Wilmington Parent September 2017 by Seaside Media

SEPTEMBER 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ FREE

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Our 20th Year of Serving New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender County Families!

PARTY GUIDE

PARTY LISTINGS

MAKE IT THE BEST PARTY EVER! + FALL FESTIVALS

TWEENS & TEENS WHEN SHOULD TEENS SPEAK UP

THE TEENAGE ROLLER COASTER FINAL YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL

COVER KIDS: ZACH, DEAN & MICAH

We specialize in dentistry for infants, children, adolescents and children with special needs. Our goal is to provide an easy and enjoyable dental experience for both children and parents. Call to make an appointment to meet our caring and compassionate team.

HALLEY WHITE, DDS, MPH ANDY JOHNSON, DDS 8115 Market Street Suite 204 Wilmington, NC 910.686.1869 910.319.6014-fax

306 Dolphin Drive Suite 2 Jacksonville, NC 910.333.0343 910.333.0346-fax

Visit our website at growinggrins.com

PORT CITY JaVa

T-SHIRTS

We do House Calls

The Salvation Army

distributes more than $125,000 in clothing, furniture and house-hold items to help those in need.

HELP US HELP OTHERS BY DONATING YOUR USED CLOTHING AND FURNITURE.

ONLY $13.99

At participating locations or online www.portcityjava.com

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To schedule a pick-up please call 762-6611 Thank you and God bless!

Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 1

Jessica Fountain

IN THIS ISSUE

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September 2017 SPECIAL SECTIONS: PARTY GUIDE

PARTY LISTINGS

16 17 23

FINAL YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL

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FESTIVAL ROUNDUP MEET THE EXPERT: YMCA AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS FALL WEEKEND GETAWAYS 11 23 26 27 28 29

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TWEEN ROLLER COASTER

CHILDCARE LISTING GUIDE FAMILY TRAVEL YOUR HEALTH FIT FAMILY SCHOOL NOTES PEANUT GALLERY

cover credits Photography by Katie Mathews, www.katiemathewsphotography.com • 910-297-5378 2 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

Features Editor Danielle Villegas

or E-Mail: calendar@wilmingtonparent.com

SHOULD TEENS SPEAK UP?

3 EDITOR’S NOTE 4 HAVE YOU HEARD 5 PRODUCT REVIEW 6 GROWING UP ONLINE 8 CALENDAR

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TEENS AND TWEENS

7 24 25

Publisher/Editor in Chief Keith Jaworski 910-518-0011

PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 or E-Mail: seasidemedia1@gmail.com Wilmington Parent is published 12 times a year. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication's standards. All contents of Wilmington Parent are protected under copyright. Reproduction of any content requires permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Wilmington Parent • PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 © Wilmington Parent 2017 Seaside Media, LLC Complimentary copies of Wilmington Parent are available to the public at various locations in the greater Wilmington area. One copy per family is permitted. Additional copies require the written permission of the Publisher. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry

t’s tough being a teen, but as some of us know, it is equally as tough to be a parent of a teen. I write this today as I have just sent my 16 year old off to live in Durham for her last two years of high school, and in two days I will send my 17 year old off to begin his college adventure. Just the other day we were all fighting about who will do the dishes, and next week I will have very few dishes left to worry about. This time goes so fast folks! Not to say we shouldn’t teach responsibility, but sometimes we have to keep life in perspective and enjoy every annoying, frustrating, wonderful moment. For all of us struggling through these wild tween and teen years, enjoy this issue of advice and support. September is the beginning of my favorite season. The temperatures are about to drop, and I will take advantage of every opportunity to be outside. I have compiled a list of festivals that will give you plenty of reason to get out, be social, and enjoy the laid back fall weather. If you are looking for ways to enjoy some colorful autumn leaves, you may have to drive a bit westward away from our beloved beach, but it will be worth the trip!

Danielle

SKIP TYSON, D.D.S. STEPHANIE HEANEY, D.D.S.

791-7380

2606 Iron Gate Dr. Suite 200,Wilmington, NC surf our website

www.catchasmile.net Reserve now for the region’s favorite holiday event!

ARTS/ENRICHMENT/ AFTERSCHOOL RESOURCES Please add and consider the following listing to your Arts/ Enrichment/AfterSchool Resources:

White & Johnson Pediatric Dentistry 8115 Market Street, #204 Wilmington, NC 28411 910-686-1869 www.growinggrins.com We specialize in dentistry for infants, children, adolescents and children with special needs. Our trained and caring team is excited to help your child through their oral healthcare experience. It is our goal that you and your child leave our office with a positive attitude towards dental care. In addition, we will help you feel confident and comfortable in your role as the main caregiver in your child’s oral health. At White & Johnson Pediatric Dentistry, we believe prevention of oral disease is a team effort and it includes your involvement and commitment while in our office and at home. Whether you have an infant or a teenager, we are the best choice for you and your child. We welcome you and your family to our practice! www.wilmingtonparent.com

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              

with live professional orchestra!

Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College Sat. Dec. 2nd 7:00 pm & Sun. Dec. 3rd 3:00 pm

Buy tickets before October 1st and save 15%! www.cityballetofwilmington.org Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 3

HAVE YOU HEARD….?

NEW YEAR – NEW START

READING TUTORING K-3 STUDENTS • CALL NOW! (910) 431-5137 • 4701 Wrightsville Ave. Learn2LearnTutors.com

Providing Quality Childcare for over 30 years in Wilmington, Burgaw, Leland, NC

(888) 855-SPEC info@speckids.com www.speckids.com

Work With Us Social Media/Content Marketing We are looking for an individual with marketing experience to work with publisher to realize marketing opportunities for our website and newsletter. You will be in charge of building site traffic, developing new leads for the business, and nurturing those leads to close into clients. Hourly rate/Commission. See wilmingtonparent.com/jobs for more information and to apply. 4 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

With the days now filled with school, it’s time to find ways for your family to have fun during the afternoons and weekends. Do you have any Harry Potter fans in your family? The 32nd Annual Cape Fear Literacy Council Gala: A Night of Magic at the Coastline Conference Center in downtown Wilmington, features a Harry Potter theme, plus live music with Machine Gun, dinner catered by Culinary Creations, silent auction, booze, and Hogwarts-inspired activities! The Cape Fear Literacy Council supports adults who are learning to read, write, speak english, and helps them prepare for an improved phase in their lives. You can help support their cause while enjoying a magical night on September 23rd from 6:30-11:30. Visit www.cfliteracy.org for ticket information.

If your kids missed out on all the fun at the Marine Science Center this summer, no worries! The fun and learning continue all year long at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science. They want to make sure all local families are aware of what they offer by hosting an Open House on September 23rd from 11am-3:30pm that features informational outdoor displays & activities, a food truck, tours, and more. Find out more at www.uncw.edu.

Don’t forget to enjoy some unscheduled time with your family. Although afterschool activities can be an important addition to a healthy, well-rounded childhood, everyone needs a little downtime. Keep these pointers in mind when planning your year: • Consider only one activity per season per child • Be willing to let your kid opt out • Realize that even the super active, social kid needs downtime • Consider your budget • Ignore pressure from competitive parents/family members • Do what works for your family

Besides, with a little free time your family can enjoy some of your own exciting and competitive events like the Cape Fear Highland Games! This is the 3rd year for this exhibition and it will be held on September 30th starting at 9am behind the IRS Building on Randall Dr. The games feature traditional Scottish events such as Caber Toss, Scottish Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss, and Stone Put. Activities for the whole family include a stone of strength for anyone to attempt. The event also includes food vendors, a beer tent, and Scottish and traditional vendors. Check out the complete schedule at www.capefearhighlandgames.com.

For those of you who have kids that have long shown an interest in playing string instruments, the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra is looking for new members. Auditions will be held on September 7th by appointment only at the Cultural Arts Building at UNCW. The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra is conducted by Dr. Steven Errante and managed by Robert Norem. The Junior Strings is directed by Jane Tierney. Find out more about this opportunity at wsoyouth. blogspot.com. Have a tip, lead, or just an interesting bit of news to share? I want to hear all about it! Send me an email to danielle.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com.

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PRODUCT REVIEW

Wall Pops As I prepare to send my kids off to college, I pour over dorm checklists online. Every single one suggests a whiteboard for roommates to exchange information during their busy days and nights. My kids took one look at the white board, and said “no way” Wall Pops are dry erase boards and art pieces designed by Jonathan Adler. This was much more acceptable, and stylish. Ours looks like a phone booth! The set includes a dry-erase marker and is repositionable and removable without leaving sticky residue behind. www.wallpops.com

Grommet Play Bulb As the night begins to get longer, I refuse to let that stop me from enjoying my deck. There are alot of solar powered light options, but the reason I like these solar powered garden lights is because this smart light takes it up a notch. You can choose colors (from an endless array), adjust brightness, and set effects— like flashing, fading, and pulsing—all from the app on your smart device. You can even sync multiple lights as a group to create a mini light show, or set them to start glowing when the sun goes down. www.thegrommet.com

High Quality Child Care That Will Last Your Child A Life Time

LEARNING CENTER *Five Star Child Care Center*

• Infant & Toddler Program - Safe, nurturing & Loving environment • 2 to 4 year old Preschool Classes - Preparing your child for Kindergarten through an inquiry-based Curriculum- Project Approach • 2 to 4 year old Morning Program - 8:30 - 12:30pm Monday to Friday • School Age - After School & Summer Camp Located off 23rd St. w/ easy access from MLK or Market St. #65000833

2320 Scientific Park Dr. Wilmington, NC 28405

CALL For A Tour 910.254.7384 or 910.254.7385

Rise Buddy The rise of the healthy “junk” food, Rise Buddy offers a more healthy alternative for families with a thick, crunchy rice chip snack. Rise Buddy has a similar taste like a potato chip but it’s made with whole grain brown rice. I can not in good conscience send a bag of chips in my children’s lunch, but these are a solid substitute. There are quite a few flavors, Sea Salt, BBQ, Pizza, and Sour Cream & Onion. Can be purchased on Amazon.

Providing Center-Based ABA Therapy Full and half day programs available

Funny Bone Games Don’t let back to school craziness keep you from much needed family time. I always keep some board games on hand for a quick nighttime moment of fun. Here are 2 we just added to our stack. Whim is a word game where up to 6 players compete to find words that include the letters they choose for that round. Players write down words with letters appearing at either the beginning, middle or end of the word, as decided by a roll of the die. Akin is a party game where up to 4 other players race by using suction cups to connect cards that are related – or “akin” – to the card that is turned over during each round. v

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Specializing in Early Intervention and Kindergarten Readiness for Children with Autism Behavioral Consulting for Autism is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We believe the best outcomes are reached with individualized intervention plans, using principles of applied behavior analysis, and delivered with compassion, care, and excellence.

Tina Gill, MA, BCBA, LPC • Rachel LaRocco MA, BCBA (910) 599-5307 • bca@behavioralconsultingnc.com 16717 Highway 17 Suite 204 Hampstead, NC 28443 behavioralconsultingnc.com Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 5

GROWING UP ONLINE

ARE WE ADDICTED TO CELLPHONES? By Carolyn Jabs

ow much time did your kids spend with their cellphones yesterday? When was the last time you checked yours? If contemplating these questions makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Cellphones dominate our lives in part because they are designed to do precisely that according to Tristran Harris, a tech entrepreneur who worked for a while as Product Ethicist at Google. He now runs TimeWellSpent, a non-profit that points out how cellphones and their apps hijack our attention. The group urges tech designers to take the equivalent of the Hippocratic Oath and encourages consumers to make more mindful decisions about when, how and where to use their phones. Harris isn’t the only expert concerned about cellphone overuse. Some researchers have noted that brains scans of people who spend a lot of time online are disconcertingly similar to those of people with substance abuse problems. In a recent NPR report, Dr. Anna Lembke, an assistant professor in addiction medicine at Stanford, noted that Internet use can follow a classic pattern—“intermittent to recreational use, then progresses into daily use, and then progresses into consequential use.” Here are a few consequences you may recognize in yourself or your kids: • Time - Devoting more and more time to cellphone activities, partly because the person loses track of time and partly because it takes longer to feel satisfied. • Obsession - Thinking about being online even when the person is offline. Failure to cut back despite resolutions. • Mood - Feeling anxious, restless, irritable or even angry when online activities are interrupted or when the person has to be offline. • Social - Withdrawal from friends and real life social activities. The feeling that online relationships are more significant and genuine. • Interference - Spending time online even when it interferes with other important activities including employment, schoolwork, chores, exercise, family time and sleep. • Deception - Lying to oneself or others about how much time is spent with the phone. For most people, of course, cellphone use doesn’t rise to the level of addiction. Still, many parents have the uneasy feeling that phones take too big a chunk of family life. In contemporary culture, total abstinence isn’t realistic for adults or teens but there are ways to become more deliberate about when and how we use our phones. Here are a few suggestions:

or Social forces you to think, even briefly, about whether you really want to engage in that activity.

3. Identify triggers. Addictive behavior often starts with uncomfortable feelings such as depression or anxiety. Talking about feelings helps children and adults recognize their emotions and make more conscious decisions about how to manage them. If a family member is upset because of something that happened at school or work, he or she may get temporary relief from playing a game or binge-watching YouTube. That’s not necessarily a problem—if the person eventually thinks through the basic problem and comes up with ideas about how to address it. Without that kind of emotional intelligence, kids and grownups may habitually turn to the phone simply to escape their feelings.

4. Customize notifications. The ding from a cellphone is like a slot machine. Most of the time, it’s meaningless but occasionally there’s a big payoff. Assign special ringtones to family members and other people so you won’t miss genuinely important messages. Then turn off notifications from everything else. As Harris points out that there will always be breaking news, urgent e-mails and fresh information on social media. You won’t know everything about everybody all the time, so put an end to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out.) Attention is valuable. Don’t squander it.

5. Create rich off-line lives. Seek out tech-free experiences that are rewarding for family members. Take every opportunity to be physically active, outdoors if possible. Ride bikes, take walks, play sports. Cultivate face to face social skills by giving children lots of opportunities to meet and interact with other people. Get to know neighbors. Join a faith community or other community organizations. Invite friends and extended family over for meals or game nights. Collect cellphones at the door.

ing on your phones. Some activities—games, social media, news—are designed to be endless. Others—gambling, shopping, looking at porn—are associated with off-line addictions. Identify activities that are productive and/or enjoyable. How much time should be allotted to each? Develop a budget that guides how you spend your online time. Use the timer on your phone--or ask other family members—to hold you accountable.

6. Get an alarm clock. Using a cellphone as an alarm makes it the last thing you see before you fall asleep and the first thing you check in the morning. It may even interrupt sleep with notifications that matter much less than being rested. Claim the luxury of thinking your own thoughts as you drift off to sleep. Take a little time in the morning to wake up fully before engaging with whatever is on your phone. Finally, appreciate what’s good about cellphones. Some researchers, for example, have noted that use of drugs and alcohol among teens has declined over the same period that smartphone use increased. They speculate that interactive media may satisfy adolescent cravings for independence, risk-taking and sensation seeking without the devastating consequences of other addictions. In other words, cellphones like so many other technologies, can make lives better or worse. It’s up to parents to pay attention to that uneasy feeling about phones, so we can gently take corrective actions that restore them to their proper place. v

2. Create an Essential Home Screen. Harris suggests sorting apps into three categories: Tools help you complete essential tasks—calendar, camera, etc. Bottomless Bowls are apps that encourage you to binge. Aspirations are things you’d like to do. Create a homescreen that includes ONLY indispensible tools and realistic aspirations. Hide other apps in folders where you won’t see seductive icons. Having a folder called News, Games

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing about families and technology for over twenty years. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart, a book that describes a highly effective way to address conflict in families, schools and communities. Available at Amazon and cooperativewisdom.org.

1. Evaluate activities. Pay attention to what you and your kids are do-

6 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

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HIGH SCHOOL’S FINAL YEAR:

SUPPORTING YOUR COLLEGE-BOUND CHILD Diane Turner Maller

eady or not, prepared or not, your child is set to begin the final, defining and transitory, senior year of high school. High school counselor Brooke Nova encourages parents to speak to several people about their careers and explore college campuses. Nova emphasizes that setting up overnight stays on college campuses “are free.”

Support without hovering. Your child needs your support during this process. Most students this age need help breaking down the projects and requirements into manageable bits. They need help managing deadlines and timelines.

Brainstorm a big list. The first list of colleges and universities should

than one of these presentations. I attended a multitude of them. Attend at least one with a friend, better yet; a friend who has already sent a child to college if this is your first. A second ear can help with sorting through the information overload. Check these sites for help with finances: www.college.gov and www.finaid.org. Also, use the Net Price Calculators on school websites to help decide if the school is affordable.

include a wide spectrum of choices from which to ultimately choose. Some of these choices should provide a stretch that challenges your child to reach further. Encourage your child to attend college presentations that are offered at the high school. Explore university websites together and separately. Your child will let you know when your presence over his or her shoulder is no longer required. You can compare notes later.

Discuss distance from home. How far away is your child comfortable living? Some students are fine going to the opposite side of the country while others prefer to stay close to home, where weekend visits are possible or perhaps even to live at home that first year. Make that essay shine. Parents, siblings, and friends can help with the editing process. In most cases, the final admissions or scholarship application is uploaded online. Take the time, however, to print out the various pieces and refine the wording. If ever there were a time for perfectionism, the time is when writing college and scholarship applications. Proofreading by multiple sets of eyes can add exponential value.

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Attend financial aid presentations. It is helpful to attend more

Accept the roller coaster. During my daughter’s senior year, sometimes she accepted gentle reminders, other times, she bristled at any suggestions. As a parent, I was continually walking that tight rope between supporting and hovering. I was almost grateful when she shut her bedroom door in my face so she could work on applications on her own. Later, when she took the envelope into her room to open privately in her own space, I held my breath, too. But the results were hers, not mine. Whatever the news, ceremonies that mark the end of high school for your child are rich with meaning and memories. v

Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 7

CALENDAR

• PLAN YOUR MONTH WITH US

SEPTEMBER | 2017

ALL MONTH LONG! History Walking Tours of Old Wilmington Daily (Year Round). Cotton Exchange, Downtown. This leisurely tour takes us back in time as we talk about: Three of the most historic homes in Wilmington. History of Wilmington’s downtown and how it developed. Cape Fear River and its importance to the area. Wilmington during the Civil War, what life was like. Victorian customs, Folklore and Much More. Under age 12 admitted free with 2 paying adults. Call for tour times. $12/Adults. $8/Students & Seniors. Visit www.TourOldWilmington. blogspot.com or call 409-4300 for information. Race: Are We So Different? Daily. 9am-5pm. NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh. What does the word “race” mean to you? This exhibition looks at race through the lens of science, history, and personal experiences to promote a better understanding of human variation. Interactive exhibit components, historical artifacts, iconic objects, compelling photographs, multimedia presentations, and attractive graphic displays offer visitors to RACE an eye-opening look at its important subject matter. RACE tells the stories of race from the biological, cultural, and historical points of view offering an unprecedented look at race and racism in the United States. Imagine at Airlie Gardens June 27th through Sept 30. Airlie Gardens will welcome Matthew J. Leavell as the artist for their 2017 Summer Art Exhibit, Imagine. Leavell, a sculptor currently based out of Mobjack, Virginia, with roots in the Port City, spe-

8 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

cializes in steel, cast iron, wood and glass mediums. The exhibit will feature an eclectic assortment of large, colorful, whimsical pieces often constructed of recycled and repurposed materials. Leavell’s work will be on display throughout Airlie June through September. Participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize! Included in Garden Admission & Free for Airlie Members!

and bring a yoga mat or beach towel. No registration required! Call 798-6353 for more details.

1 FRIDAY

Adventures in the Arts 3:30pm, Fridays. Children’s Museum. Please preregister. Bring your child to express their creativity through various forms of art including--but not limited to--painting, sculpture, music, theater, dance, drawing, and printing. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Toddler Time 10am, Fridays. Children’s Museum. No registration necessary. Projects and activities for our youngest visitors (ages 4 and under) and their special grownups to work on together. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

Downtown Sundown Concert 6:30pm. Riverfront Park. This week’s performance is by Departure (Journey). Opening act is David Dixon. Beer, wine and food are available for purchase. Wristband sales benefit the Cape Fear River Watch. This is a rain or shine event. Please note: Band schedule is subject to change.

Little Explorers 10am, Fridays. Cape Fear Museum. Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Adult participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.

Summer Fireworks by the Sea and Concert featuring L Shaped Lot 6:30pm, Thursdays. Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Last one of the season! The best place to view this weekly spectacular show is on the beach strand located in front of the Courtyard by Marriott or on the historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk, where there is music at the Gazebo stage for your enjoyment. So ‘pack up’ the family and head to the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach. The music starts at 6:30 followed by the fireworks at 9:00. Follow Facebook for weather delays, changes and updates.

Family Yoga Storytime 10:30am, Fridays. Main Library. Parents & children birth - 5 will have fun listening to stories while stretching and learning basic yoga postures with Miss Susan. Children must have an adult present. Wear comfortable clothing

Family Storytime 7pm, Fridays. Barnes & Noble. Family Storytime with activities. Call 509-1880 for details.

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2 SATURDAY Riverfront Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays through Nov. 18. Downtown Wilmington. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine. Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Through Oct 7. Join us for an abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music at the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market. Little Explorers 10am, Fridays. Cape Fear Museum. Explore the world around us with hands-on activities, experiments and fun in Museum Park! Enjoy interactive story time, exploration stations and play related to a weekly theme. In event of inclement weather, program moved inside. Perfect for children ages 3 to 6 and their adult helpers. Adult participation is required. Little Explorers is sponsored by the PNC Foundation. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring the sequel to Uni the Unicorn. Follow Uni and the little girl who believes in unicorns, as they finally meet and work together to save a magical land and its inhabitants! Museum Explorers 2pm, Saturdays. Cape Fear Museum. Ignite your curiosity! Discover history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear through interactive science investigations, hands-on exploration and unique artifacts. Our activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage families to have fun together. Themes vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Approximately 45 minutes each time slot. Adult participation is required. Super Saturday Fun Time 3pm Saturdays. TheatreNow. Join DOCK, the dog, and his two-legged friends as they uncover mysteries and discover artifacts (courtesy of Cape Fear Museum). Different adventure each week. Families welcome. $8/person. Visit www. theatrewilmington.com for tickets.

3 SUNDAY Family Fun Day 9am - 5pm. Airlie Gardens. Visit the parks and Arboretum for a full day of family fun. Contact 798-7700 or visit www. airliegardens.org for more information. Curiosity Carts 11:30am. Cape Fear Museum. Get your hands on history and science! Examine artifacts and science specimens. Gain insight into topics featured in museum exhibits. Carts are stationed in Museum galleries and feature short handson, facilitated experiences for visitors. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information. Residents Free Day - Cape Fear Museum 1 – 5pm. Cape Fear Museum. NHC residents are admitwww.wilmingtonparent.com

ted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. Call 798-4350 or visit www.capefearmuseum.com for information. Boogie in the Park Concert Series: Uncle Hairy 5-7pm. Ocean Front Park. Free concert series. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy the music! Visit www. pleasureislandnc.org for a complete schedule. Movie at the Lake Dusk. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Last movie this season. Features The LEGO Batman Movie. Your own food and drinks are permitted, and concessions are available. Film begins at dusk, and is subject to change. Visit www.pleasureislandnc.org for a complete summer schedule.

W ILMING TON

Christian Academy High S c h ool • Middl e School El emen ta r y S c h ool • Pres chool

New Kids Campus!

4 MONDAY - LABOR DAY Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm. Wrightsville Beach. Through Nov 8. The market provides an opportunity for residents and visitors of Wrightsville Beach to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. In addition to produce vendors and various other consumables vendors, the market includes a variety of unique craft vendors. The community setting and social atmosphere promote quality of life while offering a venue for local growers and crafters to offer their products. For further information, please contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department by calling 256-7925. Railroad Storytime 10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $5/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information.

NOW ENROLLING AGES 2-4

www.wil min gton c h r isti an.com 14 01 N. C ol l ege Rd • 910.791 .4248

Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 4:45-5:30pm, Mondays. Kings Grant Area. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 399-1708 for more information.

5 TUESDAY Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Tuesdays. Main Library. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details.

We offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai for kids and adults Bring this ad in and get 30 DAYS FREE!

Happy Little Singers 9:45am, Tuesdays. Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center. Music and Movement program for children 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance, Instruments, Creative Play with your child. Drop-ins welcome, $10 per family. Please call or text in advance 777-8889. Music and Movement Storytime 10:30am, Tuesdays. Pleasure Island Library. Join other children, parents, and caregivers 5 years and younger for a music and movement storytime! We’ll read a few books, sing, dance and have other active fun! We’ll exercise and develop gross motor skills using a variety of movement and stretching disciplines including dance and yoga. No registration required.

1994 Eastwood Road, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 509-0701

BOOK YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH US! Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 9

Art on Easels 2:30pm, Tuesdays. Northeast Library. We will have 5 double sided easels set up for children to come in and create a masterpiece. Try the theme of the day or free draw. No registration is required, so drop in, create, and then take your art home with you! Kid’s Cooking Club 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register. Smart Start Family Read 5:30-7:30pm, Tuesdays until Nov. 7th. Northeast Library. Presented by Smart Start of New Hanover County using the national evidence-based Motheread® curriculum for parents & caregivers of children 2-5 years old. Learn how to share stories and the joys of reading with your children. Discuss discipline ideas and appropriate child behavior. Meet with other parents to share concerns, friendship and fun. Learn fun activities to do with your children that will help them in school. Registration is required for this FREE 10 week course. Please note, this course is not designed for children to participate, it is for the parents/caregivers only. Email or call Susan DeMarco for more details: sdemarco@nhcgov.com or 798-6353. Scare Squad 6-7pm, Tuesdays. Main Library. Calling all teens! Design a haunted house! Make scary props! Rig up special effects! Then scare attendees at Haunted Basement!

6 WEDNESDAY Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays through Oct. 25. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine, and more. Visit www.poplargrove.org for more information.

Looking for employment with us? Email your resume to work@childcarenetwork.com

Storytime and Music & Movement 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Wednesdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast Libraries. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 798-6303 for details. S.T.E.M. Explorations 10am & 3:30pm, Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. STEM programs explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by applying them in fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn about the scientific process while measuring and recording in mathematical terms, developing critical thinking skills in the process. Please pre-register. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

Looking for employment with us? Email your resume to work@childcarenetwork.com 10 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

Mini Monets Clay & Sculpture Art Class 4:15-5pm, Wednesdays. Carolina Beach Rec Center. Let’s get our hands dirty with clay! All projects will be handmade in different types of clay and sculpting materials. This session is a great opportunity to create art in three dimension. Visit www.minimonetsart.com or call 399-1708 for more information. www.wilmingtonparent.com

7 THURSDAY Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings Auditions By Appointment. Cultural Arts Building at UNCW are by appointment only. The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra is conducted by Dr. Steven Errante and managed by Robert Norem. The Junior Strings is directed by Jane Tierney. Visit wsoyouth.blogspot.com to make an appointment for an audition. Storytime at the Library 9:30am; 10am; 10:30, Thursdays. Myrtle Grove & Northeast Libraries. Babies up to 18 months at 9:30 are invited to bring an adult lap and enjoy up to 20 minutes of books, songs, fingerplays & rhymes. Toddlers 18 months to 3 years old are invited at 10am to 20 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in Story Place. Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 are invited at 10:30am to 20-30 minutes of books, music, and pre-literacy activities in our storytime room! Call 7986303 for details. Messy Hands Toddler Art 10am. Main Library. It’s the Process, Not the Product. Toddlers and their adults will be introduced to a variety of hands on art experiences. The focus of this program will be on child driven art exploration. Come join us for a half hour of messy fun & make sure to wear play clothes. This program is designed for children between the ages of 2-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at www.nhclibrary.org. StoryCOOKS 10am, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. A cooking club for preschoolers where we read a story and make a dish inspired by the book. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information and weekly themes. Are You Ready to Own a Dog? 3:30pm. Main Library. Cheryl Menza with Alliance of Therapy Dogs will talk about dog ownership and care. Her dog Molly will join her for demonstration and tender pats. No registration or fees. Nature Navigators 3:30pm, Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Join us in exploring the beauty of the world around us! Nature Navigators will help foster a love of nature in children of all ages. From animal tracks to scavenger hunts, come explore some North Carolinian nature with us! Ideal for ages 5 - 9. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

8 FRIDAY INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY Peter and the Starcatcher 8pm. Thalian Hall. Opera House Theatre Company presents Peter and the Starcatcher live on stage. Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the musical sets sail on a magical voyage to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become the Boy Who Never Grew Up? The company of a dozen actors plays more than 100 characters as pirates, shipwrecks, mermaids, and magic set the stage for an absurdly funny, fantastical romp through the Neverland you never knew.

9 SATURDAY Heart of Hope 5K 8am. Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo. Help provide food www.wilmingtonparent.com

CHILDCARE LISTING GUIDE CHILDCARE – PRESCHOOLS Childcare Network 8 convenient locations in Wilmington, Southport and Leland 866-521-KIDS • www.childcarenetwork.com Ages 6-weeks to 12-years The Children’s Schoolhouse Montessori 612 South College Rd. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-799-1531 • www.childrensschoolhouse.org Since 1985. Preschool and North Carolina State Recognized Kindergarten Program. Spanish, Gardening for little hands. Now enrolling students ages 3-5, for 2, 3, or 5 day programs. Jenkins Preschool Academy 7888 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28411 910-367-7210 • www.jpawilmington.com Half day programs 9am-12pm, 2 or 3 day classes for 2-3 yr. olds, 5-day programs for 4 y.o. And PreK Friends School of Wilmington PreK 207 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-8221 • www.fsow.org A truly unique and desirable educational experience. Montessori teaching principles are used for preschool. Gym & Learn Preschool Program Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Ages 3-5, boys & girls, 9am-1pm. A good mix of structure, instruction, and free play including developmentally appropriate academics, gymnastics class, arts & crafts, & socialization. Ongoing registration~choose 2-5 days per week! Learning Center 2320 Scientific Park Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 910-254-7384 • denise.ward@aaipharma.om Ages 6 weeks-12 years. 5 star program with degreed teachers,low staff /child ratios, and a Project Approach based curriculum. Full day, After School and morning programs available. Pax Natura Academy 4202 Wilshire Blvd. Wilmington, NC 910-791-2080 • www.childcarenetwork.net/159 Early Foundations Infant & Toddler Programs. Preschool for 2 & 3 yo. Kindergarten Prep for 4 & 5 yo. After School Program.

SPEC 7, SPEC 2 Natalie Grainger, Director; Candice Rabaglia, Director 165 Vision Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403: 4308 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC28412 910-793-4884; 910-799-4160 spec7@speckids.com; spec2@speckids.com www.speckids.com SPEC provides a clean, safe, and nurturing environment for children to grow and reach developmental milestones. We care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and provide 3 meals a day at no extra cost to our families. Our preschool curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of children as they explore and learn through teacher-directed and individual activities and play. As the children are ready, skills are taught and practiced to help lay the foundation that prepares them for Kindergarten. Wilmimgton Bilingual Preschool 100 Spartan Rd. Unit 1B Wilmington NC 28405 910-338-9249 wilmingtonbilingualpreschool@gmail.com www.wilmingtonbilingualpreschool.com Wilmington Christian Academy Kids Campus 1401 North College Road Wilmington, NC 28405 910-791-4248 info@wilmingtonchristian.com www.wilmingtonchristian.com WCA’s new Kids Campus offers quality childcare in a faithbased, nurturing environment. Children (ages 2-4) will play, learn and grow in an inviting facility surrounded by security, technology and meaningful enrichment activities. Come enjoy the indoor jungle gym, convenient location, affordable rates and family friendly hours! Wilmington Family YMCA’s Preschool 2710 Market Street 910-251-9622 x257 • www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org Preschool program begins September 1st and operates daily from 9:00am-12:30pm. Ages 3-5

LIST YOUR PRESCHOOL, CHILDCARE CENTER HERE. CONTACT OUR AD EXECUTIVES FOR MORE INFORMATION.

DROP IN CHILDCARE Porter’s Neck Playhouse 7946 Market Street #200 Wilmington, NC 28411 910-319-7879 • www.PNPlayhouse.com The Play House is a drop in play center that cares for children 12 months and older. Daily play involves art, games, pretend play, dancing, relay races, puzzles and story time. No matter what time of day you stop in your child will have a great time! Promise. After school care available with transportation. Low hourly rates and affordable monthly packages available. Open at 7:45 M-F and Saturday from 10-5

PARENTS NIGHT OUT Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Friday & Saturday nights, 6-10pm, ages 3-10. Drop your children off for supervised free play in our 15,000 sq. foot gymnastics facility. Run, jump, & flip with your friends all night long! Parents can relax at home, or get things done in time for the holidays!

The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 910-799-3771/3770 tlgwilmingtonnc@thelittlegym.com www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com When school’s out or you are looking for a safe, fun and nurturing environment for your child in Wilmington, we’ve got your back! The Little Gym offers classes as well as weekend Parents’ Survival Nights. We combine physical activity, gymnastics, games, and arts & crafts. Call us for fun!

Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 11

Andrea K.

to the children on Pleasure Island. 100% of the proceeds Carolina Beach Elementary School and The Help Center. Visit www.heartofhoperun.com to register. Riverfront Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays through Nov. 18. Downtown Wilmington. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine.

Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Through Oct 7. Join us for an abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music at the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market.

Storytime at Pleasure Island 10:30am, Mondays. Pleasure Island branch Library. Join our fun and educational storytime for all preschool ages (babies to 5 years of age)! We’ll enjoy books, music, manipulatives, and other pre-literacy activities. No registration or fees required.

How to Catch a Monster - Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Is there a monster in your closet? Are you brave enough to catch him? Parents and children will love this fun, inventive picture book, which reminds us that things aren’t always as scary as they seem. Join us for Storytime, with activities to follow.

The 9/11 Sunset Remembrance Ceremony 5:30-7:30pm. Wrightsville Beach Park Amphitheater. Features special guest Frances Weller of WECT News and a performance by the Girls Choir of Wilmington. The event honors the memory of those who were lost 16 years ago and celebrates the legacy that lives through the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation. Free parking. Bring a chair. Visit www.towb.org for more information.

Carolina Beach Police Dept Bike Rodeo 2-6pm. Carolina Beach Rec Center. Free and open to the public. Bring the kids with their bikes to learn bicycle safety, register your family’s bikes and learn simple bike repairs. There will be prizes, food, drinks, games, raffles, laser tag, free helmets, a dunking booth and a climbing wall! Visit www.pleasureislandnc.org for details.

Ellis Hartley

Street Fest 4-8pm. Progress Point, 1437 Military Cutoff Rd. Features live music with Jack Jack 180, local brews provided by Wrightsville Beach Brewery, a Cake Walk, donut decorating and yoga for kids, a fashion show, massages, a cornhole tournament, and free child ID’s by the NHC Sherriff Department. Shops and restaurants will be open during the event and 10% of all proceeds during the Street Fest will be donated to the Good Shepherd Center. Salt Fest 6pm. Sea Love Sea Salt Co, Burgaw. Come enjoy a farm tour to learn about salt-making methods, cocktails, and a meal prepared by two local chefs, Matt Register (Southern Smoke BBQ) and Craig Love (Surf House). Find out more at www.sealoveseasalt.com. Peter and the Starcatcher 8pm. Thalian Hall. See 09/08.

10 SUNDAY GRANDPARENT’S DAY

Julia Smith

Discovery Lab 2:30-4pm. Cape Fear Museum. Investigate, experiment, and explore! In the Discovery Lab, the whole family can drop-in for fun, quick experiments and hands-on investigations. Themes vary. Ideal for ages 5 and up. Adult participation is required. Peter and the Starcatcher 3pm. Thalian Hall. See 09/08.

12 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

11 MONDAY - PATRIOT DAY

12 TUESDAY Wilmington Boy’s Choir Discovery Night 6pm. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Features a chance for boys ages 7 through voice change to participate in rehearsal or just observe. Auditions optional. Dinner available. Parents will have an opportunity to meet with the directors and learn about how the Wilmington Boys Choir can give their son a Voice for Life. Visit www.wilmingtonboyschoir.org for more information.

13 WEDNESDAY Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays through Oct. 25. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine, and more. Visit www.poplargrove.org for more information.

14 THURSDAY Camouflage 10am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” ages 2-5 out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to register.

15 FRIDAY Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival All Day. Carolina Beach. Racing will be on a 300m race course along the shores of the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin, a protected area of water lined with beach homes, condos, and marinas. Community teams will be racing along with a few club teams from around the region. This event brings together sports, health and wellness, and arts to celebrate www.wilmingtonparent.com

our island community. Proceeds from this event will go directly to benefit Step Up for Soldiers and their programs providing volunteer services for renovations, recreation and recognition for recently disabled Veterans. Visit www. pleasureislandnc.org for details. Camouflage 10am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” ages 2-5 out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to register. Youth Theater: Hairspray 7:30pm. Hannah Block 2nd St Stage. Thalian Association Youth Theatre presents Hairspray. The comic musical is based on the Tony-winning Broadway show and the 1988 film by John Waters. The production is set in Baltimore in 1962, where Tracy Turnblad is addicted to watching a local teen dance TV show. Despite her plus size, Tracy ultimately becomes one of the best dancers on The Corny Collins Show.

16 SATURDAY Riverfront Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays through Nov. 18. Downtown Wilmington. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine.

Railroad Museum Community Yard Sale 9am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. All Yard Sale proceeds from table rentals will go to the Wilmington Railroad Museum to support making holiday programming available to the underprivileged. For more information visit www.wrrm.org. NC Shell Show 9am-5pm. Cape Fear Museum. View the largest gathering of shell collections in the state and some of the world’s most beautiful, unusual and rare shells! Learn how to start a collection and shop for shells from on-site vendors. Featuring exhibits in more than twenty categories from North Carolina collections and single shells to natural history and shell photography. NC Rice Festival 9am-6pm. Brunswick Riverwalk at Bellville. This festival features live music, a play area for kids, bounce houses, rice cooking contests, beer & wine garden, food, arts & crafts, and more. Children under 12 admitted free. Visit www.ncricefestival.com for more information. Princesses Wear Pants - Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. In their debut children’s picture book, Savannah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim team up for a savvy, imaginative story that celebrates fashion and girl power. Join the unflappable Princess Penelope Pineapple as she finds a clever way to get the job done while staying true to herself. Activities to follow.

AFTER SCHOOL WITH ESPAÑOL

8 yrs. and up Learn Spanish and English Mandarin (Coming Soon) Private Lessons, Group Lessons and Tutoring

Spanish and English Native Teachers 910-284-0920 • 2mrsduran@gmail.com www.duranfla.com

CELEBRATE WITH US! BOOK YOUR PARTY WITH SPROUT!

Youth Theater: Hairspray 7:30pm. Hannah Block 2nd St Stage. See 09/15.

17 SUNDAY

Summer Harvest Festival 9am. Poplar Grove Plantation. Go back in time with a 1930’s themed kid’s carnival, live music by Mojo Collins, arts and crafts vendors, seasonal plant vendors, and a farmers’ market. For a complete schedule visit www.poplargrove.org

Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival All Day. Carolina Beach. See 09/15.

Heroes and Heroines 9am-12pm. Children’s Museum. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s....SUPERHERO DAY! All games and activities will feature superpowers, good guys, and, of course, villains! Dress up as your favorite superhero or be your own, either way, you’ll have a blast saving the world at the most heroic event of the year. Visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

Summer Harvest Festival 9am. Poplar Grove Plantation. Go back in time with a 1930’s themed kid’s carnival, live music by the Folkstone String Band, arts and crafts vendors, seasonal plant vendors, and a farmers’ market. For a complete schedule visit www.poplargrove.org.

Duran’s Foreign Language Academy

5 Live Oak Drive (the old fire station) Wrightsville Beach NC 28480 910.679.8028 www.sproutyoga.net

OPEN SPOTS IN 4/PREK CLASS CALL FOR INFO (910) 367-0287 I www.jpawilmington.com I 7888 Market St www.wilmingtonparent.com

Find more resources at www.wilmingtonparent.com Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 13

NC Shell Show 9am-5pm. Cape Fear Museum. See 09/16. Youth Theater: Hairspray 3pm. Hannah Block 2nd St Stage. See 09/15. Boogie in the Park Concert Series: Port City Shakedown 5-7pm. Ocean Front Park. Free concert series. Bring your beach chair or blanket and enjoy the music! Visit www. pleasureislandnc.org for a complete schedule.

18 MONDAY

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Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm. Wrightsville Beach. Through Nov 8. The market provides an opportunity for residents and visitors of Wrightsville Beach to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. In addition to produce vendors and various other consumables vendors, the market includes a variety of unique craft vendors. The community setting and social atmosphere promote quality of life while offering a venue for local growers and crafters to offer their products. For further information, please contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department by calling 256-7925. Railroad Storytime 10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $5/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information. Lady Macbeth 7pm. Thalian Hall. Free performance. WHQR Radio and Cinematique present a screening of Lady MacBeth. The film, set in 19th century England, follows a young woman in a planned marriage to a middle-aged man. Soon she enters into a passionate affair with a worker on her estate. Running time: 1 hour, 29 minutes. Rated R.

19 TUESDAY TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY Lady Macbeth 7pm. Thalian Hall. See 09/18.

Nancy L.

20 WEDNESDAY Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays through Oct. 25. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine, and more. Visit www.poplargrove.org for more information. Pirate Crafts & Treasure Maps 3:30pm. Pleasure Island Library. Arrr mateys! Sail down to the Pleasure Island Library for an afternoon of pirate activities. We’ll make hats, create our own treasure maps, and embark on a scavenger hunt! Buccaneers aged 5-12 welcome! No registration be required for this free program! Lady Macbeth 7pm. Thalian Hall. See 09/18.

21 THURSDAY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE Tim B.

First Day of Fall 10am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” ages 2-5 out to the park and discover nature through 14 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to register. Messy Hands Toddler Art 10am. Main Library. It’s the Process, Not the Product. Toddlers and their adults will be introduced to a variety of hands on art experiences. The focus of this program will be on child driven art exploration. Come join us for a half hour of messy fun & make sure to wear play clothes. This program is designed for children between the ages of 2-4. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required at www.nhclibrary.org. Teen Trivia Night 6:15pm. Northeast Library. First we will hear about the dangers of Opioids from the Sheriff’s Department before we start trivia. We will also have a variety of cheese pizzas to try as teens will vote on who has the best pizza! Registration is not required but it will help us know how much pizza to have, so please register!

22 FRIDAY - 1ST DAY OF FALL First Day of Fall 10am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” ages 2-5 out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Your children will delight in the many nature themes we explore each month. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for these popular programs. $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to register. The Champion of Hope Luncheon 11am. Hilton Riverside Hotel. Part of the Celebrate Hope charity weekend presented by Hope Abounds, Inc. to benefit women, children, teens and their families with cancer. For more information visit www.HopeAbounds.org. Fall 2017 Book Sale 5:30pm. Northeast Library. Preview Sale is for Friends of the Library Members Only. FOL Memberships Available for Purchase at the Book Sale. 4th Friday Gallery Night 6pm. Downtown Wilmington. The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County presents 4th Friday Gallery Night, a free monthly self-guided tour of galleries, studios and art spaces featuring exhibitions of various artistic genres including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, glass, metals, wood, ceramics, mixed media and more. 4th Fridays also include opening receptions, artist discussions, demonstrations, live music, wine, food and other traditional and nontraditional art-related activities. Youth Theater: Hairspray 7:30pm. Hannah Block 2nd St Stage. Thalian Association Youth Theatre presents Hairspray. The comic musical is based on the Tony-winning Broadway show and the 1988 film by John Waters. The production is set in Baltimore in 1962, where Tracy Turnblad is addicted to watching a local teen dance TV show. Despite her plus size, Tracy ultimately becomes one of the best dancers on The Corny Collins Show.

23 SATURDAY Riverfront Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Saturdays through Nov. 18. Downtown Wilmwww.wilmingtonparent.com

ington. Features local farmers, produce, arts and crafts, music, and more. Items change weekly depending on the season and include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs and cheeses, plants and flowers, meat and seafood, doggie treats, tea, honey, fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, wine, art, and more. Rain or shine. Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Through Oct 7. Join us for an abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps while listening to live music at the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market.

26 TUESDAY Leadership Lecture Series: Brandon Stanton Humans of NY 7pm. UNCW Burney Center. The Leadership Lecture Series features Brandon Stanton, author of Humans of New York, a collection of photographs and stories capturing the spirit of a city which spent 45 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and Humans of New York: Stories, released in 2015. Visit www.uncw.edu for ticket information.

Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, Wednesdays through Oct. 25. Features fresh local fruits and veggies, dairy products, meats and seafood, baked goods, and sweets, plus arts & crafts, cut flowers, wine, and more. Visit www.poplargrove.org for more information.

Fall 2017 Book Sale 9am. Northeast Library. Book sale open to the public. Browse through thousands of book deals from every genre!

28 THURSDAY

Big Words for Little Geniuses - Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. In this clever picture book by James and Sue Patterson, each letter of the alphabet provides an impressive new word for children to learn. Join us for this special Storytime, with activities to follow.

30 SATURDAY Pleasure Island Day of Hope “Toes in the Sand” 8:30am. Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo. Come join us as we walk to raise funds and create awareness for cancer. Proceeds will benefit our Community residents who are going through their cancer journey and may need financial assistance along with a donation to the New Hanover Regional Pink Ribbon Project. The morning’s walk will energize you with approximately 2 miles of peaceful serenity along Carolina Beach. Stand ready to wear your pink with pride by donating and wearing T-shirts and pink bracelets available during this event. Register at www.dayofhopepi.org.

27 WEDNESDAY

Batman Day Promotion 9am. Barnes & Noble. Celebrate Batman Day with a Buy 2, Get the 3rd Free offer on all DC™ graphic novels, and receive one of three Batman Day 2017 Special Edition Comics: Batman, DC Super Hero Girls, or Harley Quinn, while supplies last.

Smithsonian Museum Day Live! 9am-5pm. Cape Fear Museum. Museum Day Live! is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket. Visitors who present the Museum Day Live! ticket will gain free entrance for two at Cape Fear Museum. One ticket per email address is permitted. For more information about Museum Day Live! 2017 and a full list of participating museums and cultural institutions, please visit Smithsonian. com/museumday.

African American Dance Ensemble 7pm. Odell Williamson Auditorium. As part of the Brunswick County Intercultural Festival, the Durham-based African American Dance Ensemble provides this free performance. Seating is limited to capacity of the auditorium. Visit www.bcifestival.org for more information.

Fall 2017 Book Sale 9am. Northeast Library. Book sale open to the public. Browse through thousands of book deals from every genre!

Growing Independence Breakfast and Awards - Fundraiser 9am. The Terraces on Sir Tyler. The disAbility Resource Center in Wilmington, presents an event that acknowledges the exceptional achievements of community residents with disabilities, and honors employers and others that are dedicated to hiring persons with disabilities and improving the quality of life in the regions that dRC serve for all residents and visitors with disabilities. Visit www.drc-cil. org for more information.

Brunswick County Intercultural Festival 10am-4pm. Odell Williamson Auditorium. A celebration of diverse cultures that will include games, live entertainment, food tastings (12:30-2:30pm; fee applies), and an international village with information on different cultures from around the world. Find out more about this amazing event at www.bcifestival.org. Runny Babbit Returns - Storytime 11am. Barnes & Noble. Runny Babbit Returns, a collection of 41 never-before-published poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein, features Runny and other woodland characters who speak a language all their own. Join us for Storytime, with activities to follow.

29 FRIDAY Fall 2017 Book Sale 9am. Northeast Library. Book sale open to the public. Browse through thousands of book deals from every genre!

Youth Theater: Hairspray 7:30pm. Hannah Block 2nd St Stage. See 09/22.

24 SUNDAY Fall 2017 Book Sale 1pm. Northeast Library. Book sale open to the public. Browse through thousands of book deals from every genre!

To submit events to the calendar, please email calendar.wilmingtonparent@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions to the October issue is September 9, 2017.

Youth Theater: Hairspray 3pm. Hannah Block 2nd St Stage. See 09/22.

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25 MONDAY Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm. Wrightsville Beach. Through Nov 8. The market provides an opportunity for residents and visitors of Wrightsville Beach to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. In addition to produce vendors and various other consumables vendors, the market includes a variety of unique craft vendors. The community setting and social atmosphere promote quality of life while offering a venue for local growers and crafters to offer their products. For further information, please contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department by calling 256-7925.

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Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 15

FESTIVAL SEASON ROUNDUP

is the season, for fall temperatures, colors, foods, and festivals! With so many different types of festivals to choose from, your family will be in party mode until the new year!

Street Fest This inaugural festival in Progress Point on September 9th from 4-8pm, features live music with Jack Jack 180, local brews provided by Wrightsville Beach Brewery, a Cake Walk, donut decorating and yoga for kids, a fashion show, massages, and a cornhole tournament. Shops and restaurants will be open during the event and 10% of all proceeds during the Street Fest will be donated to the Good Shepherd Center.

Salt Fest Sea Love Sea Salt Co. in Burgaw, features a farm tour to learn about saltmaking methods, cocktails, and a meal prepared by two local chefs, Matt Register (Southern Smoke BBQ) and Craig Love (Surf House).The event starts at 6pm on September 9th and more information can be found at www.sealoveseasalt.com

5th Annual Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta & Festival The fun kicks off Friday night September 16th from 6:30-9:30pm with an outdoor concert featuring Machine Gun plus food, beer and soft drinks for sale. Saturday is race day from 9am-5pm with 24 local teams competing on 45-foot boats for the title of 2017 Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Champion. This event benefits Step Up For Soldiers. Find out more at www. carolinabeachdragonboatregatta.com

Summer Harvest Festival Poplar Grove Plantation presents a two-day event starting September 16th at 9am with a 1930’s themed kid’s carnival, live music by the Folkstone String Band (Saturday) and Mojo Collins (Sunday), arts and crafts vendors, seasonal plant vendors, and a farmers’ market. For a complete schedule visit www.poplargrove.org

NC Rice Festival Located at Brunswick Riverwalk at Belville, on September 16th from 9am6pm, this festival features live music, a play area for kids, bounce houses, rice cooking contests, beer & wine garden, food, arts & crafts, and more. Children under 12 admitted free. Visit www.ncricefestival.com for more information.

Brunswick County Intercultural Festival On September 30th at Odell Williams Auditorium in Bolivia, there will be a celebration of diverse cultures that will include games, live entertainment, food tastings (12:30-2:30pm; fee applies), and an international village with information on different cultures from around the world. Find out more about this amazing event at www.bcifestival.org.

16 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

Riverfest In historic downtown Wilmington, from October 6th-8 our annual fall party will feature street food, arts and crafts, dance performances, fireworks (Saturday at 8pm), children’s activities, car shows, stand-up paddle (SUP) race, live music, and more! Get the complete schedule at www. wilmingtonriverfest.com

Community Health and Safety Festival Located at the New Hanover County Government Center on October 14th from 10am-4pm, is an outreach effort to highlight the health and safety services available to the citizens of New Hanover County. There will be information and activities for all ages.

Fire in the Pines Festival An outdoor, environmental education event highlighting the need for controlled fire burns, and protecting the plants and animals of the forest. This event will be held on October 14th from 10am-3pm and includes an appearance by Smokey Bear, birds and animals of the forest, hands-on activities with environmental organizations, hayrides, scavenger hunts, fire trucks and equipment, arts and crafts, live music with Pamlico Joe, food trucks, and a controlled burn (weather permitting). Find out more at www.fireinthepines.org.

Fall Festival An annual event at the Children’s Museum on October 21st from 9amnoon that features crafts, face painting, treats, and a bounce house. Visit www.playwilmington.org for ticket information.

Harvest Arts Fest Tidal Creek sponsors this free event on October 21st from 1-5pm and it features more than 20 local artists and vendors, musical performances by Laura McLean and the Broccoli Brothers Circus trio, and a silent auction. Proceeds from auction go towards the purchase of a reverse osmosis filtration machine to be stationed for public use at Dreams Center for Arts Education.

HomeFest The Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association presents HomeFest at Compass Pointe in Leland. The event features home tours, a street fair, trail race, Kid’s Zone, live music, and more. For more information visit www.compasspointenc.com. v

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MEET THE EXPERT

Explore and Play After The School Day

he YMCA is the most popular provider of Afterschool programs and activities in our area, serving dozens of elementary and middle schools in New Hanover County. With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, the Y’s Afterschool Program provides children with opportunities for growth and development beyond the classroom. We operate five Afterschool Care sites that serve both traditional and year-round elementary schools including the following: Coastal Preparatory Academy 1135 Pandion Drive, Wilmington, NC • Coastal Preparatory Academy Wilmington Family YMCA 2710 Market St. Wilmington, NC • Blair • Bradley Creek • Cape Fear Center for Inquiry • Codington • College Park • Eaton • Forest Hills • Gregory • Murrayville • Ogden • Rachel Freeman • Snipes Academy • Sunset Park • Winter Park • Wrightsboro • Wrightsville Beach Midtown YMCA at Temple Baptist Activity Center 709 George Anderson Dr. Wilmington, NC • Alderman • Anderson • Bellamy • Holly Tree • Mary C. Williams • Pine Valley

Women’s Health & Wellness

Parsley Elementary School 3519 Masonboro Loop Rd. Wilmington, NC • Parsley Castle Hayne Elementary School 3925 Roger Haynes Dr. Castle Hayne, NC • Castle Hayne Additionally, the Y offers students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to participate in our Middle School Fitness & Athletic Training Afterschool program. Students will have the opportunity to work with a coach in using the Y’s cardio and selectorized equipment to grow in agility, strength and the overall healthy well-being. This program is offered to students enrolled in the following schools: Wilmington Family YMCA 2710 Market St. Wilmington, NC • Cape Fear Center for Inquiry • Holly Shelter • Noble • Trask • Williston Midtown YMCA at Temple Baptist Activity Center 709 George Anderson Dr. Wilmington, NC • Murray • Myrtle Grove • Roland-Grise For more information on the Y’s Afterschool Care programs visit www.ymcasenc.org

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Birthday Party Listings We specialize in events, groups, parties, wholesale, fundraisers, and more! 5202 Carolina Beach Rd. Unit 10 Wilmington, NC 28412 910.791.1869 www.popculturenc.com @popculturenc

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

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18 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

Apple Annie’s Bake Shop 1. University Square Mall 837 South Kerr Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-799-9023 2. The Forum 1121-I Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405 910-256-6585 www.appleanniesbakeshop.com Bakery Birthday Parties Let Apple Annie’s Bake Shop host your Child’s next birthday party. Our Bakery birthday parties offer a hands on, one of a kind experience for your budding baker! Party goers will enjoy a demonstration by one of our professional cake decorators before having the opportunity to decorate their own cakes. Hats, aprons, and cakes are all provided. Planning a party at home? We have cupcake and cake decorating kits to go as well! We supply the cakes, frosting, and decorations, and you host the party. Call us today for pricing 910.799.9023 Battleship North Carolina #1 Battleship Road, Wilmington 910-251-5797 www .battleshipnc.com For kids of all ages, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is the best place in Wilmington to hold your next birthday party. You will instantly become the coolest parent as your party will be the most talked about among all the children. Join the Charlie’s Crew Lids Club and receive member perks including 20% off Battleship Birthday Parties. For only $200** you will receive the following: * A private space onboard the ship for two hours. * Admission for the birthday child and his/her guests (including adults). * A sailor hat and a Battleship t-shirt * Tables and chairs. **This fee does not include any food, drinks, or decorations.** Carolina Gymnastics Academy Michele Zapple/Rebecca Bishop 3529 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Have your child’s PRIVATE party at Carolina Gymnastics Academy, and leave the entertainment and supervision to us! Your party is the ONLY party in the gym! For the first hour, children can play in the gym, use the inflatables, swing on the rings, jump on the trampoline, and play in our 2 foam block pits. After that, you have a half hour in the party room to enjoy your birthday cake. We provide the facility, coaches, tables, maps/invitations, and goodie bags; you provide whatever food, drink, paper products, and decorations that you want. Cost of the party is $260, payable upon reservation. Parties are non-refundable 2 weeks prior to date. There is a $50 cancellation fee with 2 week notice. Click on “View Monthly Events Calendar” to book online, or call the gym. 30 children MAXIMUM! Due to time constraints, we do not open presents at the gym.

Evolution Mixed Martial Arts 1994 Eastwood Road, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-509-0701 info@evolutionmixedmartialarts.com www.evolutionmixedmartialarts.com Evolution Martial Arts Academy is the premier studio where you can learn from the best in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai (kickboxing)! We are a family friendly environment that encourages students to work together as a team while still instilling confidence, respect, loyalty, hard work, and much more! Come in for a birthday party, and see why every kid wants to be part of our team! Karson Reed’s Dance Fit & Fun 5629 Oleander Drive #106 Wilmington, NC 937-620-3981 karsonreed@gmail.com facebook.com/karsonreedsdancefitfun Want a NEW, FUN birthday party idea? Karson’s got you covered! Throw a completely customizable dance birthday party, and Karson will take care of all the activities--music, choreography, games, hair/makeup, etc. Snacks, drinks, and cake welcome. Have the party at Karson’s studio or she will come to you! GLOW party option available. Contact Karson for pricing, date availability, and more details. Live Slow, LLC Wrightsville Beach, Public Access #36 (203) 494-7684 KDonovan@LiveSlow.com www.LiveSlow.com MERMAID PARTY “girls just wanna have fun in the sun” Live Slow hosts Mermaid themed birthday parties that provide a fun, supportive, and empowering ocean experience for females of all ages. Party includes beach crafts, beach yoga, surf instruction, and a lot of fun! Join our female, certified yoga & surf instructors for a party you and your friends will be talking about for years to come. Join Live Slow, connect with your inner-mermaid, and “find your flow”. Manta’s Cuts Kids Salon 1427 Military Cutoff Rd., Unit 102, Wilmington, NC 28403 www.mantascuts.com 910-239-9096 Manta’s Cuts, recently voted Wilmington’s Best Party Venue, is ready to WOW you! We have perfect parties for Spa Fans, Princesses, Rock Stars, Mermaids, Pirates, and Scientists. Whether you have 2 or 16 partygoers we have a range of parties that can be customized with incredible additions to ensure your child has a dream worthy birthday party. Our standard parties include; custom digital invites, party table ready for guests, drinks, small goody-bags, and a take-home mylar balloon for the guest of honor. Additions include; a parent “party” zone, costumed character visit, dress up box, 3D sculpted birthday cakes, snacks, and much more. Don’t wait, pull up our website, pick an awesome party and give us a call to book your child’s party and any desired modifications to create a wonderful birthday party! www.wilmingtonparent.com

Mini Monets Mini Monets Birthdays Greater Wilmington Area 910-399-1708 www.minimonetsart.com www.Facebook.com/Minimonets Does your artist have a birthday coming up? Why not celebrate with an art project designed by your artist! Art projects range from clay sculptures to painting on canvas. Mini Monets will come to your party, bring all of the supplies and materials, and the party guests get to keep what they make. Children 2-12 years old enjoy projects and the cost starts at $14.00 per artist. Please call or email for more details. I look forward to celebrating with you soon! Mr. Scooter Wilmington, NC storyyeller@yahoo.com scooterhayes.com Celebrate your child’s next birthday with Wilmington’s best storyteller Mr. Scooter! Mr. Scooter provides a variety of stellar birthday packages for ages 1 and up including customized storytimes, high-octane storytelling and kid hop performances.

Your party is the only party in the gym

Gym parties are FUN! I LOVE CGA! Book Your Party Now ~ call or go online 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com

3529 Carolina Beach Road

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR SEASON Ask about our Back To School Deals!

The Little Gym of Wilmington132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403

www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com • 910-799-3771

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Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 19

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

No Sleeves Magic 910-200-5300 www.nosleevesmagic.com Voted Wilmington’s Best Party Entertainer since 2006! If you want to give your child one of the craziest and most FUNnominal Parties they will never forget, then take a RUN on the Wacky-Side with No Sleeves Magic. We provide an adrenaline rush of Magic mixed with comedy that’s great for the whole family. Some party packages include tricks, games & more! So, Sit Back, Relax and Laugh, while No Sleeves makes your event a success!To find out which package is best for you, contact one of our PARTYOLOGISTS or visit our website. We have different themes to suit your event and even offer magic telegrams as well as summer magic camp programs.

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN WILMINGTON

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher 900 Loggerhead Rd. Kure Beach, N.C. www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher 910-458-8257 910-772-0530 – Onsite Parties 910-772-0509 – Offsite Parties Aquarium Parties! Celebrate your child’s special day with a birthday party at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Program birthdays include a T-shirt craft with T-shirts and all art supplies included, a live animal presentation, use of the Aquarium’s classroom and a self-guided tour of the Aquarium. You can choose the following themes for a live animal presentation: Amphibians – Frogs, toads, salamanders, Reptiles - Turtles, alligators, snakes, Invertebrates – Sea urchins, starfish, crabs. Time Length: 2 hours. Parties are recommended for ages 4-10. Call for pricing. Aquarium Outreach Programs - Let our education staff bring a fun, interactive program to your classroom or other location. Each program is specifically adapted to fit your needs, customized for age, size and focus of your group. Live animals, props, hands-on learning activities and costumes make Aquarium Outreach parties enriching for groups of all ages. Please contact Special Activities Coordinator at 910-772-0530 for onsite parties or our Outreach Coordinator at 910772-0509 for offsite parties. Paint N Play 1021 South Kerr Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403 910-452-7177 Paint-N-Play Ceramics birthday parties are the greatest!! We have a large 25 x 40 foot private room available for 2 hours of non-stop fun, painting and playing, or eating whatever you decide to bring. You can start with a minimum of 6 painters for $150.00. Invite more guests for $15.00 each, with the option to upgrade to larger pieces at an additional cost. Book your next event with us soon.

Votesdt be ! again

Kids Salon Children’s Haircuts Big Kid Party Venue

Everything you would expect plus: Organic Hair Coloring Blowouts for Mom’s Date Night Braids Classes for Dad & Daughters Adult Hair Services

www.mantascuts.com 1427 Military Cutoff Rd Wilmington, NC - 910.239.9096 20 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

Pop Culture Popcorn 5202 Carolina Beach Rd. Unit 10 Wilmington, NC 28412 (across from Walmart next to Salty Paws) 910.791.1869 hello@popculturenc.com popculturenc.com Formerly John’s, we’re a gourmet popcorn shop that combines flavor, freshness & flair. We pop and cook every kernel in our store, and specialize in events, groups, parties, wholesale, fundraisers, and more! Rent our popcorn server for your next party or fundraiser event. Please visit us online at popculturenc.com & follow us on social media --> @popculturenc

Porter’s Neck Playhouse 7946 Market St #200 Wilmington NC 28411 910-319-7879 www.PNPlayhouse.com Birthday parties at the Play House are easy and fun! Recommended for ages 1-5 years. Parents have two options for easy planning. All parties come with 2 hours at the Play House, the clean-up and staff for the whole party. After that, you choose the following packages: We do all the work, we provide cake, drinks, decorations and party favors. $150. You provide the cake, decorations and favors. $75 Sprout Yoga & Art for Kids 5 Live Oak Drive, Wrightsville Beach 28480 910-679-8028 sproutyogaforkids@gmail.com www.sproutyoga.net Celebrate the Sprout way! We specialize in ART and YOGA designed for KIDS! Check out our website for all party options! www.sproutyoga.net Basic Yoga Birthday Party Package Enjoy two hours of exclusive use of our facilities. We’ll provide 30-40 minutes of yoga-inspired activities and open art studio for up to 10 children. All you need to bring is the cake and a camera! Supplies, set up and clean up included. GLOW in the Dark Yoga & Art Party Two hours of glow-in-the-dark fun for up to 10 children. We’ll have a 30 minute yoga session with music and games, create awesome BLACKLIGHT art in our CHALKBOARD room, all while we sport GLOWing bracelets, necklaces and other items for children to take home! Includes supplies, set-up and clean-up, glow in the dark favors and exclusive rights to our facility. (children 6 years and up please.) The Sweet Shoppe At Porters Neck 910-742-6485 kktalbot57@gmail.com www.sweetshoppeportersneck.com We offer a large variety of delicious unique character cakes,cupcake bouquets,cakepops, cookies and edible images. Choose from christenings/baptisms to bridal or baby showers (Noah’s Ark for multiples).We have complete party packages for ALL THEMES for girls or boys,delivered for your convenience. Tablescapes are available. We design and deliver “It’s A Girl (or) Boy” cookie bouquets that contain fresh baked decorated cookies, brownies and Krispy treats. Or choose our “All Sports”, “Thank you”, “ Happy Birthday” or “Pet Lover” Gift for someone special. Our Almost “Mick”/ Almost “Minn”, our version of Almost Disney offers custom cakes, cupcakes ,suckers,favors and centerpieces for a party to remember. Please visit our website to choose what we can bake for you today.

PAINT-N-PLAY CERAMICS PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY STUDIO Effective Sept 1st, Back to School studio hours Monday and Tuesday, closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday-- noon to 9 pm If painters are finished by 8 pm, studio will close. Saturday--10 am to 6 pm, Sunday-- 1 pm to 6 pm 910-452-7177

1021 SOUTH KERR AVE WILMINGTON, NC www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Basketball Center

Wilmington School of Ballet • Ballet & Tap from 2 1/2 years old and up • Classical Ballet, Pointe, Variations, and Contemporary • Home to Wilmington’s only professional ballet company • 3 season performance at The Wilson Center

www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com 910-794-9590

We offer our facility for birthday parties

7207 Ogden Business LaneWilmington, NC 28411

(910) 319-7454 • Sign up at wbcinc.org

Princess Birthday Parties www.princessforadayparties.com * $25.00 Off Princess Parties*

Let Us Host Your Child’s Next Birthday Party!

APPLE ANNIE’S APPLE ANNIE’S 910-799-9023 • www.AppleAnniesBakeShop.com www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 21

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

A trainer is available for your party. Contact us today to book your party that includes full access to our basketball courts.

T.O.P. Cakes~Talk Of the Party~ 2323 S. 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 talkofthepartycakes@aol.com Come see us at T.O.P. Cakes, the happy place, where we offer customized beautiful & delicious cakes for any occassion! We also offer “All-Inclusive” Decorating Birthday Parties & One-On-One lessons which are great gifts for that special child in your life! Gender cakes and Baby’s 1st Birthday too!! Daily desserts also available because STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS!

PARENT/CHILD CLASSES: toddler music & movement and toddler yoga - classes forming now! DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTIES customize to your needs! Glow party option available.

Drop-In Child Care & After School Center

Mermaid

Birthday Parties

Drop In Care, After School Center with free van service and homework help, Drop-In Summer Camps, affordable rates, friendly & attentive staff. Children ages 12 months and up. Open at 7:45 M-F, Saturday 10-5

Party includes beach crafts, beach yoga, and surf instruction... it will be a party you and your girls will never forget!

7946 Market Street #200 Wilmington, NC 28411

Live Slow Surf www.LiveSlow.com (203) 494-7684

SPECIAL SECTION: Party Guide

937-620-3981 • karsonreed@gmail.com facebook.com/karsonreedsdancefitfun

910-319-7879 www.PNPlayhouse.com

SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOMIZED & DELICIOUS CAKES & CUPCAKES FOR ANY OCCASION! Offering: Readily available desserts daily Cupcakes, Cookie Cakes, Dirt Cake, Funnel Cakes & many other items... Customized Special Order Cakes Birthday Decorating Parties for Boys & Girls Wine & Ice Sessions

2323 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 910-899-2999 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

22 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403 tlgwilmingtonnc@thelittlegym.com www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com Parents magazine named The Little Gym the #1 place to host children’s birthday parties. Your group will have the whole place to yourselves with games, music and fun activities created especially for your birthday kid. Our trained instructors handle everything from setup to cleanup, which means you get to go home to a clean, quiet house when all the fun is done. Wilmington Basketball Center 7207 Ogden Business Lane Phone- 910 233-7468 info@wbcinc.org www.wbcinc.org We offer our facility for birthday parties. A trainer is available for your party. Contact us today to book your party that includes full access to our basketball courts. The WBC afterschool program is a weekday afternoon basketball program for aspiring young players. Wilmington School of Ballet Dance Studio 2250 Shipyard Blvd. Unit 12 Wilmington, NC 28403 910 794-9590 www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com www.princessforadayparties.com The Princess Palace is an enchanted place that makes every little girl feel like royalty. The magic begins when you walk through the Palace doors and meet your favorite princess. The Palace provides you with the opportunity to not only make your daughter feel like the princess she has grown up watching, but also allows you to fully enjoy and cherish every memorable moment! Allow us to take the lead and do the work for you. Let us take a journey together and see what fun lies ahead at the Princess Palace. Choose a princess and a package and start making dreams come true.

Birthday Parties with

MR. SCOOTER! scooterhayes.com

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FAMILY TRAVEL

FALL WEEKEND GETAWAYS

ust a short drive from the Southeast are some perfect fall getaways, complete with scenic fall foliage views, seasonal outdoor activities and much more.

Fall Colors by Car The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-see scenic drive in the fall with an explosion of color as far as the eye can see. The highest point on the parkway is the Richland Balsam Overlook at 6,047 feet above sea level. Travelers can trek to the summit by foot via a 1.5-mile loop. The Waterrock Knob Parking Overlook provides another spectacular view, offering a four-state panorama of the Great Smoky Mountains. Leaf-seekers can also take the short hiking trail to the top of the knob to find even more breathtaking views. A natural phenomenon, “Shadow of the Bear,” is visible from midOctober through mid-November during the fall travel season. Visitors can head to Rhodes Big View Overlook off Highway 64 between 5:30-6:00 p.m. each evening for the best view of the sun setting behind Whiteside Mountain, casting a stunning shadow image of a black bear over the mountains’ fall colors. With more visitors each year than any other national park in the country, the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents visitors with 520,000 acres to explore. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC, and all entrances to the park, offer free admission, making this a budget-friendly bucket list travel experience, especially in the fall colors.

Fall Colors by Foot Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown Valley is a hiker’s

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paradise with more than 30 miles of backcountry trails and 12 waterfalls to discover along the way. The hiking trails offer rewarding views of the fall colors with stops overlooking valleys and 360-degree views of the stunning landscape coated in red, orange and yellow. Mountain bikers can also navigate the designated trails throughout Panthertown. Those looking for a challenge will also enjoy a hike at Pinnacle Park, which boasts 1,000 acres of natural landscape. The park features a sevenmile roundtrip hike with significant elevation gain and rocky terrain that peaks at Pinnacle Bald. The 270-degree view of the neighboring mountains and the valley where the town of Sylva is located are a sight to see in the fall splendor. Hikers can also trek along the trails on Whiteside Mountain, estimated to be one of the oldest mountains in the world. Scope out the fall foliage from a two-mile trail that crosses the Eastern Continental Divide, providing incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains with vibrant autumn shades. Plan your hike here: www.hikewnc. info/besthikes.

Fall Colors by Rail A little farther drive, but there is no better way to see the leaves changing than the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway! Kick back and enjoy a 26 mile round trip winding along the beautiful Toccoa River in a vintage climatecontrolled or open-air rail car. The relaxing ride starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, GA; then stops for a two hour layover in the quaint sister towns of McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. Trips run from September 29th through November 11th. Visit www.brscenic.com for ticket information. v

Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 23

When Should Teenagers Speak Up? By Sandra Gordon

MYLES

FAMILY DENTISTRY Stephanie Myles DMD 404 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403

www.MylesFamilyDental.com

910-228-5600

Wrightsville Beach Family Medicine is welcoming new patients, newborn to geriatric. Same day appointments available 1721 Allens Lane Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28403 Call 910.344.8900

ole Parker’s 13 year old daughter, Asya, had just gotten off the phone with her best friend when she burst into tears. “When I asked her what was wrong, she didn’t want to tell me,” says the divorced dad of five. Parker, the owner of Divas in Defense, a company that offers self-defense classes to women of all ages, didn’t give up. Instead, he asked questions: Has your friend hurt herself? Is she depressed? Eventually, Asya revealed that her best friend was contemplating suicide because she was being bullied at school. Parker quickly called the girl’s parents, who soon found their daughter a therapist. “Then everything got better,” Parker says. Still, “Asya felt like she was abandoning her friend by telling me,” Parker says.

Teen Teams “Teens have so much loyalty and allegiance to their friends,” says Vicki Panaccione, PhD, author of What Kids Would Tell You…If Only You’d Ask! At the risk of being ostracized, “they don’t want to be the one to blow the whistle.” But when they find themselves privy to potentially dangerous information involving a peer, such as potential suicide, school violence, self-harm or an alarming use of drugs or alcohol, they should tell an adult. It could be you, another family member, a friend of the family, a school counselor or a priest, rabbi or minister. In potentially life-threatening situations, “the only responsibility teens have is to tell a grown-up,” Panaccione says. Then, you should let someone know, such as the at-risk teen’s parents or the school. “The guidance counselor can say ‘somebody told me’ to protect your teen’s privacy,” Panaccione says.

Safe Haven To help your teen feel comfortable coming to you when the going with friends gets tough, don’t count on empty phrases, such as, “You know our door is always open” to get your teen to open up. Instead, find the time to find out what’s going on in your teen’s life, in a general way. “You might say, for example, ‘I read about teens cutting themselves. Does that go on in your school?’” says Carleton Kendrick, a family therapist. Or, give your teen a moral dilemma, such as: What would you do if you thought a friend was truly contemplating suicide. Teens know the difference between “I got an F on the test. OMG! I’m going to kill myself” and “I’m going to kill myself next Wednesday at 2 PM.” By engaging teens in conversation and listening to their opinions when there’s no crisis, you’re more likely to build the trust necessary to become the confidante they need when there is one.

Rules of Engagement Don’t overpromise. “If your teen tells you something about a friend and you promise not to tell, then you can’t tell anybody,” Panaccione says. “If you hear that a kid is having sex or smoking a joint, keep it private.” But if the situation is life threatening, explain why you must do something. “You could say, for example, ‘I know you’re worried about your friend finding out that you’re the one who told, but how would you feel if she overdosed and died?’” Panaccione says. “I say to my teen clients: ‘I’d rather have somebody’s who is alive and pissed off at you than dead because you didn’t do anything to help.’” Then, explain exactly what you’re going to do with the information, such as call the school. In any event, when your teen outs a friend, try not to make judgmental comments, such as “She’s always been a mess!” No matter what’s going on, “teens don’t want you to not like their friends because of something they told you about them,” Panaccione says. v

General Dentistry for Youth first tooth through age 20

New Patients Welcome Immediate Appointments Available! CALL NOW

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24 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

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The Tween Roller Coaster

arents may think that the real problems begin once their child begins high school, but middle school often sets the stage for how your child will handle their teen years. The tween years, previously dubbed pre-adolescence, are the years spanning the ages of 8-12. Although they include a small dot on our children’s timelines, they are emotional roller coaster years filled with more than most parents realize.

Stress Your child is probably more stressed than you think. In a survey of parents, only 2%-5% of them rated their child’s stress as extreme, while 14% of tweens (and 28% of teens) said that they worry “a lot.” Try to manage your child’s activities so that they’re not overloaded, make sure they have a little down time just to themselves. If you think your child is stressed, talk to him or encourage him to talk to another adult such as an aunt or uncle.

Prescription Drugs Prescription drugs are the drug of choice among tweens and young teens. They’re often easily accessible right at home. Talk to your child about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Protect your child by carefully monitoring all your own prescriptions, storing them securely, and getting rid of old, unneeded medicines right away. Seal old medicine in a plastic bag with something unpleasant, like kitty litter, and throw it in the trash.

GO THE EXTRA MILE for your children

Cutting Some young people cope with difficult emotions by “cutting” -- injuring themselves deliberately by cutting their wrists, thighs, or elsewhere on the body using razor blades, knives, or other implements. It’s more common among girls, but boys sometimes cut as well. If you notice unexplained scars or see that your tween is wearing unseasonable clothes that might conceal cuts, talk to your child. Cutting often requires professional help.

Talking About Dating and Sex Talk to your tween about dating before they start. Kids mature at different paces, so one tween might be more interested in dating than another of the same age. They may have questions about dating or sex in general as well as questions about their own feelings. Try to answer questions calmly and without judgment, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Frequent, open communication helps kids learn about healthy relationships and make smarter choices about sex. v Dr. Raaj Amin

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27417 Andrew Jackson Hwy E, Delco, NC 28436

www.sandpiperpediatrics.com 910-207-0777 Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 25

YOUR HEALTH

REINVENT YOURSELF

During Healthy Aging Month

o not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 20? 30? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself. (Tip: Don’t keep looking in the mirror, just FEEL IT!) Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Tip: Stop watching the police reports on the local news.) Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. (Tip: Smile often. It’s contagious and wards off naysayers.) Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Come on. You can probably do it. Analyze your gait. (Tip: Make a conscious effort to take big strides and walk with your heel first.) Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin

26 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. (Tip: Your waistline will look trimmer if you follow this advice.) How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. (Tip: Go to the dentist regularly and look into teeth whitening.) Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, Take a class, Invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee. Choose a new person every week for your dining out. Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Make it a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day. Want to lose some weight or belly fat? Make it 15,000. You can do it! Find your inner artist. Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood? (Tip: Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!) v Source: www.healthyaging.net

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FIT FAMILY

Teen Fitness Tips The benefits of being a fit teen are plentiful, but it’s important to also know how to help reduce injury risks and stay motivated over the long haul. Being fit and healthy is more than just exercising, so it’s a good idea to learn more about what you need to do to be healthy all around. Here are 5 fitness tips every teen should read: Eat brain food. This is the good stuff, which is the unprocessed, whole foods, which include things like salads, poultry, lean meats, eggs, healthy fats, etc. Unprocessed foods are packed with vitamins and nutrients that will keep you sharp mentally and physically fit, too. Train to be more useful. Going to the gym to work on your “abs” and “beach muscles” is usually done with endless sit-ups and biceps curls, but you can get the same effect by training to be more athletic, faster, and generally more useful in life, which means working to get your entire body stronger. You can work with a personal trainer to put together a routine that meets these needs and goals that are tailored specifically for you. Go into Do Not Disturb mode. A big part of mental fitness is the ability to step away from the phone calls, texts, and Instagram feeds. Your mind will keep you feeling better when you walk away from those things more often. Take some time to go for a walk or spend time playing with your dog, as these kinds of things are good for your body and your mind. Appreciate that nothing happens overnight. When embarking on a fitness routine, it helps to celebrate the small victories that come with the little daily improvements. Yes, you may want to get a big bench press or increase your vertical jump by several inches - both are worthy pursuits, but both also take time and dedication. Learn to love the small changes and watch how they lead to meeting big goals. Beware of the changes. Fitness has changed a lot in 20 years, so be careful whose advice you take. There are plenty of well-intended coaches and parents who dole out advice that is at best antiquated and at worst downright dangerous. Listen to your body, ask questions, and seek out expert advice when you need it!

Open Gyms Did you know that you do not have to commit to weekly gymnastics classes for your kids to benefit from some gym time. Most gymnastics center have open gym times for kids to come try out gym while getting rid of some of that extra energy! Port City Gymnastics Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-11:30am: Open play time for 1-6 yrs. Kids get to roam around with tons of cool stuff to do.Fill your preschooler’s morning with fun, tumbles, and laughs at Port City Gymnastics! Jump into our huge foam pit, hop on the trampoline, and free play around the gym. Gymnastics Unlimited Fridays: Ages 1-7 from 3:30 - 4:25 pm Ages 8-14 from 4:30 - 5:25 pm Under 18? Must have a Parent/Guardian Signature. Tuesdays: Adult open gym 8pm for $10 per person

National Pizza Day

Want to celebrate Pizza Day on September 5th, but need a healthy alternative? Here is one option! Cauliflower Crust Pizza Cauliflower makes a healthy alternative to regular pizza crust. As an added bonus, the dough looks like regular pizza crust, so kids won’t know they’re eating vegetables! 1 head of cauliflower, cut into big chunks and put in processor until resembles rice 1/2 to 2 cups mozzarella, shredded 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 large egg Cook the cut and processed, rice-like cauliflower in a sauté pan over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix the egg, salt and cheese. After the cauliflower is done, combine all ingredients, which will make a doughy base. Mold the base in a round, pizza shape and add topping ingredients such as blue cheese, roasted pears and fennel. See below for the final baking instruction.

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Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 27

SCHOOL NOTES

School’s Out! NEW HANOVER COUNTY: Traditional Schools: 9/4 - No School, Holiday Year Round Schools: 9/4 - No School, Holiday 9/22 - Half Day for Students 9/25-29 - Intersession CFCI Charter School: 9/4 - No School, Holiday 9/28 - Half Day for Students 9/29 - No School, Teacher Workday Isaac Bear ECHS: 9/4 - No School, Holiday Wilmington Early College HS 9/4 - No School, Holiday BRUNSWICK: Traditional Schools: 9/4 - No School, Holiday Year Round Schools: 9/4 - No School, Holiday

Wilmington’s First Technical High School SEA-TECH is the newest option for high school students in the Wilmington Metro/Cape Fear Region. From exploring careers to learning specific skills and credentials for a career, and it opened its doors to the first round of 9th graders this year! School leaders have narrowed SEA-TECH’s programs to seven areas of study: • small business and entrepreneurship • residential and commercial construction • computer and network engineering • advanced manufacturing • hospitality and tourism • health science and public service • transportation and logistics. SEA-TECH students will be able to fully participate in athletic programs at the traditional high schools in their districts. The school will also launch clubs and some activities in its first year. For more information, please contact SEA-Tech at 362-7882.

Educators of the Year Congratulations to New Hanover County’s 2017/2018 Educators of the Year! Amber Adams, Middle School Educator of the Year from Trask Middle School, Angela Hewett, 2017-2018 New Hanover County Schools Educator of the Year and High School Educator of the Year from Eugene Ashley High School, Dr. Lauren Kefalonitis, Principal of the Year from Bradley Creek Elementary School, and Victoria Minshew, Elementary School Educator of the Year from College Park Elementary School.

Early College High School: 9/4 - No School, Holiday PENDER: Traditional Schools: 9/4 - No School, Holiday Penderlea: 9/4 - No School, Holiday 9/18 - Intersession Pender Early College HS: 9/4 - No School, Holiday

Visit www.nhcs.net, www.co.brunswick.k12.nc.us or www.pendercountyschools.net for more information.

28 | September 2017 | Wilmington Parent

Elementary School Battle of the Books List 2017/2018 Let’s start reading! Here is the official list for this year’s Battle of the Books. Extra Credit by Andrew Clements Soft Rain by Cornelia Cornelissen Kenny & The Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin Rules by Cynthia Lord The Candymakers by Wendy Mass Wish by Barbara O’Conner Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Pax by Sara Pennypacker The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson Walls Within Walls by Maureen Sherry

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PEANUT GALLERY

Ianis G. 8/11 • 5yo

Jace P. 9/6 • 4yo

Sawyer S.

Vivian G. 8/31 • 2yo

Maggie 9/19 • 4yo

Finn T.

9/14 • 5yo

Liam 9/9 • 3yo

Madison P. 9/13 • 8yo

David J.

9/28 • 5yo

Carter 9/24 • 5yo

Lailah M. 9/14 • 6yo

9/29 • 1yo

Evie J.

Ethan

9/21 • 10yo

Conner B. 9/20 • 8yo

Alex

8/18 • 7yo

8/26 • 1yo

DOES YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD HAVE A BIRTHDAY IN OCTOBER? Honor them by having their photo published in Wilmington Parent. Here's how: e-mail image (size not to exceed 1mb) to birthday@wilmingtonparent.com. Deadline for publication: 09/12. We have a limited number of spots, so if you sent your child’s picture and do not see it this issue, please check back next month! www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | September 2017 | 29

Membership fee is $5 per child, per year (July 1-June 30) and is limited to children 12 years old and younger. Complete form (separate forms if signing up multiple children) and send form along with check to: Sammyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HawkStars c/o UNCW Athletics 601 South College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 or join online at www.UNCWsports.com. Make checks payable to: UNCW Athletics/Sammyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HawkStars