Piedmont Parent Digital December 2015

December Digital Edition 2015

Homemade

Gift Ideas

Experience December at OLD SALEM PLACES TO SEE SANTA

Discover the

TRIAD Holiday GIVEAWAY

ENTER TOA WIN

piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

Accepting New Patients Dr. Janet Dees

Dr. Gina White

Dr. Preston Lentz

Dr. Ashley Xu

Dr. Jennifer Summer

Donna Brandon, PA-C

Dr. Kate Vapne

Elizabeth Christy, FNP-C Rachel Mills, PNP-C

4529 Jessup Grove Road • Greensboro, NC 27410 Phone 336 605-0190 • Fax 336 605-0930 www.northwestpeds.com B

OCTOBER 2015 |

piedmontparent.com

December Digital Edition CONTENTS

FEATURES

4

Discover the Triad Holiday Giveaway

Enter for your chance to win more 16

than $700 in prizes

13 16 18

Get Crafty

DIY gift ideas

Stars Wars Gift Guide Our toys, favorite finds

Holiday Cookies How to host an exchange

IN EVERY ISSUE

2

Editor’s Note

5

FYI

5 Community News

7 Health

9 Style 10 Growing Up

Kids & pets

12

Is My Kid OK?

Whining

20 Excursion

Old Salem

CALENDAR

13

22 22

Our Picks

23 Visit Santa 24

25

On Stage Arts & Crafts

December Digital Edition 2015

Homemade

Gift Ideas

Experience December at OLD SALEM PLACES TO SEE SANTA

p. 4

p. 13 p. 20 p. 23

Discover the

TRIAD Holiday GIVEAWAY

ENTER TO WIN

piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Your Guide to the Holidays!

morrismedianetwork.com

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

W

Myra Wright

ASSOCIATE EDITOR/WEB EDITOR Micki Bare

elcome to our special December Digital Edition!

ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts

It’s the most wonderful time of year and also the busiest! To help make the next few weeks easier for you and your family, we’re sharing our favorite things to do and offering helpful advice to make your holiday season filled with familyfriendly fun.

MEDIA CONSULTANT Michelle Nelson

mnelson@piedmontparent.com

Charlotte Reynolds creynolds@piedmontparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Rosemary Stephens

ads-piedmont@morris.com

One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is by visiting Old Salem in Winston-Salem. In addition to enjoying the beautiful holiday decorations throughout the Old Salem Historic District, visitors can take part in several special activities. Find out which events should be on your holiday calendar in this month’s Excursion (page 20).

Have a Star Wars fan in your house? We’re sharing our favorite finds for your holiday shopping list in anticipation of the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (page 16). For additional gift ideas, don’t miss our homemade gift ideas (Get Crafty With Holiday Gifts, page 13). You don’t have to been a super crafty mom or dad for these simple ideas, which make fantastic and cherished gifts for friends and family.

While you are f lipping through this month’s pages, make sure you enter our Discover the Triad Holiday Giveaway (page 4). With our partners, Visit WinstonSalem and the Heart of North Carolina, we’re giving away two prize packs with a total value of more than $700! One lucky family will enjoy winning tickets to several local family-friendly attractions and more! The only way to enter is by clicking on the ad on page 4. Good luck!

And finally, you’ll find a wealth of seasonal events and activities in this month’s Calendar of Events (page 22). We’re sharing only a small sampling of what the Triad as to offer this time of year with our top picks, places to see Santa, stage performances, and arts and crafts activities. For even more things to do, be sure to bookmark PiedmontParent.com and check back frequently throughout the month.

DISTRIBUTION 336-983-4789

info@piedmontparent.com

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez

PRESIDENT

Donna Kessler

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Shelonda West

PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Logan Eason

CONTACT US

phone: 336-983-4789 | fax: 336-983-2378 P.O. Box 530 | King, NC 27021 advertising@piedmontparent.com info@piedmontparent.com piedmontparent.com Circulation 30,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Piedmont Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

I wish you and your family a magical holiday season!

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO William S. Morris III

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DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

piedmontparent.com

President Will S. Morris IV

2015-16

EDUCATION GUIDE Featuring 530 education resources in the Triad, including local preschools, private schools, public school systems, charter schools, boarding schools and academic resources.

View the digital edition online at

piedmontparent.com

BY PRESTON LANE ORIGINAL MUSIC BY LAURELYN DOSSETT

November 27-December 24 Triad Stage in downtown Greensboro THE PYRLE THEATER 232 SOUTH ELM STREET

BY CHARLES DICKENS ADAPTED BY PRESTON LANE

November 27-December 24 Triad Stage in Winston-Salem HANESBRANDS THEATRE 209 N. SPRUCE STREET

Buy Tickets Today!

Tic ke t s St ar t at $10!

3 3 6 . 2 7 2 . 0 1 6 0 O R W W W. T R I A D S TA G E . O R G

piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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Enter for your chance to win more than $700 in prizes from Visit Winston-Salem and the Heart of North Carolina. One lucky family will win our HUGE prize pack that includes tickets to family-friendly attractions such as Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, SciWorks, NC Zoo and much, much more.

ENTER HERE Visit PiedmontParent.com for a complete list of prizes.

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DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

piedmontparent.com

Photo courtesy of Twin City Stage

› FYI

BY TAMMY HOLOMAN

Miss Babe Ruth (black lab, below), is this year’s star of "The Muttcracker." She recently retired as the bat dog for the Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball team.

Photos courtesy of Greensboro Ballet.

Holiday Baking at Greensboro Children’s Museum’s Edible Schoolyard Throughout the year, the half-acre Edible Schoolyard at Greensboro Children’s Museum offers several hands-on activities and classes with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal foods and a seed-to-table approach to meals.

There are two holiday classes for budding bakers taking place in December. On Friday, Dec. 11 a Holiday Bakeshop for tweens (ages 9-11) will help spread holiday cheer as kids learn to bake a variety of sweets and put together their own customized box to take home including coconut snowman cupcakes and stained glass cookies.

The class will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and costs $30.

The second is an all-ages “Cookies With Mrs. Claus” class on Friday, Dec. 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Participants will decorate homemade cookies, enjoy hot chocolate and stories with Mrs. Claus, and make holiday crafts with elves from the North Pole. Cost for this class is $5 for museum members and $10 for others.

Greensboro Children’s Museum is at 220 N. Church St. To register for either class, go to gcmuseum.com/ edible-schoolyard/CookingClases. php or call 574-2898.

See Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Festival of Lights The Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons draws an estimated 250,000 attendees with its spectacular holiday light displays every year. This year, its 24th season, kids can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Holiday Gift Village, share their Christmas lists, and have photos made.

The festival will be open nightly from Saturday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 3 from 6 to 11 p.m. Until Wednesday, Dec. 23, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to closing.

Photo CDs will be $12 for one photo, $22 for three photos or $32 for six photos. Admission to the festival, a four-mile route featuring more than 100 displays and a million lights, is $15 for cars, vans and trucks; $35 for commercial vans, limos and mini-buses; and $100 for motor coaches and buses. Prices will be reduced to $5, $15 and $65, respectively on Nov. 23-24 and Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Tanglewood Park is at 4201 Manor House Circle in Clemmons. For more information, go to forsyth.cc/ Parks/Tanglewood/fol or call 703-6400.

Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem Awarded Prestigious Federal Grant The Institute of Museum and Library Sciences has awarded a $150,000 federal grant to the Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem to support the installation of a 1,000-square-foot Prop Shop — a theaterthemed space for performing arts programming of the museum’s Peppercorn Theatre that will also be a “maker space,” or “tinkering studio,” exhibition.

The Prop Shop will be a hands-on, interactive learning environment focused on design-thinking, problem-solving and project-based learning. It will provide children and their parents an opportunity to learn about important life skills such as focus, self-control, thinking and taking on challenges together.

Of 583 grant applicants, only 217 were chosen by the highly competitive Museums for America and National Leadership Grants for Museums programs. The museums receiving the awards will match them with non-federal funds. piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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139578-A1-13.indd 1

3/16/15 12:04:42 PM

GOING BACK TO SCHOOL CAN MAKE YOUR KID SICKER. WAIT UNTIL THEIR FEVER IS GONE FOR 24 HOURS.

Stay Healthy™ 336 274 6515 eaglemds.com Family Medicine + Internal Medicine + Pediatrics + OB/GYN + Geriatrics Endoscopy + Endocrinology + Gastroenterology 6

DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

piedmontparent.com

›

FYI

|

health

COMPILED BY KATHERINE KOPP

Burn Candles Safely Over the Holidays

Be Prepared: 7 Common Winter Illnesses It’s that time of year when illness is prevalent among children and families. Here is a list of the seven most common winter illnesses for kids.

1. Common cold 2. Respiratory syncytial virus 3. Flu 4. Ear infections 5. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) 6. Croup 7. Strep throat For information on prevention, symptoms and treatment, visit uhhospitals.org and search for “7 illnesses.”

The top three days for fires caused by home candles are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, according to a 2013 report from the National Fire Protection Association. Twelve percent of home candle fires occur in December, according to the report.

Increased use of candles combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations used in many homes for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other winter holidays means more risk for fire.

To prevent fire in your home: • Never leave burning candles unattended; blow them out when you leave a room.

• Keep candles out of the reach of children.

• Never sleep in a room with a lit candle and extinguish all candles before going to sleep.

• Make sure candles are on stable surfaces, where they can't easily be knocked over.

• Don't burn candles near trees, curtains or any other flammable items.

• Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace.

• Have your chimney and fireplaces cleaned and checked at least once a year.

About 2,200 deaths were caused by fires, burns and other fire-related injuries in 2013, according to a report produced by the National Safety Council.

Learn more at nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/news-and-resources-holiday-safety.aspx.

66%

The number of teens who have consumed more than just a few sips of alcohol by the end of high school. More than 25 percent have done so by eighth grade.

Source: “Binge Drinking” in the September 2015 issue of Pediatrics

Moms and Kids: Stay Active All Winter Long!

Woman’s Day magazine and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recently reported on a survey of 1,154 mothers and the activities they engaged in with their children. Among their findings: •

Half had gone on a walk, run or ridden a bike with their kids ages 5-18 the previous week.

•

26 percent had played a sport, danced together or “ran around” playing together.

•

90 percent ate a meal with their kids.

•

79 percent watched TV together.

•

65 percent helped with homework.

The findings suggest that in order to promote improved fitness, moms may need to be more proactive about scheduling regular physical activities with their children. Learn more at healthiergeneration.org. piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

piedmontparent.com

›

|

FYI

style

December

1.

STYLE Stumped on what to give for the holidays?

Find something special for a friend, family member or yourself with these selections.

3.

2.

4.

6.

5.

1. Personalized Children's Silhouette Portrait, etsy.com/shop/trendycutsshop, $24-$64 2. Purple Coco Tassel Earrings, lisilerch.com, $88 3. A Blue & White Christmas Embroidered Cocktail Napkin, shoplettermade.com, $48-$62 4. Mirrored Gold or Silver Pet Ornaments (one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" for 2015), moonandlola.com, $20-$22 5. Happy Stripe 2016 Daily Simplified Planner, emilyley.com, $58 6. Tortoise Hurricane, furbishstudio.com $55-$75 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent, a sister publication of Piedmont Parent. piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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›

GROWING UP school-age child? Ask around for guidance on the best breeds for families. Expert dog trainer Joel Silverman, former Animal Planet host and author of “Bond With Your Heart, Train With Your Brain: Techniques for Training and Motivating Humans and Other Animals,” recommends against dogs with a strong prey drive, such as terriers, for families with young children. Though these dogs can make wonderful pets, they may react negatively to a noisy, unpredictable child.

“Dogs with a strong prey drive are often quick to react to the sudden movements, and may chase or nip in these situations,” Silverman says.

Retrievers, retriever mixes and other notoriously mellow breeds are known to make great family pets, he says. Selecting a rescue dog? Reach out to a pro beforehand. Trainers, including Jason Troy, will consult with families prior to bringing their rescue dog home to help ease the transition from shelter to forever home.

Pet Project: Choosing What’s Right for Your Family

BY MALIA JACOBSON

A

re your kids clamoring for a pet? Saying yes may be smart; research overwhelmingly shows that owning and caring for pets benefits kids at every

developmental stage, boosting levels of empathy, teaching responsibility and even offering a science lesson or two. Research from Purdue University shows that kindergarteners who care for pets have a better understanding of biology; and a large study by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University links pet ownership with improved emotional health during the teenage years. Read on for pointers on picking the best pet for your family.

AGES 0-5

Pet Pals Adding a new pet to a home already occupied by a baby or toddler can be a challenge. When considering which type of animal to get, keep your family’s lifestyle and your baby’s developmental stage in mind.

A tail-pulling toddler might be better off with a low-maintenance goldfish than a cat or boisterous puppy. Some parents, however, find that a high-energy puppy or kitten fits right in with their family. Young children can keep up

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DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

with a playful pup or kitten, and parents of babies are already used to getting up at night to clean up messes.

“Puppies take work. If you are going to add a new addition, make sure the house is ready for noisy nights and a little bit of chaos for the first few weeks,” says Jason Troy of Canine Scholars Inc. dog training in Charlotte.

AGES 13-18

Separation Station You’re not the only one who will miss a teen who ships off to camp, college or to study abroad. Your teen’s pet may experience separation anxiety, too.

While more college campuses and dormitories are allowing pets, most still don’t, so it’s likely that Fido or Fluffy will have to stay behind. Expect a few weeks of mopey behavior after a teen departs, Silverman says.

“Pets bond differently with different members of a family, and a pet will most certainly feel sad when the person he’s most bonded to leaves,” he says.

Offer the pet extra attention, petting and reassurance during this time, and consult with your veterinarian if the animal displays signs of anxiety, such as excess vocalization, accidents or appetite changes. If your pet isn’t overly anxious, just sad, it may be a great time to consider adding another pet to the family, Silverman says. After the initial adjustment period, a new dog or cat can help distract your pet from the loss while providing the rest of the family with another furry companion to love.

AGES 6-12

Pick of the Litter Ready to take the plunge and get a dog for your piedmontparent.com

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

Tanglewood Park Clemmons, North Carolina www.tanglewoodpark.org

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piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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›

IS MY KID OK? to interact with their children each day. And children will resort to many different tactics to get attention.

As a parent, you can encourage more positive ways for your children to deal with negative emotions and thought patterns. Try not to give in to the whining! It may seem hard at that moment, but keep telling yourself that in the long run, if you consistently hold your ground and encourage other avenues of expression, you — and your children — will be rewarded. Always tell your children that if they will use words as opposed to whining and crying, you will be able to help them more quickly because you can understand them.

If asking them to use words doesn’t help the situation, you may just have to ignore them. If you don’t give in to their demands when they whine, they will eventually get the message and use their normal tone of voice. And when your children use their normal voice, thank them for being polite with their requests.

Chronic whining may be an indication that you need one-on-one time with your

How to Hold Your Ground Against Whining

Q

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matter what we do, it never seems to end. Help!

DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

programmed to multitask, we are doing two or three things at the same time. Your intuitive your radar than just them!

What do we do about constant whining? We have two children and no

A

time with our children, when in fact we are so

little ones always know when there is more on

BY SHERRI MCMILLEN

Parents can relate to the never-ending fussiness, unpleasant attitudes, crying, whimpering and pestering that seems to go on and on. As a parent you wonder when will it end and how you can make it stop.

As with all of the parenting phases you have already been through, keep in mind that this too shall pass. With love, understanding and patience, you can help your children learn to communicate more effectively. Consistently send the message that whining will not be rewarded. Some of it, of course, will simply take care of itself as your children develop and mature.

children. Sometimes we think we are spending

One of my co-workers has a 3-year-old daughter. In order to establish ground rules, the parents decided to designate certain areas of their home as “No Whine Zones.” It puts

For starters, remember that the better your children feel each day, the better they will likely behave. In general, make every effort to ensure that your family’s lifestyle is as wholesome as possible. Are your children getting enough sleep? Are they napping (if age appropriate)? You may be surprised to find that just moving up bedtime for your children makes the next day more pleasant and manageable. Are you making healthy food choices for your children? Are you able to spend time alone with each of them every day? Unfortunately, in this stressed-out, busy world, many parents struggle to find the time piedmontparent.com

boundaries on their daughter’s behavior but allows for some whining too, which is normal.

Stay consistent with the messages you send your children. Encourage them to use words. Keep in mind that most children whine. Just don’t let it get out of hand. And as with all parenting issues, keep your sense of humor. Your parents probably had to remind themselves of that when they were raising you!

Sherri Wall McMillen is with Cone Health Behavioral Health Hospital. Please submit your questions to “Is My Kid OK?” via email to sherri.mcmillen@conehealth.com.

„ITH HOLIDAY ˝IFTS

BY RENEE ROBERSON

Thanks to the popularity of crafting television shows and magazines, do-it-yourself gifts are more in-style than ever. This holiday season, why not consider surprising friends and family with a gift crafted specifically with them in mind? Involve your kids in the process, and they will be proud to present gifts they had a hand in creating.

PRACTICAL,

YET PERSONAL “I love making handmade gifts because each gift is unique. The item can’t be bought in a store. No one else owns it, so each gift is more personal and has more meaning,” says Piedmont Parent Publisher and Editor Myra Wright. She came up with the idea to use square tiles from her local hardware store, along with colorful scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, self-adhesive felt and clear acrylic sealer spray to create homemade decoupage coasters.

Gifts to Be Cherished “Creating and giving handmade gifts is like sharing a piece of myself with others,” says Carolina Parent contributor Laura Kelly, who creates a variety of arts and crafts at Laura Kelly Designs (laurakellydesigns.com).

Kelly’s Cloud Pillow, Fairy Garden in a Jar, and Daddy Mugs are all simple but meaningful gifts that will speak volumes.

DECOUPAGE COASTERS ITEMS NEEDED: Four square 4.25-inch-by-4.25 inch tiles from a hardware store Four pieces of scrapbook paper of your choice 16 small round pieces of selfadhesive felt Mod Podge Sponge brush Clear acrylic sealer spray Ribbon for gift bow TO MAKE: 1. Use a sponge brush to apply one coat of Mod Podge to the tiles.

2. Place one piece of scrapbook paper on the center of each tile and let dry.

3. Brush another coat of Mod Podge on top of paper.

4. Allow craft to dry 15-20 minutes.

Repeat twice.

5. When tiles are dry, apply felt pieces to the corners on the backs of tiles.

6. Use ribbon to wrap the coasters together to complete your homemade gift.

Cloud Pillow If you’re looking to spread a little joy and happiness, the Cloud Pillow design is a great fit that requires minimal sewing. Make your own with felt, polyester stuffing, colorful ribbons and buttons or purchase a supply kit at Kelly’s online store.

Depending on your level of skill, you can either hand sew or use a sewing machine to complete the project.

Photos courtesy of Laura Kelly

piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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Photos courtesy of Julie Loven

A Fairy Garden Jar A Fairy Garden Jar makes the perfect magical gift for the fairy-lover in your life.

Using Sculpey clay, create a little mushroom house and tiny flowers and bake in the oven according to package directions. Pick out a few charming accessories at the craft store to make the jar irresistible to any fairies making the garden their new home.

Photo courtesy of Laura Kelly

Daddy (or Mommy) and Me Mug Set Making handmade gifts doesn’t necessarily require a trip to your local craft or hobby store. Take advantage of supplies at a paint-yourown pottery store and design to your heart’s content. Use Kelly’s whimsical matching Daddy (or Mommy) and Me set of mugs for inspiration.

Find details to make all these crafty gifts at PiedmontParent.com Photo courtesy of Laura Kelly

Renee Roberson is an award-winning freelance writer and mother of two whose work has appeared in many regional magazines. One of her favorite gifts to make during the holiday season is “cookies in a jar.” Visit her website at finishedpages.com.

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DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

piedmontparent.com

MAKE YOUR OWN DÉCOR Putting your crafting skills to use doesn’t have to stop at gift giving.

Bypass the aisles of holiday décor at your local big box store in favor of creating your own decorations.

That’s what Julie Loven, who blogs as The Effortless Girl for Charlotte Parent, did when she created her Split Pea Trees.

“I was fortunate to grow up in a place where Christmas trees are the major export crop,” Loven says.

“As a big fan of the holiday season, I like having several trees around my house.” The Split Pea Trees are an inexpensive way to help add to the festivity without the commitment of adding another evergreen tree, and the kids can help create these decorations.

Loven uses a 6-inch green floral cone, a bag of green split peas and glue. By spreading glue onto the cone and then sprinkling it with peas until covered, the project is complete after drying overnight. The trees can also double as a unique gift idea.

“I believe time is the best gift of all and spending time thinking of and doing for someone you love makes the gift extra special,” Loven says.

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OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD

STAR WARS

2

BY MICHELE HUGGINS AND MIKALA YOUNG Star Wars fans have been waiting a long time for the big-screen debut of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” due out Dec. 18. Trailers have been watched by millions, young and old, and parents who loved the trilogy in their childhood days are sharing the excitement of the trilogy movies with their kids before “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens in theaters. That excitement includes a plethora of Star Wars toys. Here are some of our favorite finds.

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5 1 | Kylo Ren Lightsaber – Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Ages 3+. $29.95. Disney Store, multiple locations. disneystore.com.

2 | "Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know."

Ages 8+. $11+. amazon.com.

3 | "Star Wars Battlefront." Rated Teen. Available for PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One. $59.99. Gamestop, multiple locations. gamestop.com.

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DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015 |

4 | Air Hogs Star Wars Remote Control X-34 Landspeeder. Ages 8+. $34.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com.

5 | Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid.

Ages 3+. $149.99. Radio Shack, multiple locations. sphero.com/starwars.

piedmontparent.com

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6 | Stormtrooper Art Case. Ages 5+. $14.99.

Target, multiple locations. target.com.

7 | Disney Star Wars Episode V Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet. Ages 5+. $39.99.

Sears, sears.com.

8 | Star Wars – Yoda Mr. Potato Head. Ages

2+. $24.95. Barnes & Noble, multiple locations. barnesandnoble.com.

9 | Star Wars Classic Walkie Talkies. Ages 4+. $16.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com.

10 | Play-Doh Star Wars Millennium Falcon Featuring Can-Heads Plus Glow Compound. Ages 3+. $15.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com.

11 | LEGO Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter.

Ages 8+. $69.99. The Lego Store. lego.com.

12 | Hot Wheels Star Wars C-3PO and R2-D2 2-pack. Ages 3+. $6.99. amazon.com.

13 | Build-a-Bear: Princess Leia/Wicket (mini Ewok). $12.50$42. Build-A-Bear Workshop. buildabear.com.

piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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HOW TO HOST A

Holiday Cookie Exchange

BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

“ Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe called life.”

— Unknown

Cookie exchanges are inherently rewarding. Not only do you have a chance to share one of your family favorites, a cookie swap is a festive way to feed your guests’ spirits with sweet cheer. Nothing beats the lovely afterglow of time spent with friends and a plate brimming with homemade goodies to gift to each other’s families.

At first glance a cookie exchange may seem complicated — I

certainly thought so — but with this handy how-to, you’ll pull it off without a hitch, just like I did.

Cookie swaps can range from a strict set of rules (no store-bought chocolate chip cookies) to anything goes (simple is super if that’s your style). Go with whatever you think will appeal to your friends without causing them stress.

SET THE DATE. Holiday calendars fill up fast. At least four to six weeks before the event, send out your invitations. Choose an evite or a print invitation, whichever makes the most sense for your budget, audience and time.

them with decorated boxes or tins to put treats in. If your friends rally around creativity, challenge them to pre-package their treats as individual giveaways to each guest.

BETTER BY THE DOZEN? Decide on the number of guests. The more guests, the more cookies each guest will need to bring. Typically around two-thirds of invitees will accept an event invitation.

If you invite 20, plan for between 12 and 15 guests.

CHECK YES OR NO. Request that guests respond a week ahead of time in order to give participants time to plan how many cookies to bake. Send a gentle follow-up to any unconfirmed guests the day of your RSVP deadline.

CRUNCH THE NUMBERS. Let’s say you have 12 guests. Ask each participant to

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prepare four dozen cookies. This ensures every person gets to take at least four cookies from each batch, and each guest returns home with a total of 48 different types of cookies. If this sounds like too many cookies for each person, either decrease the number to three dozen or have guests donate extras.

GATHER THE RECIPES. Ask each of your friends to bring copies of her recipe to share or if you have time, request that your guests email their recipe ahead of time, preferably when they RSVP. Gather the recipes into a clipped cookbook for each guest to take home as a party favor.

PREP YOUR GUESTS. Participants should arrive with a tray of cookies for sampling and instructions about how they’ll take their treats home.

For example, they can bring their own container or as the host, you can provide

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SERVE SIMPLE APPETIZERS AND BEVERAGES. To complement the sweet, serve savory appetizers that you can prepare ahead of time, like cheese and crackers, mixed nuts, dips, chips and fresh veggies. Beverages might include apple cider, soda, wine, iced tea, sparkling wines, beer, coffee or hot chocolate.

SHARE STORIES. Go around in a circle and ask each of your guests to share a story about the treat that they brought.

Listening to my friends recount their family traditions, baking disasters, and childhood memories spent rolling out dough in their grandmother’s kitchens made us laugh, empathize and wax

nostalgic.

GIVE PRIZES. While this step is optional, it can add extra cheer to the festivities. Ask your guests to vote: Which cookie was the most unusual?

Who shared an unforgettable story associated with their treat? Who had the most creative packaging? Whose cookie was almost too beautiful to eat? Hand out simple prizes like plastic tiaras, tin holiday cookie cutters, a box of tea, etc.

SPREAD THE JOY. Offer your friends the option of preparing extra cookies that you can box up and deliver to a local nursing home, police or fire station or women’s shelter.

Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines is the author of “Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.”

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Learn more at NovantHealth.org/women Making healthcare remarkable piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER DIGITAL EDITION 2015

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EXCURSION

Find Holiday Cheer for the Whole Family at Old Salem

BY SUZY FIELDERS

W

hether you live in the Triad or elsewhere in North Carolina, Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Winston-Salem is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. This living history town recreates the Moravian community of Salem during the 18th and 19th centuries with its historic buildings.

While the destination offers a variety of things to do and events year-round, here are just a few of the holiday events happening there this month.

Saturdays With St. Nicholas Sarah, my daughter, attended this event last year with her Girl Scouts troop and enjoyed it so much, our family has made it a holiday tradition.

In addition to enjoying beautiful holiday decorations throughout the Old Salem Historic District, visitors can take part in these special activities: • Meet St. Nicholas and have a souvenir photo taken by a professional photographer.

• Watch “Olive, the Other Reindeer” on the big screen in Gray Auditorium.

• Listen to a reading of “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

• Enjoy holiday shopping and giftwrapping.

• Taste a holiday beverage and treat from Winkler Bakery.

Not only is this event fun for the family, but it’s reasonably priced at only $8 per person — and children under 2 are free. The event takes place Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the Old Salem Visitor’s Center.

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Candle Tea The Candle Tea, presented by the Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian Church, is probably one of my favorite things to do at Old Salem. Families enjoy Moravian coffee and sugar cake and sing Christmas carols while an organist plays the 1797 Tannenberg organ. Sarah also loves watching how Photo courtesy of Old Salem Museums & Gardens.

Moravian beeswax candles are made.

The event closes out with a sharing of a 19th-century Moravian Christmas. of the Christmas story while visitors Participants sing carols, hear a reading view a lighted Nativity putz, which is a of “A Visit from St. Nick,” and enjoy hot miniature replica of early Salem. It’s a cider and a traditional 19th-century beautiful way to close this cheerful and Christmas cake or cookie. The Vogler inspiring festivity.

House is also adorned with a Victorianstyle Christmas tree and Moravian Christmas by Candlelight Tours decorations.

Old Salem is a beautiful place to visit any Christmas by Candlelight Tours time of year, but it’s even more stunning are hosted the first three weekends in at night during Christmas by candlelight.

December at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. They These tours are also interactive. sell out quickly, and pre-registration is Attendees tour Salem by lighted lanterns required. beginning at the Miksch House, where In addition to these three holiday they learn about the Moravian’s 18thofferings, Old Salem hosts many other century Moravian Lovefeast and holiday festive activities. Visit oldsalem.org for traditions, and enjoy hot chocolate. a complete list. Old Salem Museums & Then they move on to the Salem Tavern Gardens is located at 600 S. Main St. in Museum, where they listen to music and Winston-Salem. enjoy Tavern games like dominoes and checkers.

Suzy Fielders is a freelance writer covering The final stop is the John Vogler Winston-Salem offerings for families, as House, where visitors experience elements well as the local arts and films scene.

piedmontparent.com

STEP AWAY FROM THE ARTIFICIAL TREES AND STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF Start your adventure today.

800.852.9506

ExploreBoone.com

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December OUR PICKS COMPILED BY MIKALA YOUNG Photo courtesy of Discovery Place

Taking pictures with Clara. Image courtesy of the Greensboro Ballet, 2014.

Tours: A 1917 Christmas.

Dec. 1, 4-5, 8, 15, 22 Share a Reynolda holiday with your friends and family this season with these special holiday tours offered during the day for the first time. Each hour-long, guided experience features stories of the Reynolds family Christmas traditions, decorations inspired by Katharine Smith Reynolds’s personal choices, carols played on the original Aeolian organ and Christmas cards and letters received by the Reynolds family. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $14-$20. 888663-1149. Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, W-S. reynoldahouse.org.

Tea with Clara.

Dec. 12 and 20.

Enjoy Greensboro Ballet’s sixth annual “Tea with Clara” in the Renaissance Room.

A 1917 Christmas at Reynolda House.

Image courtesy of Reynolda House, 2015.

Before Clara and her Nutcracker Prince journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, she shares a piece of her adventure. Dine on delicious tea and sweet treats. Mingle with Clara’s friends from the ballet. Learn Clara’s lullaby dance and take home a unique and playful treat box. Of course, host Clara will make an appearance, so be sure to bring your camera for photos and autographs.12:45-1:45 p.m. $20. 333-7480. Carolina Theatre, 310 S. Greene St., GSO. greensboroballet.org.

The Polar Express Train Ride.

Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 16-22

Featuring three Olympic champions including one of the greatest figure skaters in U.S. history, Brian Boitano, and the most decorated dance team in U.S. figure skating history, Meryl Davis and Charlie White. They will skate to holiday music, with a number of songs performed live by Grammy-winning rock band Train. Hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi and Michael Weiss. 7:30 p.m. Call for pricing. 800-745-3000. Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., GSO. greensborocoliseum.com.

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Image courtesy of NC Transportation Museum, 2014.

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Santa

Photo courtesy of Old Salem Museums & Gardens.

VISIT WITH SANTA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS TRAIN Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 17-23, 26-27. Visit Santa in “Santa’s Cabin” as well as enjoy a ride the Handy Dandy Railroad where you’ll see lights and Nativity a movie. $12. Children 11 and younger, $5. Children 4 and younger, free. 4:30 p.m. 859-2755. Denton Farm Park, 1072 Cranford Road, Denton. dentonfarmpark.com.

SATURDAYS WITH ST. NICHOLAS Dec. 5, 12, 19. Enjoy the beautiful historic neighborhood accented by holiday decorations and special programming for children and the young at heart. Children age 2 and younger are admitted free.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. $8. 721-7300. Old Salem Visitor’s Center, 900 Old Salem Road, W-S. oldsalem.org.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Dec. 4. Visit and take pictures with Santa at Greensboro’s annual holiday kick-off celebration, featuring six blocks of live music, children’s crafts and more. 5:45-9 p.m. Free. 274-4595. Elm St., GSO. festivaloflightsgso.org.

A CREEKSIDE CHRISTMAS Dec. 4. Take Pictures with Santa during this shopping and festivity-filled event. Roast marshmallows by the bonfire, take a magical luminary ride, enjoy a live nativity scene and more. 5-8 p.m. Free with donation of non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy. 4311117. Archdale Recreation Center at Creekside Park, 214 Park Drive, Archdale. archdale-nc.gov.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 5. Santa will make an early holiday appearance at the Bethania Mill and Village Shoppes. Gather the whole family and join Santa for a magical morning.

Each child will get a turn to tell Santa exactly what they want for Christmas. 8 and 10 a.m. $10.

422-9215. Bethania Mill & Village Shoppes, 5455 Bethania Road, W-S. CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Dec. 5. Stroll through the Downtown Christmas Around the World event and finish your evening in Harmon Park with Santa and friends. Sing carols, sip on hot cocoa, light the tree and warm up by the fire.

7 p.m. Free. 996-3121. Harmon Park, 152 S. Main St., Kernersville. toknc.com.

11TH ANNUAL SNACKS WITH SANTA Dec. 5. Bring your camera and get a picture with Santa. There will also be holiday games, crafts and refreshments. This is a free event but donations are appreciated and will benefit Smart Start funded programs. 9:30 a.m.-Noon. Free. 249-6688. Davidson County Fairgrounds, 400 Greensboro St. EXT, Lexington.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CAROLINA Dec. 5. Watch “Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws” with a free soft drink an popcorn, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing along to carols with the theater’s historic pipe organ and have a chance to win a brand new bicycle. 9:15 a.m. Free. 333-2600.

Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, 310 S. Greene St., GSO. carolinatheatre.com.

DECK THE HALLS IN PILOT MOUNTAIN Dec. 5. Visit Santa and his elves during a day that includes Christmas carolers on the street, a window decorating contest, special store promotions, free gift wrapping for all shops, the tree lighting ceremony

and the annual Christmas parade. Call 496-2664 for more information. 12-6 p.m. Free. Main Street, Pilot Mountain.

LIBERTY CHRISTMAS PARADE & TREE LIGHTING Dec. 5. Visits with Santa Claus, food and music make this parade, which also features downtown Liberty’s annual tree lighting ceremony, a fun day for the entire family. 11 a.m. Free. 622-4937. 101 S. Fayetteville St., Liberty.

UPTOWNE HIGH POINT HOLIDAY STROLL Dec. 5. Tour and shop High Point’s charming, historic Uptowne neighborhood. Stroll North Main Street from Ray to State Avenues for entertainment and children’s activities, including horse drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa. Free. See uptownehighpoint.org for the complete event schedule. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 884-3995. 1108 North Main St., HP. THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT KÖRNER’S FOLLY PUPPET SHOW Dec. 5, 11, 12. Come hear the Körner’s spin on the classic 1820s poem by Clement Clarke Moore. The Puppet Show will be followed by a visit from Santa, so parents are encouraged to bring cameras for this great photo opportunity. All ages. 10-11 a.m. $5.

996-7922. Körner’s Folly, 413 S. Main St., Kernersville. kornersfolly.org.

CHRISTMAS ON SUNSET Dec. 11. This traditional family Christmas event showcases downtown Asheboro’s beautifully decorated shops and features carolers, hot cider

sipping, a special nativity story, horse drawn carriage and wagon rides, and gifts for the children from Santa and his elves. 6-9 p.m. Free. 626-2626. Sunset Ave., Asheboro. chamber.asheboro.com.

HOLIDAY MAGIC: A DICKENS CHRISTMAS Dec. 11. A Burlington tradition, this holiday event transforms the streets of downtown into a magical celebration with lots of old-fashioned activities, live performances and special visitors, including Santa Claus. 6-9 p.m. Free. Burlington. btowneventsnc.com.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 12. Enjoy breakfast, arts and crafts and face painting. Don’t forget your camera. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Register online or call 222-5134. All ages. 8-10 a.m. $5. Thataways Youth center, 1331 Overbrook Road, Burlington. burlingtonnc.gov/thataways.

COOKIES WITH MRS. CLAUS Dec. 18. Decorate homemade cookies, sip hot chocolate in the cocoa cafe, enjoy stories with Ms. Claus and create holiday crafts with the North Pole elves. Great for all ages. Only children pay; parents participate for free. 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5-$10. 574-2898 x 317. Greensboro Children’s Museum, 220 N. Church St., GSO. gcmuseum.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Dec. 22. This event features hay rides, a live nativity, Santa and Mrs. Claus, amusement park rides, face painting, games, crafts and more. 6-9 p.m.

Free. Burlington City Park, 1333 Overbrook Road, Burlington. btowneventsnc.com.

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On Stage

Photo courtesy of Greensboro Ballet

ON STAGE “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” Dec. 1-6, 9-13, 16-20, 22-24. Triad Stage brings Dickens’ classic story to life in a dazzling production brimming with bold acting, daring design and breathtaking special effects. Written by Charles Dickens, adapted by Preston Lane. See website for performance times. $11-$55. 747-1414. Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., W-S. triadstage.org.

“THE GLORY AND MAJESTY OF CHRISTMAS” Dec. 2-3. Presented by the Rick Webb family, this production is a narration of the Luke 2 story of Jesus' birth, portrayed by a cast of 30 actors and classical dancers. Written by Derric Johnson, 25 year creative director for Walt Disney World, this spectacular presentation of the Christmas story has been performed over 50 times in theaters all over the US and now, for the first time, at the High Point Theatre.

7 p.m. $15. 883-3401. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., HP. highpointtheatre.com.

“BEAUTIFUL STAR: AN APPALACHIAN NATIVITY” Dec. 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 22-24. Returning as a part of our 15th Anniversary Season, Reverend Ledbetter and the Open Heart Community Fellowship gather again for their rendition of the Christmas story. With down-home laughter and toe-tapping music, this family favorite original production will tug at the heartstrings. See website for performance times and ticket prices. 272-0160. The Pyrle Theatre, Triad Stage, 232 S. Elm St., GSO. triadstage.org.

“THE NUTCRACKER” Dec. 5-6. This unique children's production of The Nutcracker Ballet presented by the Dance Center of

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Greensboro allows the entire family to enjoy Clara's magical journey danced to Tchaikovsky's magical score.

These special Holiday Nutcracker performances are danced by DCG students ranging in age from 5 years to adult. See website for performance times.

High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., HP. highpointtheatre.com.

PIEDMONT TRIAD JAZZ ORCHESTRA 2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT Dec. 6. Join the theater’s resident jazz band for a fun romp full of holiday spirit as they perform perennial holiday favorites with a big band twist. Arrangements of classics by Ellington, Marsalis, PTJO band members and more. Doors open half an hour before the 3 and 7:30 p.m. performances. Admission is “pay what you want” with a suggested $10 minimum. 333-2605.

The Crown at the Carolina, 310 S. Greene St., GSO. carolinatheatre.com.

BEN FOLDS WITH THE PIEDMONT WIND SYMPHONY: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Dec. 8. Part of the Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS) 26th season under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Matthew Troy, the Holiday Pops concert presents world-renowned pop superstar Ben Folds performing with the PWS. For ticket prices and to buy tickets, call 800-745-3000. 7:30 p.m. LJVM Coliseum, 2825 University Parkway, W-S. piedmontwindsymphony.com.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL” Dec. 10-13. This rendition promises to surprise and delight those who are familiar with the original, while entertaining the entire family with a holiday classic

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piedmontparent.com

and an experience they’ll not soon forget. Appropriate for all ages. See website for performance times. $18$22. 887-3001. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., HP. hpct.net.

“THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER” Dec. 11-13, 16-20. A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem — and fun — when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story. Directed by Katherine Sanderlin. See website for performance times. $10-$30. 333-7469 x202. Starr Theatre, 520 S. Elm St., GSO. ctgso.org.

HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT: CAROLINA BRASS Dec. 11. From the elegance and grace of classical pieces to the hard-driving sound of the Big Band era, Carolina Brass takes audiences on a musical sleigh ride through favorites of the season. For more information, call 758-5150. 7:30 pm. $10-$15. Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, W-S. reynoldahouse.org.

OLD DOMINION/FOX 8 HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH THE GREENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Dec. 11. Celebrate the Holiday Season with the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra, featuring appearances by the Summit Figure Skating Club of Greensboro and Santa Claus. Free admission.

Canned food donations will be accepted by Salvation Army. Doors open at 6 p.m. Greensboro Coliseum Complex, 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., GSO. greensborosymphony.org.

HIGH POINT BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” Dec. 11-12, 18-19. Choreography is by awardwinning Artistic Director Gary Taylor. Sets are by award-winning designer Howard Jones. Lighting is by Craig Stelzenmueller. Original costumes are designed by Executive Director and Founder Rita Taylor. See website for performance times. $22-$27.

887-3001. Edward C Smith Civic Center, 217 S. Main St., Lexington. highpointballet.org.

WINSTON-SALEM GIRLS CHORUS ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT Dec. 12. This performance features the girls choirs as well as guest musicians. Admission is an offering taken at the doors. 3 p.m. 922-4073. Centenary UMC Sanctuary, 646 W. 5th St., W-S. wsgirlschorus.org.

GREENSBORO BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” Dec. 12-13, 19-20. Swirling snowflakes, giant mice, dolls that come to life and sweets from around the world are just some of the characters you’ll experience as you join Clara on her magical adventure. And for the Dec. 13 performance, Greensboro Ballet once again brings back Muttcracker Day, during which dogs will be making cameo appearances throughout the show.

See website for performance times. $15-$35. 3332605. Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, 310 S. Greene St., GSO. greensboroballet.org.

UNC SCHOOL OF THE ARTS “THE NUTCRACKER” Dec. 12-13, 16-20. Join the Nutcracker Prince, Clara, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy for this holiday classic. Now in its 50th year, this production of

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arts and crafts

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet draws thousands into Downtown Winston-Salem and UNCSA’s Stevens Center. See website for performance times and special appearances. $29-$83. 721-1945. Stevens Center of UNCSA, 405 West Fourth St., W-S. uncsa. edu/nutcracker.

PIEDMONT CHAMBER SINGERS CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS Dec. 13. Piedmont Chamber Singers will perform two free candlelight concerts in the 1788 Gemeinhaus at 4 and 5 p.m. Visitors are also invited to view Bethabara exhibits, enjoy mulled cider and browse in the Bethabara Gift Shop. Free. 924-8191.

Historic Bethabara Park, 1788 Gemeinhaus, 2147 Bethabara Road, W-S. cityofws.org.

MACY’S YES, VIRGINIA THE MUSICAL Dec. 18-20. When eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon’s belief in Santa Claus is questioned, she ventures into the city to find out the truth. A scraggly Santa, an excitable librarian and even Virginia’s quirky doctor father can’t give her a satisfactory answer.

So, Virginia writes to Francis Church, the editor of The New York Sun. 7-8:45 pm. $15. 748-0857.

Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive, W-S. twincitystage.org.

HIGH POINT BALLET PRESENTS “LAND OF THE SWEETS” Dec. 19. The Land of the Sweets Nutcracker performance is designed especially for children. The show length of approximately one hour and content are tailored for young people’s attention. To add to the experience, everyone is invited to come at 1 p.m., one hour prior to the performance, to meet “The Nutcracker” characters, have souvenir pictures taken and participate in themed activities. 11 a.m. $22.

887-3001. High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave., HP. highpointballet.org.

PLAY: “A CHRISTMAS MEMORY” Dec. 20. This two-decade long tradition continues as Robin Voiers returns as Truman Capote’s older cousin Sook in an original adaptation of Capote’s tale of his own humble childhood holiday traditions. 4 p.m. $10-$15. 758-5150. Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, W-S. reynoldahouse.org.

“PETER AND THE WOLF” Dec. 29. The classic story is retold through music and dance in a new collaborative production with the Carolina Chamber Symphony Players, Peppercorn Theatre and Helen Simoneau Danse. Performances held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All ages. $8-$35.

723-9111 ext. 211. James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road, W-S. peppercorntheatre.org.

ARTS AND CRAFTS COCOA AND CANDLELIGHT IN CANARY: A 1940S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Dec. 5. Visitors are invited to learn about 1940s holiday decor and traditions while enjoying refreshments, listening to vintage holiday music and making their own ornaments to take home.

The festivities will take place in Canary Cottage, Dr. Brown’s campus home. Tickets will be sold at the door on a cash-only basis. 4-6 p.m. $2.14-$3.20.

449-4846. Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum, 6136 Burlington Road, Gibsonville.

FAMILY FIRST: HOLIDAY TOUR AND CARD MAKING Dec. 6. Make one-of-a-kind cards on the printing press with classic hand-carved stamps. New this year, this printmaking workshop also includes a guided tour of the decorated historic home and will focus on stories of the Reynolds and Babcock children during the holidays Registration required.

2-4 p.m. $8-$10. 758-5599. Reynolda House Museum of American Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, W-S. reynoldahouse.org.

FESTIVE FAMILY FRIDAY AT SCIWORKS Dec. 11. An annual holiday tradition, for only $1/ person (free for Members), you can explore the museum, listen to live music, make holiday crafts, watch a festive planetarium laser show and meet

some special guests, including Santa 4:30-8:30 p.m. $1. 767-6730. SciWorks, 400 W. Hanes Mill Road, W-S. sciworks.org.

candle. Free for members. Drop-in. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

885-1859. High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Ave., HP. highpointmuseum.org.

GINGERBREAD CREATIONS WORKSHOP Dec. 12. Family reservations include one pre-built gingerbread house kit. Feel free to bring additional sweet candy decorations. Enjoy Christmas tunes and holiday cheer while bringing your gingerbread creations to life. All ages. For more information or to register by Dec. 8, please call 222-5030. 11 a.m.Noon. $5. Fairchild Community Center, 827 South Graham Hopedale Road, Burlington. burlingtonnc. gov/youth.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP Dec. 22-23. Make and take (while supplies last) a mini gingerbread house. Build your creation with a mini milk carton, graham crackers, icing and a variety of sweet treats. Museum admission not included, but required. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $13.40. 7239111. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. childrensmuseumofws.org.

ELF TEA PARTY Dec. 12. Make your elf costume — a felt cap with ears, bell necklace and rosy cheeks. Next, sing silly songs, enjoy story time and create elf-themed crafts.

Make elf donuts and reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve. Enjoy tasty tea-time snacks and hot cocoa, mini cupcakes, fruit, and more. Registration required: 10:30 a.m.-Noon. $15-$23. 723-9111.

Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. childrensmuseumofws.org.

CANDLE DIPPING IN THE HISTORICAL PARK Dec. 19. Light up your dark days of winter with a candle made in historical park. Costumed interpreters will show you how. All ages. $1 per

DECK THE HALLS AT OAKVIEW! Dec. 23. Prepare delicious Christmas goodies, play games, make crafts and gifts, and learn the basics of gift wrapping. Lunch provided; parents should send two snacks. Deadline for enrollment is Dec. 17. Grades K-5. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $20. 883-3508.

Oakview Recreation Center, 503 James Road, HP. highpointnc.gov.

NOON YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Dec. 31. Create your very own sound shaker in the Art Studio and then gather for fun songs, silly activities and a story time. This event ends with a countdown to the noon year. Included with price of admission or museum membership. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $7. 723-9111. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St., W-S. childrensmuseumofws.org.

piedmontparent.com | DECEMBER 2015

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BUISNESS DIRECTORY Need help locating

Qualit y Chi ld Care? at the Carolina Theatre SHOWS

December 12, 13, 19, & 20 Don’t miss our Dec. 13th “Muttcracker” performance!

Visit: GreensboroBallet.org/ The-Nutcracker Call: 336.333.7480

We consign everything but the kids!

Check out our wide selection of clothing, toys, books, gear and more! Stay for Storytime!

Like us on

Kernersville

Child Care Centers • Family Child Care Homes Preschool Programs • After School Programs • Summer Camps

Guilford • Rockingham • Randolph 800-289-5098 Ashe • Alleghany • Davidson • Davie • Forsyth Stokes • Surry • Wilkes • Yadkin 800-937-7610

993-3444 305 W. Mountain St.

43rd Annual Holiday Open House Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-4 pm

Your Ad. This space. Next Month. advertising@piedmontparent.com

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Growing Great Kids!

Looking for a pediatrician?

Cornerstone Health Care offers high quality patient-centered care for newborns, young children, teens, and college age kids . Choose from our practice list to find a provider in your neighborhood. At Cornerstone, we are focused on growing healthier together!

Advance Pediatrics Advance: (336) 998-9742 Cornerstone Pediatrics of Kernersville Kernersville: (336) 802-2300 Cornerstone Pediatrics at Premier North High Point: (336) 802-2200 Cornerstone Pediatrics at Westchester High Point: (336) 802-2100 Cornerstone Pediatrics of Greensboro Greensboro: (336) 510-5510 Ford, Simpson, Lively & Rice Kernersville & Winston-Salem: (336) 794-3380

www.cornerstonehealth.com 144379_A1_2-Cornerstone.indd 1

3/16/15 12:22:56 PM

Presents

Festive Family Friday! Friday Live Holiday Music and Planetarium Laser Shows

Science Demonstrations & Crafts UNCSA Community Music School’s Instrument “Petting Zoo” and Entertainment Animal Zone Featuring Live Animals From Here to There Traveling Exhibit CiCi’s Pizza Available for Purchase

Dec. 11 4:30 to 8:30 pm $1 Admission Members Free

Special Roaming Guests … and Photos with Santa Claus

by Lloyd Aaron Photography!

Holiday Shopping Deals: 20% OFF Memberships, 20% OFF in the SciShop, and Handmade Holiday Items and Gifts for Sale

400 W. Hanes Mill Road Winston-Salem, NC

(336) 767-6730 | www.sciworks.org

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Who will be there for the youngest patients in our community?

We will.

The hospitalization of a child is always a stressful experience, but if your child needs care, our team at High Point Regional will be there for your whole family.

Our Pediatric Inpatient Unit provides high quality health care to children and adolescents who require short-term hospitalizations.

Our specially trained staff of pediatricians and clinicians will be there for your family

Rob Poth, MD, FAAP Chief of Pediatrics

providing the warm, expert health care your child deserves.

Inpatient Pediatrics D

OCTOBER 2015 |

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