Stories this week at Wake Forest
LOVEFEAST TRADITION CONTINUES
More than 2,300 Wake Forest students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as members of the community, will fill Wait Chapel for the annual Christmas Lovefeast. The event begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, but many will arrive early to enjoy the luminaries leading to the chapel, the carillon ringing and music by the Messiah Moravian Band. The university’s concert choir, flute choir and handbell choir will perform during the candlelight service. Fifty-six faculty and students will serve the traditional coffee and Moravian buns. Jane Stroupe, the Wake Forest graduate who started the tradition at the university 35 years ago, will participate this year.
CHOIRS SHARE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS
Three Wake Forest University choirs will present a free holiday concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in Brendle Recital Hall. The Choral Union, the Collegium Vocal Ensemble, the Concert Choir and Wake Forest Chorale will present carols and seasonal selections. The concert will be recorded by UNC-TV for broadcast later in December.
TOYS FOR BOYS, TOYS FOR GIRLS – SHOULD THEY BE DIFFERENT?
We know from early ages that kids gravitate toward toys they are interested in, says Deborah Best, professor of psychology. And, that still means pre-school girls are more likely to head toward the play kitchen and boys are more likely to pick up the toy bulldozers, she says. To encourage well-rounded development, she suggests giving kids a variety of toys, including some gender-neutral toys, like Legos and sandboxes. Also, parents can help boys learn nurturing and caretaking behaviors by giving then stuffed animals or dolls, even if it’s a football player doll. “Children learn nurturing and caretaking behaviors from taking care of dolls, pets or younger siblings,” she said.” If you want boys to learn those behaviors, parents should provide opportunities,” she says. She also encourages parents to provide “spatial toys,” such as puzzles and trucks for girls to help develop their ability to manipulate objects. To arrange an interview, contact the News Service.
ONLINE COMPANIES WORK TO RESTORE FAITH OF CONSUMERS
Last year, shipping delays and general confusion with online holiday shopping left many consumers angry. Will this season be a repeat? Hopefully not, says Robert Ballenger, information systems professor in the Calloway School of Business and Accountancy. “People got burned by e-commerce last year and companies realize that,” he says. “They are very aware of what happened last year and many have hired outside companies to handle those logistics.” Consumers, too, can ensure stress-free online shopping by confirming shipping dates of orders before making payment, he suggests. To arrange an interview, contact the News Service.
STEP-FAMILIES: KEEPING THE PEACE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
How should blended families handle the holidays to keep the season joyous? What can be done to make step-children happy? Samuel Gladding, associate provost and the director of the counselor education program, can offer practical advice for families whose situations require a little extra planning at this time of year. Gladding is the author of several books and has given many presentations on creative therapy strategies that use the arts and humor. You can reach Gladding at 336-758-4900.
HOLIDAY DINNER DILEMMAS: HOW TO PREPARE FOR ‘SEASON OF EATING’
Grandma has spent all day cooking her famous stuffing, casseroles and pies and expects you to have hearty helpings of seconds, even thirds. How can you keep to your diet without hurting feelings? The trick is in the portion size, says Gary Miller, a Wake Forest assistant professor of health and exercise science who specializes in nutrition. “If you know you’re under a watchful eye to make repeated visits to the holiday buffet, limit the amount of food you take on each trip,” he says. “That way Grandma feels like her food is being enjoyed and you will have less guilt.” Miller also suggests planning ahead; when you know you will have an extra large dinner, eat a light lunch. “Your daily consumption of calories and fat will balance out,” he says. To talk with Miller about healthy holiday eating, please contact the News Service.
Categories: Arts & Culture, Community Impact, Happening at Wake
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