Crystal

crystal

nccOAST

December 2013

Business Woman of the

Year

Southern Style Traditional New Year’s Menu

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contents

features

14 26

12

The Annual Are yearly exams still required?

Dr. D’Andrea gives the update.

14

15

Ear Infection Treatment Evolves Doctors are making new recommendations for infants and ear infections.

19

Organizing Christmas New Bern organizer Peggy Barnes offers tips for getting the holidays in order.

20

Business Woman of the Year The annual awards were presented in October.

24

Greens & Beans New Year’s Day means a set menu for many in the South.

26

Going Green with the Holiday Greens Christmas tree recycling is easy thanks to Fort Macon State Park

Preventative Mastectomy Preventative surgery plunged into the spotlight with national stars making the decision to go under the knife.

regulars

19

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6 8 10 27 28 30

beginnings turn the page go figure purse strings day planner advertiser index

Creating Smiles for a Lifetime!

Todd H. Rankin DDS, PA Orthodontics for adults and children

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BEGINNINGS a coastal magazine for women Vol. 4, Issue #7 December 2013 Published by

NCCOAST 201 N. 17th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 252.247.7442 - 800.525.1403 Publisher

Diane Tyler Managing Editor

Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com) Staff Writer

Katie Coleman Sales Director

Ashly Willis 252.342.2334

Advertising Sales

Jasa Lewis 252.648.1272 Anne Riggs-Gillikin 252.725.9114 (sales@nccoast.com) Commercial Sales

Jamie Bailey 252.241.9485 Creative Director

Kim LaChance Design/Layout

Erin Pallotti Graphic Design

Kyle Dixon Contributors

Peggy Barnes Kelli Creelman Dr. Nicole D’Andrea Dyanne Singler Joseph Wootton Crystal is a published six times per year and distributed at high traffic sites in Carteret and Craven counties and is available in its entirety at nccoast.com. Entire contents, ad and graphic design and nccoast.com copyright 2013 by NCCOAST. Reproduction of any portion of this publication or its website without the publisher’s written consent is strictly prohibited. Information found herein is as accurate as possible at presstime. Annual subscriptions are also available for $18 and can be obtained by calling 252.247.7442. nccoast.com

On the cover

Keri McCann, right, and Crystal Hesmer were recognized in October at the Business Woman of the Year luncheon.

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The Basics of Poinsettia Plant Care Although poinsettias are most often associated with the holiday season, they are actually tropical plants. In spite of their origins, however, poinsettias can thrive during the holiday season and even last long after the holidays have come and gone.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. Aztecs called the plant cuetlaxochitl. The flowering plant was first introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett, the US ambassador to Mexico, and was subsequently renamed the poinsettia. The flowers of the poinsettia are actually the yellow blooms at the middle of the bright red or white bracts that form on the plant. Perhaps due to the bright red of the bracts, the plant quickly became a popular Christmas plant.

It’s important to note that poinsettias grow in a warm climate and therefore must be kept in tropical conditions to ensure the plant’s health. Furthermore, poinsettias bloom in response to shortening daylight hours. That means they need ample darkness each night in order to simulate the dark nights of short, winter days. To achieve this, you may need to put the plant into a dark closet for 12 to 14 hours each night.

During the day, the plant should be in a sunny window where it will have access to bright light. The more light the better. Keep the soil evenly moist. Misting the plant will help it retain some humidity. Also, fill the overflow saucer on your flower pot with gravel to allow water seeping through the pot to evaporate from the gravel.

Hot temperatures indoors, combined with high humidity, will help the plant thrive. Even one day without adequate moisture can cause the leaves to drop. Furthermore, decreasing temperatures can cause leaves to fall off. The goal is to keep the indoor temperature consistent.

While many poinsettia plants are discarded after the holiday season, these plants can actually be cut back and saved for next season. Trimming back any remaining leaves and continuing to care for the plant by keeping it moist can help. To force the blooms next season, start reducing the plant’s exposure to sunlight in mid-September to October. Again, this will mean removing the plant to an area that is shrouded in complete darkness. Even streetlights or indoor lighting can affect blooming. If the plant does not begin to turn color before the holiday season, you may need to purchase a new plant and try again next year.

Why Holly and Mistletoe?

“Oh, by gosh, by golly it’s time for mistletoe and holly. Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents, countrysides covered in snow.”

As exemplified by this holiday hit by Henry Sanicola, Frank Sinatra and Dok Stanford, holly and mistletoe are an integral part of holiday imagery and tradition. Holly is used to adorn a home in green and red finery alongside evergreen boughs and wreaths. In addition, it has become customary to hang a bouquet of mistletoe under which people are encouraged to share a holiday kiss. While these elements of celebrations are now incorporated into many of the secular and religious components of Christmas, they have very different origins.

Holly has been used since the days of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. The ancient Romans also believed that holly prickles drove away evil spirits, and it held a place of honor at December festivals dedicated to the god Saturn. To avoid persecution during the Roman pagan Saturnalia festival, early Christians would participate in the tradition of hanging evil-repelling holly on their homes to appear like the masses. Eventually as the number of Christians grew, the tradition became less of a pagan one and more associated with Christians and Christmas. Some people have inferred that holly and its prickly edges is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion, with the red berries representing blood.

Mistletoe was once held sacred by the Norse, Celtic Druids and North American Indians. It is actually a parasitic plant that grows on a wide range of host trees. Heavy infestation can dwarf the growth and kill these trees. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a representation of divine male essence (and thus romance, fertility and vitality). The plant also was thought to be a symbol of peace, and anyone standing below it should receive tokens of affection. When enemies met beneath mistletoe, they had to lay down their weapons and observe a truce until the next day. This is how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe likely began, and why a ball of mistletoe is now hung in homes during Christmas, a season of peace and affection.

Homeowners who hang mistletoe and holly around their homes during the holiday season should be mindful of pets and youngsters around the plants. Mistletoe and holly are considered moderately to severely toxic and ingesting the leaves could be dangerous. Therefore, keep these plants away from curious hands.

Mistletoe is commonly hung up high, which should make it less problematic, but holly should be hung high as well.

Now largely associated with Christmas celebrations, holly and mistletoe were once part of pagan rituals and ancient superstitions.

Movies are a Hit Christmas Day Christmas Day has become a big day in the movie business. Many studios now release big-budget films on Dec. 25, and audiences have recently flocked to the theaters to see some of their favorite stars in films that opened on Christmas Day or shortly before.

According to Box Office Mojo, an online movie publication and box office reporting service, no film has fared better on Christmas Day than “Sherlock Holmes,” which premiered on Dec. 25, 2009, earning just under $25 million in its initial day onscreen. “Avatar,” the 2009 James Cameron film that would go on to gross $760 million in domestic receipts alone, holds the distinction of earning the second most money on Christmas Day, when it earned a little more than $23 million despite having already been out in the theaters one full week.

The 2004 Ben Stiller film “Meet the Fockers” opened three days before Christmas but still managed to earn $19.5 million on Christmas Day. A pair of 2012 films, the latest big screen adaptation of “Les Miserables” ($18 million) and Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” ($15 million), round out the top five highest grossing films on Christmas Day. Numerous films are slated to open this Dec. 25, including Stiller’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” starring Chris Pine and Kevin Costner. Adolescent girls will also be excited to hear that “Justin Bieber’s Believe” is among this Christmas Day’s releases.

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Turn the Page

Holiday Suggestions for the Reader

by Kelli Creelman

T

is the season, Gentle Readers, let the shopping begin. Here are some suggestions for your holiday family reading.

Juvenile Fiction:

“The Christmas Tree Ship: The Story of Captain Santa” by Rochelle M. Pennington (hardback, $16.95) delivered evergreens to Chicago each Christmas before it was caught in the Great Storm of 1912 and subsequently went to the bottom of Lake Michigan fully loaded with trees. The captain’s wife, along with their three daughters, then carried on the tradition for over 20 years afterward in honor of “Captain Santa” and in the spirit of everything he believed in.

“Toddler Christmas: Activities, Games, and Stories for Excited Toddlers” by Katie Saunders (hardback, $9.99) includes fun activities such as baking, writing letters to Santa, games, puzzles, stories and crafts that parents and children can do together.

“Biscuits’ Christmas Storybook Collection” by Alyssa Capucilli (hardback, $11) is a full color storybook that brings nine of your favorite Biscuit tales together for the first time.

“Velveteen Rabbit Christmas” by Maria Barbo (hardback, $15.99). It has been a classic children’s story for many years.

This easy reader introduces the story to a younger audience.

“The Family Christmas Treasury: Tales of Anticipation, Celebration and Joy,” various authors (hardback, $18.99) is fun, festive and full of holiday spirit, the stories in this impressive anthology are complete with holiday music on CD.

Young Reader:

“The Christmas Horse” by Lori Hayes (paperback, $6.99) is a sweet Christmas story for the horse lover on your list.

“The Dragon at the North Pole” by Kate Klimo (hardback, $15.99) finds dragon keepers Jesse and Daisy waking up on Christmas morning to a blanket of new fallen snow. Their dragon, Emmy, has never seen snow so they hurry to the barn only to discover that she’s disappeared. She’s left a note behind: “Gone with Santa.”

“Treasure Hunters” by James Patterson (hardback, $14.99). The Kidd siblings have grown up traveling the world with their famous marine archaeologist parents. When they go missing it is up to them to solve the mystery of their disappearance.

“House of Hades” by Rick Riordan (hardback, $19.99) is book four of the “Heroes of Olympus” series. Will Percy and Annabeth survive the House of Hades and the Seven be able to seal the Doors from both sides

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to prevent the giants from raising Gaea?

“A Tale Dark and Grimm” by Adam Gidwitz (hardback, $16.99). Hansel and Gretel stride out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm fairy tales. As they roam the forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind each of the celebrated tales.

Young Adult:

“Infinity Ring” by James Dashner (hardback, $12.99), has time travel, an Outer Banks locale and a secret war over the fate of mankind.

“Hero” by Aletha Kontis (hardback, $17).

Until the day she conjures an ocean in her backyard, Saturday Woodcutter never thought she had the gift of magic like her sisters. Setting sail on a pirate ship she is taken captive by the evil mountain witch. Are her powers strong enough to escape?

“Hideous Love: the Story of the Girl Who Wrote Frankenstein” by Stephanie Hemphill (hardback, $17.99) is the story of the mastermind behind one of the most iconic figures in all of literature; a monster constructed out of dead bodies and brought to life by the tragic Dr. Frankenstein.

“Relic” by Heather Terrell (hardback, $17.99). Fans of “The Hunger Games” will enjoy this dystopian tale of fantasy. Slated for a prestigious arranged marriage, Eva resists and takes her dead brothers place to become a Testor, a feat no Maiden has accomplished for 150 years.

“Son of Fortune” by Victoria McKernan (hardback, $16.99). This 19th century historical fiction takes you from the plains of Kansas to San Francisco to the Barbary Coast where young Aiden wins a fully outfitted trade ship in a high stakes poker game. With his good fortune there comes a price.

Adult Non- Fiction:

“Death of Santini” by Pat Conroy (hardback, $28.95) is a memoir filled with violence and pain but full of Conroy’s stunning language.

“One Summer: America, 1927” by Bill Bryson (hardback, $28.95). From Lindbergh to Babe Ruth to Capone to Coolidge, Bryson captures, with his eye for detail and incredible wit, the events that transpired in the momentous summer of 1927.

“David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants” by Malcolm Gladwell (hardback, $29) examines the phenomenon of truth, beauty and success rising out of pain, misery and strife.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)

Congrat ulat ions KERI McCANN

From left, Tim Grimes, Keri McCann, husband Jeff McCann, Joleen & Jack McCann and Ray Tillery

celebrate Keri’s selection as Business Woman of the Year

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2013

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GO FIGURE

The Power of Gratitude During the Holidays he word gratitude comes from the Latin word gratia, which means T grace, graciousness or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways gratitude encompasses all of these meanings.

Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what a person receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, they usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves – whether to other people, nature or a higher power.

During the holiday season we often focus on giving thanks and expressing our gratitude. However, being grateful and giving thanks is a healthy habit to practice daily and throughout the year. Research indicates that people that are grateful are healthier both physically and mentally. Researchers like Martin Seligman, Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough are turning their attention to the study of gratitude and its relationship to health and mental well-being. Below are some of their findings that highlight how gratitude is helpful and why it’s important to our well-being.

• People who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis have been found to exercise more regularly, have fewer physical symptoms, feel better about their lives as a whole, and feel more optimistic about their upcoming week as compared to those who keep journals recording the stressors or

neutral events of their lives.

• Daily discussion of gratitude results in higher reported levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness, energy and sleep duration and quality. Grateful people also report lower levels of depression and stress, although they do not deny or ignore the negative aspects of life.

• People who think about, talk about or write about gratitude daily are more likely to report having helped someone with a personal problem or offered emotional support to another person.

• Those with a disposition towards gratitude are found to place less importance on material goods, are less likely to judge their own or others success in terms of possessions accumulated, are less envious of wealthy people, and are more likely to share their possessions with others.

• Emerging research suggests that daily gratitude practices may have some preventative benefits in warding off coronary artery disease.

In fact, a study at the University College London revealed that elderly people who were happy with their lives lived up to 20-35 percent longer than their not-so-happy counterparts. Now, that alone is something to be thankful for.

The following are some reasons why gratitude is so important:

• Gratitude reminds you of what truly matters in life. It is all too easy to get caught up in day-to-day stresses and take for granted the things that are important to us. If you remind yourself each day of the things you are thankful for, you begin to focus more on the important and less on the superficial.

• Gratitude makes your problems seem less daunting and more manageable. We all have issues from time to time with work, family and friends, however, these issues often get blown out of proportion, causing stress and misery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to

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90 percent of all illness and disease may be stress-related. Try to be thankful for the challenges in your life, and the problems won’t seem so bad. For example, the next time you have a problem at work, you may want to remind yourself of how thankful you are to have a job in the first place. Say “thank you” and be well.

• Gratitude always comes back to you. When you begin to be thankful for what you have, you also begin to be more thankful toward other people.

This cultivates positive feelings, and as the saying goes, “what goes around comes around.” In addition, the more you focus on the best in life, the more you will attract the best in life.

Practicing gratitude goes beyond a “thank you” – it requires that we actively feel and express appreciation on a regular basis.

Take a moment now, and do the following: 1. Sit down with pen and paper, away from distractions. Keep your area quiet.

2. Think about your life – all aspects of your life.

3. Write down all of the things for which you are thankful. Don’t filter anything, just write and continue to write until you can’t think of anything else for which you are grateful.

4. Go over your list and designate the things that are material (can be purchased) with an “M” and those things that are intangible in your life as “G.” 5. Rewrite your list to only include those things marked with a “G.”

During the holiday season when we gather with family and friends to express our gratitude, remember that incorporating gratitude into our everyday life is a great way to be healthier.

Dyanne Singler is the owner of MOMENTUM yoga & fitness in Morehead City. MOMENTUM offers yoga and Spinning classes for all levels and abilities. She is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer and a Certified Spinning Instructor.

MOMENTUM yoga & fitness is located at 2900 Arendell Street, #16, 252-247-9642 www.MomentumFitnessNC.com.

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The Annual Are Yearly Exams Still Necessary for All Women?

By Dr. Nicole D’Andrea

P

reventive healthcare visits are very important. We as providers use them as opportunities to assess patients and provide individualized recommendations based on the latest medical recommendations.

Most women come to their gynecologists or women’s primary care providers for a yearly preventive visit. These visits have included physical evaluation and discussions regarding nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, personal and family history, general health measures and age appropriate screening tests for various conditions.

For decades this included a yearly pap smear along with the pelvic exam.

If you’ve visited your gynecologist or women’s primary care provider recently, you likely had a conversation about spacing out your pap smear tests.

For some people, the pap test is no longer a yearly screening recommendation and here is the reason why – we know what causes cervical cancer. We can test women to see if they are at low or high risk for developing it, so since cervical cancer is a slow developing cancer, we can space out testing based on a patient’s risk level.

In the early 20th century, the pap test was designed to detect precancerous and cancerous changes to the cervix back when we didn’t know what caused cervical cancer. A pap smear is a test where a small paddle or brush sweeps cells off of the outside of the cervix (ectocervix) and from the inside of the cervix (endocervix). These cells are then evaluated in the laboratory for evidence of precancerous or cancerous changes. If precancerous or cancerous changes are identified, a more in depth study is done, called a colposcopy.

We now know that precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV.) This is a common sexually transmitted virus that can, in some women, cause precancerous changes in the cervix that can, over years, become a cancer. There are many different strains of the Human Papilloma Virus. Some of these strains cause precancerous and cancerous changes to the cervix and some cause genital warts. There are more virulent or aggressive strains which have a higher chance of causing cervical cancer (high risk) and there are less aggressive strains of the virus (low risk).

In the last decade, medical science has advanced our ability to detect an active HPV infection from the same sample we collect for the pap smear.

This has allowed us to determine if a woman is infected with the virus, and if so, whether it is a high risk strain or a low risk strain. This is done in addition to determining if there are precancerous or cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. This extra information helps gynecologists and women’s primary care providers to determine how frequently to do the pap and HPV

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tests, and if the woman needs more in depth testing, like the colposcopy.

While the pap test has saved thousands of lives over the decades by identifying people who were in various stages of developing cervical cancer, the new HPV tests now help us divide women into groups based on their individual level of risk. Women who are negative on the HPV test are least likely to develop cervical cancer and can skip paps for more years. Women who are positive for the highest risk strains of HPV will need paps and surveillance more often as they are at a higher risk than the low risk group. So, gynecologists and women’s primary care providers can use both the pap test results and the addition of this HPV test, along with a woman’s history, to determine how frequently to retest.

It’s important to mention that there is also a vaccine available for males and females, which vaccinates against four of the strains of the Human Papilloma Virus. The vaccine is only effective if it is received before a patient gets infected with the virus. The vaccine is recommended for males and females between the ages of 9 and 26 years old.

Please remember to discuss these tests and the vaccine with your gynecologist or your women’s health care provider at your next yearly preventive visit. I have included websites which offer more in depth information regarding cervical cancer, screening for precancerous changes, and the Human Papilloma Virus.

Nicole D’Andrea, MD, MPH, is a practicing obstetrician gynecologist here in Morehead City. She has been providing care for the women of Carteret County for 12 years at Carteret OB-Gyn Associates.

She lives in Morehead City with her husband and three daughters.

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EAR INFECTION

treatment

Few illnesses plague young children as frequently as ear infections. In fact, research suggests at least half of all children age 1 or younger will experience an ear infection. Antibiotics have long been the standard method of treatment for ear infections. However, new guidelines have emerged and a pediatrician may not be so quick to use amoxicillin as a remedy.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is an abnormality in the appearance or function of the ear. It may be the result of bacteria, viruses or injury to the ear. An ear infection is known as “otitis media,” and there are three primary kinds of ear infections that may occur. Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear with symptoms that include pain, redness of the eardrum, pus in the ear and fever.

Otitis media with effusion is a buildup of fluid in the middle ear without infection. This type of ear infection is more common than acute otitis media and is often a side effect of viral upper respiratory infections or allergies. Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal and is commonly referred to as “swimmer’s ear.”

What causes ear infections?

E

VO

LV

S E

Antibiotic Safety Children and adults who are prescribed antibiotics should take the medicine as prescribed for the full duration, not just until symptoms wane. Otherwise the infection may not be fully eradicated and symptoms may recur.

Do not share antibiotics as doctors usually prescribe a certain type that is most effective against the bacteria causing the infection.

Antibiotics tend to work rapidly, so if symptoms do not ease up in a short period of time, talk to your doctor.

Many antibiotics, especially liquid varieties, should be stored in the refrigerator.

Some antibiotics need to be taken with food, others on an empty stomach. Read all prescribing information carefully.

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A bacteria or a virus is the culprit behind many ear infections.

Bacteria or viruses can cause inflammation in the ear, which may result in pain, redness and the buildup of fluid. The ear canal also can become blocked by fluid that forms as a result of a cold or an allergic reaction. The eustachian tube is the part of the ear that connects from the inside of the ear to the back of the throat.

When clogged, this tube cannot drain properly, much in the way the nasal passages can become congested. In some instances, the fluid becomes infected. Sometimes it is the fluid pushing on the eardrum that causes pain.

Symptoms of an ear infection

Adults may be able to voice their symptoms when an ear infection is present, but children are more apt to offer physical clues. If a child is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, an ear infection may be to blame: • Difficulty sleeping • Irritability • Pulling or tugging at ears • Loss of balance • Fever • Presence of fluid draining from the ear • Unresponsiveness to quiet sounds

Treatment for ear infections

In 2013, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised its previous guidelines for treating acute otitis media, the common middle-ear infection. The changes include asking doctors to be more stringent in diagnosing a cause of the ear infection in order to cut down on the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In children ages 6 months to 12 years, it is the opinion of the AAP that children without severe symptoms should be observed for a few days, as viral ear infections can clear up on their own. Children should be given immediate antibiotics if they have a severe ear infection, defined as a fever of 102.2° or higher, with or without significant pain. A ruptured ear drum with drainage or an infection in both ears in kids age 2 or younger also warrants the use of an antibiotic. The guidelines also confirm that amoxicillin should be the antibiotic of choice unless the child is allergic to penicillin or if the child has been treated with amoxicillin during the past month.

Richard Rosenfeld, a professor and chairman of otolaryngology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, who co-authored the AAP recommendations, advises that an ear infection should improve in 72 hours. If the symptoms get worse or don’t improve, antibiotics should be used. Parents can take some preventive measures to minimize ear infections in children. Breastfeeding infants for at least four months reduces overall episodes of ear infections. Preventing exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke also can reduce ear infections during infancy.

Children who get recurrent ear infections may benefit from the insertion of ear tubes to drain fluid. Any methods that reduce viral infections also may cut down on the frequency of ear infections.

Preventive

Mastectomy

People around the world were shocked to learn that actress and activist Angelina Jolie opted to have a double mastectomy in 2013 to reduce her risk of breast cancer. Jolie, who was 37 years old at the time

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of the procedure, reportedly learned that she carries a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increases her risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

In addition, the actress has a family history of cancer. Her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of ovarian cancer in 2007 at the age of 56.

By having a preventive mastectomy, Jolie reduced her breast cancer risk from 87 percent to 5 percent, according to an op-ed piece she authored in The New York Times.

Jolie is not the only well-known actress to opt for a preventive mastectomy, as fellow thespian Christina Applegate had a similar procedure in 2008 after learning she had a mutation of the BRCA1 gene. These highly publicized cases have left many women wondering if a preventive mastectomy is something they should consider.

BRCA stands for “breast cancer susceptibility genes,” a class of genes known as tumor suppressors, says the National Cancer Institute. Mutations in these genes have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A person’s risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if he or she inherits a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Mutations in these genes could also put a person at increased risk for other cancers.

Genetic tests can check for mutations in BRCA genes.

During such a test, a blood sample is taken, and if a mutation is found, a person may get genetic counseling and work with a doctor to develop a plan of action. It is important to note that not all people with a genetic mutation will get breast cancer or ovarian cancer. The National Cancer Institute’s “SEER Cancer Statistic Review” states a (CONTINUED ON PAGE 18)

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Turn the Page (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8)

“Empty Mansions: the Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune” by Bill Dedman (hardback, $28) is a rich mystery of wealth and loss, connecting the Gilded Age opulence of the nineteenth century with a 21st-century battle over a $300 million inheritance.

“The Conquests of the Ocean” by Brian Lavery (hardback, $30) tells the stories of the remarkable individuals who sailed the seas for trade, to conquer new lands and to explore the unknown.

Adult Fiction:

“Sycamore Row” by John Grisham (hardback, $28.95) brings back Jake Brigance from “A Time to Kill.” Once again Jake is embroiled in a racially charged trial forcing the town of Clanton to rethink its history.

“Guests of Earth” by Lee Smith (hardback, $25.95) blends fiction and fact that solves the mystery of the fire at the mental hospital that killed Zelda Fitzgerald.

“Dr. Sleep” by Stephen King (hardback, $30) returns the character, Dan Torrance, from “The Shining.” Dan was a little boy when his father went on his murderous rampage and now as an adult he has to protect children from others like him.

“Accidental Death in Biarritz” by David Robert (paperback, $17.95) when a young American surfer falls to his death onto a beach in Biarritz it releases a tangled tale of Gallic noir replete with a demimonde of corruption, treachery and carnal desires.

“Local Souls” by Allan Gurganus, hardback, $25.95, is three novellas all telling stories in the fictional town of Falls, NC. Mr. Gurganus’ words are treats you roll around on your tongue and revel in them. Treat yourselves this holiday season, Gentle Readers, to this delicacy.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15)

woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation. And the group’s statistics show that preventative surgery can reduce the risk of acquiring breast cancer up to 95 percent.

Although there is no surefire way to determine if a person with a mutated gene will develop breast cancer, many women who are considered high risk opt for a preventive mastectomy to reduce their risk.

Women who have a family history of breast cancer, have received positive results from gene testing, have already had cancer in one breast, or have dense breasts that make testing difficult may want to get a preventive mastectomy.

Experts do agree that only women with a family history of breast cancer should consider mutation testing. Anyone who has a question about the process or is interested in seeing if it’s right for them should consult their doctor. In many cases, the preventative measure is covered by insurance.

The decision to get a preventive mastectomy is not one to take lightly. Many breast centers are staffed with breast-health specialists, genetic counselors, breast surgeons, and reconstructive surgeons who can help patients make the best decision.

Second opinions are strongly recommended for women considering a preventive mastectomy.

Women should understand the options available to them if they have an extremely elevated risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

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a coastal magazine for women

Famous Breast Cancer Patients

Perhaps because they are thrust into the spotlight so often and have quite a large amount of money at their disposal, people believe that celebrity musicians, actors and sports figures are invincible. Yet, just like regular people, celebrities are susceptible to the same illnesses as private citizens.

Many well-known women have battled breast cancer. Some have beaten the disease, while others succumbed to it after a brave battle.

Each of these prominent figures can help shed light on just how pervasive breast cancer can be and how no one is immune.

• Anastacia, singer • Christina Applegate, actress • Brigitte Bardot, actress • Merideth Baxter, actress • Ingrid Bergman, actress • Shirley Temple Black, actress • Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure • Sheryl Crow, singer • Bette Davis, actress • Barbara Ehrenreich, author • Melissa Etheridge, singer • Edie Falco, actress • Peggy Fleming, ice skater • Jill Ireland, actress • Kate Jackson, actress • Betsey Johnson, clothing designer • Hoda Kotb, TV host • Linda McCartney, singer • Kylie Minogue, singer • Janet Napolitano, US Secretary of Homeland Security • Olivia Newton-John, singer • Guliana Rancic, TV personality • Nancy Reagan, former First Lady • Robin Roberts, TV host • Carly Simon, Singer • Jaclyn Smith, actress • Dame Maggie Smith, actress • Suzanne Somers, actress • Dusty Springfield, singer • Wanda Sykes, comedian/actress • Maura Tierney, actress

Organizing

Christmas

by Peggy Barnes

The holidays are here upon us. It seems we have just gotten the tinsel out of our hair, the pine needles vacuumed out of the rug and the ornaments put away and Christmas arrives on our doorstep once again! So, how do we keep the fun in Christmas and the stress at bay?

Here are a few tips for planning ahead so that Christmas is filled with joy instead of dread.

• Lists are your friend when organizing anything! Your Christmas organizing should start with your gift list. Make a list of each and every person you give gifts to each year. This list should include family, friends and gifts you give to the people in your life that provide services for you (housekeepers, delivery personnel, hairdressers). Next to each person’s name, write your gift ideas, then write down what you finally gave. This list will be a reminder, each year, of what gifts have been given and who you don’t want to forget. This list can be saved digitally or in a spiral notebook – whatever works best for you.

• Decorating can be fun but it can also be a chore.

Divide your decorating into sections to complete on different days. Your decorating schedule could look something like this: Monday – string lights on tree. Tuesday – finish decorating tree. Wednesday – decorate the inside of the house … you get the point. Break it down into small manageable tasks making it much easier and much more enjoyable to get it all done.

• Cooking and baking is the yummy part of the holiday experience. Make another list of all the food you need to make, bake or buy for the holiday season. Identify those items on your list you can prepare ahead and freeze.

Also determine any of the items that someone else in the family can make or bring to your holiday gathering.

• How about those Christmas cards you want to send out to friends and family? Break this job into small tasks and you will finish this task much more efficiently and with much more ease. Order prints of the photo you want to use. Find the card you want to use. Update your address list. Print out address labels. Stuff envelopes. Put stamps and return labels on envelopes. Seal envelopes and mail. This, like the decorating, will allow you to tackle this job in shorter more manageable intervals.

• Isn’t it amazing how many activities happen between Thanksgiving and Christmas? A master calendar is an essential tool in keeping the holidays stress free. Hang a calendar where it can be seen by all family members.

Begin writing down all parties and events on the calendar along with anything that needs to be taken for that particular event. For example, if your child has a play and needs a costume, write it down next to the sched-

uled event. If you have an office Christmas party and you need to bring a food item and a gift, write that down.

• Hopefully you already have all gift wrapping supplies in one place. If so, kudos! If not, now is the time. If you don’t have the coveted gift wrap room or gift wrap closet, use an under bed storage container or an over the door gift wrap organizer. Be sure and store pens, scissors, tags and tape with the gift wrap so when you are ready to wrap, you will have everything you need at your fingertips.

Organizing your Christmas items, after the holidays are over, is just as important as organizing during the holidays. Did you like how you decorated your house this year? Take some pictures and store them with your holiday decorations. Do you have Christmas decorations that you did not use this year and do not foresee using again? Go ahead and donate them to a local charity.

• Put away decorations in sturdy storage boxes and label each box with the contents.

• When storing ornaments, use egg cartons to protect small breakable ornaments.

• When storing those frustrating, easy-to-tangle lights, wrap them around a cardboard strip.

• Use clear trash bags to cover wreaths; you can still see the contents but they will remain protected.

• To save space in your cabinets, drawers and shelves, store Christmas clothing, jewelry, dishes, tins, and books with all your other Christmas items.

• If you like to keep the Christmas cards, you received, put them in a box clearly labeled with the year. Another option is to punch a hole in the cards and use a binder ring to keep them organized. Or, separate the photos and put the photos in a photo album.

So, grab a cup of hot chocolate, a pen and a notebook and start making those lists. A little Christmas organizing and scheduling will indeed help make this a very Merry Christmas.

Peggy Barnes is the owner of Keep It Simple Girl in New Bern. She is a certified professional organizer, certified life coach and speaker. Her goal is to help women de-clutter their lives physically, emotionally and spiritually so they can begin to live life with purpose. Call 252-670-2951 or visit keepitsimplegirl.com.

Breaking the Mold Women in Business Win Annual Awards

Two Carteret County women were presented with awards at the annual Business Woman of the Year luncheon sponsored by Crystal – A Coastal Magazine for Women and the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. The annual celebration was held at the historic Morehead City Train Depot in October.

Keri McCann, co-owner of Jack’s Waterfront Bar, won the fourth annual Business Woman of the Year award and Crystal Hesmer, director of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, won the second Nonprofit Director of the Year award.

Though McCann is not a local, her business has become a staple on the waterfront.

On any weekend, it’s impossible to walk through downtown Morehead City without noticing the throngs of people gathered inside Jack’s or hear the live music through the open doors. Starting in September of 2008, Jack’s became a cornerstone of activity for the waterfront and is now a destination location for Crystal Coast visitors and locals alike. The popularity of Jack’s has given rise to many new businesses and restau-

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a coastal magazine for women

By Katie Coleman

rants moving into the downtown area.

Keri, with her husband Jeff, renovated the old Davis’ Fish House/Lucky International Seafood building at 513 Evans’ St. using their own labor and the support of friends and family.

Coolers held canned beer on ice as they opened the doors of their bar, named after Jeff’s father, Jack McCann. Jack’s was updated as finances and time would allow, and continues to be improved as the years pass.

Joseph Wootton Photography Jack’s is not only a popular bar on the waterfront, but also the scene of numerous fundraising events for a variety of local nonprofits. Beneficiaries of McCann’s efforts include the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program, Reelin’ for Research, The Hospice House, Wahoo Challenge, Project Christmas Cheer, Martha’s Mission and the Beaufort Wine & Food Festival, noted Beth Holcomb of Belk, presenting sponsor of this year’s award.

Additional sponsors of the 2013 award include McQueen’s Interiors, Atlantic Beach Realty, Girl Talk & Gynecology, The Boathouse at Front Street Village, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, First Citizens Bank, Transportation Impact and Carteret General Hospital.

She has been instrumental in the development of downtown Morehead City through her involvement with the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA). McCann is a past chair of the DMCRA and current head of the fundraising committee. Though she spreads Keri McCann

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 22)

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her time between family, Jack’s and DMCRA, McCann shows no signs of slowing down.

“It has always been very important to me to work hard at everything I do,” said McCann.

“Nothing has ever come easy, but that is what makes me appreciate the accomplishments.”

Tom Kies, current director of DMCRA, wrote in his nomination letter, “The successful Alive at Five family-friendly free concert series was her idea and she has been the driving force behind it. The Alive at Five concerts bring hundreds of people to the downtown area where, once the concert is over, stay to shop, dine at the restaurants, peruse the art galleries and walk the waterfront.”

For six years, she assisted her husband in organizing the Crystal Coast Grand Prix, which infused an estimated $850,000 into our local economy and introduced Carteret County to a whole new demographic.

McCann has become an integral part of downtown Morehead City, and her impact on the business and nonprofit communities cannot be overstated. She never stops working, and is currently planning a second story addition to Jack’s.

“The nomination made by Tom and Janeen, in and of itself, was an amazing feeling. They captured several years in one paragraph, and to hear it read out loud was extraordinary. It’s been challenging at times but we power through and learn. It’s all been worth it. This isn’t the end, this is only the beginning,” said McCann.

For the second year, a Nonprofit Director of the Year award was also presented. This year’s recipient was Crystal Hesmer, director of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, received the award from counterpart, Stephanie

McIntyre, executive director of the NC Seafood Festival and winner of the inaugural award in 2012. Hesmer has held her position for 16 years, and during her time as director, the tournament has seen consecutive years of the overall prize purse reaching the $1 million mark.

As a Morehead City native, Hesmer attended weighins for the tournament as a girl with her parents. She was working for Casey Wagner at Coldwell Banker/Spectrum Properties when the previous director resigned. He suggested that she interview for the position in 1997, and has held the title since then.

Under her leadership, the lady angler tournament was added in 1998 with 21 boats participating. It was renamed in honor of Casey’s wife, Keli, in 2009. Today, the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament sees more than 75 boats and has donated more than $200,000 to the Raab Oncology Clinic at Carteret General Hospital.

The Big Rock has created a fishing destination in Carteret County and draws the masses to downtown Morehead City for a week each year. Fishermen from around the country and the globe come to the area to compete and spectators flock to the weigh-in station in the afternoons to witness the change in the leader board or see a record setting fish make history.

Not only does the tournament bring visitors to the local businesses on the waterfront, it also donates funds to a variety of charities and groups along the coast. Since 1988, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has donated more than $3 million to various Eastern North Carolina charities.

“Our community is comprised of amazing hard working people and to be able to offer our support when charitable organizations and worthy projects need us is something you can’t place a value on,” said Hesmer. “The board and I take great pleasure in being able to bring an event to the county that everyone can be proud of.”

Past charities include the Broad Street Clinic, Heart’s Cry Children’s Ministry, East Carolina Boy Scouts, The History Place, Martha’s Mission Cupboard, Hope Mission, Take a Kid Fishing Foundations, Inc. and The Newport Developmental Center.

Crystal is self-proclaimed Carteret County proud, and that includes the other businesswomen in the area.

“It is wonderful to be recognized and I hope it shines a nice light on Big Rock. However, I couldn’t help but think of so many women in our county, both profit and nonprofit, who could easily take my place,” said Hesmer. “I think we should have a legends dinner for them all!”

Crystal Hesmer & Family

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GREENS & BEANS A Southern Start to the New Year Let’s face it – we like our food in the South, and the holidays are the perfect time to indulge in some of our favorite recipes. But while we’re serving up all sorts of decadence from Thanksgiving to Christmas, things seem to come to a halt on New Year’s Day when tasty treats take a backseat to tradition. Whether you hail from Louisiana or the Carolinas, the traditional New Year’s Day feast is similar, if not identical.

Black-eyed peas, greens, cornbread and pork may indeed go back to the Civil War era, reminding Southerners of their roots and offering hope for happy days ahead. From wealth to health, peace to progress, these traditional New Year’s Day foods are said to start off the New Year on the right foot.

Black-Eyed Peas

Rumor has it, the tradition of connecting black-eyed peas and luck dates back to the Civil War. The crop was first planted as nourishment for livestock, causing the northern troops to march right past when they encountered them in the field. The flourishing peas thus became a vital food source for the remaining C o n - federates. Many believe today that they will provide a sense of peace in the year ahead. When served with collards, the black-eyed peas are also said to represent coins and the greens, paper money – giving them a connection to wealth in the new year as well. Some traditions call for eating 365 of them – one for each day of the year.

Collard Greens

We’re sure there will be a mess of greens a ‘cooking in Eastern North Carolina on New Year’s Day. Said to resemble paper money, greens, like cornbread, are said to bring wealth and prosperity in the new year. Be sure to add a little fat back as they cook, which is believed to bring good health in the coming year.

Pork

With a rich fat content, the meat has long symbolized prosperity.

It has also been noted that pigs are unable to look backwards, instead, they must root for their food while moving forward, representing progress and growth. The more pork you eat on New Year’s Day, the more progress and prosperity you’ll encounter in the year ahead. Bring on the bacon!

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Cornbread

The color of gold, this traditional Southern staple is said to represent newfound wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

Its rise in popularity takes us back to the post-Civil War era, when crops were scarce. Fastgrowing corn, however, was plentiful.

Black-Eyed Soup 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup diced onions 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped 3/4 cup celery, diced 3-4 cloves minced garlic 4 ham hocks or bones 1 pound dried black-eyed peas 1-1/2 cups diced cooked ham 2-1/2 quarts chicken stock 1/2 pound collard greens, 1/2 stems removed, chopped 2 bay leaves 3/4 tsp Cajun seasoning 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat and add onion, bell pepper and celery. Cook until slightly softened. Add garlic, ham hocks or bones and black-eyed peas. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add chicken stock, collard greens and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Cover pot and simmer for two hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Remove ham hocks or ham bones and allow to cool. Remove any meat from the bones and return the meat to the soup.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer until the ham is heated through, about 5 minutes.

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Going Green with the

Holiday

Greens

“

nity to walk on dunes. Children having such contact allow them to learn about the dunes in natural environments.

Often, damage can stem from consistent pounding of dunes from beach foot traffic,” said park Superintendent Randy Newman. “The park is committed to continuing such accessibility by maintaining and repairing any damage to dunes. Christmas trees allow us to provide a cost effective way to create sand fences along areas where erosion has occurred. The ‘fence’ repairs dunes by trapping blown sand. Birds will lay seeds along the trees providing a natural opportunity to quickly reestablish vegetation.”

Placement is key to finding success and Fort Macon makes every effort to ensure that the trees are properly lined and buried along damaged areas, however, some areas have experienced failed results with Christmas tree restoration efforts. In order to prevent such issues, North Carolina recommends that residents take their trees to established recycle programs such as Fort Macon’s, instead of attempting to place them on the beach themselves.

The state park accepts bare residential trees that are free from all decorations including tree stands and tinsel through mid-January. There will be signs at Fort Macon directing traffic to drop-off stations at the bathhouse parking lot. If interested in volunteering to assist with fence efforts along damaged dunes, contact the park at 252-726-3775.

“

Nothing brings in the sights and scents of the holidays better than a live Christmas tree. But once the holiday is over, residents are often left wondering exactly what they should do with the now dried, needle-dropping mess.

Have no fear, the folks at Fort Macon State Park have the perfect idea – put it to use somewhere else along the coast. Each year, the site gathers about 1,500 donated trees to help fortify the sand dunes around the park. Park officials position trees along damaged sand dune lines in areas where the beach is eroding. The trees, explained Michelle Walker with the NC Division of Coastal Management, help reestablish sand dunes in areas where the dunes have been disturbed by either human action or storms.

Properly placed trees trap windblown sand, which begins the process of dune building. In turn, the reestablished dunes are a natural way to buffer coastal resources, property and infrastructure against the forces of erosion from hurricanes and other storms.

Sand dunes not only contribute to the backdrop along the Crystal Coast, but also serve more vital functions such as preventing the shifting of sand caused by frequent winds, waves and tides or foot traffic. Such shifts lead to erosion, losing sand, or accretion, gaining sand.

The Christmas tree program aims to create an economical alternative to build dunes that will eventually help reduce wind speed and allow for the necessary sand accumulation to stabilize vegetation.

“The park encourages the public to have an opportu-

Erin Pallotti photo

The park is committed to continuing such accessibility by maintaining and repairing any damage to dunes. Christmas trees allow us to provide a cost effective way to create sand fences along areas where erosion has occurred.

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a coastal magazine for women

Purse strings

The Ins & Outs of Canceling Credit

M

any people work hard to establish their credit, feeling a great sense of accomplishment upon being approved for a new account with a high limit and affordable interest rate. But as beneficial as strong credit can be, there are instances when canceling a credit card is the right move.

Canceling a line of credit is not as simple as cutting a credit card into tiny pieces or shredding it in a paper shredder. But before you begin the process of canceling an account, it’s first good to consider the reasons it might be wise to cancel the card in the first place.

• Annual fees: Some cards come with annual fees.

Not to be confused with interest charges, which only accrue when cardholders do not pay their balances off in full and on time, annual fees are part of your initial agreement with the creditor, who will charge you an annual fee regardless of whether or not you make any purchases with the card. Cardholders often bemoan such fees, especially when they pay their balances in full and on time, avoiding interest charges as a result. If annual fees truly bother you, then there are plenty of credit cards that do not charge such fees, and you may be happier with those cards than your existing card.

• High interest rates: High interest rates are another reason many people decide to cancel their cards. This is understandable, especially for those cardholders whose credit score has improved since they initially received their card. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate should be. Some credit card companies will lower interest rates for valued customers. If your company won’t budge, then you can likely find a better interest rate with another creditor.

• Too many accounts: Some men and women may feel that they just have too many existing lines of credit, which can be difficult to monitor. In addition, too many accounts can leave you more susceptible to identity theft. If you have numerous credit cards but find yourself only using one or two, consider canceling those extra accounts that you rarely use.

• Curtail spending: Credit can easily be abused, and many people have found themselves in financial hot water because they put too much on plastic, piling up debt along the way. If you feel your spending is out of control and your wallet full of credit cards isn’t helping, then canceling some accounts in an attempt to curtail that spending is as good a reason as any to cancel a card.

Canceling an account

Though canceling an account can be good for a variety of reasons, men and women should know that can-

celing a line of credit can initially have a negative impact on their credit scores. Lowering your existing credit may simultaneously lower your credit score. A good credit score can go a long way toward helping you secure a home or auto loan, so it’s important that you’re in a position to handle a temporary setback to your credit score when you cancel an existing account. If you’re on the verge of applying for a loan, you might want to wait until after your application has been approved to cancel an account. Though temporary, a dip in your credit score, even if that dip was caused by something you consider a positive, may hurt you if it happens at the wrong time.

Another thing to consider before canceling an account is the potential hit that such a cancellation may have down the road. Closed accounts with zero balances and no negative payment history can stay on your account for as long as a decade, helping you maintain a good credit score, however, once that decade is up, that positive history is up as well.

Cardholders also must consider the balance-to-limit ratio before canceling their cards. The balance-to-limit ratio compares the amount of credit being used to the total amount of credit available to the borrower. A low balance-to-limit ratio is a good thing, whereas a high ratio can hurt you. If you plan to cancel a card but have existing balances on other cards, your balance-to-limit ratio will suffer, as your balance will remain the same but your available credit will go down. So before canceling a card, it’s a good thing to pay off balances on all of your cards. Once you have, your balance-to-limit ratio will be zero no matter how much credit is available to you.

When the time comes to cancel a card, do so through the customer service number on your card. This number should be the same as the number listed on your monthly statement and the issuer’s website. Simply cutting the card does not cancel the card; it just means you can’t use it anymore. The card must be officially canceled through the issuer for the account to be considered closed. The balance also must be paid in full for the account to be closed, and all interest charges must be paid. When speaking with the customer service representative, make sure there are no lingering interest charges. If there are, pay them immediately over the phone and then close the account.

Credit card issuers often try to persuade cardholders to keep their accounts open, but cardholders who gave their decision significant thought and made that decision for the right reasons should stick with their initial decision and close their accounts regardless of how tempting the issuer’s offer to keep the card open might seem. www.nccoast.com 27

DAY PLANNER

December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Succulent Seafood.

2-4pm on select Mondays. Age 12 and up, $15. Details: 252-247-4003 or www.ncacquariums.com.

4, 11, 18: Brown Bag Gam. Noon. Pack a lunch and join the NC Maritime Museum for an educational lunch program. Free. Details: 252-728-7317 or www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.

3 & 10: Zumba. 5:30pm. Swansboro Recreation Center. Drop in fee is $7. Details: 910-326-2600.

3-5: Photos with Santa. Noon7pm. Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Center. Details: 252-354-6350.

Tues. 3: Nature Trek with Hammocks Beach State Park.

5:30pm. Swansboro Parks and Recreation. Open to ages 6-12, free class. Details: 910-3262600.

4 & 11: Circuit Training. 5:30pm. Swansboro Recreation Center. Details: 910-326-2600.

6-8: Cherished Moments Gingerbread House Competition. 9am-5pm. Crystal Coast Civic Center.

Details: Kyra Moore, 252-241-4613.

Fri. 6: Morehead City Tree Lighting. 5pm. The Morehead City Christmas tree will be lit at Katherine Davis Park in downtown Morehead City. This year, the event includes a synthetic ice skating rink, bringing a rare opportunity to the beach. Details: 252-8080440 or www.downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Kids Night In, Parents Night Out. 6-8pm. Calling all K-6th graders – Get into the holiday spirit with Swansboro Parks and Recreation. Cost is $8 for the first child and $5 for each additional child. Details: 910-326-2600.

Christmas ArtWalk. 4-7pm. Downtown Morehead City art galleries open their doors for visitors for a night of demonstrations, art and great deals. Details: www.artwalkdowntownmoreheadcity.weebly.com.

7, 14, 21, 28: Behind the Scenes: Aquarium Close Encounters. 2-3:30pm. Age 8 and up, $15. Details: 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

7-8: Decoy Festival. 9am-5pm, Sat. and 10am4pm, Sun. Details: 252-838-8818.

Waterfowl Weekend. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center. Details: 252-7281500.

Sat. 7: Morehead City/Beaufort Flotilla. 5:30pm.

The boat parade begins in Morehead City and arrives in Beaufort about 6:15pm. Details: 252-728-7318 or www.ncmaritimemuseums.org.

Pelican Run Road Race. Join the NC Coastal Federation for a fundraising run along the Beaufort waterfront. Details: 252-393-8185.

Holiday Craft Fair. 9am-4pm. The History Place, Morehead City, hosts this indoor holiday show featuring more than 40 regional artisans.

Details: 252-247-7533.

Open House with Santa. 11am-3pm. Join Carolina Home & Garden for the fifth annual Holiday Open House with Santa. Details: www. carolinahomegarden.com.

PKS Christmas Parade. 10am. Pine Knoll Shores will hold its annual Christmas Parade, beginning at Magnolia Court and winding down Oakleaf Drive. Details: 252-8082998 or jmcdanal@ec.rr.com.

Len Furtner Memorial Christmas Flotilla. 5pm.

Pine Knoll Shores hosts this annual flotilla. Details: 252240-2395.

Chowder & Cheer Crawl. 1-5pm. More than 14 downtown Morehead City businesses open their doors for this special event. Tickets are $20. Details: 252-8080440 or www.downtownmoreheadcity.com.

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a coastal magazine for women

Tree Lighting/Carol Sing. 5pm. Morehead City residents and friends come together at Jaycee Park for the lighting of the Hospice Celebration Tree.

Christmas by the Sea. 6-9pm. Join the town of Atlantic Beach in Town Park for music, food, activities for the youngsters and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Details: www.atlantic beach-nc.com.

Holiday Gingerbread House Decorating. 10am1pm. Swansboro Parks and Recreation. Details: 910326-2600.

Sun. 8: Newport Christmas Parade. 3pm. Join the Town with Old Fashioned Courtesy for a holiday celebration.

Tue. 10: NC Symphony – Holiday Pops. 7pm. A North Carolina tradition, the symphony’s holiday show brings all the joy and excitement of the season straight to the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern. Enjoy yuletide favorites, orchestral masterworks, the ever-popular Christmas carol singalong and more. Cost is $36 for adults and $10 for students.

Details: 877-627-6724 or www.ncsymphony.org.

Fri. 13: Santa by the Sea. 5:30-8:30pm. Admission is $9. Details: www.ncaquariums.com.

Live Nativity in Bethlehem. 7pm. Walk the path of Mary and Joseph into Bethlehem. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Morehead City. Free.

Santa and a Movie. 6pm. Swansboro Recreation Center. Details: 910-326-2600.

14 & 21: Seasons of Delight – A Candlelight Masquerade. 5-9pm. Tryon Palace. Details: www.tryonpalace.org.

Sat. 14: Breakfast with Santa. 10am. The Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Department invite children of all ages to join Santa for a Christmas story and breakfast. Details: 252-354-6350.

Beaufort Holiday ArtWalk. 1-5pm. Enjoy a festive day in historic Beaufort, celebrating the season with a variety of receptions and open houses at a variety of downtown locations. Details: www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour. 58pm. Tour private homes in Beaufort and ride on the double-decker bus with carolers from local churches.

Details: 252-728-5225.

Morehead City Christmas Parade. 11am. The sights and sounds of the holidays parade down Arendell Street in downtown Morehead City.

Thur. 19: Holiday Decoration Storage and Organization. 6pm. Swansboro Recreation Center. Details: 910-326-2600.

Fri. 20: Friday Free Flicks. 7pm. At Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. Details: 252-354-6350.

26-27: Holiday Camp. The NC Aquarium is offering a holiday camp program for grades 2-5. Aquatic Adventurers, grades 2-3, will have camp from 8am12:30pm and Coastal Explorers, grades 4-5, will have camp from 1:30-5:30pm. Details: 252-247-4003 or www.ncaquariums.com.

Holiday BUYS

1

Parson’s General Store 808 Arendell St., Morehead City (252) 726-8188 Christmas Ornaments, Candles, Towels & More

2

Shore Decor 5167 Hwy 70 W., Morehead City (252) 727-0001 Necklace & Earrings $19.99

2 1

Check us out on our website! www.FrontStreetVillage.com

Catch the Mullet!

LINE

THE

L E L T U M

Do you or anyone you know own a business that you would like to advertise on one of our three trolleys? If so, give us a call and we will get you all the information you need in taking the next steps to advertising with us!

We also offer our trolleys for special events! From birthday parties, weddings, reunions, and any other event you can think of, we can get you there in style! For more information, contact Jay Peregoy at 252-723-3750 or email him at jperegoy@frontstreetvillage.com

www.nccoast.com 29

ADVERTISER INDEX Crystal would not be possible without the generous support received from our advertisers. As a special “thank you,” we’ve listed those businesses and services below. Please remember to patronize each of them whenever possible because they, like our Crystal readers, are dedicated to supporting a voice for women along the Crystal Coast. To join our list of advertisers in supporting the next edition of Crystal, please call 252.247.7442.

The Boathouse at Front Street Village.......................................... 11, 29 Belk.................................................................................................. 21 Bowden & Carr Furniture.................................................................... 5 Carteret General Hospital............................................................ 16-17 Carteret Ob/Gyn Associates................................................................ 3 Chances Are Uniques & Antiques...................................................... 23 Coastal Carolina Orthodontics............................................................ 2 Coastal Crafts Plus............................................................................ 12 Coastal Foot Center.......................................................................... 13 Coastal Outlet................................................................................... 25 Cottage Home Consignment............................................................ 23 Crystal Coast All-Stars....................................................................... 31 East Carolina Fun.............................................................................. 30 Family Pharmacy............................................................................... 15 Girl Talk Gynecology............................................................Back Cover Grandmaster Dong’s Martial Arts......................................................... 5 Haley & the Hound............................................................................. 3 Harborview Rehabilitation & Healthcare.............................................. 2 In Touch Home Care........................................................................ 12 Making Faces..................................................................................... 25 Moore Orthopedics.......................................................................... 31 Newport Family Practice................................................................... 30 Parson’s General Store...................................................................... 29 Party Place........................................................................................ 30 Promise Land Market........................................................................ 10 Sanborn Orthodontics....................................................................... 10 Shore Décor..................................................................................... 29 St. Andrew’s Thrift Store................................................................... 23 This Cup’s for You............................................................................. 13 TH Rankin, DDS................................................................................. 5

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New Classes at CCA PLAYDATE RECREATION CHEER All Ages (beginning cheerleading Thursday 10am-12pm and tumbling) $5/class Ages 6-14 Monday 5:30-6:15 YOUTH TUMBLE $50/month (beginning tumbling) Ages 5-11 TINY TOTS Wednesday 3:45-4:30 (beginning cheerleading $50/month and tumbling) Ages 3-Kindergarten TUMBLE Monday 3:45-4:30 Ages 12-18 $50/month Tuesday & Thursday 7:30-8:30 $10/class

ALL-STARS Y HDA BIRT IES PARaTre E SOM AWE CA! at C

All-Star competitive teams are still available! There is no experience necessary to be on one of our award winning teams! We have a team for everyone! Team members develop a strong sense of camaraderie, discipline and confidence. With our experienced and certified staff, team members progress quickly with new skills and strength. If your child wants to be a cheerleader, joining a team at CCA is the best training they can receive! We accept new team members until the end of September!

CCA NOW OFFERING ADULT GROUP FITNESS CLASSES Classes are taught by AFFAA group fitness certified instructors. They will focus on total body fitness with intervals of cardio and strength

2 Hour Minimum only $150

Pay as you come Only $5.00/Class

No limit on number of kids

We recommend booking your party a month in advance especially during the winter months!

252.247.0066

PLAYDATES ARE BACK!

Tuesday 6:00 - 7:00 Thursday 7:00 - 8:00 Every Thursday 10:00 - 12:00 Only $5.00 / Child

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Dr. Jennifer Orr, MD & Staff Invite You to Experience

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Visit Our Website at www.girltalkgyn.com

a coastal magazine for women