Wilmington Parent April 2014 by Seaside Media

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Our 16th Year of Serving New Hanover, Brunswick & Pender County Families!

INSIDE:

Arts

GUIDE Arts Listings Give Dance a Chance Improv Fun Art of Poetry

Make Your Backyard a Natural Playground

Cover Kid: Lonie

Local Egg Hunts New Crafts for Easter Spring Clean Your House in One Day! Day Camp Lunch Box Tips

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A passion for learning starts early at Friends School of Wilmington in our Montessori Preschool. A passion learning startscommunity early at Friends School of Wilmington. Here, in a vibrant learning community Here, in a for vibrant learning known for its vigorous academics, exceptional teaching, and time-honored Quakeracademics, values, students are provided world of opportunity to discover, learn and known for its vigorous exceptional teaching,aand time-honored Quaker values, students are grow. Confident, independent thinkers, graduates areConfident, fully prepared for thethinkers, most ambitious high provided a world of opportunity to discover,our learn and grow. independent our graduates school – and the up world ahead. are fullysetting prepared to step to the most ambitious high school setting – and to conquer the world ahead. Call 910.791.8221 and Schedule a Tour Today! 18 months – 8th grade | An Independent Quaker School | 910.791.8221 | www.fsow.org FSW-002 7.25x4.1825 4 color Ad.indd 1

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Our smile is contagious! We hope you catch ours!

3505 Converse Dr, Suite 175 910.794.2266 info@ccpedo.com

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Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 1

| | | | | |

Jacksonville and Legion Stadium Surf City and Wrightsville Beach Jacksonville Legion Stadium Kinston and Wilmingotn Family YMCA Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach

two locations Wilmington: 8115 Market Street, Suite 204 Jacksonville: 306 Dolphin Drive

2 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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Drop in Child Care From Trains to Tutus, Basketball and a Rock Climbing Wall, We Have It All! Celebrating Children 12 months to 12 years

791-0022 us on 3818 Oleander Drive Like facebook www.playsimplyplay.com M-Th 8:30am - 8:30pm • F-Sa 8:30am - 11:30pm

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| in this issue

Have a cute photo you’d like to share?

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April 2014

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SPecial Section:

Arts guide pg.26 26 give dance a chance 28 arts Listings 32 improv fun for families 31 the art of poetry 13 22 25 33 33 5 6 8 11 12 14

Egg Hunts pg.16

turn your backyard into a natural playland upcycled easter crafts day camp lunch box tips Summer Camp Guide 19 23 24 36 37

Childcare Listing guide your health Fit Family Peanut Gallery Party Pages

cover credits

Cover by Nichole Louise Photography 910-367-5151 • www.nicholelouisephotography.com 4 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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spring clean in 1 day

Editor’s Note short stuff Growing Up Online school notes Reel life Calendar

Dermot Gibney 910-352-8270

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PO Box 1336, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 or E-Mail: WilmingtonParent@ec.rr.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 2010 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. Subscription rates for home delivery are $24 for one year. member

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| editor’s note at The Children's Schoolhouse

Wilmington's Oldest Montessori School 28 Years of Academic Excellence

ilmington Parent’s April issue is one of my favorite every year. This is when springtime activities abound, the calendar is loaded with events that will entice everyone outdoors and into the sunshine, and it contains the Arts Guide. I truly believe an education is not complete and effective if it does not incorporate many artistic elements. Unfortunately, our schools often do not have the budget necessary for a sufficient arts education. Thankfully, with a little added effort on the parent’s part, and a visit to our Arts Guide on pg. 26, you will find that Wilmington is a treasure trove of artistic opportunities! There are also ways to encourage your child’s creativity at home, as you will see in the articles “Improv Fun for Families”, and “The Art of Poetry”. Hopefully this month we will also see consistent warm temperatures and can finally fling open the windows, air out our homes, and get serious about some spring cleaning. The professionals at EcoMaids in Wilmington have offered us some great tips on pg. 13 to help us get the cleaning done quickly. Honestly, having a clean house is wonderful, but I don’t want to spend too much time indoors when that sun finally seems to be back for good! Of course, we also have some great Easter craft ideas, egg hunts, and other holiday activities happening this month. If you find yourself out and about without this month’s issue on hand, you can always use your mobile device to visit www.wilmingtonparent.com and use our online calendar to find the latest updated events and activities around town. Happy Easter!

Danielle

Now Enrolling for 1/2 Day On-Site Summer Camp

Session I June 6 - June 26 Session II July 8 - July 26

Young children learn about our wonderful coastal environment in the safety of the Montessori classroom. This exciting marine experience is appropriate for children ages 3-6. Curriculum includes many sea critters, art, music, movement and many exciting takes of the sea! Sea life provided by Hieronymus Fishing Charter and Guide Service

Surf's Up at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry!

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry infants • children • teens

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surf our website www.catchasmile.net

Proudly serving the children of Wilmington since 1997. www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 5

short stuff

Local Mom and Author Inspires Young Writers Christine Kellogg moved to Wilmington in 1992 and settled with her husband Greg of 23 years in Leland three years later. She embraced motherhood and enjoyed raising her two daughters, Ashley who is now 22, and Amber, 19. Yet, Christine had always dreamt of being a novelist. Since she was a child, Christine loved writing stories and her mother had always encouraged her pursuits. Christine’s mother passed away in 1999, and she is the inspiration for the main character, Catherine, in her very first published novel, Untouchable. Untouchable is a Young Adult Fantasy Fiction novel about young Catherine who at seventeen, finds herself in love with a man who only exists in her dreams. “James” has been labeled her imaginary friend by the adults in her life since she was six, when he first started appearing. Catherine realizes that her dreams are suddenly becoming very real. Christine’s goal in writing is to give Middle Grade and Young Adult readers something to read that is interesting, yet is not destructive. Christine says, “I try to include “LIFE” in my books that the reader can relate to and maybe be influenced on how to deal with situations in their own lives.” Christine encourages aspiring authors to start writing and embrace their creative talents while they are young. She hopes to soon begin some public speaking in the area high schools and to start a Young Adult writer’s group for the Wilmington area.

The 5th Annual Azalea Festival Children’s Art Contest winners have been announced! A total of 266 entries were submitted from students in both private and public elementary and middle schools. The artwork will be displayed around the community during the next few months, but most prominently in the Community Artist exhibit at the Community Arts Center in the historic Hannah Block USO building during the Azalea Festival starting on Friday, April 4th. The 1st place finishers presented their artwork to Governor Perdue at the annual Azalea Festival Governor’s Press Conference on March 27th, and will ride in the Azalea Festival Parade. The Top 3 finishers and Honorable Mentions will receive prize packages that include gift certificates from Learning Express Toys and iTunes, circus tickets, and an autographed copy of the official Azalea Festival art, created by nationally renowned William Mangum. Elementary School Winners 1st Place Ruthie Wainwright 2nd Place Ariana Wood 3rd Place Brook Isaacs HM Sandy Cooper

WAAS Bellamy Pine Valley Bellamy

Middle School Winners 1st place Sylvia Atwood CFA 2nd place Anna CatherineLloyd WAAS 3rd place Lexi Tinnerello CFA HM Emma Tracey Noble HM Sydney Eavey Noble

The link to the Official Author Website where you can purchase her new book Untouchable is: http://sbprabooks.com/ChristineKellogg. Also, look for Christine Kellogg on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest news!

Jenkins

Azalea Festival Children’s Art Contest 2014 Winners

5th grade 5th grade 4th grade 5th grade 8th grade 8th grade 8th grade 7th grade 8th grade

More than play at JPA JPA

Half 2014/15 day classes

P reschool A cademy

classes filling Certifiedare teachers Call today for a tour Small class sizes

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(910) 367-0287 367-7210 |I www.jpawilmington.com (910) www.jpawilmington.com |I 7888 7888 Market MarketStSt

Growing Faith, Inspiring Minds. Academic excellence in a setting of Catholic Christian values, personal growth through exploration of the arts, athletics and more.

PreK-8th Grade Now registering for the 2014/2015 School Year Call for a tour today! 217 South Fourth Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910-762-5491 x140 www.thestmaryschool.org

6 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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Rumble in the Jungle Success Jungle Rapids and 101 Mobility saw smashing success with their Rumble in the Jungle event this past March. They were excited to see about 65 attendees which included local children with disabilities, their siblings and parents, and area disability organizations such as: Coastal Carolinas MDA, Exceptional Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network, Hotwheels Power Wheelchair Hockey Team, the DisAbility Resource Center, Miracle League, Easter Seals, and Exceptional students from Codington Elementary School and Ashley High School. This event was a celebration to usher in newfound accessibility at Jungle Rapids! In the past, the second floor party rooms were inaccessible to wheelchairs. Thanks to 101 Mobility that has all changed! Not only did they install a vertical platform wheelchair lift that allows access to the second floor party level, they also made changes to allow for adaptive laser tag.

910-795-2511 www.DrEggDental.com

6781 Parker Farm Drive Suite100 Wilmington, NC

101 Mobility and Jungle Rapids treated party goers to pizza, face painting, free arcade gaming, valet service from AB Valet and adaptive laser tag during this momentous celebration. The children were absolutely teeming with excitement on their ride up in the platform lift because, for the first time, they were able to reach the party level and get a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye view of Jungle Rapids. Overall, the night was a wonderful celebration of progress for the Port City and a great preview for the exciting summer months ahead. Bravo to Jungle Rapids for putting the City of Wilmington one step closer to full public accessibility.

Now open in Mayfaire

Give your kids a leg up. Sign them up for 2014 Ca r n

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GYMNASTICS! ~TODAY~

Boys FLIP for FUN!

NICE coaches = HAPPY kids!

910-796-1896

www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com 3529 Carolina Beach Road www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 7

| growing up online

| By Carolyn Jabs

9 Apps that Keep Kids Moving

ixty minutes a day. That’s the minimum amount of physical activity recommended for children, 6-17, by the Centers for Disease Control. Some kids meet that goal effortlessly. They can’t wait to walk the dog, belong to a team that practices every afternoon or nag their parents to go on long hikes and bike rides.

Other kids need a little encouragement to step away from their electronic devices so they can get active. Thankfully, some of that encouragement now comes from the devices themselves. Some very innovative programmers have designed gadgets and apps that promise to make family fitness fun. Which one will be motivating in your household? Look for an app that intersects with things your family cares about. Here are some suggestions.

Just the Facts. Eat-And-Move-O-Matic is a very simple app that answers one question: How many minutes of Activity X will burn the calories in Food Y? This colorful app is easy enough for elementary school kids to understand and use. (Free from the App Store) Move for Good. Charity Miles has arranged for up to a million dollars to be donated to good causes—if people use their app to exercise. Simply download the program, choose a charity, tuck your phone in your pocket and get going. The corporate sponsors kick in a dime for every mile of biking and a quarter for every mile of running. If you exercise together, every phone in the family can donate to a different cause. (Free from the App Store and Google Play) Tangible Rewards. Zamzee is a tiny accelerometer that records motion. When the device, which looks like a flash drive, is clipped onto shoes or slipped into a pocket, your child earns points for any physical activity—sweeping the floor, climbing stairs, jumping rope, dancing, etc. Plug Zamzee into a USB and kids can see graphic evidence of how active they’ve been. They also earn points that can be donated to charity or used to purchase virtual or real rewards including apps and games. ($29.95 from Zamzee.com)

Batting Balls (or Bugs). Ballstrike and Buglylon turn I-pads and Windows 8 tablets into something that resembles a Kinect at a fraction of the price. Just set the tablet upright on a flat surface, step back and use your body to pop balls (or smash bugs). The app, which has six levels, tracks calories burned and allows your child to share photos of their best moves. (Free from the App Store and Windows)

Run for Your Life. Zombies, Run isn’t for little kids, but teens who want to stay fit may find this immersive app very motivating. The user maps the course they plan to run, and then the program devises a story about finding supplies for a community besieged by the undead. Periodically, the app announces that zombies are in the vicinity and their noisy breathing makes most runners pick up the pace. The app

includes 33 missions and young people can also incorporate their favorite music. ($3.99 at the App Store and GooglePlay)

Walk for the World. The Walk is a better choice for teens (and adults) who don’t care to jog. The game, designed in the UK, starts with the premise that a bomb has exploded in the London underground. The only way to save the world is to carry a package from one end of the British Isles to the other, encountering misadventures along the way. The game is intended to cover three months of walking, long enough for most people to get a good habit established. ($2.99 at the App Store and Google Play)

Football Fanatics. NFL Play 60 encourages children to get their 60 minutes of activity by running, turning and jumping over virtual obstacles. Kids control the character in the game by holding a phone or table that detects their movements. As they progress, they collect hearts that make the character invincible from the American Heart Association and coins that buy virtual gear from the NFL. Both organizations cooperated to create the game that gives young football fans a fix—without risking a concussion. (Free from the App Store and Google Play)

Good Form for Athletes. IronKids was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to minimize the risk of injuries in young athletes. The 45-minute workout emphasizes the correct way to do exercises that build strength, balance and endurance, so it’s ideal for teens and pre-teens who want to be in good shape for team tryouts. ($3.99 from the App Store) Peer Encouragement—and Competition. Fitocracy makes it very easy to keep track of a fitness routine, especially if it includes repetitive exercises such as weightlifting. Users set goals and earn points by achieving them. More important, Fitocracy taps into the power of social media, making it easy to find other people who enjoy the same kind of workout. Teens can learn from those who are more experienced, exchange encouraging words and even challenge others to friendly competition. (Basic level free from the App store and Google Play)

Of course, sometimes the very best way to get everyone up and moving is to put on the right music. You may already have a playlist of favorites but if you need some inspiration, check out kidbeatz.com where you can find family friendly hiphop renditions of childhood standards. Buzzle has a list of classic dance tunes suitable for kids (buzzle.com/articles/dance-songs-for-kids.html) and Common Sense Media screens contemporary songs so unexpected lyrics won’t bring your dance party to a screeching halt (commonsensemedia.org/lists/dance-tracks). v Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns.

8 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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SPRING VACATION PACKAGES START AT $50 PER PERSON/NIGHT

Throughout Busch Gardens ®, families can enjoy KIDsiderate® rides and attractions. Experience Sesame Street ® Forest of Fun™, where kids can meet their favorite furry friends.

buschgardens.com/va www.wilmingtonparent.com

Starting at $50 per person per night for a family of four with a three-night stay in a standard room. . Prices and packages are subject to availability and change without notice. While supplies last. © 2014 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved. Sesame Street® and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. © 2014 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.

Furriest year ever.

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 9

Genetic Testing Can Be Proactive Approach To Breast and Ovarian Cancers Our genes give us our physical appearance, innate abilities, and even some aspects of our personality.

Unfortunately, they can also give us a much higher chance of developing certain types of cancer.

While a woman without either mutation has a 12 percent chance of developing breast cancer, a woman who is positive for BRCA1

or BRCA2 mutation has a 60 percent chance, or about five times the risk. Likewise, the risk for ovarian cancer is about 1.4 percent in the general population, but it jumps to 14-40 percent when there is a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Knowing whether or not she carries one of these genetic mutations may help a woman and her healthcare provider(s) be proactive, rather than reactive, with her healthcare. Patients who test positive can be more closely monitored, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment should cancer develop. This not only improves outcomes, it helps reduce medical costs. ©2014 Glen Meade Center For Women’s Health-NHRMC Physician Group

Breast Cancer susceptibility gene 1 and

breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 are commonly known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively. Name notwithstanding, mutations of these genes are linked to ovarian cancer, as well as breast cancer.

Four Highly-Trained Surgeons. GMCWH Robotic Surgery Team (from left): G. Daniel Robison IV, MD, FACOG, Co-Director; K. Brooke Chalk, MD; Timothy L. Chase, MD, FACOG, FPMRS, Co-Director; H. Kyle Rhodes, MD, FACOG

Three 8mm Incisions. One decision made simple.

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Group is a regional leader in advanced gynecological care. A minimally-invasive technique that gives surgeons 3D visibility and unparalleled precision, robotic surgery also provides maximum benefits such as less pain, bleeding and scarring, and a much quicker recovery. For women facing surgery, those very small incisions are a very big deal.

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10 |ROBOTIC April 2014 | Wilmington ParentGYNECOLOGY SURGERY OBSTETRICS

MaTERNaL FETaL MEDICINE

While the hereditary risk factor is strong, it is very important to note that not all women with a strong family history carry a mutation, and not every case of cancer in such a family can be linked to a mutation. Furthermore, some women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will never develop cancer. Insurance companies vary regarding coverage for genetic testing for BRCA mutations, but women with a family history may find it worth checking out.

actual size

in robotic surgery, Glen Meade Center for Women’s Health - NHRMC Physician

my glenmeade.com

Glen Meade Center for Women’s Health - NHRMC Physician Group offers genetic testing for the presence of these mutations. BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing involves drawing a blood sample, and genetic counseling is recommended before and after the tests.

INCONTINENCE

The 12 physicians and two nurse practitioners of Glen Meade Center for Women’s Health - NHRMC Physician Group offer complete care for women, including obstetrics, gynecology, bladder control and wellness. Call 910.763.9833 for an appointment at our 1809 Glen Meade Road or Brunswick Forest location. Susan B. Lorencz, FNP. A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with Glen Meade Center for Women’s Health - NHRMC Physician Group, Susan Lorencz has considerable experience providing annual physical exams, family planning services, and prenatal care. She is welcoming new patients. www.wilmingtonparent.com

| school notes Roland-Grise Middle School Chosen for the North Carolina Science Festival’s “Invite a Scientist” Program

School’s Out! New Hanover County: Traditional Schools: 4/14-17 Spring Break 4/18 - No School, Holiday Year Round Schools: 4/1-11 - Intersession 4/14-17 Spring Break 4/18 - No School, Holiday CFCI Charter School: 4/14-17 Spring Break 4/18 - No School, Holiday 4/21 - No School, Teacher Workday IBEC: 4/14-17 Spring Break 4/18 - No School, Holiday WEC: 4/14-17 Spring Break 4/18 - No School, Holiday

Brunswick: Traditional Schools: 4/18 - Half Day 4/21 - No School, Holiday 4/22-25 Spring Break Roger Bacon Academy/ Charter Day School: 4/17 - Half Day 4/18 - No School, Holiday 4/21 - No School, Holiday BEC 4/18 - No School, Holiday

Kendra Harrison, a sixth grade math and science teacher at Roland-Grise Middle School, will have help this school year when she introduces the rock cycle unit to her classes. Understanding that the rock cycle is not always a favorite of her 6th grade students, Mrs. Harrison is always looking for a way to shake things up. While attending a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) conference in the fall, Mrs. Harrison learned of the North Carolina Science Festival’s “Invite a Scientist” program. The program recruits scientist and STEM professionals to share their knowledge and love of science with middle school students. Their goal is to inspire students to consider science as a career, and to educate students on how science impacts their lives. After applying and being selected for the program, Mrs. Harrison’s classes was chosen to have Dr. Todd LaMaskin from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) guest teach the rock cycle. For more information on the NC Science Festival or the “Invite a Scientist” program, please visit www.ncsciencefestival.org. Source: www.nhcs.net

Pender:

Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences Students Win County Conservation Competition

Traditional Schools: 4/14-17 Spring Break 4/18 - No School, Holiday

The students from Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences made a good showing at The Soil and Water Conservation District Competition. They want to offer a special thanks to Mrs. Batchelder for providing this wonderful opportunity to her students and congratulations to all the students for such great work!

Penderlea Year Round School: 4/1-4 - Intersession 4/16 - Half Day 4/17-18 - No School, Holiday Pender Early College: 4/2 - Half Day 4/17-18 - No School, Holiday

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

The first place winners are: 6th Grade Poster - Brooke Sanderford 6th Grade Essay - Mary Wells 6th Grade Powerpoint - Zane Dash 7th Grade Speech - Jane Lewis 8th Grade Speech - Madison Lee High Honors: 6th Grade - Ben Siebold Honorable Mention: 6th Grade - James Clyburn, Ellie Hannum and Simon Jones The first place winners advance to the area competition and will compete against students in 11 other counties.

On With The Show!

Keiki Punch Custom Tailored Tutoring Helping young students achieve ultimate academic success while meeting the needs of your family. Contact for the services offered:

Cat Marinich (910)-777-4082 keikipunch@hotmail.com

www.wilmingtonparent.com

The halls of St. Mark Catholic School were alive with the sounds of singers, dancers and musical instruments as students performed in the annual talent showcase, “On With The Show!” Eager performers went through three days of auditions, a tech rehearsal and a dress rehearsal in preparation for the two big performances on February 21, 2014. A wide array of talent was showcased at a daytime school performance and an evening performance for families. One future star accompanied herself on the piano as she sang original compositions. Ukulele players, drummers, pianists, a saxophone player and a family band delighted the audience while gymnasts, karate experts and tap dancers continued the entertainment. Rounding out the show was a joint preK-8th grade class performance of Katy Perry’s Roar and a number that featured faculty and staff. In all there were over 40 individual acts in the talent showcase. Throughout all the preparations students were introduced to theater etiquette and they learned about the use of some sound equipment. Students on the staff of Lions Live, the in-school tv news program, functioned as backstage crew and sound/light services.

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 11

reel life

| By Jane Louise Boursaw

April brings Chris Evans as Captain America, Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg as colorful parrots, and a family of brown bears in Alaska. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters this month. beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel. But the most fearsome adversary of all? His father-inlaw! Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Mann, Jamie Foxx, Jake T. Austin, Andy Garcia, John Leguizamo and Kristin Chenoweth lend their voices to this cute and colorful film directed by Carlos Saldanha.

Based on the book by Todd Burpo, this movie tells the true story of a Nebraska pastor’s fouryear-old son Colton (Connor Corum) who claims to have experienced heaven during emergency surgery. He talks of looking down to see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room, and meeting his miscarried sister (whom he never knew about) and his great-grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born. Directed by Randall Wallace, this movie also stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Margo Martindale and Thomas Haden Church.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters April 4. Ok for kids 12+. marvel.com/captainamerica. Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers in this sequel to 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger.” He continues his journey as the super-powered American soldier who’s grasping to find his place in a modern world after being frozen in ice since WWII. Cobie Smulders, Sebastian Stan, Samuel L. Jackson, Emily VanCamp and Robert Redford also star, with “Community” director/producers Joe and Anthony Russo helming.

Rio 2

Not yet rated; likely PG. In theaters April 11. Ok for kids 5+. www.riomovies.com. It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in this sequel to 2011’s “Rio.” After they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon, Blu tries to fit in and goes

Heaven is for Real

Rated PG for thematic material, including some medical situations, and for brief language. In theaters April 16. Ok for kids 11+. heavenisforreal.net.

Bears

Not yet rated; likely PG. In theaters April 18. Ok for kids 7+. nature.disney.com/bears. The latest installment in the DisneyNature series chronicles a year in the lives of two mother bears and their cubs in the Alaskan wilderness. Filmmakers Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey helm the story, which begins as the brown bears emerge from hibernation at the end of winter. As time passes, the two bear families must work together to find food and stay safe from other predators, especially wolves.

Jane Boursaw is founder and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane, a family entertainment site specializing in movies, TV and celebrities. Visit her at http://www.reellifewithjane.com or email jboursaw@charter.net.

Jane’s Reel Rating System 1 Reel - Even the Force can’t save it. 2 Reels - Coulda’ been a contender. 3 Reels - Something to talk about. 4 Reels - You want the truth? Greatflick! 5 Reels- Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

12 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Pediatric Dentistry Douglas S. Fry, DDS 2001

2014

Spring Clean in 1 day

Dr. Doug Fry has been serving the Wilmington community as a pediatric dentist for over 26 years. Alexis has been coming to Dr. Fry since she was a preschooler and she still enjoys a healthy and beautiful smile.

By Sofia Artemenko, MD.

2203 Delaney Avenue Wilmington NC www.drfry.dental.com • office@drfrydental.com 910-762-7736

e all love the fresh, clean, aired-out feel of a house that has undergone a full Spring Cleaning. However, we do not always have the time required to make that happen. The experts at EcoMaids in Wilmington know it takes a crew of hard working cleaning fanatics to make short work of a full house in one day, but they offer up a few tips for families ready to take on the challenge! • Gather your family members (kids and spouse) to help with the “1 day Spring Cleaning Fun Festival”. Make it fun but focused. • Define your priorities: focus on some rooms if the whole house is too big of a task, or if the team you put together is too small.

Reduce, Reuse,

Recycle

• Pick up loose items and tidy up each room in 5 min:

- pick up items

- organize the whole room

- dirty clothes in the laundry basket

- toys in the baskets or boxes

- clothes in the closet etc.

• Wipe clean all horizontal surfaces • You will need to give most of your attention to bathrooms and kitchens • Make beds, adjust pillows, shake out curtains • Vacuum / mop floors thoroughly • Avoid getting distracted with the details. (You can clean out those drawers another day!) Be sure to focus on finishing one room at a time to give you and your team a sense of accomplishment and help everyone keep going as they see real progress! Your house will look and feel cleaner and your family will be prepared to enjoy the warm, beautiful spring days ahead! v Sofia Artemenko, MD is the Manager at EcoMaids in Wilmington. If the task is overwhelming she will gladly send her highly trained crew to give you a hand! Visit wilmington.ecomaids.com or call 910-338-0908.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

I want to be a

Kayak!

Ever wonder what happens to recycled plastic water bottles? They become kayaks, clothing, toys, decks, and even bridges!

Recycle More with the City of Wilmington wilmingtonnc.gov/recycling 910.341.7875 NORTH CAROLINA

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 13

• PLA N YOUR MO N TH WITH US

April | 2014

All Month Long! Cotton Exchange Tours

Daily (Year Round). Cotton Exchange, Downtown. Tales of mystery of the Cotton Exchange ghosts. $10/Adults. $8/Students & Seniors. Free/Under age 12. Visit www. TourOldWilmington.blogspot.com or call 409-4300 for information.

Horsedrawn Tours

10am – 10pm Daily. Water & Market Streets, downtown. Costumed driver narrates a unique adventure along the riverfront, driven by rescued horses. $12/Adults. $5/Children under 12. Call 251-8889 with questions. Visit www.horsedrawntours.com for coupon.

North Carolina Science Festival

April 1st – 13th. Statewide. The North Carolina Science Festival is a multi-day celebration showcasing science and technology. The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in our state. Through handson activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances, the Festival engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations. Visit www.ncsciencefestival.org for a complete listing of events across the state.

CALENDAR

A View from Space

Tues-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1-5pm. Through Sept. 7th. Cape Fear Museum. Since the launch of the world’s first artificial satellite Sputnik in 1957, satellites have dramatically changed the way we study our planet. A View from Space, a new, bilingual (Spanish and English), highly interactive, hands-on science exhibit, will allow visitors to see the world from a satellite’s perspective. They can track a hurricane from space, send a satellite spinning into orbit around a model Earth, study incredible images of our planet captured by NASA’s Earth Observing System, and more! Visit www.capefearmuseum. com for details.

1 Tuesday – April Fools Day Storytime at the Library

9:30; 10:00; 10:30am Tuesdays. Main Library. Lapsit, Toddler, and Preschool storytimes! Stories, songs, and age appropriate activities for each group. Call 798-6303 with questions.

Happy Little Singers

9:45am Tuesdays. Ms. Susan’s Room. Ages 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one

14 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information.

Barnes & Noble Toddler Story Time – Some Bugs

10am Tuesdays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 509-1880 for details.

Petite Picasso1 & 2

10am, Tuesdays. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Bring your petiteest Picasso for the 10am class (up to 2 ½) and your slightly older artists to the 11am class, all taught by Francesca! Visit www.hullabalooplay.com for more information.

Messy Art

11:15-11:45am, Tuesdays. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Ages 2-6. Call 509-3353 for details.

Kids Cooking Club – Deviled Eggs & Sparkling Berry Blast

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.

Family Night at Chick-fil-A

5:30 – 7pm Tuesdays. Chick-fil-A Mayfaire. Don’t miss the fun family events. Call 256-0854 for weekly details.

College for Middle Schoolers

6:30-7:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. April Morey from College Foundation of NC will speak about getting to college from middle school. She will cover high school course selection, study habits, and using planning tools available free online at www.CFNC.org. This program is for middle school aged students and their families. CFNC is a free service of the state of North Carolina. Call 798-6391 for details.

2 Wednesday Smart Start’s Breakfast for Children’s Champions

program, parents or guardians must remain with their children. Please contact Amy Ryan at (910) 332-4823 for registration or more information. Space is limited.

Storytime at the Library

9:30; 10:00; 10:30am Wednesdays. Northeast & Myrtle Grove Library. Lapsit, Toddler, and Preschool storytimes! Stories, songs, and age appropriate activities for each group. Call 798-6303 with questions.

Happy Little Singers

9:45am Wednesdays. Ms. Susan’s Room. Ages 4 ½ to 8 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information.

Preschool Science – Nature Hunt

10am. Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Hands-on activities geared for little ones allowing them to explore the world around them. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Yoga for Moms

10:30-11:30am Wednesdays. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Bring your mat and $10. Childcare for your little one provided at $7.00. Call 821-1250 for details.

Stop Animation

3:30pm. Wednesdays. Myrtle Grove Library. Create your own Stop Animation movie using ReadyANIMATOR,iStopMotion and iMovie! Appointments available at 3:30pm & 4:15pm. Registration required. Call 798-6393. Ages 8 & up. Limit two children per session. Call 798-6353 for details.

Discover Science – Build a Card Tower

3:30pm Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Explore and learn about the scientific process through critical thinking skills. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org to pre-register.

3 Thursday

7:30am. Country Club of Landfall. Fundraiser celebration of young children, recognizing their advocates, and an opportunity to financially contribute to the critical services that Smart Start makes available in the community. This year’s event has a Dr. Seuss theme. Call 815-3731 for more information.

Storytime at the Library

Leland’s Little Learners

Happy Little Singers

9:30 – 10:30am Wednesdays. Town of Leland. Free program for children ages 3-5 seeks to stimulate the minds of Leland’s children through story time, arts and crafts/ activities and time outside on the playground! During the

9:30; 10:00; 10:30am Thursdays. Northeast & Myrtle Grove Library. Lapsit, Toddler, and Preschool storytimes! Stories, songs, and age appropriate activities for each group. Call 798-6303 with questions. 9:45am Thursdays. Ms. Susan’s Room. Ages 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play. $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information.

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Charlie Brown. You’ll get to experience all the classic characters set to exciting music by Clark Gesner. Admission $12. Visit www. thalian.org for more information.

StoryCOOKS – Carrot Soup

10am Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Cooking club for preschoolers. Read a story and create a dish inspired by the book. Sponsored by Harris Teeter. Call 254-3534 to pre-register.

4 Friday

Musical Munchkins

10am, Thursdays. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Music time at Hullabaloo! Let your Munchkin stomp, dance, march to the beat. Try a musical instrument and more! Visit www.hullabalooplay.com for details.

Story time at Hullabaloo

Kindermusik for Babies

10:30am. Learning Express, Oleander Rd. Gentle music and movement with you, your child and Kindermusik educator Catherine Szuch. Ages newborn to 1 year. Reservations required. Call 313-3100 for details.

10am, Fridays. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Bring your preschoolers and listen to a story followed by a themed activity. Themes change weekly. Visit www.hullabalooplay.com for a complete schedule.

March of Dimes Walk

Art and Craft Friday – Hot Mess Fingers, Feet, and Floor Painting

Friends of the Library Spring Booksale

10am Fridays. The Art Works, 200 Willard St. Children ages 3+ enjoy a weekly Art/Craft project. $10 per child. Visit www.mssusans-room.com for weekly events. Contact 777-8889 or info@ ms-susans-room.com to register.

stART with a Story – Mouse Paint: Color Mixing

3:30pm Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Start with a story and then add ART! It’s the perfect way to connect literacy with the arts. Join us each week to create a masterpiece that reinforces a fun book. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org for more information.

Toddler Time – Finger Paint Blossoms

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.

Stop Animation

3:30pm. Thursdays. Myrtle Grove Library. Create your own Stop Animation movie using ReadyANIMATOR,iStopMotion and iMovie! Appointments available at 3:30pm & 4:15pm. Registration required. Call 798-6393. Ages 8 & up. Limit two children per session. Call 798-6353 for details.

Family Yoga Story Time

10:30am Fridays. NHC Main Library. Parents and children 6 months+ have fun listening to stories while learning basic yoga postures. Bring mat or beach towel. Call 798-6303 with questions.

Art and Craft Thursday

4pm Thursdays. The Art Works, 200 Willard St. All ages welcome! Enjoy a weekly Art/Craft project. $10 per child. Visit www.mssusans-room.com for weekly events. Contact 777-8889 or info@ ms-susans-room.com to register.

Adventures in Art – Plants in a Jar

LEGO Duplo Club

5-6pm, Thursdays. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Toddlers and parents come play, build and imagine! Call 509-3353 for details.

Character Appearance: Peter Rabbit

Paint & Play

Friends of the Library Spring Booksale

3:30pm Fridays. Children’s Museum. Experience different forms of art each week. This class is limited to 15 children and designed for children ages 5-8 years. Call 254-3534 to pre-register and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

5:30-8:30pm, Thursdays. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Ever want to get lost in the world of painting? Now’s your chance, bring your kids to play while you take a class! Call 821-1250 for pricing information.

Barnes & Noble Story Time – Dr. Seuss & Cat in the Hat 7pm Fridays. Barnes & Noble. Come meet Cat in the Hat in person! We’ll be reading Dr. Seuss stories and have activities. Call 509-1880 for details.

6-7pm, Thursdays. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. All ages are welcome to enjoy an evening of building fun! Call 509-3353 for details.

Jazz @ The CAM Series: Cape Fear Jazz Orchestra

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

6:30-8pm. Cameron Art Museum. A 16 piece jazz ensemble which performs repertory and contemporary works written for the large jazz ensemble. It is composed of some of the area’s top musicians under the direction of Jerald Shynett. Visit www.cameronartmuseum.org for ticket information.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

7pm. Hannah Block Historic USO & Community Arts Center. Thalian Association Children’s Theater presents a loving homage to the wonderful characters of Charles Schulz. This is presented as an ordinary day in the life of our favorite down-trodden hero,

4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. Bring your camera, kids and a carrot, and meet Peter Rabbit. Call 509-0153 for details. 6-9pm. Northeast Library. Spring booksale preview and sale for Friends of the Library only. Come as a Friend or join at the door. Call 798-6371 for details.

LEGO Club

historic downtown river district. The market features local farmers, producers, artists and crafters. Products include fresh fruits and berries, vegetables, plants, herbs, flowers, eggs, cheeses, meats, seafood, honey, baked goods, legumes, pickled items, jams and jellies, wine, art, crafts and more. Call 910-538-6223 for more information.

7pm. Hannah Block Historic USO & Community Arts Center. See 04/03.

5 Saturday NC Azalea Festival 5K/10K/Fun Walk

7am. Mayfaire Town Center. All proceeds from this event benefit the Cape Fear Volunteer Center Big Buddy Program. Register now at www.active.com to participate in the race.

Riverfront Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, Saturdays. Riverfront Park. A weekly market in the

9am-2pm. Hugh MacRae Park. Join our event and walk with us to raise money for babies right here in our community! Visit www. marchforbabies.org to register. 9am-5pm. Northeast Library. A booklover’s paradise! Browse thousands of used books of all types for all ages. Prices range from $1 to $3 Saturday. Call 798-6371 for details.

Happy Little Singers

9:45am Saturdays. Ms. Susan’s Room. Ages 6 months to 6 years. Sing, Dance and Creative Play $10 per family with one to two children, $5 each additional child. Drop-ins welcome. Call 777-8889 for more information.

LEGO Easter Bunny Build

10am. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Children 6 to 12 can come and help build a large lego project that will be displayed for all of April. Call 509-3353 for more information.

Character Appearance: Peter Rabbit

10-11am. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. Bring your camera, kids and a carrot, and meet Peter Rabbit. Call 313-3100 for details.

Storytime: The Pigeon Needs a Bath

11am. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. It’s bath time and Pigeon won’t go willingly! Join us for a reading of The Pigeon Needs a Bath!, followed by more stories and pigeon activities! Call 509-1880 for more information.

Money Smart Day: Money Habitudes for Teens

12:30pm. Main Library. Free event. A fun, thought-provoking game that gets high school students to talk about money. As they play, teens will become aware of their own spending habits and attitudes about money, and consider how to approach important future financial decisions. Pizza, popcorn and refreshments will be served. Call 798-6306 to register.

Incredible Insects Learning Center

1-4pm. Cape Fear Museum. Get a “bug’s-eye” view as you explore the incredible world of insects! Investigate how they communicate and what they build. Discover flying insects and learn why bees “dance.” Make a butterfly and a glow-in-the-dark. Parental participation is required. Free for members or with general admission. Visit www.capefearmuseum.com for more information.

Money Smart Day: Stone Soup

1:30pm. Main Library. Free event. “Stone Soup” is a lively, interactive play based on a classic folktale about sharing. The performance by Rags to Riches Theatre of Durham, NC, will appeal to young children. Board games, puppets, and Johnny Deas, financial literacy “edutainer” will perform songs and talk about personal finance for kids and teens. Pizza, popcorn and refreshments will be served. No registration required. Call 798-6306 for details.

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Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 15

Easter Egg Hunts Preschool Friendly Egg Hunt

4/11, 9am. Fit For Fun Center. Designed for the 5-andunder crowd and features a chance for kids to hunt for eggs with others in their age group, a guest bunny helping them along the way, a special snack, and more. $5 admission. Preregistration required. Visit www.fitforfuncenter.com for more information.

egg hunts along with a bounce house and even more surprises this year! Make sure to bring your camera and take pictures with Buddy the Battleship Bunny. Egg hunts will run throughout the event so that kids are guaranteed a chance to find eggs and will be able to “hunt” as many times as they like. Call 251-5797 for details.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

Silver Lake Baptist Easter Egg Hunt

Alligator Egg Hunt

Wrightsville Easter Egg Hunt

April 12th, 10am. Community Easter Egg Hunt at Castle Hayne Baptist Church for children 12 and under. 4/12-13 & 4/18-19. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Call 458-8257 for age group times. Kids will have a chance to play with a live baby alligator and learn about these fascinating animals. They will also get to create their own special alligator egg basket and then hunt for candy filled “alligator eggs.” Limited space is available. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required.

April 19th, 1-4pm. Silver Lake Baptist. Games, crafts, and Easter egg hunt. 4/19, 9:45am. Wrightsville Beach Park. The Easter Egg Hunt at Wrightsville Beach Park features Puppet Theater followed by the hunt for colorful ovals. Visit www.towb.org for details.

Easter Egg Hunt Carnival

4/18, 10am-2pm. Battleship NC. Continuous games and

Super Saturday Fun Time

3pm Saturdays. TheatreNow. Join DOCK, the dog, and his twolegged 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.

The Little Gym of Wilmington Open House

raffle and prize giveaways will also take place. All is followed by a light dinner, awards, special speakers, and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit Good Shepherd Center of Wilmington. Contact 763-4424 x113 to register.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Go Green Engineer Team – Target Practice: Build a Catapult

2-4pm. The Little Gym. Please come and help us celebrate our grand opening! We will have fun activities for the kids and light refreshments. Call 224-4059 for more information.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

3pm. Hannah Block Historic USO & Community Arts Center. See 04/03.

Statewide Star Party

7 Monday – World Health Day

3:30pm Mondays. Children’s Museum. Activities are hands-on challenges that focus on the engineering design process. They use simple materials, allow for multiple solutions, and are ideal for ages 5-10. Please pre-register by calling 254-3534 and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

Friends of the Library Spring Booksale

LEGOS in the Library

7pm. Hannah Block Historic USO & Community Arts Center. See 04/03. 7:30-10pm. Carolina Beach State Park. Join Cape Fear Astronomical Society, Cape Fear Museum, and other community partners for a free, fun-filled evening of stargazing and other astronomy activities. View celestial objects through telescopes, enjoy a Starlab planetarium show, participate in a ‘moon dance’, build a moon-phaser, investigate a digital video globe display of the Moon, and much more!For more information, call 458-8206.

6 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.

Friends of the Library Spring Booksale

11am-5pm. Northeast Library. A booklover’s paradise! Browse thousands of used books of all types for all ages. Sunday prices range from $.50-$2.00. Call 798-6371 for details.

5th Annual Touch-A-Truck Event

12:30pm. Mayfaire Town Center. This event provides kids with a hands-on chance to see and touch heavy machinery and meet the people who build, protect and serve the community. Other attractions include a hayride, face painting, inflatable castles, arts and crafts, and music by Mr. Mark with special appearances by Elmo & Big Red. Proceeds benefit the Junior League of Wilmington’s community projects. $5 admission. Visit www.mayfairetown.com for details.

Science in the Galleries Day

1-3pm. Cape Fear Museum. Free hands-on science experience. Families will build a light bulb, reconstruct a telegraph machine and use magnets to levitate a UFO. Visit www.capefearmuseum. com for more information.

Residents Free Day - Cape Fear Museum

1 – 5pm. Cape Fear Museum. NHC residents are admitted free to the Museum the first Sunday of every month. Call 798-4350 or visit www.capefearmuseum.com for information.

16 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

9am-6pm. Northeast Library. A booklover’s paradise! Browse thousands of used books of all types for all ages. Monday prices range from $.50-$2.00. Call 798-6371 for details.

Little Sprouts Story Time – Flower Garden

10am. Mondays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. For our preschoolers. Each week we’ll read a new story and do an activity inspired by the book. Please pre-register by calling 2543534 and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

Signs of Spring

10-11am. Halyburton Park. Bring your “Little Explorers” out to the park and discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Ages 2-5, $3/participant. Call 341-0075 to reserve a spot.

Yoga for Moms

10:30-11:30am Mondays. Hullabaloo, Hampstead. Bring your mat and $10. Childcare for your little one provided at $7.00. Call 821-1250 for details.

Family Storytime

10:30am, Mondays. Carolina Beach Library. All ages are invited to enjoy stories, fingerplays, and other pre-literacy enhancing activities. No registration is required. Call 798-6303 for details.

Railroad Story Time

10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $4/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information.

3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day - singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 798-6303 to reserve a spot.

8 Tuesday Friends of the Library Spring Booksale

9am-6pm. Northeast Library. A booklover’s paradise! Browse thousands of used books of all types for all ages. Tuesday prices range from $.25-$1.00 and they will be selling fast! Call 7986371 for details.

Barnes & Noble Toddler Story Time – Cuckoo!

10am Tuesdays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 509-1880 for details.

Little Hands Art – Do a Dot Easter Art

10am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. & Oleander Dr. locations. Celebrate Mardi Gras and make a festive mask. Ages 2-5. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for details.

Signs of Spring

LEGOS in the Library

10:30am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. For ages 1-3 with Dance with Me director Danielle Tisdale. Boogie down and have fun! Reservations required. Call 509-0153 for details.

3:30pm. Carolina Beach Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day - singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 7986393 to reserve a spot.

11th Annual Golf Tournament & Games Day

Kids Cooking Club – Snail Snacks

Baby Dance Boogie

11am. Country Club of Landfall. Golf and Games, such as: Duplicate Bridge, Party Bridge, Mah Jongg and Mexican Train. A 50/50

3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesdays. Children’s Museum. Learn new skills and explore fun seasonal recipes. Then savor the flavor of your

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hard work. Kids Cooking Club is sponsored by Harris Teeter. Visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes and call 254-3534 to pre-register.

American Girl Night: Addy

7pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Set during America’s own struggle over slavery, the Civil War, Addy’s story is one of great courage and love -- love of family and love of freedom. Call 509-1880 for details.

9 Wednesday

Lily Nicole & Co

™

Unique Boutique for the Unique Child

Poplar Grove’s Farmers Market

8am-1pm. Poplar Grove Plantation. Join us at the beautiful historic Poplar Grove Mansion every Wednesday for the Farmer’s Market. Interact with the people growing, catching, baking and producing your food and other products. This is a great way to connect with the community and find one-of-a kind goods including crafts and delicious foods for the whole family! Visit www. poplargrove.com for more information.

Friends of the Library Spring Booksale

9am-2pm. Northeast Library. A booklover’s paradise! Browse thousands of used books of all types for all ages. Last day prices are $1.50 a yard or &.10 a piece. Call 798-6371 for details.

Preschool Science – Mini Tornadoes

10am. Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Hands-on activities geared for little ones allowing them to explore the world around them. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Kindermusik for Babies

Discover Science – Build a Spinning Top

3:30pm Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Explore and learn about the scientific process through critical thinking skills. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org to pre-register.

10 Thursday – National Siblings Day French for Tots

10am. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. Language Workshop for Children from the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Say “bonjour” to musical and prop-filled fun in French with Madame Marie Field. Ages 6 months and up. Reservations Required. Call 313-3100 for details.

Exclusively at

StoryCOOKS – Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake

10am Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Cooking club for preschoolers. Read a story and create a dish inspired by the book. Sponsored by Harris Teeter. Call 254-3534 to pre-register.

Children’s Discovery Time

11am. Fort Fisher Aquarium. Creatures come alive in this story telling and critter-creating program. A special craft is included with each program. A different animal topic is offered for each date. Some programs include live animals. Visit www.ncaquariums.com for details.

203 Racine Dr. Wilmington, NC • 910.799.5793 • M-F 10-6, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5

stART with a Story – A Day With No Crayons: Nature Prints

Film Club – Movie Making for Tweens & Teens!

3:30pm. Main Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day - singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 798-6303 to reserve a spot.

4:30-5:30pm. Main Library. Film Club is a three-part program series that teaches children how to make their own movies. Over the course of a month, children will drive the process of creating one short film. By registering for Film Club, your child will need to attend ALL THREE sessions: 4/10, 4/17, 4/24. Ages 10 and up. To register contact Mr. Scooter at shayes@nhcgov.com or 798-6303.

Film Club – Movie Making for Kids!

Cole Brothers Big Top Circus

LEGOS in the Library

3:30-4:30pm. Main Library. Film Club is a three-part program series that teaches children how to make their own movies. Over the course of a month, children will drive the process of creating one short film. By registering for Film Club, your child will need to attend ALL THREE sessions: 4/10, 4/17, 4/24. Ages 7 to 9. To register contact Mr. Scooter at shayes@nhcgov.com or 798-6303.

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4:30 & 7:30. Wilmington International Airport. A favorite event of the Azalea Festival. Its combination of costumed characters, acrobatics, clowns, and more draws packed crowds each year. This year’s performance features a trio of talented elephants, fearless flyers, camels, clowns, motorcycle maniacs in the Globe of Death, clever canines, teeterboard acrobats, trapeze, aerial gymnasts, the world’s funniest horse, the White Tiger Act, a fast-paced dog act,

a high wire troupe, and of course, The Human Cannonball! Visit www.ncazaleafestival.org for ticket information.

Hootenanny at Bellamy with John Golden and Friends

6:30-7:30pm. Bellamy Mansion. Great local musicians Susan Savia, Catesby Jones, Mark Teachey, Eric Miller and Alex Lanier (The L Shape Lot Duo) join John Golden for an evening of roots, folk and classic tunes. Wine, beer and snacks for sale. Bring a picnic, a lawn chair, and the kids! Visit www.belamymansion.org for more information.

NC Azalea Festival: Off the Beaten Path

8pm. The Miller Lite Main Stage, CFCC. Justin Moore will headline the stage with his “Off The Beaten Path” tour accompanied by Randy Houser and Josh Thompson. The trio will start off a glorious weekend of music that is capped by a two night performance

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 17

11 Friday Art and Craft Friday – Butterflies

Toddler Time – Spring Vases

Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour

10am-6pm. Wilmington. The tour has been featured in Southern Living and is one of the longest-running and most popular garden tours in the South. Profits from the tour are distributed throughout our community as beautification and horticulture grants; scholarship grants at the UNC - Wilmington and CFCC; and support for conservation efforts at Battery Island, a National Audubon Society bird sanctuary. Visit www.ncazaleafestival.org for ticket information.

Sticky Mosaic Craft Day

11am-4pm. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Children ages 5-12 can come make a craft with the popular Sticky Mosaics. Call 509-3353 for details.

Adventures in Art – Sponge Painted Bunnies

Character Appearance: Curious George

phies will be up for grabs. A portion of the tournament proceeds will go to support the Brigade Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington. Call 336-325-3183 for more information.

NC Azalea Festival Concert: Widespread Panic!

8pm. The Miller Lite Main Stage, CFCC. Experience the highly acclaimed and devotedly followed Southern Rock Band from Athens, Georgia. Visit www.ncazaleafestival.org for ticket information.

12 Saturday NC Azalea Festival Parade

9am. Downtown Wilmington. Annual event that is viewed by over 100,000 people. Join us for this year’s Parade and enjoy the floats, marching units and bands, clowns and horses, all highlighted by visiting celebrities, the Azalea Queen and her court, and the Azalea Princess!

Cole Brothers Big Top Circus

1:30, 4:30 & 7:30. Wilmington International Airport. See 04/10.

Story Art

Rainbow Loom Club for Rookies

10am. Myrtle Grove Library. Join Miss Jamie for stories followed by an art activity inspired by books. Art activities help children learn a variety of early literacy skills. Making art is a creative process. Experimenting with different materials help children develop fine motor skills and their five senses. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 798-6391 for details.

8pm. The Miller Lite Main Stage, CFCC. See 04/11.

Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off

Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour

12-2pm. Carolina Beach. Free event. Hang Ten with Surf-n-Science and learn how waves form, break, and are ridden by surfers. Discover the importance of balance. Explore the impact of board shape and length. Catch a wave with experienced instructors who will teach you about the science and sport of surfing. Visit www. uncw.edu for details.

Face Painting Day

1-4pm. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Free face painting! Call 509-3353 for details.

Photo credit: Deborah Parker

Photo credit: Alexis Greco

NC Azalea Festival Concert: Widespread Panic!

NC Azalea Festival Street Fair

Surf-N-Science

18 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free event. For kids who are brand new loomers. Learn the basics with one of our teachers. Bring your loom and bands. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for more information.

2014 NC Open Foosball Championships

Parent’s Art Night

7pm. Breaktime Billiards. Over $1,000.00 in cash, prizes and tro-

2-3pm. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. He’s coming to town to visit us and to ride in the Azalea Festival parade! Call 313-3100 for details.

13 Sunday

6pm. Downtown Wilmington. The fun starts on Friday night with Riverfront Park Stage entertaining the crowds and food vendors filling the air with scrumptious smells. Visit www.ncazaleafestival. org for details.

2014 NC Open Foosball Championships

Character Appearance: Curious George

10am-6pm. Wilmington. See 04/11.

11:30am. Carolina Beach Lake Park. Chowder, live music, games for the kids and much more! The Mark Roberts Band and the Kidz Zone which will have face painting and a 3 in 1 inflatable house. There will also be hotdogs, funnel cakes, soft drinks and beer and wine for sale. Call 458-8434 for details.

7pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Henny is a chick whos just a little different from everyone else in the barn and learns to embrace her special gift! Call 509-1880 for details.

Easter in the Woods

9:30-11:30am. Halyburton Park. Join park naturalist into the world of birds and discover what tasty treats and feeders will attract these fantastic creatures each season. Each participant will receive a sample seed bag, handouts, bird feeding chart, and more depending on the session. $10/Participant. Call 341-0075 for details.

10:30am. Breaktime Billiards. See 04/11.

Family Storytime: Henny

1-6pm. Wilmington. A tour of Wilmington’s most beautiful historic homes. Wilmington’s historic districts boast many stunning homes and on the tour, visit mansions, bungalows, contemporary styles and much more for an eclectic and fascinating view of life across the city. Tour at your leisure. Visit www.ncazaleafestival.org for details.

Backyard Birding and Bird Feeding

Cole Brothers Big Top Circus

7pm. The Art Works, 200 Willard St. Fun with Watercolors, Complimentary Wine, Snacks and Dessert. $15 per person. Contact 777-8889 to register.

NC Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour

All Day. Downtown Wilmington. Free, family event with over 200 arts and craft vendors, 40 food vendors, 4 stages, a children’s area and a whole lot of fun! Visit www.ncazaleafestival.org for details.

Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour

NC Azalea Festival Street Fair

1:30-3pm. Halyburton Park. Discover how the furry, feathered, scaly creatures of Halyburton Park celebrate Easter by joining us on a hike into the realm of a pine forest. Later we will create a really wild Easter craft. Ages 6-11, $5/participant. Call 341-0075 for more information.

NC Azalea Festival Street Fair

4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. He’s coming to town to visit us and to ride in the Azalea Festival parade! Call 509-0153 for details. 4:30 & 7:30. Wilmington International Airport. See 04/10.

Incredible Insects Learning Center

All Day. Downtown Wilmington. See 04/12. 10am-6pm. Wilmington. See 04/11.

NC Azalea Festival Historic Home Tour 1-5pm. Wilmington. See 04/12.

Cole Brothers Big Top Circus

1:30 & 4:30. Wilmington International Airport. See 04/10.

14 Monday Little Sprouts Story Time – Waiting for Wings

10am. Mondays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. For our preschoolers. Each week we’ll read a new story and do an activity inspired by the book. Please pre-register by calling 254-3534 and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

Photo credit: M. Peterson

from southern jam-band giant, Widespead Panic. Visit www. ncazaleafestival.org for ticket information.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

LEGO Spring Break Master Builders Club Event

2-3pm at Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd & 4-5pm at Oleander Dr. Come and build something awesome with NO instructions and enter to win prizes in both stores. LEGO bricks provided. Please call for a reservation, and bring your creativity. Call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for more information.

Go Green Engineer Team – Soft Landing: Design & Build an Airbag System

LEGOS in the Library

3:30pm. Northeast Library. Come, create, play! See if you can meet the challenge of the day singly or with a friend. Bring your imagination. No fees, but registration is required. Call 7986303 to reserve a spot.

15 Tuesday Spanish for Tots

9:45am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. Language Workshop for Children from the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Playful immersion in the language with native Spanish speaker Karina Villalobos. Ages 6 months and up. Reservations Required. Call 509-0153 for details.

Barnes & Noble Toddler Story Time – Little Frogs Tadpole Trouble

10am Tuesdays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 5091880 for details.

Kids Cooking Club – Pasta Salad

LEGOS in the Library

3:30-4:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Create Lego structures by yourself or with a friend. Monthly theme challenges will be given at the beginning of each meeting. Regular meetings will be held monthly. There are no fees, but registration is required. Call 798-6393 to reserve a spot.

16 Wednesday Preschool Science – Kaleidoscopes

10am. Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Hands-on activities geared for little ones allowing them to explore the world around them. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Family Movie at the Library

2-4:15pm. Northeast Library. Join us for a free award winning animated movie by Disney. It won the Golden Globe for best animate feature in 2014. Bring your drinks and snacks. Call 7986373 for details . No registration required.

Rainbow Loom Club for Rookies – Spring Break Class

Explore and learn about the scientific process through critical thinking skills. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org to pre-register.

Snake and Turtle Feeding

4-4:30pm. Halyburton Park. Enjoy a brief presentation about the live animals on display in the Event Center and then watch them feed. At least one snake and a turtle will be fed during the demonstration. Ages 3 & up. $1/participant. Call 341-0075 for details.

Rainbow Loom Club for Pros – Spring Break Class

4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free event. Kids who are intermediate or expert level loomers. Bring your own loom and bands. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for more information.

International Film Series: Up the Yangtze

6:30pm. Cape Fear Academy. FREE. Join us for the final film in this International Film Series. At the edge of the Yangtze River, not far from the Three Gorges Dam, young men and women take up employment on a cruise ship, where they confront rising waters and a radically changing China. Call 791-0287 for details.

17 Thursday Spring Eggventure

9am-12pm. Halyburton Park. Programs and activities for the day include animal eggs, and nests, egglympics, story time, and spring nature hike. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Egg Hunts will take place at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 for all 3 age groups. $5/participant. Call 341-0075 for details.

StoryCOOKS – Fancy Nancy’s Elegant Easter 10am Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Cooking club for preschoolers. Read a story and create a dish inspired by the book. Sponsored by Harris Teeter. Call 254-3534 to pre-register.

Kindermusik for Babies

Geocaching and Orienteering in Nature 1:30-3pm. Halyburton Park. Join park naturalist for an afternoon of geocaching; a real world treasure hunt using a compass and/or gps. In addition, each participant will learn basic orienteering skills which are essential to finding your way through the woods. $7/Participant. Ages 6-11, $5/participant. Call 341-0075 for more information.

stART with a Story – Ollie’s Easter Eggs: Egg Decorating 3:30pm Thursdays. Children’s Museum. Start with a story and then add ART! It’s the perfect way to connect literacy with the arts. Join us each week to create a masterpiece that reinforces a fun book. Call 254-3534 or visit www. playwilmington.org for more information.

Magic Tree House: Sunset of the Sabertooth

3-4pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free event. For kids who are brand new loomers. Learn the basics with one of our teachers. Bring your loom and bands. Reservations suggested. Call 509-0153 or 3133100 for more information.

7pm. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Storytime, discussion, and activities. Jack and Annie are whisked all the way back to the Ice Age in this compelling Magic Tree House time-travel adventure where they meet woolly mammoths, cave people, and fierce sabertooth tigers! Call 509-1880 for details.

Discover Science – Dissecting Colors

Motherhood Out Loud

3:30pm Wednesdays. Children’s Museum.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

8pm. Cape Fear Playhouse. Big Dawg Produc-

Childcare Listing Guide Childcare 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.net 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

Drop in childcare Power of Play Drop-N-Go 6644 Gordon Road Wilmington, NC 28411 910-332-1660 www.powerofplaywilmington.com Open Monday-Saturday during operating hours for potty-trained children ages 4-11. Simply Play Drop In Child Care 3818 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-0022 www.playsimplyplay.com Simply Play is an hourly drop-in child care center, specializing in part-time child care that’s fun, flexible and convenient. Mon-Thurs 8:30am-8:30pm, Fri-Sat. 8:30am-11:30pm .

Babysitting Services Nancy’s Nannies, Inc. 252-726-6575 www.nancysnannies.com nancy@nancysnannies.com Providing Babysitting & Nanny Service, from Morehead City to Wilmington, NC since 1991.

Parents Night Out Carolina Gymnastics Academy 3529 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmingon, NC 28412 910-796-1896 www.carolinagymnasticsacademy.com Friday & Saturday night, 6-10pm, for ages 3 – 10. Power of Play 6644 Gordon Rd. Wilmington, NC 28411 910-332-1660 www.powerofplaywilmington.com Saturday night, 6-10pm, for ages 3-11

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 19

tions presents a series of short sketches and monologues exploring all facets of a family -- from adoption to surrogacy to gay parenting to stepmothers. Call 367-5237 for details.

required at all times. For more information, contact Georgia@ cameronartmuseum.com.

18 Friday – Good Friday

1-3pm. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Bring the kids and a camera and meet your favorite furry red monster! Call 509-3353 for details.

Meet and Greet Elmo

10th Annual Rims on the River

All day. Downtown Wilmington. Featuring cars and motorcycles dating to 1980 and older lining the streets of historic downtown Wilmington, NC, with the Cape Fear River as their backdrop. The event begins with live music in various venues, and includes a free concert. Visit www.rimsontheriver.com for more information.

Incredible Insects Learning Center

Bugs and Butterflies

9am-12pm. Children’s Museum. Join us for some springtime fun at our annual Bugs and Butterflies Egg Hunt Event! There will be egg decorating, make a fabric bitty bunny, egg hunts with different times for all ages, help plant our butterfly garden, and outdoor games. Call 254-3534 for more information.

Rainbow Loom Club for Pros

3-4pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff & Oleander locations. Free event. Kids who are intermediate or expert level loomers. Bring your own loom and bands. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for more information.

Art and Craft Friday – Bunnies

Motherhood Out Loud

8pm. Cape Fear Playhouse.See 04/17.

20 Sunday - Easter

Adventures in Art – Beautiful Butterflies

10th Annual Rims on the River

All day. Downtown Wilmington. See 04/18.

Easter Brunch w/ Grenaldo Frazier

12pm. TheatreNow. Presenting an Easter Brunch with acclaimed local pianist Grenoldo Frazier Call 399-3669 for more information.

Pat the Real Baby Bunnies

4-5:30pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. Bring your camera and your kids and capture some of the most adorable Easter photos ever. Baby bunnies visit every year from Wilmington’s Wyldan Woolies Rabbitry. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 to reserve a spot.

Motherhood Out Loud

8pm. Cape Fear Playhouse. See 04/17.

21 Monday – Patriots Day

Barnes & Noble Family Story Time – Cloudette

7pm Fridays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 509-1880 for details.

Little Sprouts Story Time – The Reason for a Flower

10am. Mondays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. For our preschoolers. Each week we’ll read a new story and do an activity inspired by the book. Please pre-register by calling 254-3534 and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

Motherhood Out Loud

8pm. Cape Fear Playhouse. See 04/17.

19 Saturday

Incredible Insects

10th Annual Rims on the River

All day. Downtown Wilmington. See 04/18.

Pat the Real Baby Bunnies

10:30am-12pm. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. Bring your camera and your kids and capture some of the most adorable Easter photos ever. Baby bunnies visit every year from Wilmington’s Wyldan Woolies Rabbitry. Reservations required. Call 313-3100 to reserve a spot. 12-3pm. Cameron Art Museum. Admission by donation. Guest artist Steve Myott will lead art projects and activities inspired by our exhibition, Corrugated World: The Artwork of James Grashow. Create your own art you can take home! All ages welcome. No pre-registration necessary. Parental supervision

22 Tuesday Little Hands Art – Do a Dot Easter Art

10am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. & Oleander Dr. locations. Celebrate Mardi Gras and make a festive mask. Ages 2-5. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 or 313-3100 for details.

Barnes & Noble Toddler Story Time – The Grouchy Ladybug

10am Tuesdays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 509-1880 for details.

Incredible Insects

Kids Cooking Club – Pizza Sandwiches

Preschool Math and Science Program

3:30pm. Myrtle Grove Library. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive storytimes, hands on science experiments, and exploration stations. Ages 2-5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 798-6365 for registration.

23 Wednesday Preschool Science – Hoop Gliders

10am. Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Hands-on activities geared for little ones allowing them to explore the world around them. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Kindermusik for Babies

Railroad Story Time

Discover Science – Shrinky Dinks

Baby Dance Boogie

Preschool Math and Science Program

10:30am. Wilmington Railroad Museum. Hear stories and enjoy creative activities in the Children’s Hall. $4/Family. Free/Members. Call 763-2634 for more information.

Kids @ CAM

Go Green Engineer Team – Earth Friendly Bird House

10:30am. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. For ages 1-3 with Dance with Me director Danielle Tisdale. Boogie down and have fun! Reservations required. Call 313-3100 for details.

10:30am. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. Gentle music and movement with you, your child and Kindermusik educator Catherine Szuch. Ages newborn to 1 year. Reservations required. Call 509-0153 for details. 3:30pm Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Explore and learn about the scientific process through critical thinking skills. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org to pre-register. 3:30pm. Northeast Library. Math and science concepts will be introduced through interactive storytimes, hands on science experiments, and exploration stations. Ages 2-5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 798-6365 for registration.

24 Thursday – Take Your Daughter to Work Day

20 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

Photo credit: Tonya Sales

Photo credit: Sophia Brewer

French for Tots

Children’s Discovery Time

Storytime: It’s an Orange Aardvark!

11am. Barnes & Noble, Mayfaire. Ants and aardvarks and

www.wilmingtonparent.com

rainbows, oh my! Join us for this special Storytime followed with fun activities. Call 509-1880 for details.

stART with a Story – Little Owl’s Night: Owl Collage

LEGOS in the Library

25 Friday Art and Craft Friday – Bubble Wrap Prints

Toddler Time – Toddler Egg Decorating

Incredible Insects Learning Center

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer Research

1-4pm. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. 2nd annual “Shave for Sean” event raising money for life-saving childhood cancer research. Purchase silent auction or baked good items, make a donation, become a shavee, or just come and show your support for local children battling cancer. All money raised goes directly to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/shaveforsean2 for more information.

American Girl Truly Talented You Event

3-4pm. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. Celebrate your talents! American Girl activities and fun for girls ages 6-12. Register to win a girl of the year Isabella doll: all month long. Call 313-3100 for reservations.

Rainbow Loom Club for Rookies

Sticky Mosaic Craft Day

11am-4pm. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Children ages 5-12 can come make a craft with the popular Sticky Mosaics. Call 509-3353 for details.

27 Sunday – Tell a Story Day

Adventures in Art – Color Dot Design

3:00 and 5:30. The festival includes “The Velveteen Rabbit” produced by The Dance Element, “Tea for Ruby” set by Raleigh Dance Theater and produced by The Wilmington Ballet Company, “excerpts from In Wonderland” a collaboration between Wilmington School of Ballet & The Cape Fear Dance Theater, “ a clogging exhibition” by Dance Express Cloggers, and “excerpts from pink-a-licous” by performance club. This wonderful dance event will be a fantastic family show sure to delight children of all ages!!!!! see www.wilmingtonballetcompany.org for more information

American Girl Truly Talented You Event

4:30-5:30pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. Celebrate your talents! American Girl activities and fun for girls ages 6-12. Register to win a girl of the year Isabella doll: all month long. Call 509-0153 for reservations.

Fourth Friday Gallery Walk

6 – 9pm. Downtown Galleries & Studios. An after-hours celebration of art and culture through a self-guided tour. Free. Visit www.wilmingtondowntown.com or call 343-8997 for map of participants.

Barnes & Noble Family Story Time – Children Make Terrible Pets 7pm Fridays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 509-1880 for details.

26 Saturday Healthy Kids Day

9:30am. Empire Park. Free event. The City of Wilmington and the YMCA present a variety of activities including tennis, soccer, and basketball sports stations with challenges and prizes; fantasy face painting; kids zumba, yoga, and bootcamp; bicycle obstacle course; health education booths; health screenings; farmers’ market, and more. Call 341-4631 for more information.

4-5pm. Learning Express, Military Cutoff Rd. Free event. For kids who are brand new loomers. Learn the basics with one of our teachers. Bring your loom and bands. Reservations suggested. Call 509-0153 for more information.

Wilmington Ballet Company’s first annual Cape Fear Dance Festival at Thalian Hall

Free Family Concert

4pm. Kenan Auditorium. This annual Free Family Concert features the Junior Division winner or the 37th annual Richard R. Deas Student Concerto Competition accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra. Call 962-3500 for details.

28 Monday Little Sprouts Story Time – Messy Bessy Garden

10am. Mondays. Children’s Museum. Please pre-register. For our preschoolers. Each week we’ll read a new story and do an activity inspired by the book. Please pre-register by calling 254-3534 and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

Go Green Engineer Team – Paddle Power: Design & Build a Boat

challenges that focus on the engineering design process. They use simple materials, allow for multiple solutions, and are ideal for ages 5-10. Please pre-register by calling 254-3534 and visit www.playwilmington.org for weekly themes.

29 Tuesday Wrightsville Beach Waterman Ocean Festival

All Day. Holiday Inn Resort, Wrightsville Beach. Enjoy five days of surfing with competitions, special guest stars and history surf lessons for kids. On Saturday get ready to watch contestants race in the Longboard Classic Pro-Am heats and semi-finals and on Sunday enjoy the SUP Ocean Race and Longboard Finals. Visit www.wblasurf.org for details.

Spanish for Tots

9:45am. Learning Express, Oleander Dr. Language Workshop for Children from the Children’s Museum of Wilmington. Playful immersion in the language with native Spanish speaker Karina Villalobos. Ages 6 months and up. Reservations Required. Call 313-3100 for details.

Barnes & Noble Toddler Story Time – Froggy Gets a Doggy

10am Tuesdays. Barnes & Noble. Enjoy weekly story time in the Children’s section. Call 509-1880 for details.

Kids Cooking Club – Lemonade & Egg Salad Sandwiches

30 Wednesday Wrightsville Beach Waterman Ocean Festival

All Day. Holiday Inn Resort, Wrightsville Beach. See 04/29.

Preschool Science – Magic Milk Experiment

10am. Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Hands-on activities geared for little ones allowing them to explore the world around them. Visit www.playwilmington.org for details.

Discover Science – String Puppets

3:30pm Wednesdays. Children’s Museum. Explore and learn about the scientific process through critical thinking skills. Call 254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org to pre-register.

To submit events to the calendar, please email

calendar.wilmingtonparent @gmail.com Deadline for submissions to the May issue is April 9, 2014.

3:30pm Mondays. Children’s Museum. Activities are hands-on

Earth Day Festival: “Clean Water Starts Here”

12-6pm. Hugh MacRae Park. This spectacular springtime activity includes free live music, local businesses, area crafts vendors, food and beverages (including local organic selections), Kids EcoZone, and Kids Nature Brigade Parade! Visit www.wilmingtonearthday.com for a complete listing of activities.

Face Painting Day

1-4pm. Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Mayfaire. Free face painting! Call 509-3353 for details.

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Photo credit: Stella McTaggart

Story Art

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 21

Turn Your Backyard into a Natural Playland By Christa Melnyk Hines

ransform an ordinary backyard into a captivating, natural wonderland and you’ll harness the curiosity and imagination of your children in a whole new way. With a little ingenuity, create a multi-sensory landscape that provides your children with an enriching, year-round fresh-air retreat. Jocelyn Chilvers, a 30-year veteran in landscape design, as well as an artist, teacher and author of the blog “The Art Garden,” suggests that you work three different areas into your landscape. These areas, including active play, interactive play and seasonal observation areas, should evolve with your child’s changing interests.

Active Play Area Plan open spaces for active play to accommodate your children’s ages and their favorite activities. While a young child might prefer a sand box and swing set, an older child might need more space for playing croquet or volleyball. Also, include an area in which the children can do whatever they like. “For my three boys, that means unfettered digging! In fact, they have been working on ‘the crater’ for at least three years now,” says Jamie McIntosh, an award-winning writer and author of the blog “Organic Gardens.” In addition, an enclosed area encourages imaginative play. “Kids appreciate an area that feels like they are in their own little world,” Chilvers says. If you live in an area with few mature trees, create structures for shady retreats such as a canvas canopy or a metal or wood structure like a gazebo.

Interactive Learning Area Designate a space in the garden for you and your children to plant a garden or design a birdhouse together. A low bench for potting plants and a raised garden make it easier for a child to tend her garden. Offer a special place for her to keep her gloves and gardening tools alongside your potting area. “Let her select the plants and help her plant them,” Chilvers says. “Take digital photos and make a picture book of the summer.” Try integrating storybook elements in their “play garden”, including a Charlotte’s Web wire in a tree, a cottage playhouse and plants with names like Blue Fairy Clematis, Robin Hood tulips and Ruby Slipper poppies. Further cultivate an appreciation for the world outside through recycling. “It’s never too early to teach children how to be good environmental stewards,” McIntosh says. “We compost all of our kitchen vegetable scraps and my children like to see what insects are crawling around in the compost bin when we add the scraps.”

Seasonal Observational Learning Area Children love to study bees collecting pollen, observe birds searching for worms, search for animal tracks or patiently wait for a butterfly to break out of its cocoon. “Include features in your garden that allow you and your child to observe nature and seasonal changes throughout the year,” Chilvers says. Bring calming water elements into your garden and follow the aquatic life cycle of fish and plants. For younger kids “a self-contained waterfall fountain is safe and inexpensive,” McIntosh says. Create a bird-feeding station in the winter, and plant flowers in the spring that attract bees and butterflies to your garden throughout the summer. In the fall, put the “garden to bed” in preparation for the winter.

A Multi-Sensory Garden Experience Provide children the opportunity to indulge in a garden that satisfies all five of the senses. Plant showy, fast-growing sunflowers or lilies and fragrant herbs like mint and lemon balm. McIntosh recommends fuzzy, soft lamb’s ears and “the curious sensitive plant, which folds in when touched.” And since children love to pick flowers, McIntosh suggests flowers like snapdragons, pansies, cosmos and marigolds that respond to picking by producing more blossoms. Children can taste the fruit of their labors if together you plant small fruit or vegetables. Thornfree raspberry or blackberry bushes are also a great option. (As a cautionary note, instruct your children to always ask you before eating anything from the garden.) For expert landscape advice, consult an experienced independent landscape designer with formal training in landscape design or landscape architecture. You can also request examples of familyfriendly designs that work for your specific needs. v Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom’s Guide to a Satisfying Social Life. She and her husband are parents to two boys who love to dig in the dirt.

22 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

| your health

Prescription Addiction

“I

By Dermot Gibney

t’s a massive issue, the problem is that a lot of the people affected by it have no idea the danger they’ve been exposed to.” Mark Allen is a leader at Port City Community Church’s Refuge program. The issue he is addressing is the abuse of pain medication and it is has a strong foothold in Wilmington. Unfortunately, what we are experiencing in our area is now considered a national epidemic and women are disproportionately affected by this trend.

The Facts • Opiate overdoses are killing more people then traffic accidents in the U.S. • They are responsible for more deaths then any illegal street drug. • The potential catastrophic effect of this issue has led the CDC to make the reduction of opiate use their PRIMARY goal in 2014. • Women are twice as likely to become addicted to prescription pain pills than men. • Middle class suburban medicine cabinets are replacing urban street corners as the gateway to drug addiction. • A staggering eighty percent of pills are being obtained from friends and family. • Pain pill prescriptions have risen by 400% in the past decade and the fatality rate has paralleled that increase seamlessly. • One third of teens surveyed believe that while prescription drugs will get you “high” they are not addictive because they come from a doctor. We are all too familiar with the devastation that illegal drugs has had on our children. What we are dealing with today has put our children in another kind of drug induced nightmare; the loss of a parent to drug overdose. Opiates have become common place treatments for a wide variety of pain related issues. It has become very challenging for physicians as pain thresholds vary from person to person and the general consensus is that medicine is good for you. The dangers of street drugs are obvious. Prescription pills are legal, prescribed by doctors, paid for by insurance and left casually around in pocketbooks and center consoles.

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While these drugs are becoming more readily available, the ingredients in prescription pain medication continues to get stronger. The newest proposed opiate is Zohydro. Experts say it is genuinely frightening. One pill can kill a baby, two can kill an adult. It is ten times the strength of Vicodin. The simple fact is that what is commonly available to patients for tennis elbow or a bad back from running, was reserved for treatment for cancer patients just twenty years ago. Detox from OxyContin or Vicodin addiction is the same treatment for detox from heroin!

What is Being Done About This Problem? The medical industry is taking measures to try and stifle this epidemic. There is now a national database for pharmacies that restricts the amount of pills that can be purchased by an individual. There is ongoing education for physicians on the abuse of the pills and the fraudulent ways that they are often obtained. This is commonly known as doctor shopping. There is even proposed legislation to offer a buy back program by pharmacies for unused drugs as many teens get the first introduction to pills that are left over from parents prescriptions. This issue breaks all the rules. It is already here and it is the Trojan horse of the medical industry. While the state of Colorado scrambles to put measures in place to stop people driving under the influence of legal marijuana, drivers under the influence of these potent opiates are passing as freely and legally as these potential killers are coming into our homes and workplaces. Awareness is the greatest weapon that we have right now. People are simply unaware that they have in their possession a legal, insurance covered, doctor prescribed loaded gun in their homes. This is not a finger pointing issue, there simply isn’t time for that. There are many chronic pain patients to whom these drugs represent answered prayer and a huge boost in quality of life. They have their place in society and a vital function. However, the misuse of them has American families tethering on the brink of an addiction wasteland.

Where To Go For Help Wilmington Treatment Center - 2520 Troy Ave. 762-2727 Port City Community Church’s Refuge Program - 250 Vision Dr. 202-8800 24/7 Addiction Hotline - 1-888-210-8237

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 23

| fit family

Sports & Eye Injuries April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. Protecting your eyes from injury is one of the most basic things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life. Many feel they are fairly knowledgeable about the possible risks of eye injuries, but here are some important facts you may find surprising. • 90% of eye injuries can be avoided by wearing the proper protective eyewear. • 35% of people performing home repairs or maintenance wear protective eyewear, fewer do so when playing sports. • More than 40% of eye injuries every year are sports related. • Eyes can be damaged by sun exposure, not just dust, chemicals, or objects. • Regular eyeglasses do not offer proper eye protection. High Risk Sports • Boxing and martial arts have no satisfactory eye protection, but thumbless gloves may reduce the risk. • While playing baseball, ice hockey, and lacrosse a strong, shatterproof, lightweight plastic face mask or wire shield should be worn at all times. • Basketball, racquet sports, soccer, and field hockey require protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Source: www.geteyesmart.org

weeLiveFIT Good eating habits and the desire to stay active starts very early in life. When children learn to choose healthy foods they carry this into adulthood. When being active is an enjoyable activity, they will always want to keep moving. Smart Start of New Hanover County understands this, and wants to give parents and caregivers the tools they need to successfully support their family’s healthy lifestyle. The goal of weeLiveFIT is to increase awareness of the early childhood obesity epidemic and offer solutions to put young children on a path to a healthy future. WeeLiveFIT empowers families and caregivers to support healthy choices for children through both food choices and physical activity. These are some of the ways they suggest to start your family Eating Smarter and Moving More. Eat the rainbow - and they don’t mean those colorful, sweet candies. weeLiveFIT says it is important to eat all colors of fruits and vegetables because each color has different types of vitamins and nutrients. Try a new park - every month weeLiveFIT features a different park on their website. Did you know there are over 30 parks just in New Hanover County? This past month weeLiveFIT featured Parkwood Park on Canetuck Rd. Visit their website to learn more about their program and new ways for your family to live fit! www.newhanoverkids.org/weelivefit

Running Advice for Newbies So, you’ve decided you want to run a 5K. Thankfully, it seems there is a different one every week...take your pick! You see droves of people running in circles around every park in Wilmington. They appear to be enjoying the run, 5K races usually raise money for a good cause, and you want to join this party. Why haven’t you? If you are like most newbie runners, you are scared and unsure of how to start. The obvious beginning to this journey is to just start running. It looks easy enough! However, you quickly discover that there is more to this running business than just putting one running shoe in front of the other while praying you don’t pass out. Below you will find some advice that will kick-start your new fitness endeavour. Find training Support. Runners are not an elite group that excludes the unfit. They actually love to help others find their stride! Don’t be embarrassed that you can only run for one minute at a time. Find a group of other runners, explain where you are in the training process, and open yourself up to their support. Sign up for a race. There’s your motivation. You know a finish line is in your future, so you feel the pressure to make that effort every day. Invest in good shoes. Your entire body will thank you. Running in the wrong shoes will increase the pain of your workout. Shop at the end of the day when your feet are swollen from the day’s activities and be prepared to try on several pair. The staff should watch you walk and run in the shoes to make sure they work with your foot type. The shoe should feel comfortable. If not, keep looking. Take it slow. Running too much too soon is the number one reason most newbie runners quit. Begin with sprinkling in running with mostly walking. It will be more enjoyable, and will also allow you to run a bit farther everyday. A couple more tips: Remember to breathe deeply and slowly while running, listen to your body and take a day to recover if needed, stretch before and after a run, and add in a little strength training to avoid injury. Find a race at www.Its-Go-Time.com or www.wilmingtonroadrunners.org. Source: www.active.com

24 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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Upcycled Easter Crafts

We’ll treat your pet like one of our own!

Upcycling refers to finding fresh uses for old things in ways that increase the value of the items. The victory is when you create instead of consume. Once you upcycle your Easter, your kids will not only learn an important lesson that will last a lifetime, they will likely start begging for more opportunities to re-imagine everyday items that would otherwise be discarded. So what are you waiting for? Celebrate Easter and Earth Day at the same time every year. Here are five ideas to get your started:

“Welcome Spring” Banner Using whatever leftover garden twine, string or thin ribbon, you have on hand, cut 18 banner-shaped triangles from leftover newspaper. Pinking shears or Lay the string across the length of a table and starting at one end, fold the widest end of the each triangle over the string and glue with glue stick. Outline letters to spell “Welcome Spring,” leaving a banner blank in between-words, and let the kids color letters in with thick black markers. You have a couple of extra triangles on hand in case of errors. Hang your banner where it can be viewed prominently until summer arrives, then fold flat and put it away for next year. Colorful Candleholders Collect recyclable wide-mouth jars of all shapes and sizes. Run your glass jars through the dishwasher, removing any labels and tags first. Then gather up whatever colorful leftover tissue paper you have and tear it into half-inch squares. Using Mod Podge or white glue that has been diluted to half strength with water, coat the jar with a thin layer of glue, then add a colorful layer of overlapping tissue pieces as you go. When the jar is covered, go over the tissue layer once more with a thin coat of glue. When completely dry, add a tea light to each lantern and arrange them on the mantle or in the center of your dining table for the night before Easter. Bookish Eggs It’s time for some of those plastic Easter eggs that have been piling up over the years to get a literary makeover. When a favorite volume is damaged by rain or a spill, you might be tempted to throw it out. But next time, try drying the book by hanging it open and then cut out any clean pages with a cutting knife. Cut each page into a strip, just a bit wider than the egg and long enough to go all the way around. Paint the middle of the egg with Mod Podge and roll into a tube around egg. Let dry while you move on to the next egg. Then come back around and make straight cuts into the paper from each end of the egg, so the pieces will smooth flat onto the tapered ends with more Mod Podge. Let dry and voila, your children will remember their favorite books each year!

Tiny Toy Wreath This playful wreath is a perfect way to create a new home for tiny plastic toys after a hearty round of spring cleaning. And who doesn’t have a plethora of tiny plastic toys that collect over time? Start with a wire wreath shape and wrap it in a long strip of old fabric using a hot glue gun to secure fabric to frame. Have kids help with the selection and sorting of tiny toys and designate one person in charge of gluing toys to the wreath. Let dry, then hang. Create one shared family wreath or create a tiny toy wreath for each child’s room.

eterinary Ho Neck V s r te A Full Service, Small sp r o Animal Hospital

l ita

ith Easter and Earth Day falling within a month of each other each year, why not channel your family’s energy into the creation of upcycled Easter crafts?

By Christina Katz

Ron & Sharon Harris, DVM Dr. Rebecca Simmons - Resnick, DVM Stan Griffith, DVM Amy K. White, DVM • Vaccines • Surgery • Geriatric • Dentistry Wellness • X-Rays • Spay/Neuter • Boarding • Bathing Family owned & operated since 1999

686-6297 Emergencies 791-7387 8129 Market St. (behind TLC Auto Wash)

www.portersneckvets.com

Vote for

your favorite!

Terrarium Garden Starters Why should the turtles have all the fun? Use an old fish tank or an old glass baking dish (from home or the local thrift store) lined with one inch of gravel and two inches of lightweight potting soil. Cut up leftover cardboard egg cartons you have saved, and push them down into the soil and fill to just barely covered with soil. Plant seed starters for the flower or veggie garden in the egg “pots.” They can be pulled out after they sprout and replanted outdoors. Decorate your terrarium with cut patches of moss or grass from outdoors. Send children out to gather bark and sticks. Then let your child finish the look with rocks, shells, and old toys. Place your terrarium in bright but indirect light and keep well misted with water from a spray bottle until seeds spout. v Author Christina Katz never gets tired of making a fresh start every spring in fun and creative ways. Her latest book is Permission Granted, 45 Reasons To Micropublish.

Go online to wilmingtonparent.com www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 25

Give Dance A Chance: 10 Reasons To Try Consistent Classes By Christina Katz

D SPECIAL SECTION: Arts Guide

on’t be fooled by glittery costumes and false eyelashes—competitive dancers are athletes, who deserve to be taken just as seriously as members of any other team such as soccer, swimming, or track. Dance has multiple benefits—often more than other sports. And yes, dance performed regularly and intensively is both a sport and a multi-sensory art form that may raise your child’s self-esteem.

According to the National Registry of Dance Educators dance provides physical, intellectual, artistic, social and individual benefits that can enrich any dancer’s life. If you are considering dance as an activity for your child, you may want to review the benefits, before you balk at the price tag of consistent classes. Unlike many sports which are often seasonal, dance practice typically runs all school year or even year-round. Many kids take a variety of sports throughout the year, but dancers tend to take foundational dance classes first and then learn new forms of dance as their skills grow. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatics, and Hip Hop are the most common forms of dance you will find offered at your local dance studio. When we think of dance, we may think of diva ballerinas or overly meddlesome mothers, but dancers learn many helpful, practical skills that carry over naturally into everyday life. If you visit a few local studios in your area, you will likely find a vibe and set of values that are a good match for your child and family. Here is a list of the benefits of taking consistent dance classes: Listening better. In order to learn, dancers have to hear and absorb verbal instructions from their teachers, often on the fly. In the practice room, instruction is offered in a variety of ways, which helps children learn to pay attention before, during, and after learning something new.

Responding to feedback. Dancers receive ongoing feedback from instructors. The onus is on them to receive feedback as graciously as they can and apply it to their routines so they can improve. This teaches responsiveness and collaboration instead of defensiveness and oversensitivity.

Growing more fit. We often think of dancers as dainty and delicate but dancers are a lot stronger than you might think. Regular dancing increases cardiovascular health, builds muscles, and, over time, increases physical endurance.

Inspiring self-discipline. So many situations in life require us to be able to train ourselves to do things to the best of our ability. By teaching mastery of a routine through practice, dancers learn how to aim for a goal and reach it. Repeated over time, this ability to get things accomplished can be applied to any task or healthy habit.

Gaining musicality and rhythm. If you want your child to become more musical, even without practicing an instrument, dance is a good choice. The measured movements kids learn in dance help them intuitively understand and adapt to other kinds of rhythms in life.

Test-driving commitment. Dancers earn dividends on what they invest. When your dancer commits consistently and fully, the payoff is great. Half-hearted or lax engagement typically yields poorer results.

Don’t forget the boys! Don’t think only the girls will benefit from the positive effects of dance. There is often a resistance from parents to put their son in a dance class. No matter what sport they decide to play, a good foundation in ballet can give them an edge with flexibility, foot work, and strength. Also, a little creative expression can give them the added confidence.

Reducing stress. Life gets bumpy sometimes, even for kids. Dancers who are experiencing stress in life outside the studio, may find that the consistency, focus, and health benefits of dance counterbalance negative effects of any stress in their personal lives. Children experiencing stress typically benefit from expressive outlets for their considerable energy.

Focusing on following through. If your child has trouble concentrating for periods of time, dance might be a good way to build this skill. Because dance is kinesthetic as well as musical and rhythmic, children who have trouble sitting still in school can concentrate more easily while learning a complete dance movement, which takes considerable concentration, focus and practice.

Respecting instructors. Parents do not typically coach or volunteer in dance classes. Most instructors are trained and studios expect kids to be respectful towards their teachers. Dancers who treat instructors with admiration tend to get more out of the process than dancers who behave in a disrespectful manner or act out in class, just like in real life. v

Christina Katz is not the kind of dance mom you see featured dubiously on TV. She believes in the power of the arts to improve and enrich the lives of children and families and has witnessed the transformative results first-hand.

26 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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SPECIAL SECTION: Arts Guide

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Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 27

Arts Listings A Leap Above Dance Studio 5015 Wrightsville Avenue Wilmington, NC 28403 aleapabove@aol.com aleapabove.com

SPECIAL SECTION: Arts Guide

A Leap Above offers classes from Mommy & Me to Adult. Our staff is trained to instruct students ranging from the recreational dancer to the competitive student, performing in all genres of dance. Michele Kimball, owner and director, is certified in Autism Movement Therapy and offers a class to meet the needs of our special dancers. And you don’t want to miss out on our Zumba classes! Come and join us! Cameron Art Museum Georgia Mastroieni 3201 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28412 910-395-5999 Georgia@cameronartmuseum.org Www.cameronartmuseum.org

KIDS @ CAM Kids @ CAM is held each month and extends the museum experience through hands-on activities created around current exhibitions, visiting artists or special guests. This program is a family-centric concept that brings everyone together for an afternoon of art activities,learning and fun. Youth & Children Year-Round Programming After-School Art Classes, painting classes and clay classes are available to both youth and children. In the After-school program children explore the museum through age-appropriate guided tours, scavenger hunts and special activities, and then express their creativity through hands-on art projects in a variety of media.

Music and Art for Creative Children

Instrument Lessons

Ms-Susans-Room.com 910-777-8889 28 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington 116 Orange St Wilmington NC 28401 910-254-3534 info@playwilmington.org www.playwilmington.org

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington offers three weekly programs geared towards your little artist! Toddler Time is for our youngest visitors, aged 4 and under. stART With A Story is geared towards children aged 4 and up, and Adventures in Art is best for children aged 5-8. Our Art Studio is open every day with seasonal projects for children and parents to enjoy together! Children are encouraged to experiment with different media as they create imaginative masterpieces. Go to playwilmington.org for more information about all of our weekly programs!

Dance Arts Conservatory “Excellence in Dancing” 1051 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405 www.dacwilmington.com 910-232-8086

Offering Classical ballet, pointe/variations, tap, jazz, modern, dancer’s conditioning/pilates, contemporary/lyrical, acro/tumbling, hip hop, Turning Pointe Christian dance. Classes for 3 years to adult! After school dance programs at St Mark Catholic School, Cape Fear Academy, and Myrtle Grove Christian School. Try our well-loved Music Together program with Sarah Mason, ages 6 months-5 year olds! Beginning this Fall: Boys only classes. Summer intensives, camps and more! Excellent faculty and state of the art studio located across from Mayfaire in Renaissance Courtyard (1051 Military Cutoff, 103). Find us at www.dacwilmington.com or 910-232-8086 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Little Gym of Wilmington 132 Racine Drive, Unit 1 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-799-3771 tlgwilmingtonnc@thelittlegym.com www.tlgwilmingtonnc.com

For living room leapers, bedroom ballerinas, and front yard frolickers, The Little Gym offers the perfect program to harness all that toe-tapping energy. Our dance program introduces children to ballet, tap, and hip-hop techniques, while allowing them to express themselves through creative movement. Dancers spend time refining their techniques in the studio and also spend part of class working on complementary gymnastics skills in the gym in order to emphasize poise and balance. The best part? Each new burst of confidence will have you on your toes, too--with a proud standing ovation. Ms. Susan’s Room/Happy Little Singers 200 Willard Street Wilmington, NC 28401 910-777-8889 info@ms-susans-room.com/ info@happylittlesingers.com www.ms-susans-room.com/ www.happylittlesingers.com

Ms. Susan’s Room offers Music and Art for children. Featuring Happy Little Singers, a fun early childhood music and movement session for ages 6 months to 6 years, learning through song, dance and creative play. Also, Happy Bigger Singers (ages 5 to 7) during summer months. Weekly Art and Crafts sessions for ages 2 to teens, including Mini Monets. Parents “Art Night Out” once monthly. Personal instruction on guitar, ukulele, piano and voice, for all ages. Rent Ms. Susan’s Room for Music or Art parties! www.wilmingtonparent.com

SPECIAL SECTION: Art Guide

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Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 29

Mini Monets Contact: Jennie Wenk Phone: 910-399–1708 Email: minimonets@gmail.com Website: www.minimonetsart.com

A Leap Above Dance Studio 5051 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington, NC (910)790-LEAP • www.aleapabove.com email: aleapabove@aol.com

Ballet • Pointe • Mommy & Me Lyrical • Acro • Tap • Jazz Hip Hop • Special Needs Class Musical Theatre • ALA Cheer Class

SPECIAL SECTION: Arts Guide

Try a class this summer 1st time free!

Princess camp is back Frozen, Little Mermaid & Tinker Bell Fairies Register for Camp before May 1st and get $25 off

Mini Monets is a fun extracurricular art class that is provided on location among area schools, child care centers, and recreation facilities. The lessons are designed to encourage creative expression and to supplement the NC Arts Education Curriculum. Early arts education promotes cognitive development, enhances fine motor skills, and encourages critical thinking. In Mini Monets, students explore a variety of media, find inspiration in the work of other artists or different cultures, and render their own thoughts and feelings visually. The classes teach and refine artistic abilities while expressing inner talent and imagination. Mini Monets also offers birthday parties. Art projects range from drawing to painting and clay and are created with the help of your child. Mini Monets will come to your party, bring all the supplies and materials, and the party guests get to keep what they make! New Students can join classes at anytime! Music & More, Inc. 7215 Ogden Business Lane, Suite 107 Wilmington, NC 910-686-0607 info@musicmoreinc.com www.musicmoreinc.com

Music & More, Inc. is a full service company that offers sales, repair, rentals, and instruction to the tri-county area. We focus on music education and musical study in the “Musicians Academy”, designed to help musicians advance in their discipline. You can count on friendly and professional service that musicians rely on and trust; it doesn’t matter whether you’re a performing artist or an aspiring student musician. And as a parent, you’ll find a knowledgeable source that’s just as committed to your child’s learning process as you are, with costs and budget in mind. TheatreNOW 19 S. 10th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 910-399-3NOW (3669) ww.theatrewilmington.com info@theatrewilmington.com

Description: TheatreNOW is a performing arts complex that features weekend dinner theater, a weekly children’s show, a Sunday Brunch, movie, comedy and live music events. TheatreNOW Productions, LLC provides entertainment in a theaterthemed venue with most original shows having a local flair. Groups and private bookings welcome. Kid’s birthday packages available. Full bar and commercial kitchen on premises. On site parking. Studio/dance room rentals available.

The Wilmington School of Ballet And Dance Studio 3834 Oleander Dr. Wilmington NC 28403 910-794-9590 wilmningtonschoolofballet@ gmail.com www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com

The Wilmington School of Ballet is an arts hub for dance education and performance in the Cape Fear region. The center has been recongnized since 1999 as a leading facility for classical ballet training, recreational dance classes, and performance opportunities. Dancers begin to learn as soon as they can walk (in our tot&parent dance). Serious dancers move into our professional training and fun-loving dancers have a large array of choices in genres. Acro, hip hop, physical theater, Zumba, Cross training, tap, and jazz are offerred in addition to ballet. The Wilmington Ballet Company (a non-profit production company) is the affiliate performing company. The Ballet Company produces a full length Nutcracker and The Cape Fear Dance Festival annually. Visit our website at www. wilmingtonschoolofballet.com to learn more about our wonderful learning and performing programs. Wilmington Symphony Orchestra 4608 Cedar Avenue, Suite 105 Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9262 info@wilmingtonsymphony.org www.wilmingtonsymphony.org

The Wilmington Symphony’s youth ensembles include Youth Orchestra for 9th-12th grades, and Junior Strings for 6th-8th grades, each performing four concerts per year. In addition to these performing opportunities for over 100 youth musicians, the Wilmington Symphony presents an annual student concerto competition for three age divisions. These programs make the arts accessible to young people by stimulating their involvement in music as participants, performers and audience members. The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings ensembles provide advanced training for public and private school string students, as well as an orchestral experience otherwise unavailable for winds, brass and percussion students. Young Artist’s Series 3803 Wrightsville Ave. #8 910-685-5137 cafaulkner@hotmail.com www.studiocrealart

Drawing and acrylic painting classes for ages 6-18. Also for adults. Learn the basics of technical drawing (even children). Composition, proportions, perspective, and shading and layering with colored pencil are explored. Imagination and creativity are encouraged! Painters learn to mix colors, how to blend color and brushstroke techniques. I also teach children about the lives of famous and lesser known artists. They learn about their lives and their artistic techniques. We also use mixed media and learn about art movements in the past. My classes also build self confidence and an awareness of their world in a different way. Fun while learning!

Have your next Themed Party with us ! www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 30

Art Classes Young Artist’s Series

The Art of Poetry

• drawing • painting

By Lisa Nord Seplak

ouldn’t you love it if your kids put away the electronics and picked up a book a little more often? Why not try getting them interested in the rhyme and rhythm of poetry during National Poetry Month in April. Poetry is all around us, in the lyrics of our favorite songs and the silly rhymes kids make up. Children love the rhythms and sounds of new words like in Dr. Seuss books. Here are some ideas to introduce poetry and make it fun for you and your family.

Pick a Rhythm and a Rhyme

Share Your Favorites

You go first and write a poem for your kids. It can be funny or heartfelt, silly or simple. Perfection is not required. Just tell your kids what you love about them in a poem. Share the poems you wrote at a special evening dinner.

Invite family and friends over for an afternoon or evening of poetry. Read original poems written by you and your kids. Or pick some favorite poems to delight your audience. Try performing in costumes and add some props. Read poems together as a group, sharing the lines. Encourage your guests to bring their favorites for everyone to enjoy.

Let Your Kids Give it a Try Have your kids write a poem for you. Remember, it’s about fun and also good practice for poetry they will likely compose in school.

Get Those Tongues Wagging

Read Together Head to your local library or bookstore and pick out some books of poetry to read together. Here are some suggestions: Preschoolers: books by Dr. Seuss, “The New Kid on the Block” by Jack Prelutsky, Mother Goose nursery rhymes, “Raffi’s Top Ten Songs to Read” or any of Raffi’s songs in book form.

Limericks are funny verses with 5 lines. Here's an example:

Sydney

What is a limerick, Mother? It’s a form of verse, said brother In which lines one and two Rhyme with five when it’s through And three and four rhyme with each other. Author Unknown

Nationally Recognized, Professional Artist & Art Educator Carolyn Faulkner 3803 Wrightsville Ave #8, Downey Branch Office Park

A Rhyming Poem has words at the end of certain lines that rhyme.

www.studiocrealart.com

Call 910-685-5137

Tongue Twisters are a couple of sentences that repeat consonant sounds closely together.

Online Registration Starts

Nursery Rhymes like Mother Goose.

Elementary School: “Where the Sidewalk Ends” or “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, “National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry” by J. Patrick Lewis, or “Follow Follow: A Book of Reverso Poems” by Marilyn Singer.

Acrostic Poems use the letters of a word to form the beginning letter of each line of the poem. Here's an example: Dog Cat Digging Cute Outside Animal Garden Tail

Middle School: “Amaze Me: Poems for Girls” by Naomi Nye, “The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson” and books that are written in verse including “Beanball” by Gene Fehler and “Love that Dog” by Sharon Creech.

So why not open up the world of poetry for your family. Make it fun and accessible for everyone. Poetry uses rhyme, rhythm and word play that can help our children become better readers. And isn’t that what we all want for our kids? v

March 8

Lisa Nord Seplak is a freelance writer who enjoys discovering new reading opportunities with her family.

Camps on select weeks from

June 16 to August 18 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm

Kids@

MUSEUM

CAMP Learn, Create, Have Fun!

910.395.5999

www.cameronartmuseum.org

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 31

SPECIAL SECTION: Arts Guide

Try reciting tongue twisters and see who can say them the fastest. Pick an old favorite like “she sells sea shells down by the seashore.” Or find some new ones at the library or online.

Kids Classes Adult Classes

Simple Types of Poetry for Kids

The Arts & Fitness Summer Camp Explore • Create • Connect

Surf, Dance, fitness, Music, Skate and Theater!

SPECIAL SECTION: Arts Guide

July 21-25 and July 28 - August 1 Half and Full day camps available Music & More,Inc. 7215 Ogden Business Lane, #107 910-686-0607 • www.musicmoreinc.com

Improv Fun for Families

o you have a drama queen or king on your hands? If you think your little actor may be ready to try out for a local play, but you don’t know how to help them prepare, don’t worry! It’s actually easier than you think. Most kids are natural born actors and love to use their imagination when given the freedom. One way to get those creative minds warmed up is to try a little improv. Gather some friends, siblings, parents, and grandparents and let go of your inhibitions. This is a fun way for your child to gain confidence in their ability to portray any character at home, or on stage!

Late For School

Another Great Camp Fair! Thanks to our Event Sponsor!

Similar to charades. 4 players begin: 2 of the players are students in the class. The other 2 playrs are either the teacher or late student. The late student has to explain to the teacher why they were late for school and how they got to school by watching the actions of the other 2 students.

ABC Game 2 players perform a scene based on audience suggestion.The scene begins with one of the players starting the sentence with a letter. The next sentence must begin with the next letter in the alphabet. When the alphabet has gone full circle the scene is over. “Anyone hungry for a pizza?”, “Bananas would be my choice.”, “Can’t you see it’s silly to argue about food?”, and so on. This is a good one for kids to play while riding in the car too!

Pass the Ball All players in a circle. Ask the players to pass a mimed ball to others (one ball at a time). The ball becomes heavier, until it weighs a ton, or extremely light, extremely big (and light or heavy) or extremely small (and light or heavy). Actors need to show the ball’s characteristics in the way it gets passed. v

919-371-0147 www.superbsoccer.com

Thanks to our Silver Sponsor!

and Thanks to all Camps who participated!

www.nosleevesmagic.com

32 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

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Day Camp Lunchbox Wonderland Farm

Survival Tips

Beginner Intermediate Advanced English Hunt Seat Instruction Small Class Size

By Rachael Moshman

ids play hard at day camp and spend long hours in the heat. They come home filthy, exhausted, and if you don’t pack right...starving. The standard lunch you send to school just won’t cut it for camp. Here are some suggestions for items to pack in your campers lunchbox to keep them satisfied all day.

Two sandwiches - One just might not be enough! Try a light bologna and cheese on wheat with a ham, cucumber, avocado and carrots rolled up in a tortilla.

A breakfast bar or muffin - It makes a good mid-morning snack. You can make a big batch of homemade carrot/zucchini muffins, put them in the freezer and either toss one of those or an oats and fiber bar in the lunchbox. Protein rich snacks - Peanut butter on whole grain crackers, slices of lunch meat, turkey jerky pistachios, yogurt, hard boiled eggs and string cheese are good options.

Frozen grapes - They help keep the lunch cool and are defrosted when it’s time to eat.You can also do this with other fresh fruit as well.

One Week Sessions M-F, 9AM-3PM Ages 6-14 Transportation from Independence Mall

16th Annual Horseback Riding Camp Located just 10 minutes from Cape Fear Bridge, nestled away on a 106 acre tract of fun for kids! Karen Mealey - Owner & Head Instructor, BA Degree Equine Studies, Certification in Art Education Learn how to handle and care for your mount. Love horses? Come and ride until your legs bow! Small class size, quality individual and group instruction. Instructor student ratio is 1:3 for maximum fun and Safety on our well-trained camp horses. Afternoon art lessons, trail rides, swimming and bareback riding. Discounts for second family member, additional weeks, and early registration if paid by May 15th Special Tiny Rider Week for Ages 4 & 5. June 30 - July 3. Call for Details.

Call us today! 655-5735 www.wonderlandfarm.net

Extra ice packs - Most camps don’t have refrigerators available and the lunches are sometimes outside for a long time before it is time to eat. No one wants to eat a warm lunch in the heat of summer. Invest in a good quality insulated lunchbox and ice packs. A refillable water bottle and flavor packets - Fill the bottle with ice and water. Throw in some single serving pack drink mixes (lemonade, fruit punch, etc.) This will encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. v Rachael Moshman is a mom, freelance writer and blogger. She loves the easiness of summer even though she hates the heat. Find her at www. rachaelmoshman.com.

2014 Seahawk Soccer Camps at u n c w i l m i n g t o n

Boys 2012 Camps Seahawk Girls Camps

Soccer Camps

Day Camps (5-12 Years)

Junior Day Camp (5-12 Years) June 16-20 & July 7-11th - $260 June 23-27, 2014 - $260 Half-day option $140 at UNC Wilmington Half-day option $140

Residential Camp Girl’sJulyCamps 17-20, 2014

Senior Residential Boy’s Camps

Residential ID Camp (ages 15-18), $480 Camp (10-18 Years) Lil Hawks Camp (5-8 Years) Lil Hawks Camp (5-8 Years) (Commuter $340) June 11-15, 9-11:30am 11- 9-11:30am July 14, 2014 - $525 JuneJuly 11-15, $140 Jr. Residential Camp (ages 10-14), $480 $140 Visit website for more information (Commuter Junior Day Camp $340) (5-12 Years) Day Camp (5-12Paul Years) Contact Cairney June 18-June 22, 9am-4pm—$260 June 25-29, 9am-4pm $260 GK Academy (ages 10-18), $480 Half-day option $140 (910)962-3932 Half-day option $140 (Commuter $340) seahawkgirlssoccercamps@gmail.com Senior Elite Camp (10-18 Elite Academy (10-18 Years) Visit website for moreYears) information June 29-July 3, (Residential) $525 July 19-22 (Overnight/Commuter) $450/$350 Contact Aidan Heaney Visit website for more information Visit website for more information (910) 352-4925 Paul Cairney Contactseahawkboyssoccercamps@gmail.com Contact Aidan Heaney

(910)962-3932 seahawkgirlssoccercamps@gmail.com

(910) 352-4925

seahawkboyssoccercamps@gmail.com

For More information and to register on-line visit:

WWW.SEAHAWKSOCCERCAMPS.COM

For More information and to register online visit:

WWW.SEAHAWKSOCCERCAMPS.COM www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 33

Summer Camps

A treat or money for the concession stand - Sometimes a brownie or small bag of chips won’t hurt. Or toss in a dollar and let them choose something from the concession stand.

.ORG

S UP R M MER OGRAMS

INTRODUCING

NEW PROGRAMS!

Glitz & Glam

Glamalicious Parties & Summer Camps...

Summer Camps

NAngelina Ballerina NHello Kitty NFashion Runway NMake-a-movie NGlamour Spa NPrincess Fun www.wilmingtonschoolofballet.com www.glitzandglamwilmingtonnc.com 910-794-9590

ONL I N E R E G I ST R ATI O N

TAKING PLACE NOW!

Find more resources at

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Birthday Parties Open Play Summer Camp Intersession Camp After School Care Drop In Care Now open on Sunday too!

www.PowerofPlayWilmington.com

910-332-1660

powerofplaywilm@yahoo.com 6644 Gordon Road Wilmington, NC

Home of Playnation of Wilmington

Now enrolling for summer camps, too!

Say Hello to Summer Camps operate June 16 - August 22 • Preschool Day Camp • Youth Day Camp • Leaders in Training Camp • Adventure Camp • Residential Camp • Sports Camp Receive FREE registration, a $35 value, when you sign up by 5/1/14 with this ad!

www.wilmingtonfamilyymca.org • 9 1 0 - 2 5 1 - Y M C A 34 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

ld trips, ie F , ts ir h S ags, s, Magic B ore! k ic r T : s e d &M Inclu Magicians

Ages

7-13

hours

9am-3pm

Pearsall Activity Center

Weekly

July & August

www.nosleevesmagic.com

Art, Music, Sports & Academic camps for ages 2-14 207 Pine Grove Dr. • 910.791.8221 350 Peiffer Ave. • 910.792.1811

www.fsow.org

Ages 1st grade and up...

We offer Mon-Friday camps as well as private lessons Early registration now open online!

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 35

Summer Camps

910.200.5300 •

where

Session dates: June 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 28

| peanut gallery

Andrey K. 4/30• 5yo

Jane T. 4/7• 9yo

Elijah & Noah G 4/27• 3yo

Brody L. 4/13• 1yo

K. Henry

3/11• 7yo

Madison 4/24• 1yo

Lila Q. 4/17• 3yo

Hayden A. 2/3• 8yo

Sahasra D. 4/24• 4yo

Ian K. 4/22• 4yo

Connor H. 4/19• 11yo

Abigail P. 4/16• 3yo

Kenleigh B. 4/13• 4yo

Madison & Chloe H. 4/9• 6yo

AJ D. 4/17• 1yo

Cameron M. 4/14• 6yo

Jace G. 4/23• 5yo

Drew S. 4/27• 1yo

Does your child or grandchild have a birthday iN May? 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: 4/11/14. 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! 36 | April 2014 | Wilmington Parent

www.wilmingtonparent.com

Fowler's Funflatables LLC 910-297-5214 or 910- 231-7470 fowlersfunflatables@aol.com

Fowler's Funflatables, Family Fun For All Ages

Looking for party planning ideas? Check out our party planning guide at wilmingtonparent.com for party places, eats and treats, bounce houses, entertainers, gifts and more! Go to www.wilmingtonparent.com/ guides/party-planning www.wilmingtonparent.com

Wilmington Parent | April 2014 | 37

WHERE STYLE & STATUS

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