Cary to Host U.S. Olympic Table Tennis Trials

By Alyse Leininger

Cary will get a taste of Olympic glory in early February as the host for its first-ever Olympic trials in table tennis.

The U.S. Olympic Trials will be held February 9-12, with 39 registered qualifiers competing.

The top eight finishers (four men and four women) will be invited back to Cary for the North American Olympic Trials on April 20-22. The U.S. competitors at those trials will face off against the Canadian table tennis representatives, and the winners will head to London for the summer 2012 Olympics.

Table tennis may not be frequently associated with the world of professional sports because of its alter ego of Ping-Pong, a game that teenagers and college students have adopted as their own. But watching these Olympic-caliber table tennis stars is nothing like playing it in your garage.

One of 26 sports featured at the Olympic Games, table tennis has a strong following internationally, particularly in parts of Asia and Scandinavia. More than 19 million Americans also play table tennis.

The Triangle even has two USA Table Tennis sanctioned clubs, including the Cary Table Tennis Association, which is one of the hosts of the Olympic Trials. Cary is also the home of the Cary Cup, an annual table tennis tournament that draws competitors from around the world, which gave Cary a boost in the host city selection process.

The event will be open to spectators with the purchase of a ticket, starting at $5 for Feb. 9, $10 for other single days, or a four-day ticket package for $30. The trials will be held at the Bond Park Community Center, which the event organizers are hoping to fill with spectators. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Olympic Table Tennis Trials website, www.cary2012.com.

Cary Magazine is proud to sponsor the table tennis Olympic trials in Cary.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/social-calendar/cary-host-us-olympic-table-tennis-trials#ixzz1kbTmBbYA

Like to go out for a fancy Dinner on a Budget? Check this out!!!

What is Triangle Restaurant Week (#TRW)?

TRW is a weeklong celebration of culinary excellence designed to incorporate the entire premier Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding area Restaurants. Restaurants will be offering a special fixed price, 3-course meal each and every day they are open* during the event. Due to varying restaurant operations, not all restaurants can/will adhere to appetizer, entree, dessert format

2012 Dates:
January 23 – 29 
June 4 - 10, 2012

Prices
$15 Lunch (optional)

$20 or $30 Dinner

***Price is for each person and does not include beverages, tax or gratuity***

Tickets
No special passes, tickets or coupons are required.

Diners may simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the week to enjoy the special prix fixe dinner menus.

We do however, strongly encourage patrons to reserve seating in advance via the TRW website or by calling the restaurants to guarantee seating.

Reservations
Although not necessary, reservations are strongly recommended! There is no guarantee of seating for Walk-ins. Make reservations via the OpenTable.com link under the restaurant profile (if applicable), or call the restaurants directly to avoid crowds.

Cooks for Books

By Nancy Pardue

Live chefs … local celebrities … and a community focused on boosting education.

The nonprofit Garner Educational Foundation will hold its second annual Cooks for Books fundraiser on Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Garner TV & Appliance on US 70 West, offering a star-studded night of fun and fine cuisine.

“Celebrity chef Elise Johnson, the 2011 Cooks for Books champion and star of Cooking With Elise, and other noted chefs will work in Garner TV’s fabulous show kitchens,” said event chair Amy White. “We’ll match the chefs with local media personalities Ken Smith and Elizabeth Gardner of WRAL-TV, ABC 11’s Barbara Gibbs and Don ‘Big Weather’ Swenneker, and NBC 17’s Sharon Delaney and Bill Reh.

“Those who attend not only get to enjoy the cooking competition, but also get to engage with — and eat with — the celebrity hosts. And the best part is that the money goes to the Garner Educational Foundation!”

Judges reprising their roles from last year are Jeffrey Bane of the N.C. Chefs Academy, Jeff Hadley of the Wake Tech School of Culinary Arts, and Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams.

Three live kitchens will be in operation at Garner TV, with competition between the three networks on a signature entrée of their choice. Attendees will have the chance to sample and vote on the entrees, as well as enjoy other complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Each popular vote for an entrée will cost $1 and attendees may vote as many times as they’d like. Awards will be presented for the popular vote and an official judges’ vote coordinated by the N.C. Chefs Academy.

Also, businesses, non-profits, schools and individuals may submit a signature dessert for judging in the Garner: It’s a Sweet Place to Be Dessert Challenge. Entry fee is $25.

Garner Educational Foundation, begun in 1990, serves all 11 Garner area public schools. Cooks for Books, GEF’s only fundraiser of the year, drew more than 350 people in 2011 and raised $15,000, monies earmarked for literacy enrichment programs.

“Literacy is crucial to success in school and life,” said GEF Executive Director Mary Lib Perry. “We are helping children gain the tools and knowledge that will empower them long after they have graduated from our schools.”

Tickets for Cooks for Books are $25 or two for $40; a VIP pass including one-hour exclusive access to the chefs and celebrities is $40. Tickets are available at Garner TV & Appliance, the Garner Chamber of Commerce, Bingham Law Office, or at the door.

For more information, contact Amy White at singforHim@nc.rr.com or (919) 201-1211.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/triangle-east-magazine/cooks-for-books#ixzz1kPKpcn4o

Gotta Dance?

By Nancy Pardue

So … how are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions?

If the gym turns out not to be your thing, don’t worry — you can dance your way to fitness!

Convinced you have no rhythm? Worried about looking awkward?

Don’t be, says Christy Wood, owner of Christy’s DancExplosion in Garner, http://www.christysdancexplosion.com/ .

“For those willing to stick it out and keep going because they are enjoying themselves, the rewards can be great,” Wood said, including a sense of accomplishment, new friendships and fun.

“Dancing is a great way to be more physically active,” she said, “and the vast array of dance styles means that dance can be enjoyed by everyone.

“Physically, dance improves flexibility, builds strength, increases endurance, boosts brain power and reduces stress and tension. Socially, dance contributes to higher self confidence and a positive outlook.”

Christy’s DancExplosion is home to adult clogging classes, with adult ballet and line dance classes new for 2012.

And local dance-for-fitness offerings include classes via Garner Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources; see listings for information.

“The best way for an adult learner to begin is to look for a dance style that interests you, research your options and take action,” she said. “Most people feel more comfortable in a group setting when starting something new. A studio setting is a safe, nurturing and properly equipped environment where fellow dancers offer support and encouragement, work toward common goals and celebrate acquired skills and accomplishments.

“Invite a friend to share the experience with you, take it gradually and enjoy yourself!”

A new year, a positive new you … as in you absolutely, positively can dance.

For more try-something-new ideas, see http://www.carymagazine.com/triangle-east-magazine/try-something-new.

Read more: http://www.carymagazine.com/triangle-east-magazine/gotta-dance#ixzz1iheYZECu