FAMILY& PARENTING Coastal Carolina
June-July 2018
DINO MITE
New dinosaur exhibit at Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium
POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL
Asian-Pacific culture comes to Onslow County
UNIQUE WEEKEND IDEAS Summer adventures for the family
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TABLE OF CONTENTS DINOSAURS AT THE AQUARIUM
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POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL
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ADVERTISING
JULY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sales Manager Bobby Stone
Sales Executive Zaneta Padilla
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EDITORIAL
UNIQUE DAY TRIPS
Managing Editor Ena Sellers
Contributing Writers
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KENNY DYE Local Athlete
COVER PHOTO BY COUTURE EXPRESSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY
ON THE COVER
Kenbasa Harrell Christopher Dewitt Matthew Sokol
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. For distribution inquiries, call 910-939-0704. For advertising, call 910939-0700.
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By Kenbasa Harrell
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repare yourselves for prehistoric adventures this summer with the addition of an exciting new exhibit near you. The roars of beasts from long ago will echo throughout the halls of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores through Sept. 3. The Dino Mite exhibit will feature dinosaurs of all kinds, from land to sea and even flying dinosaurs as well. According to Danielle Bolton, public relations coordinator for the aquarium, a 40-footlong Tyrannosaurus rex that is visible from the parking lot will be the first thing visitors see as they arrive at the aquarium. While the special event is a high note for the amount of excitement that dinosaurs bring, it is also an educational experience for visitors of all ages. “When you walk past the front pond, be sure to see the Suchomimus tenerensis, a large, meat-eater of the middle Cretaceous period that specialized in catching fish and could reach the size of a school bus,” said Bolton. The Suchomimus tenerensis that visitors will see is actually a winning submission by Candace
Coon from the aquarium’s Design a Dino coloring contest. There is a special story that explains why the dinosaur looks the way that it does. “This dinosaur is specially painted to bring awareness about an endangered animal of today – the African wild dog,” said Bolton. Visitors can expect to see dinosaurs from multiple periods in time including the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The Edmontia, Utaraptor, Brachiosaurus and Dilophosaurus are some of the giants that will tower over patrons as they explore a land before our time. “We are excited about the opportunity to bring dinosaurs, while also conveying the need to help animals of today who are facing their own possible extinction,” said Hap Fatzinger, aquarium director. For more information, visit www.ncaquariums. com/pine-knoll-shoresspecial-events or call 252-247-4003.
Courtesy photos
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NORTH CAROLINA POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL brings Asian-Pacific heritage culture to Jacksonville community
By Chris DeWitt
Flaming tiki torches and spinning hulas are just a taste of what participants can expect at the annual Polynesian Festival at the Onslow Pines Park in Jacksonville, July 27 and 28. Groups representing Samoan, Hawaiian, Pilipino and other Asian-Pacific cultures will host the event in efforts to bring their music, dances and traditional food to Jacksonville residents. “This is our fifth year putting it on,” said Sylvia Avens, North Carolina Polynesian Festival committee member. “We look forward to everyone gathering together in this one place to celebrate.” The festival allows people from diverse backgrounds to join in a fun event, regardless of culture or place of origin. “We have people from Norfolk, Virginia, Washington, District of Columbia and Fayetteville, North Carolina that will be coming to join us to celebrate the Polynesian culture,” said Avens. “As a military community, we are diverse and represent places from all over
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the United States and its territories. ” Some of the cultural experiences participants will have a chance to enjoy include authentic Polynesian costumes and cuisine along with an opportunity to see the traditional fireknife dance, an art that requires great concentration and coordination. The participating Polynesian groups work year-round to prepare for the event. The festival is a collaborative effort between the
Polynesian Festival committee members and Onslow County Parks and Recreation. “The festival will run from July 27 in the afternoon to the evening of July 28,” said Avens. “We jam-pack the entire festival with our dances and everything the Polynesian culture has to offer.” For more information about the Polynesian Festival, call 934-2338.
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EVENTS CALENDAR
REPTILE HIKE
JUNE 9, 10 - 11 A.M.
Want to learn about the species of reptiles that inhabit the Hammocks Beach State Park? The Reptile Hike will give participants the opportunity to join a park ranger on a halfmile hike to discover and identify reptiles. For information, call 326-4881.
ARTS BY THE SEA FESTIVAL JUNE 9, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
The 2018 Arts by The Sea Festival will take place at Olde Towne Square in Swansboro. The event will feature a variety of arts and crafts along with kid-friendly entertainment. For information, call 326-2600.
SEA TURTLE TRIP JUNE 13, 2 - 3 P.M.
Take a trip out to Hammocks Beach State Park and learn about sea turtles. Participants will discovery the history of these hard-shelled sea-
dwellers and the culture that surrounds them in North Carolina. Patrons will learn about the threats that sea turtles face in our area and what can be done to keep them safe. For more information, call 326-4881.
POGIE’S PADDLE PALOOZA JUNE 16, 8 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Families Families looking for paddle sports can enjoy hourly demonstrations and guided paddles to Jones Island. The Pogies Paddle Palooza will also feature a kayak and Standup Paddleboard race, a kayak fishing tourney, kayak and fly fishing clinics among other activities. For information, call 326-2600.
information, call 934-5067.
CAMP INNOVATION- STEAM JUNE 25, 9 A.M.
Camp Innovation is a science, technology, engineering, art and math program designed for kids in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Kids will use creativity and innovation to learn STEAM skills and create fun activities in the process. The three-day session will take place at the United Service Organizations of NCJacksonville Center. Lunch will be provided. For information, call 919-840-3000.
ANTI-POVERTY FESTIVAL JUNE 30, 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
5K RUN TO HELP STOP BULLYING JUNE 23, 7:30 - 10 A.M.
Join the National Association for Black Veterans’ Women’s Chapter 0088 in a morning run at Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center to help stop bullying. For more
The 2nd annual Anti-Poverty Festival will be held at the Jack Amyette Recreation Park. The festival will feature food, music, games, field day activities, splash pad, community resources and a basketball tournament. Free admission. For information, call 347-2151.
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JULY
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EVENTS CALENDAR
SURF CITY INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION JULY 3, 5-10 P.M.
Start your Topsail Island Independence Day celebration a day early with a concert and fireworks display at Soundside Park. The celebration will feature live music, food and children’s activities. For more information, visit surfcity.govoffice.com.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS IN HOLLY RIDGE JULY 4, 2-10 P.M.
Independence Day celebration and fireworks will take place at the Holly Ridge Municipal Park. The event will feature face painting, inflatables, games and live music. For more information, visit www.cbcoastline.com.
BASEFEST
JULY 4, 2018, 3 P.M.
Celebrate America’s birthday at Camp Lejeune’s July 4th Celebration BaseFest. This is a free event bringing you Cole Swindell with special guests Tyler Farr, Lindsay Ell, Carlton Zeus and Ha Ha Tonka! Open to the public. The evening will end with the area’s best fireworks display. To learn more, visit www.mccslejeune-newriver.com/july4.
EMERALD ISLE’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW JULY 4, 9 P.M.
Take the whole family to watch the fireworks light up the night in celebration of our country’s Independence Day. Parking will be available at Bogue Inlet Pier as well as along NC 58. The fireworks will
also be visible from Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. For more information, visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org.
CITY OF WILMINGTON 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION JULY 4, 6 - 10 P.M.
The City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration will feature live entertainment and food vendors in beautiful historic downtown Wilmington. The fireworks display will begin at 9:05 pm and will be launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River. The celebration will take place between Market and Princess streets, 54 North Water Street. Free admission. For more information, call 772-4177 or visit www. wilmingtonnc.gov. For more events taking place in July, visit www.camplejeuneglobe.com.
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Making every SHOT on and off the basketball court count
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By Matthew Sokol
There are certain traits one thinks about when it comes to the textbook example of a high school athlete. These characteristics could be good fitness, being humble, bravery, or having good interpersonal communication skills. The list could go on and on to describe a wellrounded student-athlete in high school. There are a lot of good ball players in the Onslow County area, but there is one young man from Northside High School who is the epitome and representation of being a star-studded athlete. Kenny Dye is a senior basketball player for the Monarchs who has spent four years on the NHS basketball team. Over his career, he has received 21 awards for recognition as the Player of the Game. “Kenny is an exceptional student and athlete,” said Tony Marshburn, Northside High School men’s head
basketball coach. “Kenny is a natural leader and is very team oriented. He maintains the ability, attitude and work ethic to make those around him better. These outstanding qualities are the reason why I have enjoyed coaching Kenny. He is well-rounded and accepts challenges as an opportunity to grow and develop.” Dye may be the star-quality point guard on the basketball court, but his heart off the court is what counts in the end. Last year, the Monarchs’ point guard went over to Jacksonville Commons Elementary for a couple of days to run basketball drills with some of the students. In addition to time in extra curricular activities, Dye has a 4.1 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. “It means a lot to have created this legacy at my school,” said Dye. “It taught me a lot of things in life and not just on
the basketball court. I learned a lot about my character and my presence. There could be people that look up to you, and you might not even know it. I have people come up to me every day, even if I don’t know them. How I carry myself off the court is very important to me.” On and off the basketball court, Dye holds himself to a high standard. “I try to be a good role model,” said Dye. “When you are nice to people, good things happen to you. I go out of my way say hello to everyone even when I am a stranger to them. My family taught me to be nice to people. You will be successful in life striving to become the best version of yourself.” Dye plans on attending Queens University this upcoming academic year to play basketball and will be studying Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy.
PPG
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PPG Assists
25
N.C. rank
675 National Rank
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Weekend
Unique Summer
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adventures for the whole family
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By Ena Sellers
re your kids getting tired of the same weekend activities over and over? Fret no more, as we have gathered a few unique weekend outing destinations for your ever-growing list of go-to places, all within driving distance.
CHILDREN 10 AND ABOVE
One of my favorite places to visit is the Carolina Tiger Rescue. At the rescue, families can learn about wild cats and other exotic species of carnivores in their natural ecosystems. The non-profit is home to tigers, lions, cougars, caracals, ocelots, leopards, bobcats, kinkajous, cheetahs and jaguars among a few others. The place is run mostly by volunteers who care for the animals and provide guided tours to their visitors. During the visit, families can learn about each animal, their habitat, safety and the story of how they found a home in the sanctuary. The Carolina Tiger Rescue is located in Pittsboro, N.C. Another unique place to visit and learn about wild animals — in this case birds of prey — is the Hawk Manor Falconry. At the HMF families can learn about the role raptors play in our environment and their physiology. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close with hawks, falcons and owls. A special highlight of the HMF is that families can learn about the sport of falconry, which dates back to medieval times where hunting with birds of prey was common amongst royalty. The Hawk Manor Falconry is located in Lillington, N.C. Parents with adventurous teenagers who crave a thrill for speed and heights, can visit the Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure. At the GAZLTA, parents and kids can explore a forest canopy from multiple ziplines, as they try different heights while tackling dangling obstacles in an exhilarating self-guided visit. The Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure is located in Raleigh, N.C.
CHILDREN 9 AND UNDER
If your energetic lil’ bundle of joy falls under the single-digit age group, these are some great budget friendly options for a day trip to keep your young ones engaged for hours at a time. The first one on the list is the Museum of Life and Science. The museum is a good option for parents looking to spend the day out as it will take you easily about five hours to tour the place. At the museum, you will find more than 60 species of live animals, outdoor exhibits that are home to rescue black bears, lemurs and red wolves. The museum also houses the largest butterfly conservatory on the East Coast. Some of the features include an interactive science park with a two-story science center and a dinosaur trail. The Museum of Life and Science is located in Durham, N.C. For outdoor fun, my latest discovery is a unique spot called Three Bear Acres. The place features an obstacle course, tree houses, toboggan slides, a 68’x33’ jumping pillow, paddle boats, a water war zone, a raceway and a slingshot competition area among many others. Families can bring a picnic basket, lawn chairs and enjoy a day participating in a variety of activities. Three Bear Acres is located in Creedmoor, N.C. “My son loves it there, we go a lot in the spring and fall,” said Jennifer Poole, mother of two. “They have a huge jumping pillow … even parents can get on it. I love it. We can be there for hours.” Rainy day? No worries. Among the top rated places to visit with young children is
the Marbles Museum. The museum features hands-on exhibits that are meant to inspire your child’s imagination by learning through play. The goal of each exhibit is to build intellectual, social and emotional skills, promote physical development and good health, encourage creativity and self-expression, encourage discovery through play and to teach collaboration. “My daughter loved the pizza shop exhibit,” said Poole. “There she got hands-on learning about the steps involved at a pizza delivery shop. It’s a life-size mini replica of a store. They get to make a pretend pizza — from putting the ingredients, the process of baking it, boxing it and even delivery. The kids seem to enjoy it a lot. My kids can be there the entire day. For me, it was worth the drive, and I have family nearby, so we make a weekend out of it.” The museum’s exhibits vary from a kidsize version of a submarine to a percussive
musical playground where kids can play xylophones and bells. Your little explorers can climb on a pirate ship, explore the world under the waves on the science submarine as they tinker in the engine room and care for creatures that live in the ocean. The Marbles Museum is located in Raleigh, N.C. Last but not least in our list of unique destinations, is the Tregembo Animal Park, which is said to be South Eastern North Carolina’s oldest zoo. It features over 75 species of animals including a prehensile-tail Porcupine, snow macaques, a white Bengal tiger, giraffes and a two-toed Sloth among many others. The Tregembo Animal Park is located in Wilmington, N.C. Enjoy the summer and remember to check our next edition of Coastal Carolina Family and Parenting magazine for more fun ideas to keep your children engaged and having fun!
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