Don't Stop Me Nowww

We're having a good time with no bedtime, but a new school year dawneth. As we waste money on yet another alarm clock that promises to get us out of bed with vibration, UV light or the gentle cooing of a back-alley pigeon, we asked our Instagram followers for their back-to-school traditions. 

• Family dinner at Chapman's on the eve of the first day: @paigeczarnik
• First day of school donut breakfast: @thevillagelinencompany 
• Ice cream for dinner on first day of school: @tiph25
• Alcohol: @nazariospeedwagon
• Insisting I'll have my act together by the first day and then settling for the third. Cute.: @secretleahamazing
• Sleeping through my alarm clock: @cunninghammy
• This is a thing?: @laurenmcoffey

Step Inside, It's a Wilder Ride

You thought a substitute bus driver threatening to "turn this thing around" was a crazy way to start the school year — then you had kids of your own. No one's handing out a back-to-school list for adults, so we, as usual, have provided. 

1. A zero-gravity lounger. Because that first-week pick-up line moves slower than a toddler putting on shoes, but gas is too expensive to leave your engine running. Might as well work on your tan. 
2. Mega rolls of paper towels. What good is a Costco run if you can't flex on the other parents bringing in school supplies? We're looking at you, military dads, literally flexing with two giant totes on back-to-school night.
3. Snack containers. Save your reusable silicone bags from the lunchroom trash. Send pretzels in your ~vintage~ Country Crock tub.
4. A stamp with your signature on it: For all those back-to-school forms. Some could call it forgery. We call it independence.
5. Individually wrapped candy: Awkward kids (may we know them, may we raise them) deserve a head start on being popular. 
6. Cash: For the PTA swag you just HAVE to take home. Nothing feels better than supporting your school — other then justifying yet another purchase with a drawstring. 

SPONSORED BY NATIONAL ATHLETIC VILLAGE

Spider Kid, Spider Kid

Does whatever a spider kid does. Take them to a place where hearing "hey, watch this" won't lead to a parent / teacher conference. At the NAV, kids are encouraged to monkey around. Memberships and day passes are available — and guided activities will make sure your kid's birthday party is the talk of the classroom. The possibilities are endless.

You Gon' Learn Today 

Before (or after) the bell rings, get your chance to get schooled out of the classroom:

• Hold a hummingbird: Weymouth Woods naturalist and hummingbird expert Susan Campbell catches hummingbirds and shows you how she bands them. If you're lucky, you might get to hold one. Every Wednesday in August, starting at 8:30 a.m. Get some nectar. 
• Cast a line: The 17th annual Rick Rhyne Memorial Fishing Tournament happens Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cardinal Park. It's free for kids ages 3-16; lunch, bait (kept separately) and rods are provided. Good things come to those who bait.

SPONSORED BY THREE RIVERS LAND TRUST

Lurk, Love, Luck

If you've been watching the prizes pile up in Three Rivers Land Trust's conservation raffle, it's time to pull the trigger on a chance to win an SUV, truck, boat, kayak, ATV, electric bicycle and more. The cost is $100 and only 5,000 tickets are being sold— those odds seem pretty good to us. The drawing takes place Oct. 1, and proceeds help protect habitats in the Sandhills. These prizes will have you living, laughing and loving.
 

• Consider buying a lottery ticket (yes, again): Brian Marks, of Cameron, just became the third Moore County resident this month to claim a six-figure prize. 
• Friday-Sunday, Aug. 19-21: Try your luck at finding diamonds in the rough at a summer sale at Pastimes. It's not old, it's vintage.

Welcome to Duloc, Such a Perfect Town

A plaza, neighborhood green, small business incubator, art sculptures and more are part of a plan designed by a consultant for what's being called Pinehurst South, a 300-acre commercial area along N.C. 5. The Village Council has yet to vote on the plan, but you can expect to hear more on the above rendering after the council's September meeting. It's a long drumroll. Get some background here.

Last Chance to Earn Your Wings

Friday, Aug. 12: Take your breath away by seeing Top Gun: Maverick before it leaves the big screen. As part of its fan appreciation day, Carolina Cinemas Sandhills 10 is giving out a free collector's edition poster while supplies last. There will also be behind-the-scenes bonus content for those who just can't get enough. We feel the need for speed. 

SCC President John Dempsey to Retire

John Dempsey has been the president of Sandhills Community College longer than most of us on The Sway team have been alive. Considering we're already ready for retirement, it's quite impressive that he's just now announcing his. Dempsey plans to retire at the end of this year, and the college's board of trustees will undertake its first search for a president since 1988. 

MORE TALKING POINTS:

• Hairstylists offer free services: Stylists will be at the Aberdeen Community Center starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28 to provide free styles for girls in grades K-12. Register by calling Aberdeen Beauty Supply at (910) 637-0134. New hair, who dis?
• School meal prices staying the same: Public school meal prices won't be rising for the upcoming  year, but the school board voted to revisit the issue in December. Hungry for more?

Let's Groove Tonight

Saturday, Aug. 13: Feel the spice of life at The Neon Rooster in downtown Aberdeen during Boogie Knights, presented by Pilot Radio and Locals Only. The DJ sets are all vinyl and music ranges from funk to 80s to dub and more. Proceeds support Skaters for Moore. Tickets are $20 and include one drink; additional drinks start at $2. It's alright, allllriiiiiiiiight.

SPONSORED BY VILLAGE OF PINEHURST

And We're Live

Friday, Aug. 12: The Live After 5 concert series returns to the Village of Pinehurst at Tufts Park. Hang out at this free event from 5-9 p.m. and enjoy beer and wine plus snacks from Jason's Mini Donuts, Meat and Greek and Beefy Buns. Move your feet with the band Bounce and take advantage of activities for your offspring. See you on the dance floor lawn.

SPONSORED BY HOT ASANA

Rock The School Year

Of quartz you can rock the school year on your own, but do you really wanna fight Venus in retrograde by yourself? Add knowledge, concentration and new beginnings to your school supply list in the form of crystals from Hot Asana. Stock up on what you need to hit the books and manifest good energy in your next chapter. Get gemstoned.

ANOTHER WAY TO CHANNEL POSITIVE ENEGRY: 

• Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m.: Stretch it out with yoga in downtown Southern Pines Park. It's free, just bring a mat or blanket. Sunrise salutations, anyone?

Gab At Ya Later, Geeks

Your homework: Study up for whatever version of math your kids will need help with this year.