february 2009 wncparent

W N C P A R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L A C E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T 1

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2 W N C P A R E N T | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9

c o n t e n t s

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHERRandy Hammer

WNC PARENT EDITORNancy Sluder

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FEATURES EDITORBruce Steele

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STAFF WRITERBarbara Blake

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ADVERTISINGMiranda Weerheim - 232-5980

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Lisa Field - [email protected]

WNC PARENT DESIGNERKatie Wadington

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P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802CALENDAR CONTENTsubmit in writing via

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SUBMISSION DEADLINESadvertising deadline for the March 2009 issue is Feb. 17

calendar items are due by Feb. 17

In every issue

This month’s features

On the cover


When my twin daughters were little, we embarked onmyriad activities, trying to find their niche. From dancingto tennis, they tried just about everything. Then one day Itook them out to the Biltmore Equestrian Center, wherethey took their first riding lesson. They had found their“thing.”My girls had always had a special place in their hearts

for animals, so it stood to reason they would love an activi-ty involving horses. For other things to do with pets oranimals, see our story on Page 8.With that same love of animals living in my own heart, it didn’t take long

before we filled our house with pets.We started with fish, then gerbils. Thenwe hit the “big time” and adopted a dog.Max is 4 now and has been a delight— well, except for the time he dug a hole in my kitchen wall, all the waythrough to the pink fuzzy insulation. He seems to regret the error.AfterMax came Gracie and Oscar, who have each had their share of “errors”

in my house, but they erase them with the kind of love and affection that onemight expect from a domesticated canine.Adopting a pet can bring a lot of love and happiness to a home. If you’re

thinking of adopting, check out the 10 things you should know before taking ona new familymember, starting on Page 3.

A love of animals leadsto activities, adoption

Nancy Sluder, Editor

Divorced Families by Trip Woodard.............................12Kids Voices ...............................................................13Show and Tell....................................................15WNCmom.com Page..................................................27Growing Together by Chris Worthy .........................30Parenting in a Nutshell .......................................31Youth Sports .............................................................34Librarian’s Picks by Jennifer Prince ...........................36Quick Dinners ...................................................37Puzzles .......................................................46-47Video games.............................................................48Calendar .....................................................49-55

Photo special toWNC Parent.

What to knowPlanning to adopt a pet? Hereare 10 things you should keepin mind.Breed mythsExperts say training is the keyto having a kind dog, no mat-ter the breed.Things to doWhen it comes to childrenplaying — or even competing —with their animals, opportuni-ties abound in WNC.Saying goodbyeIt’s far from easy to say a finalfarewell to a pet. Tips for howto handle putting one to sleep.On the big screenAnimals are a favorite in Holly-wood. Why not check out oneof these pet-related flicks nexttime your kids want to watch amovie?Dogs on the moveScenes from a recent dogagility trial in Fletcher.Good readsIf your child loves animals,have him or her dive into read-ing about them. We offer a fewsuggestions.What to do when it rainsIt’ll be awhile still before you

can get outside regularly toplay. Here are a few indooroptions around town to keepfrom going stir crazy.Dealing with bedwettingSimple treatments can oftenhelp children who wet the bed.It’s potty timeTry these tested tips when it’stime to get your little one outof diapers.Kids at playA glimpse of a couple of activi-ties around town to keep tod-dlers busy — and parentshappy.Camp Guide 2009previewLooking for a spring break orsummer camp? Get a headstart with our listings.

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When Shellie Lalumondier went with her family to the Asheville HumaneSociety animal shelter to find a pet, she says she couldn’t go inside becauseshe was “too big of a baby to go in and cruise the cages.”Her husbandMike and their two children found two dogs they liked and

brought them outside for her to meet. They settled on a St. Bernard mixnamed Nellie, who was calm enough to fit in the household with their kids.“Adopting from a shelter is no easy task, but it’s well worth the effort,” she

says.

So, you’re readyfor a pet?

Top 10 things to know or do whenadopting a new family friend

PHOTOS BY JOHN COUTLAKISGarrett Lalumondier, 10, enjoys his family’s adoptive dog at theirKenilworth home.

By Pam J. Hecht ◆ WNC Parent contributor

Continues on Page 4



Here are some things to considerthat can make adopting a pet a suc-cessful and enjoyable experience foreveryone in the household.

1. Assess your spaceA home large enough to accommo-

date a pet, with access to an outsideyard if needed, is a basic requirement.Youmay also need to check with yourlandlord or homeowner’s associationabout pet ownership rules in yourneighborhood.

2. Know what you’re getting intoBe sure you have the finances, time

and energy needed to take care of apet, especially with labor-intensivepuppies or kittens.“Parents need to be ready to take

care of a pet, because ultimately, it’stheir responsibility,” says JenniferBrehler, director of operations for theAsheville Humane Society. “Haverealistic expectations of what kids canhandle.”

3. Make sure everyone is onboardEveryone should be comfortable

with the idea of having a pet and will-ing to do their part. Also, be certainthat any pets you already have arecompatible with the one you’re plan-ning to adopt.

4. Do the researchLearn about the type of breed or

animal you’re interested in adopting(try www.petfinder.com.) Considerfactors like age, size, temperament,kid-friendliness and energy level. Findout what services you’ll need beforetaking your pet home, such as vaccina-tions, spaying or neutering or insert-ing amicrochip in case your pet getslost.

7. Be open minded

The most compatible pet for yourfamilymay not be what you intendedand it’s possible that youmay not findyour pet on the first day out.

8. Prepare in advanceBe sure to pet-proof the home,

stock up on needed supplies and makeany necessarymodifications to youryard and fence, if you have one, toprovide for your pet’s safety. Choose avet and if necessary, make an appoint-ment to bring the pet in for a check-up.

9. Get to know yourprospective petFind out asmuch as you can about

an animal you like, says Brad Rayfield,director of Henderson County’s Ani-mal Services Department, which runsthe county’s animal shelter.Talk to the staff and volunteers

who know the animals, he says.Makesure everyone in the family has a posi-tive connection with the pet.Amparo and Doug Pringle, of Ashe-

ville, who found their hound/mix dog,Deacon, through the Animal Compas-sion Network a fewmonths ago, vis-ited with him, along with his fosterowners, at a local park before decidingwhether or not to adopt.They discovered that he was very

unaggressive and their sons, ages 6and 11, bonded with him right away,Amparo says.It’s important to ask a lot of ques-

tions, she adds.

10. Have a planCreate some rules together con-

cerning care and play time. Decidewho will do what, such as feeding,walking and bathing.Meanwhile, planon everyone doing the loving.

when shopping for a family pet, butparents should always have the finalsay, said Joan Bednarek, president ofthe Transylvania Animal AllianceGroup, which matches rescued ani-mals with families in North Carolinaand surrounding states.“Make it clear from the beginning

that you’ll value their input and thatyou’ll pick out a pet together, but thatit has to be your decision,” she says.“Most kids want a puppy or a kitten,for example, but that isn’t always thebestmatch for their family.”

5. Know your options

Animal shelters and pet placementagencies have different adoption pro-cedures and guidelines. Find outmoreonline about the pet adoption choicesin your area or to see photos of avail-able pets. Several agencies hold petadoption events at area pet supplystores and other locations, featuringanimals available for adoption.

6. Involve kids in the processIt’s important to include children

Continued from Page 3

Garrett Lalumondier, 10, and his sister Addie, 14, got their adoptive dog, Nellie, from ashelter.

A sampling of area agencies that handlepet adoptions◆ Asheville Humane Society, www.ashevil-lehumane.org, 253-6807◆ Animal Compassion Network, Skyland,www.animalcompassionnetwork.org,258-4820 or Pet Harmony (rescued-petstore), 274-3647◆ Brother Wolf Canine Rescue (Asheville),

808-9435, www.brotherwolfcaninerescue.org◆ Transylvania Animal Alliance Group(TAAG), www.petfinder.com/shelters/taag.html, 966-3166◆ Henderson County Animal Services Cen-ter, www.hendersoncountync.org/animals,697-4723◆ Animal Haven of Asheville, www.animal-haven.org, 299-1635

◆ Blue Ridge Humane Society (HendersonCounty), www.the-aarc.com, 685-7107◆ Catman-2 (Cullowhee), www.catman2.org,293-0892◆ Find-a-pet Society (Asheville), 254-9155◆ Haywood Animal Welfare Association,www.hawapets.com, 452-1329◆ Mary Paws (Asheville, cats only), www.ma-rypaws.org, 622-3248◆ Hope for Horses (Leicester), www.hopefor-horses.org, 683-0160

◆ Pet Soup Rescue (West Asheville),www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC499.html, 665-7745◆ Madison County Animal Services,www.madisoncountync.org/-shelter.html,649-3190◆ Mercy Fund Animal Rescue, Inc. (Mar-ion), www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC461.html, 6527980

WHERE TO ADOPT A PET

Continues on Page 9



Everybody knows that pit bulls aremean and golden retrievers are asgentle as a doting grandma, right?Not necessarily, say trainers and

breeders who deal with dogs rangingfrom Chihuahuas to St. Bernards.While it’s true all breeds have cer-

tain characteristics, experts say thetemperament a dog ends up with hasfarmore to do with how it is raisedand trained than with some prede-termined gene thatmakes it aggres-sive, loving, aloof or hyperactive.It’s generally understood that dogs

like retrievers and basset hounds aremore mellow and laid back, whileterriers and border collies are, bytheir nature, more high maintenance.But regardless of breed, it’s no

surprise to find a rowdy, destructivedog with no manners if it’s beenraised by a sedentary owner whonever gives it exercise or socialization,experts say.Why blame a dog for bit-ing when it spends all its solitary daysand nights chained to a tree with nohuman contact or companionship?

Mean-dog mythsIt’s amyth that pit bulls, Rott-

weilers and Dobermans are inherentlydangerous and mean, said Lynn Duck-ett, vice president of the AshevilleKennel Club.“A well-bred and properly trained

pit bull is one of the sweetest dogsimaginable,” she said. “In all caseswhere dogs have attacked humans, theirresponsible owner is actuallymoreresponsible than the dog. Some peo-ple like the image of being seen with a‘tough’ breed; somehow they think itmakes them look cool,” she said. “Sad-ly, these are the very owners whorefuse to properly train and socialize

their dogs.”“I’m sorry to say that I’ve seen it

all,” said Gail Hubbard, a certified dogtrainer and co-owner of A Good Dog’sLife. “That is, the golden retriever thatbecomes aggressive and the pit bullwho is just a loving lap dog. Peopleseem to place blame on the dog – it’sdefinitely easier,” she said.SusanWilson, also a certified dog

trainer and co-owner of A Good Dog’sLife, said it’s critical to match the dogand owner and “to look at what thedog was bred for and make sure thatthe energy level of the dog matches

Beyondthe myths

Experts say a dog of any breedcan be well-behaved if trainedBy Barbara BlakeStaff writer

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTWhen searching breeds, remember that terriers and border collies are, by their nature, morehigh maintenance.



the person.”“One of the biggestmistakes I see is that people

get small dogs and think they will just want to hangout all the time, when sometimes small dogs havemore energy and exercise needs than the ownersexpect,”Wilson said.

Matching dogs to ownersIt’s critical to research breeds and make sure

theymatch the owner’s lifestyle, familymakeup andliving space, experts say.Duckett, who has shown Kerry blue terriers for

20 years, said she has refused to sell Kerry puppiesto prospective buyers because she could clearly seethat they were not up to the challenge of the rela-tively high-maintenance terriers.“I’d say, ‘A Kerry blue is not for you, and I will

not sell you a puppy at any price,’” she said. “Theyend up getting mad and going online — if you’ve gotmoney, you can get anything you want. And then ayear or two later I’ve got the dog in rescue.”Another way to get a feel for the best breed for

your family is to meet the parents.“I probably would not adopt a puppy from a

litter with amother that is very protective and un-trusting of other people and other dogs,”Wilsonsaid. “Puppies learn a lot from those first eightweeks.”“Breed type has its place, for sure, but the things

dogs pick up and learn from their earliest environ-ment (breeders) along with the environment new

owners provide enhances the dog’s personality,”Hubbard said. “That enhancement could be for thebest, and it could be for the worst.”While every purebred has certain characteristics

that are predictable, “there will always be individualdifferences,” Duckett said.

Try training“Mymotto is, ‘Train, don’t complain’” Duckett

said. “I’ve seen AKC champion dogs surrendered torescue, but I’ve never seen an obedience-traineddog in rescue.”“People should consider breed characteristics,

but also know that a dog is a dog and will createhavoc in a household if not properly socialized andeducated,” Hubbard said.Duckett said she is wary of so-called “designer”

dogs—mixes that are passed off as purebreds—such as Labradoodles, whose parents are a Labradorand a poodle. “You can and may get either the bestor the worst of each breed — there’s no way toknow what to expect,” she said. “Some of the peopleproducing these designer dogsmay proclaim theywill get only the best from both parent dogs withnone of the bad stuff mixed in. It simply isn’t so. It’slike playing 52-card pickup — you never now howthe cards, in this case, the genes, will land.”Finally, the experts say, do your homework and

find out asmuch as you can about breeds you’reconsidering. Duckett recommends “The Roger Ca-ras Dog Book,” and urges potential dog owners tovisit the American Kennel Club’sWeb site,www.AKC.org, to learn more about breeds.“And talk with purebred rescue groups; every

breed recognized by the AKC has a national rescuegroup,” she said. “And a responsible owner orbreeder will tell you the good, the wonderful andthe bad and ugly about their breed, so be preparedfor honesty. If that person has lived with the breedfor years and advises you that this breed will not bea good match for you, listen to them.”

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTIt’s a myth that pit bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans areinherently dangerous and mean. “A well-bred and properlytrained pit bull is one of the sweetest dogs imaginable,” saidLynn Duckett, vice president of the Asheville Kennel Club.



Your pet is your best friend, and you love spend-ing time with him. But if Fluffy is getting tired ofchasing the cat and fetching the ball, what else canyou do together?If you have a dog, there are all kinds of activities

for kids and dogs, ranging from a game of catch at alocal park all the way up to formal dog shows.

At the parkAsheville has two dog parks with trails and

fenced enclosures where your dog can socializewith other dogs.The French Broad River Park on Amboy Road in

West Asheville features a dog park with a largefenced-in areamade for exercising and socializingyour dog.Azalea Dog Park is in Azalea Park off Swannanoa

River Road. It features fenced areas for small andlarge dogs.In BlackMountain, check out RiverWalk Park

and Dog Exercise Area, behind Bi-Lo shoppingcenter on N.C. 9 South, The park features picnictables and walking paths.

Best in show?Think your dog’s a real winner? Then the Ashe-

ville Kennel Clubmay be a fun place to go.“We offer Junior Showmanship, which is for kids

younger than 18 and teaches kids how to take a doginto the ring and show it” said clubmember EileenWilson “The kids are judged on grooming, training,showmanship and handling.”The club offers handling classes for owners and

dogs of all ages at 7 p.m. eachWednesday frommid-January through Thanksgiving at the FederalReserve Center on Louisiana Avenue inWest Ashe-ville.The classes are ongoing and the cost is only a $1

donation per class. For information, call at 258-4833.

Take a ride

If your pet has hooves, there are lots of activitiesyou can share. Biltmore Estate offers one-hour,Western-style guided rides on trails through thewoodlands and meadows of the estate, suitable forbeginner to intermediate-level riders. The cost is$60 per adult, in addition to estate admission, and$50 per child (ages 8-16), in addition to regular es-tate admission.There are also several horse shows each year in

WNC that will give your horse a chance to shine.Formore information on activities for you and yourhorse, visit www.balsamquarter.com/wncequineevents.html.

4-H clubs

There are dozens of 4-H clubs inWestern NorthCarolina that can get kids and animals together.Some focus on specific activities like horsebackriding.“Some of the clubs require that kids own a horse,

but others don’t,” saidMaryMcGlauflin, who super-vises 4-H in Buncombe County. “We have kids do-ing everything from raising beef cattle to one younglady who raises guide dog puppies.”For information, visit www.nc4h.org.And the N.C.Mountain State Fair offers chil-

dren’s categories in everything from bunnies todairy goats. Formore information, call 687-1414.RickMcDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at

[email protected].

Fun for kids, animals alikeBy RickMcDanielWNC Parent contributor

Special to WNC Parent Horse riding is a fun way for kids to spend time with an animal. Trail rides at the Biltmore Estatetake guests along a ridge for views of the mountains and Biltmore House.



◆ Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation(Haywood County), www.sargeandfriend-s.org, 246-9050◆ Furever Friends (Old Fort), [email protected], 670-6723◆ Yancy County Humane Society, www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC08.html, 682-9510◆ Transylvania Humane Society, transhu-

[email protected], 884-6577.A sampling of local pet adoption events◆ First and third Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.(dogs); 1-3 p.m. other Saturdays (cats); 6-8p.m. Wednesdays (cats), PetSmart, Wal-MartSupercenter Plaza, 150 Bleachery Blvd., EastAsheville (Animal Compassion Network)◆ First and third Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.(also open daily), Pet Harmony, 803 FairviewSt., Asheville (Asheville Compassion Net-work)

◆ Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., PetSmart, 3McKenna Road, Arden (Transylvania AnimalAlliance Group)◆ Second Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., PetSupplies Plus, 1865 Hendersonville Road,Asheville (Brother Wolf)◆ Fourth Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Green-life Grocery, 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville(Brother Wolf)◆ Additional Brother Wolf events for Feb-ruary: Noon-5 p.m. Feb. 7, Mast GeneralStore, downtown Asheville; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Feb. 13-15, Petsmart, 150 Bleachery Blvd.;

noon–4 p.m. Feb. 21, Bone-A-Fide Bakery,Black Mountain.◆ Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., SuperPetz,825 Brevard Road, Asheville (FureverFriends)◆ Sundays, 2–6 p.m., SuperPetz, 825 Brev-ard Road, Asheville (Mary Paws)◆ Second Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Su-perPetz, 825 Brevard Road, Asheville (MercyAnimal Rescue)◆ Thursday afternoons, weather permitting,Earth Fare, 66 Westgate Parkway, West Ashe-ville (Mary Paws)

WHERE TO ADOPT A PET




Mary Kilroy’s pets are never farfrom her heart— or her home. TheKilroy family created an animal me-morial garden beside their home onBee Tree Road in Swannanoa.Statues of animals, children and

Saint Francis, the patron saint of ani-mals, stand among shrubs, trees andflowers. In summer, hummingbirds inthe dozens visit nearby feeders.“We can sit on the front porch and

see it all. It is a little piece of heavenon Earth for us,” Kilroy said. “When-ever one of our critters dies, or if wefind a bird or animal from the wildthat has passed on, we bury it herewith all the dignity a creature of God’sdeserves.”Over the many years the Kilroys

have owned guinea pigs, mice, catsand dogs, they’ve had “to make somehard decisions about what to do abouta sick or injured animal,” Kilroy said.

A hard decision

Determining if euthanasia is theright decision for a suffering pet is “apretty complicated issue,” said JoshVon Szalatnay, veterinarian at AnimalHospital South in Asheville.He said he feels that putting a pet

down is appropriate “when an animalis obviously suffering and that theanimal’s quality of life is not likely toimprove.”

The Kilroys’ cat Cloe developed achronic but treatable illness. But eachtime she tried to give Cloe medicine,he was fearful and quite stressed.“Nothing we tried would make the

process easier,” she said. She and herhusband decided to put him to sleep.“The love relationship between

people and animals can often be deep-er and more complex than betweensome humans,” Kilroy said. “And hold-ing on to a pet because we just can’tbear to let go is not for the pet’s sake,but for ours.”

Make a listIf pet owners are struggling with

the decision, Von Szalatnay suggeststheymake a list of things that definetheir pet’s personality.When the petstops demonstrating these character-istics, then it is time, he said.Mark Ledyard, a veterinarian at

Charlotte Street Animal Hospital inAsheville, said people who put downtheir pets struggle the most with theguilt of making this important deci-

sion for another being.But when animals do communicate

signs of trouble, such as plummetingappetite or energy level, or even thelook in their eyes, itmay be time toconsider euthanasia. “When you’velived with this animal for a long time,you can tell,” he said.

Dealing with the painVicki Powers, of Old Fort, tried to

save Junior, a big, clumsy sweet dog,after he got cancer. Before she tookhim to her veterinarian to be put tosleep, she took pictures of him andtook him to the forest where he likedto play.But she had to take him early to his

appointment. “I couldn’t handle itanymore ... I could just look in hiseyes and tell” he was in pain, she said.She grieved for a long time, she

said. Powers suggested that othersshouldn’t be so hard on themselves.“They shouldn’t blame themselves

if it’s something that needs to bedone,” she said.

When to say goodbye to a petBy CarolMotsingerStaff writer

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTDetermining if euthanasia is the right deci-sion for a suffering pet is complicated.


W N C P A R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L A C E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T 1 1

Yearling” and “The Journeyof Natty Gann.” Have an

older child? Try“TheWild Parrotsof Telegraph Hill,”he recommends.Next time you

grab amovie for anight of familyentertainment—or just to keep thekids quiet— checkout one of theseothers for surefirefun.

Old but good“That Darn Cat”

Classic Disney“Dumbo,” “101

Dalmations,” “Bam-bi,” “Finding Nemo”

Have you ever noticedthat some of the best kidsmovies involve animals?There’s certainly no

shortage of family filmswith pets— a search atAmazon.com brings up 485movies with “dog” in thetitle in the kids and familycategory. And, of course,animals are a staple in ani-mated Disney films.Alan Berger, a co-owner

of Rosebud Video on Char-lotte Street, gives someclassics on a list of recom-mended animal movies forkids. And, he says, many notonly have good story lines,but a “showing of respectfor the animals.”Among his top picks: “Old Yeller,”

“Fly Away Home,” “FreeWilly,” “The

Horse tales

“Black Beauty,”“National Velvet”

Gone to the dogs(and some cats)“Beethoven,”

“Oliver & Co.,”“The Shaggy Dog,”“Homeward Bound:The IncredibleJourney”

Pigs“Babe,” “Char-

lotte’sWeb”

Fun in the cold“Ice Age,”

“Happy Feet,”“March of the Pen-guins”

Mouse mischief

“Secret of Nimh,”“An American Tail”

Some animals, somenot“TheMuppetMo-

vie”

TV shows on DVDNeed something

shorter than a full-length feature? Try outan episode or two ofthese classics involvingfurry friends that areout on DVD: LooneyTunes, “Scooby-Doo,”“TheMuppet Show,”“Tom and Jerry,” “Clif-ford” and “Sagwa.”

Animals worth watching on the silver screenBy KatieWadingtonStaff writer

Product: ASH_Parent PubDate: 02-02-2009 Zone: Main Edition: First Page: parent_11 User: msyed Time: 01-29-2009 18:46 Color: KYMC


During thedivorce process,pets can be asource of healingand reassurance,but they can alsocreate unexpectedproblems.For example, when he was young,

my sonWeston had a strong desire toown a guinea pig. Naturally, as “luck”would have it, a “friend of a friend”offered to donate one along with anice cage and feed. Always be warygifts from “friends of friends,” espe-cially if they offer lots of free stuffalong with the pet.To make a long story short, the

name we gave the guinea pig changedto the appropriate name of “Hannibal”after a repeated course of being bitten.

When we discovered that the guineapig was a female, we changed hername to “Hannibella.” After sometime, and my son agreed, I naturallydid the right thing and adopted Han-nibella out to another “friend of afriend,” along with the cage and feed.Now, I know there are plenty of

guinea pigs out there that are greatpets. Just don’t letmy son know.Since pets present pros and cons,

let’s look at a few of the do’s anddon’ts regarding animals and the di-vorce process:

◆ Do make whatever reasonablearrangements you can to let pets flowwith wherever the children reside.This is, unfortunately, a painful realityfor some adult pet owners. Place yourchild’s interests above your own.

◆ Don’tmake the pets anotherbattleground in the divorce process.And, please, do not use pets as anemotional bribe to get your child towant to spend more time at your resi-

dence. This will only backfire.◆ Do consider adopting pets that

make sense for your particular workand home situation. Though I person-ally love dogs and cats equally, I havebecome a “cat person” because of therealities of my life. Cats are indepen-dent enough to tolerate my fluctuatingwork schedule and to be there formyson, if he is staying atmy residence.

◆ Don’t adopt exotic pets like hiss-ing cockroaches just because theyremind you of your ex-partner’s rela-tives and theymake a good party joke.These jabs at your ex-partner will notgo unnoticed by children.

◆ Do consider adopting pets fromthe local pound rather than a pet storeor an advertised breeder.Mixed breeddogs and cats can be wonderful com-panions for you and your children.

◆ Don’t use pets as a bargainingchip in your divorce process. It bearsrepeating.

◆ Do remember that your petsmay

have emotional needs and may beconfused by your experiences withanger or depression. Reassure andlove them, especially if they have beenexposed to a negative encounter be-tween you and you ex-partner.In a strange way, pets can be a com-

fort to us when humans are not. Theyare available at 3 a.m. when you areawake crying and your human friendsare asleep. They are unaware andcouldn’t care less about anymistakesthat youmay have made contributingto the divorce process. Their shortmemorymakes them very suited forshowing us love during the hard timesof our divorce process.With the possible exception of a

certain guinea pig that now resideswith a “friend of a friend of a friend.”TripWoodard is a licensed marriage

and family therapist and a clinicalmember of the N.C. Association ofMarriage and Family Therapists. Con-tact him at 606-8607.

divorced families

There are do’s and don’ts to pets and divorceBy TripWoodardWNC Parentcolumnist


Hannah Griffin,third grade“If I had any

pet in the world itwould be a rat.They are smarterthan any animal,and they can climbtrees. That is whyI want a rat.”

Andrew Lukin,fifth grade“If I could have

any animal in theworld it would bea turtle. I liketurtles becausethey are small andcolorful. I alsolike turtles because they are slow.”

We asked students in Kelly Hanson’s class at the New Classical Academy in North Ashe-ville to answer the question, “If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, whatwould it be?” Here’s what they told staff writer Barbara Blake.

ElliotButterworth,third grade

“I would defi-nitely have a kitten(I’m getting oneon Thursday). Idon’t know what Iwill name it. Ireally want one because they are cute.I want a girl because she wouldn’tspray.Most cats I know like me.”

Gracie Franzi,fourth grade“I would love to

have a pet sea-horse becausethey have a clingytail like amonkey.They also havearmor like an ar-madillo, fins like afish, a head like a horse and a pouchlike a kangaroo. Their eyes are like achameleon, and they have a snout likean aardvark. Also, I just think they’recute!”

Josh Lino, fifthgrade“If I could have

any pet in theworld it would bea pig. Pigs are myfavorite animal. Ilike how they rollin the mud andtheir curly tails. That is why I reallywant a pig.”

Jesse Jones,third grade“I would love to

have a parrot. Aparrot would talkto me and compli-mentme. I wish hecould have red andgreen feathers.”

Ema Peck,third grade“My rat likes

peanut butter. Hisname is Pebbles. Ilike him becausehe is funny andcute. He makes asound like this:chchchch!”

Alex Vogel,fifth grade“If I could have

any pet it would bea lion.Why a lion? Iwould like it be-cause it is smart,big, fast, cool,strong, and I canride it. There are somany things going for a lion. So thatwould be the best pet forme.”

Jenni Camhi,third grade“I would have a

dog. I think dogsare cute. If I had adog I would get awhite poodle.”

Shaun Sandefur,fourth grade“I would have a

sugar glider be-cause they are socute and cuddly.They are so rarethey are almostextinct. They canride on your shoul-der and be your buddy forever.”

Frank Homolka,fourth grade“My favorite

pet is a panda. Ilike pandas be-cause they arecute and endan-gered. I thinkpandas are coolbecause they are black and white. Ithink pandas only eat bamboo.”

Emily White,fifth grade“If I could have

any pet I wouldhave a pet ferret. Iwant a ferret be-cause they lookcute and playfulbut they are stin-ky. If I had a ferret I would play with itand walk it. Ferrets in pet stores lookcute especially when they are sleep-ing.”

kids voices

The world’s best pet




The Blue Ridge Agility Club ofWestern North Carolina hosted an American Kennel Club agility trial recently at theWestern North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Here’s a glimpse of the event.

Can your dog do this?Photos by

Erin Brethauer

Above, Gloria Richards runs the course with her poodle Hughes during agility trials. At right, a dog successfully makes itthrough a hoop on the course.

Dogs make it over barriers, at left, and around obstacles, above, to testtheir agility. The Blue Ridge Agility Club next hosts a U.S. Dog AgilityAssociation trial May 8-10 at the WNC Ag Center.



SEND US YOURPHOTOSWe welcome photos of family, neigh-

borhood, school, church and other so-cial activities involving children. Sendyour high-resolution photos, along witha brief description of the event, andnames, ages and hometowns of every-one pictured. Don’t forget your name,address and phone number.

Send to:KatieWadington by e-mail at

[email protected] or toWNC Parent photos, P.O. Box 2090,Asheville, NC 28802.

Carolina McClure, 15 months, of Waynesville, with her favorite person, dad Jerry McClure.Submitted by mom Tonya McClure.

From left, KelleighAzel, 9, AudreyPooser, 9, andJenna Goforth, 10,all of Asheville,proudly show theskirts they madeat the holidayyouth sewing campat Waechter’s SilkShop. Audreymade this skirt fora friend and thenbegan a secondskirt for her friendduring class. Thegirls also complet-ed a "tri-fabric"pillow case. Photoby Kelleigh’s mom,Jennifer Azel.

A wind chill of 24 de-grees didn’t stop KateBryan, 3, of North Ashe-ville, from playing. Hereshe sits at the top ofthe slide at WNC NatureCenter. Submitted bymom Katharine Bryan.

Emma Jo Davis, 4,and her PaPa putthe finishingtouches on Frostyafter the first snowof the season.Emma is thedaughter of Joeand CarolineDavis, of Marshall.



A children’s story about a smalldog in need of a person and a littlegirl in need of a companion shouldend in one way only — happily.“The DogWho Belonged to No

One” (2008), written by Amy Hestand illustrated by Amy Bates, doesnot disappoint. Set in a small town,presumably in the early 1900s, thisbook follows the separate daily activi-ties of the dog and the girl, culminat-ing in the event that brings themtogether.This is a gentle, affectionate tale,

told with a seasoned writer’s skill ofunderstated eloquence. Bates’ penciland watercolor illustrations awash in

buttery yellow notonly mirror theevents of the storybut suggest asense of warmth.Repetition in thetext adds cadence,making this booka natural read-aloud. Share thiswith preschooland early ele-mentary school-age children.Children just

learning to readwill enjoy thebeginning reader,“My Dog, Buddy”(2008) by David

Mil-grim.This isthe story of a boy and hisdog, Buddy. Buddy doesnot obey anyone in thehouse except for the boy:“Dad tells Buddy to sit.Buddy stands up andbarks.” “Mom tells Buddyto get the ball. Buddytakes a nap.”Slight tension builds

when Buddy runs awaywith the brother’s shoe,but the problem is re-solved quickly. The “boyand his dog” premiseholds appeal for children.With one or two sentenc-

es a page, plentyof white space,large font, con-trolled vocabular-y, and colorful,simple illustra-tions, this is afirst-rate choicefor beginningreaders.Newly inde-

pendent readerswill enjoy “DaisyDawson is OnHerWay” (2008)written by SteveVoake and il-lustrated by Jes-sica Meserve.Written at aslightly higherreading levelthan beginning

readers like “Henry and Mudge” and“Young Cam Jansen,” this chapterbook is an utterly charming storyabout a kind girl, Daisy, who lovesanimals.A wondrous event leaves her with

the ability to understand what ani-mals say. Daisy uses this ability torescue animals and insects frombeing lost, captured and hungry. Inthe process, she develops a closerelationship with one animal in par-ticular who becomes her special pet.Voake riddles the story with

child-friendly humor: “Daisy wassoon so busy trying to work outwhether 121 (divided by) 7 had a re-

mainder (and if so, what to do withit).”Meserve’s black and white draw-

ings curl around paragraphs and fillmargins so that they are an integralcomponent of the story. Illustrationsappear on every page almost, enoughso that young readers are not likelyto be discouraged by the length ofthe text.

Jennifer Prince works with Bun-combe County libraries. Contact her atJennifer.Prince@buncombecounty. org.

3 new books offer colorful storiesabout children and their pets

By Jennifer PrinceWNC Parent contributor



Opinions abound as to who was the originalValentine, with the most popular theory thathe was a clergyman who was executed forsecretly marrying couples in ancient Romein spite of Emperor Claudius II, who felt thatmarriage weakened his soldiers. In anyevent, in A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius I declaredFeb. 14 as Valentine Day. Through the centu-ries, the Christian holiday became a time toexchange love messages, and St. Valentinebecame the patron saint of lovers. EstherHowland, a native of Massachusetts, isgiven credit for selling the first mass-pro-duced valentine cards in the 1840s.

Romantic-sounding places to spend Valen-tine’s Day: include Roseville, Calif.; RoseCity, Mich.; South Heart, N.D.; Loveland,Colo.; Darling township, Minn.; Loveland,Ohio; Romeo, Colo.; Sacred Heart, Minn.;Loveland Park, Ohio; Lovejoy, Ga. HeartButte, Mont.; Love County, Okla.; Loves Park,Ill. Valentine, Neb. Loveland, Okla.; Lovelock,Nev.; Lovelady, Texas; Romeoville, Ill.; Loving,N.M.; Loving County, Texas; Rosemont, Ill.;Lovington, N.M.; Valentine, Texas; Romeo,Mich.; Love Valley, N.C.; Rose Hill Acres,Texas; Rose Hill, N.C.; Rose Hill, Va.

24.5 pounds: Per capita consumption ofcandy by Americans in 2007.

20,227: The number of florists nationwide in2006. These businesses employed 98,373people.

28,300: Number of jewelry stores in theUnited States in 2006.

2.2 million: The number of marriages thattook place in the United States in 2007, or alittle more than 6,000 a day.Source: Census Bureau

VALENTINE’S DAY FACTS



It’s a cold, rainy day and the kidsare desperate for something to stim-ulate their restlessminds and bodies.The park isn’t an option, nor is a bikeride, a hike or a trip to the skate park.But there are plenty of indoor ac-

tivities in the mountain region thatoffer pure physical fun, educationalenlightenment or a combination ofboth. Here’s a sampling.

Public libraries

Children and parents can spendhours of time in their local libraries,most of which offer weekly storytimes (see Page 33 for listings) for allages and a kid-friendly environmentfor just hanging out and exploring theworld of picture books, board books,magazines, videos and DVDs, andeven kid-sized computers.Buncombe County Libraries offer

story times for children from age 4

months to 7 at various times duringthe week. Call your branch library orthe main library on Haywood Streetdowntown at 250-4721 or visitwww.buncombecounty.org and followthe link to departments.The Henderson County Library’s

main branch at 301N.Washington St.also has a special children’s roomwhere parents are encouraged to readto their kids and weekly story timesare held for preschoolers and families.A special Dr. Seuss party will be held

from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Call 697-4725 or visit www.henderson.lib.nc.us.

Go skatingTarwheels Skateway in Swannanoa

is Asheville’s only roller-skating rink.The rink is often booked for partieson weekends, but there are plenty ofhours available for public skating forentire families. Cost and hours varyaccording to day and season. The rinkalso includes a video arcade.Call 298-6606 or visit tarwheels-

skateway.com.

Fun and gamesIt’s not cheap and it’s definitely not

quiet, but parents can put in the ear-plugs and let the kids burn out someenergy at area attractions like FunDepot and Chuck E. Cheese’s in Ashe-ville and the Fun Factory in the Smok-ies in Franklin. There are myriadchoices, from mini-golf, go-carts andlaser tag to bumper cars, batting cag-es, climbing walls, skill games andarcades.Asheville’s Fun Depot is on Sweet-

en Creek Road. Call 866-303-4FUN orvisit ashevillesfundepot.com.Chuck E. Cheese’s is at 104 River

Hills Road in East Asheville. Call 299-3750 or visit chuckecheese.com.Fun Factory in the Smokies is at

Cold and rainy?Get out of the house

Try one of these boredom busters,from the library to the skating rink to a museumBy Barbara BlakeStaffWriter

Continues on

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTKids pan for gems at the 2007 Gem Fest atthe Colburn Earth Science Museum.



1024 Georgia Road in Franklin. Call866-482-2386 or visit thefactory.bz.

Go bowlingBlow off the cold and mix a little

exercise with fun at your local bowl-ing alley, where everyone in the familycan compete.Star Lanes is at 491Kenilworth

Road in East Asheville. Call 254-6161 orvisit amf.com. Sky Lanes is at 1477Patton Ave. inWest Asheville. Call

252-2269. Tarheel Lanes is at 3275Asheville Highway., Hendersonville.Call 253-2695 or visit tarheellanes.com.

The Health AdventureThis enduring attraction in down-

town Asheville is a health and sciencemuseum for children, packed withinteractive exhibits that encouragewellness lifestyles, improve healthawareness and promote science litera-cy through programs and exhibits.Dynamic and unusual programs,

many of them traveling exhibits com-ing from across the country, focus onthe wonders of the human body andthe world around us.The Health Adventure is in Pack

Place on Pack Square. Hours are 10a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8.50 foradults, $7.50 for seniors and for stu-dents age 12 and older, $6 for childrenages 2-11, and free for children youngerthan 2. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealth-adventure.org.

Colburn Earth Science MuseumThis kid-friendlymuseum inside

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTKids learn about supply and demand as they try running their own lemonade stand in"Moneyville," a new traveling exhibit created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Indus-try. The exhibit opens at The Health Adventure on Feb. 6.


SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTThere are three bowling alleys betweenAsheville and Hendersonville. Have kidsclimbing the walls at home? Hit the lanes.



unique and affordable museum thatoffers a series of nooks including a“tot spot,” health education, theHarris Teeter grocery room, a cos-tume theater, nature area, log cabin,mountain music and creative art.The museum is at 318 N.Main St. in

Hendersonville. Hours are 10 a.m.-5p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is$5 per person and free for kids young-er than 1. Call 697-8333 or visit hand-sonwnc.org.

KidSensesIt’s worth a bit of a drive to Ruther-

Pack Place in downtown Ashevilleincludes 5,500mineral and gem speci-mens from around the world, alongwith a petrology collection, an inter-active exhibit on the science behindweather, a look at the history of min-ing in North Carolina, an exhibit ongold, and interactive programs onfluorescentminerals, crystals andfossils.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for sen-iors and students, and free for chil-dren younger than 4. Call 254-7162 orvisit colburnmuseum.org.

Hands On! A Child’s GalleryHands On! in Hendersonville is a

fordton to spend the day at KidSensesChildren’s InterACTIVE Museum,which offers a wide array of hands-onexhibits and activities. Among theofferings are DeSoto’s Dental Office,Gears and Gadgets,WFUN-Studio,Little Family Dollar, Creation Station,Bubbleology, Science Power, Big Clim-ber and the Alphabet Trail.The museum is at 172 N.Main St. in

Rutherfordton. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri-day; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Call286-2120 or visit kidsenses.com.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTChildren hustle around Little Family Dollar as they shop for all of the necessities at theKidSenses Children’s InterActive Museum in Rutherfordton.



Bedwetting is embarrassing forkids and frustrating for parents. Thegood news is there are ways to treatthe problem, and most children out-grow it on their own as their bladdercapacities increase.Enuresis, the medical term for bed-

wetting during sleep, is not uncom-mon. Between 5-7million children wetthe bed, more commonly boys thangirls. In most cases, bedwetting willstop spontaneously with age. Butwhile the problem is occurring, it’suncomfortable for children who mayfear going to camp or spending thenight with a friend, and it’s obviouslyworrisome for parents who feel help-less to stop it.“Bedwetting is completely normal

until about the age of 6, but almost allchildren who wet the bed routinelywill eventually outgrow it without anykind of treatment,” said Dr. SusanCohen, in practice with AshevillePediatric Associates.The incidence of bedwetting, she

said, is 20 percent at age 7, 5 percent atage 10 and 1 percent at age 18.“The cause is not well understood,

but I view itmuch more as a sleepissue than a urinary issue,” Cohensaid. Bedwetters are often very deepsleepers who just sleep through theneed to use the bathroom. “Some-times there can be mild associatedurinary issues, like a bladder thattends to empty at smaller volume, or atendency to produce more urine over-night than the average person. Butthese are generally normal, healthykids with no underlying medical is-sues,” she said.Dr. Joshua E. Bernstein, with Ashe-

villeMedicine and Pediatrics in Ar-den, said genetics also plays a role inbedwetting; if a parent was a bed-wetter, the child ismore likely to be.“The typical kid is one who uri-

Dealing with wet beds at night

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTThere are ways to treat the problem of bedwetting, but most children outgrow it on their own as their bladder capacities increase.

Bedwetting isa common buttreatable issueBy Barbara BlakeStaff writer



nates a lot during the day and has asmall bladder capacity, and is a deepsleeper,” Bernstein said. “That, com-bined with genetics, can all lead tonighttime bedwetting.”There can be more serious issues

that lead to wetting, such as diabetes,neurological problems, urinary tractinfections or “secondary nocturnalenuresis,” where the child has beencompletely dry for sixmonths ormore and then starts to wet at night,Cohen said. And emotional issues,stemming from hospitalization, di-vorce or the birth of a new sibling, canalso trigger bedwetting.If more serious physical or psycho-

logical issues have been eliminated

after a visit to a pediatrician, there areseveral options to try, both doctorssaid. One is restricting liquids for 90minutes or an hour before bedtime.Another is to awaken the child severalhours later to use the bathroom. Andanother is to have the child practiceholding urine in for increasingly long-er periods to expand the bladder ca-pacity.Electronic alarm systems, with a

card inserted into the child’s under-wear to sound if even a drop of liquidcontacts the card, can be useful intraining the child to wake up at a cer-tain time to use the bathroom.“But a lot of insurance companies

won’t cover the bladder alarms, and

they can be expensive,” Bernsteinsaid. “It’s cheaper to just wake them

up, and eventually their own body willget used to doing that.”Parents should never punish a child

for wetting their bed, and they shoulduse positive reinforcement when thechild is dry, Cohen and Bernstein bothsaid.“Parents need to be sure that the

course of treatment doesn’t causemore complications than the bed-wetting itself, either emotionally orphysically,” Cohen said. “Be reas-suring to your child that it will re-solve, be supportive until it does, andtailor any treatment to meet thechild’s individual needs.”

TIPS TO DEAL WITH BEDWETTING◆ Restrict liquids for 90 minutes to two hours before bedtime.◆ Wake the child a few hours after his bedtime to use the bathroom.◆ Have the child practice holding urine in for increasing amounts of time to increasebladder capacity.◆ Try an alarm system that wakes your child when she wets, to help train her body towake on its own.◆ Be aware of emotional issues that may trigger bedwetting, such as divorce or thebirth of a new sibling.◆ See a doctor if the child wets during the day, begins wetting at night after being dryfor six months, or complains of a burning sensation with urination.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE?Have you dealt with bedwetting? Do youhave any advice you could share withother parents? Visit WNCmom.com andjoin in the conversation.



It’s one of the most stressful periods in parent-ing: potty training.How do you know when your child is ready to

move out of diapers and onto the toilet? How doyou start the process? How do you handle the inev-itable accidents? How long will it take for the childto master the art of using the potty?As intimidating as the processmay seem, child

development experts say there are ways to makethe journey less painful for both child and parents.Following are some tips fromMegan Lemmond, apreschool teacher at the five-star ratedMissionHospital Child Development Center and themother of a 3-year-old, and Cathy Hohenstein,

family and consumer sciences extension agent withN.C. Cooperative Extension.

When is your child ready?“What I tell parents is that every child is differ-

ent, even within families, so be patient with thechild,” Hohenstein said. “Boys developmentallymaytrain later than girls— theymay be 3 years old be-fore they fully train.”Lemmond said signs of readiness include want-

ing a diaper to be changed immediately when wet orsoiled, indicating they need to use the potty bysquirming, bouncing around or holding their privateparts, going off by themselves for privacy whenfilling the diaper, and showing interest in the pottyand indicating with words when it’s time to go.

When it’s potty timeFollow this advice to ease everyone’s anxietysurrounding one of your toddler’s big milestonesBy Barbara BlakeStaff writer



What’s the best way to start?

“If the parents are comfortable with it, I think it’sgreat to just saturate your child with the concept ofpotty training as soon as the child can walk andtalk,” Lemmond said. “Thatmeans taking the childwith you to potty, allowing the child to go nakedwhen practical, and teaching him or her about whatpeeing and pooping are as it happens. As soon asyour child has the grossmotor coordination to siton a potty or potty chair, you can make it a part ofplay and conversation.”For parents who want to wait until the child is a

little older, Lemmond said, there are a lot of booksgeared toward young children to get their interestup. She recommends Alona Frankel’s book, “OnceUpon a Potty,” available in boy and girl versions.

Potty chair or regular toilet?“My daughter wasmore interested in the ‘real’

potty that we use; she wanted to be like us,” Lem-mond said. “Some children are more comfortablewith a potty chair, and some like the security of achild-sized attachment on the adult potty. It’smoreconvenient to avoid products and attachments be-cause then your child is able to use the pottyanywhere. But whatever it takes to get them in-terested is a-OK.”

Who should be involved in the training?“I always tell parents to work with the child’s

care providers if they are in day care or home care,so that all of you are using the same techniques totrain,” Hohenstein said.Lemmond said not only should all caregivers be

in synch with the training technique, they shoulduse the same terminology, frequency of potty tripsand rewards.

Should kids be rewarded for performing?“Yes, but I recommend using nonfood and non-

candy rewards such as a sticker chart or small toysfor when the child stays dry or uses the potty,” Ho-henstein said.“For older children that are showing a lot of

hesitation, I sometimes recommend the ‘big kidweekend’ approach, where all sorts of new experi-ences are available to the big kid — amovie, makingpizza and cookies with parents, choosing his or herown clothes all weekend,” Lemmond said. “Hope-fully, all the new rewards and experiences show thatbeing a big kid is super cool, and underwear andpottying are just a part of all these new privilegesand opportunities.”

What should parents NOT do when training?“The worst thing to do is to react negatively or

scold when things don’t progress quickly,” Lem-mond said. “Don’t turn potty training into a powerstruggle; you cannot force a child to use the potty.Training should be an exciting, positive experiencewith constant encouragement. Shaming your child

to be emotionally ready have had enough time to bephysically ready, and they can be trained instantly.“They just decide to do it,” she said.For younger children, itmay take longer overall.

“I think we ‘trained’ our little girl for almost a year,but that’s using the saturation approach Imen-tioned earlier,” Lemmond said. “We talked andtalked, and cleaned up a lot of messes, but it wasn’tour goal to toss out the diapers the second we start-ed introducing the concept.”The bottom line: “We were all done by her sec-

ond birthday, so it took longer, but it was over soon-er.”

Put the process in perspective“Little kids are like snowflakes— as with any

developmental milestone, please don’t compareyour wonderful, talented, complicated little personto the equally complicated kid next door,” Lem-mond said. “Some kids are ready before they are 2,some are well past 3, a few are even older.“If the process becomes stressful for you and

your child, cool off, let it go for awhile,” she said.“Your positive relationship with your child, yourability to goof around together, the amount of grin-ning you inspire in each other – those things arewaymore indicative of good parenting than wheth-er your kid still wears diapers.”

or using rewards to make your child feel bad —‘Well, no chocolate chip for you,’— only sets up theexperience for failure. You cannot guilt, shame ordiscipline a child out of diapers.”While negativity is the most detrimental mistake,

inconsistency is the most common, Lemmond said.“When you start, you should stick with it for at leasta week at a time; going back and forth betweendiapers and underwear is confusing for some chil-dren.”“And accidents do happen,” Hohenstein said,

“especially when children are playing or engrossedin something.”

How long will it take?It depends completely on the child, both experts

said. Lemmond said some children who take longer

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTAs intimidating as potty training may seem, child development experts say there are ways to make the journey less painfulfor both child and parents.

HAVE SOME TIPS?

What advice can you share from your toilet-training ex-periences? Visit WNCmom.com to join the conversation.



Kate writes in ‘Deciding to have more kids…’

So, after the first 2months I never thought I would beconsidering this again so soon, but... our son is now 7months and already DH [dear husband] and I are discussingif, and when, we would be open to the possibility of gettingpregnant again.We still may hold to our initial plan of justhaving DS [dear son]. Yet, if we do decide to have more Iwould want to have them be closer in age from a practicalstandpoint. All the diapers, potty training, feeding and sleepissues, get them over and done with together. Still, I’ve runinto some articles on how difficult this is on the first kid,and if they are younger than 2 they have a harder time un-derstanding any discussion about how “we love you just asmuch” and “I have to feed the baby” (again), etc. That from 2on they can have a better grasp of this.What do you ladiesthink?What have you taken into consideration when plan-ning your family? Anyone experience this or the opposite?

Nermina replies:My boy is almost 4 and I’m expecting another one in a

month. He’s fully aware of and psyched about the arrival of alittle brother. I know he will need to adjust still but it’ll beeasier than if it happened two years or even a year ago. I feellike kids definitely need that undivided time from whenthey’re born to the age of 3, when they naturally becomemore independent and enjoy playing and doing things ontheir own. However, plenty of parentsmake the smaller agedifference work wonderfully through good cooperation.

Jenni replies:Timing pregnancies so that each child is at least 2 years

old before another comes along is logical.My own planning,however, went awry when I became pregnant only fivemonths after the birth of my first child, and I have to saythat whilst Imay not have planned it this way I am glad ithappened. Even thoughMax, my eldest, was only 15 monthswhen his little brother Jake was born, he was really excited.One thing thatmade it a lot easier was thatMax still took along midday nap (two-three hours) and so I would put Jakedown to sleep at the same time — giving me a few freehours during the day (which of course you wouldn’t getwith an older toddler).When I fed Jake, I alwaysmade sureMax had a bottle to give to Teddy and Jake was happily en-tertained for hours by his brother’s antics. I have also alwaysmade a point of spending individual time with each of themfrom the off. Now they are aged 3 years and 19 months andthey play together a lot and always seem to be in fits of gig-gles about something! I think it is nice that they are so bond-ed now and will grow up with the same interests.

Posted by Jill.

They love “The Backyardigans,”posted by Michelle.

Dolly, postedby Suzanne.

EXCERPTS FROM SOME OF THEDISCUSSIONS IN THE FORUM

SOME OF THE HUNDREDS OF PHOTOSPOSTED BY WNCMOM.COM MEMBERS



The school yearstarts with a shop-ping trip for essen-tials: new pencils,notebooks, a snazzy backpack and acart full of the 10-cent packages ofloose-leaf paper.But in my house, where the teacher

has done asmuch learning as the stu-dent, I have found that those ubiqui-tous supply lists only go so far. Ouressentials defy lists these days.When we study animal habitats, we

create our own by getting our handsdirty and researching native plantsand animals.We inventory what na-ture has already provided on our sub-urban plot, and we seek ways to en-hance our space. The bird bath out-side our front window has become anaccidental study in ornithology thatcan’t be duplicated in a textbook.

When we study the scientificmethod, we do it “CSI”-style, dis-secting a chicken leg quarter and mak-ing an origami double helix that helpsmy visual learner wrap his brainaround the concept of DNA.Everything is a learning opportuni-

ty, even our recent trip toWalt DisneyWorld. Yes, despite her protests, evenmy traditionally schooled daughterlearned during her unexcused ab-sence. At Epcot, she put her third-yearFrench studies to use, listening tocasual conversations between nativespeakers, eating escargot and taking inFrench art. Both of my childrenlearned about hydroponics and aqua-culture by seeing it with their owneyes, observing experimental projectsthat Disney is conducting in conjunc-tion with NASA.We played, too, which can be a big

part of learning no matter how oldyou are.With my home-schooled son,a ride on a rollercoaster becomes asensory experience that is directly

applied to our study on force andmotion. Dropping 13 stories, give or

take, on the Twilight Zone Tower ofTerror is a lesson in the modern appli-cation of simple machines that havebeen in use for centuries. (Pulleys,anyone?)Every school should include a day

at Animal Kingdom watching a gorilladrink from a stream, seeing a younggiraffe munch on a tree top and learn-ing new words— in Swahili. Even thetrip itself becomes a lesson in geogra-phy, math and economics.Back at home, we do hit the text-

books, but we also build balloon-pow-ered race cars, design totem poles andwrite fanciful stories aboutmonsters.We learn — all of us— in every-

thing we do.Sometimes we even use pencils

and notebook paper.

ChrisWorthy is an attorney whotook down her shingle to be a stay-at-home mom.Write to her at [email protected].

growing together

Traditional tools don’t apply at home schoolBy ChrisWorthyWNC Parentcolumnist

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTEven a trip to Epcot Center at Walt DisneyWorld can be educational.



The kids are throwing tantrumsindoors because the weather keepsthem from playing outdoors— andnow their focus is everywhere butwhere you want it to be. Involvingyour children in some physical activi-ty can change their cabin fever behav-ior.

How it works◆ It’s a fact: Physical activity in-

creases endorphins in the brain. En-dorphins improve mood, which inturn improves your child’s ability tofocus. A child who is focused is amuch better listener— and a goodlistener is calm and attentive.

◆ Physical activity aids in relievingstress and aggression, so keep gamesnoncompetitive.

◆ Activities don’t always have to bestrenuous: Low- ormoderate-levelactivities also work well. Choose onesthat can be adjusted to any age.

Indoors◆Who can deny the benefits of a

seven-inning stretch, even if theWorld Series is long gone? Have thekids stand up and s-t-r-e-t-c-h theirarms over their heads (little ones lovethis), out to the sides and all aroundtheir bodies. Then let everyone take aturn making up simple hand move-ments for all to follow. Add music toadd to the fun!

◆ Grab a jump rope and see how

many jumps can be made going for-ward, then backward, then with eyesclosed.

◆ Find a trio of small balls stashedaround the house and (depending onthe age of your child) download in-structions to learn to juggle (go tothejimshow.com) or play catch withyour littlest ones by rolling a ball backand forth.

◆ Play sports without having tofuss with all that equipment: pretendto be hitting a home run during aphantom baseball game or take a“swim” around the house mimickingMichael Phelps.

Outdoors◆ On the days it’s nice enough to

venture outside, take advantage of thecool, crisp air by going on a hikearound the neighborhood.Make agame of it by seeing who can spot avariety of treasure hunt items from alist youmake before leaving thehouse. Dress in layers.

Tip from the trenchesWith all this activity— indoors or

out— your children need a constantsource of energy. Look to raisins tosupply that extra energy, thanks inpart to their superior iron content.Just half a cup of raisins hasmore ironthan two slices of whole wheat bread.

Doreen Nagle is author of “But IDon’t Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy”(HCI, $12.95).Write to her at [email protected].

parenting in a nutshell

Keep children active tohelp them stay focusedBy Doreen NagleGannett News Service



Moms get plenty of support andplaytime with their children at TinyTot Adventures and AshevilleMom-miesMeet ‘n’ Greet, held Tuesdays attheMontford Community Center andThe Hop Ice Cream Shop, respec-tively.Tiny Tot Adventures, for children 4

and younger (with parent) is Tuesdaysand Thursdays, with gym free play,craft, snack and story time. Drop-insare welcome, and the cost is $1 persession (theMontford CommunityCenter, is at 34 Pearson Drive, Ashe-ville, 253-3714).AshevilleMommiesMeet ‘n’ Greet

at The Hop (640Merrimon Ave.,Asheville) bringsmothers together(and their children) for conversationand half-priced teas, lattes and cof-fees. Visit www.ashevillemommies-.com for details.

Toys and tots crowd the gymnasium floor at the weekly meeting of Tiny Tot Adventures at Montford Community Center.

Get out and playPhotos and story by Paul Clark

Ellagrey Moody places a pretend call duringTiny Tot Adventures.

Aidan Cooley takes a milk break while his mother Katy Cooley visits with other mothersduring a recent gathering of AshevilleMommies at The Hop.

April Skye Lee, 9 months old, plays while hermother, Julie Lee, admires the other babiesat The Hop.



Buncombe County PublicLibrariesFor more information visit buncombecoun-ty.org/governing/depts/Library/default.aspMother Goose Time (4-18 months)11 a.m. Mondays: West Asheville10 a.m. Tuesdays: Pack Memorial (walkers)10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Fairview11 a.m. Tuesdays: Pack Memorial (non-walkers)11 a.m. Wednesdays: Swannanoa, Weaver-ville (second and fourth Wednesdays)11 a.m. Thursdays: Oakley/South AshevilleToddler Time (18-36 months)11 a.m. Tuesdays: Leicester10 a.m. Wednesdays: North Asheville10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Fairview, Skyland/South Buncombe11 a.m. Wednesdays: West Asheville10 a.m. Thursdays: Pack Memorial10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Black Mountain,Enka-Candler11 a.m. Thursdays: Pack Memorial, Weaver-ville (second and fourth Thursdays only)Story time (3-5 years)11 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville (first and thirdTuesdays of month)10 a.m. Wednesdays: Oakley/South Asheville10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Black Mountain,

based, 4 p.m. third Saturday.Magic Tree House Club: 4 p.m. fourth Sun-day with discussion and activities.

Growing Young Café611 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 299-442011 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays.

Osondu Booksellers184 N. Main St., Waynesville, 456-8062Preschoolers story time: 10:30 a.m. Tues-days.

From staff reports

Enka-Candler, Leicester11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, NorthAsheville, Pack Memorial10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Skyland/South Buncombe11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, W. Asheville11 a.m. Saturdays: East AshevilleSchool-age story time (5-7 years)10 a.m. Wednesdays, Pack Memorial.3:30 p.m. Thursdays: North AshevilleStorylineCall 251-5437 for a story anytime.Spanish story timeAsheville-Buncombe County Library System,West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road,Asheville. Free story reading in Spanish forpreschool through kindergarten. Parentsneed to remain in the library.Call 251-4990 for more information.

Henderson County Public LibraryStory time sessions run Feb. 11-April 1 atMain Library and Feb. 16-April 9 at branchlibraries. For more information, visit hen-derson.lib.nc.us.Family story time for all ages10 a.m. Tuesdays: Fletcher11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Mills River10 a.m. Thursdays: Green River

10:30 a.m. Saturdays: MainBouncing Babies (0-18months)11 a.m. Wednesdays: Main9 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah9 a.m. Wednesdays: FletcherToddler time (18 months-3years)9:30 a.m. Mondays: Edneyville9:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah9:30 a.m. Wednesdays:Fletcher10:30 a.m. Wednesdays:Main11:15 a.m. Wednesdays: FletcherPreschool story time (3-5 years)10:30 a.m. Mondays: Edneyville7 p.m. Mondays: Main9:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Main10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: FletcherKindergarten-Third Grade story time (Feb.5-March 26)4 p.m. Thursdays: Main

Barnes & NobleAt 83 S. Tunnel Road, 296-9330Story time: 1 p.m. Saturdays.American Girl Club: Discussion and crafts

STORY TIMES AROUND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

PHOTO BY STEVE DIXONTonya Clanton reads to Caleb Black, 2, Ella Spaeth, 3, andAnna Mae Black, 5 during story time at Growing Young Café.



How about this one ... the family ofan elementary-age boy is taking legalaction against a school district be-cause (Are you ready for this?) theboy allegedly broke his finger during agym class.The young boy participated in class

when a soccer ball was used to playvolleyball because the volleyballs hadnot yet arrived.The family says it wants compensa-

tion because of bodily injuries, to-gether with shock to his nervous sys-tem, which has caused much physicaland mental pain and suffering. Thefamily claims that the injury also hasimpaired his body functions and hisability to perform labor and haslimited his enjoyment of life.Come on!I remember when I was a kid, we

would play any sport with any ball we

found laying around and played it on“sub-par” playing surfaces.Sometimes, you just need to be

creative and work with what you’vegot.My four kids all played sports in

our local recreation leagues and tookphysical education in the publicschool system. If I’d taken legal actioneach time one of them got hurt, Iwould be a very rich man.There was the time my son rolled

his ankle when he came down onanother boy’s foot.We should have sued the boy for

getting in his way.Or the time thatmy son broke his

arm running into the wall going after aloose ball. I should have sued some-one for putting a wall there.Who intheir rightmind would build a gymwith a wall anyway?How about the time I got a ticket

because I was driving too fast to getmy daughter to her gymnastics class?

Any coach scheduling a practice at5:30 when I get off at 5 deserves to besued.What about taking legal action

against those shoe companies becausemy kids got blisters on their feet try-ing to break them in? It did infringe ontheir “enjoyment of life.”I think my daughter pulled her

hamstring trying to keep up with fast-er runners on the other team. Hmm ...what kind of lawsuit could we createout of that?Maybe the coach didn’tmake sure she was properly warmedup.Not even my brother can escape

the long arm of the law.My son broke his nose when his

brother threw him a bad pitch that hitthe grass in my brother’s yard, took a“bad hop” and hit him right in thenose. There was blood and every-thing. I should have sued for a badlawn-mowing job. That would havenever happened if he had nice level

grass in his yard.This year, my daughter cut her

elbow during basketball practicewhen it hit and knocked out the frontteeth of a teammate. After her team-mate finishes all her root canals andwiring for new teeth, she will movefrom the dentist chair to the witnessstand.What about that coach who had

such a good team and demoralized myteam by winning by too many points?Think of all the stress and humiliationwe experienced that day. That shouldbe worth something.Imight suggest keeping your son

home and locked up in his bedroombecause life is a big risk. He mightpinch his finger in hismath book atschool, or trip on the sidewalk crack,or even get something in his eye.Come on!

Write to Tom Kuyper at [email protected].

kids and sports

Sued for a broken finger ... what’s next?By Tom KuyperGannett News Service



What is it about potpies that makes them soappealing?Daina Chamness, who has become known at

Indianapolis farmers markets as “the pie lady,” hasa theory.“It is definitely comfort food,” says Chamness,

owner of Daina’s Petite Pies.There’s nothing like a potpie to soothe the soul

in tough economic times. And why not? A savoryfilling, rich gravy, flaky pastry — that’s enough tomake anyone feel better.Chamness says her single-serving pies, each

about 12 ounces, are lower in fat and sodium thanmost supermarket brands and weigh in at less than400 calories.And with such varieties as Quaker chicken,

chipotle tamale, and roast pork and apple toppedwith sweet potatoes, they’re also hearty.“I don’t like to use the term ‘potpie,’ “ says

Chamness, who tries to avoid comparisons withsupermarket varieties. “There really is no compari-son. I battle everyone’s perceptions of what piesare.”You can order Chamness’ pies at dainaspetite-

pies.com. Or, you could always make your own.“They’re not that hard,” says Chamness. “It

takes time, and that’s what people have the leastof.”Making a hearty meat pie can be time well

spent, and simplicity may be the key to success.Any basic piecrust can provide the base for a savo-ry pie, says Chamness.And the filling doesn’t have to be fancy. “Any

kind of casserole filling that you like, you can putin a pie crust,” she says.But do use plenty of meat “so that they’re not

full of air and they’re not full of gravy.”Add a dollop of mashed potatoes and you’ve got

comfort in a crust.To get started, try this tasty duo of meat pies.These easy potpie recipes use frozen veggies

and a few convenience items with great results.The turkey-pesto potpies look especially appeal-

ing in small baking dishes or ramekins. Homestylebeef potpie makes a hearty family-sized entree.

Potpie for dinner

GANNETT NEWS SERVICENothing says satisfying in the winter like a warm, rich potpie. One filled with meat — be it beef, chicken or turkey — andvegetables not only tastes delicious but can be good for you.

Savory meal nourishesboth body and soulBy Jolene KetzenbergerGannett News Service

Homestyle beef potpie1 pound ground chuck20-ounce package frozen stew vegetables (potato, carrotand celery blend)10-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables (corn, greenbeans and peas)1 can beef broth2 tablespoons steak sauce2 tablespoons red wine1 tablespoon flour1/2 cup water1 frozen piecrust, thawed

Combine frozen vegetables in a large glass mixing bowl. Addbeef broth, and microwave 5-6 minutes, or until tender-crisp.Meanwhile, brown ground chuck. Stir in steak sauce andwine until blended. Add ground chuck to vegetables; reservemeat drippings in skillet. Add flour to drippings to make aroux. Stir in water until smooth. Add roux to vegetables andmeat; stir well.Pour into round 4-quart casserole and top with piecrust.Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden andbubbly. Serves 4-6.

Source: www.betterrecipes.com

Turkey-pesto potpiesOne 12-ounce jar turkey gravy1/3 cup purchased basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto3 cups cubed cooked turkey (about 1 pound)One 16-ounce package frozen peas and carrotsOne 11-ounce package refrigerated breadsticksGrated Parmesan cheese (optional)Dried basil (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large saucepan, combineturkey gravy and pesto; stir in turkey and vegetables. Bring toboil, stirring frequently. Divide turkey mixture evenly amongsix 8-ounce casseroles.Unroll, separate breadsticks. Arrange one breadstick on topof each casserole, curling into a spiral to fit. Set otherbreadsticks aside. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil asdesired.Bake casseroles about 15 minutes or until breadsticks aregolden. Bake remaining breadsticks according to packagedirections. Serves 6.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens magazine



Part of whatmakesthe teenage years sochallenging are thecontradictions. Afierce pursuit of au-tonomy and individu-ality wrestles with a compulsion toretreat into easy, unruffled conformitywith peers.The dominating force changes from

day to day, even hour to hour. Twonew teen novels, told from strikinglydifferent perspectives, explore someof the issues entrenched in teen life,particularly in the middle school andhigh school setting.“Looks” is the first novel byMade-

leine George. It tells the story of twoteenage girls,Meghan and Aimee, whoform a tenuous alliance to best a class-mate who has wronged both of themgreatly. A less thoughtful writermighthave taken this plot and written a

story that was propelled solely by thecarrying out of revenge.George, however,tempers the plot withdimensional, vivid,even beautiful, des-criptions of the girlsand their thoughts.Meghan is severely

overweight. At school,she is ignored or ridi-culed. She does notmindbeing ignored because sheenjoys the feeling of beingsimply an invisible observer. George’sevocative descriptive ability shineshere.In gym,Meghan loathes her “hate-

ful sweatpants from the Kmartmen’sbig and tall section… because they’reso big and so violently royal blue thatthey break any and all invisibilityspells. They’re like the sheet the Scoo-by-Doo gang throws over the trans-parent ‘ghost’ to reveal him: TheymakeMeghan appear.” In a similarlyeloquent way, George describes the

too thin, aspiring poet Aimee asbeing “bright with hunger,” as hav-ing a “beautiful hunger she’s beenbuilding like a glass palace in herbody…”.Author Kevin Emerson explores

the complexities of middle schoolin his first novel “Carlos is GonnaGet It.” From the beginning, Tri-na is honest about herand her friends plot-ting to play ameantrick on their class-

mate Carlos. Carlos hasunspecified psychologicalissues that cause him totwitch, shriek, jump aboutand lose focus.Sometimes, “right in

the middle of class he’llpull up his shirt andstart scratching himselfand you know that’s RE-ALLY GROSS…[and] if you end up ina study group with him… all he wantsto study is aliens.”What is particularly compelling

about this story is the way Emersonemphasizes the importance of com-passion without being didactic. Evenas the friends plan their elaboratehoax, Trina expresses doubts to thereader. She wants to be in on the trickbut she begins to feel bad for Carlos“because he [has] to deal with him-self, and his life, which just [seems]kinda lonely and sad.” At various stag-

es of the planning, Trina tellsof the “guilt demon” thatstirs around in her stom-ach, but does she heed itspresence? Side stories ofSara struggling for herparents’ acceptance, Donteworrying about transferringschools, and Thea’s loyaltiesgive the characters depth,and flesh out ideas on identi-ty and friendship.

These books are availablethrough the Buncombe County PublicLibraries. Visit www.buncombecoun-ty.org for more information.

librarian’s picks

Books offer peek into challenging teen yearsBy Jennifer PrinceWNC Parentcolumnist



Quick dinnersCoconut-lime chicken2 skin-on, bone-inchicken breasts(12 to 16 ounceseach)1/4 cup cannedcoconut milk1 tablespoon limejuice1/4 cup choppedcilantroFlaked coconut(optional, forgarnish)

Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag. Add coconut milk, lime juice and cilantro. Seal bagand turn chicken to coat with marinade. Marinate chicken in refrigerator 1 hour or up to over-night. Heat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken 10 to 12 minutes per side, or until cookedthrough. To serve, sprinkle with coconut, if desired.Prep time: 30 minutes. Total time: 90 minutes (includes marinating). Serves four.Approximate values per serving: 270 calories, 16 g fat, 87 mg cholesterol, 29 g protein, 1 gcarbohydrate, 0 fiber, 89 mg sodium, 55 percent calories from fat.

Rosemary-lemon baked tilapia4 tilapia fillets (6ounces each)1 clove garlic, chopped2 tablespoons choppedfresh rosemary (or 2teaspoons dried, crum-bled)1 lemon, thinly sliced2 teaspoons olive oilSalt and pepper, totasteHeat oven to 450 de-grees. Place each fish fillet on a 12-inch square of aluminum foil. Sprinkle with chopped garlicand rosemary and place a couple of lemon slices on each. Drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon oliveoil and season with salt and pepper. Fold and seal foil. Bake 15 minutes.Prep time: 10 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes. Serves four.Approximate values per serving: 189 calories, 5 g fat, 85 mg cholesterol, 34 g protein, 2 gcarbohydrates, 0 fiber, 356 mg sodium, 24 percent calories from fat.

Gannett News Service



Itmay not seem like summer is right around the corner, but camps throughoutWestern North Carolina and beyond have been planningfor your child’s arrival formonths already.Here’s a preview of our annual Camp Guide, which publishes in full in theMarch issue ofWNC Parent. It’s a sampling of what’s avail-

able, and includes camps that offer discounts for registering early (sometimes, before our Camp Guide even publishes).And to help out parents who need child care (or a few days’ peace) while school’s out in April, check out the listing of spring break

camps.

Camp Guide 2009

Get ready for summerCompiled by KatieWadington ◆ Staff writer

All camps are April 13-17 unless indicated.

ABYSAChildren ages 5-14 can work on their soccerskills over spring break at FUNdamentalscamp. Half-day camp for 5- to 6-year-oldsand full-day camp for 7- to 14-year-olds.Both camps will be at John B. Lewis SoccerComplex. Cost is $100 for half-day and $175for full day. For information, visit www.aby-sa.org or call 299-7277.Asheville Arts CenterCamps for children ages 2-15. Lights, Cam-era, Action! Gives children ages 6-15 (divid-ed into three age groups) a chance to writeand star in their own commercial, TV show ormovie. Cost is $210 and runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Once Upon a Time, for ages 2-6, exploresthe world of make believe. Cost is $125 andruns 9 a.m.-noon. For details and to register,call 253-4000. At the Asheville Arts Center,308 Merrimon Ave.Asheville Community TheatreKids can spend spring break at Asheville

Community Theatre singing, dancing, andacting at Break into Showbiz! camp. Stu-dents learn new songs, write a script thatlinks the songs together and learn choreog-raphy to complete their show. Camp runs 9a.m.-2:30 p.m. For first- to eighth-graders.Cost is $150. To enroll, call Jenny Bunn at254-2939, ext. 21, [email protected] or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.Camp Cedar Cliff at The CoveFull-day sessions (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) packedwith arts and crafts, a zip line, field trips,Scripture Adventure, games and more. Chil-dren can develop skills on the archery andBB ranges. Open to rising kindergarten tosixth-graders. Cost is $185 (lunch and snackincluded). To register, visit www.campcedar-cliff.org or call 450-3331.N.C. ArboretumDiscovery and adventure abound at the N.C.Arboretum. Experience a wide range of activi-ties, from crafts and games to hikes and liveanimal demonstrations. Day trips will includeoutings to the Botanical Gardens, Cradle of

Forestry and River Arts District. Two sections,second-third grade and fourth-fifth grade.

Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $195 members,$210 nonmembers. At N.C. 191 and the BlueRidge Parkway. For information, visitwww.ncarboretum.org or call 665-2492.Outdoor Family Fun CenterParXlent Golf Academy offers two-day andthree-day camps for ages 7 and older (April13-14) and 10 and older (April 15-17). Runs9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camps are $129 and $149,respectively, or $199 for the full week forcampers 10 and older. Receive a $10 percamper discount if registered by March 15.Young Chefs Academy,April 14-16What do you do when breakfast has beenbungled, your lunch is a loser, or you have adinner dilemma? Rescue those recipes!Young chefs will work together to problemsolve recipe disasters. Students will learnfour recipes a day. Along the way they willlearn common substitutions, equivalentmeasures, and quick-fixes for recipe blun-ders. Cost is $99. From 9 a.m.-noon atYoung Chefs Academy, 336 Rockwood Road,off Airport Road. For information, call 651-2433 for e-mail [email protected].

Spring break camps

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTN.C. Arboretum campers take shelter in atepee of trees. The arboretum offers bothspring break camps and summer day camps.



Asheville Art Museum,June 15-Aug. 7The Asheville Art Museum offers eight weeklysessions of Summer Art Camp to risingkindergartners through 12th-graders. Classesrange from drawing and painting to sculptureand cartooning. Morning, afternoon or all-day sessions available. Registration includesmuseum admission and all materials. Full-day students have a supervised bag lunch.Cost is $85 for members and $95 non-members for half-day camps; $150/$170 forfull-day camps. For information, call 253-3227, ext. 122, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.ashevilleart.org.Asheville Arts Center,June 2-Aug. 8Half-day camps and full-day camps for chil-dren ages 2-18. Put on a full stage produc-tion of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” in two weeks.Learn how to play in a band at rock bandcamp. Other themes include “Send in theClowns,” “Once Upon a Time,” reality showslike “Asheville’s Got Talent” and “AshevilleIdol,” ballet, Irish dance, dance sampler, andmore. Costs start at $125. Call 253-4000 orvisit www.ashevilleartscenter.com.Asheville Community Theatre,Backstage Pass camp,June-AugustA summer theater camp in three two-weeksessions (June 15-26, July 6-17, Aug. 3-14).Camp runs 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 5-7and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for ages 8-15. Younger

students will have a chance to work withacting, music, movement and improvisationthrough innovation and imagination. Olderstudents will also explore courses that delvedeeper into scene and monologue work.Each session culminates with a performanceshowcase. Cost is $200-$385. ContactJenny Bunn at [email protected],254-2939, ext. 21, or visit ashevilletheatre-.orgAsheville Contemporary DanceTheatre, dance camp and boyscamp, June 15-26 and July 6-17Children ages 8-12 can study with membersof Asheville’s professional internationaldance company, including dance and theaterballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and yoga withone performance. Runs 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. At20 Commerce St., Asheville. Cost is $350for two weeks, $200 for one. Or, for boysonly, learn about the Roman Empire and theGauls with Giles Collard. For ages 7-11.Study helmet and shield construction, stagecombat, toy soldier painting, storytelling,drama, and build a Roman or Gaul camp.Cost is $380 for two weeks, $230 for one.Call 245-2621.Camp Broadstone, AppalachianState University, Boone,June 14-July 24The N.C. Summer Enrichment Program foracademically gifted fourth- to ninth-gradeboys and girls offers six weeklong campsessions. The programs blend enrichmentclasses with adventure activities designed to

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTEmily Eply and Lena Kate Ponder at one of the Asheville Art Museum’s day camps.

Day camps

Continues on Page 40



encourage intellectual, social, and physicalgrowth through interactive and individualinvolvement. Classes may include sciences,environmental studies, arts, music, dramaticarts, creative writing, community service andcultural studies. Adventure activities includea high ropes course, a climbing wall, analpine tower, hiking, canoeing, and a groupproblem solving course. Cost is $250 perweek. For information, e-mail [email protected], call 963-4640 or visitwww.campbroadstone.com.Girl Scout day campFor information on these camps, Call 252-4442 or visit www.girlscoutswnc.org.◆ Camp Pisgah, June 8-12: Camp Pisgah inBrevard offers day camp to Girl Scouts andnon-scouts ages 5-17. Experience crafts,horseback riding, swimming and more. Oldergirls can take lifeguard training or learn to bea counselor. Transportation from Ashevilleand Brevard available for a fee. Cost starts at$125, with substantial discount available ifcampers register by March 16.◆ Camp Rhoades, June 22-July 31: Camp

Rhoades is a new day camp based at theGirl Scout Service Center near the campus ofUNC Asheville for girls ages 5-16. Cost is$50-$185. Camp runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-day-Friday. Registration opens Feb. 16.Carolina Day School,June 15-July 31Carolina Day School offers Summer Quest,Summer Explorations (for middle schoolers)and summer workshops (for high schoolers).Summer Quest campers can chose frommore than 50 options including science,cooking, hiking and creek adventures, soc-cer, dance, disc golf, fashion, candlemakingand more. Summer Explorations offer aunique study into a particular subject, suchas photography or one based on the Girls onthe Run program. And high-school work-shops are intensive experiences in leader-ship, drama or aeronautical engineering.Costs start at $125, and early morning andafternoon options are available. Registrationdiscount before April 10. Contact LibbyRoland at [email protected] or 274-0758, ext. 305, or visit www.cdschool.org.Carwile-Dodson pottery studio,Brevard, June 15-Aug. 14The Carwile-Dodson Studio for Pottery In-struction in Brevard will offer five weeklong

Day campsContinued from Page 39



Play in the Clay children’s potter camps.Sessions for ages 6-10 meet 9 a.m.-noon;ages 11-16 meet 1:30-4:30 p.m. Childrenwill learn the pinch, coil and slab methods ofpottery construction, as well as basics ofsculpture. Children in the age 11-16 sessionwill have the chance to try wheel throwing.Cost is $180 per child ($165 if registered byApril 30). Call 884-5771 or visit muddab-bers.com/classes for a complete scheduleand more information.Cedar Cliff Day Camp,at The Cove, June 15-Aug. 14Weekly full-day sessions (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)packed with swimming, arts and crafts, a zipline, field trips, Scripture Adventure, games,Super Splash and more. Children can devel-op skills on the archery and BB ranges. Daycamp is open to rising kindergarten to sixth-graders. Cost is $185 per week (lunch andsnack included). To register, visit www.campcedarcliff.org or call 450-3331.Center Stage Dance Studio,June 8-July 31Center Stage Dance Studio offers weeklongcamps for dancers ages 3-10. Camps run9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 3-6. Themesinclude Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Sleep-ing Beauty, Broadway Baby and more.Camps for dancers ages 7-10 run 9:30a.m.-2:30 p.m. Themes include hip-hop,Hannah Montana, American Girl and more.Cost is $150 for half days and $190 for fulldays, with a $20 discount before May 16.For information, call 654-7010, [email protected] or visit www.center-stage1.com.Colburn Earth Science Museum,June 29-Aug. 7Summer camp at the Colburn is for risingkindergartners to fifth-graders. All camps run9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with the ex-ception of Science Sprouts, for rising kinder-gartners and first-graders, which is 8:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. Offerings include CosmicCamp, Rockhounds Camp, Earth ScienceExtravaganza, and Science Sisters, a campfor rising third- to fifth-grade girls. Full-daycamps are $180 members ($205 non-members). Science Sprouts is $95 members($120 nonmembers). All campers exceptScience Sprouts spend the last day at anoutdoor classroom in Swannanoa. Call 254-7162 or visit www.colburnmuseum.org.East Asheville United MethodistChurch, music camp, July 13-17Free music camp with games, outdoor activi-ties, crafts and more will be offered 10a.m.-2 p.m. at East Asheville United Metho-dist Church, 48 Browndale Road. Lunch isprovided. Camp inclues learning a musical,

music games, crafts and lots of fun. Open tochildren who have finished kindergartenthrough sixth grade. Registration forms areavailable by calling 298-3211 and must bereturned by June 30. For information, call298-3211 or 299-9742 or visit www.eas-tashevilleumc.org.Eliada Home for Children,June 4-Aug. 16Eliada’s Summer Day Camp offers a safe andmemorable summer experience for childrenwho have completed kindergarten throughage 14. Activities include weekly field trips,daily swimming, dirt bikes for ages 10 andolder, gym activities, golfing, horse experi-ences and teambuilding. Camp runs 7a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekly. Tuition is $128 perweek. The camp accepts Buncombe Countychild care vouchers. To register, contactDenise or Ashley at 254-5356, ext. 368.Fletcher Community Park,June 8-Aug. 14Campers ages 5 (and have completed kin-dergarten) to 11 will enjoy swimming, games,nature education, field trips, crafts andmore. Cost is $100 for residents, $130nonresidents. Contact Cheyenne Youell at687-0751 or visit www.fletcherparks.org.Hahn’s Gymnastics,June 8-Aug. 21Half-day programs for 3 and older (must betoilet trained) and full-day programs forrising kindergartners and older. Theme-basedactivities include gymnastics, games, para-

chute, arts and crafts, and movies. Full-daycamps go on field trips. Cost is $70 forhalf-day and $140 for full-day. At 18 LegendDrive in Arden. Call 684-8832, [email protected] or visitwww.hahnsgymnastics.comN.C. Arboretum, June 1-Aug. 8Weeklong camps from age 2 to rising eighth-graders. Camps are 9:30-11:30 a.m. for 2-to 4-year-olds and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for olderchildren. Themes include Soggy Sneakersand Gone Buggy for the little ones to NatureRangers, Junior Mountaineers, Boots, Pad-dles and Reels, and Mountain Trek forschool-age children. Cost from $45-$295,depending on session and membership. AtN.C. 191 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Forinformation, visit www.ncarboretum.org orcall 665-2492.Outdoor Family Fun Center, golfcamps, June-AugustThe ParXlent Golf Academy offers three-daygolf camp offered for ages 7-10 from July22-24 and Aug. 3-5 for $149. Five-daycamp for ages 11-15 from June 15-19 andJuly 13-17 for $229. Register by May 1 for a$10 discount per camper. At Outdoor FamilyFun Center, 485 Brookside Camp Road,Hendersonville. Call 698-1234 or visitwww.outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com.Pack Place, Pack PlacePotpourri, June 29-July 3Rising third- to fifth-graders can spend aweek sampling the greatest hits of Pack

Place. Campers will visit three museumseach day. Make rockets, meet The HealthAdventure’s animals, engineer robots andmore in Science Sampler at The HealthAdventure. Mine for gems, hunt for fossils,blast off into space, explore dinosaurs andmore at the Colburn Earth Science Museum.Draw, paint, sculpt, and more at the Ashe-ville Art Museum. Register through the Col-burn Earth Science Museum. Call 253-3227.RiverLink, river camps, June15-July 17Discover the French Broad River in Ashevilleand around the watershed at RiverLink’scamp for rising third- to eighth-graders. Playriver games, complete a cleanup project,tour parks and greenways, build a rain gar-den, and do arts and poetry related to theriver. Thursday night includes a sleep-awaycamping trip. Runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in fourone-week sessions. Cost is $200/camperwith $25 registration fee (waived for mem-bers). Visit www.riverlink.org/camps.asp, call252-8474, ext. 111, or e-mail [email protected] Speed Summer Camp,Azalea Park, July 7-23Soccer Speed is a speed development pro-gram for soccer players created by ReynoldsHigh School sprints coach Lee Pantas toteach the fundamentals of proper sprintingand starting techniques. The camp, en-dorsed and supported by ABYSA and High-land Football Club, will be at the John B.Lewis Soccer Complex at Azalea Park andwill consist of six one-hour sessions on July7, 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23. Campers will bedivided into two groups: U11 to U13 boysand girls will meet from 6-7 p.m. and U14 toU18 boys and girls will meet from 7-8 p.m.Cost is $100, with advance registrationrequired. For more information or to register,visit www.soccerspeed.org or call 779-1569.Swannanoa Valley Museum,summer day camps, June 22-26and July 20-24Swannanoa Valley Museum in Black Moun-tain will offer two weeklong camps. For risingsecond- to fifth-graders, there is Pathways toAdventure, which is a field trip camp thatexplores the pathways that led to the settle-ment of Western North Carolina. ExploringOur Mountains camp is for rising sixth- toeighth-graders. This field trip camp will takecampers to high, hidden and historic places.Cost is $135. Camp alumni get a 10 percentdiscount. Snacks and drinks provided. Parent

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTSoccer Speed summer camp is a training camp teaching soccer players the fundamentals ofsprinting and starting techniques.




volunteers are needed in exchange for freetuition for one child. Call 669-9566, visitwww.swannanoavalleymuseum.org or [email protected] Health Adventure, DiscoverScience Camp, June 15-Aug. 7Hands-on programs for rising first- througheighth-graders and families. Programs in-clude a Family Robotics Workshop for risingfourth-graders to adults; Young AdventurersScience Surprise and Young AdventurersBubble and Fizz for rising first- and second-graders; Surfin’ Safari and Alien or Not? forrising third- to sixth-graders; and GIRLSQuest: Girls Investigating Real Life Sciencefor rising sixth- to eighth-graders. Cost is $90for members, $100 for nonmembers. Robot-ics workshop is $18 or $20 per person. Call254-6373, ext. 316, or visit www.thehealthadventure.org.Transylvania CommunityArts CenterThe Transylvania Community Arts Council isoffering two camps at the Transylvania Com-munity Arts Center, 349 S. Caldwell St.,

Brevard. To register, call 884-2787 or [email protected]. For more information, visitwww.tcarts.org.◆ Summer Art Camp, June 22-26: Childrenages 5-12 can explore visual arts, music,dance and pottery in either a morning ses-sion, 9 a.m.-noon, or an afternoon session,1-4 p.m. Cost is $75 per child for the week.◆ Film Camp for teens, Aug. 3-7: Kidsages 12-16 will create a film in one week,including writing, producing, directing andacting. There will be a movie screening amonth after camp ends. Camp runs 9 a.m.-4p.m. Cost is $250. Bring a bag lunch.UNC AshevilleSuper Summer Camp, June 15-19Open to rising third- to sixth-graders, SuperSummer combines the fun of day camp withthe excitement of academic learning in thearts, culture and community, technology,math and the sciences. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Cost is $215 for the week. Early drop-off(8-9 a.m.) and extended pick-up (4-6 p.m.)are available. Visit www.unca.edu/oaci orcall 251-6558 for information.Vance Elementary’sCamp Invention, July 13-17A summer program of the National InventorsHall of Fame Foundation for rising first- to

sixth-graders at Vance Elementary. Campruns 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost is $205; registerby March 31 for $20 off. Sibling discountsavailable. Contact Robbie Lipe at 350-6600.Register at www.campinvention.org or 800-968-4332.Waechter’s Silk Shop,Camp Sew Wow!, June 22-26Students ages 9-15 will learn how to use thesewing machine, lay out and cut a pattern,follow pattern instructions in sewing an item.Bring a sewing machine or rent one. Runs 10a.m.-3 p.m. with 30-minute lunch break.Cost is $195, plus fabric and supplies pur-chased at the shop, which is at 94 CharlotteSt., Asheville. Call 252-2131 or [email protected] Parks andRecreation, June 15-Aug. 14Full-day camp offered for children ages 5-11

(completed kindergarten through fifth grade),from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost is $90 forRecreation Center members, $100 for non-members. Drop-in is $20 or $25, with athree-day per week drop-in limit. ContactAbby Batten at [email protected] or 456-2030.Warren Wilson boys basketballcamp, July 13-18A one-week all-skills camp and a one-day(July 18) shooting camp for boys (risingfourth- to 12th-graders) at DeVries Gymnasi-um at Warren Wilson College. Runs 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $70 for all-skills camp and$30 for shooting camp. Call Kevin Walden(head men’s basketball coach) at 771-3738,e-mail [email protected] or visitwww.warrenwilsonowls.com/d/2008-09/Mens_Basketball/Warren_Wilson_Basketball_Camp_(2009).docWriting camp, starts June 15Through fun, thought-provoking writing exer-cises, activities and discussion, young writerswill find an encouraging community wheretheir creative efforts will shine. Write atThomas Wolfe Memorial, in the house thatserved as the basis for “Look Homeward,Angel” by Wolfe. End-of-camp public read-ings in the visitor center auditorium. All skilland/or experience levels welcome. Weeklongsessions (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) for rising fourth- toeighth-graders. Fees vary, but include a 10percent discount if registered by March 31.Call 215-9002 or visitwww.wolfememorial.com.Young Chefs Academy, ‘The GreatKitchen Mystery,’ June 9-Aug. 20Get caught up a mystery: Can Pat and Pattyfoil the misdeeds of the notorious culinarycrook, Chef Pierre Poulet? For children 4 andolder. Camp runs 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays-Thursdays. Cost is $135 before April 30,$150 after. To register, call 651-2433. Forinformation, visit www.youngchefsacademy-.com.At 336 Rockwood Road, Arden.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTKristie Kim, a campter at The Health Ad-venture, watches her hands turn bright pinkduring an experiment at one of the DiscoverScience camps.

Day campsContinued from Page 41



YWCA of AshevilleApplications for all are available at theYWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave.◆ Summer camp, June 15-Aug. 21: YWCASummer Camp for children in kindergarten tosixth grade includes field trips, gardening,sports, nature hikes, swimming lessons,music, art and more. Runs 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.Monday-Friday at the YWCA. Breakfast, lunchand snack are provided. Cost is $135 a weekfor YWCA members, $145 for nonmembers,with a $20 per week deposit and a $40individual or $55 family registration fee. CallCiCi Weston at 254-7206, ext. 111, or [email protected].◆ Spirit camp, June 15-July 31: A uniquesummer program for teens ages 12-16. Spiritoffers daily, full-day field trips, includingwilderness adventure, outdoor service-learn-ing projects, swimming, skating, trips andmore. Runs 7:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Monday-Friday. Cost is $120 week (call to ask aboutflexibility). Limited to 26 campers per week.Call Kenya Webster at 254-7206, ext. 205,or e-mail [email protected].◆ FutureVision, June 15-July 31: FutureVision camp for rising ninth- to 11th-gradersoffers a three-day-a-week camp. Runs 8am.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday.Includes hands-on career exploration, wilder-ness adventure, swimming, service-learning

projects and field trips. Free. Call RachelHerrick at 254-7206, ext. 103, or [email protected] of Western North Carolina,summer day camp, June-AugustAll camps run Monday-Friday, but times vary.Registration begins March 15 for membersand child care participants, March 29 to thepublic. (Corpening YMCA registration open toeveryone March 15.) Financial assistance isavailable. Costs are for members/nonmem-bers. Call the Asheville YMCA at 210-9622,Reuter Family YMCA at 651-9622.◆ Reuter Family YMCA Discovery Pre-school: A half-day camp for children 3-risingkindergartners (must be potty trained). Runs8 a.m.-noon, June 1-Aug. 14. at ReuterFamily YMCA, Skyland. $80/$115 with 25percent discount for additional siblings persession and one-time $15 registration fee.◆ Corpening Memorial YMCA day camp:For rising kindergartners to ninth-graders.Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early and late careavailable. $65/$85. Call 659-9622, ext.115, or e-mail [email protected].◆ YMCA Buncombe County School daycamp: School-based day camps includefield trips, swimming, eco “go green” daysand more. for rising first- to sixth-graders. AtEmma and Sand Hill-Venable elementaryschools. Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early and late

care available, June 8-Aug. 14. $135 perweek, with one-time registration fee of $35/child or $50/family. Call 210-2273.◆ YMCA Community Camp at Beaverdam:Traditional camp on eight acres. Programsfor rising first- to sixth-graders. 9 a.m.-4p.m., with early and late care available, June15-Aug. 21. At 201 Beaverdam Road, Ashe-ville. $135 per session, with registration feeof $35/child or $50/family. Call 210- 2273.◆ Mild Adventure Camp: This camp is forthe 9- to 13-year-old who likes the outdoorsand physical activity. Runs June 8-Aug. 21 atYMCA Camp Beaverdam. $145/$170.◆ Wild Adventure Camp: This camp is for10- to 14-year-old with a brave and extreme-ly adventurous heart. At YMCA Camp Bea-verdam. $175/$195. Call 210-9622.◆ Teen Extreme Adventure Camp: For ages12-16. Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 8-Aug. 27at Reuter Family YMCA. Activities includerock climbing, rafting, hiking, paintball,service projects and more. $155/$185 perweek.◆ Sports camps: Basketball camp for ages3-12 at Reuter Family YMCA (starts at $60/$80). Flag football camp for ages 6-12 atReuter and 8-13 through Asheville YMCA($100/$120). Iddy Biddy Sports Camp forages 3-rising kindergarten through AshevilleYMCA ($75/$105). Various times.



Buffalo Cove Outdoor EducationCenter Earth Camp, BlowingRock, July 5-18A nonprofit organization offering a camp thatteaches fun and meaningful experiences thatbrings campers closer to themselves, theirfriends and the land around them. Activitiesinclude traditional earth skills, wildernesssurvival, woods lore, woodworking, archery,backpacking, low-impact camping and ca-noeing. Family-style meals offer mostlyorganic and local foods. Limited to 20 par-ticipants. Cost is $1,400. Call 964-1473,e-mail [email protected] or visitwww.buffalocove.com.Buffalo Mountain Camp,Jonesborough, Tenn.,May 31-July 24Campers learn about Christ while experi-encing outdoor adventure and fun. Campaffiliated with United Methodist Church offerscoed full-week and half-week camps forchildren 6-18 years old. Activities includehiking, team-building games, creek walking,Frisbee golf, swimming, climbing, fishing,archery, crafts, Bible studies and more.Costs start at $325 for full week and $170for half-week. For information, call 423-929-9037, e-mail [email protected] visit www.buffalomountaincamp.org.Camp Broadstone, AppalachianState University, Boone,June 14-July 24The N.C. Summer Enrichment Program foracademically gifted fourth- to ninth-gradeboys and girls offers one- and two-weekresidential programs. The programs feature ablend of enrichment classes with adventureactivities designed to encourage intellectual,social, and physical growth through inter-active and individual involvement. Costs startat $1,100. For information, e-mail [email protected], call 963-4640 or visitwww.campbroadstone.com.Camp Cedar Cliff, The Cove,Asheville, June 20-July 24Fun and adventure geared to help your childsucceed and grow, and to point him or her toGod. Activities include archery, BBs, zip line,high ropes course, rappelling, horsebackriding, whitewater rafting, team-buildingactivities, Bible studies, swimming and more.Open to rising fourth-graders to graduatedseniors. In one- or two-week sessions. Costis $685-$1,370 per week. To register call450-3331, e-mail [email protected] visit www.campcedarcliff.org.

Camp Cheerio, Glade Valley,July 12-Aug. 21Camp in Glade Valley (160 miles northeastof Asheville in Allegheny County) with one-and two-week sessions for children ages7-15. Activities include kayaking, canoeing,archery, riflery, climbing, high ropes, newspa-per, cheerleading, horseback riding, fishing,soccer, football, basketball, arts and crafts,hiking, rocketry, swimming, drama, dance,nature study, tennis, tumbling and more.Cost starts at $799 per week. For informa-tion, e-mail [email protected] or call800-226-7496.Camp Lutherock, SugarMountain, June 7-Aug. 8Lutherock offers high-adventure camp experi-ences for youths in elementary schoolthrough senior high. Caving, whitewaterrafting, rock climbing, rappelling, back-packing and leadership development areamong the opportunities available. Pricesstart at $449, with discounts available ifregistered by May 15 or earlier. Call 684-2361 or visit www.Lutherock.com.Cheerio Adventures, Mouth ofWilson, Va., June 14-Aug. 1Coed camp for children ages 10-17 offersone- and two-week sessions. Activities in-clude kayaking, zip line, canoeing, caving,backpacking, mountain biking, rock climb-ing, rappelling, whitewater rafting, sailing,sea kayaking and more. Also offered arethree-day parent-child trips and two-weekextreme camp sessions. Costs start at $899,with parent-child trips at $296 per pair. Forinformation, e-mail [email protected], call 800-226-7496 or visitwww.cheerioadventures.com.CLIMBE at Montreat College,Montreat, June 21-July 31Montreat College is offering weeklong, over-night trips for rising eighth- to 12th-graders.There are two two-week sessions. Choosefrom two adventures each week, with multi-day, science-intensive, adventure trips in-cluding backpacking, canoeing, caving,climbing and more. Prices start at $50 andare based on a sliding scale. Visit www.CLIM-BE.org, e-mail [email protected] orcall 800-349-CAMP.Eagle’s Nest Camp, PisgahForest, June 13-Aug. 16Coed camp for ages 6-18. Activities includerock-climbing, whitewater paddling, sports,performing and visual arts, fishing, horse-back riding, teen adventures and more.Sessions are one to three weeks long. Cost

is $1,300-$3,000 per session. E-mail [email protected] or visit www.enf.org.Green River Preserve, CedarMountain, with trips to OuterBanks, June 12-Aug. 14The Green River Preserve is a small, noncom-petitive camp for bright, curious, and creativechildren with a focus on science and ecol-ogy, but great depth in the arts and ad-venture. For rising second- to 12th-graders.Activities include natural history hikes led byprofessional naturalists, fly fishing, fly-tying,climbing, archery, BB skeet, pottery, theater,canoeing, dance, drumming, guitar, garden-ing, primitive skills, juggling, yoga, swimmingand more. In five-day to three-week sessions.Price is $725-$3,150. Scholarship assist-ance is available. Family Camp is Sept. 4-7.Call 698-8828, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.greenriverpreserve.org.Lutheridge, Arden, June 7-Aug. 8Lutheridge Conference Center and Camp hasoffered summer camp for children, youth andfamilies since 1951. On-site, overnight pro-grams are offered for first-graders throughsenior high. Activities include canoes, crafts,Bible study, challenge tower, pottery, sportsand more. Music week, Fourth of July weekand Christmas in July week are special em-phasis weeks. An outdoor adventure programis offered for middle and high school youthswith programs including canoeing, back-packing, whitewater rafting, alpine tower andmuch more. Prices start at $237 for half-week and $449 for full week, with discountsavailable if registered by May 15 or sooner.call 684-2361 or www.Lutheridge.com.

Swannanoa 4-H Camp, June12-Aug. 8Three-day camps for ages 5-12 and week-long camps for ages 8-16 available. Tradi-tional camp activities include swimming,archery, arts and crafts, air rifles, climbingtower, zip line, both low and high ropes andhiking. Or try some adventures like rockclimbing and whitewater fun! Cost is $150for three-day camp and starts at $395 forweeklong sessions. Visit www.swan4h.com orcall 686-3196.UNC Asheville campsFor information and registration forms, callwww.unca.edu/oaci or call 251-6558.WNC Summer Music Camp, June 21-26:Aspiring middle- and high-school musicianscan experience intense instruction and melo-dious fun. The overnight camp is open tomiddle and high school students. The West-ern North Carolina Music Camp affordsstudents the opportunity to learn undermusic faculty from UNCA, regional publicschools and from across the Southeast. Costis $405 for residential and $300 for commu-ter.Spring into Wellness, June 14-20: Springinto Wellness is a residential camp on thecampus of UNC Asheville, administered byMission Hospitals, UNCA and Mountain AreaHealth Education Center. For rising eighth-and ninth-grade students in Asheville, Bun-combe County and Western North Carolina,Spring into Wellness is a camp dedicated tooffering middle schoolers a fun and engagingway to explore what it takes to have a futurehealth care career.

Coed overnight camps

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTIt’s pirate night at Green River Preserve camp.



Camp Ridgecrest for Boys,Ridgecrest, June 7-July 31Christian camp for boys ages 7-16 estab-lished in 1929. Some of the more than 25activities offered include archery, mountainbiking, Bible study, horseback riding, riflery,swimming, canoeing, tennis and volleyball.Sessions are two-eight weeks, and pricesstart at $1,415 with sibling discounts. [email protected] or visitwww.ridgecrestcamps.com.Christ School’s RevolutionLacrosse Camp, Arden, July 6-10MLL All-Star Dan Cocchi headlines thecoaching staff along with five college coach-es, and several college All-Americans. Thecamp is designed for all skill levels andprovides a 6-1 camper to coach ratio. Forages 10-18. Day camp and overnight op-tions. Cost is $395 for day campers, $445for boarding campers. Visit revolutionlax-camp.com or contact Jeff Miles at [email protected] Creek Camp for Boys,Tuxedo, June 7-Aug. 14A traditional camp for boys in grades one to10 that also provides many adventure experi-

ences in mountain biking, rock climbing,backpacking, canoeing and whitewaterkayaking. Sessions are one to four weekslong. Prices range from $1,125 - $4,275.Call 692-0262 or visit www.fallingcreek.com.

Overnight camps for boys

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTRidgecrest offers overnight camping for boysages 7-16.

www.ridgecrestcamps.com.Camp Illahee, Brevard, June7-Aug. 14A Christian camp for rising second-grade to11th-grade girls established in 1921. Activi-ties include crafts, sports, climbing, kay-aking, drama, gymnastics and lake activities.One- to four-week sessions. Cost is $1,150-$4,400. Call 883-2181, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.campillahee.com.Rockbrook Camp for Girls,Brevard, June 7-Aug. 15Rockbrook is a traditional summer camp forgirls ages 6-16. It offers a diverse program ofhorseback riding, adventure activities, raft-ing, ceramics, crafts, gymnastics, riflery andmany other activities. Two-, three- or four-week sessions. Cost is $2,200-$4,100. Call884-6151, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.rockbrookcamp.com.Upper 90 Soccer and AdventureCamp, Warren Wilson College,June 15-19Camp for girls ages 10-14 includes soccer,climbing, paddling, dance and other activi-ties. Cost is $500. Call Stacey Enos at 771-3737 or visit www.warrenwilsonowls.com.

Camp Carysbrook, Riner, Va.,June 14-Aug. 9Camp Carysbrook, a 200-acre summercamp for girls ages 6-16. With 18 differentactivities and a two-week equestrian camp.Prices for one- to eight-week sessions rangefrom $800-$4,675. Visit www.campcarys-brook.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 540-382-1670.Camp Cheerio, June 7-July 11,Glade ValleyCamp Cheerio in Glade Valley offers campingwith one- and two-week sessions for girlsages 7-15. Activities include kayaking, ca-noeing, archery, riflery, climbing, high ropes,cheerleading, horseback riding, and more.Cost starts at $799. E-mail [email protected] or call 800-226-7496.Camp Crestridge, Ridgecrest,June 7-July 31A Christian camp for girls ages 7-16 estab-lished in 1929.Activities offered includearchery, mountain biking, Bible study, horse-back riding, riflery, swimming, canoeing andtennis. Two- to eight-week sessions. Pricesstart at $1,415 with sibling discounts. [email protected] or visit

Overnight camps for girls



puzzles for parents

ACROSS1. Old-time calculators6. Lennon’s wife9. Guided by a star, according to Matthew13. Anglo-_____14. Bar in Ireland15. Relating to a gene16. "_____ Last Night," movie17. Between E and NE18. Cavern19. *"Happy Feet" hero21. *Precedes polar night23. T-cell killer24. Number one25. Drink spot28. Prong of a fork30. *North Pole ocean35. Twelfth month of civil year37. "Good ____!"39. Wasted on the young?40. ____ mater41. PHD in Great Britain43. Dog command44. Prime Minister of Israel and Nobel PeacePrize winner46. Verdi’s popular opera47. River islet48. Peter Pan lost his at Wendy’s50. Fish traps52. Popular with ham and swiss53. Smell badly55. European Union57. Kebab holder60. *"The Polar _______," movie64. *Famous Pole resident65. CA’s Santa ___ winds67. La _____ University in Philadelphia68. Incongruity between what’s expected andwhat actually occurs69. Distress call70. Penetrate or soak71. Pocket bread72. Before, archaic73. Fire starter

DOWN1. As quickly as you can2. Third behind Bonds and Aaron3. Long nerve fiber4. Common this time of year5. TurboTax maker6. Welcoming sign7. Mother Teresa, e.g.8. Excessively fat9. His restroom10. Done before dealing11. Encircle or bind12. *Common polar terrain15. Burt Lancaster played him in 1960 filmof Sinclair Lewis novel20. Ivy-covered22. *Owner of Amundsen-Scott South PoleStation24. Consider or ponder carefully

25. *They’re white at North Pole26. Muslim God27. Cuban dance29. Adjacent to Sonoma Valley31. A blackjack or bludgeon32. Your very own teacher33. Mediterranean boot34. Partially digested food36. "Best ____ plans"38. Either right or left42. Type of paint45. *Roald Amundsen’s motherland49. "a ___ bit"

51. Blood infection54. Done before starting over56. Unwelcome during workout57. Hindu dress58. Speed on water59. Highest volcano in Europe60. Alleviate61. Napoleon’s exile island62. Disparaging remark63. Station finder on radio64. Done with hot drink66. NeitherSolutions on Page 56.


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“SimAnimals,” a new simulationgame for the NintendoWii and Nin-tendo DS, puts nature in your hands,literally. You play as an animated handas you tinker with the different forestenvironments by interacting with thecreatures and plants found there. Be-cause you can touch, pick up andmove all of the animals and plants, itis a fascinating experience that is hardto put down.Full of more than 30 animals—

including porcupines, bears, skunksand beavers— and more than 80plants, the game’s overall theme is foryou to help each animal and plant findhappiness.When you enter an environment,

you will see a bar graph on the top ofthe screen indicating that the environ-ment isn’t happy. As you play thegame, your actions have consequencesexpressed as happy-faced or sad-faced

energy on the happiness bar.For example, if you put your hand

over an acorn tree and shake it backand forth with theWii remote, a seedmight fall out. If you pick up thatacorn and drop it on top of a squirrel,it will eat it and then emit happy en-ergy. On the other hand, if you pick upa skunk, whirl it around and fling itinto the nearest stream, it will emitsad energy. Likewise, if you pick up atree and plop it into soil it doesn’t like,it will emit sad energy.To help you, the game offers nature

lessons and presents you with chal-lenges that earn medals and unlockother animals and plants. You canchoose which of these challenges topursue.Most teach you how to inter-

act with the animals and plants in apositive way, but a few have surprisingconsequences. For instance, if youpursue the challenge to make a skunkspray your hand, your hand faints anddrops to the ground.As youmake the first location

happy, the next will unlock. Each loca-tion features different animals andplants. But you will find that youmayneed to introduce animals and plantsfrom previous locations. You can dothis using the game’s backpack.

Your backpack can store seeds,animals that you have befriended andeven a lake’s worth of water. Befriend-ing an animal is a process that in-volves feeding it and winning its trustso you can pet and play with it.There are many things thatmake

this game compelling, including theoutstanding graphics, music and arti-ficial intelligence, but the most attrac-tive feature is that the game lets youexplore the delicate balances found innature. You can learn what each ani-mal and plant needs, the interconnec-tivity of animals and plants and theeffects of pollution on the forest.Electronic Arts consulted with an

animal behaviorist, so much of theinformation presented is true to na-ture. There is even an encyclopediathat helps you figure out what animalseat and what plants need.Gudmundsen is the editor of Com-

putingWith Kids magazine (Compu-tingWithKids.com). Contact her [email protected].

video games

Get in touch with nature in ‘SimAnimals’ gameBy Jinny GudmundsenGannett News Service

‘SIMANIMALS’Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)Best for ages 7 and olderFrom Electronic Arts, simanimals.com,$49.95 (Wii) and $29.95 (DS).

GANNETT NEWS SERVICEYour role in “SimAnimals” is to help allanimals and plants satisfy their basic needs.



Starts Feb. 2Expressive Arts seriesExpand creativity, build confidence, make newfriends and express yourself through the arts.Series includes drama games (Feb. 2-3), Play-back Improv Theater (Feb. 9-10) and sand play(Feb. 16-17). At Spark Creative Wellness Studio indowntown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewell-ness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.◆ For homeschoolers: Runs 12:30-2:30 p.m.Mondays for 6- to 9-year-olds and Tuesdays for10- to 13-year-olds.◆ For non-homeschoolers: Runs 4-6 p.m. Mon-days for 6- to 9-year-olds and Tuesdays for 10- to13-year-olds at Spark Creative Wellness Studio indowntown Asheville.

Feb. 2Food allergy groupWould you like to have COCOA — Caring for Chil-dren with Food Allergies — in Asheville? A freegroup for parents of food allergic children ismeeting at Earth Fare on Hendersonville Road inSouth Asheville. If you are interested, come tomeetings at 6:45 p.m. the first Monday of themonth or e-mail Kristie at [email protected] for details.

Groundhog Day eventsLearn about the world of groundhogs at the WNCNature Center with naturalist Carlton Burke duringan hourlong presentation at 2 p.m. Regularadmission rates apply. The center is at 75 GashesCreek Road, East Asheville. For information, callKeith at 298-5600, ext. 305.Join Carlton Burke and Grady to learn about thehistory of Groundhog Day and see Grady make hisprediction for spring at Chimney Rock Park, U.S.64/74A, Chimney Rock. Call 800-277-9611 orvisit chimneyrock.com for information.

Starts Feb. 2-3YouthSparkCreative Wellness seriesExperience the fun and positive environment ofSpark while expanding your creativity, self-expres-sion, confidence, and friendships through expres-sive arts. Themes include: Playback Improv Theat-re (Feb. 2-3), sand play (Feb. 9-10), collage (Feb.16-17), mask-making (Feb. 23-24), creativemovement (March 2-3), drama games (March9-10). At Spark Creative Wellness Studio indowntown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewell-ness.com or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172 formore information.For homeschoolers: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays for6- to 9-year-olds and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdaysfor 10- 13-year-olds.For non-homeschoolers: 4–6 p.m. Mondays for 6-to 9-year-olds and 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays for 10-13-year-olds

Feb. 3Montreat MOPSCome join other moms for fun, laughter and

friendship. Group meets the first Tuesday of eachmonth, 6:30-8 p.m., fourth floor of the HenryBuilding at Geneva Place in Montreat. Free childcare is available. Call 669-8012, ext. 4001, toreserve a spot.

Feb. 3 and 10Childbirth 101A two-session class for expectant parents coveringthe labor and delivery process, relaxation, breath-ing patterns, birth options, positioning and com-fort measures. Bring two pillows and a blanket.Two Tuesdays, Feb. 3 and 10, 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is$90, or free with Medicaid. Registration required.At Pardee Health Education Center in Blue RidgeMall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville.Call 692-4600 for information.

Feb. 4-8Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey CircusSee the circus’ “Zing Zang Zoom” show at Bi-LoCenter in Greenville, S.C. Ticket prices are $15-$88. For showtimes and tickets, visit Ringling.comor Ticketmaster.com.

Feb. 4 and 18Family Knitting CircleBring your own needles and enjoy some knittingtime, 3:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Wednes-days of the month at Growing Young Café, 611Tunnel Road, East Asheville. Call 299-4420 orvisit growingyoungcafe.com for more information.

MOPSMothers of Preschoolers meets at Biltmore BaptistChurch in Arden on the first and third Wednesdaymornings of each month, 9:30-11:30. For moreinformation, call 687-1111.

Starts Feb. 4Empowered Birthing childbirtheducation classesFour interactive classes on Wednesday eveningsfocus on natural childbirth, positions for comfort,and hands-on massage techniques for labor.VBACs welcome. Classes are at the Women’sWellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St.,Asheville. Cost is $175 for the series taught byTrish Beckman, CNM, and Laura Beagle, LMBTand CD. For information or registration call 231-9227.

Feb. 5Moms with MultiplesGroup for moms with multiples meets 7 p.m. thefirst Thursday of each month at the Women’sResource Center on Doctor’s Drive, behind Mis-sion Hospital. Meetings are an opportunity toshare experiences and offer support in a socialsetting. For information, call 444-AMOM or visitashevillemom.com.

Preschool Play DateThe Health Adventure’s Preschool Play Date seriesprovides children 3-6 with a unique and safevenue to play and a chance for parents, grandpar-ents, and caregivers to socialize and bond. In-cludes hands-on take-away activities led by aneducator from the museum. Free for members orwith museum admission. The Preschool Play Dateseries is 10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday ofthe month. No registration in required. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Evening family story timeExplore “Classic Stories and Folklore for Families”at the Oakley/South Asheville Library at 7 p.m.Tales will span all places and times, from Aesopto King Arthur to Uncle Remus and more. Join usfor a relaxing end to your hectic day. Children inpajamas with their stuffed animals are welcome.Free. The library is at 749 Fairview Road. Call250-4754.

Starts Feb. 6‘Moneyville’ exhibitWhere can you play the stock market, run yourown lemonade stand, put your face on a milliondollar bill, and see samples of currency frompounds to pesos? In Moneyville, The HealthAdventure’s new exhibit, which runs through May24. Moneyville uses the fascinating subject ofmoney to build math skills and promote economicliteracy in a fun, immersive setting. Hands-onactivities range from creating your own “money” toexploring anti-counterfeiting measures to seeingwhat a million dollars looks like. At 2 S. PackSquare, Asheville. For information, visit the-healthadventure.org or call 254-6373.

Feb. 6-7‘Godspell Jr.’Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such asclowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics andvaudeville, “Godspell Jr.” is a groundbreaking andunique reflection on the life of Jesus, with amessage of kindness, tolerance and love. Fea-tures the international hit “Day By Day.” Performedby Asheville Arts Center students. Show times are7 p.m. Feb. 6-7 and 3 p.m. Feb. 7. Tickets are$10 for adults, $7 for children. Tickets availableat the arts center, 308 Merrimon Ave. Call 253-4000.

Feb. 6 and 20Moms night outGrowing Young Café hosts a night out from 6-9:30p.m. on the first and third Friday of every month.Children enjoy imaginative play, art activities andgames. Cost is $20/child ($15 for second child).Sign up and pay by preceding Wednesday toreserve your spot. The café is at 611 Tunnel Road.Call 299-4420 or visit growingyoungcafe.com.

Weaverville Libraryteen advisory groupTeens ages 12-18, what do you want from yourlocal library? Come share your ideas in this groupfocused on teen involvement in developing thecollection, creating library programs and positivelyimpacting our community. At 4 p.m. For moreinformation call the Weaverville Library at 250-6482 or e-mail [email protected]. The library is at 41 N. Main St.

calendar of events

Things to do

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTRingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents its “Zing Zang Zoom” show Feb. 4-8 atthe Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C.




Feb. 7Father/daughter danceThe town of Fletcher will offer two father/daughterdances, at 3 and 6 p.m. Spend a special eveningdancing with your daughter at these semi-formaldances. Fathers and daughters can make valen-tines and enjoy refreshments and each other. AtCalvary Episcopal Church’s Fellowship Hall.Tickets cost $10/father and $5/daughter forFletcher residents and $17/father and $7/daugh-ter for nonresidents. Tickets can be purchased atFletcher Town Hall. Advance purchase is required.

Open houseIsle of Sky Chiropractic is offering an open house,10 a.m.-2 p.m., with refreshments and services,

including free 10-minute chair massages, spinalscreenings, self-defense classes, essential oiltherapy, Reiki and more. At 1534 Haywood Road,Hendersonville. For information, call 693-3319 orvisit ioschiro.com.

National Girls and Women inSports DayThis is a community event designed to exposewomen and girls to a variety of activities that willinspire them to lead active, healthy lives. Thisyear’s event is open to women and girls ages 6and older. The event gives women and girls anopportunity to build skills in a sport of interest.The cost is $12 per person. The fee includes fourclinics, a T-shirt and a goodie bag, a healthylunch, door prizes and a ticket to the Women’s BigSouth Tournament at UNC Asheville that day.Registration is ongoing with limited space. Early

registration is advised. For more information andto register contact Stephens-Lee RecreationCenter at 350-2058 or [email protected].

Playin’ It Safe workshopLiving the Healthy Life: Playin’ It Safe is a work-shop for teen girls and their moms with frankdiscussions of “taboo” subjects and unpopularproblems to empower teens to make goodchoices and avoid unwanted pregnancies, STDs,risky behaviors and dating violence. Runs 10a.m.-2 p.m. at Asheville-Buncombe TechnicalCommunity College in Ferguson Auditorium, 340Victoria Road, Asheville. Open to rising eighth-graders and older, and their moms. Suggesteddonation is $5. Lunch and giveaways (includinggas cards, massage, Biltmore Estate passes andmore) are included. Registration is strongly rec-ommended. Call 252-4442 or e-mail [email protected] for information and to register.

Suzuki violin concertA free Suzuki violin concert will be presented inthe Lord Auditorium at Pack Library, lower level,67 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. Students,ages 5 and older, of Holly Thistle, will play forabout an hour. Call 545-8673 for information.

Valentine family contra danceArtspace Charter School hosts a beginners contradance and celebrates Valentine’s Day, 7-10 p.m.Evening starts with brief contra dancing instruc-tion followed by live music with a caller, dancing,baked goodies, refreshments and family fun.Artspace Charter School is at 2030 U.S. 70 inSwannanoa. For tickets and more information,call 713-9923.

Victorian tea partySmith-McDowell House Museum will host a

Victorian-era tea party. The program will be aboutVictorian manners and etiquette, and the craft willbe making Victorian valentines. Dress code will beSunday best dressy. Girls ages 7-12 are welcometo bring their favorite doll and dress in periodcostumes, if desired. Two-hour program begins at11 a.m. A second program at 3 p.m. will beadded if first program reaches 12-person mini-mum. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for children. Allchildren must be accompanied by an adult. Call

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHERKeonia Woods practices tennis drills duringthe 2008 National Girls and Women inSports Day at UNC Asheville. This year’sevent is Feb. 7.




253-9231 for reservations. The museum is at 283Victoria Road on the campus of Asheville-Bun-combe Technical Community College.

Feb. 7-8Henderson County youthbaseball registrationRegistration will be available 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb.7 at Blue Ridge Mall, Hendersonville East HighSchool, Flat Rock and Hendersonville middleschools and Apple Valley Elementary School; and1-4 p.m. Feb. 8 at Blue Ridge Mall. Cost is $70per player, with a $10 late fee after Feb. 8. Formore information, visit eteamz.com/hcybsl/.

Feb. 7 and 14Owen youth baseball andsoftball registrationRegister your child for Owen’s youth baseball andsoftball league (Babe Ruth Division) from 10a.m.-2 p.m. at Burger King in Swannanoa, BlackMountain Elementary School or Owen MiddleSchool. Cost is $45 per child. For more informa-tion, call 242-3846 or 686-4094.

South Buncombe youth baseballand softball registrationRegister boys ages 4-15 and girls ages 4-12 forspring baseball and softball, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. atValley Springs Middle School cafeteria, off LongShoals Road in Skyland. Cost is $60 per playerfor Asheville residents, $65 nonresidents andincludes shirt, hat, trophy, pictures and gamedrink. Girls ages 13-18 should contact HendersonCounty. Late fee for registration after Feb. 14. for

more information, visit sbraa.org.

Feb. 8Family Tu B’Shevat SederCelebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat, thebirthday of the trees, at 2 p.m. at the JewishCommunity Center of Asheville. Nosh and marvelover all the amazing gifts we receive from trees.Enjoy fruits and nuts and a few surprises. Adultsare $8 for JCC members, $12 for community;children are $6 or $8. RSVP to Natalie Kramer at253-0701, ext. 108, or [email protected] center is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville.

‘Black, Brown, Red, Yellow andWhite — Stories of RacialIdentity’Asheville Playback Theatre presents a perform-ance dealing with the complex issue of racialidentity at 3 p.m. at the YWCA of Asheville, 185 S.French Broad Ave. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Whenand how did you learn about race? In what waysis your racial heritage an important part of whoyou are? How does it define your life choices?Where are you most at home? Who do you callfamily? Such questions lead us to stories, andsuch stories lead us to connection and under-standing. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 forsenior and students. No one will be turned awaybecause of lack of funds if seats are available. Formore information, visit ashevilleplayback.org orcall 670-5881.

Feb. 9Asheville Area Birth NetworkGroup meets at 7 p.m. at Family to Family, 207Charlotte St. For more information, visit ashe-

villebirthnetwork.com or contact Sonya Stone at335-0224 or [email protected] orJenn McCormack at 713-3707 or [email protected].

La Leche League MondaymorningsLa Leche League’s Monday group meets at 10a.m. the second Monday of the month at FirstCongregational Church on Oak Street. Pregnantmoms, babies and toddlers are welcome. Forinformation, contact a leader: Susan 628-4438,Jane 670-1032, Falan, 253-2098, or Tamara505-1379.

Veritas Christian Academy openhouseVeritas Christian Academy, a classical Christianschool serving pre-kindergarten through 12thgrade, will host an open house, 5-6:45 p.m. Thepublic is invited to tour the school, see the curric-ulum and talk with the faculty. Veritas ChristianAcademy is at 17 Cane Creek Road in Fletcher, atthe corner of Hendersonville Road and CaneCreek Road. Call Darla Hall at Veritas at 681-0546 for further information.

Feb. 9 and 23‘My Mom Is Having a Baby’A free program to help children ages 3-8 un-derstand, accept and anticipate the changes thatwill happen as the family prepares for the birth ofthe new baby. Each child will see and hold life-like models that show how a baby grows and


PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKISNow’s the time to sign up for youth baseballand softball. Henderson County, South Bun-combe and Owen all offer sign-ups in earlyFebruary.



develops, make a kite mobile for the new baby’sroom, receive an activity/coloring book and tourthe Mother/Baby Unit at Mission Hospital to seewhere mom and baby will stay. Program runs 4-5p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of eachmonth at Mission Hospitals. To register, call254-6373, ext. 316. For more information, visitthehealthadventure.com and click on the “Pro-grams” tab.

Feb. 10Moms groupA Christian moms group meets at 6:30 p.m. thesecond Tuesday of the month at St. Paul’s Church,1095 Hendersonville Road in South Asheville.Moms with any age children are welcome. Re-freshments and child care provided. For informa-tion, contact 388-3598.

Feb. 11Holistic Parenting ForumThe Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group thatmeets monthly to provide an opportunity for adiverse community of parents committed tonatural living to gather. The group provides sup-port, education and resources to parents whodesire to create a healthy environment for theirchildren. This month’s topic is “Aromathera-py...Beyond Just Fragrance!” presented by BethBluth. All meetings take place on the secondWednesday of every month at Earth Fare in WestAsheville from 6-8 p.m. Children are welcome. Forinformation, call 230-4850 or e-mail [email protected].

Origami Folding FrenzyLearn new folds, share favorites, and meet felloworigami enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Paper isavailable at the museum store or bring your own.No club dues, just the cost of museum admis-sion. From 4-5 p.m. the second Wednesday of themonth at The Health Adventure in Pack Place. Forinformation, call 254-6373 or visit thehealthad-venture.org.

Feb. 11-12‘Preschoolers We Love You!2009’Librarians are practicing animal noises and sillysongs in preparation for the 23rd annual produc-tion of “Preschoolers We Love You!” This popularkids’ show began as a special valentine to thelibrary’s under-5 set and now regularly draws

more than 1,000 children for the multiple per-formances. The program is a musical revue espe-cially for preschoolers, with puppets, dancing andother lighthearted nonsense. The talented per-formers are drawn from the library staff across thecounty. Performances both days at 9:30 and10:45 a.m. Groups, please call the library toregister. If you miss the show in person, theproduction will also be televised on the Bun-combe County television channel, BCTV. Visitbuncombecounty.org for listings. At Pack Memori-al Library, 67 Haywood St. Call 250-4700 forinformation.

Feb. 12Asheville Christian Academyopen houseAsheville Christian Academy is hosting an openhouse from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Families are invited totour the campus with a current parent, exploreclassrooms, meet faculty, staff and students. At7:30 p.m. the head of school will make a briefpresentation. Experience Asheville ChristianAcademy’s liberal arts education with a biblicalworld view. ACA is fully accredited and serves K4through 12th grade. Call 581-2200 or visit ACA-cademy.org.

‘Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln’The Enka-Candler Library celebrates the 200thbirthday of Abraham Lincoln at 4 p.m. A Civil Warre-enactor will demonstrate life in BuncombeCounty during Lincoln’s presidency. Read the book“Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek” by Deborah Hop-kinson and make stovepipe hats. The library is at1401 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758.

Feb. 13Parents night outFired Up! Creative Lounge and Art Boutique ishosting a parents night out for children ages 5-12with pizza, drinks and bisque items for kids topaint. Cost is $25 per child. Call 253-8181 forreservations.

Feb. 13-15Wee Trade Best Madeconsignment saleThe largest children’s clothing consignment sale inWestern North Carolina. Item drop-off is 8 a.m.-7p.m. Feb. 10-11. Volunteer and consignor pre-saleis Feb. 12. Sale is 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 13, 8a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14 and noon-4 p.m. Feb. 15 (allitems half price on Sunday). At WNC AgriculturalCenter, Fletcher. For information, visit wee-trade.com or call Nina at 697-2952 or Rita at692-0033.

Feb. 13Parents night outMalvern Hills Presbyterian Church offers a parentsnight out, 6-8 p.m. Open to community children,ages 2-11. Pizza dinner included. Donationsaccepted, but not required. For more information,call the Rev. Sean Maney at 242-8402 or visitmalvernhillspca.com.

Masquerade balland dinner theaterCome for an evening of entertainment at theSaluda Mountain Jamboree in Saluda from 7-9p.m. This ticketed event for adults and sixth- to12th-graders includes dinner and a show, as wellas a surprise special guest. Call Veritas ChristianAcademy at 681-0546 for ticket information.

Feb. 13 and 27Parents night outChildren learn about performing arts at the Ashe-ville Arts Center while parents get a break. From6-9:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for the first child, $15 for

second child and $5 for third child. For moreinformation or registration, call 253-4000

Feb. 14Flip Flop HopA “tropical gala” to support the WNC Down Syn-drome Alliance at 7 p.m. at The Orange Peel. Visitflipflophop.com for information.

‘We Heart Mo!’Join the East Asheville Library for a special storytime at 11 a.m. featuring the books of Mo Wil-lems, author of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive theBus,” along with crafts and fun. The library is at902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738.

Valentine’s Day craftsKids of all ages are invited to a free Valentine’sDay craft program at 11 a.m. at the SwannanoaLibrary, 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486.

Feb. 14-15Henderson Countyyouth softball registrationRegistration is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 14 and 1-4p.m. Feb. 15 at Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville.Cost is $75 per player. Players must not be olderthan 18 as of Jan. 1, 2009, or younger than 4 asof Dec. 31, 2008. For more information call DavidEdney at 388-0570 or visit hendersoncounty-youthsoftball.com.

Feb. 14 and 28Creativity day campsA full-day camp designed to inspire your child’sunique creative expression in The Rainbow WellCenter’s new children’s art studio. Morning- andafternoon-only sessions are also available. Campis led by Maureen Healy. Includes rotating mu-sicians and artists and more. The Rainbow WellCenter is at 26 Howland Road, Asheville. Formore information, visit therainbowwell.com or call505-0383.

Feb. 15The Valentine SwimCelebrate Valentine’s Day with a swim at ZeugnerCenter. Bring your Valentine and a can of food forMANNA FoodBank and swim for $1 per person.The Zeugner Center is in Skyland next to RobersonHigh School. For more information on costs andrentals contact Teri Gentile at 684-5072 [email protected].

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTRows of baby gear line the floor of the WNCAg Center in Fletcher at a past Wee TradeBest Made consignment sale. Sell yoursummer clothes — or pick up some greatdeals — at this winter’s sale, Feb. 12-15.




‘Forever Free: Harriet Tubman’sContribution to Emancipation’Watch history come alive at the Fairview Library.At 2 p.m., actress Becky Stone will portray CivilWar activist Harriet Tubman as part of BuncombeCounty Public Libraries’ yearlong celebration ofAbraham Lincoln’s bicentennial. Start the cele-bration by bringing the whole family to see afascinating glimpse of the remarkable woman whohelped lead our country to emancipation. Thisprogram is appropriate for adults and school-agechildren. Free. The library is at 1 Taylor Road. Callthe library at 250-6484

Feb. 15 and 22Parents retreatGive yourself a revitalizing retreat from your re-sponsibilities as a parent and ignite sparks ofinsight, creativity, playfulness and transformationin your life. Without any prerequisite of artisticability, enjoy a supportive environment where aguided expressive arts process leads to refreshingclarity and a renewed sense of self. Runs 2-5 pm.at Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtownAsheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com or callJessica Chilton at 301-5172 for more information.

Feb. 16Grandparent classThis free course covers how grandparents canhelp, how childbirth has changed, gift ideas,safety and a tour of the Park Ridge Hospitalobstetrics unit. Class is at 7 p.m. in the DukeRoom at Park Ridge, 100 Hospital Drive, Hen-dersonville. For information or to register, call681-2229.

La Leche League MondayeveningsLa Leche League meets at 7 p.m. the third Mon-day of the month at Awakening Heart on Merri-mon Avenue. Pregnant moms, babies and tod-dlers welcome. For information, contact a leader:Adrienne at 713-1534, Jen at 713-3707, or Yvetteat 254-5591.

Mommy and Me luncheonThe Baby Place at Park Ridge Hospital in Hen-dersonville welcomes new moms to its Mommyand Me luncheon, noon-1 p.m. Bring your newbaby, visit with other new moms and enjoy a shortspeaker. This luncheon is in the hospital’s PrivateDining Room, ground floor by the café, and willtake place on the third Monday of each month.Please call 681-2229 to RSVP.

Presidents DayFederal holiday. No school in many districts.

Feb. 17Breast-feeding classLearn the art of breast-feeding. Class coversbreast-feeding basics to help give moms a goodstart. From 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Pardee HealthEducation Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Sea-sons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600.Class is free; registration is not required.

Family Fun Night at WeavervilleLibraryCome to the Weaverville Library for a bedtimestory time at 6:30 p.m. Sing lullabies and read aselection of bedtime stories. Pajamas and snug-glies welcome. The library is at 41 N. Main St. Call250-6482.

Registration starts Feb. 18Play and Learn programParents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 inBuncombe County are invited to attend a series ofsix free play and learn group sessions at 10 a.m.Tuesdays, March 3-April 7, or at 10 or 11 a.m.Wednesdays, March 4-April 8. The sessionsinclude pre-literacy activities including songs,fingerplays, puppets, movement, and instruments.Adults receive free information each week oneducational activities to do at home with children.Each 45-minute session will be in the FamilyResource Center at Asheville City Schools Pre-school, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville. Forinformation, call Marna Holland at 255-5423.Attendance is required at four of the six sessions.Registration is required by e-mail ([email protected]) or phone. New partici-pants may register Feb. 18. Returning participantsmay register Feb. 25.

Starts Feb. 18Tiny Tykes music classLearn while singing, playing, keeping a beat andplaying simple instruments. Classes at EastAsheville Community Center run 10-10:45 a.m.Wednesdays through March 11 and are taught byCathy Riley, professional instructor who special-izes in work with preschool-age children. Cost is$36 per session. The center is at 906 TunnelRoad. For registration information, call JessicaJohnston at 251-4041.

Feb. 18Drumming with Terry EdgertonJoin Asheville drummer Terry Edgerton at 6 p.m.at the Swannanoa Library for an evening of musicwith lots of audience participation. This freeprogram is for children and adults of all ages andis sponsored by the Friends of the SwannanoaLibrary. The library is at 101 W. Charleston St. Call250-6486 for information.

Feb. 18-19‘Into the Woods’A fractured fairy tale from James Lapine and

Stephen Sondheim at the Diana Wortham Theat-re. All proceeds from this event will go toward theAsheville Arts Center scholarship fund. Perform-ances at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25/adult, $19/student and are available at Diana Wortham boxoffice at 257-4530 or the Asheville Arts Center,308 Merrimon Ave., 253-4000.

Feb. 19Colburn Museum home-schoolprogramThe Colburn Earth Science Museum at Pack Placeis offering a course called “Circling the Sun” forstudents in first to third grades. Class runs 2:30-3:30 p.m. Minimum class size is 6 students. Costis $5.50 per child per class, and prepayment isrequired. To register or for information, call 254-7162.

PajamapaloozaPut on your pajamas and come to the East Ashe-ville Branch Library for an evening of bedtimestories, songs and fun. Ideal for ages 3-6, but allages welcome. At 6:30 p.m. Snacks will beprovided. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road.

Feb. 21‘Cinderella’The world renowned Russian National BalletTheatre performs one of the most famous andbest loved classical ballets to Prokofiev’s richscore with a company of more than 50 dancers,presented by Asheville Bravo Concerts at ThomasWolfe Auditorium. Students receive half-priceseating. For priority seating and discounts, sea-son subscriptions are available by calling 225-5887. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.

Drama improv workshop(intermediate level)If you know you already love drama improv, join insome serious fun. Take your drama improv skillsto the next level through small group improvchallenges and one-on-one coaching. Increaseyour self-confidence and dramatic flare. Runs 10a.m.-noon for 8- 10-year-olds and 12:30–2:30p.m. for 11- to 13-year olds. At Spark CreativeWellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit

sparkcreativewellness.com or call Jessica Chiltonat 301-5172 for more information.

FAFSA DayCollege financial aid officers and other financialaid specialists will assist students in the comple-tion and electronic submission of their FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid forms. Theprogram is open to individuals who plan to attendcollege in the 2009-10 academic year. UNCAsheville, McDowell Technical Community Collegeand Southwestern Community College are thearea hosts for FAFSA Day, with all events runningfrom 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, visitcfnc.org and click on “Register for CFNC Events.”

Festival of KnowledgeEnter a display in the WNC Nature Center’s Festi-val of Knowledge. Displays can be created inthree categories: build a bug, cultural science andnatural science. Posters, displays and three-dimensional creations will be judged for informa-tion, creativity and workmanship. Participants willbe interviewed by judges for knowledge of contentof their project. Prizes will be awarded. Obtain anapplication for your entry by calling 298-5600,ext. 305. For details, visit wildwnc.org. Event runs10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Nature Center is at 75 GashesCreek Road, East Asheville.

Pajama HavdalahHavdalah is the Jewish tradition marking the endof each Shabbat at sunset on Saturday night.Come say goodbye to Shabbat at the JCC in yourPJs. Enjoy fun activities, and of course, cookiesand milk at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for JCC members,$15 for community. RSVP to Natalie Kramer at253-0701, ext. 108 or [email protected] center is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville.

Teen Writing CircleStrengthen your writing muscles with games,writing exercises, and feedback on your storiesand poems from other teens. Bring a poem, story,or other piece of writing to share with a group ofteen writers at the East Asheville Branch Library.From 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Ages 11-18. Snacksprovided. Call 250-4738 for information. Thelibrary is at 902 Tunnel Road.

Feb. 22Mardi Gras eventShort Street Cakes will celebrate its new shop’sopening at 225 Haywood Road, West Asheville,with a celebration for Mardi Gras from 10 a.m.-4p.m. Festivities will include Mardi Gras beads, livemusic, a cake raffle, the launching of a new menuand cake flavor.

Feb. 23Meditation techniques forparentsFree informational meeting about an upcomingmeditation course offering basic meditationinstruction for those new to meditation or whohave tried to meditate but were unsuccessful.Facilitated by parent educator and publishedauthor, 7 p.m. in Asheville. Please call or [email protected] for directions. Coursebegins March 2, weekly for 12 weeks. Attendanceis flexible. More information at sarahwood.com/circle.htm or call 242-0680.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTThe Russian National Ballet Theatre performs “Cinderella,” with a company of more than 50dancers, presented by Asheville Bravo Concerts at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, on Feb. 21.




Feb. 24Hendersonville Christian Schoolopen houseHendersonville Christian School, 708 Old Spar-tanburg Road, will host an open house informa-tion session at 6:30 p.m. Interested families areinvited to tour the newly renovated campus, meetteachers and hear from Headmaster Greg Mosely.For information, call 692-0556 or visit hen-dersonvillechristianschool.org.

Pardee parenting classesClasses at Pardee Health Education Center inBlue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hen-dersonville. Call 692-4600 for information.

Classes are free. Registration is not required.◆ Infant care class: Learn the basics of infantcare, 6:30-8 p.m.◆ Prime-time with a pediatrician: Learn from alocal pediatrician what to expect with a newbornin your home, 8-9 p.m.

Feb. 25Breast-feeding and Calming aFussy Baby classA fun interactive class that teaches tips and tricksto feed and calm and soothe your sweet baby.Don’t just prepare for labor — prepare for a new-born. Class runs 6-9 p.m. and is taught by HollyMason, RN, at the Women’s Wellness and Educa-tion Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Cost is$25. For information or registration call 250-

0226.

Breast-feeding Basics classPark Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville offers acourse on the basics of breast-feeding, 7-9 p.m.Held in the hospital’s Duke Room. Call SheriGregg at 681-2229 for information or to register.

Stamping classBuncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recrea-tion Services offers an advanced rubber stampingand design class, 9:30-11 a.m. The class exploresstamping to design cards, stationery and manyother crafty ideas. Chose from hundreds of spe-cial designed rubber stamps and ink colors sothat your design is complete in your own way.Register by Feb. 20. Cost is $15 per person. Atcounty offices, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville. Forinformation contact Grace Young at 250-4265.

Feb. 26School-age reading clubThe Weaverville Library has added a book club forschool age kids that will meet the fourth Wednes-day of every month at 4 p.m. Celebrate AbrahamLincoln’s bicentennial birthday with some funactivities and a craft. For more information, call250-6482 or email [email protected]. The library is at 41 N. Main St.

Feb. 28TOPSoccer coach trainingAsheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association willoffer its second season of TOPSoccer, a commun-ity-based soccer program for young athletes withspecial needs. A training course for those in-terested in coaching will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the

gym at Asheville School in West Asheville. Theprogram will run for seven-eight Sundays startingin mid-March. Each player receives a uniform andparticipation award at the end of the season. Toregister for the coach training, visit https://www.youthleaguesusa.com/ncysa/2008/school/cgi-bin/directory.cgi. For information about the


SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTAsheville-Buncombe Youth Soccer Associa-tion offers the TOPSoccer program for ath-letes with special needs. Coach training forthe league is Feb. 28.



program, contact Shane Weems at 299-7277,ext. 304, e-mail [email protected] or visit aby-sa.org/TOPSoccer.shtml

Starts Feb. 28Super SaturdaysGifted, creative and motivated third- througheighth-graders can super-size their Saturdaymornings at UNC Asheville. The university’s six-week enrichment program runs Feb. 28-April 4.Students may choose one or two courses persession from a diverse offering of nearly 30classes. Courses meet 9-10:20 and 10:30-11:50a.m. Cost is $65 per course. For information, visitunca.edu/oaci/supersaturday or call 251-6558.

March 1Camp Ruach previewKids (and parents) are invited to a special CampRuach Day to enjoy some favorite Camp Ruachactivities from 12:30-3 p.m. at the Jewish Com-munity Center of Asheville, 236 Charlotte St. Gettogether with camp buddies to sing along duringafternoon ruach, enjoy arts and crafts, games andmore. Children younger than 12 must be accom-panied by an adult. The event is free and open tothe public. Contact Seth Kellam for more informa-tion at 253-0701, ext. 107, or email [email protected].

Starts March 4Empowered Birthing childbirtheducation classesFour interactive classes on Wednesday eveningsfocus on natural childbirth, positions for comfort,and hands-on massage techniques for labor.VBACs welcome. Class are at the Women’s Well-ness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St.,Asheville. Cost is $175 for the series taught byTrish Beckman, CNM, and Laura Beagle, LMBTand CD. For information or registration call 231-9227.

March 4-6‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’school performanceDiana Wortham Theatre presents a new produc-tion of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Full of ac-tion, music, magic tricks and well-integratedaudience participation, this play is a hit withstudents and teachers. Recommended for kin-dergarten through fifth grade. Showtime is 10a.m. Cost is $6. Teachers and bus drivers are freewith groups of 10 or more. The Y.E.S. Fund pro-vides need-based scholarships to cover the costof admission for students and schools; limitedscholarships available by application for studentson free or reduced lunch programs. For informa-tion and reservations, contact Rae Geoffrey at257-4544, ext. 307. For information, visitdwtheatre.org and clicking on the Teacher’s Pagelink.

Starts March 7Tots On Toes dance workshopIntroduce your child to the art of dance. Winterworkshop classes are four consecutive Saturdaymornings, starting March 7. Mommy and Meclass (ages 2-3) is 10:30-11 a.m. Preschool balletclass (ages 3-5) is 11-11:45 a.m. Elementarygrades ballet and tap combo class is 11:45a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for the entire four-week workshop. Classes are held at the Stoney

Mountain Activity Center in Henderson County.Tots on Toes is a partnership with HendersonCounty Parks and Recreation. For more informa-tion and to register, contact Dory Jones at 684-9201 or [email protected] or visit TotsOn-Toes.com.

March 8Daylight Saving Time beginsSet clocks ahead by one hour.

Purim CarnivalPurim is one of the most joyous and fun holidaysin the Jewish tradition. Enjoy loads of Purim fun atthe Jewish Community Center’s annual PurimCarnival, including games, bounce house, cottoncandy, cake walk, wine tasting for adults 21 andolder, and more. Costumes welcome. Runs12:30-3 p.m. Admission is free; tickets must bepurchased for food and attractions. For informa-tion, contact Natalie Kramer at 253-0701, ext.108, or [email protected].

March 13-29‘Narnia’Asheville Community Theatre presents a musicalbased on C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch and theWardrobe.” Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at$12. For information and tickets, visit ashe-villetheatre.org.

March 14-18Munchkin MarketConsignment sale at Biltmore Square Mall. Itemdrop-off is March 7-10. Public sale is March14-18. For details, visit munchkinmarket.com.

March 27-29Postpartum doula trainingHave you always wanted to work with new fami-lies? Maybe your dreams can be fulfilled bybecoming a postpartum doula. A DONA-approvedPostpartum Doula Workshop runs 8:30 a.m.-6:30p.m. for three days at the Women’s Resource

Center behind Mission Hospital. A free Breast-feeding Training (a required pre-requisite) will beoffered 5:30-9 p.m. March 26. The early regis-tration fee of $390 (for the 27-hour course) endsFeb. 28; cost is $450 after that date if space isstill available. For more information and/or toregister, visit peacefulbeginning.org or call CherylOrengo at 258-3327.

OngoingSpiralScoutsBlack Bear Circle No. 182 of SpiralScouts meetsthe second and fourth Mondays of each month at6 p.m. at Montford Community Center. Spiral-Scouts is an Earth-based scouting program forboys and girls, ages 3-18. For more information,e-mail [email protected].

Creative arts preschoolRegistration is ongoing for the new creative artspreschool at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merri-mon Ave. For more information, call 253-4000 orvisit ashevilleartscenter.com

Suzuki violin lessonsEnrollment is open for Suzuki violin students ages3 through adult, for beginners through advanced-intermediate levels. Call Holly Thistle at 545-8673 for information about the program or theSuzuki method.

Home-school bowling leagueTarheel Lanes offers a league open to all WNChomeschoolers at 1:30 p.m. Fridays. Bowl twogames with shoes for $7 per week in a 12-weeksession. All ages welcome. Trophies and a partywhen the league ends. Call 692-5039.

Drop-in art classesA “drop-in” art class is held 4-6 p.m. Tuesdaysand Thursdays at The Rainbow Well Center inNorth Asheville. A professional artist and child arttherapist are on-hand to inspire creative expres-sion. For more information, visit therainbow-well.com or call 505-0383.

Come Play with Us playgroupVisit East Asheville Community Center from 10a.m.-noon each Friday for free playgroup. Meetnew moms and babies, make new friends andhave fun. The center is at 906 Tunnel Road. Formore information, contact Jessica Johnston at251-4041. Adult participation required.

Zeugner Center swimmingOpen swim for all ages, 1-5 p.m. Sundays at TheZeugner Center in Skyland, next to Roberson HighSchool. Adult lap swim is 8:30-10:30 a.m. Mon-days, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 8:30-10 a.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult water aerobics is10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 684-5072 for more information.

Jewish Community Center events◆ Tot Shabbat with Penny White: 10 a.m. Fri-days. Join with friends to sing songs and celebratethe beginning and end of a beautiful Shabbat. Allare welcome. Children not enrolled in ShalomChildren’s Center or Just Kids must be accompa-nied by an adult.◆ Tot Shabbat playgroup: 11 a.m. Fridays. Joinan after-Shabbat playgroup for children notenrolled in Shalom Children’s Center. Meetsfollowing Tot Shabbat. Challah and juice will beprovided along with a special art project or groupgame. For details, contact Erin Fendler at 505-2697 or Caroline Martin at 253-0701, ext. 109.◆ Jewish Family Services case managementand mental health counseling: Families canreceive help through Jewish Family Services,including short term mental health counselingand assistance with referrals to community serv-ices and agencies for help in crisis situations.

Financial assistance is available on a limitedbasis, along with a sliding fee scale. No one willbe turned away due to inability to pay. ContactMigs Halpern at 253-0701, ext. 140, or [email protected] for assistance, or call the JFS Confi-dential Direct Line at 253-2900.

Kindermusik classesSpring registration is now open for children agesnewborn-7. Four unique curricula promote creativ-ity, listening skills, self-esteem, problem solving,vision and focus, language and literacy, hand-eyecoordination, emotional and social skills, balanceand coordination — all while providing an in-troduction to music. Call area licensed educators:Lora Scott (Biltmore Village, 649-2320, allsoul-scathedral.org/music-choirs/kindermusik); BethMagill (downtown, 298-9350, magills.net); PattyLee Book/Yvette Odell (North and South Ashe-ville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com); DebraHuff (Madison County, 206-3145 or 689-1128);Sonja Gorsline (Brevard, 883-8538).

Joyful Noise classesJoyful Noise Community Music and Arts Center isenrolling students for private lessons and groupclasses. For information, visit brioconcertser-ies.org/joyfulnoise.html or e-mail [email protected]. For private lessons, contactdirector Gina Caldwell at 649-2828 or [email protected]. Class offeringsinclude:◆ Dance classes: Clogging at beginner andintermediate levels for children and adults andIrish/clogging for kids. $10 per class. Runsthrough May. At First Presbyterian Church inWeaverville. Contact Heidi Kulas, 319-7202,[email protected]◆ Appalachian ballad singing and old-timerhythm guitar and bass classes ($10 each), andAppalachian slow jam each Monday, 6-7 p.m.that is open to the public ($5 each week). At FirstPresbyterian Church in Weaverville. Contact CaryFridley, 337-6467 or [email protected].◆ Hand quilting: Complete at 32-inch squaresampler. Cost is $12 per class, not includingsupplies. E-mail [email protected] information.◆ Musial Mornings with Mommy and Me: Afive-week course with music, movement and funexploring the habitats around the world. Cost is$65 for five weeks, $25 for additional siblings.For ages 2-4. Begins late January. Contact Cyn-thia Roop at [email protected] or 319-7077. AtWeaverville United Methodist Church.

Weaving loom exhibitHands On! A Child’s Gallery has opened a newweaving loom exhibit in its log cabin, a project incollaboration with Ann Mullican and Ruth Howe,members of Heritage Weavers. Choose from avariety of fabric, yarn, and even paper, and with asimple over-and-under method, weave the materi-als into a tapestry. Hands On! is at 318 N. MainSt. in downtown Hendersonville. For more infor-mation, call 697-8333 or visit handsonwnc.org.

Asheville Music SchoolThe Asheville Music School is now enrolling newstudents for the new year. Private lessons, allinstruments, ages and voice ranges. Group guitarto violin classes also available. Call 252-6244 orvisit ashevillemusic.org.

Swimming lessonsLearn to swim at the YWCA of Asheville. Red Crosscertified swim lessons are now in session and canbe joined at any point in the session. Classes areoffered for babies, preschoolers, youth, teens andadults. Call 254-7206, ext. 110, for more infor-mation or sign up at the YWCA, 185 S. FrenchBroad Ave. Visit ywcaofasheville.org.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENTHands On! A Children’s Gallery has a newloom exhibit.



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