Family& Parenting Coastal Carolina
April - May 2018
Children’s Carnival Fun and games in downtown Jacksonville
Pirate Fest drops anchor this April unloading historical enjoyment
Touch a
Truck rolls in with tons of excitement
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TABLE CONTENTS 12 APRIL
CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN
4
Children’s Carnival
6
Touch a Truck
14 MAY
8
Pirate Fest
10
CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN
ON THE COVER
COVER PHOTO BY
COUTURE EXPRESSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY
Managing Editor
Contributing Writers
Sales Manager
Ena Sellers
Kenbasa Harrell
Bobby Stone
Contributing Photographer
Chris Dewitt
Meghan Parker
Matthew Sokol
Jacksonville Jamboree
“Family & Parenting” is published 6 times a year. Circulation: 10,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services.
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Get kids excited about
volunteering V
olunteering benefits people of all ages, but can be especially beneficial to children. Studies have indicated that teenagers who volunteer are less likely to use drugs. In addition, in a review of 60 studies on child engagement, Child Trends found that children who participate in civic engagement programs are likely to be more involved in school and to hold more positive civic attitudes than those who do not get involved in such programs. Getting kids to volunteer as they progress through adolescence may not be so difficult. Older students might feel compelled to volunteer to improve their college admissions applications, but parents can take steps to get their younger children excited at the prospect of volunteering.
Set a positive example
Young children want to emulate their parents, so moms and dads who volunteer may find ready and willing partners in their children. Parents can inform their children when they volunteer and why they do so before bringing kids along to join them.
Don’t forget fun
Young children may be more likely to embrace volunteering if the activity is fun. Kids might not find it too fun to sit next to their parents while mom and dad balance a soup kitchen’s books, but a beach cleanup excursion or a trip to refurbish an inner city park may inspire kids to spend a lifetime giving back to their communities and helping the less fortunate.
Keep it simple
Kids may not enjoy
volunteering activities that consume too much time or make them feel exhausted. As kids grow older, parents can encourage them to embrace more challenging activities and/ or commit more time to volunteering. But keep things simple especially with children who have never before volunteered. Try and try again
It might take some trial and error before parents find volunteering opportunities their
children truly enjoy. When volunteering with children for the first time, be careful not to commit to more than one day. If children enjoy themselves, then parents can commit more time. If kids do not seem excited by an activity, parents won’t feel guilty or let the charity down by not returning. Children can benefit greatly by volunteering and parents can get their youngsters involved at an early age.
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Children’s
Carnival brings fun, awareness
W
Ena Sellers
Photos courtesy of Guardian Ad Litem
ith spring in full swing and the temperatures rising, opportunities to enjoy outside activities are a must. This April 20, kids of all ages will have a chance to enjoy a fun afternoon filled with family-friendly activities during the third annual Children’s Carnival at the Riverwalk Park in downtown Jacksonville. The carnival will kick off at 6 p.m. with a rendition of the National Anthem by
the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and school performances. The event will feature a Pre-K Jazz performance by Diana’s Dance Academy and Hot Hula Fitness. Face painting, games, balloons and superheroes walking around to take pictures with participating children will be just some of the many event highlights. “We have a great lineup of entertainment,” said Jessica H. Williams, North Carolina Guardian Ad Litem Judicial
District 4 volunteer and event coordinator. “There will be raffles for brand new bikes and dozens of other prizes. This event will be full of fun and purpose. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy yourselves while learning how to be part of such a great cause.” According to Williams, last year’s carnival brought approximately 400 participants and this year the number is expected to be over 500. The Children’s Carnival is hosted by the Guardian Ad Litem program,
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which aims to raise awareness about child abuse prevention. “The goal of the Children’s Carnival is to spread child abuse prevention awareness,” said Williams. “We hope to educate the community about this issue and bring organizations and residents together to make a true difference in this area.” For Williams, the Children’s Carnival is important because it allows the program’s volunteers
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to bring light to what the Guardian Ad Litem Program does for children in our community and the importance of advocacy and prevention. “We see the opportunity to advocate and protect children on a larger scale,” said Williams. “As Guardians Ad Litem we are a voice for children. This event will be full of fun and purpose. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy themselves, while learning how to be part of such a great cause. We believe it is important to participate in events like the Children’s Carnival because the best way to
make a change at a community level, is to bring the community and its resources together to network and educate. The event will end with a candlelight vigil that has become a tradition each year. This is to remember all the children that have been lost to child abuse.” Events like this, require a lot of planning and preparation and thanks to the volunteers who provide the resources and man-power each year, the event continues to grow. “There is a lot involved in preparing an event such as this,” said Williams, who has been involved in the planning process since September of last year. According to Williams, the event brings together the entire community, with volunteers from several organizations that come out to help on the day of the event.
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5th annual
Touch
Truck F
Matthew Sokol
un activities and a lot of learning is on the agenda for the 5th annual Touch a Truck event on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Swansboro Municipal Park. The family-friendly event gives participants the opportunity to a see and explore the different types of emergency response vehicles. “Touch-a-Truck is something that anyone can look forward to,” said Jamie Botinovch, Swansboro
event rolls up to town this April
Parks and Recreation program supervisor. “It is great for everyone to be able to come and share in the excitement.” According to Botinovch, event participants will get to explore trucks and learn about a collection of vehicle displays while enjoying music. The event will also have attractions like face painting, food trucks and an assortment of activities for everyone to enjoy. “Having the chance to get a new
perspective on something you might see every day is something that really sticks with you. Kids are able to connect and ask questions (fueling) their curiosity,” said Botinovch. “The vehicles are a sight to behold. It is so much fun to climb in and see how high up you can sit in a dump truck or finally get to see an excavator up close.” For more information about the Touch a Truck event, visit swansboro.recdesk.com.
Photos courtesy of amora Photography
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Pirate Fest
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a celebration of oceanfront history, culture
Chris DeWitt
H
ide away your treasure and hoist your sails, the annual Pirate Fest in Swansboro is set to take place April 21 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 102 West Church St. The swashbuckling extravaganza will feature pirate-themed food, games and music. Hosted by Onslow County Parks and Recreation and Swansboro Parks and Recreation, event attendees will get to see a firsthand experience of the seaside culture. “(The event) brings our coast’s rich pirate history to life,” said Jamie Botinovch, Swansboro Parks and Recreation program supervisor. “We have historical reenactors, cannons and ships. Attendees will have the chance to walk away from a Pirate Encampment and into our shops or restaurants. You get to experience all the fun the event has to offer and all the treasures of Swansboro.”
The Pirate Fest serves as the conclusion of a week of pirate-themed events which include a pirate pancake dinner, a pirate-themed yoga class, mermaid-themed do it yourself crafts and the Buccaneer Ball. “The Buccaneer Ball is April 20 and starts at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall Community Room,” said Boti-novch. “You can come rub elbows with some pirates and enjoy dinner, drinks and music.” In addition to providing amusement, the event also seeks to teach attendants about the history of pirating and the seaside towns they often occupied between journeys. “Pirate Fest seeks to bring history to life in a fun, engaging way,” said Botinovch. “You can see swashbucklers in action, hop aboard the Lady Swan for a cruise and a bit of history and listen to sea shanties all on the Swansboro backdrop.” For more information about the Pirate Fest, call 326-2600.
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JACKSONVILLE
JAMBOREE
gears up for another year of family fun
kenbasa harrell
T
he summer is almost upon us and with that comes one of the community’s most exciting events. Jacksonville’s Jamboree takes place May 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex. Expect food, festivities, live music and jaw-dropping exotic cars to captivate your interest. The streets will be packed with vendors selling everything from hot dogs to funnel cakes all day long. Jacksonville’s Got Talent, a competition that showcases the talents of many gifted individuals in the area, will kick off at 10 a.m. The talent showcase is a platform for local performers, but also rewards a cash prize to the winner. According to Nick Brauninger, Jacksonville’s Jamboree event coordinator, the jamboree will include pony rides, amusement park rides, carnival games, a petting zoo, a trackless train ride and a rock-climbing wall for kids’ enjoyment. “All the activities demonstrate our desire to create a fun and economical place for families to enjoy each other,” said Brauninger. “The
Jacksonville Jamboree is a free family event that aims to provide entertainment for the whole family,” said Brauninger. “Personally (my favorite part is) the food trucks. We have over 18 food trucks at our event. People associate food with their home town. If we can provide them a sense of home at our festival, then we have succeeded.” In addition to the endless opportunities to fill your stomach, the festival will offer sports entertainment. “We have extended our basketball tournament from one weekend to two weekends,” said Brauninger. “Last year we had over 70 basketball teams from Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina. This year we are looking to reach 90 or more youth basketball teams.” The Jacksonville Jamboree will feature numerous arts and crafts vendors selling eye-catching trinkets and wares. The car show is another highlight of the event that is known to draw a crowd every year. Well maintained cars that have retained their beauty throughout the decades will be showcased all day long. From new model muscle cars to American classics, there is something for car
enthusiasts of all ages. “Events such as the Jamboree allow families to create memories and bond as a unit,” said Brauninger. “A stronger family unit creates
healthy individuals in our community. It’s a win win for all of us.” For more information, call 9385312 or visit www.jacksonvillenc. gov/jamboree.
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April
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Events Calendar
Family Fun Day
more information, call 938-5310.
Blank Canvas Awareness Art and Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary are teaming up to have a free Family Fun Day Where Literacy Meets Nature at Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants are encouraged to read to animals, which will get your kids excited about reading and reading out loud. Nature, art projects and a scavenger hunt will be part of the fun. For more information, call 333-8518.
Spring Fling Magic Show
april 7, 9 a.m. - noon
Azalea Festival April 11-April 15
The North Carolina Azalea Festival will feature a full week of concerts, festive galas, art shows, a street fair with interactive displays, a parade, special exhibits, a circus and a variety of other fun family events and entertainment. Some of the special features will include dance groups performing, rides, story hour, a bounce house, crafts, a special aerial acrobatics rig and a kids’ planting demo. In addition, there will be a pilot meet and greet, helicopter tours, an azalea bonsai styling seminar, open mic night and fireworks. Participants will also have a chance to paint a piece of a giant mural at an interactive community art project. For more information, call 910-794-4650 or visit www.ncazaleafestival.org.
Super Heroes Stepping Stones AprIL 13, 9 a.m.
Families with children ages 3-5 are welcome to participate in fun, themed activities that include music, story time, games, crafts and snacks during the Super Heroes Stepping Stones event at Kerr Street Recreation Center. Registration required. For
April 14, 1 P.M. - 1:30 PM
Come out and see Willie Hardy perform his magic act at the Salty Air Open Market. Enjoy live music, vendors, a bouncy house and the food trucks. For more information, call 358-4163.
Jacksonville’s Got Talent Auditions AprIL 14, 21 NOON - 4 P.M.
Open auditions for the 2018 Jacksonville’s Got Talent Show will be held at at Jack Amyette Recreation Center in Jacksonville.Finalists will perform during Jacksonville’s Jamboree on May 5 and will compete for cash prizes. For more information or to register for an audition time, call 938-5312.
Girls Night Out April 20, 6-9 P.m.
Girls Night Out is an event geared to empowering young ladies between the ages of 11 and 18 and will take place at the Jacksonville Youth Center. The event will feature group activities and guest speakers. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required. For information, call 938-5312.
Boys Night Out AprIL 20, 6-9 P.m.
Boys Night Out is an event that encourages young men to become leaders in their community. The event is geared to boys between the ages of 11 and 18 and will take place at the Jack Amyette Recreation Center. The event will feature group activities and guest speakers. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required. For information, call 938-5308.
6th annual Spring Festival
April 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The 6th annual Spring Festival will be held on the grounds of Old River Farms located at 8711 Old River Road in Burgaw. The event will feature free bouncy houses, friendly farm animals, games, live music all day and local food for everyone to enjoy.The event
will showcase 45 local vendors selling their handmade arts, crafts and foods. For information, call 910-616-5884.
Earth Day event April 20, 9-11 a.m.
Teach our youth about nurturing our environment. Your local school group can join in at Earth Day at Sturgeon There will be a morning session from 9 -11 a.m. and an afternoon session from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Elementary School students will attend the Earth Day festival and learn all about local non-profits and other community members. Students will participate in games, activities and demonstrations to include paper making and building a terrarium. For more information, call 938-5079 or visit SturgeonCity.org.
Under the sea
April 21, 7-10 p.m.
The USO of North Carolina, Jacksonville Center will go to the depths of the ocean to give you a Second Chance Prom. Dig out your best ‘back in the day’ prom attire and come dance the night away among the fishes. There will be a DJ spinning a mix of dance favorites. The event is free for service members with ID. General admission is $10. For more information, call 455-3411.
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MAY Events Calendar
BROADWAY CAFE FOR TEENS MAY 1, 5:30 - 8:30 P.m.
This event on Court Street in downtown Jacksonville provides a space for creative-minded teens to meet, collaborate and perform. Refreshments and improvised acting will fuel the evening. For information, call 333-6717.
TRIP for nature enthusiasts MAY 19, 9 a.m. - 3 P.M.
A trip to Catfish Lake Rd with Eastern Exotics promises to be an exciting one for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Eastern Exotics will lead participants on a critter catch and release adventure. Participants are encouraged to bring their own catching net. For information, call 326-2600.
SPRING FAMILY CAMP OUT
MAY 18, 9 a.m. - MAY 19, 6 P.M.
Bring the whole family out to Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center for an outdoor camping event. Food and drinks are provided and tents will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. For information, call 938-5312.
MOVIES IN THE PARK mAY 18, 7 P.m.
Bring your snacks and blankets and watch a free movie in the park at Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center. “Despicable Me 3� will be playing at sunset with activities going on throughout. For information, call 938-5312.
BOB ROSS PAINT ALONG MAY 25, 6:30 p.m.
Swansboro Recreation Center is hosting its first ever paint along class. Be sure to wear painting clothes. Materials will be provided so all you need to bring is your thirst for creativity. For information, call 326-2600.
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