Events and experts wrap up the holidays at UNT

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 - 16:44
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DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas is tooting it’s horn for the holidays with fun events like TUBACHRISTMAS and experts who can weigh in on seasonal stories.

For interviews or press passes: Contact Monique.Bird@unt.edu or 940-369-7782.

Experts on Holiday Topics

  • Shopping for Children: Not sure what gifts to buy for kids? Tran Templeton, assistant professor of early childhood education in the College of Education, has suggestions on presents that can spark creativity, collaboration and a curiosity for learning. Open-ended toys such as blocks and magnetic tiles can be used in multiple ways to fuel innovative thinking. Books are always a good go-to, especially books that give children windows to worlds they aren't yet in touch with. She’s also a fan of board games that encourage team work, which in turn can help with social interactions. She has advice beyond the toy aisle. Play silks, scarves, cuts of fabric and dress-up materials are hits with young children who are always exploring different roles and versions of themselves, she says.
  • Weight loss/healthy eating resolutions: Brian McFarlin, co-director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at UNT, can offer tips on starting 2019 on a healthier note. Eating healthy and getting more exercise are always among the top New Year’s resolutions each year, but research shows few people will ever follow through with their goals. McFarlin says people try to make drastic changes all at once, when small steps toward being healthier can form more lasting habits. Simple changes people can make include paying attention to serving sizes, drinking more water and finding a support network of people who have similar health goals. McFarlin’s research focuses on the impact physical activity and weight loss has on chronic diseases and wellness. Learn more: https://news.unt.edu/faculty-expert-feature/unt-professor-brian-mcfarlin-gives-tips-eating-healthier.
  • Sustainable Gift Giving, Shopping and Retail Sales: UNT retail guru Linda Mihalick, senior director of the Global Digital Retailing Research Center, can discuss how customers can give great gifts that are sustainable, environmentally friendly and benefit the economy. Additionally, she can weigh in on consumer behaviors, how digital retail influences buying trends and last-minute shopping.
  • Event hosting: UNT trained chef Jodi Duryea can talk about how to host a great dinner party in style – including how to choose your menu, what to serve and when to serve it. Also, UNT wine connoisseur Han Wen can offer expertise on how to shop for, serve and gift wine – whether your budget is large or small.

Holiday Events

  • Giving back during the holidays: Students, faculty and staff at the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center will volunteer with the Salvation Army this month. The volunteer efforts are all part of KFAC Gives Back, a group recently created to organize community outreach opportunities for students, faculty and staff at the autism center.
    • Serving Meals: On Dec. 15 (Saturday) from 3:30 to 7 p.m. a group from the autism center will cook and serve dinner at the Salvation Army location at 508 E. McKinney St. in Denton.
    • Angel Tree: On Dec. 22 (Saturday) a group will help with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.
  •  TUBACHRISTMAS: UNT College of Music tuba and euphonium players, along with musicians from area schools and the community, will gather for a free TUBACHRISTMAS performance at the University of North Texas Library Mall. More than 100 musicians are expected to play holiday favorites.

UNT News Service
News_Service@unt.edu
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