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Hickory MacKid Tidbits


Greetings from the editor!

Welcome to Macaroni Kid Hickory! Thanks for joining us! This site is here for Catawba Valley moms and dads, and grandparents too, who love finding fun, local things to do with their kids.

Welcome to the third and final edition of our 2012 Summer Camp Guide! 

As summer nears, it's time to finalize plans for your kids' summer vacation.  There are some great programs in the area, and we have a selection of some of the best in our Summer Camp Guide.

Before the days get too hot, we encourage you to spend time outdoors with your families.  May 19th is National Kids to Parks Day and a great reason to enjoy the many parks we have in the area.  Blow some bubbles outside using the homemade solution we share a recipe for.  Enjoy a Wildlife Weekend using the helpful resources made available by Dawn (be sure to check out that article for a chance to win a video camera from Macaroni Kid National!).  Visit a farmer's market.  Then, after a day spent outside, come in to the aroma of the chicken in a pot meal that's been cooking in the Crockpot all day.

Becky Woloszyk and her family will be enjoying the outdoors at a Hickory Crawdads baseball game!  Becky was our winner in the ticket giveaway last week.  Congratulations, Becky!  We have more tickets to give away throughout the 2012 baseball season so stay tuned! 

This is the time of the year for fairs and festivals, so be sure to check our calendar which is packed with lots of activities happening around town (please remember the list below is not all inclusive; find all the events on our calendar).   Our Facebook page has all the latest information so stay tuned for last minute updates. 

Have a fun-filled week!

~Anna

      

  


Macaroni Kid Hickory Summer Camp Guide 2012


Plan the best summer for your kids...

Summer is just around the corner and the time is NOW to think about how your kids will spend the few months off from school.  Registration has started and even passed at some places so the sooner you get your kids registered, the better off their summer may be.

Macaroni Kid Hickory is happy to bring you the third and final edition of our Summer Camp Guide for 2012.  We have partnered with some wonderful camps in the area and compiled a list of great places and activities for your child(ren) to enjoy during summer vacation.  Check them out and register today!

Bisque n' Beads Art on the Square Summer Camp
Camp Arrowhead for Boys
Chesterbrook Academy Camp Zone
Creative Arts Show Time Flip-Flop Summer Theatre ShowCamps
CVCC Cheerleading Camp
CVCC Summerscapes
Devine Farms Summer Day Camp
Foothills Equestrian Center Horsemanship Day Camp
Foothills Gymnastics "Peace, Love, Olympics" Summer Camp
Golden Touch Soccer Camps
Luis Velez Speed & Conditioning Academy
Stretch-n-Grow Fitness & Literature Camp 2012
Todd Starkey Basketball Camps

This will be our final edition of the Summer Camp Guide for this year, however, the listings will stay up through the summer months.  You can browse the listings anytime in the Summer Camps category of our Biz Directory.  We will continue to bring you a wide variety of local camps to make sure you're informed and ready to make this all-important decision!


Calling ALL Independent Consultants!


AVON, Mary Kay, Stampin' Up, Pampered Chef, etc

Independent Consultants / Representatives / Distributors:
We are looking to feature YOU in an upcoming article!

Contact me today by emailing annah@macaronikid.com for more information and to reserve your spot (space is limited).  We are accepting only one consultant from each company so act fast. 

The following spots have been filled:
- Close To My Heart
- Creative Memories
- Jamberry Nails
- Perfectly Posh
- Tupperware

Macaroni Celebrates ~ National Kids to Parks Day


May 19th

Just what is National Kids to Parks Day, anyway?  Simply put, every family in America is invited to attend a local park, state park, or national park and play the day away!  Many parks nationwide are hosting special events (there's an event scheduled in Gastonia) and you can also pledge to go to a park with your family on May 19th.  Pretty cool!

This is the perfect opportunity to "unplug" and enjoy the great outdoors.  You'll be amazed at how much fun you can have, and to help ...

Macaroni Menu ~ Chicken in a Pot


Easy Crockpot recipe, perfect for the busiest of nights...

This is my favorite easy meal to make on those busy weekday nights.  The ingredients don't cost much, prep time is minimal and the result is a yummy meal for your whole family to enjoy.  Since this is made in the Crockpot, you can throw in the ingredients, set it... and forget it.  Hours later, dinner is done.  While the meal cooks, it fills your entire house with an appetizing aroma, and the smell of a home-cooked meal is one of the most comforting smells. 

Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, sliced ...

Macaroni Made ~ Long Lasting Bubble Solution


Oh yes, it is that time of the year. The kids are dying to get outside and play. The sun is shining and what is more fun than bubbles? Oh, how kids love blowing bubbles.

But those bubbles get expensive when the bubble solution goes so fast. And my kids definitely go through it fast! My solution is to make my own bubble mixture for the kids.

Long Lasting Bubble Solution

•1oz Dishwashing Detergent (Joy, Dawn or Palmolive work best)
•1oz Glycerin
•1 Cup of Water

Mix ingredients together and ...


This Week's Picks:


May 17th through May 24th

Thursday, May 17 - Hickory Downtown Art Crawl

The Art Crawl is held twice a year and features local artists showcasing their talents in downtown businesses. Over 20 businesses hosted artists last year. A map is provided and participants are welcome to browse the artwork, enjoy refreshments and meet with the artists. Artwork is available for sale.
Where: Union Square, Downtown Hickory
When: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Anyone interested
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: For more information, contact the Hickory Downtown Development Association at 828-322-1121.
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Friday, May 18 through Saturday, May 19 - "The Full Monty"

The Full Monty is a grin and bare-it comedy that tells the story of six average-looking, unemployed steelworkers on the verge of a daring plan to get themselves out of debt, and make amends with those they love. The plan involves becoming exotic dancers and going "the full monty". Pushing through fears, building self-esteem, and rediscovering the importance of friendship and family, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.
Where: Jeffers Theatre Mainstage at Hickory Community Theatre, 30 Third St. NW, Hickory
When: 8:00 PM
Who: Anyone interested; the production is Rated R for adult language and nudity
How: Purchase tickets online, by calling 828-328-2283 or at the door
Cost: $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $7 for students of any age or youth 18 and under
For more info: For more information, visit the Hickory Community Theatre's website or call 328-2283
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Saturday, May 19 - NewArt School of Ballet presents "Coppelia"

Kaylie Younce and Jon Blalock star in Coppelia joined by students in pre- through adult ballet classes at The NewArt School of Ballet.  Coppelia is a comedic ballet that introduces an inventor who crafts a life-size, dancing doll which is showcased in the window of his shop. Upon seeing the doll and confusing the creation with a real girl, Frantz, a villager, falls in love with it and sets aside his true love for Swanhilde. Swanhilde schemes to show Frantz the error of his ways by dressing as the dancing doll which causes a comedic lovetriangle to unfold.
Where:
Newton-Conover Auditorium, 60 West 6th Street, Newton
When: 10 AM & 2 PM
Who: Anyone interested
How: Purchase tickets by calling 828-464-8100 or by email at olivia@newton-conoverauditorium.org.
Cost: $5 for youth and $8 for adults
For more info: For more information, visit the Newton-Conover Auditorium webpage, call 828-464-8100 or email olivia@newton-conoverauditorium.org
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Saturday, May 19 - 2nd Annual Art in the Park

Fine Arts, Sculpture, Pottery, Jewelry & Metal Work. Live music and entertainment by local performers.
Where: Catawba Meadows Park, 701 Sanford Dr., Morganton
When: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Who: Anyone interested
How: Just show up
Cost: Free Admission
For more info: For more information, visit the City of Morganton Events Page or contact Daniel Stines at 438-5241, or by e-mail
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Saturday, May 19 - Festival (and Art!) in the Park

This third annual event features artists throughout the park demonstrating their art form and selling their art/craft items.  Performances by musicians and dancers will be scheduled throughout the day, along with a multitude of recreational activities - fun for children and adults alike!
Where: Mulberry Recreation Center, 720 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Anyone interested
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: For more information, visit the Caldwell Arts Council website or call the Lenoir Parks and Recreation Department at 828-757-2165
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Monday, May 21 - Craftapalooza

Join us at the Hildebran library for crafts!
Where: Hildebrand Public Library, 201 S. Center St., Hildebran; click here for directions
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Middle and High school students only
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: For more information, visit the Burke County Library website or call the Hildebran library at (828) 397-3600
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Tuesday, May 22 - Green Room Players at Catawba County Library

The Conover branch of the Catawba County Library will host the Green Room Players performing a segment of “Into the Woods”. Attendees can enter a drawing for two free tickets to the show.
Where: Catawba County Library: Conover Branch
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Families with children of all ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: For more information, visit the Catawba County Library website or call the Conover Branch at 466-5108; for branch locations and directions, click here.
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Wednesday, May 23 - Family Craft Time

From the young to the young at heart, there’s something for everyone to make and take at Family crafting. You don’t have to be creative; you just have to love having fun. Come bring the whole family for an afternoon of art play.
Where: Hildebrand Public Library, 201 S. Center St., Hildebran; click here for directions
When: 3:30 PM
Who: Families with children of all ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: For more information, visit the Burke County Library website or call the Hildebran library at (828) 397-3600
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Thursday, May 24 through Saturday, May 26 - New Playwright's Festival

Join the Green Room Community Theatre for its presentation of the winning plays of this year's New Playwright's Festival.  In the 3-6 grade division the winning play is "Blowing Wind" by Sarah Moses, an enchanted fable about where the wind comes from. In the 7-9 grade division, Clowee Younce and April Massagee’s comedy "The Miss-Matched Beauty Pageant" pits several famous fairy tale contestants in a pageant to help raise money for their friend Grumpy. Finally, “My Spanish Class,” a comedy about how students communicate, written by Hayden Frye, is the winner of the 10-12 grade division. The casts for all of these shows will be comprised of students in grades 8-12.
Where: Black Box Theatre, a small performance space at the rear of the Old Post Office Playhouse, 10 South Main Avenue, Newton
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Anyone interested
How: Purchase tickets at the door
Cost: All seats are $5
For more info: For more information, visit the Green Room Community Theatre website or call them at (828) 464-6128
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Plan Ahead:


May 26th through May 29th

Saturday, May 26 through Sunday, May 27 - Devine Farms "Farm Festival"

Demonstrations, local vendors, wagon & horse rides, farm animals, music and dancing, tractor & farm games and other contests.  Join Devine Farms for lots of family fun at the Farm Festival.
Where: Devine Farms, 2675 St. James Church Rd, Newton, NC
When: 10AM-8PM Sat; 1-8PM Sun
Who: Families with children of all ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $5.00 admission; ages 5 & under and military personnel with ID FREE
For more info: For more information, visit Devine Farms on Facebook, call them at 828-466-0130 or email devine5farm@bellsouth.net
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Saturday, May 26 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic - Ice Cream Truck

Bring your child out to Lowe's Build & Grow! In addition to making a wooden project, your child will receive a Lowe's apron, goggles, certificate of completion and patch. Nothing says “summer” like ice cream! Your child will love building this Ice Cream Truck complete with stickers and paperboard cutouts!
Where: Lowe's Home Improvement Stores
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children
How: Sign up at the Lowes Build and Grow website, or just show up (quantities are limited; pre-registration is recommended)
Cost: Free!
For more info: Please check out the Lowe's Build and Grow website for more information.
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Saturday, May 26 - Make & Take Craft at AC Moore

This is a drop-in event where your kids will get to make and take home a craft.  This week, we will be making Duck Tape® & Velcro® Cup Cozies.  While supplies last.
Where: A.C. Moore, 1862 Catawba Valley Boulevard S.E., Hickory
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Recommended Age: 5+
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Visit the A.C. Moore webpage or call the Hickory store at (828) 324-0162
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Tuesday, May 29 - PJ Story Time

Families with young children are invited to sing, play and enjoy bedtime stories at the Conover Branch of Catawba County Library. Children are welcome to attend in their pajamas. Enjoy an evening of stories, songs and puppets. *This will be a special event with a party to kick off the summer reading program *
Where: Catawba County Library: Conover Branch
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Families with children of all ages
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: For more information, visit the Catawba County Library website or call the Conover Branch at 466-5108; for branch locations and directions, click here.
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Macaroni Cares ~ Wildlife Weekend


Get outside and get wild!

Join the movement! Macaroni Kid is helping Dawn educate more than 2 million kids this spring about the issues affecting wildlife, from oil spills to backyard ecosystems. Check out the FREE, downloadable lesson plans and experiments for teachers and parents. The fun doesn't end in the classroom – you'll also find FREE "Wildlife Weekend" family activities that you can do in your own backyard.

To continue Dawn's 30+ year commitment to preserving wildlife, Dawn worked with their partners at The Marine Mammal Center and International Bird Rescue to ...

Macaroni Celebrates ~ Mini Holidays


May 17 - National Cherry Cobbler Day - Early American settlers originally served Cherry Cobblers as main courses and it wasn't until the 19th century that cobbler became a dessert.  May 17th is also Pack Rat Day.

May 18 - National Bike to Work Day - Started by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike to Work Day is part of Bike Week and Bike Month in May.  May 18th is also Visit Your Relatives Day & National Cheese Souffle Day.

May 19 - National Devil's Food Cake Day - This rich, airy and moist ...


Area Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free (or Cheap)!


Just in case, please always double check with the restaurant or the wait staff before ordering!  If you know of any places not on the list, please comment below or email me.

Geppeto's- During weekdays kids ages 5 & under eat the buffet for free.

Sunday

Wild Wok- Kids under age 9 eat for 99 cents and you can get a free Iced Tea with your church bulletin (Sunday lunch, dine-in only).

Firehouse Sub- Free kids meal with each adult meal purchased, all day, kids 12 and under.

Monday

Hams ...


Local Farmer's Markets


Below are some listings of the local Farmer's Markets. If you know of any other Farmer's Markets, either leave information in a comment below or you can send me an email and I will add them to the list.


Conover Farmer's Market
When: The hours are Saturdays 7:30 AM until 12:00 PM rain or shine.
Where: Conover Post Office parking lot, downtown Conover
Come out and support locally grown food and our local farmers! There will be 32 local vendors selling fresh produce, protein, baked ...


Library Storytimes & Programs


Come on out to your local library!

The Hickory Public Libraries and the Catawba/Burke/Caldwell County Libraries are pleased to offer free children's storytimes & programs. These are a blast for the children and a great way to meet other moms or dads in the community! Please be sure to confirm times before attending!

The Hickory Public Library Activities:

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located on the SALT Block in Hickory. Their address is: 375 3rd Street NE, Hickory, NC 28601 and Phone# 828-304-0500 (children's ext. 7271). Their hours are Monday- ...


Making the Most of Your Macaroni


Here are some tips to help you get the most of your subscription to Macaroni Kid Hickory:

1. The white bar on the left side of the page is the table of contents for this week. You can jump to any of the articles or the events listings by clicking in there and you will still be in the current issue.

2. If you would like to look back at previous issues, scroll down a bit until you see "Past Hickory News" in the side bar on the left under ...


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