But occasionally, mom needs some time for herself. Enter the 2012 Queen City's Mom Prom, to benefit the Cookies for Kids' Cancer organization.
The inaugural Queen City's Mom Prom will be Friday, April 27, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Havana Banquet and Ballroom in Cornelius. The event will benefit Cookies for Kids' Cancer, a national non-profit organization committed to raising funds for research into new, improved therapies for pediatric cancer.
The unique, ladies-only night is designed to celebrate women and moms in all stages of motherhood. It's an opportunity to take a break from the everyday challenges of work, running a household and raising children to relive one of the most memorable nights of a woman's life — her prom.
Tickets cost $40 and are available at www.QueenCityMomProm.com. Click on the "Buy Tickets" icon. Admission is $45 on the day of the event. The ticket price includes admission, a drink ticket, appetizers and desserts, a thermal tote filled with gifts and sponsor goodies, a prom photo, a raffle entry as well as plenty of dancing and shopping.
"As a mom of two young boys, I know how hard it is to juggle office work while also managing the needs of the house," says event organizer Kellye Arning. "It seems like there is always laundry to be done or errands to run."
But not on the night of April 27.
"Mom Prom gives women the opportunity to take a night off and kick up their heels," adds Arning. "Mom Prom has become a popular event throughout the country over the past few years, and we thought it would be a great event for the Charlotte area. With the opportunity to spend time with your best girlfriends, dressed to the nines, dancing to your favorite music from today and prom night, what's not to love?"
"Mom Prom is truly a perfect fit for Cookies for Kids' Cancer because as moms, we all know how difficult it is for us when our own child is sick with a cold, let alone to see a child who is battling cancer," says Emily Fowler, director of corporate relations for Cookies for Kids' Cancer. "It's something that moms everywhere hope they never have to face."
Snakes alive!
Davidson College biology professor Michael Dorcas, one of the nation's foremost snake experts, will discuss his experiences with invasive pythons in the Florida Everglades at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Youth Services Room of the Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St.
The program is being hosted by Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists.
Dorcas will bring a live, 14-foot python to illustrate his presentation, which focuses on the professor's studies of these non-native creatures, which have invaded the wetlands of Florida. Dorcas has published chapters in several books and more than 100 articles on the biology of amphibians and reptiles, the most recent of which include students as co-authors. Much of his research in the Davidson area focuses on the effects of urbanization on amphibians and reptiles. His books include, A Guide to the Snakes of North Carolina and Snakes of the Southeast.
No reservations are required for the program, but seats are limited and participants are urged to arrive on time. The door will be closed after the program begins to keep the reptile calm for viewing.
Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists is a chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, whose mission is to preserve and enhance wildlife habitats in and around Lake Norman. Visit www.lakenormanwildlife.org or call 704-877-4788 for more information.
Musicians, artists to 'Spread the Love'
Musical and visual artists will join forces Feb. 24 to raise money for Community School of Davidson, Davidson Lands Conservancy (DLC) and the Ada Jenkins Center.
The "Spread the Love" will run from 7 to 10 p.m. at Homewood Suites in Davidson.
Davidson resident Russ Gavitt, a photographer of nature scenes, conceived the idea while speaking with Roy Alexander, the executive director of the DLC.
"I really wanted to make a donation to support these groups, and thought it would be much more effective to create an event as a fund raiser," says Gavitt. "That's how this jazz and art fest was born."
Attendees will enjoy jazz music by the ensemble Night Shift, led by Richard Woods. Art by a variety of artists will be displayed for sale, and food and wine will be served
In addition to art from Russ and Nancy Gavitt, items will be available from Janelle Sorenson, maker of semi-precious stone jewelry; Janet Johnson, potter; Susan Bailey, a fine art and floral photographer; Nell Landers, nationally recognized oil and pastel artist; Mary Luke, award-winning watercolor artist; and Flavia Lovatelli, paper and plastic weaving artist.
In keeping with the "Spread the Love" theme, there will be all sorts of "spreads" and other foods to enjoy, courtesy of KW Collard Greens of Charlotte, Millstone Meadows Farm-Artisan Breads of Morganton, and Rocks Organic Gourmet of Asheville. Wine will be available for tasting courtesy of Johnson Brothers Carolina and 17th Street Wine Distributors for those guests ages 21 and older.
The event is sponsored by the Homewood Suites, Brick House Tavern and the Healthy Home Market in Davidson. Admission is $10, and attendees are encouraged to bring two to three cans of food for the pantry at the Ada Jenkins Center.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through Paypal by going to www.davidsonlands.org. Students from the Community School of Davidson will sell tickets at the Davidson Farmer's Market on Saturday, Feb. 11, and on Main Street in Davidson on Friday, Feb. 17.
South to rise again at Rural Hill
Get a taste of military life during the Civil War Feb. 18 at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville.
From 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., re-enactors with the 38th North Carolina Infantry of 1862 will hold an encampment and company drill. Rural Hill docents will also be on hand for the free event to share stories and skills such as open hearth cooking, woodworking, animal feedings, fiber spinning and blacksmithing.
The 38th North Carolina Infantry of 1862 is a unique group of individuals who portray and honor the memory of the American Civil War soldier. They are a group of like-minded historians and re-enactors who enjoy the history of their ancestors and love teaching that history to others. The group's sole purpose is to preserve the history of North Carolina's role in the war and to portray the men and women who lived, served, suffered, and died during those turbulent years between 1860 and 1865.
More information on the 38th North Carolina Infantry of 1862 is at www.38thnct.com.
Mooresville ReStore hosts Shred-It event
Our Towns Habitat for Humanity Mooresville ReStore will host a Shred-it North Carolina event Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mooresville ReStore at 121 Norman Station Blvd.
Shred-it North Carolina is a community shred event that offers individuals an easy opportunity to shred personal information at an easy, convenient location. The Mooresville ReStore will have a shredding truck with customer service representative in the parking lot. The service is free, but donations for shredding are welcome. The event for individuals only, no businesses, please.
Bigger, better brewers back at Rural Hill
The damp, cool gloom of a Piedmont winter has settled in, but the amber essence, foamy temptation and rhythmic enticement of north Mecklenburg's newest rite of spring is just a few months away.
Tickets are available for the second annual North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival at Historic Rural Hill off Neck Road in Huntersville. The event will be held Saturday, May 12, from noon to 10 p.m. Those interested in securing tickets should visit www.NCBrewsMusic.com.
The NCBMF celebrates North Carolina's craft breweries and authentic music, and last year's inaugural event drew rave reviews to quickly become a favorite among festival goers. The 2012 NCBMF has already confirmed participation by multiple brewers including Huntersville's own Ass Clown Brewing as well as NoDa Brewing Company, Bird Song Brewing Company, Highland Brewing Company, Triple C Brewing Company, Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, Four Friends Brewing, Lone Rider Brewing Company and Big Boss Brewing Company. Confirmations from many other breweries is expected in the coming weeks.
In addition, seven national musical acts are scheduled to perform on the NCBMF stage, including Billboard Bluegrass chart-toppers Steep Canyon Rangers. With smooth vocals, smart songwriting, ferocious instrumentals and jaw-dropping harmony, the Rangers are bringing Bluegrass to music lovers across the USA and around the world. In 2011, the band's collaborative record with comedian and actor Steve Martin, Red Bird Alert, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Bluegrass Chart and their solo record "Deep in the Shade" remained in the Bluegrass Top 10 for 18 weeks.
The NCBMF lineup also includes the distinctive blend of neo-folk, classic soul, and Americana jam of the Ryan Montbleau Band, guitar legend and acoustic Americana flat picker Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, quickly rising CMT stars The Black Lillies, the Los Angeles punk-bluegrass band Old Man Markley, Charleston-based Sol Driven Train (returning from last season!), and BIG Something, winners of the Home Grown Music Network's 2010 "New Band of the Year" award.
Designated Driver or "Under 21" tickets will be available for those coming just to enjoy the music or to drive others home safely. On-site camping is available by reservation which can be made on the festival Web site. Food and merchandise vendors will be on hand as well as other area non-profits to add to the festival experience.
The event is presented by Historic Rural Hill and sponsored by McIntosh Law Firm, Highland Brewing Company, Bojangles, Beer Connoisseur Magazine, TheFullPint.com, the Charlotte Beer Club, North Carolina Brewer's Guild, Mountain Khakis, Eagle's Nest Outfitters, Bubba's Barbecue, The Kilted Buffalo, Real Yellow Pages, Hauser Rental and Midas Spring Water.
Proceeds support the preservation of Historic Rural Hill, the 250-year-old former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson. The 265-acre site is maintained and promoted by Rural Hill and the NCBMF has joined a list of annual events that includes the Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, the Amazing Maize Maze and the Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials. For more information about events or for financial support accepted securely online, visit www.ruralhill.net or call 704-875-3113.
