April WNC Parent 2012 by Stacey

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W N C PA R E N T. C O M

contents This month’s features 5

Get moving

Stretch out

Accommodating allergies

We give you 10 ideas for active family fun.

Yoga isn’t just for adults.

Schools work with students to keep allergens away.

13 16

Going gluten-free

What is gluten and who shouldn’t eat it? We find out.

Natural remedies

Camp Guide

Last-minute additions to our annual Camp Guide.

Parents turn to complementary and alternative therapies for kids.

Teen stress

Go global

Easter events

Put an international twist on dinner to introduce new foods.

Help young adults avoid overscheduling and the stress that comes with it. A list of what’s going on in Asheville for families to celebrate Easter.

In every issue

On the cover

Kids’ Voices........................26

Kayla Sampayan, by Amanda Prince Photography, www.aprincephoto.com

Story Times ........................37

Keeping kids moving Katie Wadington,editor I’ve determined there are two kinds of middle-schoolers: those who don’t mind sweating and those who do. My middle-schooler falls into the latter category. She can entertain herself for hours doing projects or crafts or, especially, with her Nook or in front of the television. But ask her to go outside and “blow the stink off,” as my dad used to say, and she’ll deliver a firm “No, thank you.” Keeping kids — or families — active can be hard. The key, I think, is to have so much fun that kids don’t realize they’re getting exercise. For instance, go geocaching or spend some time in the garden. For other ideas, see our story on Page 5. Yoga is one way to sneak in some active fun for kids. Learn more about the benefits of yoga and where to get started on Page 7. Yoga is also one of the therapies that parents are using as they turn more and more to complementary and alternative medicines. Asheville families follow, if not lead, a nationwide trend toward more natural remedies. The story on Page 16 takes a look at the trend. There are so many great stories in this issue, it is hard not to mention all of them. Find out about how the public schools handle students with allergies on Page 10. Get tips on helping your teenager deal with the stresses of being overscheduled on Page 35. And get the skinny on Pinterest on Page 56. Our annual Camp Guide appeared in the February and March issues, and we have some last-minute additions listed on Page 23. But remember that as you look for summer camps, you can peruse the guide anytime at www.WNCParent.com. And April is the last month to vote in the magazine’s annual Family Choice Awards. Polls close April 30, and results will appear in the June issue. Show your favorite local businesses some love! You’ll find a link to the survey at our website and at CITIZEN-TIMES.com.

Home-School Happenings ...38 Growing Together ..............39 Librarian’s Picks..................42 Divorced Families ...............44 Nature Center Notes ...........45 Artist's Muse......................46 F.E.A.S.T..............................48 Kids Page ...........................65 Puzzles ..............................66 Calendar ............................71

.com Are you a member? Join the conversation, post photos and connect with other parents at WNCParent.com. Look for WNC Parent on Facebook and Twitter.

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 | www.wncparent.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer WNC PARENT EDITOR Katie Wadington — 232-5829 kwadington@citizen-times.com

FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Tim (Bo) Head — 232-5860, thead@gannett.com CALENDAR CONTENT Due by April 10. E-mail calendar@wncparent.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE Advertising deadline for the May issue is April 17.

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GET MOVING

Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures offers tours for children 10 and older. JOHN FLETCHER/JFLETCHER@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

IDEAS FOR ACTIVE FAMILY FUN By Pam J. Hecht, WNC Parent contributor

For Terri Zimmerman March, being active together has helped her family stay close. “Promoting an active lifestyle leads to long-term health benefits,” says March, community health specialist for Buncombe County’s Department of Health. She and her son, now 17, have always enjoyed hiking, biking and camping, she says. Keep a list on the refrigerator of favorite fun activities, so that you don’t waste time trying to figure out what to do, March says, and stow a bag of things like Frisbees and balls in your car. She also suggests visiting Buncombe County’s Healthy Living Opportunities map to find active options (find it at www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/health/hln.aspx). Here are 10 simple ways — all nearby — to get moving for a family on the go:

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The thrill of the hunt

Go on a modern-day treasure hunt. Use a GPS to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, filled with small toys and trinkets (bring along your own stash of goodies to replace what you take) and a log book to record your visit. Register at www.geocaching.com to find nearby sites — they can be discovered in parks, neighborhoods, along Continues on Page 6

GET MOVING

Lily Peterson, left, and Lily Clarke work in the gardens at the Lord’s Acre in Fairview. One way to get some activity outdoors is by gardening, either at home or in a community plot. SPECIAL TO

Continued from Page 5

trails and at places like the N.C. Arboretum (which lets visitors borrow geocaching kits for free).

Zip through the air

Fly free, wind flowing through your hair, on a zipline. Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures (www.ashevilleziplinecanopyadventures.com) offers a scenic ride for those 10 and older, and it’s only a mile from downtown Asheville. Practice and get comfortable on an introductory section before going on the full, 2.5-hour tour. The course has exit points throughout, in case anyone calls it quits early.

Fun on wheels

WNC PARENT

rentals and trips are also available, as well as rental bikes for nearby trails, gem mining and a small playground.

Grab your road or mountain bike (or rent one from the nearest bike shop), find a park, forest or sidewalk trail and go. Family-friendly mountain biking can be found along gravel, mulch or dirt trails at places like the N.C. Arboretum, Lake Powhatan Recreational Area and in the adjacent Bent Creek Experimental Forest just west of Asheville. Austin Parsons, of Sycamore Bikes in Hendersonville, also recommends Alexander Park in North Asheville and trails in the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest. For road biking, check out Carrier Park in Asheville, Jackson Park in Hendersonville or Fletcher Community Park.

Tee up on a kid-friendly course

Get dirty in the garden

All you need is a Frisbee at a disc golf course, many of which are located at city and county parks. It’s a relatively new sport that’s growing in popularity and easy for the whole family, says Jamie Sharp, Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Department. For more information and to find a place to play, go to wncdiscgolf.com, buncombecounty.org/ parks, or ashevillenc.gov/parks.

Work together on your own family garden or help out with one of the growing numbers of community and school gardens. Try the Lord’s Acre community garden in Fairview (www.thelordsacre.org/wp/ newsletter) or the Burton Street Community Peace Garden in West Asheville (songuvlife@bellsouth.net or call 301-0166). To find a garden near you, visit www.bountifulcitiesproject.org (or search for Bountiful Cities on Facebook) or contact your nearest cooperative extension center.

Easy river riding

Jump into a tube and splash down the French Broad River at the Asheville Outdoor Center (www.ashevilleoutdoorcenter.com). It’s a short, easy trip for kids as young as 3. Canoe, kayak, paddleboard and rafting

An old stand-by, miniature golfing is a popular pastime for all ages. Try Tropical Gardens Mini Golf in West Asheville (www.tropicalgardensminigolf.com) or Outdoor Family Fun Center in Hendersonville (www.outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com), which has a driving range as well. And both also offer batting cages for kids. Boyd Park (www.cityofhendersonville.org) offers free miniature golf, reopening in May.

Disc golfing: A different sort of green

Climb every mountain

Or, start out slow and easy at Climbmax’s indoor/outdoor facility in downtown Asheville (www.climbmaxnc.com). Climbmax also provides trips for outdoor climbing on the real thing. Everyone in the family can climb, at all levels and including kids as young as 2, day and night.

Hike and learn

Bring a list of things you may find and turn a hike into a photo scavenger hunt by

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taking photos of each item, says Kris Kaufman, YMCA healthy living director. Identify birds at Owen Park in Swannanoa, part of the North Carolina Birding Trail — the trail connects to the Warren Wilson College trails and there are “birds galore,” especially in the early morning or evening, says Sharp. Besides hiking trails , consider taking a walk around downtown on the Urban Trail to hunt for historical landmarks. Get a map at www.ashevillenc.gov. Or register at www.kidsinparks.com to find kidfriendly hikes, which offers prizes.

Not just for shopping

Keep your heart pumping with a brisk, indoor walk at the mall. The total distance, including around the main drag, alcoves and food court, is 1.1 miles at the Asheville Mall and 0.7 miles at the Biltmore Square Mall. Challenge each other to a race or work together to break the family’s best time around the place.

Hit the pavement

Lace up those athletic shoes and train a charity walk or run. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s “Run for the Paws” 5K run/1-mile walk is April 22. Get ready through a training program on Monday and Wednesday evenings through April 18. For details, email bethwissinger@hotmail.com or register at www.bwar.org. Also this month, Asheville’s Jewish Community Center is hosting its annual Falafel 5K with a kids fun run on April 29. Visit www.jcc-asheville.org. For a list of outdoor opportunities, see Page 58. Pam J. Hecht is a freelance writer, editor and instructor in Asheville. E-mail her at pamjh8@gmail.com.

YOUNG

YOGIS

Scarlet Davalos, 5, balances a Beanie Baby on her head during a yoga class with JaneAnne Tager. BILL SANDERS/WSANDERS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

Children gain focus, self-esteem from practicing yoga By Betty Lynne Leary WNC Parent contributor

“I did it!” the boy screamed. “Did you see me? I really did it!” The entire class of young yoga students cheered and clapped for the 8-year-old. He had been taking yoga for about two years but had never been able to touch his toes. Yet, on that day, with a clear mind, a deep breath and just enough flexibility, he could feel his toes beneath his fingertips. “That’s what yoga is all about,” says JaneAnne Tager, of Pretzel Kids Yoga, recalling the moment. “Giving kids a sense of self-esteem and confidence. We were all so proud of him.” Tager, who has been teaching yoga to Continues on Page 8

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William Ehrsam lifts up 7-year-old Liam Ehrsam during a yoga class at the Downtown YMCA. BILL SANDERS/WSANDERS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

YOUNG YOGIS Continued from Page 7

children for 14 years, says the sense of accomplishment kids get in a yoga class often gives them enough confidence to try other forms of exercise. Tager came into the kids’ yoga movement when her young daughter was diagnosed with asthma. “I started doing research and discovered that yoga and the breathing techniques associated with it could help kids with asthma,” she explains. She launched her practice, and today she teaches afterschool programs at two elementary schools, a teen/tween class at the Asheville Yoga Center, and family classes where parents and kids practice together. “It’s very creative, and we celebrate

what each kid can do,” Tager says. “They learn where the body is in space, and, because they have a defined area to practice in, they learn to respect personal boundaries.” In Black Mountain, Martia Rachman, owner of Black Mountain Yoga, is seeing more kids turning to yoga. “We live in a stagnant culture, and our kids are so detached right now what with little outdoor activity and lots of video games,” Rachman says. “Parents are waking up to that and are getting more educated. Parents want their child to be able to focus and connect to themselves.” Rachman notes that kids who practice yoga, especially those with attention disorders, become more centered. “Yoga helps calm the mind and the nervous system, which helps kids focus,” she notes.

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Laura Alonso taught her first yoga class for kids in 1989, a time when few others were teaching to youngsters. Alonso uses playful approaches to yoga such as imitating animals, creating cooperative games and listening to music. “Yoga provides children with an opportunity to explore their creative potential,” Alonso says. “It’s an educational activity that exercises the body, opens the heart and mind and reminds us of our connection with all that surrounds us.” In addition to learning about healthy habits and relaxation techniques, kids develop strength, flexibility, concentration and explore their imaginations. “With yoga, children discover a sense of awareness and respect for the world around them,” Alonso notes. “They learn to relax and how to meet new challenges while cultivating their self-esteem.”

YOGA INSTRUCTORS FOR KIDS » JaneAnne Tager, www.PretzelKidsYoga.com » Martia Rachman, www.BlackMountain Yoga.com » Laura Alonso, yoga@ thespaceinside.com » Danielle Goldstein, www.LightenUpYoga.com In addition to classes taught at private studios, the YMCA offers the following:

Yoga instructor JaneAnne Tager shows students how to balance on their hands. BILL SANDERS/WSANDERS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM According to Cody Hughey, a yoga instructor with more than 10 years of experience, it’s never too early to start learning yoga. “Babies are natural yogis,” she says, using the term for people who practice yoga. “The general rule is the younger they are, the slower you move with them,

» Asheville YMCA of WNC, 210-9622 4-4:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Family Yoga (open to all participants) 3:30–4:15 p.m. Thursdays, Kids Only Yoga (specifically for children), designed for children 3- to 8-year-olds. » Woodfin YMCA of WNC, 505-3900 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Family Yoga.

but as always, you follow the baby’s cues.” Hughey has taught Mom/Baby yoga, Parent/Tot yoga and classes for 4- to 9-yearolds. “It’s important to realize that yoga is taught very differently with children,” she explains, “and it’s more about moving and having fun than achieving poses or still-

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ness.” Danielle Goldstein’s kids grew up watching mom do yoga and started imitating her movements as they developed coordination. Goldstein teaches a yoga class at Friends of Mine Preschool and says kids can improve their strength, balance and coordination through practicing yoga. “Kids can find a sense of calm and learn to pause and relax,” Goldstein says. “The greatest benefit I think is that it introduces them to a beneficial practice they can come back to later in life.” Instead of working on specific alignment with the kids, Goldstein instead focuses on breathing and the love of movement. “We make a lot of animal noises when we are in the poses,” she says. “Sometimes we get real silly and laugh a lot too.” Five-year-old Maia Mazurek attends Goldstein’s class each week; she’s been practicing yoga since she was a toddler. “She was doing the downward facing dog when she was 1,” Maia’s mom, Renee Mazurek, says, “and not because I taught her, but because she watched me.” If Mazurek gets her mat out to practice, Maia often gets her own mat to join her. “These times are so special to me,” Mazurek relates. “It is easy for an adult to take yoga very seriously. Maia reminds me how fun it is.” She adds that Goldstein’s class at preschool has taught her many fun activities to do with the yoga poses, and it’s a great way to relax when Maia really needs it. “I feel that at her emotional age of 5,” Mazurek says, “having the opportunity to learn yoga has set the foundation for breath awareness, body awareness and a healthy lifestyle.”

Adapting to

allergies School systems work with food-sensitive students

By Paul Clark WNC Parent contributor

manda Silverman has become a good label reader. When she’s preparing snacks for kids at the after-school program at Isaac Dickson Elementary, she makes sure the snacks are nut-free to follow the program’s guidelines. It’s surprising how many students are allergic or sensitive to foods such as peanuts, wheat, dairy and citrus, said nutritionists with the Asheville and Buncombe County school systems. Both have gone so far as to designate certain schools and classrooms as tree nut-free. They (and all public schools in the country) are required to provide nutritional substitutes for school-provided foods that some children can’t eat. And for good reason — food allergies can result in severe, life-threatening reactions. At the very least, they can produce uncomfortable consequences. In 2007, about 3 million children younger than 18 were reported to have had a food or digestive allergy in the previous 12 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s nearly 4 percent of all children under 18. From 1997-2007, the prevalence of reported food allergies increased 18 percent among that population. In Buncombe County Schools, a dozen schools are nut-free, meaning no items

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Noah Spence, 12, of Clive, Iowa, is given 10 peanut M&Ms by Dr. Whitney Molis at the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Noah has been allergic to peanuts since age 2. He is now working up to 10 peanut M&Ms without an allergic reaction. Molis administers doses of allergen to kids as part of desensitization treatment. RODNEY WHITE/GANNETT

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM DESENSITIZES KIDS TO PEANUTS USA TODAY

DES MOINES, Iowa — A desensitization program is allowing a seventhgrader to live without fear of a potentially fatal reaction from peanuts, and doctors hope other families across the country eventually will benefit. The program introduces microscopic doses of the allergy-causing food to a patient. The body slowly builds tolerance. For patients with peanut allergies, the first doses are peanut flour mixed into Kool-Aid. “This is very exciting because this is the first time we’ve had anything to actively treat these patients with, vs. just avoidance,” says physician Whitney Molis of Pediatric & Adult Allergy in Des Moines. The first graduate of Molis’ food desensitization program, Kirsten Mahoney of Urbandale, Iowa, is able to eat the equivalent of 12 peanuts twice a day with no allergic reaction. About 5.9 million kids have food allergies; 1.2 percent of kids have peanut allergies. Kirsten was an ideal candidate, Molis says: old enough that she wasn’t going to outgrow the allergy (about 20 percent do) and mature enough to tell doctors what she was feeling. Her family was willing to try treatment that was still experimental. Kirsten began the program last May. Her first dose was the equivalent of 1/250,000th of a peanut, Molis estimated. As doses increased, spaced about 12 hours apart, peanut flour was mixed with pudding. Eventually, she ate peanut M&Ms, then peanut butter. The program typically takes about five months. Kirsten still takes twice-daily doses of peanuts, usually in the form of chocolate-flavored peanut butter or peanut M&Ms, to maintain her body’s tolerance.

are served that contain nuts or nut oils. The school system asks parents of all students at those schools to avoid sending peanuts or peanut butter products when Continues on Page 12

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Adapting to allergies Continued from Page 11

packing lunches or sending snacks. But parents of students at the system’s other schools aren’t asked to leave the nuts at home, even though their children’s friends may be sensitive to them, said Amy Hamrick, child nutrition supervisor for Buncombe County Schools. “If you have 500 students, it’s difficult to tell everyone you can’t send a peanut and jelly sandwich” to school, she said. The decision of whether to be nut-free rests with each school’s principal. The same is true with Asheville City Schools. The city system, with more than 4,100 students, doesn’t keep records of the number of children with food or digestive allergies, said Beth Palien, its child nutrition director. But by USDA regulations, it and all public schools are required to offer lunch alternatives for students whose parents have filled out a medical statement that has been signed by a doctor. The alternatives might include pureeing food for a child who has a hard time swallowing. Vance Elementary School and Asheville City Preschool are peanut-free, Palien said.

At Asheville Middle School, peanut products may be allowed on field trips or during summer school, she said. It’s easier to serve students who are lactose intolerant because those children can simply avoid drinking milk and can bring their lunch on days when pizza or macaroni and cheese are offered. “Usually lactoseintolerant kids can tolerate a little bit of milk products,” Palien added. Parents of food-sensitive children can check the Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools websites each week to find out if they should pack their child’s lunch to avoid a meal that offers something that isn’t good for the student. The Buncombe County system has seen an increase in celiac disease, which requires a gluten-free diet, Hamrick said. On days in which hamburgers are served, cafeteria managers may have to send someone to go to the grocery store for gluten-free buns (which are much more common than they were just a couple of years ago). The school system bears the cost of the additional expense, she said. “School food, there is a lot of wheat and gluten in a lot of our food,” she said. “After we meet with a student and/or their parents, we get a menu together and we look at when we’re having the offending foods, so that we can go to the supermarket to supplement

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those meals. We want them to have the same kinds of food as other kids.” Those meetings are especially important if the child needs texture modification to the food she or he eats, Hamrick said. Cafeteria managers need to know the extent the modification needs to be done. “Soy, milk and wheat — you really have to sit down and plan out what you’re going to substitute because a lot of our foods contain a lot of those things, just like the foods we have at home,” Hamrick said. Isaac Dickson has classrooms that are nut-free, said Silverman, who works in the after-school program there and whose 5year-old daughter attends the school. Parents with nut-sensitive children can request their children be placed in those rooms, she said. The after-school program is nut-free. “We have children with other food allergies, and we watch what snacks we serve,” she said. The program serves healthy snacks — and fruit often — and makes sure gluten- and dairy-sensitive kids have a good substitute, such as a puffed rice snack bar. “You just have to be a label reader,” Silverman said. “And serve more whole foods like kale chips or edamame. I served kale chips last week, and I was sure they would hate them. Well, we ran out. They love edmame — they eat the soy beans right out of the pod.”

GLUTEN101 Gluten-free diets are a necessity for some families. How do you know if it is right for yours? By Scott Tiernan WNC Parent contributor

A popular adage tells us there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But what about a gluten-free lunch? Asheville mom Leslie Berry is on board. Her daughter has struggled with chronic health concerns: eczema, hair loss, and fatigue. When over-the-counter and prescription medications didn’t work, Berry researched gluten-free diets. “I quickly discovered that my daughter’s symptoms were common among those with a gluten intolerance,” she says. “We decided as a family to go coldturkey for two weeks.” As more families turn to gluten-free diets, it’s time for a primer: What is gluContinues on Page 14

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The number of gluten-free products available in stores is surging. Stores highlight them with special signage, such as this Earth Fare display. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

GLUTEN 101 Continued from Page 13

ten? Where is it found? What’s the relationship between gluten and celiac disease? And, who should be on a gluten-free diet? Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat and barley. Many cereals, pastas and breads contain gluten, which gives dough its elasticity and chewy texture. Most of us don’t think twice about our gluten consumption. However, in a small percentage of genetically predisposed people (approximately 1-2 percent), gluten triggers an autoimmune response that can inflame and damage the lining of the small intestine. This condition is known as celiac disease. Celiac disease is tricky to pin down. At first it may be mistakenly diagnosed as irritable bowl syndrome because of similar symptoms: indigestion, bloating, fatigue, skin rash and nausea. The catch: while IBS can be treated with medication, celiac can’t. People with celiac disease must avoid gluten. If they don’t they may suffer prolonged bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and belly pain, and may fail to grow appropriately in both height and weight. In very rare cases, chronic gluten ingestion can be fatal due to malabsorption. Pardee Hospital dietitian Laurie Steenwyk understands the capricious nature of celiac disease. She works with several patients who have what the University of Maryland Celiac Center refers to as non-celiac gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity. It has similar symptoms to celiac, but without the inflammation and malabsorption. Steenwyk contends that while going gluten free may help with gluten intolerance, if your child is having any of these symptoms “you should at the very least get a blood test done for celiac disease.” Dr. Joshua Bernstein, whose Asheville practice focuses on pediatrics and and internal medicine, also recommends starting with a blood test. He warns, however, that a blood test can produce a false negative or positive, and that the gold standard for celiac is an endoscopy with a biopsy. Still, Bernstein says there are no real risks to starting a child on a gluten-free diet without seeing a physician first, “as

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week of a gluten-free diet, her scalp was healthy and flake free. Coincidence or not, we’re happy to have seen some changes.” Other families must also be pleased with the results: Ac» wild rice cording to an April 2011 CNN » corn Health report, sales of gluten» buckwheat free products increased 16 per» millet cent in 2010. » amaranth Locally, Ingles stocks among » quinoa the largest number of gluten» soybeans free items of any supermarket » sunflower seeds or specialty grocery store in the Southeast — more than 1,700 — which are tagged with brown long as the child is getting and white “gluten-free” labels. enough calories.” Greenlife Grocery and Earth Dr. Ben Jackson, a SeattleFare also offer a huge selection based pediatrician, is wary of of gluten-free items; Earth gluten-free diets for children. Fare’s are prominently dis“The vast majority of chilplayed within wood-paneled dren do not have celiac disease shelving. and thus there is no reason to Popular gluten-free brands to avoid wheat gluten,” he exkeep an eye out for: Glutino, plains. “A trial by avoidance is Kinnikinnick , Rudi’s and Nanot the answer. Eliminating all ture’s Path. If you’re searching wheat, oats, rye, and barleyfor grains that are naturally containing products for a child gluten-free, go with wild rice, is no small task. This often corn, buckwheat, millet, amaleads to poor nutrition because ranth, quinoa, soybeans and of restriction.” sunflower seeds. An important note here is Local restaurants have emthat there is a growing consen- braced the trend by adding sus in the medical community gluten-free items to their menus that celiac disease represents and highlighting them for cusonly a tiny slice of the gluten tomers. Berry gives kudos to sensitivity pizza. Gluten is not Chick-fil-A for adding glutenthe easiest thing to digest, free grilled nuggets to its menu. meaning there’s probably a bit Sales of gluten-free items of gluten sensitivity in most of may also be up because gluten us. has been anecdotally So far, the results linked to autism and of Berry’s glutenADHD. Bernstein free trial have been says the link is tenpositive. uous. “Now my daugh“There are people ter doesn’t fall apart who really believe in the evenings and this, but the true data crash at bedtime,” is sparse,” he says. she says. “What has Asheville mom certainly changed, Penny Williams has a Penny Williams however, is the con9-year-old son with dition of her hair and scalp. ADHD and gluten sensitivity. For months we treated her She switched him to a glutenunusually dry, flaky scalp with free diet, which she says has a variety of shampoos, condi“seemed to help” with his digestioners, creams and foams and tive issues. She adds, however, none seemed to have any efthat she “has seen no benefits to fect. After a little more than a his attention.”

NATURALLY OCCURRING GLUTEN-FREE PRODUCTS

Michael Akers is general manager of the My Gluten Free Bread Company and executive director of My Place Inc., a shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. Shelter residents will staff the bakery. COLBY RABON/WNC PARENT PHOTO

NONPROFIT GLUTEN-FREE BAKERY AIMS TO AID TEENS By Clarke Morrison cmorrison@citizen-times.com

HENDERSONVILLE — Supporters of My Gluten Free Bread Company see a two-fold mission for the fledgling nonprofit venture. First, it will help sustain the efforts of My Place, a shelter and support agency for homeless and at-risk youths. Second, the bakery will provide a source of gluten-free breads and pastries for those who suffer from celiac disease. “The bakery is certainly a two-fold benefit to the community,” said My Place volunteer Kaye Meckley. “It’s a social enterprise. We have really high hopes for the bakery.” My Gluten Free Bakery held a grand opening last month at its location at 147 First Ave. East in Hendersonville. Michael Akers, executive director of My Place and the bakery’s manager, said he hopes to eventually hire as many as 20 young people in an apprenticeship program to give them skills in running a business. The bakery will be a wholesale distributor of gluten-free breads and pastries, which have been tested and certified by the Celiac Sprue Association. People can also preorder their baked goods and pick them up on a weekly basis, Akers said. “It allows them to have fresh-baked products custom made for them, and it allows us to keep the price lower,” he said. “You get your product, and you are investing in the community at the same time. It’s a win-win situation.” Akers said the bakery also will provide a revenue stream to support the programs of My Place, which was founded in 2009 by the Venerable Pannavati, a Buddhist nun, to help homeless and at-risk youths get on their feet. “More and more nonprofits are starting businesses to provide funding other than grants,” he said. “Grants are getting scarce. We want to provide bread and provide work for these kids.”

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Camille Cummings administers a naturopathic remedy to her daughter Olive Donochad. More parents are turning to complementary and alternative medicine, especially in Asheville. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

CONSIDERING THE

alternative

Parents turn to complementary medicine

By Paul Clark WNC Parent contributor

When Chama Woydak’s children have a stomachache or other simple malady, the Weaverville mother can often do something about it herself. Like a growing number of parents nationwide, Woydak augments the care her children get from the family physician by using complementary and alternative medicine. CAM, as it’s also known, can

lessen pain and discomfort by using any of several natural remedies. “I didn’t not want to know what to do when they got sick and (instead) have to run to the doctor’s every time,” said Woydak, who practiced natural medicine on herself before her children were born. “I wanted to be more involved in the decision-making process surrounding their health.” Increasingly, parents are interested in natural remedies, said Dr. Steven Coward,

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a naturopathic doctor at Asheville Natural Health & Homeopathy. That’s especially true in Asheville, which tends to attract people who love the outdoors and believe in the healing power of nature. The 2007 National Health Interview Survey cited by the National Institutes of Health concluded that 12 percent of the 9,000 children (younger than 18) whose families were surveyed used some form of CAM within the last 12 months. Among the most used therapies, in descending order,

DO YOUR HOMEWORK If you considering a provider of complementary and alternative medicine, ask about the practitioner’s: » Education, training and licensing. » Experience in delivering care to children. » Experience coordinating care with other health care providers

Source: National Institutes of Health

NATURAL REMEDIES » To soothe an earache: An onion poultice. Cut an onion in half, warm it in a microwave for about 20 seconds, wrap it in cheesecloth and place it on a child’s ear for 10-15 minutes. » To ease congested breathing: Steam inhalation. Warm a bowl of water, have your child bend over it, cover the bowl and his or her head with a towel to confine the steam and have your child breath deeply. » For sore throats: The saltwater gargle. Mix salt in warm water and have your child gargle with it. » To clear nasal congestion: The warm and cool treatment. Put your child’s feet in a tub of warm water, then put a cool washcloth on his or her forehead. The coolness drives the congestion away, and the heat draws it downward. Do it before bed to have them get a good night’s sleep.

Source: Dr. Eric Lewis, Lewis Family Natural Health in Asheville.

were natural products, chiropractic and osteopathic, deep breathing, yoga, homeopathic treatment, traditional healers, massage, meditation, diet-based therapies and progressive relaxation. The most common conditions in which CAM was employed were, also in descending order, back and neck pain, head or chest colds, anxiety and stress, other musculoskeletal problems, ADHD and insomnia. CAM therapies for children haven’t been studied extensively, according to the NIH. Parents should always tell their child’s care provider about any CAM treatment they’re considering for the child, the federal agency said. “You want to combine the best of both worlds,” Coward said of conventional and CAM practices. “The benefits to having the complementary part is, you address Continues on Page 18

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more root causes of an illness, so that you can reduce the need for medication. “Medicine is great if you can’t prevent an illness or get a situation under control by other means. But other things, like good nutrition, adequate sleep and homeopathic remedies to stimulate the immune system, a lot of times those things do work. And you avoid the need for antibiotics.” Woydak has a family doctor for problems outside her knowledge of herbs, homeopathy and other CAM modalities. “You’ve got to know when you’re outside your comfort zone (of treatment) or when your child is displaying signs and symptoms that are not OK,” she said. A good children’s health and wellness reference book can help. So can paying close attention to what illnesses and stresses your child is prone to, she said. The effectiveness of CAM practices has been scientifically studied far less than mainstream practices, and herbal palliatives are not regulated by the FDA. It’s also important to realize that children are

not little adults, the NIH said. Smaller doses of what may work for an adult could be detrimental to children. ‘“Natural’ does not mean ‘safe,’” the NIH says in a CAM backgrounder. “CAM therapies can have side effects, and these may be different in children than in adults.” That said, there are many benefits. Yoga and guided imagery can help calm and “center” children without prescription drugs. Reiki, a spiritual form of energy work, is said to reduce stress and aid relaxation. The antibacterial properties of onions and garlic help with ear infections, a common childhood malady. Teaching children to sit quietly when stressed or to sip a cup of ginger tea when their stomachs are upset can bring relief. Many private health insurance companies have added coverage for CAM modalities such as chiropractic and acupuncture. As a result, the number of naturopathic clinics and private practices has increased nationwide. Asheville, which has one of the state’s largest medical communities, has a vibrant alternative medicine scene. “Whether we’re talking about nutritional supplement, diets, healthy lifestyles, there are a number of natural remedies,”

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said Dr. Eric Lewis a naturopathic physician for men, women and children at Lewis Family Natural Health in Asheville. In instances where conventional doctors might not want to prescribe an antibiotic for something that’s causing a lowgrade fever, a naturopathic doctor can suggest something to bring it down, Lewis said. Children who have colds, ear infections or the flu on a regular basis are those who will benefit from complementary care, he said. “Job No. 1 is to find what the underlying cause is,” Lewis said. “The naturopath looks at health care from a holistic perspective. You look at 10 different kids with allergies, runny noses, itchy eyes, and you may have 10 different reasons why they feel that way.” Because Woydak’s children know what it feels like to have their health in balance, they know what it’s like to be out of balance as well. That awareness is perhaps the most important aspect of CAM and something they’ll carry into their adult lives, their mother said. “For them to understand how they can self-diagnose when they’re not feeling well, that’s what I’m hoping to instill in them,” she said. “It’s empowering to be able to work with your family’s health.”

Tour of global foods broadens your child’s horizons By April Hall, Gannett

Most of today’s parents grew up with the classics: cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, staples that appear on most children’s menus at restaurants now. But what if you want to eat outside of the American comfort food box? A lot of adults are into ethnic cuisines, thanks to the prevalence of specialty restaurants. Is it too much to ask the little ones to take on sushi or a curry dinner when all they want is a hot dog and boxed macaroni and cheese? Some moms say no. It’s common to hear these parents say they’re not short-order cooks; there won’t be an a la carte menu at the dinner table in their homes. One meal, one family. That counts Continues on Page 20

Pork dumplings may go over well with kids. Not only could they be finger food, they’re often served with sauce. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

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Sofia Roseo enjoys a variety of fruits and even calamari as her parents prepare dinner. SUCHAT PEDERSON/GANNETT

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when they’re eating out, too. They don’t go to a Mediterranean restaurant and ask for grilled cheese. These parents started their children out early with an abundance of flavors their grandparents may have never had in their lifetime.

Introducing cultures

Amy Filliben of Newark, Del., says that when she studied in Paris during college,

she had only eaten foods traditional to her own Italian/Polish family. It was pasta, kielbasa and sauerkraut all the way. “I didn’t have sushi; it wasn’t popular when we were growing up. I didn’t even go to Taco Bell until I was in college,” she says. When she landed in France, “it was crazy and scary and so foreign to me.” She struggled to acclimate when it came to eating. When she became a mother, Filliben’s goal was to make her children comfortable with other cultures, including food, from the time they were 5. It seems to have worked, because for his birthday recently,

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5-year-old Noah requested his birthday dinner at Don Pablo’s, a Mexican-style chain restaurant. His favorite food isn’t grilled cheese, it’s a quesadilla — with hot sauce. “My little one never ate chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese,” she says. “And for him right now, it’s the spicier the better.” Filliben says she uses the experience of eating international foods as an opportunity to expose her sons to other cultures as well. With a vacation home in Celebration, Fla., near Disney World, Filliben says her

family has eaten their way through Epcot Center over and over again. Japanese, Moroccan, German fare and more are within walking distance of each other. She and her sons, Ryan, 14, Colin, 11, and Noah like to slow down and talk to the servers at the various restaurants in the different “countries” around Epcot, most of whom are visiting from overseas. As a result, the boys are not only comfortable with tastes from around the world, but engaging people who are different from themselves.

Family traditions

For Sofia Roseo, 6, a lot of her culinary exposure isn’t about new and strange customs, but instead getting closer with her family. Sofia’s parents, Candace and Nunzio Roseo, own two Italian restaurants in Delaware. Nunzio is from Monte di Procida, Italy, where a lot of his family remains. The Roseos have been vacationing there since Sofia was about 2 years old. Candace Roseo says she has used several tactics in broadening Sofia’s culinary horizons, such as including her daughter in the creation of meals. “Since Sofia was old enough, we’ve gotten her involved in cooking,” Roseo says. “That’s the thing I’ve been seeing over and over. When you get them involved, when they see how it gets to the table, they’re more interested in how it tastes. We have a garden and we get our ingredients there and then put it all together.” The Mediterranean diet, Roseo says, is about fresh foods, not as much fried as a lot of American cuisine is, especially the classic fast food. She notes that the McDonald’s in southern Italy serves a cold seafood salad. So it’s not uncommon for Sofia to have a plate of grilled octopus. Roseo chalks it up to evolution. As this generation of parents has embraced international cuisines, the next generation doesn’t even see it as something different. “How many museums did you go to compared to your children?” she says. “My daughter can use the computer, my husband can barely work a cellphone. I was on an airplane for the first time when I was in college, my daughter has already flown to Italy.”

New becomes routine

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“As a child, you eat what those are eating around you. If you serve wellbalanced, well-made meals, even if they’re different, your child will eat it,” she says. “If you don’t eat it, you don’t cook it, you don’t serve it, they won’t. If you turn up your nose to it, they won’t eat it.” Roseo says she did turn back the spice on fra diavolo sauces and curries when she first introduced those dishes to Sofia, a suggestion Sharon Collison also recommends. “One way to introduce new types of food is to do a more mild version,” says Collison, a registered dietitian in Wilmington, Del. “With a chicken curry, for my husband and me, I may use a teaspoon of hot curry. But for my kids I might use a quarter- or half-teaspoon of mild curry.” She also says new flavors and cooking styles can be incorporated in fun ways. By and large, children love to dip their food. Savory or sweet, give them a puddle of sauce and a formerly unappealing meat or fruit is far more attractive. At dinner, take advantage of the sauce option by

TRY THIS FOR A SWITCH » If your child likes hot dogs, try steamed dumplings (Japanese) — pork and/or veggies wrapped in wontons and steamed, served with a soy dipping sauce » If your child likes grilled cheese sandwiches, try quesadillas (Mexican) — cheese melted in a folded tortilla, served with salsa and sour cream » If your child likes nachos, why not try chaat (Indian) — savory snacks, based on fried dough and topped with spices and sauces with varying levels of heat » If your child likes spaghetti, why

not try chow mai fun (Chinese) — thin rice noodles, stir fried with veggies, chicken or seafood. » If your child likes chicken tenders, why not try chicken satay (Thai) — skewered grilled chicken served with a peanut dipping sauce. » If your child likes macaroni and cheese, why not try spaetzle (German) and cheese — soft egg noodles served with everything from cheese to apples.

offering a teriyaki sauce or salsa instead of the classic ketchup or mayonnaise. Cooking with unfamiliar spices not only affects the tastebuds, Collison says, but introduces children to new smells and textures that may prepare them for encounters with more unfamiliar experiences in the future. Candace Roseo agrees and says she even took some of her own advice when she was getting to know her husband’s

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Quesadillas

family in Italy, reinforcing the way she raises Sofia. “When everyone else is sitting around eating calamari or fish served with the head on, I had to adapt,” she explains, noting that she was raised with classic American convenience foods, including a lot that came from an early microwave. “I always believe that even if it’s not your normal, you want to expand your horizons. Give it a try.”

2012 CAMP GUIDE

FIND THE RIGHT

SUMMER

CAMP

Aerie Experiences

» aerieexperiences.com; mdweneta@aerieexperiences.com; 404285-0467 » Ages 8 and older. Camp for children and teens with Aspergers, ADHD, learning disabilities, highfunctioning autism and other neurobiological disorders. Programs include Equine Expedition, Wilderness Expedition adn Coastal Expedition for ages 13+ and Llama Trek Expedition for ages 8-13. Starts at $1,900.

ArtSpace Charter School

» June » artspacecharter.org; 298-ARTS » Robotics Camp: Rising grades 6-8. 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11-15. Email steve.lipe@artspacecharter.org. $200. » The Shakespeare Academy: Rising grades 5-12. Explore the

Information for the camps listed here did not arrive in time to be published in the March Camp Guide. For complete listings of day and overnight camps in WNC, visit

www.wncparent.com.

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world of William Shakespeare. A destination for serious young actors. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 18-29. Email shakespeare@artspacecharter.org. $375.

Asheville Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventure Programs

For information and to register, contact Christen McNamara at 251-4029 or outdoorprograms@ashevillenc.gov, or visit www.ashevillenc.gov. » Adventure Camp: June 11-15, July 9-13 and 23-27. Ages 8-12. Hiking, swimming, rafting, tubing, camping. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, with overnight campout Thursday and pickup at noon Friday. Meets at Montford Recreation Center, 34 Pearson Drive. $160 residents/$165 nonresidents. » Eco-Explorers Camp: June 6-8. Ages 6-8. Environmental education focus with hiking, climbing at Montford Wall, stream investigation, field trip to Grandfather Mountain. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $65 residents/$70 nonresidents. » Teen Adventure Camp: June 26-28. Ages 12-14. Includes tubing, hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting or inflatable kayaking. $120 residents/$125 nonresidents. Includes all equipment. » Teen Canoe Camping Trip: June 18-21. Ages 12-15. Canoe almost 25 miles on the New River in North Carolina. Participants must be able to swim 50 meters and be comfortable in the water. Campers will help set up and break down primitive camps, cook meals and follow all safety rules. $250 residents/$255 nonresidents, includes all equipment. » Teen Rafting Trip: July 17-19. Ages 12-15. Three-day overnight trip in WNC and eastern Tennesee. Activities include tubing at Deep Creek, rafting on Nantahala (class III) and Ocoee (class IV) rivers, short hikes and camp games. Participants must be able to swim 50 meters and be comfortable in the water. Campers will help set up and break down primitive camps, cook meals and follow all safety rules. $270 residents/ $275 nonresidents, includes all equipments, meals, instruction and transportation.

Echo View

» June 18-22 and 25-29 » echoviewfarm.com; 674-5978; kstock-

man@morrisbb.net » Girls, ages 7-15. Day camp with active learning sessions in fabrics, fashion, knitting, felting, painting, drawing, dancing, nature, teambuilding and leadership skills. Girls divided by age, 7-10 and 11-15. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. $120.

New Covenant Church, Camp Ability 3

» June 25-29, July 23-27 and July 30-Aug.

» 235-8853 » Ages 6-18. Provides children and youths with disabilities a camp experience in a Christian setting. With music, puppetry, drama, pottery, swimming, games, lake trip, campout in some sessions for ages 12 and older. At New Covenant Church, 767 Lee Road, Clyde.

Next Generation Kids

» July 23-27 » nextgenkids.com; 321-307-0300 » Ages K-high school. Broadway in Boone performing arts camp, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Studio K, 289 Daniel Boone Drive, Boone. $165.

Opera Creations

» July 2-14 and July 23-Aug. 3 » operacreations.org; ashevilleoperacreations@gmail.com » Students build confidence and selfesteem by learning to perform on stage, receive individual coaching and build a foundation of musical knowledge. Two week camps culminate in fully staged and costumed production. “Emperor’s New Clothes” day camp for middle and high school students (July 2-14) and “The King, the Queen and the Bee” half-day morning camp for elementary students (July 23Aug. 3). Auditions are 10 a.m. June 2. Auditions and camp at Trinity Presbyterian Church, East Asheville. $295 with scholarships available.

Rockstar Cheer Asheville

» Starts June 4 » 684-3993 or 808-8324 » Ages 5-13. Summer fun and fitness day camp, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. $115 per week with $30 registration fee. At 15B National Ave., Fletcher.

The Movement and Learning Center

» 423-4046; ianridd@yahoo.com » All camps at French Broad Food Co-op,

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90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. » Intro to Computer Programming: Game Design, July 16-19: 10 and older. Covers basics of game design, taking students inside the game. Students will build a 3-D game and populate it with obstacles, treasures and characters. Windows laptop computer required. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $169. » Intro to Robotics, July 23-26: Ages 11 and older. Design and construct three basic robots from scratch. Each project adds complexity. Final project will be a robot that will follow a flashlight around the room. Students keep all robots. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $169, plus $50 materials fee. » Tech-tronics Camp, Aug. 6-9: Ages 11 and older. Geared for the young tinkerer or inventor. Learn basics of electronics and how to build projects like an automatic night-light or burglar alarm, then circuit design. $169.

Trinity Presbyterian Church

» June 5-21 and July 10-Aug. 24 » trinityasheville.com; 299-3433, ext. 308 » Infants-5th grade. Themed weeks with water play days, service projects, bike rodeos, special visitors, field trips, arts and crafts, sports, more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Late care available. Registration starts March 1. Discount before May 17.

Xcel Sportsplex

» June 11-Aug. 10 » xcelsportsplex.com; 684-7898 » Ages 7-15. Day camp with sports, skill development, water activities, crafts, weekly field trips and more. At 37 Maxwell Drive, Hendersonville. $145 full day, $75 half day.

Xplore Language and Adventure Camp

» July 7-Aug. 18 » xplore.de/en/camps/xplore-usa or xplore.de/en/hostfamily » Ages 10 and older. Invite a student from France, Germany, Italy or Spain into your home for three weeks and be a part of the adventure. European students are ages 13-18; host family’s children should be 10 and older and are welcome to participate in daily program activities. Host families provide room, board and a loving environment. Each student is insured and has personal spending money. All costs for activities are fully covered. Information night is 6:15 p.m. April 12 at Rainbow Mountain School.

kids’ voices

Fabulous fruits & veggies In a nod to our April issue’s health and wellness theme, we asked students in Jayne Brown’s kindergarten class at Avery’s Creek Elementary School to tell us about their favorite fruit or vegetable and how they prefer to eat it. Here’s what they wrote. “My favorite fruit is a grape. A grape is purple, juicy and sweet. I love to drink grape juice. I love to eat grape jelly. Grapes are so yummy.” Peyton Douglas

“My favorite fruit is a strawberry. It is sweet and it has juice in it. I like strawberry ice cream.” Nathan Reyes

“My favorite vegetable is a tomato. I love the tomato because it is soft and it is red and has green leaves. I love the tomato because it helps the pizza.” Stephanie Arteaga

“My favorite fruit is a grape. A grape is round, juicy and cold. I like grapes in a smoothie. I love grape ... jelly. Grapes are tasty.” Jillian Hintz

“My favorite vegetable is tomatoes. It is red and has green leaves. Tomatoes are squishy. I love to eat tacos and salsa. Tomatoes are yummy.” Cameron Orr

“My favorite vegetable is corn. Corn is yellow and it is big and it has little pieces. I like corn in soup. I love corn.” Wyatt Cook

“My favorite vegetable is a tomato. I like the tomato because they are red and soft and green. I like to eat a tomato with hummus. I like tomato because they are sweet.” Maria Gonzalez

“My favorite fruit is a strawberry. A strawberry is juicy, red and has seeds. I like to eat a strawberry by hand, cut up and made as a smoothie. I like the strawberry because it’s tasty.” Thompson Allen Jones

“My favorite fruit is grapes. A grape is purple, sweet and soft. I love to eat grape juice. Grapes are yummy.” Michael Cady

“My favorite fruit is a strawberry. I like it because it is red, sweet and juicy. I love to eat strawberry smoothies. I love you, my favorite, favorite strawberry!” Collin Taylor

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Fewer children’s books set in nature

By Nanci Hellmich USA TODAY

Children have been enjoying stories set in forests and jungles since Little Red Riding Hood, but these kinds of natural environments are disappearing from kids’ picture books today as more are set inside homes and other built environments, a recent study shows. Researchers at several universities reviewed about 8,100 images in 296 children’s books. The books were all Caldecott Medal winners and honorees from 1938 to 2008. The Caldecott awards are given annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Researchers categorized images as containing either a natural environment, such as a jungle or forest; a built environment, such as a house, school or office; or a modified environment, such as a mowed lawn, park or farm field. They also identified wild and

domestic animals. Findings published in February’s Sociological Inquiry: » Early in the study period, built environments were the primary environments in about 35 percent of images. By the end of the study, they were primary environments about 55 percent of the time. » Early in the study, natural environments were the primary environments about 40 percent of the time; by the end, roughly 25 percent. Images of wild animals and domestic animals declined dramatically over time, says lead author Al Williams of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “The natural environment and wild animals have all but disappeared in these books.” Co-author Chris Podeschi of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania says, “This is just one sample of children’s books, but it suggests there may be a move away from the natural world as the population is increasingly isolated from these settings. This could translate into less

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“Where the Wild Things Are” is a Caldecott Medal-winning book that features plenty of natural scenery. Fewer books are being set in the natural world, a study found. concern about the environment.” Psychologist Susan Linn, author of “The Case for Make Believe,” says the research supports growing concerns about kids’ lack of connection with nature. “Time in green space is essential to children’s mental and physical health,” Linn said. “And the health of the planet depends on a generation of children who love and respect the natural world enough to protect it from abuse and degradation.”

COOLING A MELTDOWN Temper tantrums can leave parents and children frustrated — and angry

By Chris Worthy, WNC Parent contributor

he screaming and crying from a toddler’s temper tantrum can be enough to leave parents in tears — just ask Frances McKeague. McKeague, mom of Elizabeth, 3, and Emily, 15 months, has already survived one round of the tantrum phase. It started when Elizabeth was around 20 months old. Not coincidentally, that’s when her sister was born. Temper tantrums can mean flailing, screaming, crying and a Continues on Page 30

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Frances McKeague, mom to Elizabeth, 3, and Emily, 1, says Elizabeth’s tantrums started when Emily was born. CINDY HOSEA

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general meltdown for toddlers. But frustrated parents can take a small measure of comfort in knowing that the phase is a normal developmental process that will pass with time. How parents react can help speed things along. McKeague said she tried ignoring Elizabeth’s outbursts, as well as putting her in time out. “We started to see a lot of jealousy issues,” she said. “I think her temper tantrums were related to her finding her place.” McKeague, of Marietta, S.C., sought an assessment and help from an early interventionist through BabyNet, South Carolina’s early intervention program for children age 3 years and younger. Work with the interventionist helped Elizabeth learn how to communicate her needs. McKeague said a little maturity helped, too. Heather Moreira, a physician with

Dr. Heather Moreira says that temper tantrums can start around age 1 and go until age 4. CINDY HOSEA

Heritage Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Simpsonville, said temper tantrums can start around age 1 and continue up until age 4. “It seems to happen at the most inopportune times,” she said. “Parents can wonder if they are doing something wrong.” But often the best thing to do is nothing at all. “If they are in a safe area, let them cry and get it out of their system,” Moreira said. “Any attention — yelling or spanking — usually promotes it to go on longer.” Michelle Pear is school director at Immanuel Lutheran School in Simpson-

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ville, S.C. Because her program serves children age 2 through kindergarten, Pear sees her fair share of tantrums. She often talks with parents who are worried about their child’s outbursts. “The best thing, I think, is to avoid some things that might trigger tantrums,” she said. “You don’t want to shop with a child when they are tired or hungry. Transitions are tough. Talk your child through — ‘this is what we are doing next.’ If you give them choices, it helps. ‘Do you want to wear the blue socks or the brown socks?’” Moreira agreed. She noted that tantrums often occur when children are old enough to begin leaning to be independent, but are not yet old enough to communicate well. “Young kids can’t understand that,” Moreira said. “It’s a rough age when they get frustrated.” But it is normal, Moreira said. “Usually, they outgrow it,” she said. “It, too, will end.” Until that time, consistency is a parent’s best course of action.” “You don’t want to give in,” Pear said.

“Make sure they are safe. Let them know you love them but don’t give them any attention during the temper tantrum. Talk to them after. It’s hard not to give in and it’s hard being consistent. They test the waters.” Pear said routine and structure can help children — and parents — survive this phase. Once a tantrum subsides, she recommends talking to the child, even if the child is too young to communicate in return, and teaching strategies for dealing with feelings before a tantrum starts. For a child who becomes frustrated because he is thirsty, for example, Pear recommends talking with them about how to ask for a drink before frustration sets in. There are some occasions when parents will need to intervene, however. Moreira said a child who has an uncontrolled outburst in a store should probably be taken to the car. Likewise, they should be removed from any area where they might be injured during the tantrum. If a child hits or bites others or hurts himself, he should be stopped immediately. A visit to the pediatrician is in order if tantrums are extremely severe or of an extended duration. If tantrums continue after age 4 or result in the child holding his breath until he passes out, a doctor should be consulted. “There are some things you can make open to negotiation, like bed or bath time,” Moreira said. “For little things — picking out pajamas or deciding which book to read — give them choices so they feel somewhat in control of things. Don’t try to rationalize or bribe them out of a tantrum. Don’t hit or spank.” And Moreira said parents should expect that sleep disturbances, changes at home or the addition of a new sibling may increase tantrums for a time. “Anytime when mom and dad’s attention is being diverted away from them, a lot of times kids will act out,” she said. “Don’t feel you are a bad parent. It happens to everybody. Don’t judge yourself. It doesn’t mean you are a bad parent if your child is having a temper tantrum.” Even as she is facing the beginning of the tantrum phase with her youngest daughter, McKeague knows it does get better. Elizabeth has lost that need as her communication skills have increased. “She can tell me if she needs food or water or if she needs something,” McKeague said. “Sometimes, she just wants to be picked up and held. Now she can tell me instead of screaming and crying.”

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s d n e Kid stuff up married lives

Studies confirm new additions strain couples By Sharon Jayson USA TODAY

Sleep-deprived new parents snapping at each other isn’t exactly new comedy fodder, but there’s a twist on the relationship-havoc that babies cause in the recent movie “Friends With Kids” that makes it clear you don’t have to be married for a child to strain your relationships. More than 25 separate studies in the past two decades find that marital qual-

ity takes a dive with a baby’s birth: babies raise stress, reduce happiness and otherwise upset the household, experts say. The movie points to that in a tagline: “Love. Happiness. Kids. Pick two.” “Kids do lower marital satisfaction and there’s not much we seem to be able to do to prevent it,” says Brian Doss, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Miami. He is among researchers whose intervention studies haven’t succeeded in stopping sharp declines in relationship satisfaction.

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“The fact that we’ve been largely unsuccessful may suggest it’s a really difficult and tough experience and it’s not necessarily a deficit in these couples’ relationships or how they’re approaching it.” Ninety percent of the 218 couples in an eight-year study Doss co-authored experienced a decline in satisfaction, he says. In the movie, two thirty-something opposite-sex college friends who haven’t found their soulmate each want a child

but not necessarily each other in a romantic way. They believe they can do better as co-parents than their friends, who exude stereotypical new-parent disarray and disgust with each other. Anna Petry, 29, of New Albany, Ind., says she and her husband Patrick, 32, have observed others and resolved to be different when parenting their 18-monthold daughter, Emery. “You hate to judge, but you’d say ‘I don’t want to be like that when you have a kid,’” she says. “I notice tension in the relationships — not that Patrick and I don’t have tension — but I notice more tension between the parents, and complaining.” Jennifer Augustine, 36, mom of son Owen, 3, and daughter Ayla, 1, says she and her partner Tim Smiser, also 36, are “both working really hard and sleep-deContinues on Page 34

Anna and Patrick Petry play with their daughter Emery, 18 months, at their New Albany, Ind., home. The Petrys met at their church in 2004 and married in 2006. “We have a strong relationship. But it’s different now. We can’t just go out and do things like we used to. As long as it’s planned we still do go out,” Anna says about being young parents. NINA N. GREIPEL/USA TODAY

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NEW RULES FOR PARENTS In her new book “Marriage Rules: A Manual for the Married and the Coupled Up,” clinical psychologist Harriet Lerner offers rules for harried new parents. Among them: Rule No. 69: Nurture your relationship, not just your child. Rule No. 70: Keep negotiating “who does what.” Rule No. 74: Don’t make your partner the “bad guy.” Rule No . 75: Be kind to your kin — especially grandparents. Don’t obsess about getting it right.

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prived and we both can be irritable. We try to cut each other as much slack as we can.” Smiser, a software engineer in Austin, Texas, says their circle of friends is “like a support group.” But not all friends help parents cope, warns clinical psychologist Harriet Lerner, of Lawrence, Kan., author of the new book “Marriage Rules,” which discusses “Kid Shock.” “How friendships are going to go depends a lot on how the adults behave themselves,” she says. “People who don’t have children can be very arrogant because they don’t get it. People can be very judgmental.” New research by Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, of The Ohio State University in Columbus, finds that parents show poorer adjustment if they think society expects them to be perfect. “Worrying about what others think about parenting was bad for mothers because it lowered their confidence, and was bad for fathers because it increased parenting stress,” she says. The study was published in February in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. Lerner advises taking a long view. “Relationships that appear to be falling apart ... may look entirely different down the road.” And although Smiser agrees that life is different with kids, “so many other things are gained from being a parent. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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By Kim Painter, USA Today

Lauren Biglow, a college freshman, once was one of those high school students with crazy, stressful schedules — high-level academics mixed with sports, clubs, community service, and way too little sleep, real food or unstructured fun. But her parents, she says, were not part of the problem. “I would come home overflowing with stress over the fact that I had so many things to do simultaneously. And they would say, ‘This is crazy, listen to yourself. You need to take a breath, re-evaluate and decide what you need to Continues on Page 36

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Continued from Page 35

cut down on.’ ” Biglow says she did cut down, a bit, and ended up taking fewer Advanced Placement classes than some of her peers. She dropped one of her three sports. It worked out: The graduate of Los Altos High School in California is at highly regarded Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Biglow and her parents did what a growing chorus of psychologists, educators and activist parents say is needed: They talked about school stress and did something about it. Many have those talks after seeing “Race to Nowhere,” a year-old film still playing regularly in school auditoriums nationwide. The film describes teens “pushed to the brink” by performance pressure. This school year, community groups inspired by the film campaigned to “take back the break” and get school districts to ban homework during school holidays, says the film’s producer and co-director Vicki Abeles, a San Franciscoarea mother of three. School policies on homework and other matters certainly play a role in burning out some students — and failing to give others much of a challenge at all. But when it comes to relieving student stress, there is no place like home. Here are some things parents can do to help: » » Drop the inquisition. When your teen walks in from school, your first question should not be “How did you do on your math test?” says Madeline Levine, a psychologist and co-founder of Challenge Success, a nonprofit research and education project at Stanford University. Try asking, “How was your day?” You may get nothing more than “fine,” and that is just fine, Levine says. Many kids just need a break after school. » » Help them do the math. When your teen wants to add a club, sport or class, ask him to add up the time it takes to do each thing in his day, including homework, eating, sleeping and socializing. “If they are signing up for 28 hours a day, it should be clear that this just isn’t going to work,” says Denise Pope, an education researcher and Challenge Success co-founder.

ONE TEEN’S TO-DO LIST This was the to-do list of Yasmeen Serhan, 17, a senior at Los Altos (Calif.) High School on a recent Sunday:

» Read a chapter for an Advanced Placement (AP) economics class.

» Create a study guide for an AP environmental science test.

Read 100 pages of a novel and start brainstorming a senior »

project for AP English.

» Do calculus homework. (“That’s my regular class,” she says, meaning it’s not AP).

» Plan the first meeting of her mock trial club (“I’m the president,” she says).

» College applications (but she might not get to that). “It’s insane,” and she is “stressed out” and sacrificing sleep to keep up. But, she says, “I’m used to the pressure.” Her parents do sometimes suggest she ease up, she says. But she’s glad they haven’t done what one friend’s dad tried last year: He made her go to bed at a certain time, even with homework not done. “I have just too much work to do,” she says.

» » Step away from homework. Yes, some parents write high school English papers and college application essays, Levine says. The message they send to their kids: You are incompetent. » » Talk to teachers. “Often, kids bring home bad grades or mediocre grades and parents start hiring tutors without even telling teachers,” Pope says. A better idea, she says: Meet with the teacher and your teen to find solutions. » » “Protect sleep at all costs,” Abeles says. Sleep-deprived teens are more likely to fight, drink, have sex, get depressed and consider suicide, says a

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study released in September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. » » Teach teens to chill. Some kids turn to alcohol or drugs, Pope says, but have yet to learn the magic of exercise, meditation, music and downtime. “The bottom line is that a healthy child is the most important thing,” Pope says. “You are not going to succeed in college or in life if you are not healthy.” Kim Painter has written about health and wellness for USA TODAY since 1987. She is the mother of two teen boys.

area story times Buncombe County Libraries Visit buncombecounty.org

Black Mountain, 2504756 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Mother Goose: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Thursday East Asheville, 250-4738 Preschool: 11 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday Enka-Candler, 250-4758 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Thursday Fairview, 250-6484 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Thursday Leicester, 250-6480 Mother Goose: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday North Asheville, 2504752 School Age: 3:15 p.m. Thursday Preschool: 11 a.m. Wednesday Toddler: 10 a.m. Wednesday Oakley/South Asheville,

250-4754 Mother Goose: 11 a.m. Thursday Toddler: 11 a.m. Wednesday Preschool: 10 a.m. Wednesday Pack Memorial Library, 250-4700 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Mondays Mother Goose: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays School Age: 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays Skyland/South Buncombe, 250-6488 Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Thursday Toddler: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Swannanoa, 250-6486 Preschool: 11 a.m. Thursday Toddler: 10 a.m. Thursday Weaverville, 250-6482 Mother Goose: 11 a.m. Wednesday Toddler: 11 a.m. Thursday Preschool: 11 a.m. Tuesday West Asheville, 250-4750 Mother Goose: 11 a.m. Monday Toddler: 11 a.m. Wednesday Preschool: 11 a.m. Thursday

Haywood County Public Library Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org.

Waynesville, 356-2512 or 356-2511 Baby Rhyme Time: 9:30 a.m. Mondays Ready 4 Learning: 11 a.m. Tuesdays Family story time: 11 a.m. Wednesdays Movers and Shakers: 11 a.m. Thursdays Canton, 648-2924 Family story time: 11 a.m. Tuesdays Rompin’ Stompin’ Story Time: 10 a.m. Thursdays

Henderson County Public Library Visit www.henderson.lib.nc.us. Main, 697-4725 Bouncing Babies: 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays Toddler Time: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Stories Alive: 4 p.m. Thursdays Edneyville, 685-0110 Family: 10 a.m. Mondays Etowah, 891-6577

Family: 11 a.m. Tuesdays Fletcher, 687-1218 Toddler Time: 10 a.m. Wednesdays Preschool: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays Bouncing Babies: 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays Green River, 697-4969 Family: 10 a.m. Thursdays Mills River, 890-1850 Familiy: 10 a.m. Mondays

Barnes & Noble

Asheville Mall, 296-7335 11 a.m. Mondays and 2 p.m. Saturdays Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville, 687-0681 11 a.m. Saturdays

Blue Ridge Books

152 S. Main St., Waynesville, 456-6000 10:30 a.m. Mondays for ages 3 and under.

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home-school happenings

Stop everything and love your family By Nicole McKeon WNC Parent columnist

I am going to beg your indulgence for this month, as I will not be talking about homeschooling. I, instead, will be talking about love. Last month, we had a health scare at our house. A serious one. The doctors thought I had colon cancer. Yeah. You can imagine my shock and fear. The good news is, they were wrong. The other good news is, I am a better person for having gone through this experience; not that I would recommend this ! My husband, who sat beside me while the doctor gave us the bad news, told me later, that it was the single saddest and most horrifying moment of his life. Then, this man, the man that I take for granted, yell at, don’t appreciate and forget to kiss goodnight sometimes, told me he never wished so much that he could switch

places with me. He told me he gladly would have taken on this burden, not only because he loves me so, but because he loves our kids so much that he never wants them to have to lose me. Wow. I forgot how much we loved each other. It’s easy to forget, when we get busy with home-schooling and classes and expenses and, well, life. But, the thing that this experience has taught me, is, that the people you share your life with are what this life is all about. None of the other stuff really matters. Not at all. This morning, I read a Facebook post where a home-schooling mom was describing how her son was sad because he didn’t want her to go away for a night. He said the house was too empty without her. She said, “but, Dad will be here,” and he replied, “ the house is still too empty when she’s not there.” Yeah. Mommies fill the house. It’s not that dads don’t, they do in their dad way. But

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moms have a way of filling it that is special unto them. It’s a humbling experience, when you realize how much you are loved. How much you mean to your family. I apologize for the self-indulgence of this column, but I wanted to share this with you, in the hopes that you can share in this lesson without my horrible experience. Love your family. Stop, breathe and look around your house. Ignore the piles of crayons, dirty laundry and bills, and look at the face of your partner. Remember how much you love each other. Remember how empty your house, your heart and your life would be without each other. And, please accept my thanks for homeschooling your children. I know the sacrifices you make every day to give this gift. I am pretty sure none of us will ever regret our choice. Nicole McKeon is a home-schooling mom and owner of Homeschool Station in Fairview. Email her at homeschoolstation@hotmail.com.

growing together

Family TV you just can’t turn away from By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist

We’ve developed a little TV problem around here — an HGTV problem, to be more specific. When my children were little, they both had a weird fascination with Food Network. We watched “Iron Chef” (I favored the original, Englishdubbed-over-Japanese version), “Good Eats” and way too much Emeril Lagasse. Sorry, Food Network. You’ve been replaced. It’s all “House Hunters,” “Income Property” and “Property Virgins” now. (Ugh. Who named that show? ) Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve been in the process of selling one house and buy-

ing another for several months now. Cleaning and getting ready for showings and open houses has become a way of life. And we are living our own version of “House Hunters,” oohing and aahing and criticizing every step of the way. Sometimes, I expect the catchy theme song to start up as we meet our agent to view a new listing. If only real estate transactions could be finalized in 30 minutes in the real world. My 13-year-old son can go from discussing the advantages and shortcomings of a Nerf gun laser sight to the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper without missing a beat. My daughter recently confessed that she stayed up far too late because she just couldn’t turn off the “House Hunters” marathon. We’ve come to talk back to the TV homebuyers, in some crazed, one-way attempt to communicate that they have to

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overlook the shag carpet or the purple bathtub. We roll our eyes and snort with laughter at the hapless DIY attempts, even though none of us would attempt a complete kitchen remodel without a contractor at the ready. And my husband and I have a standing agreement to bring home the landscaper from “Yard Crashers” if we ever see him in Lowe’s. After countless virtual home-buying sprees, maybe my children will avoid some of the pitfalls those property virgins on TV face. They already know things we didn’t when we were buying our first home. I just hope I never see my babies on “House Hunters International.” Vanuatu? Luxembourg? Too far, kids. There are plenty of houses closer to home.

Contact Chris at chris@worthyplace.com.

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librarian’s picks

Books on Titanic mark 100 years since sinking By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Libraries

In the years since the tragic sinking of the Titanic, public interest has never flagged. With the 100year marker approaching in April, interest in the always engrossing topic blazes all the brighter. In tune with the interests of their readers, publishers have released a slew of Titanic-related children’s books in recent weeks. For their exemplary writing, two of the books stand out. The first is Allan Zullo’s “Titanic: Young Survivors.” This latest book is

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part of Zullo’s popular “Ten True Tales” series. Respected for his impeccably researched books for young people, Zullo continues in this vein with “Titanic.” Using newspaper and magazine accounts, official transcripts of the hearings, oral histories and memoirs, books, and videos, Zullo recounts the experiences of 10 children and teens involved. Each account reads like a dramatic, fastpaced novel. The dialogue was recreated by Zullo, but is based on the survivors’ recollections. Zullo excels in presenting the diverseness of the people onboard. In Zullo’s hands, the young survivors are not just nameless passengers, but living individuals each with their own reasons for being onboard, each with their own per-

sonalities, dreams and concerns. One little girl, Madge, was on her way to Idaho with her parents, Harvey and Lottie, in the hope that the warm Idaho summers would help Lottie’s lung ailment. Eleven-year-old Billy Carter and his family were sailing back to their mansion in Bryn Mawr after wintering at an estate in England. In each account, Zullo includes personal details that add to the immediacy of the stories: a favorite doll clutched in fear, a beloved dog released into a stranger’s hands, being separated from parents. Each account concludes with details about what happened to the survivor in the disaster’s aftermath. The second book is “Titanic Sinks!” by Barry Denenberg. Filled with photographs, unforgettable details and firsthand accounts, this book uses a fictional format to present facts in an engaging way.

The sepia-toned paper, emphatic headlines and black and white illustrations have the appearance of a period newspaper that might have run a week-long feature about the Titanic prior to its voyage. Each chapter is written like a chatty newspaper article.

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One particularly creative literary device Denenberg uses is the introduction of a fictional passenger, a newspaper reporter, S.F. Vanni. Denenberg imagines that as a reporter, Vanni had unparalleled access to people and places on the ship. Denenberg has it that Vanni filled his diary with bits of gossip, snippets of conversation and other observations, right up to the last minute. Dramatically, the reporter’s account ends suddenly with,“It’s t”. Full of drama and genuine history, both books are well-suited for older elementary school and middle school students. These books are available in the Buncombe County Public Libraries. To learn more, visit www.buncombecounty.org/library.

divorced families

Stay healthy for you, your family By Trip Woodard

WNC Parent columnist

Before talking about wellness and fitness, let’s take a little test and see how you answer the following questions: » Omega-3 is : a.) A fat component from sources like fish that promotes cardiovascular and neurological health. b.) A planet of origin for all the aliens that live in Area 51. » A colonoscopy is: a.) A recommended medical procedure, especially for people older than 50 to ensure their gastrointestinal health. b.) A medical procedure only for Star Trek fans allowing doctors to go “where no man has gone before.” » Zumba is: a.) Cardiovascular dance exercises that

result in significant health benefits. b.) The sounds of cars passing you on your drive home from a colonoscopy. Just like college, if you answered all of your questions “A,” you are correct. If you are a family going through the transition of separation or divorce, it is imperative that you look after your health. Why? Because, as a parent, your mental state is directly tied to your physical state, and that affects the soundness of the decisions you make . So, what it boils down to is DES: Diet, Exercise and Support. Diet refers to the idea that whatever you put into your mouth goes to your brain. This is not about weight loss. You may an idea of what a healthy diet should look like, but do not have the time or money to make it happen. I advise you “cheat”: cut out as much caffeine, salt and sugar as you can and add omega-3s, vitamins and water daily. Exercise should be something that gets

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your body moving. Find something fun that maybe you could do with a buddy on a regular basis. And don’t forget the value of stretching exercises such as yoga. Support involves how you use or grow community. This involves involvement and includes a gamut of possibilities like “meet-ups” for social or political reasons, religious affiliation or civic clubs. There are lots of options available through social networks such as Facebook that are free. Pets can also be a social and comforting tool to be placed in your life. If expense or circumstances do not support the adoption of an animal, you can lease that time by volunteering for organizations like the Humane Society or Brother Wolf. All of these ideas can be done as a family and not just for yourself. Woodard is a licensed family and marriage therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607.

nature center notes

Nature’s unseen but necessary world By Jill Sharp

Special to WNC Parent

The Southeast Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest in the world. They are beautiful, rich with life and ever changing. When you hike local trails, you probably enjoy the calls of songbirds, the smell of leaf litter and the sight of wildflowers. These are all signs of a healthy forest ecosystem, and for that we can thank some of the less glamorous — but just as vital — native species. The education department at the WNC Nature Center has taught many school groups to respect the forest’s FBI — fungi, bacteria and insects. This “unseen world” is nature’s best cleanup crew, decaying everything from fallen trees to deceased animals. Without the billions of insects, miles of mushrooms and uncountable bacterium, the forests would be buried under carrion and refuse. You may never see any members of the FBI, but you’ve probably often seen big

Apex predators like wolves help thin herds. JILL SHARP/SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT black birds soaring in circles. These are turkey and black vultures, scavengers that ride thermals in their hunt for the deceased. A natural highway management team, these big birds help control the spread of disease by making short work of carcasses. The FBI are the bottom of the food

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chain, and the vultures exist almost outside of it, but at the top is another crew of health monitors. Apex predators like cougars and wolves hunt deer, elk and other animals whose populations would boom out of control if not for the herd thinning. Wolf packs, unlike human hunters, target sick, old, and weak animals, eliminating disease and stress from the herd. By keeping grazers in check, they also benefit plant life, which in turn boosts the populations of songbirds, small mammals and other wildlife. Wolves and cougars are extinct from the wild in Western North Carolina, but someday they may be reintroduced to the ecosystem. So the next time you’re out in the forest, improving your own health with a hike outside, extend some thanks to the grunt teams of nature who keep the forest in peak condition.

Learn more about wildlife found in WNC at the WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, and www.wncnaturecenter.com.

artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s muse

Changing

scale Bigger and bolder awakens creativity By Ginger Huebner WNC Parent columnist

t is easy to get stuck in a rut of using standard paper sizes for the many works of art children produce at home and school. My preschool families know just how much the kids love to use up reams of 8.5by-11-inch paper each week at our drawing countertop! But what if you change scale, and go bigger â&#x20AC;Ś much bigger? At our recent Share Love event, we set up a number of larger scale canvases and allowed anyone to paint on them either individually or in a group. The results were truly empowering. There were children painting alongside their parents, children Break out of the habit of using 8.5-by-11-inch paper for drawings. Go bigger, then dare to make the first mark on a wide-open space. GINGER HUEBNER/SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

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Children’s confidence appears to grow with the size of the canvas they are working on. painting in familiar groups and groups of children painting together who had never met one another before. All of them successfully leaped into a painting more than four times the typical scale of the 8.5-by-11 paper. I have employed this concept on a project with my own children as well, working together to create a work of art that was 4-feet square. We worked in the mediums of pastel and colored pencil, sealing the work with a cold wax. I was struck by their fearless approach to the large-scale board. As I observed my own children, as well as the participants at Share Love, I noticed that simply by changing scale, the children’s confidence and artistic ability grew. This month’s experiment is to see how you might be able to challenge yourself and your children to go bigger! You could use a large piece of paper or wood with some paint or even an outside wall or sidewalk with some chalk. There is no wrong way to approach, remembering to be loose and be bold. You will love the results! Thoughts on going BIGGER: » Make that first mark. (It’s usually the hardest!) » After a few marks, turn the work upside down or walk around it to see if it might want to be oriented a different way. » Collaborate and work with your children. » Don’t be afraid to be bold! Ginger Huebner is the director of Roots + Wings School of Art, which offers visual art classes for all ages. Email her at info@rootsandwingsarts.com or visit www.rootsandwingsarts.com.

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HEAVENLY DEVILED EGGS

RENEE COMET/ USA WEEKEND

By Kate Justen WNC Parent columnist

During a conversation in one of the FEAST classes we were discussing the upcoming Easter holiday and what foods go with Easter. We talked about ham, potatoes, rolls and a couple of people talked about salads or some vegetable side dish. No one mentioned the eggs. Students in general said they liked to color eggs and participate in an egg hunt, but very few said they would eat the hardcooked eggs. Kids said they were unsure if they were safe to eat or said they didn’t like them. Dyed eggs are safe to eat as long as you use food grade dye. According to the USDA, once you hard cook eggs and dye them you should return them to the refrigerator within two hours. If you hide them for the egg hunt,

make sure there are no cracks in the shell, wash them and return them to the refrigerator within two hours. Hardcooked eggs will keep in the refrigerator for a week. There are a ton of ways to eat a hardboiled egg. Some people like to peel it and eat it whole with or without a dash of salt. Others like to slice the egg and eat it on toast, cut it in half and drop a dash of soy sauce or hot sauce on the yolk, make deviled eggs or an easy egg salad. We have had a lot of fun playing around with different variations of egg salad. When you have a group of people, you can make a basic recipe and have a variety of

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Deviled eggs 6 eggs 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt Pepper Paprika

Hard-boil the eggs. Peel the shell from the eggs and then rinse the eggs under a running tap to remove any tiny bits of shell, slice the eggs in half lengthways. Gently squeeze the edges of the egg half to loosen the yolk; this should make the yolk pop out. Place the yolks in a medium sized mixing bowl. If the yolk does not pop out, it may be scooped out with a spoon. Mash all the egg yolks into tiny pieces with a fork. Add the oil, yogurt, mustard, salt and pepper and continue to mash and mix the ingredients together until a smooth paste has been formed. Fill the egg white halves with the egg yolk mixture. Sprinkle the tops of the eggs with a little paprika. Variations: » Substitute 1 teaspoon curry powder for the mustard » Add half a very finely chopped onion. » Add a handful of freshly chopped parsley, basil or cilantro. » Add some chopped green olives. » Add a dash of vinegar and a teaspoon of honey. » Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. » Eliminate paprika and add 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill. » Substitute 1/8 teaspoon lemon pepper and squeeze fresh lemon for the mustard. » Add red pepper flakes, cumin, chili powder and chopped chilis

Egg salad 4 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped 1 stalk of celery, including the leaves for flavor, finely chopped 2 green onions, chopped 2 tablespoons non fat plain yogurt 2 tablespoons mustard Salt and pepper to taste 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 to 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill

Mix together the celery and green onions with the mustard and enough yogurt to bind together, with a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper. Carefully stir in the chopped egg so it doesn’t break up too much. Add more yogurt if desired. Variations: » Curried: instead of Dijon mustard use a pinch or two of curry powder » Carrot: replace the celery and green onion with grated carrot and a few sunflower seeds. Omit the mustard or replace with a sweet honey mustard. » Cucumber: replace the celery with finely diced cucumber, omit mustard. » Pesto: replace the mustard with a teaspoon of pesto sauce. » Dilled: replace the mustard with diced dill pickle or dill pickle relish. » Relish: replace the mustard with your favorite relish — try a sweet corn or onion relish. » Hummus: replace the mayo and mustard with hummus » Olive: Omit salt, add finely diced green olives » Bacon: Add some crumbled bacon or bacon bits. » Cheesy: Add shredded cheese of your choice: swiss, cheddar, asiago, etc. » Ham: Add finely diced cooked ham » Sundried tomato: replace mustard with finely diced sundried tomato » Mediterranean: Omit Salt. Add 1 small minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chopped capers, and 1 minced anchovy fillet. » Smoked salmon: omit salt, add 2 ounces diced smoked salmon and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.

herbs and spices available so each person can create their own. This is a great way to get individuals to experiment with flavors and find a way that tastes good to them. Kate Justen is the program director of FEAST — Fresh Easy Affordable Sustainable Tasty, a program of Slow Food Asheville. Contact her at feast.avl@gmail.com or visit www.slowfoodasheville.org.

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Tangy, colorful citrus adds zip to wide range of dishes By Karen Fernau The Arizona Republic

We routinely eat oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits as snacks, juice them for breakfast and slice them into garnish for cocktails. But citrus is like fairy dust, its bright flavors are sprinkled into salads, soups, breads, seafood, baked chicken, baby back ribs, cakes, pasta, butter, marinades, cooking oils — you name it. “It’s easier to think about what citrus doesn’t improve than what it does. Our customers are telling us every day of new uses for the fruit,” said Bret Larsen, owner of Gourmet Orchards, an online citrus seller in Mesa, Ariz. “Citrus has always been popular, but

now more than ever because the fruit is so versatile,” added Larsen, whose sales on www.gourmetorchards.com have doubled every year for three years. Whether juiced, sliced or slivered into zest, these eye-poppingly colorful fruits bring nutrients to the table without adding lots of calories, salt and fat. Citrus also is loaded with cancer-battling bioflavonoids and the immune-system-booster vitamin C. If that’s not enough, the limonoids in citrus fruits fuel the immune system to fight cancer. Phytochemicals in oranges, tangerines and grapefruits may help the body resist carcinogens, prevent harmful blood clotting and avoid blindness, studies indicate. Here are ways to spread the citrus fairy dust:

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Citrus sangria is as eye-poppingly attractive as it is refreshing. MICHAEL MCNAMARA/GANNETT

White sangria

Citrus butter

1 1/4 cups simple syrup (see recipe instructions) 1 orange, cut into wheels 1 lemon, cut into wheels 1 lime, cut into wheels 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup white grape juice 1 bottle (750 ml) flavorful white wine 1 cup brandy Fresh fruit for garnishing drinks

To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until sugar has dissolved. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool completely. Makes about 1 and one-half cups. Place orange, lemon and lime wheels in a 2 quart pitcher with simple syrup. Muddle with a large muddler or wooden spoon. Add orange and grape juices and muddle a little more. Add wine and brandy, and stir well. Place pitcher, preferably covered, in refrigerator for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, add ice cubes until pitcher is full. Stir thoroughly. Pour into wineglasses and garnish with fresh fruit. Makes 10 servings. Source: The Arizona Republic

» Begin the day with a broiled grapefruit. Slice a grapefruit in half. Sprinkle the top of both halves with sugar. Slip them under the broiler and watch until the sugar begins to brown. Remove and cool slightly before serving. » Add zest to pancakes, muffins, baked chicken and olive tapenade. A little bit goes a long way, so a sprinkle does the job. To zest, select fruit with brightly colored skin that’s free of blemishes. Wash with hot water and dry well. Use a vegetable peeler to cut off thin, long layers of the skin, avoiding the bitter-tasting white, fleshy pith. Place strips on a cutting board and slice into matchsticks, then chop into tiny pieces, releasing the aroma and oils. » To dry zest, place on parchment paper and microwave about 1-2 minutes. Let cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Stir into freshly ground pepper and use as a rub for seafood, poultry, pork and beef. » Use orange juice instead of water when making rice. » Make a last-minute marinade for fish, chicken or pork by combining your favorite citrus juice, oil and herbs. The

1 teaspoon grated lime rind 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 1 teaspoon grated orange rind 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

To make citrus butter, add citrus juices and rinds, blend, then shape to a butter ball. MICHAEL MCNAMARA/GANNETT

classic ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part citrus. Add mustard, herbs, garlic, zest or other ingredients for increased flavor and to help stabilize the oil-to-juice ratio. This formula also works for salad dressings. » For a creamier marinade, combine one-fourth cup low-calorie mayonnaise, juice of two limes, 2 tablespoons chopped scallions and 1 teaspoon chopped jalapeo. » Toss citrus slices into salads. For a quick and easy salad, combine grapefruit slices, avocado and baby spinach. Dress in a lemon-mustard vinaigrette. » To make citrus-scented sugar, mix two pounds of sugar with the zest of two pieces of any citrus fruit. Pulse the mixture briefly — less than a minute — in a food processor. Store airtight in a cool place away from sunlight. » Perk up olive oil with citrus by turning the peels of 4 lemons, oranges or limes into zest. Heat 2 cups of extravirgin olive oil in a medium saucepan on low. Add zest, stir and simmer on low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat, cover the mixture and allow to sit for 2 hours so the flavors blend. Set a strainer inside a bowl and

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Stir rinds into a pan of boiling water. Remove from heat and pour water through a wire-mesh strainer. Drain rinds on paper towels. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add juices, beating until blended. Stir in rinds and mold into a butter ball. Chill before serving. Makes about one-half pound butter. Source: myrecipes.com

pour the mixture through to remove the zest. Pour the strained mixture through a funnel into a 16-ounce bottle. Cover and store in a cool place away from sunlight. » Make a quick orange relish to top seafood or grilled chicken breasts. Mix one-half teaspoon zest with 2 seedless oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut into small pieces. Add 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon chopped red onion and mix well. Season with salt, pepper and ground ginger. » For a no-cook pasta sauce, combine two-thirds cup extra-virgin olive oil and one-half cup fresh lemon juice in a pasta serving bowl. Add to this sauce one-half cup hot pasta water and 1 pound whole-grain pasta, cooked according to package directions. Top with 1 tablespoon lemon zest and Parmesan cheese to taste. Add cooked shrimp for a heartier dish. » This tip is for the kitchen, not the dinner plate. Use citrus peels to freshen your oven by baking a few on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. And clean your garbage disposal by grinding the baked peels. Continues on Page 52

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Citrus soup with pistachios 2 oranges 1 yellow grapefruit 1 pink grapefruit 2 mandarin oranges 2 tablespoons sugar 1/4 cup shelled whole pistachios (see recipe instructions)

Use a potato peeler to peel the skin off one orange and one-half of each grapefruit. Be careful not to include any of the bitter white pith. Slice the peels into thin strips. Place the peels in a small pot of water on the stove. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat. Change the water and repeat this process three times. Over a large bowl to collect the juice, peel and separate the seg-

ments of all the fruit. Use a sharp knife to separate the fruit segments from any remaining membrane. Set the collected juice aside. Strain the boiled peels and place the pot back on the burner. Add the sugar and 2 tablespoons of collected juice. Bring to a boil. Remove immediately and turn off heat. Allow the sugar mixture to cool. Blanch the pistachios for 30 seconds to make them easier to shell. Finely chop the nuts. Distribute the fruit, fruit juice and syrup among individual bowls or cups. Top with pistachios and serve. Makes 2-4 servings. Source: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mediterranean Cuisine: Secrets From Coastal Italian Kitchensâ&#x20AC;?

Citrus soup with pistachios is not your typical soup. MICHAEL MCNAMARA/GANNETT

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Flipping over

flapjacks By Susan Bloom, Gannett

Few things compare to the smell of fresh pancakes sizzling on a griddle or the mouthwatering taste of a golden stack dressed up with butter, syrup or your favorite toppings. If you’re a fan of this classic and beloved dish, you’re not alone . “Growing up, pancakes definitely represented a special breakfast in our house,” said Amy Russo, owner of Toast, a popular Asbury Park, N.J., restaurant specializing in breakfast, brunch and lunch. “My parents made them in a special pan or on a griddle, and we’d get them on weekends or load up on them right before skiing or a big athletic

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A toast to a classic breakfast food event. To this day, for so many people, a stack of hot pancakes is the ultimate nostalgic, comfort food. It’s like the ‘mac and cheese’ of breakfast food.” Thanks to her own love of pancakes, as well as her experience growing up in her family’s diner business, Russo now celebrates this much-loved dish at Toast. “We regularly offer about eight different pancake options on our menu, including standard buttermilk, blueberry and strawberry versions, but are constantly running pancake specials to keep it fresh and creative,” she said. These include such unique creations as red Continues on Page 55

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velvet, carrot cake, Nutella swirl, cinnamon bun, sweet potato, multigrain, and gluten-free pancakes, as well as Toast’s extravagant bacon double-cheese — a plate of baconstudded pancakes with a fried egg and American cheese layered in between them. That “indulgent but incredibly delicious” option notwithstanding, Russo said, “the truth is that good, old-fashioned pancakes aren’t unhealthy. When they involve goodquality ingredients like real eggs and real butter and are enjoyed in moderation, they’re a fun and wholesome option. And they’re also a great way to get a range of fruit — like blueberries, bananas, coconut, pineapple, melon and mangoes — into your or your kids’ diets. The sky is really the limit.” Nearly every country has its version of pancakes — from French crêpes to German pfannkuchen, Indonesian serabi and Russian blintzes or blini. But in America, where pancakes also are called hot cakes, griddle cakes, Johnny cakes and flapjacks — “they’re a unique cultural phenomenon that’s totally synonymous with breakfast,” Russo said. Toast Executive Chef Gary Ryan offers several do’s and don’ts for making perfect pancakes:

Let it sit

“Once you prepare your batter, you don’t want to immediately throw it on the griddle,” he said. “You need the baking soda in the recipe to rise, so you want to let the batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes before pouring it out.”

Batter up

“Don’t use cold batter because that will promote uneven cooking times on each side,” he advised. “And adjust your ingredients so that the batter is moist and pours fairly easily — it shouldn’t be too watery or too thick, like brownie batter. Finally, don’t overbeat your batter because that will result in a flat, dense pancake. And remember that the fewer ingredients you include in your batter recipe, the better. The more fla-

vors you involve, the more they take away from the other ingredients.”

Quality first

“Pancakes shouldn’t need syrup to make them enjoyable,” he said. “It helps to start with good ingredients —real butter, eggs, etc. — and not cut corners.”

Butter is better

Ryan recommended using buttermilk over regular milk “because milk can promote scorching and make the pancakes taste like flattened cupcakes. Buttermilk adds a nice tanginess, aerates the batter and interacts with the baking soda in such a way that it creates a lighter-colored, more attractive and better-tasting pancake.”

Timing is key

According to Ryan, perfect pancakes “should be about a half-inch thick with a nice rise on the side walls. Also, you don’t want to cook your pancakes so much on one side that they don’t continue to rise when you flip them.”

Carrot cake pancakes 4 cups of your favorite buttermilk pancake batter (a boxed mix or your own recipe), prepared 3 cups grated carrots 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup raisins 2 eggs

3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup walnuts

Mix all of the ingredients above, except for the pancake batter, in a large mixing bowl. Once thoroughly combined, fold in the prepared pancake batter. Mix with a whisk until combined, making sure not to overbeat (batter should be lumpy). Set batter aside for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pour about cup of batter onto a hot, greased griddle. Cook until bubbly, a little dry around the edges, and lightly browned on the bottom; then turn and brown the other side. Do not pat down or they will flatten. Serve with raisins and walnuts on the side and a drizzle of cream cheese frosting if desired. Makes 8-10 medium and serves 4 people. Recipe courtesy of Amy Russo, Toast

Basic recipe

“You should keep your pancake recipe as pure as possible and not mess with the chemistry,” he said. “Any fruit or ingredients that you want to add should be added on the griddle after your pour the batter — don’t fold them into the pancake mix or it will promote overbeating and, in the case of some wet fruits, could make the batter more watery.”

On the top

In terms of garnishes and toppings, Russo, who claims she learned to cook “from my grandmother’s apron strings,” is all about keeping it simple. “I prefer real maple syrup, though it can be expensive, so regular syrup is a fine alternative. Otherwise, just butter may be all you need, and maybe some powdered sugar and cinnamon whipped cream. “The point is, go easy on it,” she said. “A good pancake should be packed with flavor and should stand on its own. You should be able to just eat it and enjoy it for what it is.” “Pancakes are a fun splurge and remain wildly popular all these generations later because they’re a comfort food and a special treat,” she said. “Pancakes are part and parcel of an American breakfast … and they’re perfect any other time of day as well.”

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Red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting Pancakes: 1 1/2 cups of your favorite buttermilk pancake batter, prepared 2 eggs 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 cup water

2 cups red velvet cake mix Cream cheese frosting: 16 ounces cream cheese 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine eggs, butter, oil and water. Beat with a whisk until liquid is well combined and foamy. Add red velvet mix and pancake batter. Mix with a whisk until combined, making sure not to overbeat (batter should be lumpy). Set batter aside for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pour about one-quarter cup of batter onto a hot, greased griddle. Cook until bubbly, a little dry around the edges and lightly browned on the bottom, then turn and brown the other side. To make the frosting, bring all ingredients to room temperature and mix until fully combined. Serve with pancakes. Makes 6-8 medium pancakes and serves 2-3 people Recipe courtesy of Amy Russo, Toast

Just what is Pinterest?

By Mark W. Smith Gannett

Chances are you’ve heard of Pinterest, the latest Web addiction for millions. If you haven’t heard of it, find the nearest twenty- or thirtysomething woman. She’ll likely know what’s up and can tell you all about it. If she can stop pinning. Pinterest is a visual bulletin board for the Web. It thrives on beautifully simple images of ideas for the home. These images are grouped together on a user’s page, creating an inspiration board of ideas.

Pinterest has been around for almost two years, but has seen a meteoric rise in interest over the past couple of months. In December, Pinterest became one of the Web’s Top 10 social networks, according to tracking firm Hitwise. To get you on the right track, here are things to know about Pinterest.

Understanding the terms

» Pin: A pin is an image added to Pinterest. You can link to an image from a Web site or upload an image from your computer. Pins can include captions, like “A great way to reuse a coffee creamer bottle.” » Repin: Once something is pinned, it

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can then be repinned by other Pinterest users. This is how content spreads virally. If you see something you like on Pinterest.com, repin it to share it with your friends. » Board: This is where your pins live. You can have separate boards for subjects such as a wedding, rooms in your house or favorite recipes.

How to get an account

Pinterest technically is still open to invited users only. But, you can request an invite at www.pinterest.com and one should be sent to you very quickly. It took just a couple of days for mine.

How to follow

Use the search bar

and they can decline the request.

Just like on other social networks, you build a list of people to follow on Pinterest. This will impact what appears on your homepage. Users can follow all of a user’s boards or just a single board. Linking Pinterest to Facebook lets a user see quickly which of his or her Facebook friends are on the social network. But keep an eye out for stylemakers here, too, though. Some of the best people to follow on Pinterest are people you won’t know at all.

This is the best way to find specific ideas. Searching something like “mason jars” pulls up nearly limitless craft ideas if you’ve got a basement shelf full. You can also search event themes, such as “first birthday party,” for a whole array of ideas.

Don’t forget videos

Go one step deeper

Instead of explaining

Browser bookmark

By adding a bookmark to your Web browser, you can also pin images from other sites, such as a table at Pottery Barn. When you’re on the retailer’s website, you can click the bookmark to create a pin of that image. This will automatically link that photo to the website, so someone can find out more if they want.

Adding the price

When you pin something, try adding the item’s price in the description. Doing this will automatically place a banner over the image with the price listed.

If you’ve stumbled upon a pin that you like, head one page deeper and look at the board it originally comes from. Chances are there will be even more ideas there that you also like. This is also a good way to find new people to follow.

Working together

You can also allow friends on Pinterest to contribute to one of your boards. This is a great way to plan something like a class reunion or shower with a team of other people. To add a contributor to one of your boards, click to the board’s edit page. There, change the pin setting to “Me + Contributors.” Then, you can add a friend’s name. You must be following at least one of that user’s boards to add them as a contributor

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Some of the best how-to tutorials on the Web are YouTube videos. If a video link is pinned, Pinterest embeds that video inside the pin. It’s a good way of spreading a tip when it has to be seen to be understood.

Perhaps the best use of Pinterest is to paint a clearer picture of what you want than you could ever with words. What wedding planner hasn’t heard something confusing from a bride like: “I’m picturing a kind of classic modernism”? If you have a board for wedding ideas, just send your planner that link. It will instantly tell exactly what you’d like.

Be careful

Each page of pins on Pinterest is designed to be seemingly never-ending. As a user scrolls down, more images are loaded so that they can just keep going and going. And the act of finding such great ideas can be addicting. There are always more good things to see on Pinterest.

Run on Mother’s Day, the Ramble Run 12K and 5K are geared toward families who want to run together. For details, visit www.ramblerun.com.

The family-friendly outdoors

Looking for ways to get active as a family? Here’s a rundown of upcoming and ongoing events, plus details on locations where families can get outdoors and suggestions on where to find organized outdoor activities like hikes.

RUNNING — RACES

BLACK MOUNTAIN GREENWAY CHALLENGE 5K, 10K: Pisgah Brewing Co. hosts the fifth annual race, starting at 1 p.m. March 31 at the brewery, 150 Eastside Drive. Entry fee is $24 through March 27 at www.active.com. Email green waychallenge@gmail.com. LAKE JUNALUSKA BUNNY RUN 5K, 10K: Starts at 8:30 a.m. April 7 at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center. Entry fee is $20 through April 5, $25 after. Fun Run free for ages 12 and younger. Visit www.gloryhound events.com. RUN FOR THE PAWS 5K: Third annual 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk and Wagging Wellness Fair to benefit Brother Wolf Animal Rescue starts at 1:30 p.m. April 22 at Fletcher Community Park. Dogs are encouraged to participate. $25 for 1-Mile Fun Walk or the 5K through April 15, $30 after. Visit www.bwar.org. ITCHING FOR A CURE 5K FUN WALK: A walk at UNC Asheville to raise money and awareness for eczema patients and research for a cure. Donate or register to walk at www.itchingforacure.org. Register as an individual or a team by April 14. $25 regis-

tration includes a T-shirt, umbrella and lunch. JCC FALAFEL 5K: Fifth-annual 5K starts at 10 a.m. April 29 at the JCC, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. Entry fee is $25 through April 25, $30 after. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Scholarship Fun at the JCC to provide financial support to families in need of assistance with after-school care, camp and early childhood education. Visit www.jcc-asheville.org. RAMBLE RUN 12K, 5K: The second annual 5K starts at 8 a.m. May 12 and the 12K run starts at 8:15 a.m. at Biltmore Park Town Square. Entry fees before March 1 are $35 for 12K and $25 for 5K; March 1-May 9 $40 for 12K and $30 for 5K. Teams are $120 for 5K and $140 for 12K. http://ramblerun.com. GNAR, THE GNARLIEST KIDS ADVENTURE RACE EVER: For ages 5-14. Starts at noon, May 20. Teams of two work together to naviage a variety of challenges. The course is top-secret. Challenges may include mountain biking, running, a low ropes course, problem solving, a climbing wall and a grand finale obstacle. Age categories are 11-14, 8-10, 5-7 and adult-child. Registration limited to the first 100 teams. $50 per two-person team. Proceeds benefit Moutnain Community School in Hendersonville. At Camp Pinnacle, 1 Wolfe Lake Drive, Hendersonville. Visit www.active.com/adventure/ hendersonville-nc/gnar-the-gnarliest-kidsadventure-race-ever-2012. MAD MOUNTAIN MUD FUN: Family Fun event, 6-8

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p.m. June 2, ahead of Mad Mountain Mud Run on June 3. Muddy games for all ages, plus a 1-mile mud run for ages 8-12. Visit madmountainmudrun.com. MAD MOUNTAIN MUD RUN: Races start at noon June 3. First mud run in WNC, a 5K to benefit Hands On! A Child’s Gallery in Hendersonville. $45 for individuals, $160 for teams, through March 31. No registration on day of event.

HIKING/WALKING

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: The most-visited unit of the National Park Service, stretching 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee. Call 298-0398 for road and weather conditions or visit www.nps.gov/ blri. DIAMOND BRAND OUTDOORS: The outdoor outfitter on Hendersonville Road in Arden hosts walks, hikes and other outdoor programs throughout year on trails and in local parks. Call 209-1538 or visit www.diamondbrand.com. WOMEN-ONLY HIKING GROUP: Women-only hike the third Saturday of each month with Diamond Brand Outdoors. Hikes are free, registration is required. Call 684-6262 or email Amy Williams at awilliams@diamondbrand.com. SWANNANOA VALLEY MUSEUM: Hosts various hikes, camps and community events throughout the

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The outdoors Continued from Page 58 year. At 223 W. State St., Black Mountain. Call 669-9566 for information and to register for events. Programs and activities are available by appointment year-round.

HUNTING/FISHING

FLY-FISHING CLASSES: Rivers Edge Outfitters in Cherokee conducts free fly-fishing classes every Saturday at 10 a.m. For more, call 497-9300.

MULTISPORT/ SWIMMING/ ON THE WATER

ASHEVILLE YOUTH ROWING ASSOCIATION: For ages 13-18, a youth rowing program at Lake Julian on Saturdays, Sundays and two afternoons per week. Call Jack Gartner at 230-3901 or visit www.ashevilleyouthrowing.com. GREEN RIVER ADVENTURES: Saluda-based guide for professional kayaking instruction, inflatable kayaking trips and custom adventure experiences. Call 800-335-1530 or visit www.greenriveradventures.com. NANTAHALA OUTDOOR CENTER: Outdoor outfitter, providing whitewater rafting, paddling instruction, adventure travel, group adventure programs, festivals and events, on U.S. 19 W. in the Nantahala Gorge, west of Bryson City. Call 888-9057238 or visit www.noc.com.

PARKS, CLUBS, & MORE

ASHEVILLE MUSHROOM CLUB: Meets monthly at the WNC Nature Center on Gashes Creek Road in Asheville. Meetings are open to the public. Membership is required to participate in forays. $18 individuals, $25 family. www.ashevillemushroomclub.com. ASHEVILLE PARKS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure this winter and spring. Fees are listed for Asheville city residents and for nonresidents. Call Christen McNamara at 251-4029 or email outdoorprograms@ashevillenc.gov. CARL SANDBURG HOME: National park located in Flat Rock. Tours of the home (admission fee), several miles of hiking trails, gardens, descendants of Mrs. Sandburg’s dairy goat herd. Free programs yearround. 693-4178 or www.nps.gov/carl. CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK: Located 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Hiking trails, guided rock climbing, bird watching, children’s programs. Admission fee. Call 625-9611, 800-277-9611 or visit www.chimneyrockpark.com. DIAMOND BRAND OUTDOORS: Outdoor enthusiasts have opportunity to participate in several types of free instructional clinics and special events. A complete schedule and information can be found at www.diamondbrand.com. DUPONT STATE FOREST: Miles of multiuse trails, waterfalls and lakes straddling Henderson and Transylvania counties. No admission fee. Visit www.dupontforest.com. ELISHA MITCHELL AUDUBON SOCIETY: Promotes an awareness and appreciation of nature, to pre-

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serve and protect wildlife and natural ecosystems and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship. Offers bird walks, naturalist programs. Visit www.main.nc.us/emas. ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION: Hendersonville-based conservation nonprofit. Guided hikes and community events. Call 692-0385 or visit www.eco-wnc.org. FONTANA VILLAGE: Local author and hiker Jerry Span leads family-friendly, diverse programs throughout the year. For information or to register, call 498-2211, ext. 144. FOOTHILLS EQUESTRIAN NATURE CENTER: FENCE offers 384 acres of hardwood forest, meadow and wetland for hikers, birdwatchers, gardeners and astronomers. Located at 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon. 859-9012 or www.fence.org. GORGES STATE PARK: State park in Transylvania County, about 45 miles southwest of Asheville. Park office is on U.S. 64 in Sapphire. Trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, campsites. Admission is free. Call 9669099. GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN: Located off N.C. 221, south of Boone. Attractions include Mile High Swinging Bridge, environmental habitats for native wildlife, natural history museum and alpine hiking trails. Visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-4687325. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK: Extends 70 miles along the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Hiking trails, scenic driving routes, camping, picnic sites. Open year-round. Free. Call the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on U.S. 441 at 4971904 or visit www.nps.gov/grsm.

LAKE JAMES STATE PARK: At the base of Linville Gorge, Lake James State Park is a 6,510-acre lake with boating, fishing and swimming in season, picnic area, campground, hiking trails and rangerled nature programs. Call office in Nebo, McDowell County, at 584-7728 or visit www.ncparks.gov. MOUNT MITCHELL STATE PARK: Home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, 6,684 feet elevation. Located on N.C. 128, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 355. Interactive programs are free. Call 675-4611 or e-mail mount.mitchell@ncmail.net. N.C. ARBORETUM: Connects people and plants through various year-round programs, lectures and special events. Promotes conservation, education and research. Located off N.C. 191/Brevard Road, south of the Biltmore Square Mall. Call 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION: Ongoing classes at center, adjacent to the fish hatchery in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Operated by N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. All programs are free; registration required. Open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. except Sunday. Call 877-4423. WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED: Offering various bird programs with instructor and owner Simon Thompson. Visit www.asheville.wbu for directions, more information or contact WBU at 687-9433. WNC NATURE CENTER: A living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region, 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville. Admission: $8 adults, $5 children, free to members of Friends of the Nature Center. Call 298-5600. Visit http://wncnaturecenter.com/.

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Bonnets, baskets and more Easter events around WNC Get your basket ready for a host of Easter egg hunts and other events this month. Easter is April 8.

March 31

Grovewood Gallery hosts its annual Easter egg hunt on April 7. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

62 S

Bojangles Easter Eggstravaganza Hosted by the city of Asheville, the Eggstravaganza will have egg hunts, inflatables, face painting, crafts, entertainment including Mountain Thunder Cloggers and animal education from WNC Nature Center. With toddler egg hunt area with continuous hunting. Separate egg hunts for ages 4-7 and 8-11, at 4 p.m. From 2-4 p.m. at Carrier Park, off Amboy Road, West Asheville. Visit www.ashevillenc.gov/parks. Easter Bonnet Parade and Egg Hunt Marion Business Association and Corpening YMCA host the 23rd annual event, 11 a.m.-noon at the YMCA soccer fields. For children up to age 12. Prizes will be awarded for most original, most elegant, funnies

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and 100 percent recycled bonnets. Bring baskets for the hunt. Meet the Easter Bunny. Call 659-9622. Zeugner Center Egg Hunt Annual Easter Egg hunt and indoor swim. Registration starts at noon, hunt begins at 12:15 p.m. After hunt, stay for party with crafts, face painting, games. Pool open 1-3 p.m. Bring basket and swimsuit. Hunt and party are free; swimming is $2 per person. Call 684-5072. At Zeugner Center, behind Roberson High School at 50 Springside Drive.

April 1 Smith-McDowell House Easter Egg Hunt Sing-along program, games, egg hunt on grounds on Smith-McDowell House Museum. Separate hunt for younger children. Bring your own basket. From 2-4 p.m. at 283 Victoria Road, Asheville. $5 per child, adults free; reservations recommended by calling 253-9231. www.wnchistory.org.

April 6-7 Peanuts Easter Beagle Express Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train departs the Bryson City depot at 10:30 a.m. Passengers will join Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and our Easter Bunnies for old-fashioned Easter fun during the 90-minute layover in Dillsboro. Festivities include an Easter egg hunt, crafts, coloring sheets, snacks and more. Adult tickets $49 and children 2 and older $29. www.gsmr.com or 800-872-4681.

April 7 Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade Show off your best Easter hat. Starts at 2 p.m. at Town Hall on Front Street. Antique cars, hat contestants, Easter Bunny. Last-minute entrants welcome. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Come to Dogwood Crafters at 10 a.m. to make a hat. Visit www.dillsboronc.info/events.html. Easter at Lake Junaluska Celebrate Easter weekend at Lake Junaluska with 5K and 10K run and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun run, egg decorating contest and other Easter games. Starts at 8:30 a.m. Visit www.lakejunaluska.com or call 800-222-4930. Easter on the Green Asheville Downtown Association hosts a celebration of Easter traditions on the Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park. With a large-scale egg hunt, races, games, creative activities and a visit

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The city of Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Bojangles Easter Eggstravaganza is March 31. WNC PARENT PHOTO

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Easter events Continued from Page 63 with the Easter Bunny. Plus kid-friendly music and entertainment. Free. Visit www.ashevilledowntown.org. First Presbyterian Church of Swannanoa Easter Egg Hunt Egg hunt, face painting and more. Rain or shine, 2-4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Swannanoa, 372 Bee Tree Road. 686-3140 or www.swannanoapres.org. Fletcher Easter Egg Hunt Parade of Hats begins at 11:45 a.m., with egg hunt starting at noon. More than 7,000 Easter eggs filled with prizes. Meet the Easter Bunny. At Fletcher Community Park, 85 Howard Gap Road. For ages walker to 11. 687-0751, www.fletcherparks.org. Grovewood Easter Egg Hunt Grovewood Gallery and Grovewood Café host their fourth-annual Easter Egg Hunt for ages 2-9. Free. Hunt benefits MANNA Packs for Kids; admission is five canned goods. With visit from the Easter Bunny. At 11 a.m. at 111 Grovewood Road, North Asheville. 253-7651, www.grovewood.com. Jackson Park Easter Egg Hunt Henderson County Parks and Recreation hosts hunt for ages 2-10 with music, prizes, the Easter Bunny, inflatables and food. Noon-2 p.m. at Jackson Park, Hendersonville. Call 697-4884. Weaverville Easter egg hunt First Baptist Church, 63 N. Main St., Weaverville, and Weaverville United Methodist Church next door will host a joint Easter egg hunt, 1-2:30 p.m. April 7, on the lawn between the churches. For age 3 through sixth grade. With games and snacks. Call 645-6720.

April 8 Biltmore Estate Easter Egg Hunts Easter Rabbit appears on Biltmore’s Front Lawn, along with magic shows, music, storytelling, crafts. Ages 9 and younger free when accompanied by an Estate pass holder or ticketed adult. Bring your own basket to collect eggs. Egg hunts at 11 a.m. 1 p.m., 3 p.m. on the Front Lawn. 800-411-3812 or 225-1333, www.biltmore.com. Chimney Rock Park’s 57th Annual Easter Sunrise Service Gates open 5-6 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. service. Nondenominational service with song, Scripture, special music and sunrise over Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Free, and attendees may stay in the park for the day. www.chimneyrockpark.com. Easter at Lake Junaluska Celebrate Easter at Lake Junaluska with a sunrise service at 7 a.m., buffets and more. 800-222-4930. Sunrise service Grassroots Church hosts an Easter service at 7 a.m. at Pritchard Park, downtown Asheville. Visit www.thereishopeavl.com.

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Kids page

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puzzles for parents

Across 1. “We Are the _____” 6. Madonna’s coneshaped garment 9. Clarified butter 13. Farewell in France 14. “Barbara ___,” sung by The Beach Boys 15. Private university in Des Moines, IA 16. Times New _____ 17. Papa’s got a brand new one 18. Oil tanker 19. A rockabilly original 21. Ran away to marry 23. Open box attached to long pole handle 24. Scratch or scrape 25. Programmer’s bane 28. Pocket bread

30. Chew the fat or chat 35. It will 37. Literary “through” 39. Peter in Russian 40. “In ____ of” 41. Behind Wilson sisters, this group rose to prominence in 1970s 43. Japanese soup 44. Treeless plain 46. Affirm 47. A bunch, often followed by “of” 48. Inhabitant of republic on southwestern shores of Arabian Peninsula 50. “Heat of the Moment” band 52. ___ Luis Obispo

53. Similar in quality 55. Some pop-up online 57. Founding member of legendary British band 60. “___ ____ Rock and Roll” 64. Rock and Roll, e.g. 65. Not divisible by two 67. New _____, formerly Joy Division 68. Sometimes precedes “nonsense” 69. Motion of assent 70. Period from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6, pl. 71. Cook slowly 72. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” band 73. Farley’s side-kick in “Tommy Boy”

Down 1. ”Let’s do the time ____ again” 2. Detected by olfactory organ 3. Ice crystals or frost 4. Some keep others on a short one of these 5. Tire brand 6. The Beach Boys’ “Don’t Worry ____” 7. DNA transmitter 8. Aerosmith song with one-word title 9. “Get a ____!” 10. Exhibiting vigorous good health 11. Added to, commonly followed by “out” 12. Poetic “ever” 15. Popular R&B style of

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1950s and 1960s 20. Archie Bunker’s wife 22. French lake 24. Single-file procession 25. ”It’s still Rock and Roll” to him 26. Being of service 27. Flash of light 29. Titaness who was mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos in Greek mythology 31. Jodie Foster’s “____ Island” 32. Laertes and Fortinbras to Hamlet, e.g. 33. Like ship away from harbor 34. Mr. Dynamite 36. Anything half-moon shaped

38. Mine deposits 42. Chuck Berry went to prison after one 45. Medieval siege weapon 49. ___ & Tina Turner 51. Software plug-ins 54. Literary technique 56. Razor sharpener 57. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” singer 58. Initial stake 59. What Jack’s beanstalk did 60. Made in Vegas 61. It turns on a light bulb? 62. Mix together 63. Gaelic 64. “Hop on the bus, ___” 66. John or Jane___

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calendar of events

Things to do

March 26

WORDPRESS BASICS AND BEYOND: Four-week workshop for adults takes participants through the process of creating a website with WordPress at Creative Technology and Arts Center. $10 per hourlong class. RSVP to gf@genefelice.com or call 515-1744.

March 27

GAMOLOCK: Make pipe cleaner action figures by a creative new method. For second-graders and older. 3:45-5 p.m. at Creative Technology and Arts Center at Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. $10 per hourlong class plus $2 materials fee. RSVP to boaz.zaob33@gmail.com. Visit www.ctacenter.org. OPEN HOUSE: Azalea Mountain School hosts open house for pre-K through fifth grade, including example of Waldorf education through games and sample lessons. 3:30-5 p.m. at 587 Haywood Road, West Asheville (at Trinity United Methodist Church). Contact www.azaleamountain.org or 575-2557. SIRIUS.B SHOW: One of Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated bands of 2011, Sirius.B will put on a special show for families and fans of all ages. At 6:30 p.m. at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Visit www.thehopicecreamcafe.com. WEE NATURALIST PROGRAM: N.C. Arboretum

program for ages 2-5 with nature lessons including walks, garden exploration, stories, crafts and visits from classroom animals. Runs 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays (explore classroom starting at 9:30 a.m.). $6 per child ($5 if registered in advance online). Younger siblings and adults free . Free parking for registered participants. Visit www.ncarboretum.org to register. Contact Michelle Pearce at 665-2492, ext. 243, or mpearce@ncarboretum.org.

March 28

CLOGGING CLASSES: Mountain Thunder Cloggers will offer an eight-week session of beginner clogging classes for ages 7 and older starting March 28. Class is 7:15-8 p.m. at Oakley Community Center. $40; $20 for for additional family members. No partner needed, no experience necessary. Register at www.mtnthundercloggers.org or call 490-1226. CRAZY CHEMISTS: Go nano with gummy worms and crazy chemists at Hands On! A Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gallery. At 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and older. Call to register, 697-8333. At 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Visit www.handsonwnc.org. WEE NATURALIST PROGRAM: N.C. Arboretum program for ages 2-5 with nature lessons including walks, garden exploration, stories, crafts and visits from classroom animals. Runs 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and

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Wednesdays (explore classroom starting at 9:30 a.m.). $6 per child ($5 if registered in advance online). Younger siblings and adults free . Free parking. Register at www.ncarboretum.org. Contact Michelle Pearce at 665-2492, ext. 243, or mpearce@ncarboretum.org.

March 29

BEADED JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP: Make beaded jewelry for family. For first-graders and older. 3:45-5 p.m. at Creative Technology & Arts Center at Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. $10 per hourlong class plus $3 materials fee ($7 for Odyssey students). RSVP to Chynna Avery at cavery@odysseycommunity.org. HOOPS FOR KIDS: Series of creative games and challenging exercises using hoops. For second-graders and older. 3:45-3 p.m. Thursdays in March at Creative Technology and Arts Center at Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. $40 for four classes ($32 for Odyssey students). Single classes are $12 each. RSVP to Melanie MacNeil, melmacpink@hotmail.com. INFANT CARE CLASS: Pardee Hospital offers class covering basics of infant care, 6:30-8 p.m. at hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, in Orientation Classroom. $10. Registration is required. Call 866-790WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register. KINDERGARTEN READINESS RALLY: Bring preschoolers who will be starting kindergarten in the fall to learn about Henderson County Public Schools, kindergarten registration, meet teachers and engage in fun activities. 4-7 p.m. at Pardee Health Education Center at Blue Ridge Mall.

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ville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, Asheville. Call 250-4738. SPRING FLING: Swannanoa Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball will host family-friendly activities, games, food, crafts vendors and a free Easter egg hunt. Register for baseball or softball. Noon-4 p.m. at Charles D. Owen Park, in Swannanoa on Warren Wilson College Road.

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March 30

TEEN AWESOME GROUP: Weaverville Library’s teen group meets 4-5:30 p.m. All kids ages 12-18 welcome, join anytime. Call 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org.

April 1

YMCA POP WARNER REGISTRATION: Registration opens online for fall at http://popwarnerymca.org. Email popwarner@ymcawnc.org with questions.

March 30-31

TED E. TOURISTS ADAPTIVE BASEBALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION: Adapted baseball for boys and girls ages 6-18, in partnership with the Asheville Tourists. For youth with or without a disability that limits their ability to play at the Little League level. Program modifies the rules to make game accessible and fun, while teaching basic baseball skills. Games on Saturdays, April 21-June 2. $25 for Asheville residents, $30 nonresidents. Register 6-8 p.m. March 30 and 1-4 p.m. March 31 at Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St. Contact Randy Shaw at 259-5483 or rshaw@ashevillenc.gov .

March 31

GROW WITH ME OPEN HOUSE: Grow With Me Preschool Learning Cooperative hosts an open house for interested families 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the school’s classroom at Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville. Entrance to the classroom is via Governor’s View Road off Tunnel Road. The play-based, teacher-led program draws inspiration

April 2

The Blue Ridge Rollergirls have their next bout on April 7 at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. JOHN FLETCHER/ JFLETCHER@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

from Rudolph Steiner’s philosophy on education. Program meets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and is open to ages 3-5. RSVP to Janis Craft at growwithmecoop@gmail.com or Heather Ulrich at 508-7419. JUNIOR GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM: Program at WNC Nature Center helps girls earn Energize Award and Investigate Award. 2-3:30 p.m. at the Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville. $7 per person. Call 2985600, ext. 305, for reservations. SIDEWALK BOOK SALE: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at East Ashe-

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ASHEVILLE YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Four-week session for ages 6 months-12 years on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 2-25. Register by March 30. Call 210-9622. REUTER FAMILY YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 2-25. Registration deadline is March 28. Starts at $40. Call 651-9622 or visit www.ymcawnc.org. YWCA SWIM LESSONS: New five-week session of Red Cross-certified lessons starts for all skill levels. From $30. Visit www.ywcaofasheville.org or call 254-7206, ext. 110. At 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville.

April 3

ASHEVILLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Open house the first Tuesday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. Call 252-5708 for reservations. For private tour, call Debbie Mowrey at 252-7896 or email dmowrey@ashevillecatholic.org. Visit www.ashevillecatholic.org. ASHEVILLE YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Four-week

session for 6 months-12 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 3-26. Register by March 30. Call 210-9622. ENGAGING KIDS IN HEALTHY EATING: Park Ridge Health nutritionist and Kid Power Coordinator Haley Donaldson gives a motivational presentation on getting kids to make healthy changes with you. Register by March 30. Call 855-774-5433. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at The Health Adventure in Biltmore Square Mall. REUTER FAMILY YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 3-26. Registration deadline is March 28. Starts at $40. Call 651-9622 or visit www.ymcawnc.org.

April 4

LET’S GET MOVING: Music and movement with Ms. Nicole. For ages 3-6. At 11 a.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Free with admission. Visit www.handsonwnc.org.

April 5 and 12

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES: A free two-session class, on April 5 and 12, for expectant parents covering the labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathing patterns, birth options, positioning and comfort measures. 6:30–9 p.m. Registration required. At Pardee Hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register.

April 6-7

TED E. TOURISTS ADAPTIVE BASEBALL PROGRAM REGISTRATION: Adapted baseball for boys and girls ages 6-18, in partnership with the Asheville Tourists. For

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calendar of events Continued from Page 73 youth with or without a disability that limits their ability to play at the Little League level. Program modifies the rules to make game accessible and fun, while teaching basic baseball skills. Games on Saturdays, April 21-June 2. $25 for Asheville residents, $30 nonresidents. Register 6-8 p.m. April 6 and 1-4 p.m. April 7 at Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St. Contact Randy Shaw at 259-5483 or rshaw@ashevillenc.gov .

April 7

BILTMORE FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS: Biltmore Estate hosts its 27th annual Festival of Flowers, April 7-May 20. Live music and seminars daily. Visit www.biltmore.com. BLUE RIDGE ROLLERGIRLS: Roller derby doubleheader. Doors open at 4 p.m., first bout at 5 p.m. Kids 12 and younger are free. At Davis Event Center at WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher. Visit www.blueridgerollergirls.com. BOOK SIGNING: Take part in a scavenger hunt and meet the author of “The Crystal Swan,” 1-2:30 p.m. at Grateful Steps Publishing House & Bookshop, 159 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville. For ages 7-12. REUTER FAMILY YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Saturdays, April 7-28. Registration deadline is April 3. Starts at $20. Call 651-9622 or visit www.ymcawnc.org. YMCA PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: At Downtown Asheville YMCA for ages 2-12 with swimming, arts and crafts, snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (at least 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered 6-10 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. $15 for members ($23 for nonmembers), with $2 sibling discounts. Call 210-9614 or visit www.ymcawnc.org. YOUTHQUEST NATURE OUTING: Celebrate Spring with the whole family at the YouthQuest Nature Outing. Meet at 8 a.m. at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary for a guided bird watch. Then enjoy nature games and activities followed by a picnic (bring your own). Free. Register for craft project. Find YouthQuest on Facebook or call 335-7287.

April 10

AN EVENING WITH SUSAN REINHARDT: Join Asheville Citizen-Times columnist and author Susan Reinhardt for an evening of humorous stories, 6:30 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road. Free and open to the public. Call 250-4758 or email enka.library@buncombecounty.org. Susan BABY STEPS TO PARENTReinhardt HOOD: Class covers sleep issues, transitioning to solids, playful parenting, attachment, breast-feeding issues and the transition to parenthood through expressive arts, facilitated dialogue and open sharing. Six classes, 11 a.m.-noon, April 10-May 15, at Nest Organics, 51 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Register at www.megganhartman.com. $50 for series. WIGGLE WITH THE WORMS: Learn about worms and make a miniature worm farm to take home. Ages 7-10. At Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. $15 nonmembers, $7 members. Call 6978333 or visit www.handsonwnc.org.

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April 11

BABY/TODDLER SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES: New eight-week session offered by My Smart Hands starts with classes offered 9:45-10:15 a.m.at Reuter Family YMCA and 3:30-4:15 p.m. at Awakening Heart Chiropractic, Wednesdays from April 11-May 2 and May 9-30. Accelerated six-week class offered 3:30-4:45 p.m. Sundays, April 15-May 20, at Awakening Heart Chriopractic. $140 for six- or eight-week course or $90 for four-week course, both including manual and CD. Cost includes all siblings and up to two caregivers. Call 712-4587, email rebekah@mysmarthands.com or visit www.mysmarthandsasheville.com.

April 12

BUBBLE-MANIA: Learn about bubbles . Take home bubbles and instructions on how to make them at home. Ages 6-10. At Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. $15 nonmembers, $7 members. Call 697-8333 or visit www.handsonwnc.org. ORIGAMI FOLDING FRENZY: The Health Adventure hosts origami club for all levels, 4-5 p.m. second Thursday of the month. Free with admission. At Biltmore Square Mall, off Brevard Road. Call 665-2217 or visit www.thehealthadventure.org. PARENTING TOOLKIT: Free parenting workshop series for parents and caretakers of children ages 0-5, pregnant parents or those thinking of becoming parents. Workshop explores how to promote healthy behaviors, misbehaviors vs. age-appropriate behavior, building self-esteem, learning cooperation, discipline and appropriate, logical consequences, how to listen to and talk with young children. On Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., April 12-May 24, at Mountain Area Child and Family Center, 2586 Riceville Road, Asheville. SPANISH FOR KIDS: Spanish classes for toddlers and pre-K, April 12-May 17. Activities include playing games, singing, dancing, storytelling and more. At French Broad Co-Op Movement Center on Thursdays. For more information email risitasavl@gmail.com or call 3352120.

April 13

KIDS NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: Colburn Earth Science Museum hosts a night for kids in grades K-5 with fun science lessons, crafts, games, dinner and more. $20 ($16 for siblings and museum members). 5-9 p.m. at 2 S. Pack Place, Asheville. Call 254-7162 to reserve a spot. Visit http://colburnmuseum.org. ROYAL TEA PARTY: Princes and princesses ages 3-5 are invited to a tea party where they will create their own crown and learn tea party manners. Participants must be potty-trained. From 1-2:30 p.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. $15 nonmembers/$7 members. Call 697-8333 to register. Visit www.handsonwnc.org. SING-A-LONG WITH TANIA: Music and movement. At 10:30 a.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Free with admission. Call 697-8333 or visit www.handsonwnc.org.

April 14

AEROMODELERS FLYING CLUB: The Asheville–Buncombe Aeromodelers Flying Club will host a free program with a short talk about the hobby of radio controlled modeling followed by an air show and display of models in Grovemont Park. At 2:30 p.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Free, open to the public. Call 250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.

Find family fun and celebrate the environment at Asheville’s Earth Day celebration on April 21 on Lexington Avenue. WNC PARENT PHOTO ALIEN INVADERS WORKSHOP: Learn to identify native and non-native plants, learn how invasive plants affect the local biosphere and how to treat them. 9 a.m.-noon at Chimney Rock Park. $27 for adults, $15 for annual passholders, $20 for ages 6-15, $12 for Grady’s Kids Club members. Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ASHEVILLE SPRING MARKET: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Davis Center at WNC Ag Center, Fletcher. $5 admission. With performances by dance troupes, musical groups and local gymnasts. Kids Event from 3-5 p.m. with storytelling, characters, special snacks and bounce house. Kids Event admission is $10. Visit www.juniorleagueasheville.org. VAUDEVILLE MAGIC: WNC Magic Club presents a morning of variety of magical entertainment as part of the Saturdays at the ACT. Family-friendly show based around audience participation, featuring several professional magcians. $5. 10 a.m.-noon at Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville. Visit www.ashevilletheatre.org. YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY: Family fun with face painting, inflatables, dancing, live music including a performance by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, raffles, vendors. Free. Rain or shine, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. Contact Virginia Maziarka at vmaziarka@ymcawnc.org or call 210-9603 with questions.

April 15

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ASHEVILLE SPRING MARKET: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Davis Center at WNC Ag Center, Fletcher. $5 admission. With performances by dance troupes, musical groups and local gymnasts. Visit www.juniorleagueasheville.org.

April 16

POP VOLUNTEER TRAINING: Buncombe County Public Libraries’ Preschool Outreach Project is looking for volunteers. POP works with children, ages 2-5, who are unable to attend story time programs in local libraries. No formal experience needed. Training is 9 a.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville. Call 250-4729 or email pop@buncombecounty.org.

April 17

OPEN HOUSE: Grow With Me Preschool Learning Cooperative hosts an open house for interested fam-

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ilies, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the school’s classroom at Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville. Entrance to classroom is off Governor’s View Road. A play-based, teacher-led program drawing from Rudolph Steiner’s philosophy on education . Program meets 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. Open to ages 3-5. RSVP by April 16 to Janis Craft at growwithmecoop@gmail.com or Katy Estrada at 337-4710.

April 18

BOOK N’ CRAFT: Read about pets in honor of National Pet Day. At 11 a.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Free with admission.

April 19

ART OF BREAST-FEEDING: Pardee Hospital offers free class for new moms, 6:30-8 p.m. at hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Registration is required. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register. FAMILIES EATING SMARTER AND MOVING MORE: Bring the whole family and learn simple solutions to eating smarter and moving more together. Attend just one or all of the classes in the series. Session 1, Eating Smart at Home; Session 2, Moving More, Everyday, Everywhere; Session 3: Eating Smart on the Run; Session 4: Moving More, Watching Less. Meets 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, April 19-May 10, at The Health Adventure, Biltmore Square Mall. Call 855-774-5433 to reserve space.

April 20

PARENTS AS TEACHERS: In “Discover the World!” program, parents take children to the Arctic, Africa and more to learn about people, animals and cultures. Learn how to use manipulatives . Offered in conjunction with Children and Family Resource Center’s Early Learning Center. 11 a.m.-noon at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Visit www.handsonwnc.org. SPRING BOOK SALE: Pack Memorial Library hosts used book sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Bargain books for 25 cents in hallway outside library, 50-cent hardback fiction on lower level and all books in Bookends Used Book Store will be half price. At 67 Haywood St., Asheville. Call 250-4700.

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calendar of events Continued from Page 75 TEEN AWESOME GROUP: Weaverville Library’s teen group meets 4-5:30 p.m. All kids ages 12-18 welcome, join anytime. Call 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org.

April 21

ASHEVILLE EARTH DAY: Free festival, noon-10 p.m. on Lexingon Avenue in downtown Asheville. With Eco-Village, highlighting 10 leading local nonprofits; a Kids Village with fun activities and crafts to promote environmental awareness; live music; kids poetry readings; speakers and more. Visit http://avlearthday.org. EARTH DAY FESTIVAL: Make seed bombs and enjoy other fun activities, 1-5 p.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333. Visit www.handsonwnc.org. HAHN’S PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Hahn’s Gymnastics hosts children ages 3-12, with pizza dinner and gymnastics-related games and activities. $15 for first child, $7.50 for each sibling if enrolled at Hahn’s ($20/$10 if not enrolled). From 5:30 p.m.-midnight. Call 684-8832 to register. HENDERSON COUNTY BBQ EXPO: Family festival with vendors, barbecue cooking competitions, children’s activities, antique car show, crafts and entertainment. Fundraiser for Henderson County Education Foundation. $6 ages 12 and older, free for 11 and younger. At Hendersonville High School stadium. HOME-SCHOOL CAMPOUT: Learn about the critters that come out at night. Chimney Rock Park event includes interactive programs with education specialists, camping out under stars, s’mores, more. All programs designed to meet N.C. curriculum standards. $12 for Grady’s Kids Club members, $18 for students; $12 for adult Annual Passholders, $24 for adults (includes program, camping fee and admission for nonpassholders). Visit http://chimneyrockpark.com/ education/homeschool_programs.php#springquarter. MINIATURE GOLF TOURNAMENT: Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services hosts the seventh-annual Adult/Child Miniature Golf Tournament, 1-3 p.m. at Tropical Gardens Mini Golf, 956 Patton Ave. Teams consist of one adult and one child. Trophies for top three teams. $15 per team, which includes 36 holes of golf. Register through April 13 by calling Jay Nelson at 250-4260. Limited to 12 teams. SPRING BOOK SALE: Pack Memorial Library hosts used book sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At 67 Haywood St., Asheville. Call 250-4700.

April 22

RUMMAGE SALE: Just Kids, a program of the JCC of Asheville, hosts a rummage sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the JCC, 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. Enter gym from Hillisde Street. Visit www.asheville-jcc.org.

April 25

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’: Asheville Christian Academy’s Upper School students perform Disney’s musical in a special preview performance featuring sign language interpretation, 12:30 p.m. School groups attend free (senior citizens $5). Call 581-2200 to reserve seats. At 74 Riverwood Road, Swannanoa.

Visit www.ACAcademy.org. CRAZY CHEMISTRY: Rainbow sand and recyclables with crazy chemists at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery. At 10:30 a.m. for ages 3 and older. Call to register, 697-8333. At 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Visit www.handsonwnc.org.

April 26

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’: Asheville Christian Academy’s Upper School students perform Disney’s musical. Performances at 7 p.m. April 26-28 and 2 p.m. April 28 (audio description available for matinee only). $12 (senior citizens $5). Ticket sales start March 26. At 74 Riverwood Road, Swannanoa. Call 581-2200. Visit www.ACAcademy.org. FENCE COMES ALIVE: Join educators from Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center as they show animals, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Call 697-8333 or visit www.handsonwnc.org. INFANT CARE CLASS: Pardee Hospital offers free class covering basics of infant care, 6:30-8 p.m. at hospital, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Registration is required. Call 866-790-WELL or visit www.pardeehospital.org to register.

April 27

EVENING LECTURE: Azalea Mountain School hosts lecture by Suzanne Down, director and founder of Juniper Tree School of Puppetry Arts. Open to the public. At 6:30 p.m. at Azalea Mountain School, 587 Haywood Road, West Asheville. On-site child care available (RSVP required). Contact amdambrosi@gmail.com or 575-2557 or visit www.tinyurl.com/PuppetryConference. SPRING CONCERT: Hendersonville Children’s Choir performs at 6:30 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Adults $5, students $2.50. Call 696-4968. TAPESTRY FELTING WORKSHOP: Create magic story pictures with wool. Taught by Suzanne Down . All levels welcome. $50 if registered by April 12; $65 after. Includes $15 materials fee. On-site child care (RSVP required) and CEU certificates available. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Azalea Mountain School, 587 Haywood Road, West Asheville. Contact amdambrosi@gmail.com or 575-2557 or visit www.tinyurl.com/PuppetryConference .

April 28

ASHEVILLE YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Four-week session of classes for ages 6 months-12 years on Saturdays, April 28-May 19. Register by April 27. Call 210-9622. CALENDAR TEA: Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts hosts its annual Calendar Tea fundraiser at Burton Street Recreation Center, 134 Burton St., noon-2 p.m. “All-you-can-eat” buffet-style meal; select dinner from one of 12 different tables, representing each month of the year. $5 per person per plate. Proceeds benefit center programs. Call 254-1942 or email burtonstreetrec.center@ashevillenc.gov. EARTH DAY FESTIVAL: Free, daylong festival with programs, lecture, music, workshops, a Green Olympics, watershed festival and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At outside field at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock; rain location is BRCC Tech Building and Conference Hall. Call 692-0385. NATIONAL DAY OF PUPPETRY: Asheville Puppetry Alliance and Southern Highland Craft Guild host the 14th-annual National Day of Puppetry, noon-4:30 p.m. at Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on Blue Ridge Parkway. $7; children younger than 2 are free. SPRING FESTIVAL AT THE FARM: Arts and crafts,

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house tours, food, entertainment, wagon and tractor rides, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Historic Johnson Farm. Adults $5, students $3, preschoolers free. Free parking. At 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. SPRING INTO THE PARK: A family fun day at Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock to celebration National Junior Ranger Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.nps.gov/carl. TRILLIUM—A FESTIVAL OF FOLLIES AND FLINGS: Seventh-annual spring festival with live music, games for children and adults, rummage sale, plant sale, bake sale, cake walks, book sale and refreshments. Free. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, 500 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. Call 828-669-8050, or visit www.uusv.org. WEST ASHEVILLE CARNIVAL: Family-friendly free event with classic carnival games, DIY arts and crafts, local food, raffle. Featured performances from jugglers, stiltwalkers, aerial artists, and more. No pets. At Vance Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs Road. Visit www.facebook.com/westashevillecarnival, call 761-1233 or email westashevillecarnival@gmail.com. YOUTHEATRE SPRING FESTIVAL: Games, food, mini-performances of drama, dance, music and presentations by visual arts classes in a carnival-like atmosphere. $5 for adults, free for kids. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Flat Rock Playhouse’s YouTheatre Education Center, 1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock. Visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

April 28-29

‘THE HEALING ART OF THE PROTECTION STORY’: One of the best ways to bring peace to chidlren is through stories and puppet theater. With Suzanne Down, director and founder of Juniper Tree School of Puppetry Arts. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 28 and 9 a.m.-noon April 29. $160 if registered by April 12; $180 after. Includes $15 materials fee. At Azalea Mountain School, 587 Haywood Road, West Asheville. On-site child care (RSVP required) and CEU certificates available. Contact amdambrosi@gmail.com, 575-2557, or www.tinyurl.com/PuppetryConference.

April 29

CAMP ROCKMONT DAY CAMP OPEN HOUSE: Learn more about the coed day camp offered this summer for kindergartners to fourth-graders. 4-6 p.m. at 375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain. Call 686-3885 or visit www.rockmont.com.

April 30

ASHEVILLE YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Four-week session for ages 6 months-12 years on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 30-May 23. Register by April 27. Call 210-9622.

May 1

ASHEVILLE YMCA SWIM LESSONS: Four-week session for ages 6 months-12 years on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 1-24. Register by April 27. Call 210-9622. BILLY JONAS BACK-UP BAND WORKSHOP: Get hands-on experience with musician and songwriter Billy Jonas, who will share his methodology on how to create a “neo-tribal hootenanny.” Participants will perform a song with Jonas at the YouTheatre Benefit Concert on May 6. Runs 5-6 p.m. May 1-3. $75. At Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre Education Center, 1855 Little River Road, Flat Rock. Call 693-0731 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Ongoing

ASHEVILLE AREA MUSIC TOGETHER: For ages 0-5, a playful family experience full of new and traditional songs and chants. Spring session begins in late March in West, downtown and South Asheville. Free demo classes in April. Contact Kari Richmond at karirichmond@charter.net or 545-0990. Visit www.AshevilleAreaMT.com or www.musictogether.com. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS, ON EAGLES WINGS MINISTRIES: A local nonprofit that operates a safe home for domestic victims of sex trafficking ages 12-17, Hope House, needs daytime volunteers to assist with transportation and help with its home school program. Visit www.oewm.net. ELIADA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER: Accepting applications for NC Pre-K, a kindergarten readiness initiative to help 4-year-olds gain basic skills. Contact Tonia Reed at 259-5374 or treed@eliada.org. SINGLE AND PARENTING RECOVERY AND SUPPORT GROUP: Features experts in grief and recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Tired & Overwhelmed,” “Your Children & Your Fears,” “Money & Career” and “Conflict & Resolution.” At 4 p.m. Sundays at Living Hope Community Church, 697 Haywood Road, Asheville. Free. All are welcome. Call 450-7575 or email livinghopeasheville@gmail.com.

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