SPRING 2013
LKN parents SERVING FAMILIES IN NORTH MECKLENBURG, CABARRUS & IREDELL COUNTIES
SPRING into
ACTION!
...with gymnastics
42 FAMILY THINGS TO DO • NATURE HIKES • EGG HUNTS • CONSIGNMENT SALES
5
KIDS TRI
it OUT
Tips for SUMMER CAMP
Triathlon fun in Lake Norman
LKN parents in this issue 1
From the Publisher
2
Flip, Flop & FLY!
3
Camp Talk
4
Tri it Out
6
Spring Calendar
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A
s we spring into a new year at LKN Parents, I am excited about all the changes afoot. Our first edition inside Charlotte Parent magazine, will reach twice as many families in the Lake Norman area with updated parenting advice, local resources and fun things to do. And we will continue to deliver the targeted local information parents love. We think you’ll love our new blog by Davidson mom, Amy Salvatore Reiss, too. With her two girls in tow, she will share a mom’s life in Lake Norman with family-friendly excursions, and a few best-kept secrets to explore. Look for it on LKNParents.com this spring. Spring is also the time to get active and try new things with your kids. Our resident triathlete, Katy LeGrand, takes a look at kids’ triathlons and offers helpful tips on getting your little athlete into the bike, swim and run fun at upcoming local events in Huntersville. Or try a triathlon camp! Speaking of camp... it’s time to get a plan for your kids this summer. We’ve got tips to help you make those important decisions for your little camper. From camps to gymastics to triathlons, we’ll help you keep your family running, jumping, swimming and playing this spring.
PUBLISHER Eve White ART DIRECTOR Susannah Carpenter SALES Jen Byrum Adrian Garson Stephanie Hoffman Leslie Shinn CONTACT US Advertising@LKNparents.com 704-344-1980 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302 Charlotte, NC 28203 LKNparents.com LKN Parents reserves the right to reject any advertisement of 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.
lknsmiles FIONA
CARTER
CARTER
CONNOR
ELLISYN
spring 2013 | LKNparents.com
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, p i l f FLOP
&FLY!
BY AMY SALVATORE REISS
A
young girl approaches the uneven bars, her calm expression conveying a maturity that seems greater than her 9 years. A small smile and she begins her routine, a dizzying array of flips and releases, handstands and transitions from one bar to the next. Think you’re at an Olympic event? Not exactly. Walk into any gym in the Lake Norman area and you’re bound to catch this display of athleticism, strength and poise, even from the youngest competitors. Gymnastics participation is growing at a rapid rate in our area, and research shows the sport offers numerous benefits for children. Physically, gymnastics improves balance, flexibility, power, agility and rhythm. It offers a brain boost as well, teaching kids how to maintain attention and sustain concentration. Finally, it’s a confidence builder, with classes providing opportunities to make friends and enhance social skills. “Gymnastics is a comprehensive program that is developmental for athletes,” says Cayce Putnam, recreational gymnastics and tumbling manager at White Lightning in Huntersville. “The level progressions that are followed establish cognitive, social, and physical development of our athletes. Gymnastics has the ability to build an athlete’s self-esteem and confidence, while
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LKNparents.com | spring 2013
teaching sportsmanship, discipline and focus on the sport and to the team.” But don’t believe that it’s all work and no play. “Gymnastics is also fun for our athletes! They enjoy coming to the gym and spending time with their friends, all while building social skills and staying physically fit,” says Putnam. Part of the appeal of gymnastics is that children, regardless of gender, can begin classes as early as age 2. Mollie Gaby’s daughter Jessica began at age 4. Now 8 years old, Jessica takes the bus from Davidson Elementary to the Lake Norman YMCA in Cornelius three afternoons a week for practices. “The best thing about it is that it’s great exercise,” says Gaby. “They’re running, doing conditioning, working on strength and flexibility. After a long day at school, I love that she’s getting her energy out in that kind of setting.” It’s also helped bring Jessica, normally a shy child, out of her shell. The Lake Norman Y has a program pairing the girls into big sister/little sister relationships on the team, and the friendships that have ensued have boosted Jessica’s self-confidence. Of course, there are caveats. Though Jessica loves the sport, she’s suffered two injuries
this year, a fractured elbow and a sprained toe. There’s also the time commitment to consider. In addition to the six hours of practice weekly, there are the monthly meets that Jessica competes in - some as close as Charlotte, others as far away as Georgia. Gaby estimates her daughter competes in a meet a month, and that means not just time, but money. So in addition to monthly fees for classes, their family shells out dollars for registrations, hotel accomodations and extras such as warm-up suits. For them, it’s worth it. “She loves the competition and doesn’t care if she wins or loses - she has fun.” Amy Salvatore Reiss is a freelance writer who lives in Davidson and is the mother of two young girls.
The 2nd Annual Everest Classic will take place March 9-10 at Hough High School in Cornelius, with nearly 400 athletes expected from gyms all over the Southeast. For more information, visit everest-gym.com.
Camp Talk
Flexible, affordable childcare
It’s time to start thinking about camp! Summer day camps fill up quickly this time of year, so if you want your child to get into a favorite camp or attend a specific session, then it’s time to make arrangements. For many parents, however, there are still some questions about which camp is the right fit. Here are a few things to consider as you navigate the many camp choices available in the Lake Norman area and beyond.
Is your child ready?
Day campers can start as young as 4 years old and day camp is a good place to start. Consider overnight camp for kids 7 and older. But every child is different, so use your judgement and talk with your child before making decisions about camp.
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.
Which camp is right?
Day camps offer a variety of specialty themes from baseball to ballet, and sailing to science, but there are also traditional camps. These programs have a variety of activities each day. Let your child help choose, so he feels a part of the decision.
Contact Rebecca Peplinski at 704-942-0729
Rebecca.Peplinski@rep.culturalcare.com
http://pages.culturalcare.com/peplinski/
What about the cost?
Depending on the length, theme and location, parents will find costs vary greatly. Consider a church-sponosored camp or half-day program for low-cost day camp options.
Half or full-day camps?
Depending on your needs and the age of your camper, choose from half-, full- or extended-day programs offered. Extended days are perfect for working parents who must drop off and pick up children before or after office hours.
Where is it located?
Consider whether you will drive longer distances for a specialty camp your child really wants, or if a camp close to home or near work might be more convenient. Verify pick-up and drop-off times to ensure you can arrive on time. No kid wants to be the last camper waiting at the end of the day. LKN
View a full listing of local camps at CharlotteParent.com/ camps
Mountain Island Day School
A Private Christian School
Now enrolling for the
2013-2014 school year TK-8th grade
*We add a grade each year until 12th grade
704-391-5516
WWW.MIDSCHOOL.ORG
spring 2013 | LKNparents.com
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Tri it Out!
K
ids love to ride a bike, swim and run as fast as they can. So, why not give a triathlon a try? The challenge of embarking on a new activity can be scary and exciting for your child, but with your help it will be a fun and rewarding experience. This year, you could even make it a family affair. Register, gear up and train together in Lake Norman this spring and summer. The tips below will help you encourage your child to dive into this amazing sport.
GO THE DISTANCE Children won’t be going great distances in a kids’triathlon, but they will hit the water, ride the bike, and run to the finish line. For example, at the Birkdale Animal Hospital Kids’ Triathlon, located at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, kids ages 4 to 6 swim 25 yards, and they can even use a
Bike, swim and run in Lake Norman
kickboard. They bike for .3 miles and then, run for 100 yards. The older kids swim 50-200 yards, ride 1-2 miles and run up to 1 mile, based on their age group. Parents and volunteers are always there to help kids transition and cheer them on.
TEAM UP Use training exercises and games as bonding time with your little athlete. If your child sees you getting excited about training, they will share in that excitement. Kathy Goody, triathlon trainer at Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, stresses the importance of training with friends. “Swim teams, bike rides with friends, and running through games with friends are great.” She adds, “The sport is exciting, and just when you get tired of swimming, it is time to bike, then run. If you keep it fun, the kids love it.”
BY KATY LEGRAND
GO SHOPPING Picking out equipment adds another element of fun to the sport. Kids love to get new things, so let your child be involved in the process of buying new gear for her first triathlon. Stores like TrySports carry all the essentials. Many items like goggles, shoelaces, water bottles and running shorts come in a variety of colors so your child can be decked out with personalized gear. Jennifer Riordan, the health and wellness director at Lake Norman YMCA says, “The health benefits of swimming, cycling and running are obvious, but the central focus of a kid’s triathlon is to be fun. Being active should be fun so it encourages a lifetime of physical activity.” Katy LeGrand is the editorial assistant at Charlotte Parent and a triathlete.
QUICK TRIATHLON TIPS FOR KIDS ARRIVE EARLY. Help your child set up his
gear. Triathlons can be overwhelming and this preparation gives your child a chance to relax before the start of the race WARM UP WITH A SWIM. Triathlons start with the swimming portion, so have your child swim around before the race begins. BE SAFE. Have your child wear sunglasses on the bike. Even if it’s not a sunny day, glasses protect the eyes from the wind.
Be sure your child has a proper fitting bike helmet and good running shoes. PRACTICE TRANSITIONS. The bike to the run portion is tough. Coach your child to start with a shorter stride on the run and remind her take it easy and relax. This will help her overcome the transition with ease. FOCUS ON FUN. Pretend you are racing for the gold medal or breaking a world record. Keep the spirit of the game in mind and it will be more fun for everyone.
Tri Tri Again! Birkdale Animal Hospital Kids Triathlon Series
Apr. 24, May 16, June 13, July 18 Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics hffa.com
Lake Norman Kids Triathlon Aug. 17 YMCA-Lake Norman ymcacharlotte.org
Lake Norman YMCA Kid’s Triathlon Camp
July 8-12, July 15-19, July 29-Aug 2 Lake Norman YMCA ymcacharlotte.org
HFFA Triathlon Camps for kids
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June 10-14, June 18-22, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 1-19, July 22-26 Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics hffa.com
LKNparents.com | spring 2013
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704.949.2200 spring 2013 | LKNparents.com
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spring calendar EGG HUNTS & EASTER FUN SATURDAY, MARCH 23 EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA
Enjoy live music, Fairy Tail Trail, face painting, balloon magic and more. FREE. 2-5pm. Cornelius Road Park, 247 Cornelius Road, Mooresville. 704-799-4281. ci.mooresville.nc.us.
HOP INTO SPRING
A visit from Peter Cottontail and activity stations. FREE. 2-4pm. Bailey Road Park, 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius. 704-892-6031. cornelius.org.
LATTA PLANTATION EASTER EGG HUNT
WHAT TO DO IN MARCH SUNDAY, MARCH 3 SPRING FAMILY FUN HIKE. Investigate the early signs of spring in a walk through the nature preserve. FREE. 3:30-4:30pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 5226 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com. THURSDAY, MARCH 14 MUDDY BOOTS CLUB. A hiking club for kids to explore nature and have fun! WEEKLY Receive a nature journal to record discoveries in and take home. Meets Thursdays through May 23. 4-6 years; 7-10 years. $3. 1:30-3pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 5226 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 ‘TAWBA WALK ART CRAWL. Sponsored by the Town of Cornelius PARC Department, features the very best of the local community with vendors, shopping and performances showcasing the best of Cornelius. All ages. FREE. 6-10pm. Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St, Cornelius. cornelius.org. SUNDAY, MARCH 16-17 LATTA CELTIC FESTIVAL. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and learn about Celtic people throughout history. Enjoy live music, Celtic vendors, and food. $5-$7. 10am-4pm. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 YOUNG EXPLORER SERIES: WORMS. Discover nature with your little one WEEKLY through stories, crafts, and activities related to the theme. 2-3 years. Meets Wednesdays through May 15. $3. 10:15-11am. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 5226 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.
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Visit the farm animals, enjoy live music, meet the Easter Bunny. Registration required. Email egghunt@lattaplantation.org to register. 1-10 years. $5. 10am-2pm. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.
RURAL HILL EASTER EGG HUNT
Bring out the entire family for a day of egg hunts, spoon races and more. All ages. Registration required. FREE. 10am-2pm. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 704-875-3113. ruralhill.net.
SPRING INTO APRIL FUN APRIL 1-5 SPRING BREAK DROP-IN ART. Themes will include nature, flowers and all things Spring! 2-12 years. $6/child 1st hour; $4/ child 2nd hour. 10am-2pm. Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. 704-896-8823. cornelius.org/parc. THURSDAY, APRIL 4 SCHOOL’S OUT! LET’S GO FISHING. Meet at the waterfront picnic area parking lot. Talk about fish and what makes them unique, then go fishing on Mountain Island Lake. 5-12 years. $4. 10am-12pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com. APRIL 4-7 FOOD LION AUTO FAIR. The world’s largest automotive extravaganza brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces and a kids’ play zone. $10; Free for children 13 and under. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 800-455-3267. charlottemotorspeedway.com. MONDAY, APRIL 8 YOUNG SCIENTIST SERIES: EINSTEIN ADVENTURES, ADVENTURES IN GRAVITY. Learn more about Einstein and discover what gravity is all about. 3-5 years. $3. 10am-11am. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com. THURSDAY, APRIL 11 PRESCHOOL NATURE CLUB: EXPLORATION IN WEEKLY ECOLOGY. Habitat and Web of Life Preschoolers will become soil investigators as they learn about soil each week with stories, games, games and activities. Meets Thursdays through May 23. 4-6 years. $3. 10am-11:30am. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com. SATURDAY, APRIL 13 ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP CRAWL. Learn more about upcoming 2013 Summer Camps including arts, special needs, sports camps. 4-18 years. FREE. 9am-12pm. Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. 704-896-8823. cornelius.org/parc.
APRIL 13-15 DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENTS “TREASURE ISLAND.” Meet Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, and a host of unforgettable characters as they engage in swashbuckling sword fights and hide mysterious secrets while searching for hidden treasure. All ages. $10. Fri. 7pm; Sat./Sun. 1pm and 4pm. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. 704-892-7953. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
spring 2013 | LKNparents.com
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GO CONSIGNMENT CRAZY! MARCH 6-9
KAT’S KID SALE FREE. Rosedale Shopping Center, 13015 Rosedale Hill Ave., Huntersville. katskidsale.com.
MARCH 9
THE POSH CLOSET CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE FREE. Kenton Place, 17111 Kenton Drive, Cornelius. 704-299-3097. theposhclosetsale.com.
MARCH 13-16
SAIL AGAIN CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE FREE. The Palace at Kenton Place, 8325 Copley Place, Cornelius. 704-765-2117. sailagainlkn.com.
MARCH 15-16
ASSURANCE UMC CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE FREE. Assurance UMC, 9700 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville. 704-391-9567. assuranceumc.org.
APRIL 20 WETLAND WALK. Explore the wetland, catch newts and tadpoles, search for frogs, and more! All ages. FREE. 3pm-4pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center at Cowan’s Ford Wildlife Refuge Entrance, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-1391. parkandrec.com.
APRIL 20-21 RURAL HILL SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND LOCH NORMAN HIGHLAND GAMES. The annual family-oriented event offers something for everyone. All ages. $7-$25. Sat 8am-10pm; Sun 8am-5pm. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 704-8753113. ruralhillscottishfestivals.net.
MARCH 23
CHILDREN’S SPRING CONSIGNMENT FREE. Denver UMC, 3910 U.S. Hwy. 16 N., Denver. 704-483-1601. denvermethodist.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 FAMILY FARM DAY AT LATTA. Enjoy animal presentations throughout the day, farming demonstrations, crafts, and a kids’ hands-on chore area where kids can milk the cow, churn butter, gather eggs, try the water bucket relay, and pull a wooden sled. All ages. $5-$7; Children under 5 free. 10am-4pm. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. lattaplantation.org.
BARK IN THE PARK.
A festival for dogs and the people they own. All ages. Free. 10am-4pm. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 704-875-3113. ruralhill.net.
LKNparents.com | spring 2013
TERI KIDZ CONSIGNMENT FREE. 314 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville. terikidzconsign.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 CHRISTIAN MUSIC JAM FESTIVAL. Join the first annual christian music and art festival, featuring local bands free carnival games and rides. $5. 1-6pm. Mooresville High School Stadium, 659 E. Center Ave., Mooresville. mooresvillechristianmission.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
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MARCH 17-23
APRIL 17-20 GREEN JEANS CONSIGNMENT
FREE. 17105 Kenton Drive, Cornelius. 704-351-5082. greenjeanssale.com.
MORE TO DO IN MAY FRIDAY, MAY 3 BRAVE: MOVIES IN THE PARK. Bring the family, and don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets to watch Brave on a 20-by-25-foot big screen. Come early for pre-movie entertainment, free popcorn, drinks and giveaways. Movies at dusk. FREE. North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. SATURDAY, MAY 4 DAVIDSON TOWN DAY 2013. If you’re looking for a way to get outside and celebrate springtime in Davidson, then be sure you stop by Town Day, Davidson’s annual community celebration, for food, fun, fellowship and much more! Noon. FREE. 704-940-9622. ci.davidson.nc.us SATURDAY, MAY 11 COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Mooresville Christian Mission is having a large warehouse sale featuring decorations, furniture, kids’ clothes, auto supplies, exercise equipment, household items, books and more. 8-11:45am. FREE. mooresvillechristianmission.org. SATURDAY, MAY 18 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES. Racing fans gather to see the stars of NASCAR do battle on stock car racing’s all-star night. All ages. $49-$89. 7:30pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord. charlottemotorspeedway.com
Christian Montessori School at Lake Norman Piano, Guitar and Drum Lessons
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
The Lake Norman Community Youth Choir for ages 7-11 starting in February Music lessons for ages 4 to adult Small Group Concept Now Enrolling for Current Classes + Spring Semester begins in February Summer classes also offered Started in 2000 by Valerie Kasmir —
over 25 years experience in the music field
412 Armour Street Davidson, NC 28036
704-894-0002 n www.lessonsonthelake.com
Whimsical Wardrobe Upscale Children’s & Maternity Consignment Boutique
Wherever you’re coming from...We’re worth the Drive!
•
www.whimsical-wardrobe.com find us on
Schedule a tour today! Call 704-875-1801
ChristianMontessoriSchool.org