Happy Wednesday Smarties! Heads up to mark your calendars for the “Stand up to Bullying” Symposium on Jan. 15-16 at the Jewish Community Center. Lee Hirsch, director of the documentary “Bully” is the featured speaker and Michelle Icard, Michelle in the Middle, will be leading several breakout sessions. Last weekend was perfect for snow sports on Beech Mountainand this weekend looks even better. They have a sledding hill for kids 12 and under and the best part – it is free. If your kids want snow, take them to it. Check out this video! Get out and enjoy.

Fur Coats and Fuzzy Feet
McDowell Nature Preserve
January 11, 9:30am-10:15am; 11:00am-11:45am
How do animals survive in the cold and find food in the snow? After reading a story we will take a hike through the Preserve and see if we can see some examples of our warm friends. Registration Required.

Charlotte Symphony Lollipops: Dancin’, Rockin’ & Hip-Hoppin’
Knight Theatre, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
January 12, 11:00am
Jacomo Rafael Bairos, conducting with Project Trio.The engaging members of Project Trio return to the Charlotte Symphony, putting their spin on the classical music experience. This exciting program features Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony theme with a modern twist alongside other orchestral favorites like Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance. Dance along with Project Trio! Cost is $15.50-$24.50.

Kids Cook: Let’s Go Greek!
Whole Foods Market
January 12, 4:00pm-7:00pm
In this Salud Cooking School class, young chefs will make popular dishes as they learn the basic ingredients and flavors of the Greek kitchen, including olive oil, tomatoes, oregano, feta cheese and phyllo dough. Suitable for ages 10 to 12. Cost is $35.

Turtles on the Twos
Charlotte Nature Museum
January 12, 2:22pm
A very special live animal encounter featuring turtles and biofacts. Museum Naturalists will share fun facts about the turtles on exhibit in Creature Cavern with topics including their similarities, differences, habitats and survival strategies. Kids can get up close to different turtles, touch them and also learn what they can do to protect this ‘backyard beauty’.

Meet and Greet with Live Animals
Reedy Creek Nature Center
January 12, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Come and meet Peter the box turtle, Popcorn the corn snake, and many more. Learn all about the animals we have at the nature center – and you will have the opportunity of touching some of them too! Must call 704-432-6460 to register. Good for all ages and the cost is free.

Feeding Frenzy
Reedy Creek Nature Center
January 12, 3:00pm-3:30pm
Ever want to see how a snake can eat a mouse without chewing or watch a turtle chase its prey? If you answered yes, then this is the program for you. On this day we will feed a variety of the nature centers animals and talk about their feeding habits. Must call 704-432-6460 to register. Good for all ages and cost is free.

Reptile Feeding Demonstrations
Schiele Museum of Natural History
January 12, Begins at 12:00pm
Discover the fascinating ways that snakes and alligators catch and consume their prey. This demonstration of nature in action is not for the squeamish! Please note that space is limited at the animal exhibits so come early to select your spot. 12 PM – Snakes; 1 PM Alligators.

Reptiles Around the World
Schiele Museum
January 13, 2:00pm
Learn about snakes, lizards, turtles and other reptiles from across the world. Visit up close and personal with live reptiles. Learn about the special care these animals require when kept as pets and discover the critical roles they play in the natural world. Cost is $6-$7.

Monster Jam
Time Warner Cable Arena
January 11-12, Fri. 7:30pm; Sat. 2pm & 7:30pm
The Monster Trucks have arrived! Grave Digger, Monster Mutt, Stonecrusher and more will battle it out to be king of the Monster Hill. The kids and parents love it! Don’t forget your earplugs. Cost is $10-$25.

Family Day
Bechtler Museum
January 12, Noon-4:30pm
Explore the art and artists in the Bechtler collection with your children through special art activities and family-focused museum tours during Family Day Saturday, January 12 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Drop in anytime during the afternoon. Art activities will illustrate the methods and materials addressed by artist Alberto Giacometti whose work is on view in the exhibition Giacometti: Memory and Presence. Children ages 5 and older can create oil pastel monochromatic portraits, watercolor still life and pipe cleaner dancers. Interact with art in the Bechtler collection by participating in a museum-wide scavenger hunt and family-focused tour. Admission to Family Day is free for children. Adults receive a discounted ticket price of $4. Museum members are free.

For the biking enthusiast – Lake Norman 15th Annual Polar Bear Ride