Story from staff reports. Photo by Sarita.

Cary, NC – Our friends at Carolina Parent run a great Summer Camp & Educational Fair. This year, the fair is on Sunday, February 19, 2012 right here in Cary.

One-Stop Shopping for Camp

Clearly, the best thing about the Summer Camp & Educational Fair is that you can gather a whole lot of info in one afternoon.

Last year, 65 camps and education sumer programs had booths at the fair.

How Would You Like $1000?

We love Carolina Parent – positive news, good information, an asset to the community.

They also run very good events.

At the Sumer Camp fair, you can enter a raffle to win $1000 toward camps and education programs offered at the fair.

They will be other games and prizes as well. Great Outdoor Provision Company will bring a backpack and a variety of camping items. Everyone who attends the fair can take a guess at how much would the full backpack weighs. Closest guess wins the backpack and its contents.

Event Details

Carolina Parent Summer Camp & Educational Fair

Sunday February 19, 2012
Noon – 4:00 PM

Cary Academy
1500 N. Harrison Ave.
Cary, NC

Cost: Free

For more details, visit Carolina Parent.

Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – The Downtown Cary Renaissance continues this week with a couple of noteworthy events.

Tuesday: Public Input on The Cary Theater

Lindsey Chester’s story on Friday about the public input meeting this week for the Cary Theater generated a lot of interest. A picture of a proposed marquee drew 35 comments on our Facebook page. You might be interested to read them. Feel free to add your own (keep it respectful, please).

Event Details

“The Cary” – Downtown Theater
Public Input meeting
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – 6:00 PM
Council Chambers in Town Hall
316 N. Academy Street • Cary, NC

Thursday: Downtown Cary as Major Transportation Hub

Doc Thorne, President of the Heart of Cary Association, set in this notice:

The February meeting of the Heart of Cary Association will be held next Thursday, February 2nd, at 8AM in the Chamber of Commerce building (307 N. Academy Street, across from Town Hall).

Karen Rindge, Executive Director of Wake UP Wake County will be providing our Downtown Dialogue giving us a look at ‘what we may expect for our Downtown regarding transit interconnectivity during the coming decade’. With all signs pointing to our recently upgraded Downtown Depot becoming the major ground transportation hub for Western Wake County this promises to be not only interesting but highly informative. So, why not invite a friend, neighbor or associate to attend with you?

Breakfast refreshments will be provided beforehand co-sponsored by Cary Innovation Center and Matthew’s House, while afterward Karen has agreed to remain to answer your questions.

Event Details

Heart of Cary Assoc Monthly Meeting
Karen Rindge – Wake Up Wake CountY
Thursday February 1, 2012 - 8:00 AM
Cary Chamber - 307 N. Academy Street - Cary, NC
Free

Story by Lindsey Chester.

Cary, NC- If you are eager to share ideas about Cary’s Downtown Theater, mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 31st. The Town of Cary is hosting another Public Input meeting, this time in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street, at 6pm.

The last meeting about Downtown plans (story) was so well attended, a second session was added to that evening. This time around, planners have decided a change to a larger venue will allow all who are interested to find a seat.

The focus at this meeting will center around future plans for the recently purchased theater, to be called “The Cary”. Lots of discussion is swirling around the planned marquee that may include LED or neon lighting.

Building downtown being repurposed as "The Cary." File photo by Hal Goodtree.

3 Options on the Table

There were three plans reviewed at a January 19 work session by the Cary Town Council:

1. A standard marquee
2. A marquee with a vertical element
3. A light-enhanced marquee with a vertical element

The Town Council decided to move forward with option #3. Following input from the public meeting, staff will work with consultants on the selected forms and then make final design recommendations for materials and color to Town Council, who will consider a measure to adopt the plan at a later meeting.

If you have an opinion, plan to attend Tuesday night.

Artist's rendering of The Cary.

Event Details

“The Cary” – Downtown Theater
Public Input meeting
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – 6:00 PM
Council Chambers in Town Hall
316 N. Academy Street • Cary, NC

——————————————————————————-

Lindsey Chester, Associate Publisher of CaryCitizen, is a member of the Town’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board.

Editor’s Note: If like knowing about the history of Cary, you’ll enjoy this free program on Tuesday, January 24, from The Friends of Page-Walker:

Where will you find a mural depicting the Town of Cary and its citizens both past and present? Join the Friends of the Page-Walker in welcoming local artist, Val Fox, who will solve this mystery and share her story of creating the “Cary Then and Now” mural.

Val will take us on a journey of the local places and people depicted in the famous mural and share the role each has played in our Town’s history.

This free program is offered as part of the Friends of the Page-Walker’s Historic Preservation Series.

• Preservation Speaker Series: “Who Is That Guy? The Story Behind the Cary Mural”
• Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Main Gallery
• Date: Tuesday, 24 Jan 2012 7:30 PM

More information and online registration: Preservation Speaker Series: “Who Is That Guy? The Story Behind the Cary Mural”

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – For six years,  the Matt Cossa Memorial Foundation, named for a Green Hope student, Matt Cossa, has raised money to fight cancer. This year, the Foundation has three events this spring where you can help the fight against cancer and honor the memory of a special young man.

Since its inception, the Matt Cossa Memorial Foundation has raised more than $125,000 in the fight against lymphoma and other blood cancers. I spoke with Bill Cossa, Matt’s son about this year’s events.

Remembering Matt Cossa

Matt Cossa attended Green Hope High School from its inception in 1999.

A three season athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Baseball was Matt’s passion and he was a four year starter at Green Hope,  going on to play for UNC-CH.

It is in his spirit that the organization was started and continues to grow because of the love and passion the community has for this talented young man who still means so much to so many.

Fight Cancer: Fund Raiser

The first event, Hearts For Matt, is a fund-raiser and will be February 11 at the Kildaire Farm Racquet and Swim Club.

Debra Morgan, WRAL-TV News anchor will emcee the evening which includes dancing, dining, magic and a silent auction. Auction items include a Coach K autographed basketball, hockey stick signed by Hurricane Cam Ward, and beach house getaways among many other items. Local Cary businesses that are participating: Catering by Design is serving the h’ors deuvres, Sip will be pouring organic wine, and Triangle Wine Company will be tapping some beer. Amazing magic will be provided from Wayne Anderson.

Fight Cancer: 5K

The second event is the Miles For Matt 5K Race. Added to the line up last year, the race takes place at Cary’s Wake Med Soccer Park on March 10th.  FS Series runs the registration which is $25 now, and $30 after March 5th. This sanctioned qualifier race is an easy flat course for runners and walkers of all levels. Last year more than 200 racers registered.

Fight Cancer: The Big Ballgame

Lastly, the Bats For Matt event this year moves back to its roots at Green Hope High School and takes place on April 14th. Green Hope’s opponent this year is Cardinal Gibbons, a school that has been racking up state championships of late which should make for a spirited game. But the event isn’t all baseball! More details are to come, and Bill assured me that it is a fun filled family day whether or not you are a baseball fan.

The first Bats For Matt event was created by Matt’s Green Hope teammates. That first year they held a fundraiser baseball game in April of 2007, and dubbed it Bats For Matt in his memory.  Green Hope played Southeast Raleigh, at Green Hope’s home ballfield.  All proceeds benefited the Duke Cancer Institute to find a cure for lymphoma. Bill told me the event was a surprise, created by the teammates who felt a great need to do something active in Matt’s memory. Every year the event gets bigger, with Bill now heading things up.

In the years since then the event has expanded to include live entertainment, bounce houses, food and games, and ends with a balloon release, Hearts for Hope, in memory of Matt and others who have lost the fight against cancer.

If you would like to help or donate, visit the Matt Cossa Memorial Foundation to learn more.

Upcoming Events:

Hearts For Matt- Gala and Silent Auction

• February 11, 2012
• Kildaire Farms Racquet and Swim Club, 302 Pebble Creek Dr, Cary NC
• Tickets: $50/ person

Miles For Matt, 5K Race

• March 10, 2012
• Registration: $25/ racer in advance ($30 after Mar 5th)
• Wake Med Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr, Cary NC

Bats For Matt

• April 14, 2012
• Game and family fun
• Green Hope High School, Cary NC
• More info

Story & photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – Someone in the greater Cary metroplex is going to win a brand-new Fiat 500c convertible. It could be you.

2012 Cary Chamber Car Raffle & Auction

The sleek and sexy Fiat 500c, generously donated by Hendrick Cary Auto Mall, will be raffled off to support the Cary Chamber of Commerce.

At the gala event on March 1, 2012 at Prestonwood Country Club, the winning raffle ticket will be drawn. The event will also feature a silent auction with hundreds of items up for bid. In the past, auction items have included sports memorabilia, rounds of golf, vacations and restaurant gift certificates.

Fiat 500 Convertible – A Head-Turner

There is no doubt that the Fiat 500c is fun to drive – peppy, responsive and well-appointed.

Pop open the top and let the blue Carolina sky pour into the car.  Settle into the leather seats and wrap your hands around the leather steering wheel. Crank up some tunes on the  seven audio speakers. Roll down Academy Street and watch the heads turn.

Consumers love this car, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars on Edmunds.

How much would you love driving a brand new Fiat convertible if you won it in a raffle?

Event Details

Cary Chamber Car Raffle
Win a 2012 Convertible Fiat 500c
Buy a Raffle Ticket

Gala Event
March 1, 2012
Prestonwood Country Club
5:30 – 8:00 PM
Register

Story from staff reports. Photo by Andy Helsby.

Cary, NC – The dark nights of January prove the perfect time for drama – stage plays, comedy, farce and all manner of theater. Fortunately, we are rich in theater offerings here in Cary, NC. This weekend is no different, with two different original productions treading the boards in town.

Duped

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, FATE presents Duped.

A stay-at-home father recounts the troubled journey he takes in raising his son. Duped is a one-man play about life’s heartbreaks, its sweet lessons, and all the surprises in between.

Starring John Paul Middlesworth. Written and directed by Mark Cornell. Original theater here in Cary.

Duped
FATE Theater
Harrison Point Shopping Center
Cary, NC

January 20 & 21 at 8pm
January 22 at 3pm
$10-15

FATEreservations@gmail.com
919-228-8184

Cary Playwrights’ Forum – Short Works

The 2012 Winter Festival of Short Plays, presented by Cary Playwrights’ Forum, is the kind of thing one might enjoy in New York’s Soho, but it’s right here in Cary.

6 short works – original plays – presented as staged readings by an ensemble cast. It promises to be marvelous fun in the intimate setting of the Marcus Dry Room at Cary Arts Center.

• SIGHT by Don Quiett
• GONDOLA FARE by Phil Lewis
• A VERY BRADY WESTERN by Laura E. Towne 
• INSPIRATION FROM A SPIDER by Catherine Thoits
• OFF THE BEATEN PATH by Nancy Young
• THE TENNESSEE WALTZ by Patti Merz 

Directed by Phil Lewis, Thom Haynes, Mike Rogers, Angela Lowden, Keith Barber, Stuart Jonap.

Starring Alexandra Merz, Griffin Cece, Jack Chapman, Jennifer Howard, Laura Bradford, Paul Yosim, Randy Rime, Elaine Quagliata, Jack Berry, Roger Ehrlich, Julie Tomlin, Marina Queen, Karen Raines, Thom Haynes, Amar Chawla, Lesi Jonap, Rita Dimoulas, Roger Ehrlich, Stephanie Schuft, Nicola Lefler.

2012 Festival of Short Works
Cary Playwrights’ Forum

Friday 1/20  and Saturday 1/21 at 8:00 pm
Marcus Dry Room, Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Av., Cary, NC
Free admission.  (Suggested $10 donation)
Doors open at 7:30

More on the CaryCitizen Calendar

For more events around Cary, check the CaryCitizen Calendar.

Story by Mary Beth Phillips. Photo by James Brandon.

Cary, NC – Patti Zordich did not plan to become an expert on trauma and attachment theory, but after earning her doctorate with a focus on attachment theory and then working with children who had experienced trauma, it all came together.  The fruits of her experience led her to write a book for newly adoptive parents: Gotcha! Welcoming Your Adopted Child Home.

Positive Attachments 

Patti Zordich will share some of her experiences at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 804 High House Road in Cary, on Tuesday, January 17, at 7:00 p.m.  She’ll offer tips to help parents establish positive attachments with their adopted child as well as to facilitate emotional development and minimize behavioral problems.  She’ll share her approach called Cocooning™, an approach that has helped many adoptive families.

Works For All Parents

Much of her message is appropriate for any parent, as she will explore children’s temperaments, and how to help a child manage emotions, but the evening is geared toward those who are considering adoption or have already adopted.  We will also hear from a panel of parents who have adopted children domestically and internationally and parents of foster children.

Dr. Zordich

Dr. Zordich moved to Cary in 2007 and set up her practice, Triangle Psychological Services, in 2008.  She is located at 1125 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 202.  She works with a variety of clients, including adoptive children and parents, approaching her practice from a faith-based perspective.  One of her focuses is building stronger relationships between parents and children.  Her early professional experience in the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh doing forensic evaluations to determine termination of parental rights was very sad, she said.  Many times, after spending time with parents to be sure that termination would not be harmful to the child, she would see ways that agencies could have given parents interventions to strengthen relationships.  She would uncover issues that were never addressed.  Many parents had their own attachment problems.

Cocooning as an Alternative

Her method, cocooning, differs from Reactive Attachment Disorder which is talked about in the media these days.  She said it can be harmful to simulate putting the baby back in the womb, or to hold them and force them to make eye contact.  Children who missed having their nurturing needs met as an infant can have those building blocks filled in by just spending gentle time with them, she said.  If the child is not ready, don’t force physical contact, she said.  Let them choose whether or not to sit in your lap for a story.  Most importantly, keep things simple, don’t try to take them to group events with lots of other children, or have big parties to welcome them.

Project Rachel

In her spare time, Patti volunteers with Project Rachel, a post-abortion healing ministry.  She is married and has a 13-year-old son, who she homeschooled until this year.  She will have copies of her books available for signing at the event on Tuesday.

Event Details

Adoption & Parenting Seminar
St. Michael’s Church
804 High House Road
Cary, NC
Tuesday, January 17, at 7:00 p.m.

Light refreshments will also be served at the event.

For more information about the evening, please contact Martina Young at martina.young@kcubes.com or 919-467-8575.

Story by Lindsey Chester, photos by Brooke Meyer.

Cary, NC – The weather was almost tropical for The Three Kings Parade in Bond Park last Saturday, January 7th, culminating the holiday season for the Latino community.Parade-goers from around the Triangle gathered along the parade route to welcome the Three Kings who walked at the close of the parade symbolizing the Three Maji who came from the East bearing gifts for the baby Jesus.

Among the parade marchers were several dance troupes and organzations representing various Latin American countries with residents here in the community. These included St Michael’s Catholic Church carrying banners for Mexico, the Del Rosario Dancers plus groups from Principe and Princesas, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico.

Background of Event

Diamante’s  Estrella de la Esperanza (Star of Hope) Campaign culminates with the Día de los Reyes Parade (Three Kings Day Parade). Traditionally, January 6th is a very important day, especially for children, for it is on this eve that gifts are exchanged for the holidays in most Spanish speaking and some European countries.

Many Spanish speaking countries participate in the Día de los Reyes Parade, walking in traditional dress and some with musical accompaniment. The arrival of these Tres Reyes Magos (Three Kings) bring gifts for the children in this community.

The parade concluded at the Kiwanis Shelter, where  authentic food was shared and some  parade participants performed throughout the afternoon on a stage set up in the shelter area.

At the close of the celebration, children and families were given the donations that had been collected by Diamante during the month of December. Diamante’s Christmas tree in their Downtown Cary office served as the collection site for non-persihable foods and unwrapped toys.

If you would like more information about this community sharing event, contact David Flores, president of Diamante.

Story and photo by Lindsey Chester
Cary, NC – Cary is rich in the performing arts with many theater, dance and musical productions. But did you know we also have a group that writes original works? They are called Cary Playwrights’ Forum and I spoke with one of the group’s founders, Lydia Sbityakov.

The group started in 2007 after a Cary Players’ sponsored a play writing workshop. When an audition failed to land Lydia a role, she started asking around about interest in a play writing group, as there were none close by. She mentioned this to Laurel Wetsork, whose background included teaching screenwriting in California, and Linda Depo. Together the three formed the Cary Playwrights’ Forum. For the first few years the group was sponsored by the Cary Players, but in 2011 became its own independent group, seeking to file as a 501 (c)3 this year.

Each month they gather to read any new works that folks wish to share. Works are read aloud and members offer critiques. Meetings are held monthly on the 3rd Wednesday, in the Cary Arts Center’s conference room.

All Are Welcome

If you are writing a play, you are welcome to attend. Be prepared for some friendly criticism. There are no costs associated with becoming a member. The group is always on the lookout for actors and directors to help perform the public staged readings, held twice a year in January and June. Lydia explained that “seeing how a play transforms itself when its performed…and taking that sheet of paper onto the stage in front of an audience” are great benefits to the members. Many have never had works performed before, as they all have day jobs and write as a hobby or aspiration.

In fact, the staged reading coming up at the end of January gives several members their first turn at seeing their works performed for an audience. A staged reading is a little different from a full production. This show will take place in the Marcus Dry Room at the Arts Center, without sets. Seasoned actors have auditioned for the roles and have rehearsed to perform each of six short plays. Each one is a complete work, not an excerpt from a larger piece.

Submissions Accepted

Lydia mentioned that for their June show, they will move the performance to the auditorium in the Cary Arts Center. The plan is to have this be a ticketed event. A firm date is not yet set, but the group is currently accepting submissions to be performed. Deadline for submissions is March 1. Submissions must be 5-20 minutes in length and written in standard play format. Here’s the link for more info about how to submit your work.

Filling  a Need

Not only are writers looking for a place to get help with their craft, but Lydia explains area theater groups are beginning to seek them out for their original works. Lydia stated the groups goal is not to become another area theater group. This organizations’ emphasis is on writing.

January Show

The Winter Festival of Short Plays by Cary Playwrights’ Forum will run later this month.  Each play is about 10 minutes long with no intermission. Writer Phil Lewis also directs a work, and director Thom Haynes performs a reading. In this group, members literally perform many roles.

Event Details

Winter Festival of Short Plays
Presented by Cary Playwrights’ Forum
Friday and Saturday, January 20 & 21, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Marcus Dry Room at the Cary Arts Center

The Plays:

• Gondola Fare by Phil Lewis
• Sight by Don Quiett
• A Very Bad Western by Laura E. Towne
• Inspiration From A Spider by Catherine Thoits
• Off the Beaten Path by Nancy Young
• The Tennessee Waltz by Patti Merz

This is not a ticketed event, a $10 donation is suggested.