Family& Parenting Coastal Carolina
December 2018-January 2019
Fight the flu with these strategies
Wreaths Across America
A family that loves football
6 gift ideas for kids this Christmas
2 | Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING
DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019
december 2018 - january 2019
Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING | 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4-5 6-7 8 10
Fight the flu with these strategies Wreaths Across America A family that loves football 6 gift ideas for kids this Christmas
Family& Parenting Coastal Carolina
ON THE COVER
ADVERTISING
Sales Manager, Bobby Stone
events calendar
Editorial
Managing Editor, Ken Buday Contributing Writers, Christopher Dewitt • Matthew Sokol Page Layout & Design, Shelley Padgett
Photograph by Meghan Parker-Marak Couture Expressions Photography coutureexpressionsphotography.com
For distribution inquiries
910-939-0704 For advertising
910-939-0700
Coastal Carolina Family & Parenting is published six times a year. Circulation: 10,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services.
DECEMBER events calendar
Richlands Illuminated Christmas Parade 5:30 p.m. I Dec. 8
The annual parade features floats, music and special guests. After the parade, join Santa at the museum beginning at 7 p.m.
910-378-9217 I www.richlandareachamber.com
Freedom Day
6 p.m. I Dec. 10 Jacksonville City Hall, 815 New Bridge St., Jacksonville
Mike’s Farm Festival of Lights Hayride Held nightly through Dec. 23 (weather permitting). Encore will be Dec. 26 to 29. First hayride goes out nightly at 6 p.m.
1600 Haw Branch Road, Beulaville The Festival of Lights Hayride is a 30-minute hayride around the farm accompanied by Christmas music. Along the way are lighted holiday scenes and a live nativity. The cost is $9 for ages 5 and up. No reservations are needed.
910-324-3422 I www.mikesfarm.com
Started in 2016, the observance marks the passage of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery and involuntary servitude. The impact of modern day human trafficking is a focus of the Freedom Day observance as well as the historical end of the slavery of African-Americans. The event includes a program and music. The city of Jacksonville marks Freedom Day on the second Monday in December, with the day selected as being between the date the 13th Amendment was ratified by the states, Dec. 6, 1865, and the date of the Proclamation of the 13th Amendment, Dec. 18, 1865.
910-938-5200 I www.jacksonvillenc.gov/710/Freedom-Day Calendar continued on page 9
december 2018 - january 2019
4 | Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING
Fight the Flu
with these strategies Courtesy story
Influenza can rear its head any time of the year, but is known to be a particularly bad thorn in one’s side during times of year when the weather is cold. According to WebMD, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu in an average year, and it can take three to seven days for a regular case of the illness to go away, with some effects lingering for up to two weeks. No one wants to get the flu, which is marked by fever, aches and pains, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms. As a result, people do all they can to help prevent the flu or at the very least shorten its duration. The best way to stave off the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the vaccine is carefully curated to treat against the flu strains that research suggests will be the most common each flu season. Though getting vaccinated by the end of
October is recommended, getting vaccinated now can help. “You should get your Influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available and prior to the flu spreading in the community,” said Ann Bell, the immunizations clinic manager at the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. “Flu usually peaks between December to February.” Bell, citing the CDC, said predicting the severity, timing and length of any flu season is not possible. Bell said those who do get the flu should limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Also, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
For more information on flu prevention, visit
The same action is needed for
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families with children. The last thing families need around the holidays is to be saddled with the flu running through the household. “If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities,” Bell said. “Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.” You might want to consider prophylactic treatment with an antiviral medication. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of oseltamivir phosphate, which is known by the brand name Tamiflu, as a flu preventative. However, many people only reach for the drug when symptoms already have set in. Instead, it can be especially helpful in preventing the flu when someone in the household has already contracted the illness. The results of several clinical studies show that Tamiflu, when taken once daily, is up to 92 percent effective in preventing in-
fluenza illness in adolescents, adults and the elderly. Drink plenty of liquids during flu season to keep the body well hydrated so the immune system can be in top form. Fruit juices, water, broth-based soups, and sports drinks can help keep the respiratory system from forming thick mucus that can become laden with bacteria. Should a fever set in, fluids help prevent dehydration. It also can be wise to take zinc supplements during cold and flu season. Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of the respiratory care department at Mount Sinai Medical Center and the author of “The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu,” says zinc may boost immunity, which can shorten the duration or severity of the flu. The flu can quickly escalate and cause serious symptoms. Prevention and early treatment are essential during cold and flu season. Managing Editor Ken Buday contributed to this story.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current.htm
DECEMBER 2018 - JANUARY 2019
Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING | 5
Get your influenza vaccine
as soon as it becomes available and prior to the flu spreading in the community.
Limit contact with others
as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Wash your hands often
with soap and water, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
Drink plenty of liquids
during flu season to keep the body well hydrated so the immune system can be in top form.
december 2018 - january 2019
6 | Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING
Wreaths Across America to honor nation’s fallen Chris DeWitt Lifestyles Writer
The holidays are known as a festive time of celebration. Families gather to enjoy food and fellowship and communities find ways to give to those less fortunate. Fallen service members gave everything to secure America as a land of freedom and prosperity. This sacrifice inspired Morrill Worcester, who won a trip to Washington, D.C. as a young boy. His experience never left him. In 1992, Worcester, who was now the owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, had a large supply of
leftover wreaths as the holidays drew to a close. Worcester took this opportunity to honor America’s fallen, bringing back those inspiring scenes that never left his mind. Together with Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, they organized for the wreaths to be laid at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia during the holiday season. They took special care to place them on tombstones in the older sections of the cemetery that were not receiving much attention from visitors. They continued their solemn annual
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GateHouse Media File Photo by Gray Whitley
GateHouse Media File Photo by Gray Whitley
A child places a wreath at a grave during last year’s Wreath Across America event at the New Bern National Cemetery.
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A Marine salutes at a veteran marker after placing a wreath at the Wreaths Across America event last year at the New Bern National Cemetery.
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tribute for several years. In 2005, a photo of the garnished headstones at Arlington began to go viral. This once small, solemn ceremony has now become a national tradition, receiving national attention. Worcester, veterans and other partnering groups founded Wreaths Across America in 2007. The organization aims to remember, honor and teach the values and experiences of America’s “greatest generation” to the nation’s future. Ceremonies take place the second or third Saturdays of December at more than 1,100 cemeteries across the country.
............................................... GateHouse Media File Photo by Matt Born
Nathan Boice, 5, looks where to place wreaths during the annual Wreaths Across America event at Wilmington National Cemetery.
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For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Three ceremonies are scheduled on Dec. 15 Jacksonville I Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery I noon to 5 p.m. 110 Montford Landing Road Call 910-347-4550 for more information. New Bern I New Bern National Cemetery I noon 1711 National Avenue Call 252-637-2912 for more information. Wilmington I Wilmington National Cemetery I noon 2011 Market Street Call 910-815-4877 for more information. Historic information courtesy of Wreaths Across America.
Please Join Us
in honoring our fallen service members Dec. 15
JANUARY december 2018 - january 2019
8 | Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING
A love for
bA tB aL oT lL oO l F fO
strengthens the bond between father and son :D Photos above
W
hen Dante Johnson wakes, he puts on the uniform of a United States Marine. When he comes home, he puts on the uniform of a coach. And all the while, he wears the uniform of a father. For Johnson, a Camp Lejeune Marine, and his son Desmond, a student at Lejeune High School, it’s football that binds them and keeps their relationship close despite the travels and deployments of military life. “I started coaching Desmond in fifth and sixth grade when we were out in Missouri participating in travel football,” said Dante Johnson, who serves as the offensive coordinator at LHS. “We then came to North Carolina in 2008, and then I deployed so I was gone during that time period.”
esmond Johnson (lef t) and Dante Johnson (ri
When Dante Johnson deployed, football remained in his son’s life, with the help of Desmond’s mother Kristy Johnson. She took her son to Olive Garden so he could bulk up on pasta and gain the weight required to play football. Dante Johnson said conversations with his son often begin with football. “It has been easy because we draw that line between dad and coach,” the father said. “It is easier for me because Desmond and I can draw up plays talking about what we need to do. I then can have my captain take it to the team and tell them what the vision is.” The life of a military child isn’t always easy, as Desmond Johnson can attest, with frequent moves. “There will be a couple of friends that you keep in touch with and some people Story and photos by Matthew Sokol
ght).
you can go years without talking to them, picking it back up with them,” the LHS senior said. “Keeping in touch with a main core of friends makes it easier while you are traveling.” But, football isn’t the only sport in the Johnson household. The couple’s daughter, Denijah Johnson, plays basketball, and the family acknowledges how competition and the love of sport is a big part of family life. “I think the highlight of the conversation in our family is sports with my daughter playing basketball and Desmond playing football,” said Dante. “Every conversation starts off or ends with sports. I played sports in high school and played a little bit in the Marine Corps. I have done coaching with youth all the way to the semi-pro team here at Camp Lejeune.”
events calendar
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Calendar continued on from page 3
DECEMBER events calendar
TRYON Tryon PALACE Palace CANDLELIGHT Candlelight CHRISTMAS Christmas
GINGERBREAD Gingerbread FESTIVAL Festival
11:30 a.m. I Dec. 8 and 9 Crystal Coast Civic Center, 3505 Arendell St., Morehead City The annual fundraiser for the Crystal Coast Hospice House features a Gingerbread Village created by local artists, individuals, schools and community groups, along with decorated crab pot Christmas trees, entertainment and children’s activities.
5 p.m. I Dec. 15 529 South Front St., New Bern
252-808-2244 I www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org
Experience the beauty, joy, and magic of the holidays as Governor and Mrs. Tryon welcome guests to historic Tryon Palace for “Seasons of Giving: A Candlelight Christmas Celebration.” Candlelight is inspired by traditions of the colonial period with decorations inspired by the12 Days of Christmas, historic characters in period clothing and holiday vignettes spanning across three centuries. Candlelight is a site wide event for Tryon Palace that includes tours of the Governor’s Palace, Stanly House, Dixon House, Commission House and numerous activities on the grounds.
DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN Downtown Countdown
252-637-9400 I www.tryonpalace.org
5 p.m. to 1 a.m. I Dec. 31 Morehead City Waterfront
Ring in the New Year along the Morehead City Waterfront. Children’s activities start at 5 p.m. at Big Rock Landing with the kids crab pot drop. Area businesses will feature specials and live music, with the big crab pot drop at midnight, followed by fireworks from Sugarloaf Island.
252-808-0440 I www.downtownmoreheadcity.com
december 2018 - january 2019
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Holiday Gift Guide
JANUARY
Toy store owner Curt Finch offers some of his top gift choices
3 1
Domino Rally Legos
Though not new by any stretch, Legos remain a popular gift that build the imaginations of children as they build, Finch says. “There’s all sorts of new Legos. They come out all the time,” Finch said. “You have the different ones that are related to the different movies. Legos are tremendous, and we sell a lot of them as gifts, and the Lego Duplo, which is for younger children, is a nice toy idea.”
2
Most children enjoy lining up dominoes in a line, and with just a tap of the first one, watching the chain collapse one by one. However, Domino Rally is a set that includes various tubes, shelves and steps that takes toppling Dominoes to a new level. “This is something new, and I think it’s going to be very fun,” Finch said. “It has different shelves and tubes. I haven’t tried it, but it looks like a lot of fun, and our toy rep said he thinks it’s something we should carry.”
Color and Cuddle Washable Doll
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Stuffed animal turtle
Alex Toys has taken the traditional doll and improved it. This one comes with markers that allow children to color the doll, wash it and color it again.
Pete the Cat Pete the Cat is a popular children’s book character, and this Christmas he is celebrating with “12 Groovy Days of Christmas.” “‘Pete the Cat’ is very popular,” Finch said. “It’s a fun book. This is a fairly new Christmas book that makes a great gift for children.”
“Alex are popular toys,” Finch said. “It’s a nice item. You can change colors on it, and we sell these dolls like crazy. Grandparents like to give dolls to granddaughters because they grew up with them, so they are always popular at Christmas.”
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Stuffed animals never go out of style, but Finch said what’s popular in Emerald Isle are the coastal animals, such as otters and turtles. “This is really popular here because people are so interested in turtles here at the beach,” Finch said. “It’s amazing children still like stuffed animals. We have a lot of coastal themes with our stuffed animals.”
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Dinosaurs When the movie “Jurassic Park” came out in 1993, dinosaurs became all the rage. Finch said dinosaurs remain popular as Christmas gifts, be it books, games or figures. “Dinosaurs are still big for children, and we have all kinds,” Finch said. “Parents and grandparents buy these like crazy. They’ve been popular for years and continue to be.”
For more on Emerald Isle Books and Toys, call 252-354-5323 or go online to emeraldislebooks.com
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BATTLE Battle OF of FORT Fort FISHER Fisher ANNIVERSARY Anniversary
events calendar PENGUIN Penguin PLUNGE Plunge
1 p.m. I Jan. 1 Atlantic Beach Circle Celebrate the New Year with a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, all while raising money for charity. Adults are $10 with children under age 12 $5. Sponsorships are also available with proceeds going to Mile of Hope. 252-726-2121 I penguin-plunge.org
DECEMBER events calendar
FIRST First DAY Day HIKE Hike
2 to 4 p.m. I Jan. 1 Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach Begin the New Year with hikes through Fort Macon State Park. Begin at the Visitor Center, with a three-quarter mile hike along Yarrow’s Loop Trail or the longer 3.2-mile hike on the Elliot Caues Trail. Park rangers will lead both hikes. 252-726-3775 I www.ncparks.gov/fort-macon-state-park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I Jan. 12 Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach Fort Fisher State Historic Site presents the 154th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher, celebrating the men who fought during the afternoon of Jan. 15, 1865. The event includes infantry re-enactors, and firing demonstrations, including the site’s 32-pound cannon. 910-251-7340 I www.nchistoricsites.org
FREEDOM Freedom BALL Ball AT at COPPER Copper RIDGE Ridge
6 to 10 p.m. I Jan. 19 Copper Ridge on the Neuse, New Bern Freedom Ball at Copper Ridge is an elegant evening of dinner, drinks and dancing to the music. Tickets are $75 per person or $130 per couple. 252-631-5111 I www.truejustice.global
WILMINGTON Wilmington SYMPHONY Symphony ORCHESTRA Orchestra
7:30 p.m. I Jan. 26 Wilson Center, Wilmington The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Concert features the Young Artists Concerto Competition Winners and Schubert’s Symphony No. 8, Unfinished. Tickets range from $17 to $47. 910-362-7999 I www.wilmingtonsymphony.org
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DECEMBER december 2018 - JANUARY january 2019