Charlotte Parent Nov 2017

November 2017 • Free

Holiday Light Extravaganzas When Traditions Clash How to stay happy

People Who Care 5 parents making an impact in the lives of kids

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Bring your friends and family together to celebrate the beauty of the Holiday season!

The Garden glows with holiday spirit from the twinkling trees to the sparkling fountains and is transformed into a natural winter wonderland filled with unique festive dĂŠcor including a towering tree of orchids, more than 600,000 lights, and illuminated displays.

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CONTENT › NOVEMBER 2017

16 People Who Care Meet five local moms and dads working to better the lives of children

20 Clash of Traditions Tips to bridge family traditions and stay happy this holiday season

22 Must-See Holiday Lights Our picks for some of the biggest and brightest light displays in the region

16 IN EVERY ISSUE 4 7 13 14 26 39 40

Editor's Note FYI Growing Up Tech Talk Excursion Daddy Derek Faces and Places

CALENDAR 29 Our Picks 30 On Stage 31 Daily Calendar 34 Tree Lightings and Parades 36 Where to See Santa

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Grateful for the Little Things in Life

B

eing thankful, family togetherness and kindness are all common themes around Thanksgiving and the approaching holiday season. When the day-to-day grind feels overwhelming, I try to take a deep breath and be mindful of the little things I’m grateful to have in my life, including healthy children, a home, a husband, food to eat, friends and family. Having laughter, love and opportunity in my life is something not to take for granted. I remind myself that there are many people in Charlotte that struggle to pay bills, put food on the table or have a house to call home. Charlotte is a city of philanthropists and go-getters acknowledging that there is need in the community. In this issue, we spotlight five local parents who have stepped up to create opportunities to support children and families who have needs in Charlotte and as far away as Tanzania. Some are motivated by loss, others simply want to find solutions to needs, but all believe in paying it forward. Their efforts and outcomes are inspiring to say the least. Read about what these five “People Who Care” are doing, beginning on page 16.

If you and your beloved are just starting the conversation of how to blend your family traditions since becoming a family of your own, be sure to read the feature on page 20 about how to negotiate and blend family customs. From etiquette to gift giving and hosting guests, we ask some experts for guidance on how to bring it together and still be happy through the holidays. And if you’re looking to create some new traditions this year, consider a trip to explore some of North Carolina’s best light displays. The feature on page 22 highlights some of our picks for the biggest and brightest displays in the region.

As we all consider what we are thankful for this season, it’s a good time to reach out, share and support one another. Even in divisive times, as people, especially parents, I think we can all agree that kindess lifts everyone up. You never know what a person is going through. A smile, a nod of encouragement or a helping hand can make a big difference in a person’s day. Happy Thanksgiving.

HAVE IDEAS TO SHARE? Email editor@charlotteparent.com.

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WHAT’S NEW AT …

Go Explore Blogger Tamela Rich helps families learn to travel with purpose. If your family has never camped before, check out her guide for beginners, then set out before the leaves have all fallen.

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Be Social We are social. Follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to get the latest buzz, and be sure to tag us in your jaunts around town. Facebook: @cltparent and Twitter/ Instagram: @CharlotteParent

Win Tickets to WinterFest Celebrate the upcoming holiday season with a trip to Carowinds WinterFest. Win a four-pack of tickets to enjoy this new seasonal addition at the theme park. See over 5 million shimmering lights, take a picture in front of the 70-foot tree, attend live shows, eat special holiday dishes, and go on some of the 16 open rides.

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❱ FYI

Trade the hustle of the holidays for a magical day of holiday amusement in one place at Carowinds’ WinterFest, open Nov. 24. Photo courtesy of Carowinds

What’s your strategy for lessstress holiday shopping?

WinterFest Brings Holiday Excitement to Carowinds Carowinds’ Winterfest opens for its first year Nov. 24. Expect 5 million shimmering lights, a 70-foot tree, live shows, strolling performers, interactive experiences, arts and crafts, Santa, food, ice skating and rides.

Extras for Winterfest include Snowflake Lake, the ice rink located in front of the Intimidator roller coaster, where guests can skate for 30-minute sessions, as well as loads of entertainment, including Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular and Tinker’s Toy Factory, a musical theatre production created with children in mind. Decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen and then go on horse-drawn carriage

through Carolina Harbor Waterpark.

Many of the favorite rides for kids will also be open during WinterFest, including Charlie Brown’s Wind-up, Electro-Spin, Flying Ace Aerial Chase rollercoaster, Peanuts Pirates, Scrambler, Zephyr and Snoopy Versus Red Baron.

WinterFest is open Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $25.

Children ages 3-5 can sign up for the free Pre-K Pass that includes unlimited, free visits for WinterFest and to the theme park, Carolina Harbor Waterpark, and the allnew Camp Snoopy in 2018. Check it out at carowinds.com.

Gingerbread House Workshop Making a gingerbread house is a sweet holiday treat for kids, but it’s prepping, buying supplies and cleaning up for parents! Find new inspiration and a new family tradition making gingerbread houses at Community School of the Arts’ Gingerbread House Workshops. A total of 10 workshops are planned this year at Spirit Square uptown, Dec. 2 and 9, and Southminister Retirement Community, Dec. 3. Each workshop is an hour-and-a-half. A $70 family registration includes icing, a buffet of candy decorations and inspiration for two gingerbread houses

all in a festive setting with holiday music and decorations. Best of all CSA helpers do all the preparation and clean up.

Often times friends book their families for the same workshop for a fun, festive event together, says Allison Lange Jett, operations manager at Community School of the Arts.

Buy what I can ahead of time, as well as online. This time should not be stressful.

Spend time with family, giving thanks and enjoying the simpler things in life.

— Renee Brown, Mooresville Make a list to stay focused on what you are looking to purchase.

— Tasha Pryor, Fort Mill, S.C. Order online a little at a time in advance, and take advantage of coupons and deals to avoid waiting until the last minute and having to buy the expensive purchases. — Andrea Cooper, Matthews I like to buy experiences for lasting happiness and meaningful experiences.

A new gadget that is exciting this year becomes part of everyday life by the time the next year rolls around.

Experiences, on the other hand, like vacations, concerts or a sporting event last longer. Shared experiences can be remembered and savored after the fact.

— Adrian Allen, Charlotte I go shopping during the week while the kids are in school. There is less traffic and the stores are not as crowded.

— Shejuan Hollie, Charlotte

If you’re interested in decorating and taking home more than two gingerbread houses, same workshop. Workshops fill up quickly, so

Don’t buy too many things. Enjoy just being together and making special memories. — Bethany Trent, Harrisburg

reserve your spot today. csarts.org.

Source: charlotteparent.com.

consider registering your family twice for the

charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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FYI

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education

Take a StoryWalk Add a little light reading to your family’s park stroll with a StoryWalk. Thanks to collaboration between Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and Read Charlotte, StoryWalks are planned for three parks in Charlotte, with the first currently installed at Independence Park on Seventh Street.

How’s it work?

Laminated pages from a children’s picture book are installed along an outdoor path and attached to a special display post. As you stroll, you’re directed to the next page of the story.

Signs along the ways also offer information about early literacy and active reading tips. Books are changed each four to six weeks.

The second StoryWalk is set to launch at Seversville Park beside Bruns Academy in mid-November, and a third walk will launch in March with the park location to be determined.

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Students at Smithfield Elementary.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

CMS School Choice Lottery Opens for 2018-19 School Year The application period for round one of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Choice Lottery for the 2018-19 school year begins Nov. 13 through Dec. 18 at 10 p.m. The first-round application period is earlier than in years past. To apply for a school choice seat (formerly known as a magnet seat), a child must be enrolled as a CMS student and have a student identification number. Students new to CMS in the 2018-2019 school year must be enrolled by Dec. 1 to be eligible for the first school choice lottery. Students who enroll after Dec. 1 will be eligible for the second magnet lottery that runs from Jan. 12-Feb. 19, 2018. Each student may apply for up to three school choices. The lottery is free and open to all CMS families.

If you are interested in a certain school, attend an open house or information session happening throughout the month. Find more details about CMS School Choice options and open house dates at cmschoice.org.

CFNC Announces November as North Carolina College Application Month College Foundation of North Carolina’s college application event has been expanded to a full month this year, happening Oct. 28 through Nov. 24. Throughout the month, high school seniors can get help with three important college enrollment steps, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), complete a residency check, and complete applications.

During the third week in November, participating North Carolina colleges and universities will begin to waive application fees. A number of North Carolina colleges and universities have agreed to accept College Board, ACT and National Association for College Admission Counseling fee waivers, while some have completely waived the application fee. During the week of Nov. 13-17, volunteers at hundreds of North Carolina high schools will help students submit online applications for admission.

A college application checklist can be downoaded at cfnc.org. To request a determination of in-state residency for tuition purposes and state grant eligibility, go to ncresidency.org. To access additional resources and information, learn more about CFNC, visit cfnc.org/cam.

NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

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FYI

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health

Friends gather at the Let Me Run end-of-season 5k-race festival. Photo by Grant Armistead

Coping With Pink Eye: What You Need to Know Pink eye is easily spread by children.

It can show up with allergies, colds or sinus infections and can be either viral or bacterial.

“Conjunctivitis is very contagious,” says Dr. Julia Richards with Carolinas HealthCare System’s Cotswold Pediatrics. “Good hygiene — washing hands and not sharing personal items — helps to minimize the spread. Most of the time, it goes away on its own.”

Use these tips to cope with the itchy aggravation of pink eye.

Soothe: Eye drops help lessen irritation, and a warm washcloth loosens the crust around the eye.

Watch for redness, itching and watering. Bacterial pink eye also causes a yellowish discharge.

Treat: A doctor can prescribe ointment or eye drops for bacterial pink eye.

Treatment can hasten healing and prevent spreading it to others.

Wait: Viral pink eye starts to get better on its own in three to five days.

Bacterial pink eye goes away in two to four days with treatment. Be sure to wash hands often while waiting it out.

Let Me Run Creates Positive Change and Social Competence in Boys Let Me Run, a nonprofit organization that was founded in Charlotte in 2009, has been proven to make a substantial positive impact in boys’ lives. A two-season evaluation of the program by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness found significant improvements in boys’ attitudes and behaviors associated with healthy masculinity after completing the program. Most boys were able to better express emotions, show affection, build friendships and connect with others.

Let Me Run coaches aim to inspire boys to be themselves, seek self-expression and display respect for others, and it seems to be working. UNC-Greenboro’s study confirms that Let Me Run counteracts unhealthy societal pressures and also increases boys’ vigorous physical activity levels, reduces boys’ screen time on school days and increases boys’ social competence.

Let Me Run is designed to amplify confidence, self-expression and respect for others in elementary and middle school boys. Twice a week for seven weeks, coaches lead each team through practices that include a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. The season culminates in a 5k-race festival. letmerun.org.

Infant Sleep Positioners Pose Risk of Suffocation The use of sleep positioners is now considered an extreme hazard. Many reports now link sleep positioners to unexpected suffocation. The FDA is warning parents to stop using these products. Sleep positioners, often called “anti-roll” or “nest” products, were created to secure infants in a certain position while sleeping. Many babies have tried to roll from their sides to their stomachs while using these products and have suffocated in the process.

According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, each year about 4,000 infants die during sleep time from accidental suffocation, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or unknown causes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs on a firm, empty surface. To decrease your child’s risk of accidental suffocation, follow the ABCs of safe sleep: “Alone on the back in a bare crib.” Pillows, loose bedding, toys or other objects should not be placed in the crib either as they enhance the risk of accidental suffocation.

charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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FYI

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Jena Burgin-Peters, owner of JBP Entertainment-Dance Studio, with her daughter Georgia Beth.

people

Get to Know: Jena Burgin-Peters

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

J

ena Burgin-Peters is the owner of JBP Entertainment-Dance Studio. She and her husband Bob Peters, award-winning mixologist at The Punch Room at The Ritz Carlton, are mom to 7-year-old Georgia Beth, and Slick, their 10-year-old cat.

Where do you live in Charlotte and where did you grow up?

We live in Plaza Midwood and I am from Lake Wylie, S.C. Tell us about your job. What do you like most about it? What are the challenges?

I absolutely love my work. I crave the electricity and love being a part of the entertainment community. My background as a professional dancer, singer, choreographer, director and producer serves me well now as a studio owner and mentor.

If I had my way, I would have a home/work space where students attend academic classes in the morning and train in all genres all afternoon. There would be a fitness facility for parents, a healthy snack bar, a costume and scene shop and a student lounge for students to do homework with volunteer tutoring. I go to bed every night and wake up every morning visualizing the same dream.

The most challenging part of my job is jumping back and forth between managing the administrative responsibilities of the company and feeding the creative side.

Maintaining balance is a daily goal.

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What’s the hardest part of juggling family life and work life?

Georgia Beth goes to the studio with me.

She loves dance as much as I do. Bob and I share a small office area in our house.

Since he works in the evenings, we spend more time together than most. The hardest part of juggling family and work is that those lines are blurred a lot of the times. We set aside Sunday as family day.

We don’t make plans without each other and we try not to work.

What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Charlotte?

I love being close to my family that I was away from for so many years while I was working as a dancer, choreographer and producer all over the world. I missed many holidays, family celebrations and important events. It makes me incredibly happy to share Georgia Beth with our family. She is the only grandchild on my side and brings so much joy.

Best advice ever received: I have had several mentors in my life and I think they all have said to me in one way or another:

NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

“Stay true to yourself and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Do the work and it will pay off.”

Proudest parenting moment: On the third or fourth day of kindergarten (when they want the children to walk themselves into school and leave the blubbering parents outside) there was a little boy crying in front of the school as his mom was trying to follow the rules and send him on in by himself. Georgia Beth told us goodbye quicker than usual, and then hurried over to the little boy and held his hand.

They walked into school together. Cue the lifetime music and bring me a box of Kleenex. They are still friends. In first grade he asked her to marry him everyday.

Lowest parenting moment: Georgia Beth was born with GERDS, which is like baby acid reflux. She cried everyday, all day for the first nine months of her life.

She didn’t sleep through the night until she was about 1 year old. I felt so sad for her, and was exhausted and overwhelmed.

I had just opened the studio, and luckily was surrounded by parents and children who, along with Bob, provided me so much support. I can’t imagine that time without them. That time brings a lot of meaning to the whole “it takes a village” concept.

Name three things you can’t live without: Coffee, coffee, coffee … and yoga.

Name your favorite Instagram account: Mine. @jbpent Last book read: “Being Dead Is No Excuse”

by Gayden Metcalfe What inspires you? I love being around creative and happy people, and people who are intelligent and positive. I am moved beyond measure to see students break through boundaries. There’s nothing better than watching students set and reach goals. As a mentor those successes, no matter how small, are priceless and worth every second.

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GROWING UP

of children in the study experienced sibling violence in the past year, and for almost 5 percent of those children, the violence was severe enough to leave a lasting mark, such as a bruise, chipped tooth or even a broken bone.

When siblings hit, kick or bite, they’re so flooded with emotion that logic and reason falls flat. It’s better to skip the “Why would you hit her?” and the forced apologies. Instead, allow kids to cool down and role-play more effective ways to handle conflict and strong emotions.

Teen Years

Spar Wars Get fighting siblings to make peace

BY MALIA JACOBSON

A

ngelic images of smiling siblings make crowd-pleasing holiday cards, but the reality of life with two or more children is decidedly less pictureperfect. According to research from the University of Toronto, toddler-age siblings clash more than six times per hour and siblings under age 7 fight, on average, every 20 minutes. Fights that get physical can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If sibling fighting is stealing the peace in your household, read on for relief.

Early Years

Family Court Research shows that conflict between young siblings is statistically normal, but regular bouts of biting, hitting and kicking aren’t.

Parents should intervene when clashes between toddler-age siblings become violent, advises professionals at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Though kids as young as age 3 may be able to talk through minor disagreements that crop up during playtimes, they nearly always require guidance from a caregiver to navigate more heated exchanges and physical fights.

Start by separating the scuffling sibs with a statement like “We never hit.” Once the children involved have calmed down, ask

them to explain what happened, assuring each child that they will get a turn to speak.

Statements that bridge conflicts can diffuse fights and guide kids toward resolution: “Jackson, I know Olivia is a good listener, so you can tell her why you didn’t like it when she pushed you.” Encouraging tots to use words to self-advocate (“I didn’t like it when you took all the blue Legos!”) can help prevent future fights from spiraling out of control.

Elementary Years

Fisticuffs A study led by David Finkelhor of the University of New Hampshire shows that “sibling attacks” like shoving and punching, peak between ages 6 and 12. Over one-third

Property Brothers and Sisters What’s mine is yours? Not so fast.

According to Catherine Salmon of the University of Redlands, up to 95 percent of siblings say that personal property — a highly important part of children’s budding sense of identity — is a point of conflict between siblings. Though teens may be able to work through some property-related conflicts on their own, parents may not know if and when to intervene.

“It can actually be a natural and healthy developmental process for siblings to work out conflicts on their own,” says licensed psychologist Vanessa Roddenberry, founder of Praxis Psychological Services in Raleigh.

Parents who constantly step in risk invalidating teens’ emotions and communicating that fighting is an effective way to get caregivers’ attention and focus, Roddenberry says. But when sibling fighting escalates to yelling or physical fighting, parents can help by separating siblings, putting the disagreement on pause while each party takes time to cool off and separately process emotions. Once feelings have calmed, a kitchen-table meeting moderated by parents can help get teen siblings on the same page — and up the chances that next time, you won’t need to play referee.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

Her latest book is “Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.”

charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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TECH TALK

TECH TALK

example is an app called Sarahah, a word that translates as "honesty" in Arabic. Originally intended as a way for employees to provide constructive anonymous feedback to employees, the app has degenerated into a place where people feel free to say all the horrible things they would never say face-to-face.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

What to Do About Cyberbullies

BY CAROLYN JABS

I

n the past year, many communities and schools have reported an increase in the number of incidents in which children are harassed because of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or political point of view. According to stopbullying.gov, 49 percent of children in grades 4-12 have experienced bullying, and 30 percent admitted to bullying others.

Parents are also worried. In C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital’s National Poll on Children’s Health, 61 percent named bullying and cyberbullying as a “big problem” for children and teens. A second survey conducted by Reportlinker found that among young people ages 13-24, 71 percent were concerned about cyberbullying.

Like old-fashioned bullying, cyberbullying involves a willful, repeated effort to humiliate, harass or threaten another person. Unlike traditional bullying, cyber attacks use text messages, social media, apps or even chat options on video games. Cyberbullying is different from traditional bullying because there’s no escape. Technology follows kids everywhere, and as everyone now knows, nothing disappears online. Taunts that would have been forgotten at the end of the day can resurface and go viral at any time.

Now more than ever, parents need to stand firmly on the side of decency and kindness. By setting clear rules you can help your child develop the self-control that keeps him or her from making someone’s life miserable. Here are are other ways to combat cyberbullying.

Delay. Middle school students are especially vulnerable to bullying because they’re trying to figure out where they fit socially. They often form very strong ties to a particular peer group and can be insensitive, intolerant or even cruel to people outside that group. Keeping kids away from social media until they have better social skills makes sense, though it isn’t easy

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NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

if “everyone” has a smartphone. “Wait Until 8th” (waituntil8th.org) is an effort started by a Texas mom to create support for parents who don’t think smartphones are necessary in middle school.

Avoid anonymous apps. Being anonymous can encourage cruelty. The most recent

Enlist artificial intelligence. The Reportlinker survey found cyberbullying was most likely to occur in text messages and social media. Supervising these environments isn’t easy, unless parents turn to software that uses artificial intelligence to scan communications for slang and other clues associated with bullying, grooming or harassment. A list of similar software is available at bewebsmart.com.

No roasting. Are insults funny or, well, insulting? That’s the question you have to ask about a new fad called roasting. Kids voluntarily post a photo or video with the hashtag #roastme. Sometimes they get good-natured joshing. Other times they get ripped to shreds.

A child who asks to be roasted is hungry for attention. Kids who participate in roasting need to know the difference between constructive criticism and gratuitous cruelty.

Discuss real world consequences.

Sometimes people use the concept of free speech to justify messages that denigrate others. A person can’t change his or her ethnic origin, skin color, family history, disability and other characteristics, so it's simply wrong to mock him or her for those things. Because of hateful posts, young people have lost jobs, scholarships, college acceptances, athletic opportunities and friendships with people who find such views offensive.

Perhaps the most important thing parents can do to counter bullying is to raise children strong enough to be compassionate, curious, constructive and courageous instead of critical, condescending, cowardly and cruel.

To do that, all of us have to aspire to be models of what we hope our children will become.

Carolyn Jabs is the author of “Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart,” available at Amazon and cooperativewisdom.org. carolinaparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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Some have one winter wonderland.

We have nine.

If you can only go to one winter event in the Carolinas, make it Carowinds WinterFest. The park will be transformed into nine glittering winter landscapes, each more enchanting than the last. There’s ice skating, cookie decorating, crafters, nearly a dozen live shows, up to 16 rides, and so much more. Best of all, the wondrous and magnificent citizens of WinterFest can’t wait to meet you. We’ll even make it snow—so don’t miss it.

Visit carowinds.com to learn more.

SELECT NIGHTS NOV. 24 – DEC. 30

PROFILES BY ALEIGH ACERNI

It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention. But these five Charlotte parents have

Five local moms and dads working to make the lives of children better

gone above and beyond what’s necessary with their inventive solutions to problems close by and across the globe. From leading inclusive dance classes to making sure kids have a comfortable place to sleep, each one of these parents are committed to improving the lives of children. They are proof that you never know when inspiration will strike - and that it often happens when it’s least expected.

K

im

SMITH

A Chance to Dance Giving kids with special needs “a chance to dance”

Kim Smith with students from a Chance to Dance. Smith’s junior novice special needs competitive team received the 2017 Performance Award at the World Dance Championship in Seacaucus, New Jersey. Photo by Sarah Nelson Conklin

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NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

When Kim Smith’s youngest daughter Reagan Smith asked to take dance lessons, she was determined to make it happen. But finding a dance studio that could accommodate Reagan, an autistic 8-year-old with

sensory processing disorder, wasn’t easy. Smith, who studied dance as a child and works as a receptionist for Plantation Animal Clinic in Matthews, decided to create a program herself. In 2015, she launched A Chance to Dance, hosted by

D

eedee MILLS

Behailu Academy Empowering youth through the arts

Deedee Mills, left, is the founder of Behailu Academy, an arts-based after-school program that serves approximately 300 middle and high school students.

Photo courtesy of Deedee Mills.

Miss Donna’s School of Dancing, that offers dance classes for special needs children.

“Reagan was my inspiration for the program,” says Smith, who is the program director and a teacher. “A Chance to Dance is a champion for inclusion. We have students that range in age from 3 to 28 years old, and we currently have students affected by autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, cerebral palsy, shizencephaly, achondroplasia, double amputee, sensory processing disorder and many others.”

In 2016, Smith’s junior novice

special needs competitive team received the 2017 Performance Award at the World Dance Championship in Seacaucus, New Jersey. “They were the first-ever all special needs team to receive a golden ticket invitation to the World Dance Championship,” she says.

In its third season, about 40 children are signed up for A Chance to Dance. “It’s extremely fulfilling to connect with children through the magic of dance. The smiles, the giggles, the bond and the friendships we build with these children and their families is priceless.”

Restaurateur and mom Deedee Mills was inspired to create Behailu Academy after a heart-breaking mentoring experience. Mills was a mentor to a 12-yearold boy who, due to family circumstances, was in and out of his home. Over the course of six years, Mills watched as he dropped out of school, joined a gang, fathered a child and got arrested for murder.

“It was devastating,” she says. “I felt like I didn’t see him enough, I didn’t do enough, I didn’t say the right things. I talked to him about going to college … without truly understanding his everyday plight of survival.”

Mills recognized that kids need somewhere to go after school to fill time and that sports aren’t for every child. She created Behailu, an arts-based afterschool program for middle and high school students.

“Through the arts, academic support and community service, our kids find their voice and use it to change their world,” Mills says.

Since its first programs launched in 2012, Behailu Academy has served approximately 300 students in after-school and summertime programs. Students can participate in dance, computer animation, music production, painting, mixed media, photography and music therapy.

“It’s always rewarding to see our kids graduate from high school,” Mills says. “But for me, it’s even more so when they get and excel in a job or career.” behailuacademy.org.

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aniel

FOGART Y

B eds for Kids Helping families turn houses into homes

Daniel Fogarty has helped thousands of Charlotte-area families give their children a comfortable place to sleep at night. Fogarty launched Beds for Kids in 2011. “I was struggling with what to do with the rest of my life,” Fogarty says. “I needed to do something with my life that mattered.”

The nonprofit organization supports Charlotte-area families as they transition from temporary living situations or homelessness into permanent homes by offering its clients sturdy, quality furniture, including beds for children at a very low cost.

Beds for Kids “started small,” with Fogarty collecting furniture in his garage, serving 256 kids its first year. In 2016, the organization served 1,881 clients. For 2017, the organization is poised to hit a new milestone. “This year, we’ll probably cross the 2,000 mark,” Fogarty says.

A typical Bed for Kids client is moving into a house and out of a car or a pay-by-day hotel. Most clients are working, many working two jobs. They may have enough saved to pay the first month’s rent and get the power turned on, but they then move into an empty apartment, Fogarty says.

“We have served people that were fairly high up [career-wise],” he says. “We had volunteers here from local banks, and they ended up serving someone that had been many layers higher up than them in management. It was a layoff in 2008, a massive car wreck, a breast cancer diagnosis … and then homeless. That puts us all in the scope of being there. Just about any of us could be in that situation.”

Fogarty says launching Beds for Kids has helped him grow as a parent. Seeing his own daughter’s excitement at sleeping in

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M itchell Bays Turner Pediatric Fund Helping families of children battling pediatric illness

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NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

Daniel Fogarty with his daughter Lily Fogarty.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Fogarty

her “big-girl bed” for the first time really drove home the power of the work he does. A sense of community building is something he wanted his daughter to experience as well. Giving local kids a way to volunteer — whether they’re picking out a new bedding set at Target and bringing it to the Beds for Kids warehouse, or raising money so that other kids can have a bed to sleep on — has become a secondary part of the organization’s mission.

“Growing that next generation is something we take very seriously around here,” he says. In addition to accepting donations and giving warehouse tours, Beds for Kids opens up the warehouse for a Kids Serve Saturday event with family-friendly volunteer activities for all ages.

“We want to love the people who are standing in front of us every day,” Fogarty says. “They’re some of the most hard-working people. To live in poverty in Mecklenburg County is one of the hardest things I’ve ever seen.” bedsforkids.org.

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: your child is diagnosed with a serious — and eventually, terminal — illness. That was Meg McElwain’s reality in 2012 when her younger son, Mitchell Turner, was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric leukemia at just 3 months old.

“When Mitchell was diagnosed, we realized very quickly that through his dad’s work, we had 100 percent [insurance] coverage for Mitchell’s care,” McElwain says.

Although Mitchell achieved

remission, he later relapsed and died just weeks after his second birthday.

McElwain paired her skills as a nonprofit marketing consultant with the money that friends and family had collected for Mitchell’s care to help other local families. Now in its fifth year, the Mitchell Bays Turner Pediatric Fund helps to support social needs, such as utility bills and mortgage payments, of families with children facing lifethreatening pediatric illnesses.

“For me, this work is so very

R ebecca WOFFORD

The Lunch Projec t Teaching kids how to be global citizens through food and fundraising

Rebecca Wofford didn’t set out to change the world. The attorney and mother of two was a professor on a trip to Africa, teaching her students how to write. At a school in Tanzania, a headmaster asked her to help — and it changed her life. Children there were just starting to get access to public education. At the time, Wofford’s children were in first and second grade at Selwyn Elementary School. She thought of how different their school experiences were, realizing that new public schools in Tanzania had real challenges with learning and attendance, mostly due to one major challenge: lack of resources to feed lunch to students.

Even with the challenges, Wofford was struck by the community’s dedication to its children’s educations.

“I had these sort of overwhelming moments,” she says. “And it wasn’t even that I felt like I wanted to help them, it was more like, I want to be a part of this.”

That’s when inspiration struck. She could become a behindthe-scenes funder, working from Charlotte to help a Tanzanian public school develop a lunch program for their students. The Lunch Project was born.

The Lunch Project currently serves 1,800 students in two Tanzanian schools, and has plans to expand to a third school and 700 more kids. The nonprofit empowers Tanzanian communities by hiring local mothers to cook a culturally sensitive meal over an open fire for the school children, using supplies purchased from

personal,” McElwain says. “It fills the space where Mitchell’s life would be.” The fund works with families whose children are battling childhood cancers, but as an open pediatric fund, it can benefit the families of children facing any life-threatening pediatric illness, including pediatric mental health.

“Most people don’t realize that kids have mental health issues too,” McElwain says.

“There is a 15-bed inpatient pediatric mental health area of the hospital at Novant [Health Presbyterian Medical Center] where children as young as 5 years old are often on suicide watch.”

To help address this need, Mitchell’s Fund has partnered with the Children’s Medical Fund and Foundation for The Carolinas to fund a pediatric mental health needs study. For

After visiting Tanzania and recognizing the need for a developed school lunch program at public schools, Rebecca Wofford founded The Lunch Project. The nonprofit serves 1,800 students in Tanzania. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Wofford

local farmers. The children gather firewood and buckets of clean water from the community well, and bring bowls from home. It’s working: Having food at school every day has boosted test scores and attendance.

The Lunch Project’s second mission is to give children in Charlotte a way to participate in something that makes other people’s lives better. After her child’s second-grade teacher asked her to speak to the class, she realized explaining how members of Tanzanian communities support one another through The Lunch Project was the best way to present their challenging circumstances in a positive light.

“It’s pretty easy to understand,” she says. “A kid needs lunch at school. You can feed one kid for 9 cents per day; a whole school for $100 or less. It really just took off,” she says.

So much so, in fact, that other teachers wanted to get involved. Last year, she worked with Queens University to develop a true curriculum, focusing on empathy education, that’s available to schools starting this fall.

After learning about The Lunch Project, kids are often inspired to raise money on their own, Wofford says. And since every dollar goes a long way, it gives them a sense of accomplishment. “The kids know their projects are meaningful,” Wofford says. thelunchproject.org.

the second year, the Mitchell Bays Turner Pediatric Fund is underwriting the salary for a full-time clinical psychologist at St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Healthy Hemby Children’s Hospital to help children who are undergoing cancer treatment better understand what’s happening to them throughout their cancer journey. mitchellsfund.org.

FAR LEFT: Meg McElwain with her children Frank and Mitchell Turner. RIGHT: Meg McElwain started Mitchell Bays Turner Pediatric Fund to honor her son Mitchell Turner and support families who have children that are battling pediataric cancer. Photo by Daniel Coston

Photo courtesy of iStock

Clash of Traditions How to negotiate and blend family customs

BY VANESSA INFANZON

Every Christmas Eve, my husband and I discuss whether the presents from Santa should be wrapped. We’ve been together for so long, we’re not sure whose family tradition we followed the previous year in that regard. We’ve decided that if we can’t remember, neither will the kids, so everything has gone smoothly so far.

When a couple starts their own family, each person brings in childhood traditions.

Merging these to create family traditions requires negotiation and planning. Here are a few ways to help your family navigate this blending process during holiday celebrations.

MAKE A PLAN WITH YOUR SPOUSE Charlotte residents Paula and Marcel Elsener celebrate cultural backgrounds and traditions from Sweden, Switzerland and America. One tradition important to the Elsener family is to stay at home on Christmas Day. “We’ve always said from day one that we are not traveling on Christmas,” Paula Elsener

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says. “It’s about the kids; we want them to build Legos for hours if that’s what they want to do.”

They do, however, extend an open invitation to the grandparents letting them know they are welcome to join the festivities.

“Communication and talking becomes key,” says Michelle Deering, a licensed psychologist at Apex-based Curative Connections. “For the family unit, they are individually bringing their respective histories, and so the talking they need to do has to pertain to what traditions they liked and disliked, and then what desires do they have for the types of memories and messages they want their kids to have.”

Deering recommends that couples take inventory of their childhood experiences. “It doesn’t have to be done all at one time, but dribs and drabs of having that conversation will actually help them know what page they’re on,” she says. This helps a couple think intentionally about how they want their holidays to unfold.

NOVEMBER 2017 2017 || carolinaparent.com charlotteparent.com NOVEMBER

INCLUDE YOUR CHILDREN Children develop confidence and a sense of self through family traditions. It helps them know they are an important part of a unique family unit. Parents can include kids as young as age 2 in these traditions by making decorations, reading holiday books, teaching traditional songs and asking them about what they enjoy doing during the holidays.

“If you can start young, then you can make it age-appropriate,” Deering says. “If you’re talking with a 3-year-old or 4-year-old, ask if they like A or B?” Take it a step further by asking the child to help choose holiday meal items at the grocery store or decorative items at a department store, then involve them in the cooking or in decorating the home.

The Elsener children — Tristan,15, Bjorn, 12, and Sawyer, 11 — decorate the tree and the house during the holiday season. They look forward to the Swiss tradition of Samichlaus,

aka Santa Claus. He visits on Dec. 6 and fills their boots with oranges and nuts.

Paula Elsener wasn’t enthusiastic about upholding a tradition involving Schmutzli, “the dirty one,” who comes with Samichlaus.

As the legend goes, Schmutzli takes children away if they misbehaved throughout the year.

Paula and Marcel chose not to emphasize this tradition for fear of scaring their children.

Now that they are almost all teenagers, they have fun with the idea.

BE CLEAR Some families look forward to traditions they have followed for one, two or more generations. Grandparents and extended family often want to continue these traditions, but when spouses come together, there may be a need to evaluate what works best for their immediate family.

Ditte Ranum and her husband, Hernando Gordils, live in Huntersville with their 5-yearold daughter, Victoria. They celebrate Danish and Venezuelan traditions during the holidays.

Before their daughter was born, Ranum enjoyed her husband’s Venezuelan traditions, but when Victoria was born, she wanted to make sure the family honored her Danish heritage also.

“I want to get my traditions in the picture,” Ranum says.

Gordils’ family was happy to accommodate Ranum’s request because she was clear about her needs.

Deering says listening to the needs of grandparents and extended family during the holidays can reduce hurt feelings and stressful situations. If you get requests for a special visit or an unusual change in the schedule, Deering recommends asking questions that may get to the heart of the issue: “What is it about this year that makes it important?” “How can we look at creative alternative options?”

“Everyone comes at this from different cultural perspectives and family dynamic perspectives,” she says. “What I’ve found is that the real core root of the tension is that family members do not respect the new boundaries that each person has to develop on their own.”

Deering tells her clients to use active problem-solving, and that if a wish can be accommodated, attempt it.

Ranum agrees, and enjoys the cultural variety her family celebrates. “It’s important to embrace all the differences,” she says. “Let’s make this our holiday, instead of ‘this is what we’ve been doing for years.’ Let’s make it unique for our family.”

Vanessa Infanzon is a Charlotte mom to three boys. Follow her @morethanVMI on Instagram and Twitter.

4 Quick Lessons in Holiday Etiquette Aimee Symington, an etiquette expert in Charlotte and founder of Finesse Worldwide, suggests four ways to make celebrating holiday traditions fun and special for everyone.

HOSTING GUESTS. Share your traditions with your guests beforehand and ask if they have something special they’d like to do.

PRAYERS. If you pray before a meal and you’re hosting guests in your home, ask your guests to join in the prayer. If you are in someone else’s home, however, and they don’t follow that same practice, simply do it silently on your own.

HOLIDAY FOOD. Ask guests to bring a dish that is traditional for their family. It’s fun to share culinary dishes from different family customs and cultures.

GIFT-GIVING. Get your

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

extended family on board with a plan for gift-giving. Decide on who is getting and receiving gifts, as well as a spending maximum. charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com || NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2017 2017

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Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum includes more than 500,000 LED lights throughout the garden. Photo courtesy of North Carolina Arboretum

Walk or drive by the awe-inspiring holiday displays in McAdenville’s Christmas Town USA. Photo by Steve Rankin Experience the wonder of the season in Gaston County’s Christmas Town USA, a tradition since 1956. Walk or drive by the awe-inspiring displays of more than 375 decorated trees, 200 lit lamp-post wreaths, music, a life-size Nativity scene, a lake fountain and more.

Must-See Holiday Light Shows Across North Carolina

BY MYRA WRIGHT

’Tis the season for dazzling light displays. These annual sparkling and twinkling displays are a great way to celebrate festive fun with the family. Here are our top picks of holiday light shows across the state to help bring out your family’s holiday spirit.

Holidays at the Garden dsbg.org Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont Admission: $8.95-$14.95, free for children under age 2.

Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 31, 5-9 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. More than 600,000 lights and illuminated displays light up Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Roast a marshmallow, take a horsedrawn carriage ride, enjoy music and sip a warm beverage as you tour the displays, visit with Santa and more.

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Christmas Wonderland of Lights at Zootastic Park zootasticpark.com 385 Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman Admission: $7 for ages 2 and older; free for ages 1 and younger.

Dates: Nov. 22-Jan. 1, 6-9 p.m.

Choreographed light show, petting zoo, s’mores, carousel, photo with Santa, wagon rides and animal encounters.

McAdenville (Christmas Town USA) mcadenville-christmastown.com Downtown McAdenville Admission: Free Dates: Dec. 1-26, Monday-Friday 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 5:30-11 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

Speedway Christmas charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets/ speedway-christmas 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord Admission: $20-$30 for cars; $40-$50 for vans Dates: Nov. 19-Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.

With more than 3 million lights, a Christmas Village, and the opportunity to drive the track in a lights-to-music show along the 3.5-mile course, Speedway Christmas is a family favorite. The village is open Thursday-Sunday and includes a petting zoo, Bethlehem village and photos with Santa. You can also enjoy movie nights when the village is open. See Christmas classics on a giant 16,000-square-foot Speedway TV.

DAYTRIP DESTINATIONS Country Christmas Train at Denton Farm Park dentonfarmpark.com/countrychristmas-train 4259 Handy Road, Denton Admission: $5-$15 ages 5 and older; free for ages 4 and younger. Additional fees for photos with Santa, wagon and pony rides.

Dates: Nov. 24-26, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 14-17, Dec. 20-23, Dec. 26-27. Friday-Saturday 4:30-11 p.m.;

A lit 55-foot-tall Norway spruce encircled by 20 other illunimated evergreens decorate the front lawn at the Biltmore.

Photo courtesy of Biltmore

other nights 4:30-10 p.m.

Enjoy a lighted walking tour of the park. Stop at the church to hear a Christmas story and then take a ride on the Handy Dandy Railroad. Enjoy a nativity movie, Christmas carols, a petting zoo, Santa’s cabin, arts and crafts exhibits, and more. New for 2017, enjoy online ticket sales, additional light displays and an expanded, walkthrough gingerbread house to accommodate a cookie-decorating area for kids.

Lights Before Christmas riverbanks.org Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia, South Carolina Admission: $9-$11 Dates: Nov. 18-Dec. 30, 5-9 p.m. Closed Nov. 23 and Dec. 24-25.

Enjoy nearly 1 million lights, animated images, visits with Santa, a bonfire, hot cocoa and s’mores.

Tanglewood Festival of Lights forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood/fol 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons Admission: $15 for cars; $35 for vans; $100 for buses and motorcoaches Dates: Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 2018, 6-11 p.m.; Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m.

Drive through Tanglewood’s rolling countryside, which is transformed into a winter wonderland. Be sure to stop at the Gift Village to roast marshmallows. See the website for more information about horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA Biltmore Candlelight Christmas Evenings biltmore.com One Lodge St., Asheville Admission: $85 for adults; $42.50 for ages 10-16; free for ages 9 and younger. Purchase tickets online.

Dates: Nov. 3-Jan. 6 See the Biltmore Estate adorned in its holiday splendor. The 2017 theme is “A Vanderbilt Christmas,” with a strong gilded age and grand look. A lit 55-foot-tall Norway spruce encircled by 20 other illuminated evergreens decorates the front lawn for candlelight evenings. Enjoy the 55 decorated Christmas trees inside Biltmore House, as well as 30,000 lights and 150 candles.

In addition, there are 135,000 LED and mini lights sparkling around the estate. New this year, Antler Hill Village features a constellation of lights as dusk descends. This must-see experience features “waterfall” lights cascading from treetops, stars and orbs draping tree branches, miniature lights outlining archways and buildings, and glowing ornaments in the Village Green illuminating holiday evenings.

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort chetola.com 185 Chetola Lake Dr., Blowing Rock Admission: Free Dates: Begins at dusk on Thursday, Nov. 23 and runs through the end of Blowing Rock’s Winterfest, Jan. 26-28, 2018.

Chetola Resort is known for its sparkling display

of lights each winter season. Drive or stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, “Rudolph” reeling in a big fish, strolling carolers and many more festive scenes.

Trail of Lights townofvaldese.com 401 Church St., Valdese Admission: Free, but donations are appreciated.

Dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 24, 6-9 p.m.

More than 100,000 lights are transformed into favorite Christmas light displays. Enjoy the gift shop and hot chocolate.

Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum ncarboretum.org 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville Admission: $18 for ages 12 and older; $12 for ages 5-11; free for ages 4 and younger (discounted rates for members, groups and during Friends and Family Tuesdays) Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 31, 6-10 p.m.

Enjoy this annual holiday light exhibit throughout the arboretum’s gardens. More than 500,000 LED lights will light your way as you walk through a festive winter wonderland.

Listen to favorite holiday tunes and sip warm beverages while you walk.

Myra Wright is the digital editor of Carolina Parent and Charlotte Parent.

charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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hooray

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Holidays at the Garden Bring your friends and family together to celebrate the beauty of the holiday season! Daniel Stowe

Holiday Market

The Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS

Botanical Garden glows with holiday spirit from the twinkling trees to the sparkling fountains, and

Come celebrate Christmas with Carolina Voices and we’ll make your jingle bell rock.

Artistic Director Peter Leo and the MainStage Choir present a production featuring some of the Carolinas’ best artists, including Grey Seal Puppets, Miller Street Dance Academy, the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Choir and Santa, of course!

is transformed into a natural winter

Don’t miss the fifth annual event that offers free admission to a holiday shopper’s paradise, Sat., Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dozens of artisans and craftsmen will be selling wares with a great selection of fine art, folk art and traditional art. Inside at Lancaster’s Historic Courthouse.

100 N. Main Street, Lancaster, S.C. 800-868-5909 oldeenglishdistrict.com

Knight Theater 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 704-374-1564

dsbg.org

Happy Holidays presented

by Jami Masters School of Dance Ltd. Set to favorite holiday music, and featuring classical ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance, Happy Holidays offers familyfriendly holiday entertainment, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Share the gift of dance and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. Tickets: $15-$25.

Purchase tickets at tix.cpcc.edu.

Dale F. Halton Theater 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534 jamimastersschoolofdance.com

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wonderland with a towering tree of orchids, more than 600,000 lights and illuminated displays.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont 704-825-4490

Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker” Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holidays at “Nutcracker.”

Complete with choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and music from the Charlotte Symphony, Nutcracker premiered with all new sets and costumes in 2016. Whether a treasured family tradition or you’re experiencing it for the first time, “Nutcracker” promises wonderful memories.

Belk Theater 130 N. Tryon St. | 704-372-1000 charlotteballet.org/nutcracker

Carowinds WinterFest Excitement fills the air at WinterFest, an all-new holiday celebration at Carowinds. Guests will be immersed in the season’s spirit with over 5 million spectacular lights, holiday décor, live entertainment, culinary treats and fanciful experiences throughout the park.

Experience the holidays like never before. Tickets as low as $25 at carowinds.com.

Carowinds 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte | 704-588-2600 carowinds.com charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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EXCURSION The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is expansive, with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops and two cafes. Photo courtesy of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Take an Urban Excursion in Raleigh

BY RENEE ROBERSON

H

aving lived in North Carolina more than half my life, I’ve visited most of the major cities and thought I knew what they had to offer until a trip to the state’s capital opened my eyes to the many affordable — and in some cases completely free — activities for families.

Rich in History Mordecai Historic Park, located in the heart of the city, is where you will find The Mordecai House, which is the oldest house in Raleigh in its original location.

The acreage of the park was also once the largest plantation in the area, and one of the historic outbuildings has the distinction of being the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States. You can also take a one-hour trolley tour departing from the park on Saturdays March through December (additional cost for trolley tickets).

My 11-year-old son and I opted to take an evening Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour, presented by Tobacco Road Tours. The 1.5mile walking tour took us to the State Capitol Building, where we heard about paranormal activity that has been reported on the grounds since the mid-1800s, a possible peglegged ghost at the restored White-Holman house, stories of what happened to criminals in Moore’s Square and other tales.

Unique Visitor Experiences at Museums Probably the most economical way to experience Raleigh is by visiting some of the museums, the majority of which have free admission. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is expansive, with four floors of exhibits, live animals, gift shops and two cafes. We saw a rousing live animal show and visited the living conservatory full of butterflies and a two-toed sloth.

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There are also opportunities to go on specific self-guided tours of hidden gems, the extinct tour, the alive tour or take advantage of a first-time visitors tour.

The North Carolina Museum of Art combines indoor exhibits and The Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park that encourages families to go on a scavenger hunt of sorts. It is located about 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh and consists of two buildings and a 164-acre park. The indoor museum features works of art by artists such as Claude Monet, Sandro Botticelli, Georgia O’Keefe, plus galleries dedicated to African, ancient American, and Jewish ceremonial art. Families can request a backpack of educational materials upon exploring the outdoor park, which includes activities, a map of the park, and facts about the permanent and temporary art installations found on the grounds.

The North Carolina Museum of History’s signature exhibit “The Story of North Carolina” is a great primer for those wishing to learn more about the history of the state. The museum also recently opened a comprehensive exhibit called “North Carolina and World War I,” which tells the story of more than 85,000 North Carolina soldiers sent into battle, what the political climate was like during that time period, a reproduction of the trench environment

NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

soldiers fought in, and artifacts and recollections of North Carolina soldiers.

Get Outdoors Raleigh and the surrounding suburbs are also home to plenty of recreational activities. Pullen Park, located near the N.C. State University campus, is free to visit, but there is a small fee to ride the beautifully restored carousel that dates back to 1911 ($1 per tickets for children 13 months and older; free for children under 12 months of age). The park itself holds the record of being the oldest public park in North Carolina, and the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States. Along with the carousel, you can ride the train around the park, kiddie boats and rent a peddle boat for a trip around Lake Howell (requires six tickets and can seat four people to a boat).

If you’re more adventurous, Go Ape in Blue Jay Point County Park provides treetop experiences that take you flying through the air. There are adventures designed for kids ages 10 and older and adults, and a junior course for the younger kids. Plan on spending two to three hours on this excursion, as well as challenging yourself.

Renee Roberson is a freelance writer and loves to travel to new places and cities with her family every chance she gets.

Spanish Immersion program now available!

Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

From infancy through elementary school, children learn best when they’re working with activities they love.

At Guidepost, your child will enter the wonderful world of Montessori lessons and learning materials designed to captivate and inspire. Montessori Spanish Immersion now available for toddlers through kindergarten-aged children.

Visit us online to RSVP for one of our upcoming events, or to book a tour. We’d love to show you around! prosperity.guidepostmontessori.com l 704-503-6000

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November OUR PICKS

COMPILED BY RENEE ROBERSON

“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12

Enjoy family-friendly activities at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s EpicFest, happening Nov. 4. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring comingof-age tale. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. Ages 4 and older. Performances at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.

See website for complete schedule.

Tickets start at $12. 704-892-7953. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials Nov. 11-12 See energetic canines compete in the National Border Collie Sheepherding Championships and other competitive events. While there, go on a hay ride, see antique tractors, plus check out the living history, historic craft and cooking demonstrations, a punkin chunkin’ and kids’ activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7.50$11. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. ruralhill.net.

Start your Thanksgiving Day uptown watching the Novant Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Center City Partners

EpicFest Family Festival | Nov. 4 Meet 11 different award-winning children’s authors and illustrators, including Eric Litwin, author of the “Pete the Cat” series, at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s annual literary festival for families. Litwin performs a free concert at noon as a way to bring the characters from his books to life, and a special event for teens includes young-adult authors Robin Benway and Amber Smith from a DJ, virtual reality demos and snacks. Kids yoga, group art, family cooking and music are scheduled throughout the day.

The entire event is free, but reserve a ticket in advance for the teen event. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, 300 E. Seventh St. cmlibrary.org.

Novant Thanksgiving Day Parade | Nov. 23 The largest parade in the Southeast marches through uptown Charlotte on Thanksgiving Day beginning at 9:30 a.m. Expect larger-than-life floats and segwalloons, nationally known recording artists, marching bands, dance teams and plenty of surprises. The route takes the parade north on Tryon Street from Stonewall Street to Ninth Street with a performane area at Trade and Tryon streets.

Come early for Breakfast With Santa at Coco and The Director restaurant at Marriott Center City at 7:30 a.m. Tickets for reserved seating and Breakfast With Santa can be purchased at get.crowntickets.com.

The parade is broadcast regionally on WBTV, Channel 3 (CBS) at 1 p.m. charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical opens Nov. 24 at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Photo credit: Donna Bise

ON STAGE “The Snowy Day and Other Stories.” (Through Nov. 12). Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ImaginOn, 300 E. Seventh St. Ages 4 and older. $12+. 704-973-2828. This intimate show follows young Peter and his dog, Willie, for a day of exploration and imagination in the snow. Based on the 1963 Caldecott Medal-winning book by acclaimed author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, “The Snowy Day and Other Stories.” See website for showtimes. ctcharlotte.org.

Fall Choral Concert. (Nov. 2). Queens University of Charlotte, Belk Chapel, 1900 Selwyn Ave., 7pm. FREE. See a performance of The Chamber Singers and Chorale, two student ensembles, featuring works by major composers of the Renaissance through contemporary periods of choral literature. queens.edu.

“Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.” (Nov. 3-12). Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. Ages 4 and older. $12+. 704-892-7953. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring coming-of-age tale. See website for showtimes. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

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“The Real Christmas Story.” (Nov. 4-Dec. 21). The NarroWay Theatre, 3327 Hwy. 51 N., Fort Mill, South Carolina. $5-$33. 704-831-8893. See favorite Christmas scenes and hear classic songs during this holiday dinner theater experience. See website for showtimes. narroway.net.

“Gobsmacked!” (Nov. 11). Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 8pm. $25+. 704-372-1000. Featuring the reigning world champion beatboxer Ball-Zee and an international cast of world-class vocalists, “Gobsmacked!” weaves stories through all forms of a cappella from traditional street corner harmonies to cutting edge, multitrack live looping. blumenthalarts.org.

“CPCC Opera Presents: Hansel and Gretel.” (Nov. 17-19). Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. $10-$20. 704330-6534. Fri. and Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. tix.cpcc. edu/events.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical.”

(Nov. 24-Dec. 23). Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ImaginOn, 300 E. Seventh St. Ages 4 and older. $12+. 704-973-2828.

When the worst kids in the history of the world find out there are free snacks at Sunday School, they take it upon

themselves to audition for the annual Christmas pageant.

Based on the book by the same name. ctcharlotte.org.

“The Sound of Music.” (Nov. 24-26). Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $25+. 704-372-1000. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family on stage with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. See website for showtimes. tix.carolinatix.org.

“Nutcracker” Presented by Matthews Ballet and Dance. (Nov. 25-Dec. 3) Matthews Community Center, 100 W. McDowell St., Matthews. $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under. 704-321-7275. Enjoy a performance of the infamous Nutcracker Ballet. Space is limited; tickets must be purchased in advance. Sat., 7pm; Sun., 3pm. matthewsnc.gov.

Charlotte Symphony Pops: “Magic of Christmas.”

(Nov. 30-Dec. 3). Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $19+.

704-372-1000. Enjoy a festive evening filled with soloists, sing-alongs, Santa, and special guest violinist and artist-inresidence Mark O’Connor and his family band. Thurs.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 4pm. charlottesymphony.org.

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1 SUNDAY Child Safety Seat Inspection Station. Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Certified technicians check and help families install car seats. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2018. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

2 THURSDAY 2017 Charlotte International Auto Show. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. $10; children under 12 free. 704-339-6040. Hundreds of vehicles, demonstrations and exhibits on the latest automotive technology, ride and drives, and more. Thurs.-Fri., Noon-9pm; Sat., 10am-10pm; Sun., 10am-6pm. charlotteautoshow.com.

BFR Library Anime Club. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. Ages 12-18. 3pm. FREE. 704-416-3000. Teens can participate in a discussion about anime, manga and the Japanese language, history and culture. cmlibrary.org.

First Thursday Downtown Matthews Crawl. Downtown Matthews, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 5pm. FREE. Enjoy drink and food specials, a pop-up vendor market and music. matthewsnc.gov.

On Stage: Fall Choral Concert. See page 30.

3 FRIDAY 2017 Charlotte International Auto Show. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. $10; children under age 12 free. 704-339-6040. Hundreds of vehicles, demonstrations and exhibits on the latest automotive technology, ride and drives and more. Thurs.-Fri., Noon-9pm; Sat.,

10am-10pm; Sun., 10am-6pm. charlotteautoshow.com.

Cotswold Trucks Food Truck Rally.

Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road. 5-9pm. Free admission. This food truck rally is family and dog friendly and features 10-15 area food trucks, live music, and a gated kids playground. facebook. com/CotswoldTrucks2017.

TGIF at McDowell. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-9 years. 4pm. FREE. 980-314-1128.

Each TGIF is a surprise with activities ranging from guided hikes, nature games, crafts and outdoor exploration.

Registration required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.; and The Snowy Day and Other Stories. See page 30.

4 SATURDAY 2017 Charlotte International Auto Show. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. $10; children under 12 free. 704-339-6040. Hundreds of vehicles, demonstrations and exhibits on the latest automotive technology, ride and drives and more. 10am-10pm; Sun., 10am-6pm. charlotteautoshow.com.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us Day. Locations vary. FREE. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can gain free access to participating museums, including The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum Uptown. museums. bankofamerica.com.

Dino Babies. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 1-4pm. $4-$7. 704-8666923. Meet the museum’s new arrival freshly hatched in the Urgent Vet Dinosaur Safari Lab, and learn about dinosaur eggs and nesting behavior. schielemuseum.org.

Game Time for Kids. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Grades K-5. 11am-3pm.

FREE. 704-868-2164. Drop in to play board games and puzzles. gastonlibrary.org.

International Games Day. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St. 11am-2pm. FREE. 704-663-1062.

Join in games and activities in honor of International Game Day. mooresvillelibrary.org.

Monthly Bird Walk. Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road. 10:15am. $8. 704-373-6261. Take a walk around Freedom Park and the museum with an expert to discover the birds that that can be found in the area. nature. discoveryplace.org.

National Pediatric Cancer Foundation Charlotte Funds the Cure. Dillard’s at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. 10am. $20+.

813-269-0955. Help children live out their dreams with an afternoon of fashion and fun to benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation as children battling cancer make their debut on the runway. nationalpcf.org.

President James K. Polk Birthday Celebration. President James K. Polk State Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. 10am-4pm. $5 per vehicle. 704-889-7145.

Experience the fervor of the 1844 election, mingle with a diverse array of backcountry residents, and enjoy children’s games and crafts, cooking and musket-firing demonstrations, and a birthday treat. jameskpolk.net.

Wild Wonder Saturday: Tales and Tails. Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill.

10am-2pm. $6-$10; children age 3 and younger admitted free. 803-3292121. A nature program that features a tour, plus demonstration or activity designed to inspire children and adults to explore the natural world of the Carolina Piedmont. chmuseums.org.

On Stage: Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.; The Snowy Day and Other Stories; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

5 SUNDAY 2017 Charlotte International Auto Show — Family Day. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. 10am-6pm. $10; children under age 12 admitted free. 704-339-6040. Come

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after noon for events planned just for kids, including a visit from Santa, live music and face painting, in addition to hundreds of vehicles, demonstrations and exhibits on the latest automotive technology. charlotteautoshow.com.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us Day. Locations vary. FREE. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can gain free access to participating museums, including The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum Uptown. museums. bankofamerica.com.

Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese. Charlotte and Concord locations. 9-11am. Free admission. The restaurant opens at a special earlymorning time designed to cater to families of children with special needs, including reduced lighting and noise, food and games, and specially trained staff. chuckecheese.com.

On Stage: Disney’s The Lion King, Jr., The Snowy Day and Other Stories. See page 30.

6 MONDAY Blank-ologist for a Day: Archaeologist. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 7-8. 1pm. $5.

704-875-1391. Young scientists can delve into different occupations and learn more about careers in science. parkandrec.com.

Preschool Community Program: Going Batty. Anne Springs Close Greenway, Lake Haigler Entrance, 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill. Ages 2-5.

10am. $5; free for members. 803-5474575. Did you know bats can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour? Explore the world of bats in this program. ascgreenway.org.

Small Stalks. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. Ages 2-5. 10am. $10 per parent/child; $6 for each additional participant. 704-829-1252. Explore nature with songs, games, crafts, and

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› play in the Lost Hollow Children’s Garden. dsbg.org.

7 TUESDAY After School LEGO Club. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 6pm. FREE. 704664-2927. Children can use their imagination and STEM-based learning skills to create with LEGOs. mooresvillelibrary.org.

Billy Graham’s 99th Birthday Celebration. Billy Graham Library, 4330 Westmont Drive. 9:30am-5pm.

FREE. 704-401-3200. Celebrate Billy Graham’s 99th birthday with birthday cake (while supplies last) and sign a birthday banner. billygrahamlibrary.org.

Open Bounce. 10624 Metromont Pkwy.

No. 300. 1-3pm. FREE. 704-921-8771.

Families with children who have special needs can attend a private sensory Open Bounce session on the second Tuesday of each month. bounceu.com.

Sky High Special Needs Jump Time.

Sky High Sports Charlotte, 601 N. Polk St., Pineville. 3-6pm. $5.50 per child.

704-889-5867. Children with special needs and siblings are welcome to jump in a low-key and calm setting.

One parent or therapist can join in for free. clt.skyhighsports.com.

8 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Inspection Station. Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Certified technicians check and help families install car seats. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2018. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

Night Hike. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 6pm. FREE. 980314-1128. Explore and listen for nocturnal animals in the preserve.

Learn about animal eye and hearing adaptations while getting some exercise. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

9 THURSDAY Paws to Read. Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. Ages 5-11. 4pm. FREE. 704-416-4800.

Children can boost their reading skills and confidence level by reading aloud to a therapy dog during a 20-minute session. Registration required. cmlibrary.org.

10 FRIDAY Adventure Seekers Kids Night Out. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 971 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill. Ages 7-14.

5:30-9pm. $25 per child; members receive $5 discount. 803-547-4575.

This drop-off event for kids includes a pizza dinner, swimming in the pool, Gaga Ball in the racquetball court and games in the gym. ascgreenway.org.

A Shot in the Dark 5K and 10K Trail Race. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.

6:15pm. $30+. 704-391-3900. Run the trails in the dark and refuel with s’mores, hot chocolate and other beverages afterwards. usnwc.org.

International Science Center and Science Museum Day. Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-5pm. Free for Mecklenburg County residents. 704875-6521. Enjoy hands-on activities for kids and adults that celebrate how birds have inspired science innovation for thousands of years. carolinaraptorcenter.org.

Fairy Houses and Gnome Huts.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 3 and older. 1-3pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Collect sticks, pebbles, bark, leaves and other naturally found items from the forest to build a whimsical fairy or gnome house.

Registration required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.; The Snowy Day and Other Stories; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

11 SATURDAY Veteran’s Day 2nd Saturday: Getting Schooled in NASCAR. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. 10am-4pm. $19.95 admission. 888-902-6463. Try your hand at various careers in racing.

Be a mechanic and put together a car engine. nascarhall.com.

All Ages Special Friends Fun Time.

Sports Connection, 11611 Ardrey Kell Road. 9am. $10. 919-667-5689. Sports Connection opens its doors an hour early for any age special needs friend and family to allow for a quieter, more sensory-friendly environment. sportsconnection.com.

Folk Life Festival. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-4pm. $3-$4; children 5 and younger admitted free.

704-875-2312. Shop homegrown and handmade items, and take a self-guided tour of the plantation grounds, museum and farm buildings. lattaplantation.org.

Carolina Renaissance Festival: Time Travelers Weekend. Carolina Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville.

10am-5:30pm. $14-$25, children under age 5 admitted free. Come as you are or dress as your favorite timetraveling character inspired by movies, TV, comic books, science fiction and/ or fantasy. Costume contest at 3pm.

Children ages 5-12 admitted free with a donation of school supplies at the Parent Teacher Magazine booth at the festival entrance or at Park Road Books. carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials.

Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 10am-5pm. $7.50-$11.

704-875-3113. A two-day festival that showcases the National Border Collie Sheepherding Championships and other competitive events, plus familyfriendly activities. ruralhill.net.

Takeover Days: City of Charlotte and Odyssey of the Mind.

Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. 9am-5pm. $13-$17. 704372-6261. As part of Year of the

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Engineer Saturdays, local engineers and professional organizations provide industry-specific experiences while also showcasing the work being done in the Carolinas. science. discoveryplace.org.

Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. Downtown Huntersville, Huntersville. 9:30am-2pm. FREE. Watch the parade honoring veterans and then stay for food, live music and free activities from noon-2pm. huntersville.org.

On Stage: Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.; Gobsmacked!; The Snowy Day and Other Stories; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

12 SUNDAY Camouflage Animals. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. 2pm. FREE. 980-314-1119.

Discover how animals of the world hide in plain sight to avoid becoming prey. parkandrec.com.

Carolina Renaissance Festival: Time Travelers Weekend. Carolina Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville.

10am-5:30pm. $14-$25, children under age 5 admitted free. Come as you are or dress as your favorite timetraveling character inspired by movies, TV, comic books, science fiction and/ or fantasy. Costume contest at 3pm.

Children ages 5-12 admitted free with a donation of school supplies at the Parent Teacher Magazine booth at the festival entrance or at Park Road Books in Charlotte. carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials.

Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 10am-5pm. $7.50-$11.

704-875-3113. A two-day festival that showcases the National Border Collie Sheepherding Championships, plus family-friendly activities. ruralhill.net.

Sunday Fun Day: Around the World.

Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 1-4pm. Children and Mint members free, adult admission $6. 704-3372000. Celebrate art and culture from all over the globe and get crafty.

Families can also participate in artist

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HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTINGS AND PARADES

Santa’s Parade at Southpark. (Nov. 4). Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road in the West Plaza. 6pm. FREE. Welcome Santa to Southpark by enjoying crafts, activities and storytime with Santa. Pictures with Santa (for a price) continue through Dec. 24. Picture packages vary in pricing.

Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting. (Nov. 12). Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville. 3pm. FREE. 704-895-8744. A parade to celebrate Santa’s arrival, live entertainment, a tree lighting, vendors, a DJ, and more. birkdalevillage.net.

Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Nov. 17). Downtown Concord. 5:30-9pm. FREE. A tree-lighting ceremony, music, children’s activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, trolleys, visits with Santa, and more. concorddowntown.com.

Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting. (Nov. 17). Northlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. 5:30pm. FREE. 704-921-2000.

A tree lighting, live entertainment, musical performances, and the arrival of Santa. shopnorthlake.com.

Concord Christmas Parade. (Nov. 18). Downtown Concord. 2:30pm. FREE. Join thousands of spectators in this annual parade that has been going strong since 1928. The parade starts at Lake Concord Road and travels to Corban Avene. concorddowntown.com.

Mooresville Christmas Parade. (Nov. 21). Main Street, Downtown Mooresville. 3pm. FREE. Floats, marching bands, dance and tumbling troupes, vintage and modern modes of transport, plus Santa. mooresvillechristmasparade.com.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Nov. 23). Tryon Street to Ninth Street. 9:30am. FREE. Kick off the season with marching bands, large balloons and floats, and live performances in front of the Levine Center for the Arts on South Tryon Street. Watch replay on WBTV at 1pm. novanthealththanksgivingparade.com Light Up Cornelius. (Nov. 25). Cornelius Town Hall. 4pm.

FREE. Get into the holiday spirit with live performances, carriage rides, the annual tree lighting and visits with Santa. cornelius.org.

Mount Holly Christmas Parade. (Nov. 29). Downtown Mount Holly. 4pm. FREE. Colorful floats, bands, Santa and more. mtholly.us.

Mint Hill Christmas Tree Lighting. (Nov. 30). Mint Hill Town Hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill. 7pm. FREE. 704-545-2335.Town Hall staff will serve hot chocolate, cider and holiday treats, along with the annual tree lighting and visit from Santa Claus. minthill.com.

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› demos, art projects, gallery visits and yoga. mintmuseum.org.

On Stage: Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.; and The Snowy Day and Other Stories. See page 30.

13 MONDAY Budding Adventures. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-6 years. 10am. FREE. 980-314-1119. Children and their parents can learn about plant life, animals, their homes, and the weather with hands-on activities, crafts, games, and hikes. Register online. parkandrec.com.

Measure Up! Teen Cooking Challenge. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. Ages 12-18. 3pm. FREE. 704416-3000. Teens can practice making a recipe out of a cookbook and then sampling their creations. cmlibrary.org.

14 TUESDAY Rookie Science: DNA. Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. Ages 5-11 years. 4:30pm. FREE. 704-4165600. Discover the science of DNA, genes and traits through books, hands-on educational activities and experiments. cmlibrary.org.

15 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Inspection Station. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Freedom Division, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. 9:30-11:30am.

FREE. Certified technicians check and help families install car seats. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2018. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions. mintmuseum.org.

16 THURSDAY Speedway Classic of the Carolinas.

Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy. 49 N., Concord. $5 for parking.

704-920-3976. This fun dog show tests a variety of breeds on their agility, obedience, and showmanship. See website for times. cabarrusarena.com.

17 FRIDAY CML Presents: Music With Holly.

ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 18 months-5 years. 11:30am. FREE. 704-4164600. Toddlers and preschoolers can join Holly Johnson in a music and movement program that features listening to songs and playing a variety of instruments. cmlibrary.org.

Speedway Classic of the Carolinas.

Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy. 49 N., Concord. $5 for parking.

704-920-3976. This fun dog show tests a variety of breeds on their agility, obedience and showmanship. See website for times. cabarrusarena.com.

St. Nicks Toy Consignment Sale.

Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mount Holly-Huntersville Road.

Free admission. Bicycles, outdoor camping supplies, sporting goods, arts and crafts supplies, games, DVD’s, books, dolls, action figures, trucks, holiday clothes, and holiday décor.

Saturday’s sale most items are sold at a discount. Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 8am-noon. assuranceumc.org.

TGIF at McDowell. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-9.

4pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Join in guided hikes, nature games, crafts and outdoor exploration. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Sneak Preview: Toys, Games and Trains. Kings Mountain Historical Museum, 100 E. Mountain St., Kings Mountain. 5:30-7:30pm. Free admission for museum members; $10 for nonmembers. 704-739-1019. Get a sneak peek at the exhibit before it’s available to the public. The museum will be filled with model train displays assembled by the Piedmont “S” Gaugers, as well as railroad memorabilia, and antique toys and games. kingsmountainmuseum.org.

The Polar Express Train Ride. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. See website for ticket prices and times. It’s opening

day! Take the train for the North Pole to meet Santa with a live reading of the story “The Polar Express,” complete with songs from the movie.

Hot chocolate and cookies served. nctrans.org.

On Stage: CPCC Opera Presents: Hansel and Gretel; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

18 SATURDAY Beaver Cove Exploration. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-11. 2pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Join in a one-hour hike to get an up-close look at a beaver lodge and dam, and a possible beaver sighting. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Breakfast With Santa. (Nov. 18).

Northlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. 8:30-10 a.m. Families are invited to eat a holly, jolly breakfast and visit with Santa at the food court. Enjoy music, games and crafts led by Mr. Nigel. shopnorthlake.com.

Carolina Renaissance Festival: Final Huzzah. Carolina Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. 10am-5:30pm. $14-$25, free for children under age 5. Chomp a turkey leg before Turkey Day. Donate canned foods for Second Harvest Food Bank at the festival entrance and save $15 by receiving free child admission for ages 5-12. carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Harvest Day. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 10am-4pm. $7-$9. 704-8666923. Celebrate the harvest season at the 18th-century farm. Watch hearth cooks and bakers at work with recipes from the 1700s, preparing a traditional holiday feast in a spirit of Thanksgiving. schielemuseum.org.

Saturday Children’s Yoga. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. Ages 3 and younger. 11:30am. $6 per class.

704-825-4490. Geared towards children ages 3 and younger, this class will focus on movement and energy release. Parent participation required. dsbg.org.

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Speedway Classic of the Carolinas.

Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 NC Hwy. 49 N., Concord. $5 for parking.

704-920-3976. This fun dog show tests a variety of breeds on their agility, obedience and showmanship. See website for times. cabarrusarena.com.

St. Nicks Toy Consignment Sale.

Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mount Holly-Huntersville Road.

Free admission. Bicycles, outdoor camping supplies, sporting goods, arts and crafts supplies, games, DVD’s, books, dolls, action figures, trucks, holiday clothes, and holiday décor.

Saturday’s sale most items are sold at a discount. Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 8am-noon. assuranceumc.org.

The Polar Express Train Ride. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. See website for ticket prices and times. Take the train to the North Pole to meet Santa with a live reading of the story “The Polar Express,” complete with songs from the movie. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. nctrans.org.

On Stage: CPCC Opera Presents: Hansel and Gretel; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

19 SUNDAY Animal Care Behind-the-Scenes Tour. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, Charlotte. Ages 8 and older.

3pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. What do turtles eat? How do snakes keep warm? Learn the answers to these and many more animal care questions in this behind-the-scenes look at the McDowell Nature Center’s animal care program. Registration required and space is limited. parkandrec.com.

Carolina Renaissance Festival: Final Huzzah. Carolina Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. 10am-5:30pm. $14-$25, free for children under age 5. Chomp a turkey leg before Turkey Day. Donate canned foods for Second Harvest Food Bank at the festival entrance and save $15 by receiving free child admission for ages 5-12. carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Speedway Classic of the Carolinas.

Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751

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SANTA SIGHTINGS AND HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Santa’s Parade at Southpark. (Nov. 4).

Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road in the West Plaza. 6pm. FREE. Welcome Santa to Southpark by enjoying crafts, activities and storytime with Santa. simon.com/southpark.

Southern Christmas Show. (Nov. 9-19).

Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road. See website for full schedule. $3-$12, children 5 and younger admitted free.

Get holiday inspiration on Christmas Tree Lane, visit the collectors’ villages featuring dollhouses, miniatures and model trains, plus enjoy holiday entertainment and share your wish list with Santa. Photos with Santa are $10 and proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children. southernchristmasshow.com.

Pet Photo Night With Santa at Southpark.

(Nov. 12 and Dec. 3). Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. Nov. 12, 6:30-8:30pm and Dec. 3, 7-9pm. Get a picture of your family, including your pet, with Santa.

Holidays at the Garden. (Nov. 17-Dec. 31). Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 New Hope Road, Belmont. 5-9pm. $8.95-$14.95, free for children under age 2. See the dazzling light display, plus holiday crafts, a model train display and horse-drawn carriages. Make a reservation to have a professional picture made with Santa Nov. 24-26, or ThursdaysSundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 14. dsbg.org.

The Polar Express Train Ride. (Nov. 17-Dec. 22). North Carolina Transportation

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Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. Tickets start at $30. Friday-Sunday; weekdays and weekends Dec. 14-22. Take a train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa then have your picture taken with him on Candy Cane Lane. Discounted tickets available for Nov. 17 dress rehearsal. nctrans.org.

Breakfast With Santa. (Nov. 18).

Northlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. 8:3010am. Families are invited to eat a holly, jolly breakfast and visit with Santa at the food court.

Enjoy music, games and crafts led by Mr. Nigel. shopnorthlake.com.

Speedway Christmas. (Nov. 19-Dec. 31).

Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy., South, Concord. Thurs.-Sun., 6-10pm. $25-$35 per car. Drive the 3.5 mile course to see over 3 million lights, then visit with Santa in the village for a special photo opportunity. Closed Christmas Day and the Village is also closed Dec. 26, 27 and 31. charlottemotorspeedway.com/ tickets/speedway-christmas.

Caring Santa at Concord Mills and Southpark. (Nov. 19). Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord at the Dining Pavilion; and Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road at the Center Court. FREE. Concord Mills, 9-11am; and SouthPark 10am-noon. A private event designed so children and young adults with special needs can visit with Santa and take photos in a low-key environment that supports sensory, physical and other

NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

developmental needs of children of all abilities. Registration required.

wish lists and have a picture taken with Santa. christmasindavidson.com.

Breakfast With Santa at Coco and The Director. (Nov. 23). Coco and The Director at Marriott Center City, 100 W. Trade St. 7:30am. Have breakfast with Santa and then stay for the Novant Thanksgiving Day Parade in uptown Charlotte.

Purchase tickets at get.crowntickets.com.

ChristmasVille. (Nov. 30-Dec. 3). Historic Old Town, Rock Hill, South Carolina. Free admission. See website for full schedule of events. A four-day festival that includes Santa workshops, parades, live holiday performances, arts and crafts, and other events. christmasvillerockhill.com.

Opening Ceremony for Charlotte Christmas Village. (Nov. 25). Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St. 11am-9pm.

FREE. The traditional Christkind appears alongside dancers from Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” plus live music and a visit from Santa. cltchristmasvillage.com.

Santa’s Bag. (Nov. 29- Dec. 2). Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. Seventh St. FREE. Wed-Fri., 9am-11:30pm and 4:30-7pm; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until merchandise sells out). Children under the age 12 can shop for inexpensive, wrapped gifts the help of volunteer elves. Bring your camera to snap a picture with Santa. ctcharlotte.org.

Santa’s House at Christmas in Davidson. (Nov. 30-Dec. 2). Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, 100 N. Main St, Davidson. FREE. Santa arrives Thursday, Nov. 30 at 6:30pm in a horse-drawn carriage. Santa’s House is open Thurs., 7-9pm; and Fri.-Sat., 6-9pm. Children can share their

SANTA AT THE MALL: Birkdale Village Nov. 12-Dec. 24 Saturdays and Sundays, plus Fri., Nov. 24, noon-6 p.m. Dec. 1, 8, 20, 21 and 22, 2-6 p.m.

Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville birkdalevillage.net Northlake Mall Nov. 17-Dec. 24 6801 Northlake Mall Drive shopnorthlake.com Concord Mills Nov. 11-Dec. 24 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord concordmills.com Southpark Mall Nov. 3-Dec. 24 4400 Sharon Road simon.com/southpark

› NC Hwy. 49 N., Concord. $5 for parking.

704-920-3976. This fun dog show tests a variety of breeds on their agility, obedience and showmanship. See website for times. cabarrusarena.com.

Turkey Adventures. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 2pm. FREE. 704-8751391. Go on hike and search for places where a wild turkey might live, learn some new facts about them and play a game or two. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: CPCC Opera Presents: Hansel and Gretel; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

20 MONDAY Blank-ologist for a Day: Meteorologist. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 7-8.1pm. $5. 704875-1391. Young scientists can delve into the occupation of a meteorologist and learn more about careers in science. parkandrec.com.

Wee Sprouts. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. Ages 2 years and younger.

11:15am. $6-$10. 704-829-1252. Even the youngest children in the family can enjoy sensory exploration and fun with activities and songs in the garden. dsbg.org.

21 TUESDAY Story Time and More. Wing Haven Children’s Garden, 260 Ridgewood Ave. Ages 10 and younger. 10am. $10 per family. 704-331-0664. Join Rutherford Rabbit to enjoy a seasonally themed story and take-home craft activity in the Children’s Garden. Children can water the vegetable plants, dig for worms, explore the sensory and butterfly gardens, and enjoy the Wing Haven chickens. Space is limited; register in advance. winghavengardens.org.

22 WEDNESDAY Family Hike and Fort Building.

McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road.1pm. FREE. 980-314-1128.

Hike around the preserve and learn different ways to build primitive forts

with friends and family. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2018. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions. mintmuseum.org.

23 THURSDAY Thanksgiving Day Charlotte SouthPark Turkey Trot.

SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road.

8:30am. $10-$33. Burn calories before the big meal. Choose from a Tot Trot, 1-Mile Fun Run, 5K and 8K. Special awards for the best costumes.

All finishers receive custom medals. charlotteturkeytrotracesonline.com.

Mooresville/Lake Norman 5K Turkey Trot. Mooresville/Lake Norman Christian Mission, 266 N. Broad St., Mooresville. 8:30am. $10$20. Bring the family for a healthy holiday Fun Run and 5K, and help support more than 5,000 families in need. runsignup.com.

Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade. Tryon Street to Ninth Street. 9:30-11:30am. FREE. Kick off the season with marching bands, large balloons and floats, and live performances at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets.

Watch replay on WBTV at 1pm. novanthealththanksgivingparade.com

24 FRIDAY One Hundred Years of Christmas.

Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-4pm. $8-$9; free for children under 5.

704-875-2312. This living Christmas history event features the 1800 period plantation home decorated in traditional holiday decor, and dressed re-enactors who demonstrate how the festivities changed in the 100 years between the colonial days to the antebellum days. lattaplantation.org.

The Polar Express Train Ride. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. See website for ticket prices and times. Take the train to the North Pole to meet Santa

with a live reading of the story “The Polar Express,” complete with songs from the movie. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. nctrans.org.

On Stage: The Sound of Music; The Real Christmas Story; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical. See page 30.

25 SATURDAY Family Geocaching. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-2pm. $10 per family. 704-875-1391. Learn the basics of the high-tech treasure hunt with tips, tools and a GPS unit and smartphone app. parkandrec.com.

One Hundred Years of Christmas.

Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-4pm. $8-$9; free for children under 5.

704-875-2312. This living Christmas history event features the 1800 period plantation home decorated in traditional holiday decor, and dressed re-enactors who demonstrate how the festivities changed in the 100 years between the colonial days to the antebellum days. lattaplantation.org.

Opening Ceremony for Charlotte Christmas Village. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St. 11am-9pm. FREE. The traditional Christkind appears alongside dancers from Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” plus live music and a visit from Santa. cltchristmasvillage.com.

The Polar Express Train Ride. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. See website for ticket prices and times. Take the train to the North Pole to meet Santa with a live reading of the story “The Polar Express,” complete with songs from the movie. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. nctrans.org.

Winter Wonderland Craft Fair.

Anne Springs Close Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 9am-4pm.

FREE. 803-547-4575. Shop for holiday gifts featuring more than 60 local and regional vendors who sell only handmade and homemade items. ascgreenway.org.

On Stage: The Sound of Music; Nutcracker: Presented by

CALENDAR

Matthews Ballet and Dance; The Real Christmas Story; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical. See page 30.

26 SUNDAY Natural Happenings: Terrific Turkeys. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 2pm. FREE. 980314-1128. Join a naturalist from McDowell Nature Center for a nature activity, such as an animal encounter, family hike, scavenger hunt and craft.

Registration required.parkandrec.com.

Sugar Plum Party. McDowell Arts Center, 123 W. McDowell St., Matthews. $5 per person.

704-321-7275. Meet the cast of “The Nutcracker” while you enjoy refreshments. Space is limited; purchase tickets in advance. matthewsnc.gov.

The Polar Express Train Ride. 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. See website for ticket prices and times. Take the train to the North Pole to meet Santa with a live reading of the story “The Polar Express,” complete with songs from the movie. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. nctrans.org.

On Stage: The Sound of Music; The Nutcracker: Presented by Matthews Ballet and Dance; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical. See page 30.

27 MONDAY Budding Adventures. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-6. 10am. FREE. 980-3141119. Learn about plant life, animals, their homes, and the weather with hands-on activities, crafts, games and hikes. Register online. parkandrec.com.

28 TUESDAY Read With Baron the Dog. Mooresville Public Library, 304 South Main St., Mooresville. 3:30pm. FREE. 704-664-2927. Read a book to Baron, the lovable longhaired German shepherd, a certified therapy dog. mooresvillelibrary.org.

charlotteparent.com | NOVEMBER 2017

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

29 WEDNESDAY Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2018. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

Homeschool Day: Art in Nature. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 9:30am-12:30pm. $8-$12. 704-8254490. Colors, shapes and form will be discussed as students observe art in nature and create their own art projects using upcycled materials. dsbg.org.

PLANNING A

BIRTHDAY PARTY?

CharlotteParent.com/partyplanning

30 THURSDAY ChristmasVille. Historic Old Town, Rock Hill, South Carolina. Free admission. See website for full schedule of events. The kick off of the four-day festival that includes Santa workshops, parades, live holiday performances, arts and crafts, and other events. christmasvillerockhill.com.

Rookie Science. Mint Hill Library, 6840 MatthewsMint Hill Road, Mint Hill. Ages 5-11. 4pm. FREE. 704-416-5200. Discover the world of science through books, hands-on educational activities, and experiments. cmlibrary.org.

On Stage: Charlotte Symphony Pops: Magic of Christmas; and The Real Christmas Story. See page 30.

Children’s Transportation Licensed, Insured and Bonded Drivers providing Transportation for pick up and drop off to: Schools Sports Practice Field Trips Summer Camps Artistic Rehearsals/ Lessons Child Care Centers After School Care

THE BEST LESSONS LAST A LIFETIME.

Serving Charlotte & Surrounding Areas Since 2005

CALENDAR POLICY ::

980.219.7020 • www.tntow.net

The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event.

Submission deadline for print is the 5th of the month prior to the next month’s publication.

Time, dates and details of events are subject to change.

Call venue to confirm.

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NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

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ENROLL NOW MATH & ENGLISH PROGRAMS

›

DADDY DEREK

Movers, Shakers and the Daylong Sabbatical

BY DEREK JAMES

I

t’s 8:15 a.m. on a Monday morning. My wife is at work, and our kids are in school.

And where am I? I’m enjoying the sunshine and sipping a cold brew (that’s coffee, not beer) with my friend Eric outside of Brakeman’s Coffee in downtown Matthews.

At this time, I normally would be poking fun at celebrities and telling jokes on WCCB in my daily Snark Report feature, but today I’m taking a scheduled “mental-health day.”

I started working full time at the age of 19 and I’ve never been without a job for more than two weeks for going on 20 years.

One big thing about getting married and having kids has taught me is how important it is to recharge and reset from time to time. In my 20s, I worked myself until I was rundown and physically sick or on the brink of a panic attack on more than one occasion.

The combination of long work hours, unhealthy eating habits and losing sleep were beating me down when all I needed was a day or two to recover. I now use a few personal days each year for this purpose. The fact that they often fall after my Green Bay Packers have played a prime-time game the night before is mere coincidence.

While I do attempt to catch up on a few hours of lost sleep during a mentalhealth day, the day isn’t spent in bed or on the couch binge watching Netflix. I like to meet up with a friend, go for a run, spend some time writing or work on some other creative outlet. Other times, I tackle tasks that I haven’t been able to get to like cleaning out the garage or trimming trees. I also use mental-health days to attend activities at my kids’ school like fun-runs or class parties.

Derek James taking a break at Brakeman’s Coffee Shop on a designated mentalhealth day. Photo by Derek James Whatever takes your mind off of work and takes your stress and anxiety down a notch or two is what mental-health days are all about.

An occasional break usually leads to a boost in productivity when I go back to work. My attitude is refreshed at work and it also leads to a better attitude at home, which my wife and kids recognize and appreciate.

I’m fortunate enough to have a number of personal days each year, so I don’t have to deal with the awkwardness of using a sick day and lying to the boss. Heck, your boss may read this article and be incredibly understanding about the need for mental-health days. Chances are the boss has taken more than a few of them.

No matter how much of a mover and shaker you are, there is merit in taking a break. You’ll feel the difference, and those around you can feel it, too.

If your kids wonder why you’re home on a day when you usually are at work, tell them what you’re doing and why. It’s important for them to see that Mom and Dad take care of themselves. It’s a good thing for kids to recognize that sometimes even Mom and Dad get anxious, tired, frustrated or sad.

Odds are that at some point down the line, they may ask for a mental-health day. Hey, the playground can be tough these days. You could choose to give them one or remind them that they already get mental-health days — they’re called teacher workdays.

Derek James is a WCCB News Rising anchor and lives in Charlotte with his wife and their two sons who are age 6 and 9.

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FACES & PLACES

Kesler is so playful. She is playing peek-a-boo with Mommy and Daddy in First Ward Park and enjoying the last days of summer. She is the happiest 2-year-old! Photo and memory by Krystle Graham of Charlotte.

Share your real-life moment at charlotteparent.com/contests.

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NOVEMBER 2017 | charlotteparent.com

STEP AWAY FROM THE ARTIFICIAL TREES AND STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF

Fill a weekend with our Christmas parades and holiday concerts, then take home a freshly cut tree.

Start your adventure at ExploreBoone.com or call 800.852.9506 .

DEC. 9-23 | BELK THEATER

CHARLOTTEBALLET.ORG

Photos by Todd Rosenberg