Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Check Out Museum TRACKS for a Discount to the Museum of Life and Science!
You can save $2 off per person for up to 5 people on admission to the Museum of Life and Science by clicking on the coupon link on our Museum TRACKS page. Also, be sure to check out the museum's website before you plan your trip!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The June Triangle TRACKS Newsletter is Now Available
I emailed the June newsletter to subscribers yesterday. If you aren't on the list and would like to start receiveing this free newsletter, please email me at epshugg@triangletracks.com. The latest issue offers brief articles on children’s events and activities taking place throughout the region during June, including the onset of train rides at New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill, charitable birthday party traditions, the North Carolina Symphony’s Summer Concert Series and June movie releases.
Let me know if you have story ideas for my July newsletter. I'll be gathering topics for that over the next few weeks and will publish it June 27.
Let me know if you have story ideas for my July newsletter. I'll be gathering topics for that over the next few weeks and will publish it June 27.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Help Bring Baby Polar Bears to the N.C. Zoo!
Hi everyone,
I received this email from a friend. Please read and consider signing the online petition.
The Zoo Needs You! The Zoo Society has promised to give the N.C. Zoo funding to spruce up its Polar Bear exhibit, bring in some healthy young Polar Bears and provide them with everything they need to start a family! We want baby Polar Bears at the N.C. Zoo.
Because the State of North Carolina owns the Zoo – and should be a partner in these changes—we have made our pledge contingent upon a matching investment from the State of North Carolina. Your N.C. Zoo Society will give $4 million toward the Polar Bear expansion if the State will match our gift with $6 million to build a Children’s Nature Zoo (a wonderful addition for kids and their families!) and plan improvements for the African Pavilion. Please show your support for this partnership by clicking here to sign our petition. If you want, you or some youngsters you know, can also add some words to the petition explaining why you want to see baby Polar Bears at the Zoo.
Please pass this e-mail on to your friends and family. The more names we add to our petition, the more likely we will see Polar Bear cubs swimming at the N.C. Zoo.
I received this email from a friend. Please read and consider signing the online petition.
The Zoo Needs You! The Zoo Society has promised to give the N.C. Zoo funding to spruce up its Polar Bear exhibit, bring in some healthy young Polar Bears and provide them with everything they need to start a family! We want baby Polar Bears at the N.C. Zoo.
Because the State of North Carolina owns the Zoo – and should be a partner in these changes—we have made our pledge contingent upon a matching investment from the State of North Carolina. Your N.C. Zoo Society will give $4 million toward the Polar Bear expansion if the State will match our gift with $6 million to build a Children’s Nature Zoo (a wonderful addition for kids and their families!) and plan improvements for the African Pavilion. Please show your support for this partnership by clicking here to sign our petition. If you want, you or some youngsters you know, can also add some words to the petition explaining why you want to see baby Polar Bears at the Zoo.
Please pass this e-mail on to your friends and family. The more names we add to our petition, the more likely we will see Polar Bear cubs swimming at the N.C. Zoo.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Swept Away by the Carolina Ballet's Performance of "Sleeping Beauty"
I'm ashamed to admit that I have lived here longer than the Carolina Ballet has existed, and I just experienced it for the first time Friday night. I will not wait that long to go again.
When I heard the Carolina Ballet would be performing one of the most acclaimed ballets of all times, "Sleeping Beauty," I resolved to attend with my princess-loving, 6-year-old daughter, Katie. The Carolina Ballet's performance of "Sleeping Beauty" was a truly mesmerizing experience for us. It swept us both away.
Here's a little history of the "Sleeping Beauty" ballet: In 1812, Wilhelm and Jakob Grimm transformed the folktale into the fairytale, "Little Briar Rose," when they published the first volume of "Grimm's Fairy Tales." Marius Petipa orginally choreographed "Sleeping Beauty," and in 1890 the premiere performance took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, set against Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's enthralling composition. Maria Mariusovna Petipa, daughter of Marius, originated the role of ballet's Lilac Fairy. For those of you who are interested, I found a thorough timeline of the fairytale's evolution throughout the centuries HERE.
In 1959, Disney's animation of "Sleeping Beauty" delighted the hearts of little girls everywhere, and continues to dominate as one of the most loved princess movies of all time. (During a 2004 trip to Disneyworld, my husband and I took our children to a princess breakfast and Katie donned the gown of Aurora, her favorite princess. See the below photo for proof!)
Perhaps that is why, three years later at the age of 6, Katie sat enthralled and intrigued by Artistic Director Robert Weiss' presentation of intensely emotional adagios, agile allégros and gravity-defying aplombs. Lilyan Vigo, who portrayed Princess Aurora, amazed us with her enduring stability and balance.
The resplendent and ornately detailed costumes dazzled us. The evil Carabosse and her dragon jolted us into momentary fear, the Lilac Fairy enchanted us, and the celebration of Prince Désiré and Princess Aurora's marriage elevated our emotions to an exultant, eye-moistening state of mind that lingered long after we returned home.
It was a late night for my 6-year-old, but one we will both always remember. And we even have the pink souvenir jewelry box, ticket stubs and program to remind us of our unforgettable night out at the ballet.
When I heard the Carolina Ballet would be performing one of the most acclaimed ballets of all times, "Sleeping Beauty," I resolved to attend with my princess-loving, 6-year-old daughter, Katie. The Carolina Ballet's performance of "Sleeping Beauty" was a truly mesmerizing experience for us. It swept us both away.
Here's a little history of the "Sleeping Beauty" ballet: In 1812, Wilhelm and Jakob Grimm transformed the folktale into the fairytale, "Little Briar Rose," when they published the first volume of "Grimm's Fairy Tales." Marius Petipa orginally choreographed "Sleeping Beauty," and in 1890 the premiere performance took place in St. Petersburg, Russia, set against Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's enthralling composition. Maria Mariusovna Petipa, daughter of Marius, originated the role of ballet's Lilac Fairy. For those of you who are interested, I found a thorough timeline of the fairytale's evolution throughout the centuries HERE.
In 1959, Disney's animation of "Sleeping Beauty" delighted the hearts of little girls everywhere, and continues to dominate as one of the most loved princess movies of all time. (During a 2004 trip to Disneyworld, my husband and I took our children to a princess breakfast and Katie donned the gown of Aurora, her favorite princess. See the below photo for proof!)
Perhaps that is why, three years later at the age of 6, Katie sat enthralled and intrigued by Artistic Director Robert Weiss' presentation of intensely emotional adagios, agile allégros and gravity-defying aplombs. Lilyan Vigo, who portrayed Princess Aurora, amazed us with her enduring stability and balance.
The resplendent and ornately detailed costumes dazzled us. The evil Carabosse and her dragon jolted us into momentary fear, the Lilac Fairy enchanted us, and the celebration of Prince Désiré and Princess Aurora's marriage elevated our emotions to an exultant, eye-moistening state of mind that lingered long after we returned home.
It was a late night for my 6-year-old, but one we will both always remember. And we even have the pink souvenir jewelry box, ticket stubs and program to remind us of our unforgettable night out at the ballet.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
May 12-18 is Children's Book Week!
I am actually grateful to have received an Amazon spam email today, for it alerted me that this week is Children's Book Week. Every week, you can check out the Book TRACKS page for the latest New York Times children's book bestseller's list, but I thought I'd go ahead and post this week's list right here to save you the trip.
1. READ ALL ABOUT IT!, by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush
2. GALLOP!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder
3. DIRT ON MY SHIRT, by Jeff Foxworthy
4. ALPHABET, by Matthew Van Fleet
5. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO, written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Also, for those of you who live in Carrboro or enjoy visiting it, a local children's author has just released "A Weekend in the Paris of the Piedmont." This book is about Lizzy, a young girl who spends a weekend with her, mom, Betsy, rediscovering their hometown of Carrboro, known as the Paris of the Piedmont. The book costs $7.99. For more information, contact Mermaid Press at (919) 929-5023 or email irmatejada@earthlink.net.
Celebrate Children's Book Week by spending a little extra one-on-one time reading to your children--even if they are 10 years old and don't exactly relish the idea of curling up next to Mom and listening to "Love You Forever" for the 100th time.
1. READ ALL ABOUT IT!, by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush
2. GALLOP!, written and illustrated by Rufus Butler Seder
3. DIRT ON MY SHIRT, by Jeff Foxworthy
4. ALPHABET, by Matthew Van Fleet
5. KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO, written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Also, for those of you who live in Carrboro or enjoy visiting it, a local children's author has just released "A Weekend in the Paris of the Piedmont." This book is about Lizzy, a young girl who spends a weekend with her, mom, Betsy, rediscovering their hometown of Carrboro, known as the Paris of the Piedmont. The book costs $7.99. For more information, contact Mermaid Press at (919) 929-5023 or email irmatejada@earthlink.net.
Celebrate Children's Book Week by spending a little extra one-on-one time reading to your children--even if they are 10 years old and don't exactly relish the idea of curling up next to Mom and listening to "Love You Forever" for the 100th time.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Happy Mother's Day From TRACKS!
Hello Triangle Moms!
I'd like to wish you all a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Sunday. Click HERE for Triangle CitySearch's list of great places for a Mother's Day brunch or spa treatment.
Here are a few other ideas for how you can spend Mother's Day in the Triangle this weekend:
MOTHER’S DAY BALL
May 10; 7-10 p.m. Presented by the Town of Cary and held at the Cary Senior Center, this event is open to ages 4 and up. Enjoy music, entertainment, refreshments and a family photo. Photography begins at 6 p.m. Learn more HERE.
AFTERNOON TEAS
The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary offers "Afternoon Tea" served Tuesday through Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the hotel's elegant lounge. This is a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day a day or two before the real thing. The lounge also offers a live harpist performance, an outdoor terrace and various collections of commissioned artwork from nationally acclaimed and local artists. For reservations, call (919) 447-4200. Learn more HERE.
The Carolina Inn and Replacements, Ltd., the world's largest supplier of heirloom china, crystal and silver, offers an afternoon tea with unique charm daily Monday-Saturday, except holidays. Seatings begin at 3 p.m. Teas from Taylors of Harrogate, winner of England's "Best Cup of Tea" award, are served in vintage cups and saucers. Call (919) 919-2777 for reservations. Learn more HERE.
I'd like to wish you all a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Sunday. Click HERE for Triangle CitySearch's list of great places for a Mother's Day brunch or spa treatment.
Here are a few other ideas for how you can spend Mother's Day in the Triangle this weekend:
MOTHER’S DAY BALL
May 10; 7-10 p.m. Presented by the Town of Cary and held at the Cary Senior Center, this event is open to ages 4 and up. Enjoy music, entertainment, refreshments and a family photo. Photography begins at 6 p.m. Learn more HERE.
AFTERNOON TEAS
The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary offers "Afternoon Tea" served Tuesday through Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the hotel's elegant lounge. This is a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day a day or two before the real thing. The lounge also offers a live harpist performance, an outdoor terrace and various collections of commissioned artwork from nationally acclaimed and local artists. For reservations, call (919) 447-4200. Learn more HERE.
The Carolina Inn and Replacements, Ltd., the world's largest supplier of heirloom china, crystal and silver, offers an afternoon tea with unique charm daily Monday-Saturday, except holidays. Seatings begin at 3 p.m. Teas from Taylors of Harrogate, winner of England's "Best Cup of Tea" award, are served in vintage cups and saucers. Call (919) 919-2777 for reservations. Learn more HERE.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Introducing the Triangle TRACKS LinkZine!
I'd like to introduce you to the TRACKS Linkzine. I developed this concept as a way to provide TRACKS visitors with an online magazine experience. There are thousands of free child-specific articles on the Internet for you to read. All I had to do was pick a topic, and put them all one one page. The May topic is:
Overscheduled Kids: are we subjecting our children to too many extra activities?
Finding the appropriate balance of extra-curricular activities for our children takes effective communication and a fair amount of intuition. Sometimes our children let us know when they are overwhelmed; other times they hide those feelings for fear of disappointing us. Check out some of the articles posted on the LinkZine and let me know what you think about this important issue.
Overscheduled Kids: are we subjecting our children to too many extra activities?
Finding the appropriate balance of extra-curricular activities for our children takes effective communication and a fair amount of intuition. Sometimes our children let us know when they are overwhelmed; other times they hide those feelings for fear of disappointing us. Check out some of the articles posted on the LinkZine and let me know what you think about this important issue.
Friday, May 2, 2008
May Triangle TRACKS Calendar Loaded With Fun!
May is loaded with fun events and activities for Triangle kids. Check out the Triangle TRACKS May calendar by clicking here.
Highlights include:
IMAX “BUGS! 3D” OPENS!
IMAX Theater, Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh
Opens May 2. Shot on location in Borneo in an Oxford, England studio, this new IMAX movie explores the dramatic lives of bugs. Learn more here.
BATS: THE TRUE STORY
Museum of Life and Science in Durham
May 10: Rob Miles, TV personality and director for the Organization for Bat Conservation, discusses the benefits of bats, why we need to conserve them and what we can do to help them. Meet a local bat and hear its high-pitched sound. Learn more here. Be sure to check out the museum’s “Explore the Wild” and “Magic Wings Butterfly House” exhibits. Learn more about those exhibits here.
MOTHER’S DAY BALL
Cary Senior Center
May 10; 7-10 p.m. Presented by the Town of Cary and held at the Cary Senior Center, this event is open to ages 4 and up. Enjoy music, entertainment, refreshments and a family photo. Photography begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
NORTH CAROLINA ZOO PRESENTS BIRDS AND BLOOMS
May 10-11: Come out to Ashboro for a special Mother’s Day weekend celebration. Visit here for more information and an online admission discount.
Highlights include:
IMAX “BUGS! 3D” OPENS!
IMAX Theater, Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh
Opens May 2. Shot on location in Borneo in an Oxford, England studio, this new IMAX movie explores the dramatic lives of bugs. Learn more here.
BATS: THE TRUE STORY
Museum of Life and Science in Durham
May 10: Rob Miles, TV personality and director for the Organization for Bat Conservation, discusses the benefits of bats, why we need to conserve them and what we can do to help them. Meet a local bat and hear its high-pitched sound. Learn more here. Be sure to check out the museum’s “Explore the Wild” and “Magic Wings Butterfly House” exhibits. Learn more about those exhibits here.
MOTHER’S DAY BALL
Cary Senior Center
May 10; 7-10 p.m. Presented by the Town of Cary and held at the Cary Senior Center, this event is open to ages 4 and up. Enjoy music, entertainment, refreshments and a family photo. Photography begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
NORTH CAROLINA ZOO PRESENTS BIRDS AND BLOOMS
May 10-11: Come out to Ashboro for a special Mother’s Day weekend celebration. Visit here for more information and an online admission discount.
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