Follow TSP on Facebook
Follow TSP on Twitter

Pages

Showing posts with label Special Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Special Events. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Supporting the Original "True Pair"


By Rachel H

Come be a part of the Women's Only Sporting Clays Event! Our friends Trish and MJ at Seek the Triad are hosting this fun event, which benefits "Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test." This will be such a unique way to meet friends and support a fantastic cause. We know you will have a "blast!"

Blastin' for Boobs will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Shane's Sporting Clays in Summerfield, NC. You can preregister now at www.earlier.org for $35. You may also register the day of the event from 9am-noon with a $40 fee. Food and drinks will be served from 11am-1pm.

If you have never participated in sporting clays, it can be described as "golf with a shotgun." Last year, this event had a total of 125 female shooters (a record for Shane’s), 180 attendees, and raised over $7000 in one afternoon to help fight breast cancer! There is no experience necessary to participate in this event.

We hope you will consider joining the fun at this event! If you have any questions, visit www.seekthetriad.com, or call Trish at 202-8546.



Read more...

Monday, September 27, 2010

You are invited ...




By Rachel H

The Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem is hosting a fun-filled character breakfast for your little princesses and superheroes! The date of the event is October 23, 2010. You must RSVP by October 13th.


Two Seating Times on October 23:
8:30 to 10:00 am & 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Cost:
$25 per person. Children under age one attend free.

Please call The Ronald McDonald House at (336) 723-0228 for an invitation!

You can visit this link for more information.


Read more...

Fabulous Health Education Classes for You!



By Rachel H

We are happy to announce the following classes provided by Best Health. If you are interested in any of the following, be sure to call ASAP. Space is limited!

Tuesday, October 5
Kids & Antibiotics

6 pm - Join WFUBMC’s Michelle Wallis, antibiotic resistance program manager, to learn more about when antibiotics are right for your child. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by calling 336-713-2378.


Wednesday, October 6
Ear Health in Children


3 pm - Why are ear infections in children so common and how can they be prevented? When should you consider ear tubes? Join Dr. Adele Evans, pediatric otolaryngologist with Brenner Children’s Hospital, for answers to these questions and more. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by calling 336-713-2378.


Thursday, October 7
Evening with Eight – Plus Smitty! Being a Healthy Family in an Unhealthy World


6 pm - Join Jeff “Smitty” Smith, the “voice” of Winston-Salem community events, to meet new people and learn something new. Jeff will facilitate a discussion with Dr. Joseph Skelton, obesity expert at Brenner Children’s Hospital, about what has caused the obesity epidemic and how parents can prevent it in their homes. Dr. Skelton will cover topics such as fast food, snack foods, television, video games and more. A light, healthy dinner will be served. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by calling 336-713-2378.


Monday, October 11
Kids & Antibiotics


11 am - Join WFUBMC’s Michelle Wallis, antibiotic resistance program manager, to learn more about when antibiotics are right for your child. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by calling 336-713-2378.


Tuesday, October 19
Discipline: Promoting Healthy Behavior

6 pm - Concerned about your preschooler’s behavior? Need tips on disciplining your early school-aged child? Join Lynn Washington, licensed clinical social worker, and Debbie Allred, licensed psychological associate, of Amos Cottage Therapeutic Day Program for a discussion or behavior management strategies. Q&A session to follow.


Saturday, October 23
Heart-healthy Cooking, Family Style

1 to 2:30 pm - Parents and kids ages 9 to 12 are invited to join Chef Thomas Lantz for an afternoon in the BestHealth kitchen. Have fun together by learning healthy, yet easy, ways to prepare home-cooked family favorites. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by calling 336-713-2378.


Saturday, October 23
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bag Giveaway


2 to 4 pm - Drop by BestHealth to pick up your free reflective trick-or-treat bag and reflective zipper pull to help keep your kids safe this Halloween. Donna Joyner, WFUBMC Trauma Services nurse and director of SAFE KIDS Forsyth, will also be on hand to share Halloween safety tips. Registration is not required.


Read more...

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Smarty Alert: Get Discounted Nutcracker Tix Now!


By Guest Blogger Ann U

Last year, UNCSA’s Nutcracker received rave reviews for its enchanting new staging directed by Ethan Stiefel, Dean of the UNCSA School of Dance. In addition, new choreography, a spectacular new 26-foot tall Christmas tree and a flurry of other magical surprises received high praise from critics and the public alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magical spell that enchanted Winston-Salem last holiday season!

Tickets go on sale Monday, September 27, but you can get your tickets early at the Nutcracker Box Office Opening Kick-Off event this Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Stevens Center.

The September 25th kickoff event also will feature a variety of FREE fun activities for the whole family including art activities provided by the Children’s Museum, additional holiday crafts, refreshments and a chance to have a free photo taken with characters from The Nutcracker!

Those who purchase tickets at the event will receive a $5 discount off each ticket (cannot be combined with any other discount). The $5 off per ticket is eligible for walk-up sales to the Stevens Center Box Office on Saturday, September 25 ONLY and is limited to ten tickets per person per performance.

The full performance schedule for the UNCSA production of The Nutcracker is: Dec. 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 8 through 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

For the best deal in town take advantage of the great prices on The Nutcracker “Family Four Pack” for the evening performances on Sunday, Dec. 5, Wednesday, Dec. 8 and Thursday, Dec. 9 only: $130 for Orchestra Side/Front Balcony and $95 for Center Balcony (not including $5 discount).



Read more...

Monday, September 20, 2010

Smarty Alert: Mark Your Calendars!!


Guest Blogger Ann U

Don’t miss the Open Dream Ensemble’s performance of their original play, Peril on the Red Planet, on Saturday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Thrust Theatre in Performance Place on the UNCSA campus located at 1533 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem. The performance is free and open to the public, and is a GREAT program for families with children of all ages!

Peril on the Red Planet is set in the future and tells the story of 13 year-old Diana as she works to end famine on Mars. She reconstructs the machine that made human habitation possible on Mars and unexpectedly unleashes more problems. Her efforts to save life on Mars lead her on an important quest, during which she learns life lessons about community, responsibility, teamwork and sacrifice. Peril on the Red Planet is geared to grades 2-7 and is fun and informative.

Open Dream Ensemble is a professional multi-disciplinary children’s theater group sponsored by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). For more information contact the Open Dream Ensemble at 336.782.7837 or visit www.opendreamensemble.com.


Read more...

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Visit the Go-expo Next Weekend!



Press Release submitted by Jenni Mowery

Inaugural GoExpo Sustainability Festival Coming September 25

The GoExpo, the Triad’s biggest-ever sustainability festival, is coming to the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9am -4pm to help families, kids, businesses and building professionals learn how to “go green.”

The Expo will feature information and presentations on green trends for homes, businesses, neighborhoods, schools, transportation, gardens and more. “We’ve really tried to cover all the different aspects of people’s lives,” Co-Chair Anne Tambling describes. “Whether it’s the schools their children attend, the transportation they use, the food they eat, the houses they live in, the neighborhoods they live in – there are sustainable aspects to all these areas. Most expos are vendor-based – you find lots of opportunities to buy things, ours is about information. We want people to learn about the tremendous advantages that come when you follow sustainable practices– not just environmentally, but financially for your home or business.”

Special guests include Sarah Susanka, architect and author of the best-selling “Not So Big House” series of books; and Sophie Lambert, the director of LEED for Neighborhood Development at the U.S. Green Building Council.

The GoExpo is being organized by the Community Sustainability Program Committee, an advisory body formed by the Winston-Salem City Council in 2008 to spearhead efforts to make Winston-Salem a more sustainable community. Jason Frichner, the chairman of the committee, says the GoExpo is intended to raise awareness of sustainability and the advantages it offers to residents and business owners alike. “We want to introduce the concept to people who may not understand it or have not bought into the benefits of sustainability, and show how it can change their lives for the better,” he said.

Highlights of the GoExpo include:
•Test drives of hybrid and fuel-efficient cars, courtesy of Modern Automotive Group, the presenting sponsor for the GoExpo
•Separate themed areas focusing on sustainability in homes, offices, gardens, schools, neighborhoods, transportation and construction.
•A GoKids area with hands-on activities for kids and learning opportunities for parents.
•Special workshops, seminars and exhibits for builders, architects and engineers, including classes that fulfill U.S. Green Building Council certification requirements.
•Four “green-themed” movies presented by A/perture Cinema, including two in the afternoon at the convention center.
•Free door-side “bike valet” service for bike riders who pedal to the GoExpo.
•Walk-through mock-ups of a “green” home and a “green” office.
•Exhibits of sustainable products and services for builders and homeowners.

For more information, visit www.GoExpoWS.com. We hope you will support this wonderful event!


Read more...

Monday, September 13, 2010

Moms' Morning Out!


By Rachel H

We are excited to help promote the first ever Forsyth Family “Moms’ Morning Out Brunch" event. Dad's are invited, too! This event is brought to you by Forsyth Family Magazine. It is next Wed, Sept 15th at Cimarron Steakhouse in Clemmons from 9am to noon. It’s an excuse for moms and dads to get together, meet new people, and share a meal. Plus, there are great prizes! Dads who come will be entered into a special “dads only” prize drawing.

Cimarron Steakhouse is located at 3260 South Stratford Road in Clemmons, NC. They will provide a special brunch menu exclusively for this event, along with their regular lunch menu. Feel free to bring a friend! We hope to see you there!


Read more...

Monday, September 6, 2010

Heartstrings Walk to Remember



By Rachel H

Did you know that infant loss touches the lives of more than one out of every four pregnant women? If you have not heard of Heartstrings, be sure to visit their website at www.heartstringssupport.org. Heartstrings Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support offers group and one-to-one peer support and encouragement to families who have lost a baby from conception to one year of age.

We would like to invite you to join over 500 families for A Walk to Remember on October 9, 2010. Heartstrings is hosting its 6th Annual A Walk to Remember for Bereaved Parents Across the Triad. The Walk will take place at Triad Park in Kernersville, N.C. Bereaved parents, their friends and caregivers whose lives have been touched by the tragic loss of a baby as a result of a pregnancy loss, stillbirth or newborn death will come together to publicly remember their babies and to spread awareness.

The event starts at 9:15 a.m. on October 9, 2010. There will be onsite registration as well as check-in for those preregistered. A Time of Remembrance follows at 10:00 a.m. The service includes keynote speaker Tracey Holyfield, a bereaved parent and founder of Heartstrings. The service concludes with a special ceremony where each family receives an ornament personalized with their baby’s name. The 1.5-mile walk will begin at 11 a.m.

If you, or someone you know would like to participate, you may register online at www.heartstringssupport.org. The registration fee is $25 for couples, $15 for individuals and $7 for children. The fee includes a Time of Remembrance program, a t-shirt and participation in the Walk. Teams are also welcome.

Along with the support and comfort extended to those participating, a goal of the Walk is to raise proceeds which will help support Heartstrings Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support.

President Ronald Reagan decreed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in 1988. October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. One in four pregnancies ends in a loss and another 46 babies die every day in the United States within the first 28 days of life from prematurity, congenital abnormalities, unknown causes or accidental death. You can help spread the word about local and national resources of hope and encouragement for bereaved parents.

If you have questions, or would like more information, please call Mary Easton at 336-335-9931.

Reminder: Don't forget to register for our September giveaway. You could be one of FIVE lucky readers to win a $20 gift card from Invitations Only. Just click here to register. Contest will end at noon on Friday, September 10. Good luck!


Read more...

Friday, August 6, 2010

Have you heard the buzz?



By Guest Blogger Carroll Leggett

Spectacular Gala, Tony Bennett Concert, and Free Community Days Are Highlights of Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Opening Celebration

In a month or so – specifically Friday, Saturday, Sunday, September 10-12, Winston-Salem will be buzzing. The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts will have its grand opening with more activities than any one person can take in, and there is something for everyone in your family.

Friday night is the Gala. Revelers will gather at The Center early in the evening for a party that runs from six to midnight with great food and drink and decorations that will defy believe. The various Schools at UNCSA have come together with sets that will dazzle and amaze and entertainment that will include performances from the “Romeo and Juliet balcony” in spectacular Reynolds Place from both West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet. There will be entertainment in every nook and corner of the Center, including in the new Hanesbrands black-box theatre.

Then 15-time Grammy winner Tony Bennett will perform just up the street at the Stevens Center. After his concert, one of the East Coast’s best known DJs will spin records until midnight in a ‘70s disco setting in the Hanesbrands Theatre.

Friday night’s Gala events are paid events, but after the formal ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, all events are free. There will be non-stop entertainment until 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. There will be more than 100 artistic and cultural experiences.

Members of The Arts Council and its Funded Partners will sponsor activities that run the gamut. Arts and crafts for children; dance performances; lectures; panel discussions; poetry slams and theatrical extravaganzas. A highlight on the two “Community Days” will be the premier of Bouncers, a dramatic comedy about a group of working class British bouncers at work and art play.

Kids will delight in the Children’s Theatre production of Aladdin, Jr. and Piedmont Opera’s presentation from Jack and the Beanstalk. Budding authors can attend a creative writing seminar. The symphony will have a string quartet. There will be films and games and crafts from the Children’s Museum and international dance performances. Sawtooth Center will sponsor artist demonstrations in their classrooms.

Race at break-neck speed in your prized sneakers and you will never get to all the choices that will be available and attractive to you for free. Again. One hundred or more.

Storyline will be on site to collect stories from Forsyth County residents. Decide if you would like to participate and get your thoughts together about what you know that it is important to preserve.

Piedmont Craftsmen will sponsor the inaugural exhibition in the Milton Rhodes Center’s main gallery. This will be spectacular show that features work by some of its most talented craftspeople over the decades. In another area, winning works of art by students from the Forsyth County School system will be displayed.

One can get breathless just thinking about this amazing smorgasbord of arts and cultural activities – all free during “Community Days,” Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12.

For information concerned Friday evening’s ticketed events, including the Tony Bennett concert, you may visit The Arts Council’s website, http://www.inttothearts.org/ or call 336.722.2585.

Don't forget to register for our August Giveaway! You could be one of five lucky readers who will win a $20 gift card to Boutique of Couture in Winston-Salem. Think new fall clothes!!! Just click here to take a short survey. You must be a TSP newsletter subscriber to win. This giveaway promotion will run through Noon on Friday, August 13. Winners will be immediately notified and announced on TSP a few days later. Good luck, Smarties!


Read more...

Monday, August 2, 2010

Join in the fun at the Kirkwood 5K Run/Walk/Push



By Rachel H and Guest Blogger Lori Redding

We are thrilled to tell you about an exciting event in the Triad! On August 28th, 2010, we invite you to join the K5K Run/Walk/Push! It begins at 9am in the Kirkwood Neighborhood of Greensboro. The good news is that the course is flat and simple, so anyone can join in the fun and help raise money for a great cause.

Kirkwood is one of Greensboro's friendliest family neighborhoods. Nestled
just north of downtown Greensboro among sixty year old dogwoods, red maples, large poplars, and mixed hardwoods, Kirkwood is home to more than 250 families. Known as a young person's neighborhood, most homeowners are between the ages of 25 and 40 and are beginning their own families. Sprinkled throughout the community, however, are "neighborhood grandparents," couples without children, and single individuals, all of which create a rich diversity.

Friends of Kirkwood (FOK), a community group led by neighborhood residents, helps invigorate the sense of community within Kirkwood. With FOK's leadership, Kirkwood gives back to the community annually by hosting the K5K Run/Walk/Push. All proceeds from this race go to benefit a local charity that is actively making a difference in Greensboro. The last race raised over $3,000 for the ALS Association to honor a neighborhood member fighting ALS. This year, we are thrilled to be raising funds for BackPack Beginnings.

BackPack Beginnings (formerly known as The BackPack Program of Guilford County) is a Charitable Purpose Fund with the Community Foundation of Greensboro. It directly
affects childhood hunger in our county by sending school aged children home with backpacks full of nutritious and kid-friendly food on the weekends during the school year. It is based on The BackPack Program, a national model developed by Feeding America and Second Harvest Food Bank that has been implemented by Second Harvest in many counties in North Carolina- but not in Guilford County. Unfortunately, here in Guilford County, the problem of hunger may be larger than you think.

According to Guilford County School's Nutrition Office, 52.8% of children in our school system qualify for free or reduced lunches. That is approximately 37,000 children. Childhood hunger causes health problems, creates educational problems and leads to workforce and job readiness problems. BackPack Beginnings launched at Wiley Elementary and Shiloh Head Start in January 2010, feeding 50 and 15 children respectively. We plan to feed 100 or more students in the fall. The more money we raise, the more children we can feed. You can be part of the solution! Learn more about this program at www.backpackbeginnings.com.


We hope you will join us on August 28 at 9am for the K5K Run/Walk/Push. Details can be found at www.k5k.kirkwoodlive.org


Read more...

Monday, June 28, 2010

It's Time for a Bra that Fits Right!




By Rachel H

On Tuesday, June 29, we invite you to come out to the Hanesbrands Outlet Store at Thruway Shopping Center and preview Barely There's new revolutionary sizing system with "shape to fit" technology!

Nationally known author, TV host and simple living expert Wanda Urbanska will be there to discuss the importance of simplifying the shopping experience and sign copies of her newest book The Heart of Simple Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life. You can be one of the first to experience the simplicity of the new Barely There® CustomFlex Fit™ collection with Smart Sizes!

On the day of the event, there will be special promotions, bra fittings, prizes, refreshments and book signings during the hours of 11 am - 1 pm and 5 pm - 7 pm.

The new Barely There CustomFlex Fit collection features Smart Sizes, is a new bra sizing system that simplifies and streamlines the traditional bra sizing configuration from 16 sizes to just 5 sizes with innovative, “shape to fit” technology. The sizing innovation comes from the fit flexibility of Smart Sizes that provide two traditional band sizes and two traditional cup sizes in one Smart Size.

With the flexible fit properties of Smart Sizes, women can find a bra that literally forms to their individual shape, providing a custom fit. At the core of Smart Sizes are flexible frames that allow the bras to mold themselves to the shapes of the wearers.

The new Barely There CustomFlex Fit Collection features seven styles including underwire, wirefree and a new Bandini silhouette in a wide range of colors. The unlined bra styles retail for $24, the foam bra styles sell for $30 and the new Bandini silhouette comes packaged two for $24. The CustomFlex Fit collection offers five Smart Sizes (XS-XL) that cover the complete range of sizes from 32A to 42C. This is a fantastic price for a quality bra.

Details for the event:
Tuesday, June 29
Hanesbrands Outlet Store at Thruway Shopping Center
Winston-Salem, NC
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5:00pm – 7:00 pm

We hope to see you tomorrow, ladies!


Read more...

Friday, June 18, 2010

A Day at the Ballpark!



By Katie M

Smarties, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks because we’re taking you out to the ballgame! Triad Smarty Pants and the Greensboro chapters of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) have teamed up to create a night at NewBridge Bank Park (home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers). And the Greensboro Grasshoppers are generously offering discounts to all TSP readers and/or GSO MOPS members. This special night is Sunday, July 18 at 4 pm. The Grasshoppers will be playing the Asheville Tourists. Keep reading to find out how you can get tickets!


We’re so excited to partner with all the Greensboro MOPS chapters on this special event. You might remember our blog about MOPS, a great resource for all moms. We've even listed MOPS as a local resource under our Smarty Local Resource directory.

According to the MOP's international web site, MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs.

MOPS helps moms through relationships established in the context of local groups that provide a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children. MOPS also encourages and supports moms through resources such as books, its website and the MOPS International Membership. There are several chapters in the Triad. Just click here to find a MOPS group near you!

We hope you will join us (readers of TSP and members of MOPS) on Sunday, July 18 at the Greensboro Grasshopper game! Seats have been reserved for all of us in the area closest to the playground (over third base) in order to truly make this a family friendly event. Plus, Sundays are Moses Cone Family Days at the ballpark and include time for children to play ball on the field before the game, as well as run bases after the game.

Tickets will be available at a discounted rate of $6 per adult and $5 per child. Children four and under do not require a ticket, however, they will not have a reserved seat. Guests of this event will also receive a 10% discount coupon to use on Grasshopper souvenirs.

To reserve tickets, simply email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com with the subject of your email “Grasshopper game.” We’ll email you a ticket order form that you’ll need to print, fill out, and mail in (along with a check or credit card info) to get your discount and to reserve your seats. All this information is detailed on the ticket form we will email you. You can then pick up your tickets at Will Call on the day of the game, or if you are a MOPS member, you can get your tickets from your Greensboro MOPS leader.

The deadline to get these discounted tickets is July 15 (ticket order forms must be received by this date). Please know you cannot receive the discounted ticket rate at the ticket window on game day. If you have any questions about purchasing your tickets, you can contact Todd Olson, sales associate with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, at 336-268-2890.

What a fun idea for a summer night outing! We hope to see you and your family there!

Don't forget to register to win a pair of Orthaheel flip flops - a generous offer from Fleet Feet of Winston-Salem. You must be a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber to be eligible to win. This promotion ends Friday, June 25 and TWO winners will be announced shortly afterwards - just in time for you to sport these sandals at the pool!


Read more...

Friday, May 28, 2010

You are Invited: Movie Night at BB&T Ball Park!



By Rachel H

We've got another fantastic invitation for our loyal Smarty Pants readers! Prudential Carolinas Realty invites the first 50 families to respond to this invitation to an exclusive screening of "The Sandlot" on Saturday, June 19. Spread out a blanket on the baseball field and enjoy complimentary popcorn and refreshments. It's a perfect way to celebrate Father's Day Weekend!

Gates open at 7:00pm. Movie begins at 7:30pm.

Please send an email to cathy.larmore@prucarolinas.com with your name and home address to receive an invitation in the mail. Each invitation admits an entire family to the movie night. The first 50 people to respond will receive an invitation.
You must RSVP by June 4th.

Will this be fun or what?!?! Thanks, Prudential!


Read more...

Thursday, May 27, 2010

You’re Invited to A Smarty Party!


By Rachel H

As a thank you to our readers, we would like to invite you and your children to a Smarty Party at Funigan’s! We have a party reserved for our group from 10am-noon on Monday, June 14th. We are so excited about this event! You MUST email us to reserve your spot for the party...

Chris from Funigan’s will hand out tickets when you arrive and will be drawing names for three raffles that day! He will be giving away (1) Silver party valued at $119 and (2) Family Fun packs valued at $30 each. He will also provide drinks, pizza samples, and 10 tokens to each child along with unlimited soft play, mini-bowling, and rock climbing wall.

Please send an email to triadsmartypants@gmail.com with the subject “Smarty Party” to reserve your spot for this event. Please include your name, number of children attending, and their ages. Once we reach 50 children we will need to close the invitation. Parents must stay with their children through the entire party. We will respond to you to let you know if we received your email before we hit our 50 child maximum limit.

Can’t wait to see you there! And remember … don’t be tardy for the Smarty Party! :)

UPDATE: As of 11pm on Thursday evening, we are full! So sorry if you were unable to get in on this event! We had such a fabulous response that we will definitely do something like this again! Stay tuned!

Funigan's is located at:
152 Stratford Commons Court
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 774-7000


Read more...

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Smarty Alert: Kathy Dollyhigh Photography Spring Sessions Extended!


By Rachel H
Kathy Dollyhigh Photography has just extended the deadline for Spring Portraits until June 19th! Our own TSP Member, Susan, just got the precious shot above of her children during her spring session last week. This special includes an outdoor session for just $85, which includes two 5x7 and two 4x5 prints of the same image...

The session is for one child and $10 for each additional child. Full-lengths and close-ups of each individual and each group is taken.

Kathy is known for her traditional style and her exceptional demeanor with children. You can read more about her in our previous blog here. Call Kathy at 336.370.0750 to schedule your spring portraits!


Read more...

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Lemon-Aid Stands to End Duchenne










By Guest Blogger, Allison Greiner

Last Spring, my son Matthew got this note in the mail:

Dear Matthew, I had a lemonade stand. I made $24.26. I hope it helps. Love, Jack.

This note is one of the most special pieces of paper that has ever been placed in our mailbox and it not only tells a beautiful story, but has become an inspiration.

My four year old son Matthew (pictured above) has a muscle disorder called Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Children with this disorder lack the protein that allows muscles to regenerate and therefore over time, the muscles weaken, stripping boys of mobility, independence and a long adult life. It is a genetic disorder that affects one in 3,500 boys but, as in Matthew’s case, can occur as a spontaneous mutation. It is 100 percent fatal and for now, there is no cure.

Jack learned about Matthew and his struggle from his parents who had attended a fundraising event. Jack took it upon himself to set up a lemonade stand to raise money. Little did he know that this one act of kindness and generosity would turn into an entire campaign of kids helping kids in an effort to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Lemon-Aid Stand was born.

On the weekend of May 22-23, kids from all over Greensboro will be holding lemonade stands to raise money for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, a not-for-profit that is dedicated to funding research worldwide to end this tragic disorder.

Pictured right is Jack, who has already begun selling this year in his home-made stand, made by his grandfather. He's already raised over $100!

The process is rather simple. Kids can go online at www.lemon-aidstand.com to register their stands. On this site, they can create their own fundraising pages that they may send to family and friends. They will choose a location to pick up their own lemon-aid kit. Kits include Kool-Aid lemonade, a Lemon-Aid sign, information about Duchenne and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, balloons, Dear Neighbor letters, tips for sellers and a thank you note from Matthew and Jack. Once their stands are registered online, they will print out their registration to turn in when they pick up their kits. With this information we will be able to collect their earnings at the end of the weekend.


We invite you and your child to participate in this event by either registering and hosting your own lemon-aid stand, or by visiting these stands during the weekend of May 22-23rd. On the website, you will be able to find locations of the stands so you and your family can support others!

Although this event is taking place city-wide in Greensboro, if you are in another Triad city and want to host a stand, please contact me, Allison, at greinerr@mindspring.com or call 292-0644. We definitely want this to grow! In addition, if anyone would like to be an organizer for your area next year, please email me!

The beauty of this event is that children will feel the joy doing something significant to help others and hopefully, they will become a lifetime supporter of the cause. But, of course, we hope that they will be able to say that they helped cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a little Lemon-Aid and a lot of heart.



Read more...

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

All for A Good Cause



By Rachel H

I have recently learned about a few inspiring stories and generous ideas going on in our area. I have fundraisers, charities, and events listed below taking place in all areas of the Triad. I know these stories will touch our readers and that you will want to become involved! The first event takes place tomorrow, and the rest are within the next month. The 1.1.11 mission will continue throughout the year. Please take some time to read these remarkable stories below and show your support where possible!

Warriors for Wells - As mentioned, this first event is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21, 2010. You can go out to eat and raise money for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the same time! Plan to eat lunch, dinner or BOTH at The Loop Pizza Grill in W-S and 10% of the revenues all day will go to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Wells Clark and the Warriors for Wells team! Wells Clark is a nine year old boy who was diagnosed at just three weeks old with Cystic Fibrosis. Wells demonstrates tremendous courage and hope as he fights daily against this life threatening disease. Wells stays active playing soccer, basketball and baseball, but this disease is still wreaking havoc on his young lungs.

There is currently NO CURE for Cystic Fibrosis and the median life expectancy is 37 years of age. Warriors for Wells was formed when Wells was six months old, and the team participated in the first Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk to raise funds towards a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Warriors for Wells will not stop the fight until the cure is found.

Please help spread the word! Visit The Loop tomorrow and be sure to tell the cashier you are there for the Warriors for Wells event so they can keep track of the donations. Visit the Warriors for Wells Facebook page
here. You can also learn more about this year’s Great Strides Walk here, which takes place this Saturday!

America’s Most Wanted All-Star - On Oct. 7, 2009, Sgt. Mickey Hutchens of the Winston-Salem Police Department was shot in the face while he was backing up two officers who were doing a domestic violence warrant service.
Mickey died just five days later. During the domestic dispute, this man who shot Mickey, also shot Officer Daniel Clark. Although Daniel was wounded and knocked to the ground, he was able to return fire, killing the suspect. Many of you remember this incident and can agree that we may never know how many lives Daniel saved that day, because the suspect had already tried to enter the nearby Bojangles Restaurant. Thanks to these two officers, the public was kept safe.

Daniel Clark has been nominated for America's Most Wanted All Star. We would love for all of the Triad to help honor him by
voting for him here. You can vote once a day until May 3rd. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for Daniel to get the recognition he deserves for all he has done to protect the public?



Drake Naylor Invitational - Drake Naylor was born on August 24, 2005. He has a rare chromosome abnormality which has left him deaf/blind and severally multi-handicapped. After realizing how many families were affected by different disabilities, Drake’s parents, Shane and Trish, wanted to help those who had helped them. In May of 2006, the Naylor family and Shane’s Sporting Clays decided to host the Drake Naylor Invitational, an event to help support the
Greensboro Cerebral Palsy Infant/Toddler Association housed at the Gateway School.

They had hoped to raise around $5,000, but at the end of the day, on May 27, 2006, they had raised almost $53,000!!! It showed everyone, including Drake, what a difference we can make TOGETHER.
This year is the 5th Annual Drake Naylor Invitational. It will take place on May 29th. The event is held at Shane’s Sporting Clays and is held like a golf tournament, but instead you will be shooting clay targets! And for those who don't shoot, there will be lunch by Sagebrush (please reserve your seat) and a fab silent auction!!! You can learn more about the event here.


The 1-1-11 Mission - This is a worldwide campaign started by two women – Debby Yennaco and Carolyn Flaherty. We have 1 world, we are blessed with 1 life, you are 1 person, and 1 person can make 1 HUGE difference. YOU are instrumental to the mission. Together as 1 we will raise $1,000,000 for charity by 1-1-11.

The mission will be accomplished by selling 1,000,000 tee shirts for $11.11 each. The tee shirt looks great, as you can see, and is printed with water based inks on organic cotton grown to be friendly to our 1 world. You can purchase your mission shirt at www.1-1-11mission.com .

These ladies are so certain that this challenge will be successful that they are offering back to the members of our mission.
The 111th person to purchase a tee shirt will receive the shirt for free. The 1,111 person to purchase will receive $111. The 11,111 person to purchase will receive $1,111. The 111,111 person to purchase will receive $11,111. If the goal is surpassed and sales reach 1,111,111 the purchaser of that shirt will receive $111,111. This is how they commit to make a difference in your 1 life and thank you for making 1 HUGE difference in lives around the world. Visit the website to read more about the charities that you will help out, along with personal stories from those who can directly benefit from this mission.

High Point Firefighters Association 5K Charity Run - The purpose of the High Point Firefighters Association Charity Run is to assist those who give of themselves selflessly. This is a way to support the people who put our lives before their own each and every day. We would love for you to visit this website to learn more about this event, take part in it, donate, or simply spread the word. This first year, they are supporting two different charities, the fire department and the police department. Both are all donation charities and both are tax deductible! The event takes place on May 8, 2010 - Rain or shine! 5K Run Start time at 08:30am, Entry Fee: $25.00, 1 Mile Fun Run Start time at 08:00 am - Until the day of the race $10.00.

Strollers for the Cure- Now you can get involved in the Race for the Cure event even if you have little ones in tow! Participants of the 11th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure can register to take part in a free event called Strollers for the Cure. The race will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Salem Academy and College. The start line will be at the Old Salem Visitor Center across from Old Salem in W-S. In case you missed our blog on Race for the Cure, you can find it
here.

Infant/toddler t-shirts will be available for purchase the day of the race at the Strollers for the Cure tent. There will also be juices and kiddie food at the tent. Join in and decorate your stroller, because prizes will be given to the most creative and unique decorations. Decorations will also be available at the tent once you arrive. We hope some of our Smarty Mommas out there will choose to participate and show your children how you can make a difference! find out more at
www.komennctriad.org.


Read more...

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Bring Your Family to The Tanglewood Cup Steeplechase


By Guest Blogger April Bowman


TSP is thrilled to help promote this year's Tanglewood Cup Steeplechase. We hope many Triad families will plan to attend this fabulous family event. Tickets are available now and can be purchased for $5 off by entering the code "smarty." Click here to purchase yours!

If your kids are like mine, they LOVE animals. My daughter is already super excited about the ones that she’ll see at the Tanglewood Cup Steeplechase on Saturday, May 8the in the petting zoo, at the pony rides, in demos, and during the horse races. She’s also really hyped up about the inflatables that will be there. She can spend hours climbing those air filled ladders and sliding down slides. Forsyth County 4-H is coordinating the Kaplan’s Children’s Paddock and since that is my job, my daughter has heard all about it!

I am really glad that her birthday is before the Steeplechase, because otherwise I am certain that a miniature horse would make its way onto her list after watching Macy Plemmons, American Miniature Horse Registry 2009 Youth of the Year, jumping with her mini in hand and driving her country pleasure cart.

My daughter is very crafty, so I know that she will enjoy getting to create her own stick horse using a foam pool noodle, a paper bag, yarn, markers and more. She’s not very coordinated (she takes after her mother), but I am sure that she will try her best in the Stick Horse races! She’ll also love painting on the GIANT (20’ X 6’) horse mural that will be there.

The family tailgating area is located next to the Kaplan’s Children’s Paddock so we can all conveniently take a break between activities. You can decorate your tailgate and try to win the “Most Outrageous Tailgate”, “Most Beautiful Tailgate”, or “Most Creative Tailgate” awards.


My hairdresser doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to be seeing less of me. I’m trying to let my hair grow out a little ALL so that you can see it sticking out from under my wide-brimmed hat that will be decorated with 4-H ribbons and clovers! I’m very competitive by nature so I am out to win an award, I just can’t decide which one I want to go after: “Best ‘Do you DARE wear that’ Hat” or the “Most Elegant & Classic Hat”. My daughter is of course trying for the “Best Children’s Hat”.

First Tee of the Triad will be on hand to promote life skills, character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf and other ball games. The Forsyth County library will have piƱatas and free horse related books in the book mobile. “McGruff” the crime dog will also be making his rounds.

Admission to the Children’s Paddock is $10, but kids under 12 are admitted free to the Steeplechase with an accompanying adult. Everything in the Children’s Paddock is included with the cost of the $10 admission including the pony rides and petting zoo (you will need a little change if you want to feed the animals).

The Tanglewood Cup Steeplechase is put on by the Tanglewood Equestrian Association and will be held at Tanglewood Park, Saturday, May 8th. Tanglewood Park is located off Interstate 40 at exit 182. Gates open at 9am and the first race is scheduled for 1pm. The Children’s Paddock is open from 10:30am until 3:30pm. Advance tickets may be purchased on-line at www.tanglewoodcup.org.

April Bowman is a 4-H Agent with the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Center and mom of two (a school-aged daughter and a toddler). They live on their family farm outside of Germanton.

Photo image courtesy: Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.




Read more...

Monday, April 5, 2010

Race for the Cure!



By Guest Blogger, Kelly Melang, Forsyth Family magazine

If you've had the urge to do something great for yourself and for others, now is your chance! On May 1, 2010 you can participate in Race for the Cure with one of the coolest teams in the area! There are teams participating in the Race For the Cure, and then there is the Forsyth Woman/Forsyth Family/Fleet Feet Sports team! Why sign up for our team? Here are 5 good reasons! ...

1.Our Premier Sponsor-Thruway Shopping Center has generously opened their stores AND their parking lot to our team! Team participants will enjoy discount coupons at social events and race day from the great stores of Thruway Shopping center! The convenient location of Thruway Shopping center centrally locates our social run/walk AND the ride to the starting line on Race Day!

2.We have OUR OWN t-shirt. Not only do you get the cool Komen T-shirt for registering, but you get our ULTRA COOL team t-shirt with our own customized logo. Not to mention the extra goodies some of our advertisers are adding to your bag of swag!

3.There’s beauty in numbers - become part of our 200 person team and really make a presence at the race! Enjoy the day with family and friends as everyone is easily recognized in their ULTRA COOL team t-shirt. (Did we mention it was ultra cool?)

4. Two fun social walks/runs are planned as a build up to the race – one on April 15th at Fleet Feet Sports (where we’ll unveil our ultra cool t-shirt) and one on April 22nd at Thruway Shopping center. Both events not only include getting together with friends, BUT also great giveaways and drawings! We finish with a pre-race carbo load celebration at Big Shotz Tavern the night before the race. Gather with us as we celebrate the cause we are supporting and the end of training!

5.If you’ve run the race before, you know how much FUN it is to try and get down to Salem College on race day. Our team is providing a ride direct to the starting line! Exclusive for team participants, you can board the bus at Thruway Shopping Center and have a low-stress ride right to the start. Enjoy lunch and post race shopping at Thruway after relaxing on the bus ride back with your friends and fellow race participants - rather than fighting traffic!

There are teams for the Race, and then there is OUR team! Go to www.forsythwoman.com or www.forsythfamilymagazine.com and click on the Pink Ribbon to join our team!

Smarties, don't forget to register for this month's give-away with Whitebox Photography. Just be sure you are a Triad Smarty Pants newsletter subscriber, then click here to enter your name in the giveaway! We will choose a winner through Random.org on April 9, 2010 and will contact you that day!


Read more...

Friday, March 19, 2010

"Lillie's Friends Foundation" Family Festival


By Rachel H

A few years ago, a friend of mine told me about a little girl named Lillie, who was battling a terrible disease called Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. My friend directed me to a Caring Bridge site, which was being maintained by Lillie’s mom, Michelle. I was immediately drawn to this little girl and her family. I logged on to the website daily, prayed for Lillie nightly, and waited for this sweet little girl to beat this cancer.

The Boyte family went through a tremendous list of emotions throughout the months as Lillie’s body fought this disease. Through their ups and downs, many followers of the Caring Bridge site offered words of hope and strength. I remember the morning I logged on to Lillie’s site and read that she had earned her angel wings and was finally at peace. I cried like Lillie was my own child. It was amazing to me that I could feel so much compassion for a family whom I had never even met. This was in August 2007.

I now know that the reason I was able to feel so much compassion was because the Boyte family is so compassionate themselves. I finally had the privilege of meeting Michelle, and have no doubt that she will make an impact in this world through what she has learned. The Boytes, along with friends and family, have started a foundation called Lillie’s Friends Foundation. Lillie’s Friends is committed to honor children fighting neuroblastoma and help families realize their hope.

Michelle took the time last year to write a heart touching blog for us about the foundation and the first event they organized. You can read her post here, which also shares some details about neuroblastoma.

This year, Triad Smarty Pants is so happy to help Lillie’s Friends Foundation promote another fantastic family event. You are invited to the “Got Friends?” Family Festival. This will be held on April 3rd, 2010 in honor of Lillie, who would be turning six on April 9th.

The festival will be held at Tanglewood Park from 10am -2pm, with a 5K race prior to this at 9am. (You can double click on the poster above to see it larger.) Your family will have a blast as they enjoy inflatables, an egg hunt, raffles, crafts, entertainment, and more. You can visit www.lilliesfriends.org to learn more or to register for the race.

We hope to see you there as we join together to celebrate Lillie and raise awareness of this disease.


Read more...