Charlotte Parent October 2013

October 2013 • Free CharlotteParent.com

50

Boo-rific Ideas

PUMPKIN PATCHES FALL FESTIVALS HALLOWEEN HAUNTS

Frugal Costumes for Kids No More Nightmares BEATING Breast Cancer

GENE TESTING AND RADICAL CHOICES

special advertising sections

fall fun & open houses

Learning is lifelong.

YOU CAN’T START TOO SOON.

Half Day Pre-School

Programs for 18 months to 5 years.

BEST

2013

2013

RI V

P

PR E SC H O O L

AT E SC HO www.IvybrookAcademy.com Weddington Campus - 704.845.2310 | Fort Mill Campus - 803.802.2390

Asthma & Allergy

Fall

Specialists, PA

And the forecast calls for sneezing with a chance of runny nose and watery eyes.

Book your appointment now!

Arboretum

Mallard Creek

Matthews

8045 Providence Rd., Ste. 300 704-341-9600

10310 Mallard Creek Rd., Ste. 101A 704-503-4888

855 Sam Newell Rd., Ste. 206 704-321-2793

www.asthmanc.com

Focus is a new solution for the treatment of ADHD. Our doctors’ dedication and emphasis on the whole patient help move your family from frustration to focus.

Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.

Dr. R. Derek Brugman, DO Board-certified Pediatrician L. Jade Wright, PA-C

704-900-0252 Douglas T. Johnston, D.O.

Hugh R. Black, II, MD

C. Thomas Humphries, MD, MBA

Vandana K. Patel, MD

William S. Ashe, Jr., MD

309 S. Sharon Amity Road Suite 204 Charlotte, NC 28211

www.focus-md.com

O

L

BEST

HELMET,GOOD

NO HELMET,BAD

USE YOUR BRAIN AND ALWAYS WEAR PROPER HEAD GEAR. FOR MORE SPORTS SAFETY TIPS,VISIT: In partnership with

,

KOHLS HEALTHY KIDS CAMPAIGN

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

1

INVENTING THE MODERN WORLD: DECORATIVE ARTS AT THE

WORLD’S FAIRS 1851-1939

TRAVEL THE WORLD AT THE MINT 22 SEPTEMBER 2O13 – 19 JANuARy 2O14

2

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

o c to b e r 2013

features

24

Extreme Choices

How testing for the breast cancer gene impacts multiple generations

29

Fright Night Fears How to help kids overcome nightmares

30

Thrifty Halloween Costumes Tips to create your own outfit and save

24 47

34

Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches Pick a pumpkin and more at one of these 11 local farms

47

We’re Off to See the Wizard Walk the Yellow Brick Road and more at Autumn at Oz

4 9 12 14 17 19 20 22 39 40 50 52

34

30

in every issue

from the publisher family fyi doc says chalk talk on the sidelines food for thought mother of style growing up getting out daily calendar a good sport carolina smiles

October 2013 • Free CharlotteParent.com

40 30 29 24

50

Boo-rific Ideas

PUMPKIN PATCHES FALL FESTIVALS HALLOWEEN HAUNTS

Frugal Costumes for Kids No More Nightmares BEATING Breast Cancer

GENE TESTING AND RADICAL CHOICES

special advertising sections

fall fun & open houses

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

3

[

FROM THE PUBLISHER EVE WHITE

A Legacy in Pink

Y

ears ago, my aunt wrote a letter to the women in our family and outlined the history of breast cancer in our relatives. Though the link to cancer was remote, a diagnosis in a distant relative, I was thankful for her efforts to educate us, because otherwise this information would have remained hidden.

Now, armed with this information, I am more aware. Awareness is a key weapon against cancer, if used wisely, giving us the chance to make some choices. It’s that old adage, knowledge is power. Learning about your family history, considering new testing options, and being diligent about screenings, are important steps to early diagnosis and winning the battle against breast cancer.

Each October I think about the women and their families who have been impacted by this deadly disease. Some of these women worked closely with me in the past, and I am still amazed at their strength and courage. In everything they do, I see hope and it is colored pink.

In this issue, we look at the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and the choices many daughters, sisters and mothers face. In our story on page 24, we explore gene testing, the results and the options to consider when the test is positive for breast cancer. Read how local women are facing their futures, the decisions they are making and how it impacts their families.

We also get answers on the new state EOG and EOC test results, when they will be published and how parents can interpret them, on page 35.

Parents of students in public school will want to read through this Q&A to stay informed.

October is a great month to honor breast cancer survivors and those who boldly fought but lost the battle. Join one of the many walks, races or events and show your support. Information about local events on page 27.

At Charlotte Parent and Carolina Parenting Inc., we consider those women in our organization who have battled breast cancer ... and we honor them.

4

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Eve White

ASSOCIATE EDITOR/WEB EDITOR Michele Huggins

ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts

AD DESIGNER Wade Baker

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Susannah Carpenter

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katy LeGrand

SR. MEDIA CONSULTANT Leslie Shinn leslies@charlotteparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANT Jen Byrum jbyrum@charlotteparent.com

BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER Kara Lynn Mann karalynn@charlotteparent.com

BUSINESS OFFICE ASSOCIATE Elizabeth Day eday@charlotteparent.com

CONTACT US Phone: 704-344-1980 Fax: 704-344-1983 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302 Charlotte, NC 28203 advertising@charlotteparent.com calender@charlottparent.com distribution@charlotteparent.com editoral@charlotteparent.com promo@charlotteparent.com webeditor@charlotteparent.com Circulation 109,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Charlotte Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication's standards. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Published by Carolina Parenting Inc.

Family Allergy Asthma & Sinus Care Board-certified in Allergy & Immunology. Specializing in Pediatrics & Adults Quality Personalized Care!

PASSIONATE M O C REATMENT T ALL AGES R O F Services include: Allergy (hayfever) Cough Sinus problems Bee sting allergy Food allergy

Asthma Eczema Hives Anaphylaxis Drug allergy

We’re Welcoming New Patients!

Call 704-817-2022 10370 Park Road, Suite 202 (Pineville)

www.AllergyForAll.com

When it comes to a woman’s health, there are no “silly” questions. At Midtown OBGYN, we encourage you to feel comfortable talking to us about anything.

And we’ll work to put you at ease with straightforward answers backed by expert care. Learn more about us at midtown-obgyn.com or 704.316.5270.

Then get ready. We challenge you to make us blush.

Like us on

…lives well lived You are invited to our

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 Financial assistance is available.

Please inquire about the Malone Scholarship for gifted students in Grades 7-12.

TK / Kindergarten October 3, 2013 7 p.m.

TK / K through Grade 12 October 17, 2013 9:30 a.m.

RSVP to the Admissions Office: 704.846.7207

www.charlottelatin.org CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

5

what’s new at …

CharlotteParent.com HAPPY HALLOWEEN

URGENT CARE DIRECTORY

Find all the nearby pumpkin patches and spooky haunted houses, plus recipes and more to host a spooktacular Halloween soiree.

When a fever spikes and you need a doctor fast, find an urgent care close to you with our helpful urgent care directory.

…/halloween

…/directories

OPEN HOUSE CALENDAR

It’s not too early to start planning for next school year. Find open house dates for some of the area’s best private schools.

…/openhouses

Pinterest.com/CharlotteParent

CONTEST

“Use an

BABY CATERPILLAR COSTUME

baby wipes container to

Facebook.com/Cltparent

Babies may be too little to trick or treat but they are never too little to be dressed up in an adorable costume!

@CharlotteParent

…/contests

instagram.com/CharlotteParent

empty

organize little baby socks in a drawer.”

CharlotteParent.com Parenting Tips blog

6

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

ON STANDS NOW! FREE

2013-2014

STEPS NMOTION

D a n c e

Put Me in Coach!

S t u d i o

“DANCE THE DIFFERENCE”

ADAPTIVE SPORTS IN CHARLOTTE

Finding Time for Siblings

PLANNING FOR

INDEPENDENCE A-Z Resources

A

publicAtion SponSored by

FOR YOUR DAILY LIFE

We understand that all children are unique.

Find more than 125 resources for parents of children who have special needs in our

EXCEPTIONAL CHILD GUIDE.

REGISTER ONLINE NOW AT

STEPSNMOTION.COM CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS OF DANCE EXCELLENCE: TAP * JAZZ * BALLET * TUMBLING * HIP HOP * POINTE * LYRICAL * CONTEMPORARY

View the digital edition, now available for tablet!

CharlotteParent.com/ExceptionalChild

Ballantyne/Blakeney/Marvin Ardrey Kell & Tom Short Roads (The Fountains)

704-845-1180

Wesley Chapel/Weddington/Waxhaw Hwy. 84 (Village Commons)

704-684-0005

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

7

CHELITA KAYE KELLEY, DDS

MICHAEL HOLT, DDS

Accepting New Patients Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry

brookdalepediatricdentistry.com Exit 36, off of I-485 9601 Brookdale Drive, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28215 704-599-3901

8

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

fyi

FAMILY The newly cast Team Broadway members pose with co-directors Lori Anne Sword (far left) and Linda Booth (far right), as well as musical director Bill Congdon (behind Booth).

A Prayer and A Pink Pedicure

Team Broadway Lets Young Performers Take the Lead

C

harlotte’s performing arts scene is growing, thanks to Team Broadway, a new program for young local performers.

Blumenthal Performing Arts is joining forces with Teen City Stage, a Charlotte organization devoted to training aspiring youth in musical theater, to offer kids in grades eight through 12 with previous theater experience a program to help build their skills.

“You can think of Team Broadway like club soccer,” says co-director Lori Anne Sword. “While programs like Teen City Stage give a high level of instruction for beginning performers, Team Broadway is meant to give kids with intermediate

to advanced experience an opportunity to develop their talents.”

In weekly sessions, the students receive individualized attention from industry professionals such as Sword, co-director Linda Booth and the program’s musical director, Bill Congdon, who is fresh off touring with “Billy Elliot.” By training together in dance, vocal and acting skills, the teens challenge themselves and each other.

The vision for growth in the talented participants doesn’t stop when the program wraps. Both Teen City Stage and Blumenthal Performing Arts, which highlights and celebrates local high schoolers’ achievements

in musical theater in its annual Blumeys awards show, are looking to launch Team Broadway alum back into their schools’ performing arts programs as leaders.

“While our main goal is to enhance each student’s skills individually,” says Sword, “we also want them to take what they learn here back to their own schools as leaders and make those programs even better.”

Although the inaugural semester, which directors are calling a trial, is closed to new students, the public can enjoy its culmination in a two-act performance showcase at Blumenthal’s Booth Theater on Dec. 5 and 6. Tickets are available at carolinatix.org.

In local mom and author Lee McCracken’s new memoir “A Prayer and A Pink Pedicure,” delicate layers of grief and loss are peeled away to reveal an unlikely path to joy. With a transparent and compelling writing style, McCracken tells of losing two infants, struggling to save her defiant teen daughter and receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. She goes on to tell how with faith, family and friends, she held onto hope, found true joy and became not only a breast cancer survivor, but a surTHRIVER. joyfulleewritten.com.

78% of adults strongly agree that K-12 schools should put a focus on teaching communication skills.

Source: gallup.com

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

9

COMMUNITY

::

fyi

*

good deed: One By One Costa Rica

On a family trip to Costa Rica in 2010, Davidson brothers Daniel and Ben Wyatt witnessed youth in some of the most impoverished areas of San Jose, Costa Rica playing soccer in the busy streets. Along with friend, Alex Lee, the boys founded One By One Costa Rica, a soccer league to mentor these at-risk youth. The nonprofit charity partners with a San Jose church to run the league and to give its participants whatever positive support it can. Daniel, Ben and Alex recently completed a goal of raising $100,000 to match a $100,000 challenge grant to purchase a soccer field in San Jose and create a permanent home for the One By One program. onebyonecostarica.com.

get real with

Samantha Labarbera Quick stats: age 40, works for Wells Fargo as an implementation consultant and is a Charlotte Roller Girl … Family tree: engaged to Jamie Diamond, lives in Steele Creek with her two daughters, Ava and Liliana, a lab mix, a beagle, and two teeny-tiny chihuahuas … Favorite indulgence: desserts … Favorite outing: anything, as long as the girls are getting along … Favorite local eats: Cowfish … iPod: “Blurred Lines” … Latest read: “Girls Will be Girls, Raising Confident and Courageous Daughters.” I've been trying to finish the book for several years … DVR: anything pertaining to ghost stories or hauntings … In your bag: anti-inflammatory! … Can’t live without: having animals … Stress buster: playing roller derby.

... More worried about the 15 pound bookbag that comes home each night with necessary stuff. Going to have to invest in a rolling one. That is 25 percent of my fourth grader's body weight!

Juli Cravens, via Facebook

10

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Third, fourth and fifth from left: One By One founders Alex Lee, Daniel Wyatt and Ben Wyatt hanging out with their soccer buddies in Costa Rica.

Sick-Day Remedy Your child is sick and you need to go to work. Local preschool Rainbow Station is helping parents with its The Get Well Place. The Get Well Place offers emergency backup child care for children who have mild childhood illnesses such as a cold or even the flu. Children are grouped by symptoms, and can spend the day engaged in educational activities with supervision from a pediatric nurse.

Children do not have to be enrolled at Rainbow Station. rainbowstation.com/charlotte.

Seacrest Studio at Levine Children’s Hospital.

Patients at Levine Children’s Hospital recently had the chance to hear Goo Goo Dolls lead singer John Rzeznik and the bands Emblem 3 and Matrimony perform, thanks to the recent opening of Seacrest Studio. The studio includes five guest microphones, production-quality video cameras and a green screen that allows for patient participation in video projects and new media. “I’m so proud that we were able to bring Seacrest Studios to this community, as I am confident they will fully embrace the creativity and inspiration the studio will yield, lifting the spirits of patients, their families and the entire hospital,” says Seacrest. The studio is made possible in part by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

Do you know a

terrific

teen?

CMS Scores With Rocking the Belk Bowl Contest The Belk Bowl returns to Bank of America Stadium this December with an ACC team matching up against a Big East team. CharlotteMecklenburg Students can get in on the action and win big bucks for their school by participating in the Rocking the Belk Bowl Contest.

Schools can win one of three $25,000 first-prize technology grants, plus $75,000 in cash awards from Belk for enhancing technology and learning at schools. To enter, school students create designs that incorporate Belk Bowl and educational themes, and display them on school rocks or bulletin boards.

We are looking for local high school students with outstanding character, leadership, talent and heart to be featured as a

2014 TERRIFIC TEEN.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN! Deadline: Nov. 30, 2013

CharlotteParent.com/tweensteens

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

11

fyi : : WELLNESS

Understanding Food Allergies

F

ood allergies affect 6 percent of children under the age of 5, and 4 percent of teens and adults in the United States. Food allergy is a form of adverse reaction that is mediated by the immune system. Ingestion of the DOC SAYS offending food leads to a cascade of allergic symptoms

BY JOEL GALLAGHER AND ERIN STUBBS such as hives, flushing, vomiting, stomach pain, and/ or coughing and wheezing. Not all reactions to food are allergies, though. Some adverse reactions may be non-immune-mediated, such as lactose intolerance, which presents with gas, bloating and diarrhea after the ingestion of dairy.

Children are at higher risk of developing food allergies than adults, although they can begin at any age. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and can even lead to death, although this is rare. A careful evaluation, identification of food triggers, parent and child education, and emergency-management plans are the cornerstones of treatment. A medical cure is not yet available, although research in this area has been promising.

Eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, shellfish and fish are the most common triggers, constituting more than 90 percent of all pediatric food allergies. Sixty to 80 percent of food allergies to eggs, milk, wheat and soybeans tend to resolve by adolescence. However, peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies tend to persist into adulthood.

Discovering the specific trigger can be complicated. A detailed history, physical exam, and skin or blood tests and food challenges can help establish or refute this diagnosis. Food challenges are the most conclusive test for diagnosis. This is when increasing amounts of the suspected food are given to the patient under medical supervision. However, these can be dangerous, because anaphylaxis is always a possibility, and should only be performed under the supervision of a physician specialized in allergic disorders.

Avoidance of the allergen and preparedness are the mainstays of treatment. This can be a daunting task because most food allergens are everywhere. Careful reading of ingredient lists and educating all of the child’s caregivers as well as the child helps to prevent accidents.

Parents should seek additional advice from their child’s pediatrician or a pediatric allergist for proper identification of the food trigger and avoidance techniques. The patient and family are then provided with a written plan of action and epinephrine in case of accidental ingestion and subsequent anaphylaxis.

For anaphylaxis, the short-term management includes epinephrine and a rapid-acting antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). After immediate intervention, the patient usually requires transport to the nearest hospital for evaluation and treatment with other supportive measures.

For more information, check out the Food Allergy Research and Education website at foodallergy.org.

Dr. Joel Gallagher is a resident pediatrician at Carolinas Medical Center and Dr. Erin Stubbs is a board-certified pediatrician at CMC Myers Park Pediatrics.

12

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

World Osteoporosis Day: Oct. 20.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends children participate in bone-building activities such as jumping rope, running, or climbing on a jungle gym at least three days per week. Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children ages 6 months or older be immunized against influenza as soon as the vaccine is available.

This year’s needle-free, nasal mist version is a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against the same strains of the virus as the trivalent version plus an additional B strain.

The injection version may be the trivalent or quadrivalent, but the AAP gives no preference for one over the other.

E-cigarette use doubled from 3.3 percent to 6.8 percent among students in grades 6-12 from 2011 to 2012. E-cigarettes contain nicotine in a solution that is heated and turned into a vapor that users inhale, and are sold in dozens of flavors that appeal to children, including cotton candy and Atomic Fireball. A federal age restriction is under debate for purchasing e-cigarettes.

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

Visit Our Fall Open Houses Faith

Tradition Academic Excellence

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS-

October 27th 1:30 -3:30pm October 29th 9:00 - 12:00pm Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School (PK-8) 4225 Shamrock Drive - Charlotte St. Ann Catholic School (TK,PK-5) 600 Hillside Avenue - Charlotte St. Gabriel Catholic School (K-5) 3028 Providence Road - Charlotte St. Mark Catholic School (K-8) 14750 Stumptown Road-Huntersville St. Matthew Catholic School (TK-5) 11525 Elm Lane - Charlotte St. Patrick Catholic School (K-5) 1125 Buchanan Street - Charlotte

MIDDLE SCHOOLOctober 26th 9:00 - 11:00am October 28th 9:00 - 11:00am Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School (6-8) 3100 Park Road - Charlotte

HIGH SCHOOLS -

November 16th 10:00 -12:00pm Charlotte Catholic High School 7702 Pineville-Mathews Rd.- Charlotte November 23rd 10:00 -12:00pm Christ the King Catholic High School 2011 Crusader Way - Kannapolis

Admissions: (704) 370-3273

MACS admits students of any race, color, sex, religion and national or ethnic origin.

For more information visit www.MACSOpenHouses.com CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

13

fyi : : EDUCATION

Read for the Record Millions of people across the country will come together Oct. 3 to read the children’s book “Otis” by Loren Long in an attempt to beat the world record for reading the same book on the same day.

Last year 2.3 million readers participated.

Join the fun! jstart.org/ campaigns/read-record.

10 Reasons Preschool Programs Benefit Children App Alert: Grandma's Kitchen From practicing the alphabet to recognizing patterns, and sorting and counting colorful food, this app has seven activities varying in difficulty that will keep children having fun in the kitchen for a long time. iPhone and iPad, $1.99.

Tip To learn letters, let children make a game of finding and cutting letters in their name out of old magazines and gluing on paper.

14

OCTOBER 2013

|

P

reschool programs help parents provide their children with the rich

CHALK TALK

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

background of experiences necessary for success in school.

Preschools can offer your child these benefits: 1. Training in social skills.

Through playing with other children, a child picks up the skills of sharing, negotiating and cooperating, and gains experience in forming friendships.

2. An awareness of others’ feelings. A child learns that others share his worries, fears and delights.

3. A greater trust in adults. By finding out that other adults will

CharlotteParent.com

care for him, a child learns that he can trust adults other than his parents.

4. A greater sense of independence. Learning that attention must be shared with others makes the child more self-reliant.

5. Improved listening and speaking skills. A child has to develop these skills to communicate successfully with the teacher and other children.

6. New experiences. From trips to a bakery to new songs and dances, a child is introduced to activities that help him learn more about the world.

7. Stimulation and activity. A child gets to play with a variety of equipment and materials in a place primarily designed for play.

8. Increased self-esteem. By succeeding at school tasks, a

child becomes more confident of his abilities.

9. The satisfaction of belonging to a group. A child gains an appreciation of what school is like and develops a positive attitude toward school. He also becomes more comfortable with being away from home for part of or the whole day.

10. Solid preparation for kindergarten. With today’s kindergartens turning into yesterday's first grades, preschool now offers the background for success in school that children used to get in kindergarten.

Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts are experienced teachers who together have more than 60 educational publications to their credit.

EDUCATION

::

On TV: Peg and Cat Math becomes fun when following the antics of a spirited girl and her sidekick cat in the PBS series “Peg and Cat.” Together Peg and her cat embark on adventures that require them to use math and problem-solving skills. Their adventures take viewers from a farm to a distant planet, from a pirate island to a prehistoric valley, from Romeo and Juliet's Verona to Cleopatra's Egypt to New York's Radio City Music Hall. In addition to teaching math concepts, it showcases the value of resilience and perseverance in problem-solving.

Premieres Oct. 7 on PBS Kids. pbskids.org.

fyi

Parent-Child Reading Survey Says ...

A 2013 survey conducted by Reading is Fundamental and Macy’s found the following: - 87 percent of parents say they currently read bedtime stories with their children, but only 33 percent of those parents ready stories daily with their children.

- 76 percent of parents of children age 8 and younger prefer printed books.

- 17 percent of parents use a combination of printed and e-books.

- Twice as many children prefer a printed book (20 percent) to an e-book (9 percent), according to parents who read both types of books to their children.

OVERWHELMED WITH HOMEWORK?

HUNTINGTON CAN HELP! • • • •

Customized programs for students In-depth evaluation to identify student’s strengths and weaknesses One-on-one tutoring in a specific subject Test-taking strategies and skill building

Call 1 800 CAN LEARN

HuntingtonHelps.com

®

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

for possible specials on tuition

?

Two area locations: 4701 Park Road, Charlotte - 704-522-7511 and 9601 Holly Point Drive, Huntersville - 704-896-9699

NEED WEEKEND PLANS WE’VE GOT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. SIGN UP TODAY FOR OUR FAMILY FUN PLANNER

Local events, straight to your inbox every Thursday.

CHARLOTTEPARENT.COM/NEWSLETTER

ADHD? Learning disability?

Autism?

Don’t address the symptom. Address the cause.

The Brain Balance Program® helps children overcome their behavioral, academic and social challenges with a drug-free, whole child approach that goes beyond the symptoms.

Call today to schedule an assessment for your child!

brainbalancecarolinas.com

brainbalancecenters.com

Brain Balance of Cornelius

704-655-1334

20601 Torrence Chapel Rd. Suite 104, Cornelius, NC 28031

Brain Balance of Pineville

704-540-6363

9101-J Pineville-Matthews Rd., Pineville, NC 28134

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

15

16

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

LIFE

::

fyi

Building Good Character Through Sport

T

he research is consistent: Sports participation provides tremendous benefits to young people. Benefits range from the physical — including decreases in the risk of obesity and increases in cardiovascular strength — to cognitive benefits of increased concentration, attention and focus — to psychological benefits that include leadership skills, higher self-esteem, and an increased ability to tolerate ON THE SIDELINES frustration and delayed gratification.

BY NYAKA NIILAMPTI Unfortunately, we are also bombarded with the negative side of sport participation, beginning with unruly parents at little league games and ending with accusations of banned substance use.

It can be challenging to ensure that youth pick up the positive aspects of sports participation and leave the negative aspects literally on the sidelines. There are a few ways that parents and coaches can guarantee that young children are receiving more of the desired lessons.

1. Don’t focus on wins and losses. When coaches and parents stress outcome in the form of wins and losses only, youth learn the final score is the only aspect of play that really counts. Instead, help them to celebrate other aspects of play such as attitude, mental toughness, focus and persistence.

2. Help them handle losing well. Despite how gifted an athlete is, or how great the team, losing is a part of playing. The field is a great place to learn how to handle the disappointments and failures that will inevitably occur in life. Though you don’t want to encourage becoming accustomed to losing, you do want to help young athletes to be graceful about loss; you want them to learn from the disappointments and be willing to risk failure again.

3. Encourage sportsmanship and cooperative play.

Leadership skills and learning to work with others are two of the most important people skills developed through youth sports participation. Help your young one to acknowledge and respect the voices of others, learn to support teammates and work with others to achieve a common goal.

The positive benefits of sports participation are countless; however, there are also a number of ways that young ones can walk away with lessons we would rather they not have learned. It’s a joint responsibility to be intentional in the efforts made to ensure that the good stuff is what sticks.

Educating Mind, Body, and Soul With an accelerated curriculum and nurturing environment, SouthLake Christian Academy prepares students to excel in academics, athletics, and the arts while inspiring them to live their lives with wisdom and moral integrity.

OPEN HOUSE /PWFNCFS t Q N w w w. s o u t h l a k e c h r i s t i a n . o r g w w w. s o u t h l a k e e a g l e s . o r g

Nyaka NiiLampti is an assistant professor of psychology at Queens University and co-director of Mind Over Body at Southesast Psych.

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

17

fyi : : LIFE

TOP 5 Halloween Safety Tips 1. If you’re planning to use face paint or makeup, use natural and nontoxic beauty products.

2. Start outside well before the sun has set. Daylight hours are safest for trick-or-treating.

3. Wear bright colors and add reflective tape to costumes.

Kids, both young and old, should use reflective tape on their treat bags or costumes so vehicles can see them from a good distance away.

4. Hold hands of small children all the way to the door and don’t even bother to ring the doorbell on an unlit front porch.

5. Always check candy before eating it. Be careful that everything is sealed and safe.

Source: honest.com

Parenting Toolbox: Banish Bullying October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Empower children with the resources and confidence needed to prevent bullying “Bullying comes in many forms, but it basically comes down to disrespecting and being mean to others. It comes in the form of physical violence, teasing, gossiping or manipulation to name a few … In any type of bullying situation, there are typically three participants, the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Take a minute to think about yourself here. Which role have you taken on?” This, an excerpt from the book “Jigsaw: The Past, Present and Future Me,” is just one example of the simple, straightforward talk about bullying and other “serious stuff” local writer and speaker Mike Hall serves up with easily relatable stories that reflect his own life. Written to provoke thought and reflection in tweens. Available in an e-book or paperback. mikeisspeaking.com/jigsaw.

Start the conversations to end bullying with the Bully in a Box ibooks series. Co-authored by local mom Michelle Tunno, the three iBooks – “Stinky Stevie,” “Peter Pummeler,” and “Katerina Faterina" – each tell a basic story about the lead character, but the ending and solution is up to the reader. Prompted by open-ended questions around the characters feelings and motivations, readers can discuss the situation, and call out positive traits, such as bravery and compassion that kids are encouraged to see in themselves, and to use in making choices. Each Bully in a Box iBook can be downloaded for $1.99. Recommended for ages 6-9. bullyinabox.com.

Wear a blue shirt on

Oct. 7

to show support for World Day of Bullying Prevention.

stompoutbullying.org.

choices ... HALLOWEEN FUN

Ghost-a-House It’s a new way to “boo.” Take your ghost and treat bag to a friend’s house and ring the doorbell, then run away without being seen. Follow your ghost online as it moves from house to house via Ghost Radar to see which houses have become haunted. $19.99, ghost-a-house.com.

18

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Fantastic Costumes Take Halloween creativity up a notch this year with Wishcraft’s ornately decorated costumes. Choose from themed costumes for the family, sibling outfits, adorable options for babies, and spooktacular hats for mom who wants to be festive without a full costume. Prices vary. chasing-fireflies.com.

Zombie Family Vinyl Stickers If you like all things zombie, get these Zombie family stickers for your car. From the baby and big kid zombies to Fido and shambling Mom and Dad, these are a great way to show your zombie pride. Set of nine vinyl stickers, $9.50. gentsupply.com.

LIFE

::

fyi

As a scientist,

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Maria Montessori discovered something surprising: When children are active participants, when their choices are respected and guided, and when responsibility is expected and nurtured, a new child emerges. This child’s characteristics are concentration, self-discipline, love of learning, and a respect for others and the world.

BY HEIDI BILLOTTO

Make Your Own Doughnuts After several years of enjoying the national cupcake craze, this food writer is convinced that doughnuts are going to be the next big sweet thing. Put your kids ahead of the national culinary curve and start making easy-as-pie doughnuts with them for breakfast, after-school snacks or a fun family dessert.

This recipe is for your basic doughnut and doughnut hole, but for a tasty variation on the theme, fry the biscuits whole and then use a pastry bag with a open tip to fill the doughnuts with your favorite cream fillings or jams or jelly — dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar and you’re off to a sweet start or finish to the day.

This child is our best hope for the future.

Share the hope.

Experience the surprise.

Observe a class.

Attend an open house.

Visit Anami Montessori School today.

Fall open houses: Tuesdays, October 8 and November 12 at 9:30 AM

2901 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

7045560042 • WWW.ANAMIMONTESSORI.ORG

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 roll organic Immaculate Brand Buttermilk Biscuits • 3 cups canola oil • Your choice or toppings: cinnamon and sugar, honey powder, icing, sprinkles, powdered sugar 1. Separate the biscuits and place them on your work surface, patting them down ever so slightly.

batch will take longer to brown than your second or third batches because the oil will be hotter.

6. When you are done frying, make sure the burner is off and remove the pan from the burner and allow it to cool.

2. Use a small round cookie cutter to cut the hole in the center of each biscuit to form eight doughnuts and eight doughnut holes.

7. Once the doughnuts are browned on both sides, remove them to a cake cooling rack, placed over several thicknesses of paper toweling.

3. Heat the oil in a shallow sauté pan. Place a wooden spoon in the pan of oil and when little bubbles form around the spoon you’ll know the oil is hot enough.

8. Dust the hot doughnuts with powdered sugar, cinnamon and sugar, or cocoa and sugar, or allow doughnuts to cool before icing with your favorite icing and then dip in chocolate or colored sprinkles.

4. Take the spoon out of the oil and add the doughnuts and doughnut holes a few at a time, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.

5. Allow the doughnuts to fry one to two minutes and then turn them over in the oil. The first

Heidi Billotto is a culinary expert who hosts cooking classes throughout the Charlotte area. Find her on Twitter @HeidiCooks.

Fill fried doughnuts with your favorite pumpkin pie filling for a fall treat. Frost the cooled doughnuts with orange icing and use mini-chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles to make a funny jack-o’-lantern face on the top of the doughnut.

Reach new & expectant parents through Charlotte Parent’s

2014

baby toddler guide

With more

than 25,000 births in the region last year*, there are a lot of parents in need of baby products and services.

Connect with these parents by placing an ad in this annual guide.

AD DEADLINE: Dec. 6

advertising@charlotteparent.com *Publicrecords.com (Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, York, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell county data 2012 Statistics)

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

19

fyi : : LIFE

MOTHER OF STYLE  BY WHITLEY ADKINS HAMLIN

On Trend for

Fall

Autumn is in the air, and who doesn’t love fall in the South? Crisp cool days, football and killer fashions create excitement during a new season. Here are five top fall trends to work into your wardrobe.

Turtlenecks. Yes, I’m serious. My personal favorite is a simple fitted version with a hint of Spandex to hug your torso. From the traditional cotton or a grandpainspired knit wool, the turtleneck looks chic and keeps you cozy, all while creating a slimming effect.

Leather (or vegan leather). This year try the luxe material in a deep blue or rich burgundy/oxblood. The latter has been hot for the past few seasons, but royal is on the rise, and black is always a hot choice.

Short boots. I tend to reach for more traditional garments that will transcend time, but this is one trend I couldn’t resist for fall. I recently picked up the most fun pair of silver-studded brown suede booties, and I’m most excited to pair them with all things boho, including a little black long-sleeved lace dress.

High-impact details. Jeweled, feathered and appliquéd shapes. You can spend a little or a lot. Bring on the accessories. Put finishing touches on outfits with a few or pile ’em on.

Mad for plaid. This is one trend whose revival I never tire of seeing. Pair your traditionally preppy tartans and checks with everything from circle skirts and pumps for the office, to leather or denim with boots for a night out.

Whitley Adkins Hamlin is a local stylist and mom of two boys under age 5 who lives in Charlotte. Read her Mother of Style blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

20

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Clockwise from top // Writer’s own vintage jacket that belonged to her grandmother. // Steven - Jaane in Cognac, $110, available on zappos.com. // Faux Skinny Leather Pant: Calvin Klein, $99.50, available at Belk.

Open House Join Us! ◀ Confident Independent Thinking Speaking Spanish

◀ Compassionate Heart

◀ ◀

ZACH

Hands on Science

November 6, 2013 January 14, 2014 Age 2-12th Grade

Age 2 to 12th Grade 6 p.m.

Age 2 to 4th Grade 9 a.m.

704-237-5224

www.davidsonday.org

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

21

fyi : : LIFE

Birds and Bees

I

f the thought of talking about sex with your kids makes you sweat bullets, you’re not alone. More than half of parents haven’t discussed sex with their preteen, according to research from the Kaiser Family GROWING UP Foundation. But it’s not something

BY MALIA JACOBSON you should skip, according to experts.

The “birds and bees” talk builds the foundation for a healthy attitude toward sexuality and an open dialogue with your child that continues through adolescence, says Laurie Watson, licensed marriage family therapist and clinical director of Awakenings – Center for Intimacy and Sexuality in Raleigh.

Here’s how to approach the topic with your children, from preschool through the teen years.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and mom.

0-6 years

PUZZLE PIECES

Though toddlers and preschoolers are too young for clinical descriptions or copious details, it’s never too early to begin preparing for a healthy understanding of sex. “Young children have a natural curiosity about their own bodies and the bodies around them,” says Watson. “Talking about bodily functions, gender differences and sex should simply be a woven continual conversation.”

Beginning in toddlerhood, all children should learn the names of their body parts, including their genitals.

Children may begin to ask questions about where babies come from around age 5 or 6. This doesn’t need to be an anxiety-filled discussion; keep answers simple and straightforward, without going into too many specifics. There’s plenty of time for that later. “Once children understand the basic anatomical differences between men and women, you might explain that babies are made by two bodies fitting together like a puzzle,” says Watson.

22

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

7-12 years

PERSONALITY POINTERS

The best way to talk about sex depends on your child’s personality: Some kids are full of questions, while others specialize in squirming and eye-rolling when parents go anywhere near the topic. Whatever you child’s personality type, keep talking, says Watson.

“Curious children will easily expand your conversations. Avoidant children certainly still need the information. Anxious kids also should be assured that their lack of interest or even disgust is normal but that eventually they will enjoy this wonderful aspect of special relationships.”

If the child hasn’t brought up the subject by age 8, the parent needs to assume responsibility for covering most general topics, says Watson. By age 12, a child should know facts about conception, pregnancy and birth; that sex is part of loving adult relationships and feels good; puberty-related body changes; how to handle increasing feelings for love objects; the meaning of slang words and jokes; and their family’s social and moral values regarding sexual expressions.

OPEN PLATFORM 13-18 years

Sex is very much on the minds of most teens, says Susan Kuczmarski, author of “The Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A Parent’s Guide to Stepping Back and Letting Go.” Unfortunately, few adults initiate conversations about sex with their teens, but they should, says Kuczmarski.

“The most important thing you can do is talk. This establishes openness between you and your teen on sex-related issues.

You want your teen to feel comfortable coming to you to talk later, and the best way to ensure this future dialogue is to initiate it early yourself.”

Can’t muster enough cool to bring it up? That’s OK, says Kuczmarski. “If you’re not comfortable talking about sex, fake it. Comfort will grow with frequency.” Many small conversations are better than one or two big ones.

Conversations about sex, dating, love, desire and even passion should be discussed casually and often.

3-D mammograms offer a better view

You’re juggling a lot and need your annual mammogram to be as easy as it is precise. That’s why we have added 3-D mammography. This provides advanced imaging that can be examined for detection of even the smallest potential breast cancer. Increased precision means less anxiety and fewer follow-up procedures. It’s just one more way we’re committed to caring for you.

3-D mammography is offered at our uptown location. All of our nine Charlotte-area locations offer extended evening and weekend hours, and you don’t need an appointment or physician referral – simply walk in whenever it’s convenient for you.

To see if 3-D mammography is right for you, call 704-384-SCAN (7226) to schedule or just walk in.

NovantHealth.org/pink

Extreme Cho ces: Preventive Double Mastectomies Serve as Radical but Effective Cancer Treatment

BY MARTY MINCHIN

A

ctress Angelina Jolie’s announcement in May that she had radical surgery to prevent breast cancer has opened up potentially lifesaving conversations about treatment.

Jolie surprised the world with a “New York Times” essay that described

the reconstructive double mastectomy she had in the spring after learning she was a carrier of BRCA1, a mutated gene that can cause breast cancer or ovarian cancer. She encouraged women with family histories of breast cancer to seek information that could help them.

“Because of the celebrities, more women are open to talking about the surgeries,” says Cécile Skrzynia, a UNC-Chapel Hill associate professor and director of cancer and adult genetic counseling in the school’s departments of medicine and genetics. “I think that even people who think that prophylactic surgery is horrible and a mutation, and cannot fathom this, they ask questions that they didn’t before.”

24

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

:

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

25

Christian Montessori classrooms for infants through sixth grade.

OPEN HOUSE DATES:

We personalize learning so each child can achieve more.

Dynamic international curriculum providing unlimited opportunities for success.

Open House dates October 3, 9:30 am November 14, 6:00 pm RSVP to: Empowering Individual Achievement 704.341.3236 e.causier@wclschools.org www.britishschoolofcharlotte.org

British American School of Charlotte

College Preparatory Christian Education in South Charlotte Come see why the UFCA family is your family.

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

UPCOMING DATES October 16th | October 22nd | November 1st Preschool – 12th grades 9:30 am – 11:30 am and 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

8617 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277

704.541.1742 • www.ufca.org 26

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

October 1 & October 17 9:00am - 10:30 am

Call to schedule a tour today!

Where students grow in love with learning and God!

Christian Montessori School at Lake Norman

14101 Stumptown Rd., Huntersville, NC ChristianMontessoriSchool.org 704-875-1801

The Test The BRCA1 gene mutation was discovered 18 years ago, and researchers found BRCA2 about 18 months later. Genetic testing, which requires a blood or saliva sample, isolates and analyzes genes to determine whether they have the mutation that increases the likelihood of breast cancer.

Skrzynia tells clients who test negative for the gene mutation that the test is time well-spent because it increases education, eases anxiety and spreads the word that genetic testing and counseling are beneficial for anyone who is concerned about their risk.

For those who receive positive results, the implications can be far-reaching. The professional advice and counseling about next steps can be personal and specific to the age of the patient. A 20-year-old with no children may make different choices than a 40-year-old who has completed her family or a 60-year-old who is less worried about risk.

“The discussion is really different because for those different ages and situations; you have to adjust to what is the priority,” says Skrzynia.

All carriers of the mutated genes, no matter what their age, have an increased risk for more than one breast cancer.

Right now, Skrzynia recommends that women who test positive for the mutated gene and are finished having children consider removing their ovaries and fallopian tubes because there is no good screening for ovarian cancer.

Family Patterns Before recommending genetic testing, Skrzynia talks with clients about their family histories. She asks about who has been diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, what age the cancer was detected, and whether that cancer was in one or both breasts.

“We tend to worry about cancer, and in general overestimate the risk,” says Skrzynia “When we had an aunt who had breast

cancer at age 70, we think we may be at high risk, but it’s not the case if there are no other factors in the family tree that indicate risk.”

Genetic testing is typically conducted on people 18 and older, and can show whether a woman carries BRCA1 or BRCA2, the most common gene mutations that indicate a high risk of breast cancer. In families that carry the gene, patterns often emerge as grandmothers, mothers, aunts, cousins and daughters are diagnosed.

La Chandra Chavis, 38, who lives in Creedmoor, received her first diagnosis 10 years ago. Her grandmother, mother and sister also had breast cancer, and her mother died at age 53 from cancer.

Because so many women in Chavis’ family were being diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors asked them to take the genetic test. Results showed that though each woman’s cancer had a different cause, each carried the BRCA1 gene mutation.

Like many carriers of the cancer gene mutation, Chavis, who has a 17-year-old son, received another cancer diagnosis years after her first. She opted for a total hysterectomy in her 20s along with chemotherapy and radiation, and she decided to have a double masectomy after her second diagnosis.

Mastectomies can significantly reduce the chances of breast or ovarian cancer for the first time or a recurring time. Another alternative is to have breast tissue removed and use implants to reconstruct breasts instead of completely removing them.

“I wanted to live more than I wanted breasts,” says Chavis. “I was confident in the Lord. I’m glad I made the decision.”

Making Choices Jennifer Skinner of Charlotte also comes from a family with a history of breast cancer, and her mother had her first mastectomy when Skinner was 30.

“It’s a very shocking thing to go through, even as a daughter, to see your mother have a double mastectomy,” says Skinner. “She chose not to do the

reconstruction, but she felt at her age there were too many cons verses the pro of having fake breasts.”

Skinner’s grandmother and great-aunt died of breast cancer, and her mother was diagnosed with it three times. Her mother was tested for the breast cancer gene in the 1990s but the test came back negative.

She later was retested and learned that the first test had been a false negative. She and Skinner’s aunt were found to have the gene mutation.

Skinner, who is 35, has tested negative for the gene, but she is vigilant about testing, checking for signs of cancer and about staying healthy.

“I do worry,” she says. “Because it was a false negative for my mom, I choose to get tested regularly. Just to be on the safe side, I have mammograms every year.”

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women between ages 50 and 74 get a mammogram every two years, and younger women should talk to their doctors about when to start getting the tests.

Skinner, who has daughters ages 4 and 10, says she is glad she has not had to make

Breast Cancer Awareness Walks Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Oct. 5, Marshall Park uptown. komencharlotte.org.

American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk. Oct. 19. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. makingstrides. acsevents.org.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Oct. 26 and 27. Opening and closing ceremonies at NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. avonwalk.org/charlotte.

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

27

the choice to have a preventive mastectomy.

“If I actually had the gene, I don’t know,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to run the risk of not being here for my kids. I’m grateful to God every day that I don’t have to make that decision.”

Stacy Nam, 24, still weighs the possibilities of radical surgery. Her mother and sister have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and in the spring Nam tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation.

She’s taking the next few months to think about all of her options, but she’s already decided to have quarterly screenings, which will include a mammogram, breast MRI or clinical breast screening. Nam’s sister, who is in her 20s, opted to have a prophylactic mastectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment.

Nam, who lives in Charlotte and is not married, said that for now she’s not planning to ever have biological children.

The positive BRCA1 test factored into her choice.

“It will relieve my worry about whether they would have the gene,” she says.

Involving the Family For families who carry the breast cancer gene mutations, cancer becomes a family affair as relatives go through diagnosis, treatment and sometimes death.

Skinner and Chavis recommend not hiding the situation from children; both talked extensively with their children when they were old enough to understand. Any family member — including men — could be a carrier and pass it on to their children.

“My 10-year-old knows what’s going on,” says Skinner. “She knew Grandma was going to have surgery. I do think, especially if they are positive for the gene, it’s a family discussion that should be had.”

Chavis says the adults in her family did not wait to talk to their children about cancer and the genetic mutation they might carry.

“We were very open and honest

with all of our kids,” she says. “I think it’s important to let them get involved with it because without information about what the situation might be, it might cause them to be blindsided as they grow older,” says Chavis, “It prepares them for a situation they might have to endure themselves.”

Chavis’ son was 6 the first time she was diagnosed. Allowing children to be informed and involved as family member struggles with cancer helps them to strengthen and mature, says Chavis.

“It puts a fight in them because they want to see their parents healthy and whole,” she says. “I think it was really good for my son. It’s built character in him, a perseverance.”

She plans to suggest that her son get tested for the gene mutation after he turns 18.

Marty Minchin is freelance writer and mom of two who lives in Charlotte.

Celebrates Breast Cancer Heroes www.k1047.com 28

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Fright Night Fears N ightmares are a nearuniversal childhood experience, and up to half of young children experience recurring ones at some point. For many children, nightmares peak between ages 5 and 8, thanks to an increasingly active imagination, fantasy play and newly acquired social awareness.

Occasional nightmares are a normal experience, but children who experience excessive nightmares (more than two per week) can become sleep-avoidant, sullen and irritable.

Pave the way for sweeter dreams by learning about the top nightmare triggers.

Nightmare triggers run the gamut from social (adjusting to a new school) to physical (having a high fever) to experiential (riding a roller coaster for the first time).

Tricky Transitions Starting a new school or daycare, beginning a new class or sport, or being away from a parent or other caregiver can contribute to a child feeling a temporarily helpless.

These feelings can bring on nightmares, says Matt Woolley of the University of Utah Department of Psychiatry. “When children have a lot of nightmares, it’s not uncommon

How to help: Any time your child is facing a transition, special challenge or new experience, stick to an earlier bedtime and spend extra time winding down and relaxing before bed.

New Place, New Faces

ys a W 8 at e B o t es r a m t Nigh

BY MALIA JACOBSON

that there are a lot of changes going on at home,” he says.

How to help: Discuss life transitions with your child, preferably in advance.

Encourage your child to talk about things that may be bothering him or her.

Rated N for ‘Nightmare’ Time clocked in front of the boob tube can contribute to nightmares, especially if kids watch intense or troubling content. “The central themes of many children’s stories — separation from or loss of parents and friends, or evil people hurting innocent ones — are very commonly upsetting,” says Jan Drucker, professor of psychology at Sarah Lawrence College.

How to help: Don’t allow your child to view troubling, intense scenes on television, particularly before bedtime.

Under Pressure Music or dance recitals, tests at school, and sports games can bring on excitement, worry – and nightmares. Dreams are often an opportunity to relieve pressures of the day.

A trip on the amusement park ride, a longawaited airplane trip, a longed-for visit with faraway cousins — new experiences, even enjoyable ones, can trigger nightmares.

“The first time a child does something, it’s nearly always stressful,” says Woolley. “The brain reprocesses that stress at night in the form of a nightmare.”

How to help: Limit new-experience stress by following an exciting “first” with a familiar, comforting activity — after a child’s first roller-coaster ride, wind down with a leisurely walk or relaxing tunes.

Late-bedtime Boogeyman When kids stay up too late, nightmares can come calling. That’s because sleep deprivation results in the fitful, poor quality sleep that can trigger bad dreams.

How to help: Ensure that your child gets enough sleep. Most children ages 5-8 need between nine and 11 hours per night.

Discomfort Drama When kids toss and turn because of a toohot bedroom, ill-fitting pajamas or an old, saggy mattress, bad dreams are more likely to happen.

How to help: Keep the bedroom quiet, dark and cool — between 60 and 68 degrees is ideal. During warmer months, switch to lighter-weight pajamas and remove heavy blankets.

If your child has more than two nightmares a week for more than a month, a visit to a doctor or psychologist is in order.

And take heart: Like teddy bears and footie pajamas, bad dreams are often a passing childhood phase.

Malia Jacobson is a mom of three and writer who specializes in children’s sleep and health topics.

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

29

H

alloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about costumes.

Kids’ costumes can cost more than $50 if you buy a specialty or character costume. For something that will be worn once or twice — and probably smeared with chocolate — that’s a lot of money. With a little planning, your kids can dress well with little cost.

Halloween Cos

THRIFTY Halloween Costumes

BY TIFFANY DOERR GUERZON

Save money and have fun making your own costumes

30

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Buy for less: If you want to buy, try consignment, thrift shops or websites such as eBay or Craig’s List first. You can find used or even new costumes for much less.

Use what you have: Look around the house. Try a sports

theme with an old karate or baseball uniform. Or last year’s dance recital costume can be recycled for Halloween. A gypsy costume can be put together out of scarves plus lots of mom’s makeup and jewelry. Does Grandma still have her poodle skirt? What about Grandpa’s old bowler hat? Teens can raid a parent’s or even a grandparent’s attic for old clothes and dress as a teen from decades past.

Get creative: Create a costume from dollar- and thrift-store

finds. Dollar stores are also a great source for accessories. Start with a pirate’s sword or great hat and use that as a jumping-off point for creating a unique costume.

Crown your daughter as a fairy princess with a fancy dress from the thrift store plus a tiara and scepter from a dollar store.

Your son could be the Incredible Hulk by wearing torn thrift store clothes, green face makeup and spray-on hair color.

To sew or not to sew: You can sew beautiful costumes

from patterns, but with the cost of material, it isn’t the most frugal option. Felt by the yard can become the base of several costumes.

Plus, it’s inexpensive and requires no hemming.

Buy a length; fold in half and cut a half-circle for a neck hole in the center. Trim or fold the sides in to fit the child. Put over the head like a tunic and cut a jagged edge at the bottom. Try green for Robin Hood or black for a pirate costume. Tie another piece of felt around the waist for a belt, preferably in a contrasting color. Then slide your dollar store dagger or sword underneath the belt in the front. Or try a longer length of felt in red or purple and use a glue gun to embellish with glittery trim to make a king or queen. Put a sweatsuit underneath and they’ll be warm, too.

Felt isn’t your only no-sew option. Check out the fabric store for other ideas. Armed with a glue gun and iron-on seam tape, there is no limit to what you can do with fabric and trim. Search the Internet for homemade costume ideas. Familyfun.com has more than a hundred costume ideas from easy to difficult.

Don’t forget that the most important ingredient for a great Halloween costume is imagination. Get older kids involved in the process; they will be more pleased with their costume if they helped to create it. If you have little ones, remember for whom the costume is intended. Is it for other parents to admire or for the kids? Don’t get caught up in the madness and think you need to spend a lot of money or wear yourself out sewing the perfect costume for your kids to have fun on Halloween night.

Seeking Employment?

Charlotte Parent, a division of Carolina Parenting, Inc., is seeking a full and part-time media consultant!

If you are passionate about helping businesses achieve success, this is the job for you. You will call on prospects and existing clients to uncover marketing needs and provide creative solutions through customized programs and marketing channels.

Two years sales experience, excellent communication and organizational skills required.

Join our award-winning team and bring your creative ideas to life. Are you up for the challenge?

apply now to charlotteparent!

Send resume to jobs@charlotteparent.com with “MEDIA CONSULTANT” in the subject line and note if you’re looking for full or part-time.

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer and mother of three children who will use a glue gun on just about anything.

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

31

u n F l ! l a F S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Pineville Fall Fest

Come celebrate fall at Pineville Lake Park Oct. 18, 6-10 p.m. and Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fun for the whole family, including music, rides, games, craft vendors and food. New this year: lumberjack show, Big, Bang BOOM performs on the family stage, pie-eating contest, and a pie-baking contest. Friday Night wristbands, $15.

Pineville Lake Park 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville 704-889-2400 | pinevillefallfest.com

The Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze The Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, weekends now through Nov. 3. Get lost in our seven-acre corn maze featuring more than two miles of interconnecting paths. Bring a flashlight to do the maze in the dark during Family Friendly Friday and Saturday Night Mazes with bonfires and music, plus pumpkins, hayrides, hiking, and mini-mazes.

Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville 704-875-3113 | ruralhill.net

Halloween Happenings and Music on Main The City of Monroe provides a frightfully good time at Halloween Happenings, Oct 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free activities, include crafts, petting zoo, inflatables and costume contest. Enjoy the beach music of Coastline at our Music on Main concert series, Oct. 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Like us on Facebook for frequent updates and more events!

Downtown Monroe historicdowntownmonroe.org

Carolina BalloonFest

Plan your family outing in the cool Carolina autumn and experience the wonderment of 50 colorful Hot Air Balloons (near dawn and dusk), Sunday morning 5K and Kids Fun Run, Kids Zone activities, tethered balloon rides and more. Free admission Sunday for children ages 12 and under. Oct. 18-20.

Statesville Regional Airport 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville 704-873-2892 | carolinaballoonfest.com

32

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

The Hunter Farm Where childhood memories are made!

Join us this fall to take a hayride down to the petting barn, milk a cow, feed the animals, and pick out a pumpkin from our pumpkin patch. We’re a perfect location for unforgettable birthday parties. Ask about our Christmas activities, too. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.

The Hunter Farm 13624 Providence Road,Weddington 704-846-7975 | thehunterfarm.org

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Sky Top Orchard At Sky Top Orchard, you pick the apples or we do it for you!

Enjoy panoramic mountain views, hayrides, ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys and more. Explore a bamboo forest and relax at the picnic and play areas. Then treat yourself to homemade jams and jellies, plus cider donuts and slushies.

Sky Top Orchard 1 mile from the intersection of Highway 225 and Pinnacle Mountain Road, Flat Rock 828-692-7930 | skytoporchard.com

NC High Country Fall Fun Great Pumpkin Fest Carowinds has brewed up some family fun with the Great Pumpkin Fest this October!

During the daytime, the streets of Carowinds are filled with fun for kids and their families. Complete with activities that are fun-scary, not scary-scary, the Great Pumpkin Fest is a compilation of shows, attractions and activities.

Carowinds 14523 Carowinds Blvd.

704-588-2600 | carowinds.com

Explore a mountain pumpkin patch or take a hay ride through an apple orchard, race a worm at the Woolly Worm Festival, follow the Yellow Brick Road at Autumn at Oz, or attend the Tweetsie Railroad Halloween Festival. For event and lodging information, go to mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.

Visitor Information Center 1700 Blowing Rock Road, Boone

Hodges Family Farm Pumpkin Patch & Mud Run Support local agriculture at our pumpkin patch. Open now through Halloween with homegrown pumpkins, hay rides, pony rides and more! Dirty Girls Mud Run Oct. 5. Register with coupon code DGCHAR_HF for a $5 discount!

Visit our website for more details.

Hodges Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch 3900 Rocky River Road E. hodgesfarmnc.com

dg e

s f a rmn c .

co

m

ho

Tiger World's Boo at the Zoo • Trick-or-treat with the animals • Costume contest • Face painting • Haunted house • Pet a snake Oct. 25-26, 5-9 p.m. $5 pass members; $6 in advance; $8 at the door. Proceeds help build our new kangaroo habitat.

Tiger World 4400 Cook Road, Rockwell 704-279-6363 | tigerworld.us

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

33

PICK-YOUR-OWN-

Pumpkin Patches

ake a trip to the farm to pick out the perfect pumpkin, join in a hayride, navigate a corn maze, sip on apple cider, and enjoy petting zoos, pig races, pony rides, pumpkin bowling, corn cannons and more.

Some locations let you pick pumpkins straight from the vine or may have a selection already picked for faster picking. Check websites for daily hours and fees for entry and activities.

Ballantyne

Gastonia

Mooresville

10713 Providence Road West 704-562-4021 hallfamilyfarm.com Through Nov. 4

330 Lewis Road, Gastonia 704-842-1208 lewisfarm.org/fall-festival Oct. 5 - 27

Concord/Harrisburg

Huntersville

1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville 704-664-1450 carriganfarms.com Oct. 1 – 31

Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze

Patterson Farm

3900 Rocky River Road 704-494-0107 hodgesfarmnc.com Sept. 28 - Oct. 31

4431 Neck Road, Huntersville 704-875-3113 ruralhill.net Nov. 3

10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla pattersonfarminc.com 704-636-4005 Opens Sept. 21

Riverbend Farm

Matthews

Statesville

13624 Providence Road, Matthews 704-846-7975 thehunterfarm.org Sept. 28 - Nov. 19

347 Bell Farm Road, Statesville 704-348-1648 regalfarm.com Sept. 28 - Nov. 17

Hall Family Farm

Lewis Farm Harvest Festival

Hodges Farm Pumpkin Patch

12150 McManus Road, Midland 704-888-2891 riverbendfarm.net Through Oct. 31

Fort Mill

The Hunter Farm

Fall Frolic Weekends on the Greenway

Monroe

Anne Spring Close Greenway 1604 U.S. Highway 21, Fort Mill, SC 803-548-7252 ascgreenway.org Oct. 5 – 27

3718 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe 704-709-7000 awshuckscornmaze.com Through Nov. 17

34

OCTOBER 2013

|

Carrigan Farms Pumpkin Patch Tour

Regal Farm Corn Maze

Aw Shucks!

CharlotteParent.com

Find local haunted houses and trails online at CharlotteParent.com/halloween

What’s the Score?

Understanding the new EOG/EOC test results

BY BETH SHUGG

R

emember those Common Core State Standard tests scores your student never received last June? The N.C. Department of Instruction delayed reporting them to the N.C. State Board of Education until November so a thorough analysis of the scores could take place, since the tests had been aligned to the first year of the new Common Core State Standards and N.C. Essential Standards curriculums.

In November, NCDPI will send home your child’s test report. We asked Tammy Howard, NCDPI’s director of accountability services, to answer some questions about the Common Core State Standard test scores.

When and where will the 2012-13 results be posted or distributed for students and parents to see?

The 2012-13 results will be presented to the State Board of Education in November.

After the results have been approved, students will receive individual student reports with their test results — most likely in November. Schools usually send the reports home with students, often with their report card. Each school with test scores (schools with grades 3-12) will have results. School growth will also be reported and available to the public via the Internet,

however this year’s results are being considered transitional.

How will individual student results be presented?

Typically student results are displayed as a scale score, an achievement level and a percentile.

I’ve heard that the 2012-13 test scores will show a drop in the number of students who passed. Why? We have raised expectations for students to better prepare them for career and college.

With this shift in expectations, we are not surprised that scores will not be as high as usual, but with time we know students will improve and show they are learning more than ever.

How will school growth results be reported?

Growth will be reported for each school using EVAAS, the Education Value Added Assessment System. EVAAS is based on performance on the English language arts/ reading, mathematics, and science EOGs and EOCs (end-of-grade and end-ofcourse tests). Growth is not reported at the individual student level, but rather at the school level.

How did teachers determine which students passed or failed last year without access to the 2012-13 test results?

There are no state-level policies requiring the use of EOGs/EOCs for promotion.

There may be some local policies, and in those situations it is up to the district to determine how to promote without a test score. (Check with your child’s principal to see how your school district handled this.)

How much of last year’s tests will you retain this year and what other changes do you expect to make in this year’s EOCs/EOGs? There will not be any major changes to the test blueprint, which is the determination of the number of items that measure each content standard. The tests measure the same skills and content from one year to another. In some cases, the items (questions or problems) may be the same, but the key is that the forms have the same blueprint and the same statistical parameters.

FIND OUT MORE

N.C. School Report Cards: ncschoolreportcard.org/src Sample 2012-2013 EOG/EOC test forms: dpi.state.nc.us/accountability/ testing/releasedforms

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

35

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

Open Opportunities at

Open Houses

The Charlotte area has an abundance of private schools for parents to consider for their children. Attending an open house is a great way to learn more about a school, see its campus, and talk to parents, teachers and students about what the school is like.

The following four tips will help you get the most out of an open house event.

Her curiosity opens new worlds of learning.

1.

Do some research prior to going, to narrow down your questions, and even decide beforehand if the school could be a good fit for your child. Start by looking at the school’s website.

2.

Make a list of the information you want to know about the school, such as studentteacher ratio, if the school has teacher assistants, how teachers communicate with parents and what the discipline policy is. Hold off on questions specific to your child – those are more appropriate for individual meetings with school officials.

3.

As you tour the school, look around to get a feel for campus life. Check out what kind of artwork is hanging on the walls and students' classwork on display and how classrooms are arranged.

4.

Inquire about after-school programs and if the school offers programs for special interests, such as art, sports or music.

36

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

JrK – Grade 12

Est. 1969

Open House Thursday, October 10 7:00 p.m.

Come to Cannon. Go Beyond.

If you’d like more information about schools in the area, try our Education Directory: CharlotteParent.com/directories SCHOOL

Leaders

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

S E C T I O N

GROWING

CHARLOTTE PREPARATORY SCHOOL PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Thursday, October 10 – 7:00 p.m.

Pre-K – 8th Grade

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US AT AN OPEN HOUSE

OCT 1

OCT 20

NOV 14

Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten through 12

Transitional Kindergarten through 12

6:00 PM

2:00 PM

9:30 AM

www.ProvidenceDay.org/openhouses

Sunday, October 27 – 2:00 p.m.

Pre-K – 8th Grade

Thursday, November 7 – 9:30 a.m.

Focus on Montessori Early School

Scan this code or visit ProvidenceDay.org/qr-headofschool for a personal invitation from our Head of School

WWW.CHARLOTTEPREP.ORG

CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Come explore academic excellence for your child.

OPEN HOUSES: Junior Kindergarten–Kindergarten: October 8, 7 pm Junior Kindergarten–Grade 4: October 15, 7 pm Grades 9–12: November 7, 1:30 pm For more information and to RSVP go to:

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

37

Epic fun for families in Uptown Charlotte, brought to you by EPICENTRE. There’s lots for families to do in Uptown Charlotte and EPICENTRE wants you to know about it.

SIMPLY EPIC MESSAGE FROM EPICENTRE: Welcome to our newest EPICENTRE businesses: La Tagliatella Tin Roof Music Café Bubble Coming soon: Fuji Hibachi & Teriyaki and Corfu

Studio Movie Grill

EPICENTRE also recommends the following Uptown family events:

family fun for halloween SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 : 1-3PM The EPICENTRE Spooktacular is coming on Saturday, October 26, from 1-3pm. And it's all about family fun.

We'll have pumpkin decorating, a spooky maze, kids’ fun crafts, food and more. Radio Disney Charlotte and Childrens Party Plus will have plenty of cool surprises.

You don’t have to be a member to attend, but membership is free.

Visit www.EPICENTREnc.com and click on the Kids Club Tab.

Sunday Fun Day: Step into the Kaleidoscope

October 13, 1-4pm Mint Museum-Uptown 500 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Explore radial symmetry and create your own kaleidoscope crafts! Find your center and get moving with family yoga activities.

Jerusalem in IMAX

October 1-31 Discovery Place 301 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Discover the heart of the world through an eye-opening tour of one of the world’s oldest and most enigmatic cities.

Disney on Ice

October 2-6 Time Warner Cable Arena 333 East Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Come experience the enchanting live show featuring all your favorite Disney and Pixar characters.

This fast-paced, jaw dropping event is one that your children will never forget!

Tarzan the Musical

October 1-20 Children’s Theatre of Charlotte ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center, 300 East 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Based on the smash-hit Disney animated film, this high-swinging musical tells the heartwarming story of Tarzan!

Chili Cook-Off

October 27, 11-4pm Atherton Mill & Market Atherton Mill & Market 2100 South Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203 Bring out the whole family for chili-tasting, live music, pumpkin painting, games, and prizes for attendees of all ages.

Selena Gomez and Emblem 3 in Concert

October 27, 7:30pm Time Warner Cable Arena 333 East Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Worldwide, multiplatinum-selling singer and actress will take the stage in Charlotte, North Carolina, with special guests, X-Factor heartthrobs, Emblem 3.

Sporting Events: Charlotte Checkers: October 19 – Charlotte Checkers vs. Iowa Stars: 7:00pm October 20 – Charlotte Checkers vs. Iowa Stars: 1:30pm Charlotte Bobcats: October 17 – Charlotte Bobcats vs. Philadelphia 76ers: 11:00am October 24 – Charlotte Bobcats vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 7:00pm Carolina Panthers: October 20 – Carolina Panthers vs. St. Louis Rams: 1:00pm

38

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

G O! ETTING UT

COMPILED BY KATY LEGRAND

2

Watch little eyes pop with delight when all their favorite Disney characters come together for a musical extravaganza on ice!

Disney On Ice is back for a fourday run. From Mickey and Minnie to a Halloween haunt with Disney villains and a royal ball with Disney princesses, children of all ages can find something to love about this show that dazzles with beautiful costumes and sets. $15-$65.

Through Oct. 6. See website for showtimes.

Time Warner Cable Arena 333 E.Trade St. 704-688-9000 timewarnercablearena.com

Credit Donna Bise/CTC

Patrick R. Brown as “Scar” in "The Lion King" National Tour. © Disney. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

October 2013 go. see. play.

13

Taste, see and feel authentic Latin American culture with delicious foods, locally made art, vibrant dance performances from across Latin America and Spain, and loads of children’s activities at the Latin American Festival.

Mexican pop star Julieta Venegas as well as Uruguayan rock sensation No Te Va Gustar are headliners. $5; Free for children 8 and younger. Noon-8pm.

Symphony Park 4400 Sharon Road 704-941-2557 festivallatinoamericano.org

26

27

Spandex City 2914-A Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road 704-909-7168 spandexcity.com

ImaginOn 300 E. 7th St. 704-973-2828 ctcharlotte.org

Pose for a photo opp with your favorite heroes at the Halloween ComicFest.

Discover your inner superhero and wear your Halloween costume while you enjoy snacks, win prizes and participate in a trivia contest. Guests get a free comic book, too (while supplies last). Free. 11am-2pm.

When her kids refuse to eat their dinner, a quick-thinking mom dives into the spooky tale of Hansel and Gretel. As the story unfolds, the family is inspired to take on roles in the story, and it becomes a play within a play. For ages 7+. Tickets start at $14. Sunday matinee at 2pm.

Weekends through Nov. 10.

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

39

1 TUESDAY

3 THURSDAY

Puzzle Tuesday for Teens. Test your logic and reasoning and analytical thinking skills with a self-paced puzzle activity. Stop by the information desk for a puzzle and a sweet treat. Free.

12-18 years. All day. North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville. 704-416-6000. cmlibrary.org.

Banned Books Week Match-Up Game. Come play a match-up game for banned books week. Free. 12+. All day. Myers Park Library, 1361 Queens Road. 704-416-5800. cmlibrary.org.

2 WEDNESDAY RAY Fit Play. Tots engage in structured activities designed to enhance motor skills, balance, hand-eye coordination and overall fitness. 2-4 years.

Registration required. $1. 10-10:45am.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. 704-432-4580. parkandrec.com.

4 FRIDAY Fall Homeschool Day. Journey back in history to the year 1765 to learn about life in a two-room cabin and experience the vast importance of light and heat. Registration required. $8. 10am-5pm. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. ruralhill.net.

5 SATURDAY All American Dog Show. A barking good time with different breeds of canines in various events to enjoy, plus activities for kids. Free. 5-8pm.

on

exhibit

MINT MUSEUM World's Fairs. Experience this international exhibition with outstanding examples of glass, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, precious metalwork and textiles displayed at the World's Fairs. Through Jan. 19. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.

500 S. Tryon St.

MUSEUM OF YORK COUNTY Way Back When: Ice Age Beasts of Carolina. Travel back in time to the Carolina Piedmont during the Ice Age when massive mastodons browsed our woodlands, and giant ground sloths ambles along the forest edge. $3-$5, includes museum admission. Free admission on Sunday. Through Dec. 31. 803-329-2121. chmuseums.org. 4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill.

SCHIELE MUSEUM Mammal Safari: Journey of Discovery. Meet live animals from around the world, see awesome mounted specimens from Africa, Asia, North and South America, and enjoy hands-on interactive exhibits designed to bring out the explorer in everyone. $4-$7, includes museum admission. Through Dec. 31. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org. 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia.

40

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius. 704-892-6031. cornelius.org.

Autumn Jubilee. Crafts, food, live entertainment, Carolina Puppet Theater, a magician, pumpkin and face painting, clogging and much more. Free. 10am-6pm. Dan Nicholas Park and Campground, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury. dannicholas.net.

Carnival for St. Ann's Parish. A day of rides, games, a bake sale, silent auction, bingo, and carnival foods.

Free. 10am-6pm. St. Ann Catholic Church, 3635 Park Road. 704-5234641. stanncharlotte.org.

Children's Consignment Sale. Fall and winter clothes, toys, games, baby items and furniture, plus maternity items. Proceeds benefit missions to help women and children. Free.

8am-1pm. Blair Road UMC, 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill. 704-545-6785. blairroadumc.org.

Fall Farm Festival. Experience life on a 19th-century farm and meet endangered breeds of animals, participate in farm chores, and learn about farm skills. $7-$8; Ages 5 and under free. 10am-4pm.

Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Rd., Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Hola Charlotte Festival. Explore Charlotte’s Latino community and cultures with authentic Latin food and beverage, cultural dance performances, Zumba demos, art, music and an interactive kids zone with Dora the Explorer. Free. Noon7pm. Tryon Street, uptown Charlotte. holacharlottefestival.com.

Lake Norman Folk Art Festival.

Children can make art to take home under the direction of local artists, and adults can enjoy food, music and art in a beautiful setting. Free.

10am-4pm. 3630 Drum Campground Road, Sherrills Ford. 704-489-2911. lakenormanfolkartfestival.com.

Sensory Friendly Films – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

Watch with lights up and the sound turned down. Families bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements are shown before the movie. $4-$6.

10am. AMC Concord Mills and AMC Carolina Pavilion, 8421 Concord Mills Blvd and 9541 South Blvd, Concord and Charlotte. autism-society.org.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Walk with the family to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Registration required. $10-$35.

6am. Marshall Park, 800 E. Third St. komencharlotte.org.

Taste of FreeMore. Enjoy food from the Westside's most popular restaurants, and enter in the doughnut-eating contest! $1 per ticket. 4-8pm. Burger Co. 1500 West Morehead St. 704-3731181. FreeMoreWest.com.

Victorian Funeral. Pay your respects to the Caldwell Family and the members of the enslaved community at the re-enactment of a funeral. $8-$10.

1-4pm. Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 North Tryon St. 704-335-0325. historicrosedale.org.

6 SUNDAY Autumn Jubilee. Crafts, food, live entertainment, Carolina Puppet Theater, a magician, pumpkin and face painting, clogging barn, and much more. Free. 10am-6pm. Dan Nicholas Park and Campground, 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury. dannicholas.net.

Victorian Funeral. Pay your respects to the Caldwell Family and the members of the enslaved community at the reenactment of a funeral. $8-$10.

1-4pm. Historic Rosedale Plantation, 3427 North Tryon St. 704-335-0325. historicrosedale.org.

= Halloween and Fall Fun Events

daily calendar 7 MONDAY

The Foreign Language Experience for Toddlers.

Introduce your toddler to daily used words in the English, Spanish, French and sign language through interactive and creative activities. 2-5 years.

Registration required. $2. 10:30-11:30am. Ivory/Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. 704-4324580. parkandrec.com.

8 TUESDAY Free Tuesday sponsored by Duke Energy. Beginning at 5pm, entrance to the Schiele Museum is free. Learn about the natural history and myths of turtles and meet some live turtles from across North America, plus a special showing of The Planets at 7pm. Free.

4-8pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org.

The Third Root: From Africa to Latin America. Enjoy performances and live music from Latin American performers that promote better cultural and historic understanding. Free. 6pm. Johnson C. Smith University, 100 Beatties Ford Road.

9 WEDNESDAY Natural Solutions for ADHD. Discover foods that help minimize ADHD symptoms, and learn about environmental factors that exacerbate ADHD symptoms, plus how to release stress and strengthen your family and yourself. Free. 10-11am. LiveWell Carolinas-Northlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Suite 103. 704-863-9355. carolinashealthcare.org.

10 THURSDAY Blues and Jazz Festival for Kids. Introduce children to blues and jazz through music, dance, movies and crafts. Free. 10am-2pm. Community Performance Center, 249 East Main St., Rock Hill. yorkcountyarts.org.

Bojangles' Pole Night/UNOH Southern Slam 150.

Come out to the race and you may be one of the randomly selected fans who gets to wave the green flag during qualifying runs. Also, watch drivers' wives and girlfriends race in the 25-lap Better Half Dash. $12$20; Free for children under 13. 7-10pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord.

704-455-3200. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Festival of Bands. Watch the best-of-the-best marching bands compete. $5-$8. 2-8pm. Butler High School, 1810 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Matthews. butlerband.com/festival-of-bands.

Parent Workshop: How to Handle School Stress.

Help your teen handle school stress and the workload. Registration required. Free. 7:30pm.

Levine JCC, 5007 Providence Road. 704-366-5007. charlottejcc.org.

11 FRIDAY Adventure Seekers Kids Night Out. Have a pizza dinner, play games, build a fire for s'mores, take a night hike, and even practice archery skills. 7-14 years.

Registration required. $25. 5:30-9pm. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 841 Springfield Parkway, Fort Mill.

803-547-4575. ascgreenway.org.

Dollar General 300. Watch NASCAR's Nationwide Series battle for the win. $25-$61; Free for children under 13. 7:30pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S, Concord. 704-455-3200. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

12 SATURDAY Animals Around the World. Go on an adventure visiting a diverse group of amazing animals from around the world. $9-$10. 11am and 2pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org.

Bank of America 500. Witness the world's greatest NASCAR drivers battle for the win. $49+; $10 for children under 13. Begins at 7:30pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. 704-4553200. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Fall Festival. Arts and crafts, children's inflatables, karaoke, games and vendors for all. Free. 11am-6pm.

Stowe Park, 7 S. Main St., Belmont. cityofbelmont.org.

Guiding Parents to Services ASD Workshop.

Join Smart Start of Mecklenburg County for free parent workshops for families of young children with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis. Free. 10:30am.

ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4630. cmlibrary.org.

JAARS Day. Events and displays include planes, a helicopter, a boat and four-wheel drive vehicle rides, demonstrations of media in various languages and special speakers. Free entry, costs for food, and aviation and four-wheel drive vehicle rides.

9am-4pm. JAARS, 7405 JAARS Road, Waxhaw. 704843-6130. jaars.org/events/jaarsday.

The Fresh Expo. Enjoy healthy and natural living opportunities for the whole family, plus fun activities for kids of all ages in the Kids Zone. Free. 9am-6pm.

Blake Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St. thefreshexpo.com.

Jackson woke with his eyes crossed one morning, sending his parents on a mission to find a cure. They eventually found just that after meeting with Dr. Erin Schotthoefer at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. See how Jackson’s vision was restored at goodsenses.com/jackson

GOODSENSES.COM | 704.295.3000 CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

41

13 SUNDAY Latin America Festival. Enjoy international musical acts, savory cuisine, visual artist demonstrations, authentic crafts, dance presentations and interactive children's activities. $5; free for children under 8. Noon-8pm.

Symphony Park at South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. 704-941-2557. latinamericancoalition.org.

Sunday Fun Day: Step Into the Kaleidoscope. Experience a sensory explosion via new digital installation art and contemporary paintings, explore radial symmetry and create your own kaleidoscope crafts. Free for children and members; $5 for adults.

1-4pm. Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.

Woofn' and Hoofn' Fall Festival.

Enjoy a dog show, cutest cowboy and cowgirl contest, dog costume contest and even a horse costume contest! Free. 10am-4pm. Latta Equestrian Center, 6201 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-992-1550. lattaequestriancenter.com.

14 MONDAY Columbus Day The Foreign Language Experience for Toddlers. Introduce your toddler to words used daily in English, Spanish, French and sign language through interactive and creative activities. 2-5 years. Registration required. $2. 10:30-11:30am. Ivory/

on

stage

CAROLINAS ACTORS STUDIO THEATRE Shake Your Ghoul Thing - 2. Get into the Halloween spirit with hysterical shenanigans, genuine scares and a cappella songs. Oct. 19. 7:30 and 9:30pm. 704374-1564. carolinavoices.org. 2424 N. Davidson St.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE Balloonacy. Explore the power of friendship in this tender, uplifting show for little ones. Ages 3+. $10. Sat., 11am and 1pm; Sun., 2pm. Oct. 12-13. 704-973-2780. ctcharlotte.org.

Hansel and Gretel. Gather around for this new twist on a classic fairy tale. Ages 7+. $14+. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 26-Nov. 10. 704-973-2780.

Tarzan: The Stage Musical. Experience the story of Tarzan, a baby who was raised by a tribe of gorillas. Ages 7+. Tickets start at $12. Through Oct. 20. 704-973-2780. ctcharlotte.org. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St.

MATTHEWS PLAYHOUSE Little Shop of Horrors. Join Seymour, a nerdy florist, as he discovers a plant with mysterious properties that might make his dreams come true. $15-$17. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 11-27. 704-846-8343. matthewsplayhouse.com. 100 McDowell St. East, Matthews.

TIME WARNER CABLE ARENA Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate!. It is one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends. Tickets start at $15. Oct. 2-6. 704-688-9000. timewarnercablearena. com. 333 E. Trade St.

42

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. 704-432-4580. parkandrec.com.

15 TUESDAY Coffee with the Superintendent. Have coffee with CMS superintendent Heath Morrison and share ideas about district initiatives, legislative action and how to improve education. Free. 3-4:30pm.

Albermarle Road Middle, 6900 Democracy Drive. cms.k12.nc.us.

16 WEDNESDAY Little Tykes Painting. Get messy and creative with paint. 2-5 years.

Registration required. $2. 10-11am.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court. 704-432-4580. parkandrec.org.

17 THURSDAY Migration Station. Learn about the birds that are leaving for the winter and make a craft. 5-7 years.

Registration required. $10. 3:304:30pm. Wing Haven Gardens, 248 Ridgewood Ave. 704-331-0664. winghavengardens.com.

18 FRIDAY Carolina BalloonFest. Enjoy the sights and sounds of colorful hot air balloons. Don't miss music, crafts, and kid zone. $6-$12: Children under 5 are free. 3-8:30pm. Statesville Regional Airport, 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville.

704-873-2892. carolinaballoonfest.com.

Pineville Fall Festival. Come out for live music, carnival rides, pie baking and pie eating! Free. Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville. 704-889-2400. pinevillefallfest.com.

Simon Fashion Now. Come watch free runway shows and participate in beauty events all in support of local charities. Free. South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. 704-364-4411. simon.com/mall/southpark.

St. Luke Dinner Dance and Fall Festival. Enjoy rides, games, vendors and live entertainment. Free. St Luke

Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. 704-545-1224. stlukechurch.net.

19 SATURDAY All Hallow's Eve. Trick-or-treat around the plantation, see Halloween baking in the old kitchen, plus storytelling, pumpkin painting, and a costume contest. $5-$7; free for children under 5. 10am-4pm.

Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2313. lattaplantation.org.

Carolina BalloonFest. Enjoy the sights and sounds of colorful hot air balloons. Don't miss music, crafts, and kid zone. $6-$12: Children under 5 are free. 7am-8:30pm. Statesville Regional Airport, 260 Hanger Drive, Statesville.

704-873-2892. carolinaballoonfest.com.

Halloween Happenings. Crafts, petting zoo, inflatables, and a costume contest. Free. Downtown Monroe. historicdowntownmonroe.org.

K-Town Throwdown. Watch as the Kannapolis Rollergirls compete in a roller derby that raises money for local charities. $8-$10; free for children under 10. 4-6pm. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 Highway 49 North, Concord.

704-920-3976. cabarrusarena.com.

LaketoberFest. Celebrate fall with food trucks, children's activities, live music and fireworks! Free. 4pm.

Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius. 704-892-6031. cornelius.org.

Pineville Fall Festival. Come out for live music, carnival rides, pie baking and pie eating. Free. Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville. 704-889-2400. pinevillefallfest.com.

Simon Fashion Now. Come watch free runway shows and participate in beauty events all in support of local charities. Free. South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. 704-364-4411. simon. com/mall/southpark.

Spirits and Stories: Brattonsville

by Twilight. Hear the true stories that led to ghost legends and tales in York County, plus Halloween crafts and games. Registration required. $3-$6. 3-9pm. Historic Brattonsville,

= Halloween and Fall Fun Events

1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells.

803-684-2327. chmuseums.org.

St. Luke Dinner Dance and Fall Festival. Enjoy rides, games, vendors and live entertainment. Free. St. Luke Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill. 704-545-1224. stlukechurch.net.

The Children's Schoolhouse Carnival. Enjoy games, music, a photo booth, food, face painting, crafts, and more. Free. 10am-3pm.

Davidson's Village Green, Main Street and Davidson-Concord Road. thechildrensschoolhouse.com.

Eric Carle's stories “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,”“Little Cloud” and “The Mixed-up Chameleon.” $6-$15. 3pm.

The Batte Center/Wingate University, 403 N. Camden Road, Wingate. 704233-8300. battecenter.org.

21 MONDAY Paws to Read. Children can boost reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. Free. 6:45-7:30pm. University City Regional Library, 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. cmlibrary.org.

20 SUNDAY

22 TUESDAY

Carolina BalloonFest. Enjoy the sights and sounds of colorful hot air balloons. Don't miss music, crafts, and kid zone. $6-$12: Free for children under 5. 7am-6pm.

Statesville Regional Airport, 260 Hanger Dr., Statesville. 704-873-2892. carolinaballoonfest.com.

Frontier Frolick. Join costumed interpreters for a day of games and amusements at the 18th-century backcountry farm. $6-$7. 1-5pm.

Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-866-6900. schielemuseum.org.

The Very Hungry Caterpiller and Other Eric Carle Stories. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia uses puppets and blacklight theatre to retell

Coffee With the Superintendent. Have coffee with CMS superintendent Heath Morrison and share ideas about district initiatives, legislative action and how to improve education for all students. Free. 7:30-9am. Myers Park High, 2400 Colony Road. cms. k12.nc.us.

23 WEDNESDAY Moms on the Move: A Walking Running Group. Join in a coachlead walking and running group for moms of all different fitness levels.

Children in strollers are welcome.

Free. 10:30am. Run for Your Life, 6416 Rea Road. 704-541-9665. runforyourlife.com.

25 FRIDAY Boo Bash. Join Romp n' Roll for gym activities, Halloween treats, crafts, raffles and a costume contest.

Children up to age 6 are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes (no glitter, please) Registration required. $10-$15. 3:305:30pm or 6-8pm. Romp n Roll, 4200 Main St., Suite 100, Harrisburg. 704455-2623. rompnroll.com/harrisburgnc.

Ghost Walk. Venture through the explosive battlefields, and make your way through the haunted field hospitals and the creepy cemetery.

Recommended for ages 12+. $10; free for members. 7-10pm.

Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Movies on the Green. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a showing of “Hotel Transylvania and Frankenweenie.” Free. Movie starts at dusk. Promenade on Providence, Providence Road and I-485. 704-3429000. promenadeonprovidence.com.

early november

1 FRIDAY

Britax Car Seat Checks. Learn the correct way to install your child seat and safety recommendations from a certified child passenger safety technician. No appointment needed. Free. 8-11:30am. Britax North American Headquarters, 13501 S. Ridge Drive. 704-409-1695. britaxusa.com.

2 SATURDAY Apple Cider Classic. Watch dogs show off their amazing tricks at the Region 9 Flyball Tournament. Free. 8am-5pm. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 Highway 49 North, Concord.

704-920-3976. cabarrusarena.com.

Light the Night Walk. Carry a red illuminated balloon during this two-mile walk to commemorate lives touched by cancer. The evening includes music, family activities, entertainment and refreshments. Free. 4:30-8pm. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St. 704-705-1840.

Statesville Pumpkin Fest. Arts and crafts, food, entertainment, corn-hole tournament, pumpkin-pie eating contest, and kid zone. Free. 10am-5pm. Historic Downtown Statesville, Statesville. 704-878-3436. statesvillepumpkinfest.com.

www.carowinds.com

0 – 5:00 pm 0 : 2 1 om 27 fr

Octob er 5 – October a s y t e a ! r D P G u d e m n h e p T kin Fest Week Tickets as low as

$38.99 when you buy 4 or more online!

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

43

Just in case you missed a day...

Schiele-O-Ween. Dress in your costume and participate in trick-ortreating, planetarium shows, and a special showing of Halloween Tales. $5-$7. 6-8pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org.

Spirits of Rosedale. Discover the spirits that still inhabit the plantation with a night tour through the home.

Ages 8+. $15. 6:30-8:30pm. Historic Rosedale, 3427 N. Tryon St. 704-3350325. historicrosedale.org.

26 SATURDAY

Open 7 Days A Week; Extended Hours

1-800-216-4654

NextCareCharlotte.com Visit website for multiple locations throughout North Carolina

Looking for a new school?

Find local private school open house dates.

charlotteparent.com/openhouses 44

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Boo at the Zoo. Dress up the kids for trick-or-treating with the animals, face painting, a haunted house and costume contest, plus it's the only nighttime experience at the zoo. $5-$8. Sat., 6-9pm; Sun., 5-9pm. 704279-6363. tigerworld.us/boo.html.

Bootanical. Search for plants with spooky names like the creepy eyeball plants and bat-faced cuphea, and more plant-based games and activities. $6-$12. 9am-3pm. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. dsbg.org.

Ghost Walk. Venture through the explosive battlefields, and make your way through the haunted field hospitals and the creepy cemetery.

Recommended for ages 12+. $10; free for members. 7-10pm.

Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.

Halloween Bash. Come out for carnival games, a moon bounce, super slide, cupcake walks, food, candy, prizes and a costume contest.

Free. 5-9pm. Stowe Park, 7 Main St., Belmont. 704-825-0514. cityofbelmont.org.

Halloween ComicFest at Spandex City. Dress up and come get some free comic book treats and door prizes! Free. 11am-2pm.

Spandex City, 2914-A Mt. Holly-

Huntersville Road. 704-909-7168. spandexcity.com/comicfest.html.

Spinning Spiders and Creepy Crawlers. Enjoy Halloween treats and learn about little friends that scurry underfoot. $6. 10am-1pm.

Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road. 704-372-6261. charlottenaturemuseum.org.

Spirits of Rosedale. Discover the spirits that still inhabit the plantation with a night tour through the home.

Ages 8+. $15. 6:30-8:30pm. Historic Rosedale, 3427 N. Tryon Street. 704335-0325. historicrosedale.org.

Spooktacular. Paint pumpkins, participate in a spooky maze, crafts, and much more with your friends from Radio Disney and Children's Party Plus! Free. The Epicentre, 210 E Trade St. 704-688-5980. epicentrenc.com.

27 SUNDAY Boo at the Zoo. Dress up the kids for trick-or-treating with the animals, face painting, a haunted house and costume contest, plus it's the only nighttime experience at the zoo. $5-$8. Sat., 6-9pm; Sun., 5-9pm. 704279-6363. tigerworld.us/boo.html.

Bootanical. Search for plants with spooky names like the creepy eyeball plants and bat-faced cuphea, and play other plant-based games and activities. $6-$12. 9am-3pm. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. dsbg.org.

Day of the Dead Festival of Souls. A recreation of the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition that features traditional foods, folkloric arts and crafts, traditional dances, and fun activities for children, plus a community altar-building contest.

Free. Noon-4pm. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 704-5313848. latinamericancoalicion.org

CALENDAR POLICY:

The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local events targeted to children and families. Time, dates and details subject to change. Call venue to confirm. Want to get listed? Go to CharlotteParent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. = Halloween and Fall Fun Events

Dilworth/SouthEnd Chili CookOff. Chili, bands, pumpkin painting, and games for all ages along with prizes. $10; kids free. 11am-4pm.

Atherton Mill and Market, 2100 South Blvd. dsechilicookoff.com.

28 MONDAY Read-Aloud Tales Around the Campfire. Bring your most thrilling tale to share with an audience. Free.

6:30-7:30pm. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-416-7400. cmlibrary.org.

29 TUESDAY Halloween Celebration and Scary Story Awards. Come for Halloween treats, games and the Scary Story Contest Awards.

Costumes are welcome but not required. Free. 5:30pm-7:30pm. North County Regional Library, 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville. 704-4166000. cmilbrary.org.

30 WEDNESDAY The Great Pumpkin Patch Party.

Paint pumpkins, listen to stories, and make crafts. 4-10 years. $2. 6-8pm.

Ivory/ Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Ct. 704-432-4580. parkandrec.com.

31 THURSDAY Halloween Party with Krafty Kidz. Come enjoy music, candy and games. Costumes encouraged. $12.

4-7pm. Krafty Kidz, 10720 S. Tryon St. 704-281-7768. kraftykizcharlotte.com.

Simon Kidgits Annual Monster Mash. Come in costume for crafts, music, candy, Radio Disney and a bounce house. Free-$5. 5-8pm. South Park mall, 4400 Sharon Road. simon.com/kidgits.

Tweet-O-Ween. Radio Disney Charlotte presents their Monstober Halloween Dance Party, plus crafts, prizes and, trick-or-treating. Free.

6-8pm. Carolina Place Mall, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville. 704543-9300. carolinaplace.com/events.

STATE FAIRS

Fall season is fair season in the Carolinas! The North and South Carolina fairs are worth the trek in either direction for rides, food, live entertainment, blue-ribbon competitions, festival food and petting zoos.

North Carolina State Fair

South Carolina State Fair

Oct. 17-27 1025 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh ncstatefair.org

Oct. 9-20 1200 Rosewood Drive Columbia scstatefair.org

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

45

PLAYGROUND REVIEW

More than a superior education.

JETTON PARK 19000 Jetton Road, Cornelius

Offering Junior Kindergarten – 8th grades Admissions Open House Dates: Thursday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m.

Please email mgilbert@pescharlotte.org to RSVP or for more information.

704-583-1825

www.pescharlotte.org

13120 Grand Palisades Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28278 Palisades Episcopal School is a school honoring Christ and committed to providing a classical education challenging the mind, body and spirit.

Charlotte Montessori School

Inspiring the unlimited potential of the child Montessori Curriculum (M-F; 9 or 12 month programs) Located in Dilworth, near Uptown School-day and All-day programs Extra-curricular programs Spanish & Music curriculum

Established in 1971

Playtime at Jetton Park One of the biggest parks in the Lake Norman area, Jetton is perfect for a quick trip or spending the better part of a day in nice weather.

The playground is large with equipment for all different ages. A mini-zipline and swings that lock you in like an amusement-park ride are draws for the younger set. For parents who need a break, you will find benches and a gazebo. But the best thing about this playground is it has plenty of shade for really hot days. It’s a popular spot and often packed, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds try it early in the morning.

The equipment is in very good condition and the area has mulch to break any falls. When the kids need a change of scenery, Jetton offers something truly unique — a beach. Although you can’t swim, you can get your feet wet, plus this is the perfect spot to bring sand toys and build. In addition, there are miles of beautiful shaded walking trails offering spectacular views of Lake Norman, as well as being perfect for beginning bike-riders.

www.CharlotteMontessori.com • 704.332.7733

Strengthening Your Educational Foundation Specialized support in

Reading, Writing and Mathematics 1833 Dickerson Blvd.

Monroe NC 28110 704-635-8268

Back to School Special

www.lindenwoodlearning.com

SAVE $160!

THE

SCOOP PARKING RESTROOMS WATER FOUNTAIN SHADE STROLLER-FRIENDLY PICNIC SHELTER

013!

Fall 2 g n i en Op

tics Orthodon Dr. Suzanne Bird is now accepting new orthodontic patients. Her new practice will be located across the street from her current practice of over five years in the Cedar Walk Development.

bracesbybird.com 704-544-5001 16614 Riverstone Way, Charlotte, NC 28277

46

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

Photos courtesy of Gary Black

os courtesy Gary Black

We’re Off to See the Wizard

BY KAREN M. ALLEY

I

n the 1970s, Beech Mountain was home to the Land of Oz theme park, a popular family destination with rides and attractions, including the infamous yellow brick road based on the classic book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. Eventually the park closed, but its spirit remained, and the owners decided to open it to the public once a year for a special celebration to help keep the magic of the Land of Oz alive.

The Autumn at Oz experience starts as soon as you walk through the gates decorated with “We’re Off to See the Wizard.” From there, you can immerse yourself in the entire Oz experience, starting with Uncle Henry’s farm and a replica of the house

that is lifted by the tornado.

The tour takes you through Dorothy’s house, where you experience a storm of your own in the tornado room.

After the storm, you find yourself in a crooked house, and then you walk out into Munchkin land, and just like Dorothy, you’re at the beginning of the yellow brick road.

The craggy trees that grow along the windblown mountainside make you feel just like Dorothy walking through the forest, in a land that looks somewhat like home and yet so different.

Along the way you meet the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Man and even the Wicked Witch of the West, ending up at the Emerald City, where the

Wizard is waiting.

The event also includes a tour through the Land of Oz museum, as well as a village where you’ll find food vendors, live music, and face painting and a petting zoo for the kids.

“People who came to the Land of Oz when it was a theme park bring their

IF YOU GO

children and now their grandchildren, passing on stories and sharing traditions,” says Frances Leidy, co-owner and event operator. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Autumn at Oz party, taking place Oct. 5- 6, and it promises to be a special event.

Autumn at Oz, October 5-6 Beech Mountain autumnatoz.com 828-387-9283 Ticket prices: $20 in advance, $30 at the door, children under 2 free. VIP tickets are $50.

Autumn at Oz isn’t your only opportunity to visit the Land of Oz. Though it is a private property, it is available for events and rentals during the year. Contact Emerald Mountain Realty at 828-387-2000 or emeraldmtn.com.

Experiencing Oz

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

47

B U S I N E S S

D I R E C T O R Y PA RTIES

Wish Upon A St r Children’s Parties • Look-A-Likes

D E L I V E R Y

F R E E

• PRINCESSES • BALLOONS • CLOWNS • FACE PAINTING • TATTOOS • MAGIC • SUPERHEROES

We Come to YOU!

SLIDES, OBSTACLE COURSE, JOUST ARENA, HOTDOG STEAMERS

704-649-1936

704-780-4300

Prices starting at $150.00 for 6 hours

www.wishuponastarparties.com

Avoid the Chaos with Private Birthday Parties

About Town Ponies

Giant Inflatables, Free Arcade, Air Hockey, Mini Golf and Pizza

Mobile Pony Parties

Call Angie: 704-441-3823

Like us on

www.abouttownponies.com

PSSST–

... join the club! advertising@charlotteparent.com

e m o c l e Wto the Charlotte Parent family!

Open Play, 9am-12pm, Wednesday-Friday 1641 Matthews Township Parkway, beside Fuddruckers

704-321-0059 www.spacekidets.com

dvertisers and tell them you saw their ad in Charlotte Parent!

Support local a Carolina BalloonFest City of Monroe Hodges Dairy Farm & Pumpkin Patch Hunter Berry Farm PMA Pineville Parks & Recreation Rural Hill Sky Top Apple Orchard The Baby Grocery Store

48

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

B U S I N E S S

peace preschool

D I R E C T O R Y INS T R U C T IO N

VOICE LESSONS WITH ÉOW YN

Looking for a preschool where children love to learn?

AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING IN-HOME SERVICE

9am - 1pm, Monday - Friday children From 18 months to 5 years drop by or call for an appointment

K-12 TUTORING / WE COME TO YOU! 704-594-9934 704-333-8113 MECKLENBURG, UNION, CABARRUS, GASTON, YORK

4418 Rea Road, Charlotte 704.927.1687

www.clubztutoring.com

www. mypeacepreschool.com

Reading Specialist Dawn Petalino 704-302-4884 or email: alchemytutoring@yahoo.com

Changing Lives One Child at a Time Reading Specialist Master’s, Orton-Gillingham educated

Jr Scientist

TM

Hands on Science Classes for Children 4-10 Birthday Parties Professional Development 704-942-8817 • missava@jrscientist.com

CLASSES FOR AGES 18 MONTHS - AGE 6

“I teach in-home voice lessons for all ages with a passion for young singers.” t I obtained a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi t My numerous professional performances have included lead roles in Fiddler on the Roof, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, Mozart’s Così fan tutte t I offer a free evaluation and short lesson on our first visit Preparing students for college music departments, choral groups, auditions or those who simply desire to be a better singer. ÉOWYN MELARAGNO VOICE STUDIO

eowyn.morrow@gmail.com

864.680.6132

Piano & Violin Lessons Private & In-Home Ballantyne Studio Group Piano Courses Ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 & 13-Adult

Now REgISTERINg foR

FALL CLASSES! We also do BIRTHDAY PARTIES for ages 2-5!

See your ad in this space next month.

custom tailored one-on-one lessons student concerts and recitals, no fee to participate experienced staff money back guarantee flexible scheduling on-site receptionist for the best possible customer service

www.charlottejrgym.com • 704-333-3242

704.344.1980

10046-G East Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105 704-708-8961 www.musicmatterscharlotte.com

T UT ORI NG

C H IL D C A R E

PRO F E S S IO NAL SERVIC ES

Located in Historic SouthEnd

cltjrgym@aol.com

FREE TRIAL LESSON!

NC Family Court Forms

Fast, Easy & Low Cost!

Reading Comprehension and fluency Critical and Essay writing

704-806-5431

readalotwritemore.com bigdoorllc@yahoo.com

Creative Writing Novel Studies Editing and revising assistance

Free referrals from a trusted source.

Alicia Williams · M.F.A.

in Writing · Arts Educator/ Master Teaching Artist

(704) 348-2181 www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ how-to/find-child-care/

Divorce Child Custody Name Change

Supported by the Mecklenburg County SelfServe Center

www.icandocs.org/nc CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

49

Getting Over Fear of the Unknown

I

think Sage and Brayden will be extra-ready for Halloween at the end of the month.

Recently they experienced a frightfully fun weekend night, A GOOD SPORT which left them

BY BRUCE SNYDER with smiles and goose bumps on their arms.

It all started one Saturday night. Our family had just gotten back from going food shopping. When we got into the house, the lights wouldn’t turn on. Neither would the TV. Not good. Red Sox-Yankees still had four innings to play, and on another channel football was going full-steam. Oh yeah, and the children’s channels were not an option.

The electricity was out for the entire area.

What would we do? It was getting dark, so reading and playing games were out of the question. Just then Charisse (my smarter half) had a great idea: Let’s tell spooky stories.

So with flashlights, everyone jumped on the bed. Sage started us off. Her story

about a ghost tangling with the Big Bad Wolf made my hair stand on end. Sage was very proud of her storytelling. Soon she and Brayden were riveted by my wife’s tale of a small town in trouble. They were stonecold silent during the climax. Brayden then insisted on taking his turn. I was surprised he understood what we were doing, but even more amazed that he came up with a story. It was about the letter “T” and stop signs, advanced stuff for a kid not yet 3.

Finally I talked about a giant running after Sage and Brayden. This exercise went on for about an hour. My two kids loved it. They listened, screamed, hid under the covers, laughed and generally decided they liked being afraid. This worked out so well no one even noticed the electricity was still off.

Finally it was time to hit the sack.

Sage asked if we could make telling spooky stories a Saturday night staple. I originally didn’t think this idea would have a ghost of a

Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, Oct. 13, 12 noon - 5 pm in beautiful downtown Waxhaw!

Grill’n Chill’n BBQ Cookoff

& Home Town Heroes Car Show Sunday, October 13 12 noon - 5 pm Over 75 cars on North Main

Above: Sage Snyder in costume, and right, her brother Brayden Snyder in a lion costume.

chance of being successful. But now I see I was just frightened by the unknown. A good lesson learned … just in time for Halloween.

Bruce Snyder is a longtime sportscaster who lives in Charlotte with his wife and two children.

“I saw it in charlotteparent!”

Did you find a camp? Attend an Open House? Hire a tutor?

Teams arrive Friday, October 11 Cookoff and Public Tasting Saturday, October 12 Cookoff 11 am - 1 pm Public Tasting 1:30 - 4:30 pm Awards Ceremony 5 pm

Arts and Crafts Festival Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 12 noon- 5 pm Over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors on Main, musical entertainment stage, food court, and free Kidz Zone with inflatables, rock climbing wall, trackless train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, kids crafts and more!

50

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

We are your parenting resource, in print, online and on-the-go, so please tell our advertisers you saw them in charlotteparent!

“Creating Beautiful, Healthy Smiles That Change Lives” Orthodontics for the entire family

Alexis Gonzalez Miss Lake Norman 2013

Photo by Lenn Long

Patient of Drs. Burrow & Case

TREAT-O-WEEN Specializing in the treatment of children, teens and adults Growth-monitoring Orthodontics Pre-orthodontic Tooth Guidance Pre-prosthetic Orthodontics Habit appliances TMJ Therapy Convenient state-of-the-art offices

October 31, 6-8 PM Center Court TRICK-OR-TREAT AT SELECT RETAILERS ROCK OUT TO RADIO DISNEY CHARLOTTE’S MONSTOBER HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY HAUNTED HALLOWEEN CRAFTS CHANCES TO WIN GREAT PRIZES!

2711 Randolph Road, Suite 600 • Charlotte, NC 28207 704-334-7202 7922 Rea Road, Suite A • Charlotte, NC 28277 704-334-7204

11025 Carolina Place Parkway, North Carolina

carolinaplace.com

www.charlotteorthodontists.com CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

51

CAROLINAsmiles

More cute pictures from our readers. We love seeing the smiles.

Send your smiles to Photos@CharlotteParent.com. Include the child’s first and last name, and age.

Non-professional photos only. Photos must be high-resolution.

52

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com

CharlotteParent.com | OCTOBER 2013

C

D

OCTOBER 2013

|

CharlotteParent.com