Non-Traditional Newsletter

November/December 2011

Save the Date!

Be sure to put our upcoming events on your calendar! Join us on Facebook for the latest updates and information. All events are FREE. Off-Campus Coffee Breaks Wednesdays November 30 January 11 January 18 January 25 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cornerstone Lounge, Fisher Center Nontrad Social/ Meet and Greet Wednesday, January 18 12:00-1:00 p.m. Sharkeys Game Room Family Movie Matinee The Lion King Saturday, February 18 3:00-5:00 p.m. Lumina Theatre Off-Campus Housing Fair Wednesday, February 22 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Warwick Center
The Non-Traditional Newsletter is a monthly publication of the Seahawk Perch. For more information about the Perch and its resources, visit our web site at

The holiday season can be stressful for a number of reasons. However, for students, stress during the holidays can be doubled by the frenzy of final exams, projects, and traveling over the semester break. It is important to learn the best ways to regulate stress before it takes a toll on your health, family, and academic performance. The Seahawk Perch, in collaboration with Health Promotions, CARE, Crossroads and the Community Standards Committee, invites you to join us in the Stress-Free Zone on Wednesday, December 7, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Cornerstone Lounge of Fisher Student Center (across from the Seahawk Perch). The event mixes fun activities such as board games and crafts with opportunities to learn how to manage stress without the use of drugs or alcohol. Massage therapists will provide free shoulder and neck massages and an instructor will lead meditation sessions throughout the day. Check our Facebook page for regular updates about the event.

Are you traveling this holiday season?

Check out page 2 for the top safe and hassle-free travel tips from travel experts.

www.uncw.edu/seahawkperch.

Be Safe Out There!

By Plane
Arrive at least two hours before your flight.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season. Here are just a few tips from the experts to help make your travels as safe and uneventful as possible. Adapted from AAA and The Weather Channel.

By Car
If possible, have your car examined before you leave. Let someone know where you are going, what route you will be taking, and when you expect to arrive. During the holidays more than ever, be prepared for a change in course. Adjust speed as appropriate for the weather and road conditions. Increase following distance to provide additional braking distance. Stay hydrated and make frequent rest stops during your journey to help fight fatigue. Pack a winter safety kit for the car. Try to avoid driving during the evening hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years when the likelihood of impaired drivers is greater.

Travel light, which includes leaving your car at home and taking public transportation, a shuttle or a taxi to the airport. Carry essentials, including an ample supply of any medications you use, in your carry-on luggage. Also keep copies of your travel information in a convenient, safe place. Review the TSA list of prohibited items to avoid having them seized at the airport. Travelers with mobile phones can download or access the online TSA mobile application, which provides crowdsourced information about security line wait times and information about airports which may experience a weather delay. Do not carry wrapped gifts in carry-on luggage, as gifts may need to be inspected at security check points and in some instances they will be unwrapped.

Holiday Happenings

A Selection of Family Friendly Events around Wilmington

Friday, 11/25/2011 - Wednesday, 01/04/2012 Holiday Lighting of the Battleship Part of historic downtown Wilmingtons annual holiday light celebration, the Battleship will be dressed in lights strung from the bow up to the masts and down to the stern. (910) 251-5797 or www.battleshipnc.com Friday, 11/25/2011 - Saturday, 12/31/2011 3rd Annual Christmas by the Sea The Carolina Beach Boardwalk oceanfront landscaped coves will come alive with merriment and decorations, thanks to local businesses and groups who have sponsored the various coves. Every Saturday through December 31. (910) 470-8666 or www.boardwalkmakeover.org

Friday, 11/25/201 - Wednesday, 12/21/2011 Enchanted Airlie The celebration will showcase a Poinsettia Paradise with more than 400 holiday plants, an elaborate setting of more than 300,000 festive lights, live musical entertainment, three massive model train exhibits and a meet and greet with Santa. Airlie will again present its spectacular Wilmington-themed LEGO display featuring more than 250,000 LEGO bricks! Tickets must be pre-purchased. www.airliegardens.org Thursday, 12/01/2011 - Friday, 12/02/2011 Ballet for Young Audiences: The Nutcracker at Thalian Heres a different take on this holiday classic - where youll be introduced to the ballets favorite characters & highlights in a condensed, narrated 60 minute version perfect for the whole family, little ones included. (910) 632-2285 or www.thalianhall.org Continued on page 3

Non-Traditional Senator Report

My name is Josh Kinchen and I am your 2011-2012 Non-Trad Senator for the Student Government Association. I am here to represent anyone who is: over the age of 23, married, has children, is military affiliated or any combination thereof. I hold office hours in the Seahawk Perch on Mondays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. and in the SGA office on Fridays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. You can also reach me anytime via email, jdk6042@uncw.edu. My goal this year is to increase the visibility of Non-Trads on campus, vote to approve and create legislation that will increase the quality of life for Non-Trad students. Feel free to come see me during office hours or send me an email anytime! Recent SGA Legislation
Senator Josh Kinchen Non-Traditional Office Hours Seahawk Perch: Monday, 12:00-1:00 p.m. SGA Office: Friday, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Associate Vice Chancellor Brian Victor recently presented to the SGA regarding the services offered in DePaolo Hall. During this discussion about the Student Health Center, he discussed possibly extending hours to Email: jdk6042@uncw.edu early morning or late night. Additionally, he spoke about opening during Saturday. He charged me with gathering responses from Non-Trads about this issue. Please email me any concerns you have about the hours currently offered by the Student Health Center or any of the services provided in DePaolo Hall. Other Non-Trad news

There is discussion to combine two of the existing Transfer student organizations. In this new organization, there is proposal to form a Non-Trad Committee composed of a Chair and members. In the past, there was a NonTraditional Student Organization (NTSO) that was very active at UNCW; after its main officers graduated, it became defunct. The new Committee will serve in the spirit of what once was NTSO and provide a place where Non-Trads can gather and gain resources from one another. If you would like more information about this forthcoming Committee, please contact me. I hope each of you is safe for the holiday season and please continue to provide me with feedback so that all NonTrads experience can be an excellent one.

Holiday Happenings continued

Friday, 12/02/2011 - Friday, 12/23/2011 Christmas Train & Light Spectacular The Railroad Museum comes alive with a holiday glow, featuring more than 11,000 lights, after-dark layout displays, holiday decorations, visits with Santa, hot cider and much more. Fridays (Dec. 2,9,16,23): 6-9pm. Saturdays (Dec. 3,10,17): 7:30-9:30pm. Admission $4, under age 2 free. (910) 763-2634 or www.wrrm.org

Friday, 12/02/2011 Island of Lights Christmas Parade at Carolina Beach The Christmas parade furnishes exceptional night time electric displays, featuring floats, bands, queens, clowns, horses, Santa Claus and much more. The hour and a half parade brings festive fun and entertainment to all. Public parking is free, parade starts at 7:30pm. (910) 45808434 or email famassey@charter.net www.islandoflights.org/parade.html Continued on page 4

Sunday, 12/04/2011 Poplar Groves Plantation Christmas Open House Youre invited! Decorated in Victorian style, the annual Christmas Open House is a charming gateway to old fashioned holiday spirit. Santa & Mrs. Claus, hayrides to Christmas music, hot cocoa & cookies, live demonstrations and a fabulous craft fair are all part of the fun. (910) 686-9518 or www.poplargrove.com Sunday, 12/04/2011 9th Annual City of Wilmington Holiday Parade Join schools, bands, businesses and community groups as they Carolina Beach Holiday Flotilla celebrate the holiday season. Parade kicks off at 6:15 p.m. and reaches reviewing stand at Riverfront Park around 6:30 p.m. (910) 341-4602 or www.wilmingtonrecreation.com Tuesday, 12/06/2011 Fort Fisher Holiday Open House Enjoy our wassail bowl, decorations, refreshments and live seasonal music of the Civil War period. (910) 458-5538 or www.friendsoffortfisher.com Thursday, 12/08/2011 Christmas @ CAM V Ring in the season with family and friends and enjoy holiday music with the Wilmington Choral Society at the Cameron Art Museum. This popular seasonal concert is in its fifth year and continues to delight and play to large audiences for each of their two performances. (910) 395- 5999 or www.wilmingtonchoralsociety.com/ Saturday, 12/17/2011 5K Jingle Bell Run The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History invites you to participate in the museums Third Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run. Race participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel (i.e. Santa costumes, antlers, snow men etc.). Historic cottages, beautiful winter marshes, and all your old haunts are part of the scenery. (910) 256-2569 or www.wbmuseum.com Saturday, 12/31/2011 New Years Noon Countdown @ The Childrens Museum Join us as we count down the New Year at Noon! Noise Makers, confetti and a good ole fashion countdown at noon! Free with admission. (910) 254-3534 or www.playwilmington.org Saturday, 12/31/2011 Island of Lights New Years Eve Countdown The New Years Celebration will be held at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk near the Gazebo. Dont miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration. This free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. Bring the family to join the festivities. www.islandoflights.org/newyears.html

Holiday Happenings continued

Friday, 12/02/2011 - Sunday, 12/04/2011 The Santaland Diaries David Sedaris hilarious one-man play about the authors experiences working as an elf in Santaland at Macys department store in New York City. (910) 264-2602 or www.citystagenc.com Saturday, 12/03/2011 Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla Fishing boats and pleasure crafts electrically decorated with thousands of lights present a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade of boats will cruise from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. A unique coastal tradition sure to please the hearts of all. (910) 458-8434 or www.islandoflights.org/flotilla.htm Saturday, 12/03/2011 - Sunday, 12/04/2011 2011 Cape Fear Festival of Trees & Nutcracker Ballet The Wilmington Ballet Company renews the Festival of Trees celebration in addition to their annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet. The two-day Festival and events opens Saturday, with a 5K Race and a public showing of the Festival of Trees. www.capefearfestivaloftrees.org Saturday, 12/03/2011 - Sunday, 12/04/2011 Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour Usher in the holiday season with this festive walking tour now in its 38th year. See private and public sites in the historic district of Wilmington. Tickets: $30. Sat. 4-8pm, Sun. 2-6pm. (910) 762-0492 or www.hslcf.org Saturday, 12/03/2011 - Sunday, 12/18/2011 Polar Express Holiday Show Annual family favorite: A reading of the classic story, visit from Santa Claus, special first gift, treats for kids and hot chocolate for all. Shows take place in a special story corner surrounded by exhibits and displays of railroad history and heritage. Seating is limited, reservations required. (910) 763-2634 or www.wrrm.org