By Darren Headrick / Carolina Mudcats (919-269-2287/mudcatsradio@carolinamudcats.com)

Zebulon, N.C. – The Carolina Mudcats used a fantastic start by Shawn Morimando to snap a five-game losing streak, and defeated the Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5-1 on Thursday night at Five County Stadium.

Morimando (1-1) picked up the win in his best start of the year. The southpaw tossed six scoreless innings, struck out three, and gave up only four hits. The Mudcats (6-7) did not walk a hitter until the ninth inning.

Myrtle Beach dropped to 6-7 with the loss. Start Jerad Eickhoff (1-2) was brushed up for five runs on three hits over five innings. Miscues by the Pelicans surrendered three unearned runs in the second inning to Eickhoff’s final line.

The Mudcats opened the scoring in the first when Tyler Naquin reached to begin the frame after the center fielder was hit by a pitch. Francisco Lindor doubled, his first of two hits, to put runners at second and third. Jordan Smith drove in Naquin with a fly ball to center for a 1-0 lead. Lindor stole third, his Carolina League-leading sixth stolen base, and scored on a single by Jerrud Sabourin.

In the pivotal third frame, Charlie Valerio reached on an error when first baseman Trever Adams dropped a relay from Rougned Odor at second. Todd Hankins was hit by a pitch to put two on with one out. Justin Toole hit a high chop to second, and Odor’s throw sailed wide into foul territory.

The error allowed Valerio to score for a 3-0 advantage. Hankins and Toole advanced into scoring position. A grounder to short by Naquin scored Hankins, and Toole raced home on a wild pitch for a 5-0 Mudcats lead.

Carolina held the advantage until the ninth, when Myrtle Beach attempted one last rally. Chris Grayson got a lucky hop over first, and was ruled safe at second on a controversial call. Following his double, Luis Sardinas laced a two-bagger off the right field wall.

With two in scoring position, reliever Enosil Tejeda struck out two in a row, but a passed ball off Valerio scored Grayson to break-up the shutout. The Pelicans managed to load the bases with a hit batter and a walk, but a pop-out to Hankins at second ended the game.

The Mudcats continue their four-game series with Myrtle Beach Friday night at 7:15 p.m. Every Friday home game is “Fireworks Friday” presented by Carolina Ford Dealers. Right-hander Will Roberts throws against the Pelicans’ Alec Asher. Tickets can be purchased by calling (919) 269-2287 or visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The post Morimando Shines as Mudcats Snap Skid appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

By Darren Headrick / Carolina Mudcats (919-269-2287/mudcatsradio@carolinamudcats.com)

Zebulon, N.C. – Sam Selman and the Wilmington Blue Rocks’ bullpen held the Carolina Mudcats to one hit over eight innings to aide their team in pulling away for a 5-1 victory on Tuesday night at Five County Stadium. The win clinched the series for Wilmington (3-2), and the Mudcats fell to 3-2 on the year.

Selman (1-0) held the Mudcats scoreless for five innings while allowing only three base runners and striking out four. Antonio Cruz and Robinson Yambati pitched the final four innings; with Yambati recording his first save of 2013.

Jordan Cooper (0-1) took a tough loss for the Mudcats in his first outing. The right-hander pitched well, surrendering two runs, one earned, on three hits. He finished with two walks and two strikeouts.

Jordan Smith broke up the shutout by scoring Francisco Lindor with a single to right in the ninth. Lindor reached on a base hit to extend his streak to five games.

Wilmington opened the scoring in the second inning on a solo homer to left by Tim Ferguson with two out. It was the first earned run Jordan Cooper surrendered in 20.2 innings dating to last season. The Blue Rocks struck for their second run in the third. After Jorge Bonifacio reached safely on a fielding error by Lindor, Cheslor Cuthbert lined a double to right-center, scoring the runner.

The game stayed tight until the ninth, when the Blue Rocks scored three times to put the game away. With two on, two out, and down to his final strike, Lane Adams managed to draw a walk to load the bases. Bonifacio followed with a two-run single to left for a 4-0 lead. Cuthbert added the final run on a groundball single to center.

The Mudcats look to avoid the sweep against the  Wilmington Blue Rocks at Five County Stadium tomorrow morning. First pitch set for a special Education Day 11 a.m. start time. Right-hander Cody Anderson will throw against Blue Rocks right-hander Aaron Brooks. Tickets can be purchased by calling (919) 269-2287 or visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The post Blue Rocks Clamp Mudcats appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

By Darren Headrick / Carolina Mudcats (919-269-2287/mudcatsradio@carolinamudcats.com)

Zebulon, N.C. – The Opening Night festivities included fireworks at Five County Stadium, but it was center fielder Tyler Naquin who stole the show. The Indians’ 2012 1st round pick finished a triple shy of the cycle, and recorded four RBI in a 10-1 romp over the visiting Winston-Salem Dash.

A crowd of 4,135 cheered as Naquin rocketed a three-run moonshot over the right field scoreboard in the fifth that put the Mudcats (1-0) up 9-1. His night included a run-scoring single in the second, and a double that snuck inside of first in the fifth.

Indians’ top prospect Francisco Lindor finished with three hits and a stolen base. He legged out a triple of a fly ball hit off the right field wall in the eighth.

Cody Anderson (1-0) got the win in his Mudcats debut by holding the Dash (0-1) to one run over six innings. He scattered four hits and struck out four without allowing a walk.

Bryan Blough (0-1) took the loss and the brunt of Carolina’s barrage. The right-hander, who was 2-0 against Carolina going in, was hit for nine runs and 10 hits in only three innings.

Carolina wasted little time in getting the hit parade going. Naquin drew a walk to lead off the first, and moved to third on a hit-and-run executed by Francisco Lindor. Tony Wolters hit a fly ball to center, scoring Naquin, for a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Lindor scored from third on a wild pitch.

After the Dash got a run back in the second, the Mudcats responded with two more in their half. Bryson Myles raced home from third after a throw from shortstop David Herbek glanced off Chris Curley’s glove at the bag. Naquin’s two-out single allowed Joey Wendle to score for a 4-1 lead after two.

Carolina put the game away with five runs in the third inning, highlighted by the soaring blast from Naquin. Charlie Valerio and Todd Hankins both drove in a run with base hits. Pitching took over from there as the teams traded scoreless frames until Wolters’ plated his second run with a fly ball to center in the eighth.

The Mudcats will go for the series win tomorrow night at 6:15 against Winston-Salem. Right-hander Jacob Lee will make his debut on the mound against Chris Bassitt for the Dash. Tickets can be purchased by calling (919) 269-2287 or visiting carolinamudcats.com.

The post Naquin’s Big Debut Helps Mudcats Roll Dash appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

Zebulon, N.C. – The Carolina Mudcats open the 2013 Carolina League Season on Friday, April 5^th and will be home through Wednesday, April 10^th. The Mudcats will host the Winston-Salem Dash and Wilmington Blue Rocks for three games each.

Friday is Opening Night as the Mudcats will host their first Fireworks Friday of the year at 7:15 p.m.! Saturday, April 6^th, will be a 6:15 first pitch. Sunday, a 2 p.m. start against the Dash, features the return of the always popular “Kids Run the Bases” following the game!

The Kansas City Royals affiliate Wilmington Blue Rocks come to town for the first of three on Monday night, April 8^th. Dollar Dog Days returns on Tuesday night, April 9^th, with $1 hot dogs served at Five County Stadium. It’s a special Education Day with an 11 a.m. start on Wednesday, April 10^th.

Single game and season tickets, plus Mini-Plans, can be purchased by calling (919) 269-2287 or online at carolinamudcats.com. Premium field level seats are $11, box seats $10 and general admission is $6.

The post Mudcats Begin 2013 Season at Five County Stadium appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

To encourage kids to explore the opportunities within the fields of STEM, Moni Singh founded STEM for Kids.  Founded in Raleigh, she is bringing this unique experience to Wake Forest, beginning in February!

STEM camps center around a number of different themes, including Civil, Aerospace, Mechanical, Environmental, Electrical, Robotic, and Computer Engineering for kids in grades K-5.  Parents and campers alike have rave reviews for the hands on (and FUN) learning experiences offered through STEM for Kids.

A true grass-roots organization, STEM for kids offers in-school workshops, field-trips, after school programs, trackout camps, as well as a giveback program for schools.  Last quarter, 13 local schools benefitted from the donations.

With the outlooks looking grim for the U.S. to produce enough STEM graduates to fill future STEM jobs, this may be just what our kids need to ignite the spark and create a lifelong passion and pursuit of the myriad opportunities that exist within the STEM fields.

Schools and parents interested in these programs can visit www.stemforkids.net or email at fun@stemforkids.net.  Organizations interested in supporting increased program accessibility can email donate@stemforkids.net.

The post Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Camp) Oh My!! appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

Store Front (Photo credit: Not the car)

There’s a new shop in downtown Raleigh. Kindred Boutique opened up last Saturday on S. Wilmington Street. It’s a local incubator for handmade local North Carolina artists. I got to view the shop before it opened and talk with the staff. Elizabeth, Whitney and Michelle were all on had to tell me a bit about the local artists featured. They also have items in the store as well. The store will hold workshops and classes in the coming future for other budding artists. Michelle also tells me there are plans to have yoga classes and possibly kids classes. Any artist who would like to be featured in the store is invited to submit an application on Kindred’s website.

Left to right: Elizabeth, Whitney & Michelle

The features various artists from the local area. Each section has a placard with the artist’s picture and a little bio about themselves and their designs. Some of the currently featured designers include;

Evolvement

Freshly Given

Posy

Tangled & True

With the collection of artists and items ranging from handbags, jewelry, soaps, original paintings and clothing, Kindred is a great place to pick up various Christmas presents and support shopping local in one stop. You can easily walk out with many handmade unique items for most of your list. While i wandered around the shop i saw some great items and started mentally thinking about my Christmas list. As someone who likes to support local businesses this store is very much up my alley.

Kindred Layout

Kindred is open Monday through Friday 11-6pm and Saturday’s from 1-6pm.  Its located at 131 S. Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC.

The post New Boutique opens in Downtown Raleigh appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

Thanks to the Operation RoundUp program, Wake Electric Members donate to the academic reward initiative known as “Give Us and A” by agreeing to round up their monthly electric bill to the next dollar. These pennies collectively add up to major dollars for community programs.

Wake Electric recently awarded 40 $25 Visa gift cards to area students who received at least one “A” (or its equivalent) on their report cards. This program encourages academic achievement and Wake Electric encourages the winners to purchase a savings bond through www.treasurydirect.gov with their Visa gift card money. These awards are part of a drawing held three times a year.

Students in any grade in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance and Wake counties are eligible to apply.

“Give Us an A” winners include: 

[media-credit name="File" align="alignright" width="300"][/media-credit]Ronald Berrier, North Raleigh Christian Academy
Joshua Blalock, Franklin Academy
Savannah Blalock, Franklin Academy
Nathan Ciatti, Heritage Middle School
William Clement, IV, East Wake School of Integrated Technology
Emily Deem, Heritage Middle School
Anna Evangelista, Franklin Academy
Theresa Evangelista, Franklin Academy
William Farrell, Franklin Academy
Devin Fussa, Heritage Middle Wake
Rita Furbert, Durant Road Middle School
Alissa Herous, Franklin Academy
Aimee Heroux, Franklin Academy
Zachary Landsberg, Wakefield Middle School
Kevin Martin, Franklinton High School
Rachael Maurais, Trinity Academy of Raleigh
Emily Roland, Franklin Academy
Michael Roland, Forest Pines Elementary
Kaetlyn Ryan, Durant Road Middle School
Emily Sandberg, Franklin Academy
Krista Smith, North Raleigh Christian Academy
Emma Taurance, Saint Raphael Catholic Middle School
Morgan Wilder, East Wake School of Engineering Systems
Sterling Wilder, East Wake School of Engineering Systems
Emily Willis, East Millbrook Middle School
Megan Wimmer, Jones Dairy Elementary School
Ryan Wimmer, Jones Dairy Elementary School

The deadline for the next drawing is January 20, 2013 by 5:00 p.m. Because each school district may have a different time for issuing report cards, if a student’s entry misses one deadline, the entry will automatically be included in the next drawing.

To enter, students should include:
- A copy of the report card with any “A”s highlighted
- Parents’ or guardians’ names (if applicable)
- Home address
- Email address that is checked regularly
- School attending
- Telephone Number

For more information on Wake Electric’s “Give Us an A” program, go to www.wemc.com/giveusana.aspx.

The post Local Students Earn Reward from Wake Electric appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

Wake Forest business owners Amanda and John Giustiniani are launching a second business in Downtown Wake Forest this week that aims to fill that gap between, “I wish I knew how to [insert skill here]” and a five-week course at a local community college.

The idea started to form as John and Amanda, who own

GC5 Vintage and Gifts

, were building a side business selling items on eBay. At first, eBay was a way to sell items and make some extra money. John was laid off from his job, so every little bit helped while he was putting himself out there on interview after interview. Then it occurred to him he might be able to make a living at the very thing he was doing to stay afloat.

“Instead of putting my tail beteween my legs and crying, I created a job,” he said.

John became a certified eBay sales instructor and started to look for spaces to offer classes, and “and the space two doors down from us came available,” he said. The idea was to about eBay, then suddenly more ideas came up, and now they are offering about 20 classes on topics for small businesses, writing memoirs, standing up to bullies, and improv.

“It’s essentially crash courses, or overviews per se,” John said. Classes will aim to find that middle between YouTube tutorials and multi-session classes. Most of the classes will be one session.

“A lot of people don’t want to ask questions,” John said. When someone does, “A person might say, ‘I have that question, too.’”

And there’s been no shortage of ideas for classes to teach, too. They range from broad, to hyper-focused.

“Somebody asked me if I would do a class on how to use a very specific Verizon smartphone. Some people, they want these specific classes,” John said.

The hard part, though, has been getting people to know what to expect from Pick A Class. It’s not adult education in the way normally offered by local civic centers or recreation departments. It’s not community college. It’s in between.

“Once people get there they understand what we’re we doing,” John said.

In addition to the classes, the PAC Gallery will feature revolving installations by local artists. As owners of GC5, Amanda and John have long supported the arts scene that is burgeoning around the Triangle. They have hosted artists’ work in their store and had gallery openings during Art After Hours, the monthly downtown get-together.

“The gallery is beautiful, and I’m not just saying that. It looks like a big city art gallery. It’s really nice,” John said.

Right now there are works by local artists such as Ginger Meek Allen, a local metalsmith/jewelry maker who has her own business next door to Pick A Class at LEDE Studio and Gallery. Additional artists include Donna Campbell Smith, Marie Lawrence, Nathan Wellman, Tabitha Morris, and John Giusitiniani.

What’s unique about the gallery is that the artists’ works will be chosen by a panel of people from the community, John said.

“It’s not really an art critique,” John said, but a panelist might say, “‘Yeah. This is pleasing to my eye.’ I just didn’t want it to be stuff I like.”

“Sometimes you have a vision for something, and it comes out they way you thought … It’s like ‘Hell, yeah!’”

The Pick A Class grand opening and gallery opening reception is Friday, November 8, 7-10 p.m. during Art After Hours. Respond to the Facebook event invite!

The post GC5 Vintage Owners Branch Out with New Business appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

The state of North Carolina has a nice web-based system you can use to find your polling place. Click here to go to it. Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you are in line at 7:30 you may still be allowed to vote.

[media-credit name="File" align="alignright" width="663"][/media-credit] 

The post Find Your Polling Place Before Tomorrow’s Election appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.

Fred Smith Company, the contractor building the Traditions development off E. Juniper, will have crews working on the street in phases while the road is closed from Monday, Nov. 5 to Wednesday, December 5.

The road realignment is part of the master plan for Traditions, a community focused on senior living located just of Wait Street. The connection to E. Juniper allows for an additional entrance to the development.

Originally proposed by the Ammons family, the project recently came under the stewardship of Wheelock Street Capital, a private equity firm from Connecticut.

Work will begin with the area of East Juniper Avenue from North White Street to Gilcrest Farm Road (SR 1943) and from Gilcrest Farm Road to Oak Grove Church Road (SR 1942).

A full detour will be in place with detour signs and flaggers directing traffic around the work area. Motorists can expect delays and are encouraged to seek an alternate route.

Map courtesy of Town of Wake Forest.

View Larger Map

The post Town Closes E. Juniper Avenue For a Month appeared first on Destination Wake Forest.