LKN Parents Summer 2013 by Charlotte Parent

LKN parents

SUMMER 2013

SERVING FAMILIES IN NORTH MECKLENBURG, CABARRUS & IREDELL COUNTIES

SUMMER

CAMP PREP TIPS ...things you need to know before they go

Top spots for LKN FUN IN THE SUN

Swim SAFETY

www.npdsmiles.com

ANT ORAL EXAMS FREE INF Ages 0-24 months

Now Accepting New Patients Saturday Appointments Available

Brandi R. Jackson, DDS, MS

704-895-6445

11223 DaVinci Drive, Davidson, NC 28036

LKN parents SERVING FAMILIES IN NORTH MECKLENBURG, CABARRUS & IREDELL COUNTIES

in this issue 1 2 4 5 7 8 12

Short Stuff Last-Minute Camp Tips Dad Rocks Summer Fun in Lake Norman Life Guards Summer Calendar LKN Smiles PUBLISHER Eve White

ART DIRECTOR

Christian Montessori School at Lake Norman 14101 Stumptown Rd. Huntersville, NC

Christian Montessori classrooms for infants through sixth grade. Infant 6 weeks -12 months Toddler 18 months – 3 years Primary 3-6 years old Elementary Grades 1 – 6 Before and After School Summer Programs

Schedule a tour today! Call 704-875-1801

ChristianMontessoriSchool.org

Susannah Carpenter

AD DESIGNER Wade Baker

CALENDAR EDITOR Katy LeGrand

SALES

Jen Byrum Adrian Garson Leslie Shinn advertising@lknparents.com

LKN Parents reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standard. Submissions are welcome, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. LKN Parents does not endorse or assume responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproducing in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2013 by Carolina Parenting, Inc.

short stuff

WIN

CAMPING WITH THE OWLS!

Join the volunteers and friends of the Carolina Raptor Center for the Great American Backyard Campout on June 22. Roast marshmallows, play games and enjoy the great outdoors. Registration is $44 and closes on June 20. Visit carolinaraptorcenter.org for more details.

SUMMER BRAIN DRAIN REMEDY Keep them reading this summer with these books. “Fancy Nancy: Fanciest Doll in the Universe” by Jane O’Connor. Fancy Nancy is upset when her sister, JoJo gives her favorite doll a permanent marker tattoo! To lift her spirits, Nancy’s mother takes her to a fancy doll party where even more drama ensues. Ages 4-8. $17.99. “Chamelia and the New Kid in Class” by Ethan Long. Chamelia is always the center of attention at school until a new kid steals the spotlight. Chamelia learns the hard way to share the attention and what it means be a true friend and play a supporting role. Ages 3-6. $16.99. “Horten’s Incredible Illusions” by Lissa Evans. Stuart Horten is solving mysteries again in this sequel and trying to track down his uncle’s will by following clues disguised as magic tricks. When his quest transports him far from home he gains the extra challenge of solving even trickier puzzles to return. Ages 8 and up. $14.95.

these UV Skins! Go to LKNParents.com for details.

SUNBURN BE GONE!

Putting sunscreen on your kids before they go out to the lake or pool is important, but kids want to get out there in a hurry! Save time with UVSkinz apparel, with UPF 50+ built right in. Sun protection has never been easier! Check out the full line of products at uvskinz.com.

WATERMELON SLICE POPSICLE TREATS • Watermelon slices, cut to 1-inch thick triangular shapes • Popsicle sticks For an easy, fun take on the yummy watermelon slice, insert a popsicle stick into the rind! It makes clean up a breeze. Kids love it! You can also freeze the slice popsicles for a chilly, refreshing treat. Find more recipes at watermelon.org.

summer 2013 | LKNparents.com

5 LAST- 1

MINUTE

CAMP

TIPS BY KATY LEGRAND

reparation is key when it comes to sending your child off to an overnight camp. But you’ve been busy, you’ve put things off and suddenly you realize it’s time to get packing! Never fear, we have some last minute tips to ensure your child will have everything he or she needs to be well prepared for camp this summer.

LKNparents.com | summer 2013

PACK IT UP

Most camps will provide a packing list with all the essentials. Be sure to double check the list, and if you didn’t get one, check the camp website or give the camp director a call. Pay attention to items that are not permitted as well. Many camps discourage electronics of any kind.

LABEL EVERYTHING

HAVE A GETAWAY PLAN

CHECK THE DRESS CODE

FILL OUT THE FORMS

We mean everything! Clothes, shampoo, toothbrush, flashlight … there is no limit to what you can label. This way your child will be able to tell his things from his campmates. Label items with your child so he will know what to look for on his belongings. No lost and found for you!

In most cases, it is harder for the parent to say goodbye than it is for the child. Give your child a detailed plan and stick to it. For example, go with your camper to the cabin and help make up her bed, then say goodbye and encourage her to go play and discover what the camp has to offer. Don’t linger, it will only make it harder for both of you!

Some camps require all girls to wear a one-piece bathing suit for water sports and swimming, or require shorts of a certain length. Don’t let your child miss out on camp fun just because she doesn’t have appropriate attire. This goes for shoes, too. Sneakers are a must. Kids can’t go hiking, climbing and biking in flip-flops or sandals.

All medical forms and waivers need to be filled out by the time your child arrives at camp. Also pack any medication you camper may need and check with the camp to see what the protocol is for distributing medication and where prescriptions medicines are stored. Leave detailed instructions.

CAMP GEAR

Scrubba Washbag provides a portable, free and eco-friendly way to wash clothes at summer camp or while traveling this summer. Just add water, cleaning solution and clothes to the lightweight, compact wash bag, then roll the top down and clip the ends shut. Rub clothing against Scrubba’s internal washboard for a few minutes and rinse with fresh water for clean clothes on the go. $59.99, thescrubba.com. As you send the kids off to camp or with babysitters this summer, consider downloading Kid Notice, a new iPhone app that extends your child’s “in case of emergency” profile information to counselors and other caretakers — by invitation only. If something goes wrong and you can’t be reached, Kid Notice provides the information caregivers need to respond quickly and intelligently. Free. kidnotice.com.

Need last minute summer camp options for your child?

Charlotte Parent is in full camp mode! Visit our ONLINE CAMP FAIR for 500+ local summer camp options. CharlotteParent.com/camps

Academics Arts & Music

There’s something for every camper!

Drama

Equestrian

Sports

Cheer/Dance

Overnight

o Traditi

nal Special Nee

summer 2013 | LKNparents.com

DADrocks! BY BETH SHUGG

Giddy-up Daddy! by cartoonist Troy Cummings (Random House, $16.99) follows a dad who loves to play “horsey” with his kids. They gallop to a rodeo, circus, polo match, racetrack and even Canada. Despite a couple of rustlers who lure Dad away with sugar cubes, he makes it back home with the kids safely on his back. Hardcover. Ages 3-6.

Dad may complain his wallet is too thin, but with a high-tech HuMn wallet, it won’t be due to lack of funds. Flat and no larger than a credit card, HuMn wallets can be configured with one, two or three powder-coated aluminum plates that have a steel fastener and flat, elastic shock strap, so it takes up less room in his pocket and protects credit and ID cards from being scanned. Customizable and available in a variety of colors, HuMn wallets are also great for teens. Prices start at $78. humnwallet.com

Dad will love dressing baby in K. Ellis Kids’ Daddy Rocks Onesie, available online only. Made from 100 percent cotton, this rockin’ onesie comes in sizes from infant to18 months. $20. kelliskids.us/onesies

parenting toolbox All Pro Dad by Mark Merrill (Thomas Nelson, $16.99) lays out seven essentials for effective fatherhood. Founder and president of Family First, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening family, Merrill offers a game plan that teaches dads the fundamentals of fatherhood, how to understand who they are and what their purpose is, how to serve as a role model to their children and how to take control.

LKNparents.com | summer 2013

Summer Fun Ideas in Lake Norman BY KATY LEGRAND

ENERGYEXPLORIUM The Duke Energy Energy Explorium is a place for kids to enjoy a self-directed learning environment focused on energy and electricity. This fascinating subject is presented with interactive exhibits that will provide tons of entertainment for the whole family. After you are done exploring, you can visit Lake Norman by backpacking along a mile-long nature trail. 13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville. duke-energy.com.

Flexible, affordable childcare

LAKE NORMAN STATE PARK With a host of activities, Lake Norman State Park is the perfect place for a little stay-cation. Get together with some friends and rent a boat for a day on the lake and a swim for a small fee or enjoy the campgrounds, trails and picnic areas for free. 159 Inland Sea Lane, Troutman. ncparks.gov.

ZOOTASTIC PARK If you have a young animal lover on your hands then stopping by Zootastic Park this summer is a must! Meet all kinds of animals in the animal barns and see some more unique creatures in the exotic animal facilities. If one day is not enough, Zootastic Park also has camps for junior zookeepers. 448 Pilch Road, Troutman. zootasticpark.com.

DISCOVERY PLACE KIDS Just because it is summer does not mean kids should stop learning. Take them to Discovery Place Kids so they can learn and have fun at the same time. The museum features various play areas with water, coloring, and shows. Check the website for more details and featured events. 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville. discoveryplacekids.org.

Cultural Care Au Pair childcare gives you: • 45 hours per week of live-in childcare • Affordable childcare customized to your family’s needs • Loving one-on-one attention for your children • Exposure to a different language and culture • Local support during your program experience • Worldwide office staff, on-call 24 hours a day Average Cost $355 week per family. Multiples/Military Discounts Available.

Contact Rebecca Peplinski at 704-942-0729

Rebecca.Peplinski@rep.culturalcare.com

http://pages.culturalcare.com/peplinski/

summer 2013 | LKNparents.com

Davidson Day School Davidson Day School

Confident Independent Thinking Confident Independent Thinking

◀

Speaking Mandarin Chinese Speaking Mandarin Chinese

◀ Compassionate Heart Compassionate Heart

◀

Hands on Science

ZACH ZACH

Davidson School Nurturesthe theWHOLE WHOLE Child Child Davidson DayDay School Nurtures Nurturing and Caring Staff Science Experience Small Small ClassClass SizeSize • Nurturing and Caring Staff • Science LabLab Experience Physical Education Class Mandarin Chinese Class Music Class Physical Education Class • Mandarin Chinese Class • Music Class

creating independentthinkers thinkers who can We We areare creating independent can chart their own pathsinincollege collegeand and life. life. chart their own paths

704-237-5229 704-237-5229www.davidsonday.org www.davidsonday.org

LKNparents.com | summer 2013

Life GUARDS Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping kids safe around water

ny source of water can pose a drowning risk to children — even buckets, toilets and small “kiddie” pools. But backyard pools pose a special danger. Consider this scary statistics: For every child who dies from drowning in a pool, another 10 receive emergency department care for nonfatal incidents that can cause brain damage and permanent disabilities. Most young children who drown were out of sight less than five minutes and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. “The best advice I can give parents is to constantly be aware of their surroundings and of their children’s actions in and around the water,” says Kristen Bullock, aquatics director at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics. “A harmless situation can very easily and quickly progress to a dangerous one. Children need to learn to swim, but even then constant supervision is required.” Water safety experts offer these tips:

opular media might have you imagining that when a child gets in trouble in the water, there’s a lot of splashing and thrashing and calls for help. The opposite is actually true; a child slips underwater and silently drowns.

1. BE VIGILANT There should always be someone specifically designated to watch the children in or near the water. Especially at family gatherings and parties, never assume someone else is keeping an eye on the kids. Others may be assuming the same thing, leaving the children unsupervised.

2. BE ATTENTIVE When watching children in the pool, you should not partake in any other distracting activity such as reading, talking on the phone, texting, or doing outdoor chores. Watching the children should be your only task to avoid distraction.

3. PUT AN ADULT IN CHARGE Never leave a small child alone or in the care of another child while in the pool. When a young child or inexperienced swimmer is in or around water, always be within arm’s length. If you need to leave the water area, even for a few seconds, take the children with you.

4. BE SAFE Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys such as water wings, pool noodles or inner-tubes as safety devices. These are toys and are not designed to keep swimmers safe.

5. LEARN CPR In the time it might take for lifeguards or paramedics to arrive, your CPR skills could make a difference in someone’s life. Starting CPR immediately can help reduce the chance of brain damage, for example.

6. SEARCH SMART If your child is missing, search the pool or areas with water first. Every second counts if a child is in danger of drowning. Kiki Bochi is a freelance writer from Florida.

summer 2013 | LKNparents.com

SUMMER CALENDAR FRIDAY, JUNE 2 HFFA OPEN SWIM. Get fit, have fun and challenge each other to complete the most laps. Review HFFA’s pool policies prior to swimming. Must pre-register at Charlotteparent.com/ fitfamilychallenge to get Free Class Pass. 1-4pm. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff Drive. 704-766-2222. hffa.com.

WENDESDAY, JUNE 12 CORNELIUS OUTDOOR CINEMA SERIES. Watch ParaNorman under the stars with family and friends! FREE. Kenton Place, 17105 Kenton Drive, Cornelius. 704-892-6031. cornelius.org.

june SATURDAY, JUNE 1 ANGELCARE PARENT’S NIGHT OUT. Three hours of quality childcare for children with special needs and their siblings, in a fun, safe environment with 1:1 volunteer care. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. $5-$10. 5:308:30pm. Bailey Road Recreation Center, 11900 Bailey Road, Cornelius. 704-892-6031. cornelius.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 KIDS TRIATHLON SERIES. Sponsored by Birkdale Animal Hospital, this event was created to encourage youth to have fun staying active. Distances are age-appropriate for all children to succeed and have fun. $25-$30. 2pm. Ages 4-14. Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff Road, Huntersville. 704-766-2222. hffa.com. FRIDAY, JUNE 21 SUMMER POPS. Enjoy an evening filled with music by the Charlotte Symphony. $10. 8:15pm. All ages. Energy Explorium, 1339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville. 704.714-5112. charlottesymphony.org.

SCIENCE SATURDAY BOOK CLUB FOR KIDS. Discuss the book “Secret Science: 25 science experiments your teacher doesn’t know about” by Steve Spangler. 2pm. FREE. Davidson Public Library, 119 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-416-4000. cmlibrary.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME. Preschoolers engage with books, songs and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Ages 3-5. FREE. 10:15-10:45am. 704-416-4000. cmlibrary.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 10 OPEN VOLLEYBALL. Practice your volleyball skills with some friendly competition. $5. 5:30-7:30pm. Sally’s YMCA, 1601 Forney Creek Pkwy, Denver. 704-716-7300. ymcacharlotte.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 SYMPHONY IN THE PARK. Join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for Celebrate America with emcee Mike McKay of WDAV. Prelude by The Chad Lawson Trio. Fireworks following performance. Gates open 6pm. Concert at 8:15pm. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius.

LKNparents.com | summer 2013

OUTDOOR movies & music Summer fun in Lake Norman is about free concerts and outdoor movies* with your family and friends. Enjoy these free (or almost free) events around the area.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CORNELIUS OUTDOOR CINEMA SERIES 2013

704-892-6031 | cornelius.org/parc Bring your own blankets and chairs. Movies will be shown on an inflatable “blimp” screen. Weather permitting, begins at dusk (8:30pm approx.). Kenton Place, 17115 Kenton Drive June 12 • ParaNorman (PG) June 26 • Skyfall (Edited) (PG-13) July 10 • Here Comes the Boom (PG) July 24 • Hotel Transylvania (PG) Aug. 7 • The Avengers (PG-13) Aug. 21 • The Amazing Spiderman (PG-13) Ramsey Creek Park , 18441 Nantz Road June 22 • Men in Black 3 (PG-13) July 20 • Rise of the Guardians (PG) Aquesta Bank, 19510 Jetton Road Aug. 17 • Madagascar 3 (PG)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVIDSON CONCERTS ON THE GREEN

concertsonthegreen.com Bring the family and a picnic on the first and third Sundays through September, for free music on the Green, 6-8pm. June 2 • Lake Norman Big Band (Big Band/Swing) June 9 • Band of Oz (Beach Variety) June 16 • Pushh (Rock Variety) July 4 • The New Familiars (New Grass) July 7 • Da Throwback Band (70s Show Band) July 21 • Rusty Knox Band (Americana) Aug. 4 • Bobby Umber Band (Jazz Crooner) Aug.18 • Too Far Gone (Country) Sept. 1 • Backbeat (Beatles Tribute)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For other events and performances, see our daily listings. *Event dates and times, and movies or performers are subject to change. Please verify online or call before attending.

summer 2013 | LKNparents.com

SUMMER CALENDAR

july

SATURDAY, AUG. 17 LAKE NORMAN YMCA KID’S TRIATHLON EVENT Introduce your child to the world of triathlons with this race. Great for beginners! 704-716-4431. ymcacharlotte.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 4 DAVIDSON INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Free family concert with music by The New Familiars. Part of Concerts on the Green series. All ages. FREE. The Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. concertsonthegreen.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 4 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Come out for bike decorating, face painting, a clown parade, water fight between the fire stations, music, food, and a whole lot of fun! FREE. 10am1pm. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive Suite 206, Huntersville. huntersville.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 5 MUSIC ON MAIN: FANTASTIC SHAKERS. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a concert on the Town Hall lawn. FREE. 6:30pm. Mooresville Town Hall, 413 North Main St., Mooresville. 704-663-3800. mooresville.nc.us THURSDAY, JULY 11 TROUTMAN DEPOT FARMERS MARKET. Stop by and take advantage of fresh, local goods. FREE. 3:30-6:30pm. The Downtown Depot, 137 South Main Street, Troutman. 704-5287600. townoftroutman.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 13 PET ADOPTION DAY! If your family needs a furry friend to love, then come to this Iredell Humane Society event and find a new four-legged friend. Humane Society of Iredell Mooresville adoption center at Hwy. 150 West. 10am-4pm. 704-663-3330. iredellhumane.org. SUNDAY, JULY 21 CONCERTS ON THE GREEN: RUSTY KNOX BAND. Bring friends and family, a picnic blanket and chairs to enjoy amazing summer concerts on the Village Green. FREE. 6-8pm. The Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. concertsonthegreen.com.

LKNparents.com | summer 2013

august FRIDAY, AUG. 2 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. This ‘tale as old as time’ is a beloved fairy tale about two very different people finding strength in one another and learning to love. A great introduction to musical theatre. All ages. 7pm. $10-$15. Mooresville Community Children’s Theatre, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville. 704-662-3334. mooresvillechildrentheatre.org. SATURDAY, AUG. 10 14TH ANNUAL BACK-TOSCHOOL MONSTER TRUCK BASH. The most unique vehicles in motorsports return to The Dirt Track for head-tohead crushing competition with Brutus, War Wizard and more. Fun for the entire family. 6pm. 13 and under, $10; adult $25 in advance. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 800-455-3267. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 23 MOVIES IN THE PARK: HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Come early for some exciting premovie entertainment and giveaways. FREE. 6pm. North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 704-766-2220. moviesintheparkhuntersville.com. SATURDAY, AUG. 24

LAKE NORMAN HAS TALENT. Featuring local

performances by friends and neighbors. Fireworks immediately following awards ceremony. Gates open at 7pm. Submit applications and audition tapes to the Cornelius PARC Department, P.O. Box 399, Cornelius, 28031. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius. 704-892-6031 ext.192. cornelius.org. SATURDAY, AUG. 31 THE DAVIDSON FARMERS MARKET. Experience local food, sustainability education, chef demos, music and more. FREE. 8am-noon. Davidson Town Hall between Main and Jackson Streets, Davidson. 704-400-0880. davidsonfarmersmarket.org.

HYGIENITECH MATTRESS & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING and SANITIZING

There could be as many as 5 MILLION dust mites living in YOUR mattress! Stop sleeping with the enemy! Dust mites are a major cause, second only to pollen, of most allergies and problems like asthma, eczema, hay fever, bronchitis, sinus problems, itchy eyes and more.

GREEN CLEAN OF CHARLOTTE

no obligation, Schedule your free, tion test! tec de n tio contamina

www.GreenCleanOfCharlotte.com

704-453-4825

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