February - March 2019
Plan that summer vacation now!
2019 Engaged Onslow Bridal Expo
Local home and garden shows
Arts & crafts for indoor fun
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER
Photograph by Meghan Parker-Marak Couture Expressions Photography coutureexpressionsphotography.com
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Sales Manager Bobby Stone
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor Ken Buday Contributing Writers Pat Gruner, Matthew Sokol Page Layout & Design Shelley Padgett
4-5 6-7 8 10
Plan that summer vacation now! Local home and garden shows 2019 Engaged Onslow Bridal Expo Arts and Crafts for indoor fun
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.
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2019
Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING | 3
FEBRUARY events calendar COOK SMART EAT SMART COOKING SCHOOL
ANTIQUES SHOW AND SALE
Onslow County Extension, 4024 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville
Carolina Colours Pavillion, 3300 Waterscape Way, New Bern
Tuesdays in February I 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Designed for older teens and adults, the classes instruct students on how to prepare simple, healthy and delicious meals. Each session contains several basic cooking techniques. Learn tips for stretching your food dollar while eating healthy. Cost is $30.
910-455-5873
XTREME ENDURANCE 12K+ CHALLENGE Feb. 9 I 8 a.m.
Battle Skills Training Area, Camp Lejeune
This trail run goes through woods and around Henderson Pond on a course with varied terrain that is used by both mountain bikers and runners. It’s the first race in the Grand Prix Series. Cost is $60.
910-451-0025 I www.mccslejeune-newriver/grandprix/xtreme
HEALTHY FAMILIES EXPO Feb. 9 I 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Coastline Conference Center, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington
The Healthy Families Expo features tips for eco-friendly, healthy and active living. The free event includes demonstrations, live music, presentations in family nutrition, birthing and wellness, activities for kids, vendors, food trucks, and raffles.
910-713-3210 I www.coastlineconventioncenter.com
Feb. 15 to 17
More than 20 dealers will be on hand for the annual New Bern Preservation Foundation event. Items include estate jewelry, fine art, military items, linens, toys, furniture, maps, hats, vintage clothing, crystal, china, lamps and more. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the days of the event.
252-633-6448 I www.newbernpf.org
LITTLE EXPLORERS NATURE PROGRAM
Feb. 14 to 15 I 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 16 I 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Halyburton Park, 4099 South 17th St., Wilmington
The program offers children ages 2 to 5 a chance to discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Preregistration is required.
910-641-0075 I www.halyburtonpark.com
WILMINGTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Feb. 23 I 7:30 p.m.
Wilson Center, 703 North Third St., Wilmington
The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra presents “Storied Past.” The program features one of Rimsky-Korsakov’s most popular orchestral works, “Scheherazade,” based on the story of The Arabian Nights. Ticket prices range from $17 to $47.
910-362-7999 I www.wilmingtonsymphony.org
MARCH events calendar MODEL TRAIN SHOW
March 2 I 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 I 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Bern High School, 4200 Academic Drive
Put on by the Carolina Coastal Railroaders, this model train show is celebrating its 24th year. It features model and toy train exhibits, vendors, food and prizes. Admission is $7 for ages 12 and over.
252-946-4077 I http://carolinacoastalrailroaders.org/
MARDI GRAS ON MIDDLE LANE March 2 I 2 to 6 p.m. Middle Lane, Beaufort
This afternoon and evening street carnival includes Cajun and jazz music, a parade of “krewes” in costume tossing jewelry and charms, face-painting, mask-making and cornhole. The Downtown Beaufort Business Development Association puts on the event.
252-728-7108 I Liz Kopf at lizkopf@gmail.com
Calendar continued on page 9.
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Photo by Kent Phillips and courtesy of Disney Parks
Plan that
summer vacation Now!
The weather may be cool, but according to travel experts, now should be when the planning begins for that family summer vacation. Susan Sinchak, travel consultant and manager at All Points Travel on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, said families should have an idea of where they want to go and how much money they want to spend before planning. “The biggest in thing is Disney,” Sinchak said of family vacation destinations. She said the agency books many Disney vacations as well as cruises.
“Cruises are a lot for your buck,” she said. “The cruise includes the room, the food and all the entertainment. It’s a one-stop shop as far as a cruise is concerned. All cruises have children’s programs for all ages.” She said other top destinations include amusement parks such as Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., Kings Dominion just north of Richmond, Va., and Carowinds in Charlotte. “And all are about five hours from here,” Sinchak said. Amanda Schick, leisure travel consultant at Omega World Travel on White Street in Jacksonville, said the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Jamaica are hot destinations for family summer travel, including the all-inclusive Beaches Resorts in Jamaica. “Beaches is for families,” Schick said. “It has the water slides and kids’ activities, as well as babysitting services so the adults can have some time to themselves.” Marlene Sexton, regional manager at Omega Travel, said travel agencies are a great place to start planning that family vacation and offer a sense of
security rather than guessing at options that are found online. “We’re here to take the stress off you,” Sexton said. “People are so prone to think that they can just go online and book a trip, and they can. But, there’s a lot of follow-up, loose ends, trip insurance, ‘is this a safe company.’ There’s a lot of work and research that goes into planning a family trip. Let us do it.” She said a hot trend is what she called ancestry destinations. Thanks to the increase in popularity of DNA tests and family history research, more families are seeking trips to their ancestral homelands. “It can be historical and educational, but still fun with that family time together,” she said. Another popular destination for families is Alaska, Sexton said. “There are so many TV shows about Alaska,” she said. “A lot of people think, ‘we go to the beach every year. What about going to Alaska and experiencing something new.’” Sexton said more people traveled for the first time in 2018 than ever before. “People can afford to do it now,” she said. Still, there are ways families can take vacations without breaking the bank. Booking in advance is the key, travel agents say, as demand remains
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2019 low and payment options provide an opportunity for monthly installments that won’t create sticker shock. Last-minute deals are possible, but vacationers have to be flexible on dates and locations. “Yes, you can get last-minute deals, but it all depends on destination, destination, destination for that,” Sinchak said. One thing agents say is that travel insurance is a must. “We all need insurance. You never know what’s going to happen,” Sexton said. “You would hate to have all your money go to waste.” Sinchak said five-day packages to Disney for a family of four can range from $2,000 to $3,500, but costs can be cut by staying off property, for example. “Some people want to stay on property because of the whole experience, but other people will stay off property,” she said. “You don’t get
Coastal Carolina FAMILY & PARENTING | 5 the perks staying off property.” Five-day cruises can range up to $2,500, Sinchak said, but a simple change of dates, destination or room type can reduce the cost, as an example. Money can be saved by getting a hotel room with a small kitchen, so every meal does not have to be eaten at a restaurant. Regardless of cost and destination, family vacations should accomplish one thing, Sinchak said. “It’s the memories that you make. That is the biggest thing,” she said. “That’s what we want people to get out of their vacations — the memories that you make from your vacation, and we are here to help them with that vacation so they have those memories.” Sexton said everyone deserves a vacation. “People are so busy working and are stressed all the time,” she said. “People need that time away.”
By Ken Buday I Managing Editor
Five top places for family vacations 1. Disney World, Orlando, FL 2. Myrtle Beach, SC 3. Amusement parks: Busch Gardens, Carowinds and Kings Dominion are all within about a five-hour drive 4. Beaches Resort Jamaica 5. Alaska
All Points Travel
Photo by Steven Diaz and courtesy of Disney Parks
910-451-3535 www.mccslejeune-newriver.com/travel/ Hadnot Point Plaza, MCB Camp Lejeune, and Bldg. AS-4044, Curtis Road, MCAS New River 910-455-9077 www.omegatravel.com 325 White Street, Jacksonville
»
Omega World Travel
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By Pat Gruner I Lifestyles Writer Photos by Tina Purifoy
at your local home & garden show As we spring into March and the sun begins to creep back, it’s time to get to work beautifying your home and garden. Before you get to breaking out your trowel and throw open your windows though, it’s wise to have a plan in mind. The Coastal Home and Garden Show can be a place for residents to receive more information about the latest for everything in your home or yard. The show is designed to help residents prepare for any event or activity, indoors and out. According to Crystal Coast Civic Center Director Tina Purifoy, the show features “the latest trends in color and style designs for everything from windows to doors and counter tops to floors.” There will be exhibitions on pest removal, gardening, patio furniture, yard fixtures, outdoor living spaces, and pool or hot tub upkeep. The show features more than 12,000 square feet of exhibits with more than 40 vendors featuring the latest styles, trends and gadgets expected. Residents can get information on remodeling homes or just remodeling that bathroom or kitchen as well.
COASTAL HOME AND GARDEN SHOW March 2, 2019 I 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 3, 2019 I 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City www.crystalcoastcivicctr.com
Admission is $5 with tickets available at the door.
Coastal Countertops at the 2018 Coastal Home and Garden Show in Morehead City.
COASTAL HOME AND GARDEN SHOW VENDOR LIST FOR 2019 Pullman’s Landscape • Corbett Woodworks-Birdhouses • Culligan Water • Fibrenew Crystal Coast, Greenville • Barefoot Chandler & Associates • Realty World First Coast Realty Southeastern Elevator • Soft Water Solutions• Electronics Plus • Farm Bureau • East Carolina Services • Carolina Home Exterior • Artisan Granite & Marble Inc • Vacation Village The Cabinet Shop • Kinetico Advanced Water Systems • Coastal Countertops • Island Furniture & Accessories • Platinum Decorative Concrete Coatings • Island Furniture & Accessories NC Coastal Federation • R & T Power Systems • LeafFilter of NC • Rebath of NCGreat Windows • Atlantic Breeze Storm Shutters • McLaughlin Chiropractic Scentsy • Dunson Pools & Spas • Tidewater Appliance • Bobby Cahoon Construction • Cutco Cutlery Royal Coat • Budget Blinds • The X-Team • Pamlico Parts • Softub Inc Morton Water • Coastal Environmental Partnership • Rainbow of Greenville • Acupuncture Point • Sea Air (This list is complete as of 1-24-19)
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ADDITIONAL HOME AND GARDEN SHOWS NEW BERN HOME AND OUTDOOR LIVING EXPO
March 16, 2019 I 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17, 2019 I 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maola Event Center, 1402 North Craven St., New Bern https://encmedialive.com/events/
JACKSONVILLE HOME AND OUTDOOR LIVING EXPO
March 23, 2019 I 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24, 2019 I 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center, Jacksonville https://encmedialive.com/events/
WILMINGTON SPRING HOME SHOW
Feb. 16, 2019 I 10 a.m. to 8 p.m Feb. 17, 2019 I 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt St., Wilmington Admission is $10. www.wilmingtonhomeshow.com
Pullman Landscaping at the 2018 Coastal Home and Garden Show in Morehead City.
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Bridal Expo
is a walk down the aisle 2019 Engaged Onslow Bridal Expo www.engagedonslow.com
Tickets are $25
and cover the rehearsal dinner tour and the bridal expo
The 2019 Engaged Onslow Bridal Expo is back for its sixth year March 9 at the Courtyard by Marriott at the Jacksonville Commons. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and includes fashion shows at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. One bride can use one or more of the vendors of her choice to spend up to $2,500. The ultimate giveaway winner will be announced at 2:30 p.m. The expo is designed to be a onestop shop for anyone thinking about a wedding. “I, myself have been planning my own wedding, and I have seen firsthand how stressful and overwhelming it can be,” said Caitlin Diaz, project manager of the expo. She said the expo can be particularly important for those marrying military spouses who, through deployments and training, may not be able to participate in the planning as much. “The versatility a bride must prepare for while encompassing the everchanging military lifestyle in regards to wedding planning adds only more stress,” Diaz said. Finding a vendor to provide professional advice for the big day will not be a problem, she said. “We have florists, photo booths, photographers, caterers, venues, officiants, legal aids, home-buying, renovations and décor, make-up and hair and of course wedding gowns and bridal wear,” Diaz said. “Brides can see what they like best amongst all the different businesses and vendors without spending days traveling around the county to find vendors.”
One of those vendors will be Krystal Bequette, a wedding and event planner with Emerald Isle Realty Seaside Wedding and Events. She suggested those attending the expo have one important thing in mind as they talk to vendors. “The biggest thing is their budget,” Bequette said. “A lot of times they have no idea what they or their family is going to spend, but once we know the overall budget, everything will fall into place. Each category is broken down by a percentage so you know how much to invest.” Bequette said wedding planners have connections with florists, photographers and others to get the best deals on pricing. She said she has the experience of planning about 30 to 50 weddings per year, while most couples have never planned one, so why not take advantage of an experienced planner? “My job as a wedding planner is to make your wedding day stress free,” she said. The 2019 Engaged Onslow Bridal Expo includes a Vendor Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott at 5046 Henderson Drive in Jacksonville as well as a Rehearsal Dinner Tour chauffeured by limousines in both Jacksonville and Swansboro. “They’re essentially progressive rehearsal dinners where brides and guests are able to try an appetizer, a signature drink, an entrée or dessert at a few of these restaurants that Onslow County is known for,” Diaz said. By Matthew Sokol
I
Sports Writer
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Calendar continued from page 3.
events calendar
2OTH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL
Front Street, Downtown Wilmington
March 16
Emerald Plantation Shopping Center, Emerald Isle
This all-day event for all ages features a petting zoo, amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painting, more than 75 arts and crafts vendors and a Ms. and Mr. Leprechaun Contest. There will be a variety of foods available. Parking and admission are free.
252-354-6350 I www.emeraldisle-nc.org
PLAY TIME EXHIBIT
March 16 through Sept. 1
Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St., Wilmington
The Cape Fear Museum opens Play Time, an exhibit that explores how we play, create and use our imagination as children and adults. The display includes items from the museum’s historic toy collection and hands-on activities ranging from creating art to playing dress-up. Admission ranges from $5 to $8.
910-798-4362 I www.capefearmuseum.com
March 16 I 11 a.m.
The parade begins at Front Street and Red Cross, and features live Irish music and traditional dance performances, plus food, beverages and crafts for purchase. Cape Fear First Responders will be the grand marshals and NourishNC is the parade charity.
910-270-6053 I www.wilmingtonparade.com
BROWN BAG GAM: BEAUFORT’S DOLPHINS GETTING TO KNOW THEM March 21 I Noon to 1 p.m.,
N.C. Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort
Pack a lunch and join Museum Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster for an informal discussion about the biology, behavior and conservation issues affecting “Beaufort’s Dolphins.” Bottlenose dolphins occur in Beaufort year-round, but not the same individuals come during winter or summer. Admission is free. No advance registration is required, and walk-ins are welcome.
252-504-7740 I www.ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com
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Try
for some indoor fun
crafts are such excellent avenues for keeping the creative side of the brain This time of year can be difficult for engaged. It allows the imagination to children — and parents. The school run wild and allows (kids) to be kids. grind has hit kids hard, and the weather With art you set them down with a box is often too rainy or too cold for outdoor of crayons and a pad of paper, and they fun. come back with magic,” she said. Board games, movies and books offer Not only does art stoke your little one’s ways to keep a child’s mind active and creative fire, it’s also fantastic for building engaged, but something that can be fine and gross motor skills. Talking with especially rewarding is arts and crafts. your kids while painting or crafting is Sharon Ferguson is an Onslow County a great way to help them improve at explaining a process as well as a low artist and former art teacher. She also introduced programs for Marine mothers stress way to reinforce the importance of following directions. Even better, it’s during her time in Houston. “Arts and By Pat Gruner I Lifestyles Writer
Watercolor Crystal Canvas You will need: a canvas board (8-by-4 or 11-by-5), glue sticks, table salt, watercolor paints
Steps: 1. With the glue stick, draw a design on your canvas board.
“It can be anything you want,” says Ferguson. 2. Before the glue dries, apply a generous amount of table salt in the shape of your design. 3. Allow glue to dry and dispose of excess salt on the canvas.
4. Take watercolor paints and apply a small amount to your design. Don’t worry about breaking the bank with this idea. Canvas boards are available at most retailers and even dollar stores. Not to mention that Ferguson explicitly notes that using expensive water colors is counterintuitive. “They take too much water to thin out. The less expensive stuff works much better and you can find that anywhere,” she said. The water from the paint will be absorbed by the salt and leave your art colorful and cute. It’s a science and art lesson rolled into one. From snowflakes in February to shamrocks in March, the extent of a crystal canvas is imagination.
good time you can talk with your kids about what’s going on in their lives or what their interests are, Ferguson said. An important part of establishing an arts and crafts routine is to set aside a time and date, Ferguson said. For instance, at noon on Saturdays, start working in craft time. Pretty soon, it’s just another fun part of the day. Ferguson also notes that it’s a good time for you, the parent, to relax. “It gives the parents time to decompress,” she said. “You’re crafting with them, and that’s so therapeutic.”
Popcorn Cherry Trees You will need: a canvas board, 1 or more twigs,non-toxic glue, popcorn, watercolor markers (optional)
Steps: 1. Pop Popcorn per instructions on bag. 2. Glue your sticks to the piece of construction paper in the shape of a tree. Notice all branches form a “Y.” 3. Glue popcorn to paper near trees to look like cherry blossoms
4. Apply pink watercolor to popcorn (optional)
A fun craft, some culture and a popcorn snack. You’re getting all three for the price of one with this international craft. In Japan, cherry trees are important cultural symbols in addition to being widely renowned as a must-see site in spring, Ferguson said. While it’s not the same as the real thing, you can replicate their look while having a nice treat. Work in some international music for added ambience.
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Valentine Heart Chain You will need: construction paper (red or pink preferred A tried-and-true but use your imagination), writing utensil, scissors classic just in time for Valentine’s Day. Steps:
1. Fold Construction paper four to 8 times (depending on size) into square 2. Draw the shape of a heart 3. Cut around drawn heart 4. Extend and amaze
Write messages for an added bonus and let your child show it off for all to see.
These simple, stress-free creations are fun and engaging activities for your kids.
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