offer his arm to a girl going up or down steps, that he should be the one to ask a girl on a date, and that he should then pay for a dinner or movie out.

Vermillion believes that arming a child with traditional manners will give him or her the confidence and social awareness to determine when and where to apply the rules.

Holding the door open for others is an expression of kindness.

THE SELF-CONFIDENCE ARGUMENT “Chivalry sets you apart,” says Vermillion, whose popular cotillion classes for fifth- through eighth-graders always attract a crowd. “When you to know how to handle yourself in a variety of social situations, you’re going to exude self-confidence.”

Vermillion believes everything taught at cotillion — from table settings to handshakes to writing thank-you notes to dancing — gives her students the confidence to throw themselves into what otherwise might be challenging social situations.

“You don’t need to know what a shrimp fork is — just know the basics, so that at a nice dinner you can immediately sit down and think, ‘OK, Ms. Vermillion told me to always have my bread plate on the left.’ carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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Proper etiquette includes knowing how to engage in polite conversation. Also, always keep smartphones out of site during a meal.

ETIQUETTE MUSTDO’S AND MAYBES MUST-DO’s: 1. Greet someone with a short, firm handshake, address the person by name and look him or her in the eye.

2. When it comes to table manners, know basic place-setting rules (e.g., outside-in with utensils). Make it pleasant for everyone (e.g., never chew with your mouth open).

Participate in conversation.

3. Say “please” and “thank you.”

4. Send thank-you notes — preferably handwritten, though an email (not a text) will do in a pinch.

5. Hold the door open for someone older to show respect, and for anyone who looks like he or she could use help.

6. Put smartphones away during conversations, while sitting at a table for a meal and while in a car.

7. Be aware of the people around you. If someone’s grocery bag breaks, help pick up the groceries.

Offer your seat in a waiting room or on the bus to an elderly person — or to anyone who looks like he or she needs it more than you do.

8. If you invite someone on a date, plan to pay for it.

MAYBES: 1. A boy should hold the door open for a girl.

2. A boy should be the one to ask a girl on a date.

3. A boy should always pay for a date.

4. A boy should go out of his way to introduce himself to his date’s parents.

5. A boy should share his umbrella and offer his coat to his date if she looks cold.

6. A boy should let a girl order first at a restaurant.

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THE SUCCESS ARGUMENT “Etiquette is necessary for success,” says Sarah Ho, senior assistant director for the Park Scholarships program at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

This prestigious, full scholarship regularly attracts more than 2,200 applicants for 35-40 spots. The chosen students have excellent academic records, are deeply involved in their community, are leaders in student organizations and show the potential to make meaningful change in society.

“These students will be judged not just on their achievements, but on how they conduct themselves, and how they interact with peers and professionals,” Ho says. One of the first requirements for this elite group of students is an etiquette class.

The Park Scholarship program added manners training to the curriculum several years ago because students asked for it. As finalists for the scholarship, they are invited to a dinner with the program’s board members and the admissions committee, and many students want to learn proper etiquette for the event.

“It’s a big formal dinner,” explains Ho. “They are still in high school and they all feel nervous about looking professional and acting appropriately at the table. Once they realize this is just the first of many similar events, they all want the skills so they can

focus on impressing, rather than on being nervous about making a mistake.”

Interestingly, Ho notes, among these amazingly impressive students, very few come in with a strong background in etiquette.

“Occasionally, we have someone who did cotillion and that person is always at an advantage,” she says.

Ho says the etiquette training they get is basic, starting with a firm handshake and eye contact, practice at a formal dinner, topics of conversation to avoid and what to do if something embarrassing happens.

Because there are now more women than men in the program, Ho points out that the gender imbalance makes the women less likely to expect chivalrous behavior.

Nonetheless, she says there are definitely gendered aspects to the training, such as holding doors open and pulling chairs out.

Chivalry and etiquette may have morphed to meet the modern world, she says, but “it would be a surprise if we ever reach a day when etiquette doesn’t matter.”

The important lesson for the Park Scholars, just as it is for the second-graders at St. David’s School and middle school students in cotillion, is that being kind leads to success.

This training works for the Park Scholars. Ho says the students go on to ace professional conferences and interviews for international fellowships and internships, and eventually they get hired for top jobs.

“Anticipating someone else’s needs is professional,” Ho says. “It can be something big, or it can be something as small as opening a door.”

THE SILICON VALLEY ARGUMENT Durham Junior Cotillion is thriving, with more than 50 students in the fifth-grade class alone, and other cotillion programs offered throughout the Triangle and the Charlotte area are doing just as well.

But is embracing traditional manners a “Southern thing”? Not according to Janine Gerzanics, director of Junior Manners Company in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. She says cotillion classes in California were on the wane 10 years ago, but with the tech boom and population explosion around San Francisco, things have changed. Parents, she says, are focused on their children’s education and success.

“All the kids have outstanding academics and fantastic extracurriculars, so parents look to cotillion to give their children a competitive edge in social interaction,” Gerzanics says, adding that at Junior Manners Company, she and her staff teach traditional manners updated with “new manners for the 21st century.”

“In our incredibly diverse society, it is even more applicable to learn how to act appropriately, but it has to be made relevant,” Gerzanics says. “We’re not going to teach you to curl your pinkie as you drink your tea. We teach lessons that are applicable for all events and all times.”

She views cell phones as one of the main challenges for this generation of families.

“It is our job to move them out of ‘me, me, me,’ and to think about the people around

Express proper etiquette by sitting in a graceful and polite way at a party or other social event.

them. They are not selfish, per se, they just have no idea how egocentric social media has made them.”

While Junior Manners Company tries to teach students to decrease their dependence on smartphones, the classes do incorporate phone and social media etiquette, as well.

“We recognize the ubiquity of cell phones and try to enforce the idea that manners are important online as well as off,” Gerzanics says.

Like Durham Junior Cotillion, the classes at Junior Manners Company teach traditional chivalry and ballroom dancing. And, like Vermillion, Gerzanics believes chivalry shows respect, not superiority.

“It is very possible that boys will hold open a door for a woman who does not appreciate the gesture, but he should come away from the situation knowing he did the right thing” she says.

Gerzanics often closes her classes by quoting from the book “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio.

“The principal says that you often have to decide whether to be kind or to be right. But that if you are kind, then you are always right,” she says.

It would be hard to find a parent who would disagree with that.

Caitlin Wheeler is a freelance writer living in Durham.

ETIQUETTE RESOURCES “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 19th Edition: Manners for Today”

by Lizzie Post and Daniel Post Senning “Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers” by Walter Hoving “American Girl: A Smart Girl’s Guide: Manners: The Secrets to Grace, Confidence, and Being Your Best” by Nancy Holyoke “Teenagers Tips for Success: Create a Future, Achieve Your Dreams and Become Very Successful”

by James Malinchak Durham Junior Cotillion at Hope Valley Country Club durhamjuniorcotillion.com Junior Manners Company polite.com The Piedmont School of Etiquette, serving Charlotte and surrounding areas thepiedmontschoolof etiquette.com Promenade of Charlotte: Etiquette, Life Skills, Dance Instruction and More promenadeofcharlotte.com National League of Junior Cotillions • NLJC Cary (Prestonwood Country Club) nljc.com/n/index.php/ chapters/carync/chapter • NLJC Charlotte nljc.com/n/index.php/ chapters/scharlotte/ chapter/classes carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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Get ideas for your tea party by attending The Carolina Inn's Afternoon Tea, which is held 2:30-4:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.

Photo courtesy of The Carolina Inn

Choose a Theme You can adapt an English-style afternoon tea to the occasion and age group. Popular kids’ birthday party themes incorporate teddy bears (ask guests to bring their favorite plush toy), fairy-tale princesses and/or princes, or favorite characters, like Peppa Pig. For tweens’ birthdays or family-centric special occasions, try a “Springtime in Paris” or “Alice in Wonderland” motif. The theme you choose can characterize the invitations, menu and decorations. Pinterest is also great resource for creative ideas.

Three Tiers for Tea HOW TO HOST A MODERN-DAY TEA PARTY

BY LAYLA KHOURY-HANOLD

T

he Mad Hatter from “Alice in Wonderland” might be your family’s earliest tea party reference, but the tradition of taking afternoon tea dates back to 1840 in England when Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, started enjoying afternoon tea and a snack to tide her over between lunch and dinner. The duchess later invited friends to join her for afternoon tea, and it became the fashionable thing to do.

When Queen Victoria — who reigned over England from 1837 through 1901 — adopted the tradition, it became a formal event. Afternoon tea was typically served at 4 p.m., along with a variety of finger foods like crustless tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and small cakes and sweets. These goodies were served on multi-tiered stands alongside Ceylon tea poured from teapots into dainty china cups, according to Historic-UK.com, a website

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dedicated to publicizing the history and heritage of Britain.

This sophisticated ceremony has made its way into luxury hotels and private homes, too. “The popularity of tea has [grown] exponentially over the years, spurred by studies touting tea's health effects, but also because of increased interest and understanding of the sophisticated and enjoyable experience of a proper British high tea service,” says Sonya Ann Pratt, owner of The Lucky Teapot Traveling Tea Parties, a Triangle-based company that plans events such as tea party-themed bridal showers and Mad Hatter-themed kids’ parties.

Today’s tea parties are less formal, but the spirit of taking tea among the company of friends makes for a fun and festive way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or Mother’s Day. Here’s our step-by-step guide for hosting a modern-day tea party in your home.

Send Out Invitations Sending invitations by regular mail makes for a traditional touch, but digital delivery via Evite or Facebook is an acceptable modern alternative. In addition to including the date, time and location, introduce your theme and details regarding the dress code. To respect the formality of afternoon tea and highlight the fact that it’s a special occasion, encourage guests to wear floral dresses, or sweater vests and a button-down shirt. Guests can accessorize with a festive headband, string of beads or bowtie.

Make a Menu A traditional menu consists of two- or threetiered platters with tea sandwiches, savory and sweet items, and baskets or plates of scones.

• Tea sandwiches: Uphold tradition by serving crustless tea sandwiches with fillings like cucumber and cream cheese or smoked salmon for adults, and PB&J or pimento cheese for kids. Take a more modern approach with sweet fillings inspired by local hotels’ afternoon tea service — like Nutella and fresh raspberries at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, turkey and fig preserves at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, or cookie butter and roasted pear at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary.

• Savories and sweets: Round out your spread with savory finger foods like mini quiches, cheese on crackers and deviled eggs; and sweets like French macarons, mini cupcakes or chocolate truffles.

(Trader Joe’s frozen foods section offers a great selection of frozen appetizers,

Left: Serve sandwiches and treats on tiered plates, as the Washington Duke Inn does, and use a traditional teapot.

Photos courtesy of Morton Photography Below: Encourage guests to dress up for your tea party.

Photo courtesy of The Lucky Teapot

•

pastries and sweet treats that can easily be prepared or thawed before teatime.)

Scones: Scones with clotted cream and jam are essential to afternoon tea, but you can sub in butter or cream cheese for clotted cream. Serve scones with a variety of jams and preserves. Pratt suggests cutting fruit tarts or sponge cakes into small pieces.

Accommodate guests on a gluten-free diet by using cucumber slices or lettuce cups for sandwich fillings. Include a few vegetarian sandwich options and serve a few nut-free desserts, suggests Taylor Weber, restaurant manager at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club’s Fairview Dining Room, which serves afternoon tea Wednesday through Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Select Beverages A traditional tea service might include English breakfast or Earl Grey tea with milk and lemon, but you can also offer kid-friendly flavors like peach or vanilla, or serve a tea-infused punch.

The Fearrington Inn in Pittsboro, which serves afternoon tea Wednesday through Sunday from 2 to 3:45 p.m., offers a variety of teas, including hot cinnamon and Irish breakfast. Other kid-friendly options include pink lemonade, apple cider and hot chocolate, which are served at The Carolina Inn’s Little Prince and Princess Tea for ages 4-12 as part of the afternoon tea taking place there Thursday through Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Set the Table To recreate the tradition of afternoon tea, The Umstead Hotel and Spa, which serves afternoon tea Wednesday through Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., relies on presentation.

Marketing manager Caroline Jackson-Allen suggests using a tablecloth and creating proper place settings.

•

• • •

Each setting should include a plate, teacup and saucer, teaspoon, knife, fork and napkin.

If your guests are on the younger side, opt for floral, striped or patterned plates and cups.

Steep tea in teapots and serve from those, ideally into china teacups.

If you don’t have teacups on hand, find them at vintage or antique shops, or ask guests to bring their own.

Serving food on two- or three-tiered serving stands is tradition, but consider using cake stands or platters to make it easier for small hands to navigate the spread. If you’re anticipating a large crowd, set up a buffet so guests can easily help themselves.

Add Finishing Touches Fancy doesn’t have to mean fussy — or expensive. Create a festive ambiance with a few do-it-yourself decor strategies by repurposing what you already have at home:

• •

Create a centerpiece with fresh flowers.

Use leftover card stock to make placemats or place cards.

•

Repurpose fabric store remnants into a table runner or tablecloth.

Plan Party Games Part of the appeal of an afternoon tea is relaxing and enjoying good conversation, but young ones may get restless. Organize hands-on activities like decorating sugar cookies (opt for tea- or floral-themed cookie cutters), crafting paper flowers or crowns, or making floral arrangements with paper flowers or fresh blooms in small Mason jars (this also makes a great portable favor).

Offer Favors If you’re hosting a birthday tea party, send guests home with crowns, necklaces and bowties, which can double as part of a place setting and take-home favor. Or send guests home with a box of tea in a decorative tin, or a small gift bag filled with seasonal favors.

Sources: afternoontoremember.com and all-about-afternoon-tea.com/tea-partyetiquette.html.

Layla Khoury-Hanold is a writer whose work has appeared on Food Network, Saveur and Refinery29; and in Raleigh Magazine, The News & Observer and INDY Week. Learn more about her at glassofrose.blogspot.com, @theglassofrose on Instagram and @glassofrose on Twitter.

carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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7. Hold all questions. If your child has an interesting observation or comment, or wants to ask a clarifying question, prepare him to hold that thought until intermission or during the walk back to the car.

IT’S SHOWTIME! 10 theater etiquette tips for kids and families

BY DUSTIN K. BRITT

E

ver been stuck on a flight next to a crying baby? This is also a fear of many theatergoers.

More than a few dozen times in my career as an actor, technician and performing arts critic I’ve asked myself, “If the kid is screaming, why won’t her parents take her out?”

In my years as a special education teacher, I’ve wished more parents would explicitly teach their child theater etiquette before spending $250 on tickets. Etiquette is a learned behavior. If kids need to learn it, parents have to teach it.

Not every kid is the same. Age, life experience, developmental stages, disability and temperament must all be considered before deciding what kind of performance is appropriate for your family to attend. Here are 10 tips to consider before buying those tickets.

1. Know your kid. Does he wander while watching TV or he is glued to his tablet during a movie? Does she take lots of bathroom breaks or seem anxious in large crowds? Does your child even want to go to the show? If you can’t afford a sitter for a child who isn’t ready to sit through a theatrical performance, you can’t afford to see the show.

2. Choose the right show. If you wouldn’t take your child to an R-rated movie, don’t take him to an R-rated play. Not every musical is kid-friendly — even if it features puppets. Play to your child’s interests and research the performance extensively. If I want to see “The Phantom of the Opera” but my child is only 4 years old, I’m calling a sitter because it’s too long, too loud,

too complex and too scary for a child that age.

3. Sit strategically. Think you might need to make a quick escape with your child(ren)?

Choose an aisle seat near the back of the theater. Don’t trap yourself. Think ahead when choosing tickets for shows that require assigned seating.

4. Rehearse. Practice sitting still with your child for entire TV shows. Practice having quiet feet and staying off smartphones or tablets for a 90-minute movie. Sit through something boring with your child. Test your child’s ability to sit for long periods by attending a children’s theater show or church play before committing to a three-hour musical or dialogue-heavy work.

5. Be prepared. Have you used fidget toys or snacks to prevent interruptions during theater performances? Comfortable clothes for your child also help.

If your child has a tantrum in the car, you might need to wait in the lobby until she is calm and ready to go in. Get there early so you can ease into the space. Rushing causes stress. If you’ll require a sign language interpreter, call ahead to confirm that this service is available at the theater.

6. Respect the space. Treat the theater as though you’re in someone’s house and you and your child are guests. Clean up messes, prevent your child from kicking other people’s seats, and remind your child to say “please” and “thank you” at the concession stand.

8. Know when to leave. If you can hear your kid becoming fussy during the show, so can everybody else (including the actors on stage). This is not a teachable moment. You have to get out of there — especially if your child is crying, whining or, worse, screaming. Just take her out. Do not wait.

9. Preteach and debrief.

Build anticipation for the show and discuss the expectations.

If something you expect to see during the show might be confusing or upsetting to your child, talk about it beforehand.

Afterward, revisit the topics you discussed. Engagement leads to enjoyment, which increases the positivity and pleasure of going to the theater.

10. Set a good example. Be prompt and enthusiastic. Don’t talk during the show, don’t check your phone and resist the temptation to get up for another glass of wine.

You've paid for your tickets, and so has everybody else. Follow these steps and you’ll all have a grand time at the theater.

Dustin K. Britt holds an M.A. in special education from East Carolina University. He is the performing arts editor for Chatham Life & Style and his writing has been featured in IndyWeek and Triangle Arts & Entertainment.

carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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GROWING UP

up, Giorgi says. Keep practice sessions fun and brief and let your child choose a helmet and bike she loves. Since safety slip-ups can cause major setbacks for hesitant kids, take a few minutes to make sure bike sessions are dramafree. Northwestern Medicine’s ThinkFirst Injury Prevention Program recommends tying shoelaces that could get caught in spokes, insisting on closed-toe shoes (no riding barefoot or in sandals), and teaching kids to ride single file — never side by side.

Hesitant children may feel more confident on a bike that fits well, and your child may outgrow his bike sooner than you think. By age 7 or 8, many children are ready to move to a 20-inch bicycle and hand the smaller 16-inch bike to a younger sibling or neighbor. A quick visit to a local bike shop can help match your child to the right size.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Teen Years

Let’s Roll Get bike-ready, age by age

BY MALIA JACOBSON

W

ant to encourage a lifetime of fitness, fun and freedom? Bicycling offers all three and today’s young riders are safer than ever. Child fatalities from bike accidents have dropped 62 percent since 1999 according to U.S. government statistics. That doesn’t mean you should turn your child loose on two wheels without proper preparation. Bike-related accidents still send more than 240,000 kids to the emergency room each year with 26,000 of those having traumatic brain injuries. Here’s how to get tots, teens and in-betweens safely rolling along.

Early Years

Balancing Act Training wheels and tricycles aren’t the only options for toddlers who want to ride. These days, more children are hopping on balance bikes — two-wheeled bikes without pedals — to get up to speed before graduating to a pedal bicycle. Balance bikes can help kids as young as 18 months build strength and confidence, and may help them learn to ride a traditional bike sooner.

“Balance bikes are really easy to use and there's no learning curve,” says Richard Giorgi, founder of Carrboro-based ReCYCLEry NC, a nonprofit teaching bicycle repair and maintenance, and helping community members earn bicycles. “Balance bikes are stable. The don't rock side to side or

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GROWING UP

tip over, and the child always has their feet on the ground.”

Pick a balance bike based on your child’s height (visit twowheelingtots.com for sizing guidance). Proper fit allows children to straddle the bike easily and keep both feet solidly on the ground. Giorgi recommends wooden balance bikes with solid wheels.

“It’s not about speed, it’s about learning and stability,” he says. “Heavier and more solid is OK. They’re not made to roll fast.”

Elementary Years

Ready, Set, Roll While some children are happily riding a twowheeled bike by first grade, others need more practice and support to feel confident on a bike. If your child is a reluctant rider, don’t give

Noggin Nation While children ages 10-14 have more bikerelated emergency room visits than older teens, riders ages 15-19 account for more than half of bike-related deaths. The vast majority (88 percent) of teen bike fatalities are boys.

Since teens ride bikes with minimal adult supervision, it’s vital to instill sound helmet habits to keep them safe. Start with fit. Per ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation’s tips, bike helmets should fit snugly and sit flat on the head (like a baseball cap with the brim pointed straight out), not tilted back. Side straps should form a V-shape, with the bottom point directly beneath the earlobe. You should be able to fit one finger inside a buckled strap, but no more.

Riding after dark or on wet streets increases the risk of crash and injury. Ask teens to call for a ride if they’re out after dark or caught in the rain. Teens are old enough to take some responsibility for maintaining their bikes. Make wheel, frame, drivetrain and brake checks part of their regular bike-care routine for years of safe, two-wheeled fun.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health and parenting journalist. carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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Camp Section

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TECH TALK

yourself. That’s who you should strive to be every time you post, comment, like or share something on social media. Do it for yourself, not the likes you may get from others.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

3. Cyberback others. Rather than focus on cyberbullying, encourage "cyberbacking" — having each other’s backs online. Stick up for those who are bullied, online or off. Encourage and celebrate others’ successes. Create a culture of safety at home, school and beyond by speaking up when you see potentially threatening or dangerous posts or comments.

What to Teach Kids Instead of Digital Etiquette

BY LAURA TIERNEY

R

emember when online etiquette was called “netiquette”? Now it’s called “digital etiquette.”

But to the thousands of students we work with around the country, it’s just plain etiquette.

To them, there’s little difference between what happens online and what happens offline.

As terminology evolves to keep up with technology, so does the meaning behind it. It’s impossible for parents to teach what was once understood as “etiquette” across every new device, platform and situation. What constitutes etiquette has had to evolve. Today, it means being thoughtful and authentic, however that looks to you. That’s why, instead of teaching students traditional etiquette, our team at The Social Institute encourages kids to live up to high standards online and offline, knowing that thoughtful and authentic communication will follow.

What to Learn Instead of Rules There are subtle but important differences between standards and rules. The former are ways of living; the latter are specific do’s and don’ts. You follow rules but live by standards.

The Social Institute developed the following standards for positive social media use.

1. Protect your privacy like you’re famous.

Ever notice that Taylor Swift doesn’t share photos of her driver’s license? Or that Beyoncé doesn’t add her geolocation to her Instagram

posts? When using social media, follow their example and pretend you’re wildly famous.

Avoid sharing private information in your biography, posts, comments and captions, and keep your location to yourself. Make sure your photos are showing only what you don’t mind the world knowing about. For example, don’t post photos that show information such as your address, school or license plate number.

2. Play to your core. Steph Curry says the best person you can be is the best version of

4. Strike a balance. Emphasize offline priorities: homework, chores, downtime with family and friends, time outside, even a conversation with a teacher. You’ll know when you’re striking a balance because you’ll automatically look up when people talk to you and begin to value real-life moments as they’re happening instead of waiting for real-time recognition from social media followers.

5. Build a strong team. Surround yourself with positive role models who support, encourage and challenge you to play to your core. This means staying away from anonymous platforms, where you’re easily connected with strangers. It means unfollowing and unfriending people who make you doubt yourself and blocking those who send you stuff you don’t need to see. And don’t forget news sources — they’re part of your team, too. Learn how to spot fake news and surround yourself with credible sources.

Together, we can live up to high standards — online and offline — and help our kids do the same. Social media is how kids socialize today, and they need help — ours and each other’s — to be the best version of themselves they can be, to navigate the hard stuff and celebrate the good stuff, and to rebound when they make mistakes. When we live up to high standards, what was once called “digital etiquette” will automatically follow.

Laura Tierney is founder and president of The Social Institute. She also recently became a mom. Learn more at thesocialinstitute.com. carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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UNDERSTANDING KIDS Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Understanding Social Cues and Etiquette

BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF

M

anners and etiquette develop over time and are influenced by a child’s emerging ability to read the social cues and meet the behavioral expectations of different groups. Social skills — or the ways one behaves with and around others — are rooted in a child’s emotional and cognitive development.

Children vary in their innate, genetically determined ability to understand social information and to put social strivings into practice. This inborn ability is called social cognition. Children’s abilities to be successful socially also depend upon how they are feeling inside — whether they feel entirely safe or comfortable in any given setting.

This month, we will discuss our understanding of the connection between how a child feels and how a child acts or behaves. Understanding manners as a behavior like any other may be one way to think about how to best support a child while he or she is developing good etiquette.

Understanding Behavior Manners are a way of behaving. As with all behaviors, how a child feels inside (emotionally) affects what he or she expresses behaviorally. A child’s emotional state, as well as his or her social cognition (or ability to read and adapt to various social cues), play equally important roles in that child’s capacity to have good manners or behave in a way that is socially acceptable.

The key to understanding why a child

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behaves or doesn’t behave a certain way is to think of those behaviors as expressions of emotional states. Behaviors are signals about how a child feels on the inside.

Contextual Factors Appropriate manners are contextual, meaning that what is right for one setting and group of people may not be right for another. Children typically behave differently at home than they do at school. Over time, most people develop

an ability to read social cues and settings, then adapt their behavior accordingly.

Very young children depend on help and guidance from parents and other caregivers to learn the contextual influences on what is expected behaviorally.

Emotional Influences How a child feels often affects how he or she behaves. Children who feel uncomfortable may have a harder time accessing and expressing good manners. When parents can see beyond the behavior and understand that there is likely some feeling of discomfort behind their child’s lack of good manners, a child can be helped in a meaningful way to understand how his or her feelings influence his or her behavior.

In such cases, an uncomfortable child hasn’t “forgotten” his or her manners, but instead is having a harder time behaving in a way that meets expectations.

Sometimes, a little preparation ahead of time or a statement of understanding is all the child needs. For example, a comment such as, “I know you will say hello when it feels right to you. It’s okay to feel a little shy,” helps a child understand his or her reluctance, feel respected and gradually grow into having good and polite manners from a place of mastery.

When to Seek Help When a child’s difficulties seem to be occurring across settings and are affecting his or her ability to participate comfortably in ageappropriate activities, make friends at school or cope with the ups and downs of everyday life, specialized help in the area of understanding behavior and how it relates to social and emotional development may be beneficial. If you have unanswered questions about your child’s ability to manage these behaviors, consider seeking the help of a qualified mental health professional for more specific ways to assist your child.

The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more.

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FATHER FIGURING Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Who’s Coming to Your Child's Birthday Party?

BY WHITNEY MCDONALD

L

ike most kids, I believed birthdays were about cake, ice cream and presents. At least that’s what I thought I remembered.

Somehow I forgot about not being invited to the “really cool” kids’ parties, the struggles over whom to invite or not (my mom always insisted I invite some weird kid none of us liked), and whether the cool kids would come to my party.

All of that and more came back to me in my years as a teacher as I witnessed children and families go through the yearly machinations of the birthday dance. I watched as parties became “events,” with destinations or themes for some families, and simple get-togethers for others.

I vividly remember the year when one family planned a big party for their son and none of the 20 children who were invited came. He was a kid who had poor social skills and his parents thought the party could bring him into the social realm. It didn’t, and it was painful.

So what have I learned over the years?

Birthdays are stressful. Need they be?

I remember our oldest son’s first birthday well. We were visiting some friends and when we entered their home, the stereo suddenly started to blast the old Three Dog Night song, “Eli’s Coming” (our son’s name is Eli). They served a carrot cake and we enjoyed spending time with close friends.

It was a celebration of Eli’s coming into our lives. It stayed that way for a few more years — just us being happy he was here. A little cake, some ice cream and a few presents.

Then came nursery school. What do you do for two hours with 10 4-year-olds on a serious cake and ice cream sugar buzz?

Herding cats high on catnip seems to be a good analogy.

As they got older, we got better at harnessing and directing the energy. We created themes and treasure hunts, and played party games. One year I even convinced my wife’s father to bring his horse up from South Carolina to give the children rides.

At some point we made a request for no gifts. This removed the awkward and stressful unwrapping of presents with everyone watching. No one missed that and I’m sure all the other parents were relieved.

When our kids got older the parties became smaller, usually consisting of some outing with a few close friends, such as going to a Durham Bulls game or taking a weekend trip to the beach. I really liked those a lot better. They seemed much closer to those early days of being with a few people who were really glad our boys were here, people whom they loved and who loved them.

Gone was the stress of status-seeking, disappointment and “measuring up.”

Perhaps those parties didn’t make for great

photo ops or create “oohs and aahs,” but we liked them and so did our boys.

It makes me wonder — what are birthday parties for anyway?

Those kindergarten and elementary school parties were fun and, except for the horse, fairly simple. We focused on playing games and doing things together. A few silly hats, the contents of the treasure hunt and cake decorations created the themes.

If given the opportunity, I’d do them all again with a few adjustments. I’d help my sons lose the focus on inviting who was cool or not. I’d eliminate gifts from day one.

Mostly, I’d be less stressed-out and spend the time remembering how happy I am that they’re here.

Whitney MacDonald is the director of Creating Men, a mentoring program for fathers and sons. He is the father of two boys and lives in Hillsborough with his wife, Amy, and dog, Stella. Learn more about him at creatingmen.com.

carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

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COLLEGE TRANSITIONS example of scientific work. George Mason University only allows standardized tests to be excluded from one’s application if that individual has a minimum GPA of 3.5, ranks in the top 20 percent of his or her high school class, and is entering a program other than engineering or information technology. Brandeis University offers students three options: Submit the SAT/ ACT score, three SAT subject test scores of their choice, or a writing sample and an extra letter of recommendation.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Understanding Test-Optional College Admissions

BY DAVE BERGMAN, ED.D.

R

arely does a week pass without another well-known college or university making headlines by announcing that it will no longer require applicants to submit standardized test scores. This movement, known as going “test-optional,” actually began almost 50 years ago at Bowdoin College and has rapidly gained momentum over the last decade. Recently, schools such as George Washington University, James Madison University, Emerson College and the University of Delaware have joined the more than 950 test-optional schools in the U.S. Colleges, especially those of the highly selective variety, are looking for compelling reasons to accept your student as an applicant. Generally, colleges like having more information, not less.

With this in mind, if your student is not planning to submit SAT or ACT scores to a prospective college, he or she should ask himself or herself, “What other components of my application stand out — grades, essays and/or extracurriculars?”

These application materials will be even more heavily scrutinized now that the admissions officers don’t have standardized test scores, which can still provide for meaningful comparisons between your student and the rest of the applicant pool.

Test-Optional vs. Test-Flexible A number of selective colleges, including the University of Rochester, Colby College and New York University, do not require submission of SAT or ACT scores, but still require applicants to submit results from one or more other exams, such as SAT subject tests, or advanced placement or international baccalaureate exams.

Before developing an admissions strategy, your student should familiar himself or herself with

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MAY 2018 | carolinaparent.com

testing requirements at prospective colleges and whether the submission of test scores is truly optional. These policies are ever-evolving, so it is important to stay on top of the most current policy information.

There are also institutional variations of test-optional policies. Lewis & Clark College in Oregon requires test-optional applicants to submit a portfolio containing, among other things, an analytical writing sample and an

Test-Optional Impact on Merit Aid If your student needs financial assistance with tuition, or if you are paying and want to take a cost-conscious approach, make sure you both understand the potential financial implications of withholding your student’s test scores. The vast majority of test-optional colleges state on their website something to the effect of: “Students who do not submit SAT/ACT scores will still be considered for merit scholarships.”

Yet, it’s hard to know if they are on equal footing with score-submitters, or if they merely are not eliminated from consideration. Other schools are clearer about this. Providence College, for example, states: “Students who choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores will still receive full consideration for admission and merit scholarships” — “full” being the operative word.

Hofstra University explains that consideration for merit awards is automatic for all students, but only those who submit scores are eligible for the scholarships that offer top monetary awards.

So, it's fair to state that not submitting standardized test data may put your student at a disadvantage — for at least some merit-based scholarships.

The Bottom Line If your student is unable to achieve SAT/ACT scores commensurate with his or her academic ability, explore the test-optional route. However, unless you possess a blank check for tuition, due diligence on test-optional/flexible schools to which your student applies is essential.

Dave Bergman, Ed.D., is co-author of “The Enlightened College Applicant: A New Approach to the Search and Admissions Process.” Learn more at collegetransitions.com.

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EXCURSION

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EXCURSION

Fort Mountain Fun Adventure abounds in Chattahoochee National Forest

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

I

f your family is looking for a relaxing, outdoorsy getaway with plenty of awesome sightseeing, the 750,000acre Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia is the place to go. It spans Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and contains the Cohutta Wilderness area, which offers recreation for the whole family and accommodations for every family’s style.

Accommodations If you like roughing it, reserve a site at Fort Mountain State Park’s campground located at the top of the 2,800-foot high Fort Mountain. Amenities include electricity, water, shower houses with flush toilets and gravel camping sites with scenic views. Nearby Amicalola Falls State Park offers a smaller campground with similar amenities.

If camping isn’t your style, Fort Mountain and Amicalola Falls state parks offer spacious one- to threebedroom cottages with bathrooms.

Cabins can also be found in nearby private parks.

Can’t give up the conveniences of modern living? Book a room with a panoramic view at one of the lodges nestled in the mountains at Amicalola Falls or atop Fort Mountain. Lodges offer casual dining and other hotel services.

Wilderness Fun and Adventures Fort Mountain State Park offers several miles of hiking trails — from short halfmile nature trails to an 8-mile trek for

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Tube along the Chattahoochee River in the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia. Photo by John Bilous more experienced hikers. Wind through the mountainous forest, across streams, along a small waterfall and up to a stone lookout tower. Listen for the commonly heard barred owl, easily distinguished by its “Who cooks for you?” call.

The park is named for a mysterious 855-foot-long rock wall that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historians believe Native Americans built the wall as fortification against more hostile Native Americans and for ancient ceremonies. A short hike leads visitors to the wall.

Horse rentals also are available at Fort Mountain State Park for one-hour trail rides or longer excursions. Bikes and helmets can be rented for children and adults to enjoy on the park’s 27 miles of mountain biking trails. A clear mountaintop lake at the park offers fishing, boat rentals, swimming and a sandy beach. Fort Mountain State Park is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and there is $5 parking fee, plus camping fees if you choose to camp.

Amicalola Falls is a scenic one-hour drive from Fort Mountain State Park.

Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an apt name for the 729-foot falls — the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River —

and the falls can be viewed from above and below. There are 12 miles of hiking trails at Amicalola State Park, including an 8-mile trail that leads to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail.

The Cohutta Wilderness is home to an abundance of wildlife, from numerous species of birds to deer and even bears.

Don’t forget binoculars. An inexpensive pair for each child will keep them scouting and take their minds off weary legs. Book zip line tours, archery, guided hikes and GPS scavenger hunts at the Amicalola State Park Lodge.

Amicalola State Park hosts live exhibits and nature displays, plus educational nature programs during the weekend. Park hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and all cars require a $5 Georgia state park pass.

For more information about Fort Mountain and Amicalola Falls state parks, visit gastateparks.org/ fortmountain or amicalolafallslodge.com.

Kimberly Blaker is the author of a kid’s STEM book: “Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery?” She also writes a blog titled Modern Family Style at modernfamilystyle.com.

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May

OUR PICKS

BY JANICE LEWINE

Run in the mud in Holly Springs on May 12. Photo courtesy of Kids Obstacle Challenge

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Mother’s Day Storytime May 12 Snuggle up with Mom or Grandma during a Mother’s Day-themed storytime at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble stores in Raleigh and Durham. This special event features bestselling picture books by "Today" show cohost Hoda Kotb and "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon. Kotb’s “I’ve Loved You Since Forever” is a poetic testament to the love felt between parent and child, while Fallon humorously explores the significance of the word “Mama” in his book, “Everything is Mama.”

Fun activities follow storytime. Event admission is free. bn.com.

Kids Obstacle Challenge | May 12 Get dirty while getting fit at the Kids Obstacle Challenge at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs. The adventure race series for kids ages 5-16 and their parents features more than a dozen challenging obstacles — including rock walls, cargo nets and rope swings — and plenty of mud. Run in either the morning session, 9-11:30 a.m., or the afternoon session, noon-2 p.m. Order tickets online for $52-$66 per child at kidsobstaclechallenge.com/raleigh. Parents may run for free with their child.

Tour D’Coop | June 2 Cluck for a cause at Tour D’ Coop, a self-guided backyard chicken coop tour across Raleigh, Cary and Apex, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event showcases 20 hen houses, a supersite location hosting music and food trucks, beehives and gardens at select stops, and a chance to win your own coop. Tour D’ Coop raises money to support Urban Ministries of Wake County’s programs for people in need. Order advance tickets online at tourdcoop.urbanmin.org for $10 per person; day-oftour tickets are $20 per person.

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Tour D’Coop features 20 nearby hen houses.

Photo courtesy of Tour D’Coop

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See Carolina Ballet’s lavish production of "Sleeping Beauty" May 17-20 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

Photo courtesy of Chris Walt Photography

PERFORMANCES BURNING COAL THEATRE PRESENTS “HAMILTUNES” MAY 11, 12, 17 AND 18  Burning Coal Theatre, 224 Polk St., Raleigh. 7 p.m. $10 suggested donation at the door. See a karaoke-style presentation of the Broadway show “Hamilton,” in which participants can sing the part of one of their favorite characters onstage before a live audience.

Register online for a singing part. burningcoal.org/hamiltunes-at-burning-coal.

Youth Voices for an evening of choral music. caryyouthvoices.org.

songs in Hebrew, Ladino and Yiddish. trianglejewishchorale.org.

“THE ILLUSIONISTS”

CAROLINA BALLET PRESENTS “SLEEPING BEAUTY”

MAY 1112  Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. 8 p.m.

May 11; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 12. $30 and up. See the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most talented illusionists in the world.

Ages 6 and older. Purchase tickets online. ticketmaster.com.

CARY YOUTH VOICES PRESENT “POETRY IN SING”

TRIANGLE JEWISH CHORALE CONCERT

MAY 11  Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, 110 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 7 p.m.

FREE. Join the three ensembles of Cary

MAY 13  Levin Jewish Community Center, 1937 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham.

3 p.m. FREE. The chorale performs

MAY 1720  Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 8 p.m., May 17-18; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., May 19; 2 p.m., May 20. $32 and up. Carolina Ballet’s version of the classic fairytale features stunning visuals and musical compositions. Purchase tickets online. All ages. ticketmaster.com.

“YO, VIKINGS!” MAY 1820  Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. 7:30 p.m. May 18-19; 3 p.m.

May 20. $5-$10. Applause! Cary Youth

Theatre presents the tale of Emma Katz, the fiercest Viking in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and her quest for adventure.

Purchase tickets online. etix.com.

SUMMERFEST OPENING NIGHT PRESENTS “PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION” MAY 26  Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary. 7:30 p.m. See the website for fees and to purchase tickets.

North Carolina Symphony presents Mussorgsky’s timeless piece. Summerfest runs through July 21. Kids 12 and younger are admitted FREE on the lawn. ncsymphony.org.

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The Strawberry Festival in Durham benefits Central Park School for Children.

Photo courtesy of Scoville Photography

FESTIVALS SHAKORI HILLS GRASSROOTS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & DANCE MAY 36  Shakori Hills Farm, 1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd., Pittsboro. See the website for hours and to purchase tickets. $22-$144. Rural Chatham County hosts this four-day festival featuring live music and dance performances on four stages; programs and workshops on sustainability, food, healing arts and more; and kids’ activities. shakorihillsgrassroots.org.

APEX PEAKFEST MAY 5  Downtown Apex. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FREE. Enjoy artisan booths, live music, kids’ entertainment and carnival food. apexpeakfest.com.

CANINE FIELD DAY MAY 5  Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Dr., Durham. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE. Take Fido for games, activities, competitions,

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pet-friendly vendors and food trucks. durhamnc.gov/2700/canine-field-day.

CARRBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAIR MAY 5  Carrboro Elementary School, 400 Shelton St., Carrboro. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

FREE. Games, a silent auction, carnival food, an archery competition, face painting and more highlight the school’s annual fundraiser. ces.chccs.k12.nc.us.

DISCOVERING MAGIC IN THE GARDEN MAY 5  North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill.

1-4 p.m. $5/person. FREE for ages 2 and younger. Celebrate spring and the garden’s natural wonders with hands-on activities, nature play, games and crafts, flower art, and fairy and gnome homebuilding.

Register online. ncbg.unc.edu.

MAY 2018 | carolinaparent.com

FEST IN THE WEST MAY 5  USA Baseball National Training Complex, 7445 Green Hope School Rd., Cary. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. Celebrate Cary’s rural roots with artisans, live music, an interactive Kid Zone, pie eating and horseshoes contests, face painting and more. festinthewest.com.

HAM & YAM FESTIVAL MAY 5  Downtown Smithfield. 9 a.m.6 p.m. FREE. This annual festival features craft and food vendors, country ham and sweet potatoes, local bands and dance groups, a barbecue cook-off and more. hamandyam.com.

HERBFEST MAY 5  Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Herbs take center stage at this festival that features cooking and

gardening demonstrations, vendors and an herb craft for kids. Butterfly releases take place at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/ events/special-events/herbfest.

MEET IN THE STREET MAY 5  Downtown Wake Forest. 10 a.m.5 p.m. FREE. Meet in the Street showcases artisan booths, entertainment venues, food trucks, live music and children’s activities along South Taylor, South Brooks and South White streets. wakeforestnc.gov/meet-inthe-street.aspx.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL MAY 5  Old North Durham Park, 724 Foster St., Durham. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Enjoy all things strawberry at this annual festival benefitting Central Park School for Children. cpscnc.org/strawberry.

ONE TRIBE FEST

TURTLEFEST

MAY 56  North Carolina State Fairgrounds, Holshouser Building, 1025 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

May 5; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 6. $5/person.

FREE for ages 12 and younger. Experience the dynamic energy of live music, vendors, yoga, holistic healers and wellness coaches.

Kids can enjoy outdoor activities and a healing space. onetribefestnc.com.

MAY 12  Bass Lake Park, 900 Bass Lake Rd., Holly Springs. 1-4 p.m. FREE. Enjoy carnival games, crafts, live animals and live music.

Meet tortoises and other reptiles, and talk to biologists and wildlife rehabilitators. hollyspringsnc.us/361/turtlefest.

CARRBORO DAY MAY 6  Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St., Carrboro. 1-5 p.m. FREE. Celebrate the unique qualities that make Carrboro special with field games, crafts, family activities, poetry readings and more. carrboroday.com/301/carrboro-day.

RITMO LATINO FESTIVAL MAY 12 0 Town Hall Campus, 316 N. Academy St., Cary. Noon-6:30 p.m. FREE. Celebrate Latino culture through music, cuisine, visual arts and more at this festival. townofcary.org.

GOT TO BE NC FESTIVAL MAY 1820  North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh.

See the website for hours and fees. Take the family for North Carolina-style fun with carnival rides, food vendors, pony rides, evening fireworks and more. Festival admission is FREE but some events and activities require a fee. gottobencfestival.com.

BARNYARD BIRTHDAY BASH MAY 19  Historic Oak View County Park, 4028 Carya Dr., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. FREE. Help the park’s beloved goats celebrate their birthdays with games, activities and cake. facebook.com/events/536433876733170.

BIMBÉ CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL

live animals, food trucks and more. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

MAY 19  Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Dr., Durham. Noon-8 p.m. FREE. A tradition in Durham for 47 years, this festival celebrates African and African-American history, culture, arts and traditions. durhamnc.gov/999/ bimbe-cultural-arts-festival.

GREAT GRAPES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL MAY 19  Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $33 and up. Taste the rich heritage of North Carolina’s vines. Live music, festival food, arts and crafts, and a kids’ area round out the fun. FREE for ages 12 and younger. Purchase tickets online. boothamphitheatre.com.

LONGLEAF FESTIVAL

MORRISVILLE SPRINGFEST MAY 19  Morrisville Town Hall Campus, Town Hall Dr., Morrisville. 4-9 p.m. FREE. Morrisville celebrates the spring season with live entertainment, carnival-style games, live performances, inflatables, craft vendors and food trucks. townofmorrisville.org.

WHEELS ON ACADEMY CAR SHOW AND TOUCH A TRUCK MAY 19  Downtown Park and South Academy St., Cary. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. See the cars of yesteryear along with modern hot rods and exotic cars. Children can explore favorite vehicles and heavy machinery. townofcary.org.

MAY 19  Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. Celebrate the longleaf pine ecosystem with exhibits, games, crafts,

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The "You are Here: Light, Color, and Sound Experiences" exhibit features an "Infinity Room" in the "Light of Life" work of art. Photo courtesy © 2018 Yayoi Kusama/David Zwirner

EXHIBITS “BEYOND CURIE: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE” THROUGH DEC. 31 This exhibit features 40 female scientists, mathematicians and engineers who have made incredible advances in their fields but never earned the recognition they deserve.

They include all 16 female winners of the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, medicine/ physiology and many others. FREE. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 919-707-9950. naturalsciences.org.

“THE SHAPE OF FASHION” THROUGH MAY 6 This exhibit showcases 10 different silhouettes that illustrate changing trends in fashion from

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the 1800s to the 1900s. It features ball gowns, afternoon dresses, and a few examples of men’s and children’s clothing. FREE. North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory. org.

interior of the work is lined with mirrors and filled with LED lights that are programmed to change patterns and colors in a dazzling two-minute light show. $15/adult, $9 ages 7-18. North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. ncartmuseum.

“YOU ARE HERE: LIGHT, COLOR, AND SOUND EXPERIENCES”

“MAZES AND BRAIN GAMES”

THROUGH JULY 22 This exhibit features immersive art installations by 15 contemporary artists that engage the senses, activate the imagination and provide connections between the viewer and the work of art. The recently acquired work, “Light of Life,” by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, is a mirrored hexagonal box that features an enclosed “infinity room.” The

MAY 2018 | carolinaparent.com

THROUGH SEPT. 3 This family-friendly exhibit features a collection of more than 60 puzzling experiences to inspire exploration and ingenuity. It offers mind-bending adventures, 3-D puzzles and full-body games. Purchase tickets online. $5/person ages 3 and older, free for museum members. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 919-707-9950. naturalsciences.org.

“NORTH CAROLINA AND WORLD WAR I” THROUGH JAN. 6 This exhibit, covering more than 6,500 square feet of gallery space, showcases North Carolina during World War I. See a reproduction field hospital, floor-to-ceiling murals, historic film footage, interactive video and more than 500 artifacts. Visitors can wind their way through a life-size trench system — complete with 8-foot-high, mudplastered walls; hundreds of sandbags; and the lights and sounds of battle. Stories of Tar Heel soldiers are distributed throughout the exhibit and include a showcase of the African American 92nd Division. FREE. North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

1 TUESDAY

5 SATURDAY

“Mazes and Brain Games.”

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5/nonmember. Free for members. Solve 3-D puzzles, explore mind-bending illusions and see a rat try to conquer a maze at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets online. naturalsciences.org/exhibits/featuredexhibitions/mazes-brain-games.

“North Carolina and World War I.” North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 9 a.m.5 p.m. FREE. View more than 500 artifacts, period photography, historical film footage, a trench diorama, educational components and video re-enactments that feature North Carolina soldiers and citizens who provided extraordinary service to their country 100 years ago. ncmuseumofhistory.org/exhibits/ nc-world-war-one.

Community Chain Reaction: Game On! Herb Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 1:30-4:30 p.m. $20/family. Celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of complicated Rube Goldberg-style contraptions.

All ages. Register online. communitychainreaction.org.

Fabulous Frogs. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10-11:30 a.m. $1/person. Learn about the frogs and toads that call the park home. See live frogs up close, hike around the ponds in search of them and make a frog craft.

All ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Advance registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

Mother and Child Dance Together Class: Ballet. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 10:45-11:30 a.m. $11/ resident, $14/nonresident. Learn basic ballet steps and a dance combination. Ages 3-5. Register online. Choose course #110702. classweb.townofcary.org.

Mother and Child Dance Together Class: Hip-Hop. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $11/resident, $14/nonresident.

Learn basic hip-hop steps and a dance combination. Ages 5-7.

Register online. Choose course #110703. classweb.townofcary.org.

STEM Saturdays. SMILE Camp, 6301 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. 10 a.m.1 p.m. $55/child. Take part in hands-on science experiments. Register online. smilecamp.org/programs/academic.

2 WEDNESDAY Nature Fun-Days: Rabbits and Squirrels. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m.-noon. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

3 THURSDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

4 FRIDAY Discovery Hike on the American Tobacco Trail. American Tobacco Trail, 1305 White Oak Church Rd., Apex. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $1/person.

Enjoy a leisurely hike to observe the natural world. Take a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes. All ages.

Meet at the White Oak Parking Area.

Advance registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/att.

6 SUNDAY Curiosity Club: Stream Adventures. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-4 p.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Ages 5-8 embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge about the natural world. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

History Hike at Harris Lake County Park. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 1:30-3 p.m. $1/person. Go on a 1-mile hike to discover the history of the park and its land through engaging tales and an audio tour, and stop along the “Butterfly Highway.” Ages 6 and older.

Meet at the disc golf gravel parking lot. Advance registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

7 MONDAY Fun in the Kitchen: Desserts.

Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 5-7 p.m. $35/resident, $46/nonresident.

Learn to make desserts. Ages 11-14.

Register online. Choose course #110050. classweb.townofcary.org.

Kids Discover Nature: Life Circles/ Life Cycles. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 11 a.m.-noon. $4/child.

Discover the life cycles of plants, butterflies, frogs and birds. Recreate a life cycle on paper. Ages 1-6 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter.

Advance registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

8 TUESDAY Eco-Express: Creek Exploration.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary.

10 a.m.-noon. $9/resident, $12/ nonresident. Take the fast track to nature in this hands-on study of ecology. Ages 8-12. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

9 WEDNESDAY Get Cooking With Laura: Dessert Time. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 5-7 p.m. $35/resident, $46/nonresident.

Learn to prepare desserts. Ages 7-10. Register online. Choose course #109619. classweb.townofcary.org.

Nature Fun-Days: Camouflage Creatures. See May 2.

Wee Walkers: Garden Buddies.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd.,

Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/ nonresident. Children delight in discoveries of shapes, colors and textures in nature. Ages 1 and older with parent. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

10 THURSDAY Bilingual Storytime. Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr., Durham. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Enjoy stories in English and Spanish, and take part in a short discussion about art. nasher.duke.edu.

Wee Walkers: Garden Buddies.

See May 9.

11 FRIDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

12 SATURDAY Finance 101: Show Me the Money.

Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $17/resident, $22/nonresident. Ages 11-17 learn the basics of money management, taxes and net worth.

Take a calculator. Register online.

Choose course #109320. classweb.townofcary.org.

Junior Naturalist: Stream Stroll.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 11 a.m.-noon. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Participants develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

Leaves of Three. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 2-3 p.m. $1/person.

Learn about poison ivy and make a poison ivy bandana to take home.

Ages 5 and older. Register online at apm.activecommunities.com/ wakeparks/activity_search/2723.

Mad Hatters’ Tea and Garden Party. Wake Forest Historical Museum, 414 N. Main St., Wake Forest. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $20/advance

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ticket, $25 at the door. Mothers and daughters enjoy a plated afternoon tea, tour of the museum, classic car display and more. Purchase tickets online. wfgardenclub.org.

Mother’s Day Creative Weaving.

The Studio School of Durham, 1201 W. Woodcroft Pkwy., Durham. 12:302 p.m. FREE. Parent and child use a variety of yarn and thread to create multi-textural weavings. Ages 5 and older. Reserve tickets online. studioschooldurham.org.

Pedal Boats and Soda Floats.

Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary.

5-8:30 p.m. $19/family of four, $5 additional child. Make your own soda float and enjoy a family pedal boat ride on the lake. Register online.

Choose event #110934. classweb.townofcary.org.

Series of Fortunate Events: Kids’ Art Show and Street Painting.

Sertoma Arts Center, 1400 W. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh. Noon-3 p.m.

FREE. Enjoy the opening of “Fantastic Beasts,” an exhibition of artwork made by kids with and without disabilities, and a SPARKcon street painting workshop for all ages. fortunateevents.org/events.

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13 SUNDAY

Explore Dorothea Dix Park: Metamorphosis Madness.

Dorothea Dix Park Big Field, 101 Blair Dr., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Ages 2-6 and caregiver discover the wonders of metamorphosis with live tadpoles and insects.

Advance registration required online. eventbrite.com.

Young Ecologists: Swift Creek Exploration. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 2-4 p.m. $12/resident, $16/ nonresident. Search for frogs, snakes, crayfish and more with preserve staff.

Ages 10-13. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

14 MONDAY Cooking is Fun: Strawberry Shortcake. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 3:30-5:15 p.m. $19/ resident, $24/nonresident. Children with disabilities learn the basics of meal preparation, cooking and cleanup with easy-to-follow recipes.

Ages 11 and older. Register online.

Choose course #110183. classweb.townofcary.org.

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Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 10:30-11 a.m. $2/child. Parent and child learn about bugs that live near the park. Ages 18 month-3 years. Register online. apm.activecommunities.com/ wakeparks/activity_search/2705.

Nature Fun-Days: Searching Streams. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

Project Enlightenment Workshop: Understanding Your Child’s Development. Project Enlightenment, 501 S. Boylan Ave., Raleigh. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $22/person, $33/couple. Parents learn about children’s temperament traits and discuss strategies to nurture them into strengths. For families with children ages 3-6. Register online. projectenlightenment.wcpss.net.

16 WEDNESDAY

17 THURSDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

18 FRIDAY Lakeside Movies: “Jumanji.”

Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary.

8 p.m. FREE. Take the family to enjoy the movie by the lake. townofcary. org/recreation-enjoyment/events/ special-events/lakeside-movies.

MAY 2018 | carolinaparent.com

Nature Nuts: Bees. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

Night Out in Nature. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 6-9 p.m. $15/resident, $19/nonresident.

Kids spend a night out in nature making memories and new friends in an old-fashioned, camp-style program. Ages 8-12. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

19 SATURDAY Author Visits. Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill. 2-3 p.m. FREE. Chapel Hill author Ralph Hardy discusses his middle-school book, “Argos.” flyleafbooks.com.

Babysitter Certification Course.

Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. $60/resident, $78/ nonresident. Ages 11-17 learn how to care for babies, toddlers and older children using safety skills and more. Register online. Choose course #110290. classweb.townofcary.org.

Downtown Cary Walking Tour.

Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary.

10-11:30 a.m. $5/resident, $7/ nonresident. Learn about Cary’s past and present while strolling through downtown Cary and the newly renovated Academy Street.

Ages 11 and older. Tour begins at Page-Walker Arts & History Center.

Register online. Choose event #111567. classweb.townofcary.org.

Family Gardening Series: Hooray for Herbs! North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 1-2:15 p.m. $9/member, $10/nonmember. Explore the uses of herbs in foods, fragrances and medicines. Meet some sweet

and savory herbs, test your taste buds with herb-inspired treats and take home a mini herb garden. ncbg.unc.edu/youth-family.

Nature Nuts: Bees. See May 18.

Printmaking Workshop.

The Studio School of Durham, 1201 W. Woodcroft Pkwy., Durham. 10-11:30 a.m. FREE. Parent and child explore three types of printmaking. Ages 6 and older. Reserve tickets online. studioschooldurham.org.

STEM Saturdays. See May 5.

Tales and Trails: Magical Forest.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary.

12:30-2 p.m. $18/resident, $24/ nonresident. Discover magical things in a garden and forest, and create your own magical garden. All ages with adult. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

Walk for the Animals. Duke University East Campus, 712 Broad Street, Durham. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10-$40.

Take your dog on a 1.5-mile walk.

Proceeds benefit Durham’s homeless animals. Register online. $10-$40. apsofdurham.org/2018-walk-animals.

20 SUNDAY Apex Touch-a-Truck. Apex Community Park, 2200 Laura Duncan Rd., Apex.

1-4 p.m. FREE. Kids explore their favorite vehicles. Adult supervision required. Horn-free session 1-2 p.m. apexnc.org/959/touch-a-truck.

Family Day at the Nasher Museum: My Kid Could Do That. Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr., Durham. Noon-4 p.m. FREE. Live entertainment, hands-on projects and gallery hunts highlight this family event. nasher.duke.edu.

Family Fun Sunday: Family Bingo.

Century Center, 100 N. Green St., Carrboro. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $3/ person. Play bingo and enjoy prizes. carrbororec.org.

Fearless Kids Art Class. Raleigh Personal Training Center, 5608-100 Spring Ct., Raleigh. 3-5 p.m. $35/

› child. Ages 4-12 enjoy an art class and a snack.

Register online. fearlesskidsart.com.

21 MONDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

22 TUESDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

23 WEDNESDAY Feeling Froggy. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 1-2 p.m. $4/child. Learn all about frogs and toads while investigating live tadpoles. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Register online. apm.activecommunities.com/ wakeparks/activity_search/2711.

24 THURSDAY Parent Workshop: Motivation, Praise and Criticism. Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury O’Dell Place, Cary. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $11/resident, $15/ nonresident. Learn parenting strategies to help a child with special needs. Register online. Choose course #111592. classweb.townofcary.org.

25 FRIDAY Nature Fun-Days: Lizards. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-4 p.m. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8.

Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

Pollination Sensation. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 2-3 p.m. $1/participant. Learn how salamanders compare with their reptile cousins. Ages 5 and older.

Register online. apm.activecommunities.com/ wakeparks/activity_search/2724.

27 SUNDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

28 MONDAY Open Bounce. BounceU Apex, 3419 Apex Peakway, Apex. Noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. $10/child.

Enjoy music, games and inflatables. Take socks.

Registration recommended online. bounceu.com/ apex.

“Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

Learn to Play Learn to Sing

29 TUESDAY Open Bounce. See May 28.

“Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

30 WEDNESDAY Open Bounce. See May 28.

“Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

26 SATURDAY

31 THURSDAY

Geocaching 101. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10-11:30 a.m. $1/person.

Learn about geocaching and find a geocache in the park. Take your own unit or smart phone with a geocache app or borrow one from the park. Ages 6 and older. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Advance

Open Bounce. See May 28.

“Mazes and Brain Games.”

See May 1.

“North Carolina and World War I.” See May 1.

Degreed performer of Voice and Piano shares 26 years experience

919-830-6075 susan@riggsmusic.com

Locations in Raleigh & Wake Forest

Buy 4 lessons in first month and get 5th lesson FREE!

YOUR AD. THIS SPACE. NEXT MONTH. advertising@carolinaparent.com

CALENDAR POLICY

The Carolina Parent calendar lists local and regional activities for children and families. Visit carolinaparent.com/calendar to submit an event for consideration by the 6th of the month for the next month's issue. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times. This calendar may include some events not intended for young children.

Find more events at carolinaparent.com/calendar.

carolinaparent.com | MAY 2018

39

› FACES & PLACES

Lina (9), of Raleigh, catches her first fish.

Submit high-resolution photos of your kids having fun in the Triangle at carolinaparent.com/facesandplaces.

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MAY 2018 | carolinaparent.com

NOW OPEN! Ticket Price (all ages): $5 Members get in free.

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E X H I B I TI O N