WNC Parent August 2009 by Stacey

WNCMOM.COM, THE PLACE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT

contents This month’s features 3 WNC’s new schools

The school year will open with three new schools.

4 Help wanted

Teachers need assistance from parents now more than ever. We asked educators what would help them the most.

8 A shot of controversy

Immunizations fuel debate. Here you’ll find resources to make an informed decision for your children.

9 Bargains galore

There’s no reason to pay full price this month.

for kids 11 Caring Need after-school care? We have a guide for you.

15 ADHD treatments

Therapist Trip Woodard offers suggestions beyond medication for treating ADD/ADHD.

17 Struggling in school

22 Bedrooms grow up

Tips for giving your child’s room a makeover.

There’s a lot involved in getting ready for school I started working full time when my daughters began fifth grade. Finding someplace for them to be between the time they got out of school and when I was finished with work became a challenge. Knowing what after-school resources are available can be critical. Our story on Page 11 offers some suggestions. There are many kids out there who struggle with school. Sometimes the assistance of a parent is not enough. On Page 17, you’ll find many options for helping a child through the tough spots academically. In this back-to-school issue of WNC Parent, we are featuring a new columnist on Page 30. Nicole McKeon, of Fairview, will tackle the topic of home schooling each month, bringing another important source of information to a key community. As we look ahead to another school year, I hope the topics in this month’s magazine help to make for an easier transition. Nancy Sluder, Editor

39 Healthy food

Learn how to avoid food-borne illnesses with these expert guidelines.

42 The egg returns

Having beaten a bad rap, eggs return to the menu.

The Asheville area boasts 44 Beer can chicken many opportunities for children Make a delicious dinner with a can of beer, a chicken and a who are having trouble in grill. school to receive assistance.

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer WNC PARENT EDITOR Nancy Sluder nsluder@citizen-times.com

ADVERTISING Miranda Weerheim - 232-5980 mweerheim@gannett.com

FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com

Lisa Field - 252-5907 lmfield@gannett.com

In every issue

On the cover

Kids’ Voices ................................14 Librarian’s Picks ..........................20 WNCmom.com ........................24-25 Show and Tell .........................28-29 Divorced Families.........................26 Home-school Scene......................30 Growing Together..........................31 Kids and Sports ...........................34 Video Games ..........................36-37 Parenting in a Nutshell .................38 Story Times ................................47 Puzzles ..................................50-51 Calendar......................48-49, 52-64

Photo special to WNC Parent.

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STAFF WRITER Barbara Blake bblake@citizen-times.com

WNC PARENT DESIGNER Katie Wadington kwadington@citizen-times.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 CALENDAR CONTENT Submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 or e-mail calendar@wncparent.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES Advertising deadline for the issue is Aug. 18 Calendar items are due by Aug. 17

A different approach 3 new schools offer nontraditional learning experiences By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor For three new private schools slated to open this fall in Asheville, it’s not the same old, same old. Each offers a specific slant, directed by seasoned educators who are passionate about what they’re doing and feel they’re filling an important niche. What sets these schools apart from most public school settings? Smaller class sizes and a specialized curriculum.

French Broad River Academy The idea of an all-boys middle school with a focus on hands-on learning didn’t come to Will Yeiser in a flash of inspiration. Instead, he says, it was the culmination of everything he’s done during the past nearly two decades. A longtime whitewater paddling, kayak and ski instructor, Yeiser brought his public middle school students to the French Broad River to help “make learning relevant and purposeful” and to share his passion for protecting natural resources. Also a Spanish teacher, he created a Spanish immersion program, bringing a group of middle school students to Costa Rica. Charlotte Riddle, of Hendersonville, says she’s looking forward to her son having these same opportunities at the French Broad River Academy, which will also emphasize service and community outreach. “By applying the standard curriculum to the outdoors, it’s an opportunity for a more engaging middle school experience,” she says. The school will provide a rigorous academic program combined with regu-

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Roots + Wings School of Art, in Asheville, has added a preschool, to begin this fall. The school also offers a variety of classes, camps and parties, as well as family and private art sessions. lar international travel and study, including a Spanish language curriculum; interdisciplinary, project-based learning; and outdoor education. It will also be specially tailored to meet the particular needs of boys, Yeiser adds. “The two men running the program are exemplary role models,” Riddle says. “They’re providing an opportunity to excite kids about learning and the world around them.” Where: Location to be finalized soon. Contact: Will Yeiser, director; 713-9734 or fbriveracademy.org Grades: Sixth (seventh and eighth to be

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French Broad River Academy, a middle school for boys in Asheville, offers hands-on learning at the French Broad River.

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Wanted: Parent volunteers Teachers need classroom help now more than ever By Barbara Blake Staff Writer

2007-08, said that what teachers need most is “hands.” It’s become a bit of a cliché to say that “It might not be these are challenging times we’re living time in the classroom, in. but time spent preparBut the challenges that may be new to ing materials, or orgamany of us are an ongoing fact of life for nizing a phone tree public school teachers, most of whom for parents or offering can’t remember — or even imagine — a to contact families Kyley Ferris time when schools were flush with cash, regarding special teacher assistants and a bounty of acaevents in the classroom,” Ferris said. demic resources. “We always need parents who have a Teachers have long been known for lot of skills with technology that teachquietly buying classroom supplies or ers don’t have time for, such as a parent funding a field trip for a needy child out who’s good at Web design who might of their own pockets. They begin their volunteer to keep the teacher’s Web site careers committed to spending many up to date, or parents who know how to hours doing schoolwork on their own use publishing-type programs and might time outside of the classroom. And they offer to do a monthly newsletter for the definitely have mastered the art of multiclass,” she said. tasking, from making peace between Just coming to lunch in the school pouting 6-year-olds to creating detailed cafeteria can be a big event for younger lesson plans and elaborate classroom children. décor. “Just sit at the But they can’t table and talk to do it all alone. kids; eating is “(They) are going to be especially Never before such a social kind important in the upcoming year as has the need for of activity, and it’s schools deal with funding cuts that help from parents nice to have famiimpact everything from supplies to been so great. lies that can pop teacher assistants.” With the state in a over and engage MARTI SULLIVAN, AIG SPECIALIST budget crisis, the the kids in conranks of school versation,” Ferris personnel being said. “It helps slashed and money for supplies at a bare them in so many ways.” minimum, teachers are going to be lookHow can parents know what their ing for as much assistance from parents child’s teacher needs? as they’re able to give. “Just ask,” Ferris said. “Just say, ‘How We asked teachers and parents for can I help?’” their thoughts on how they can best work together to ensure the best educaValuable volunteers tional experience for children as the beginning of this challenging new school Marti Sullivan, AIG specialist at Jones year approaches. Here’s what they said. and Dickson elementary schools, said parent volunteers are a valued asset to A little hands on any school at anytime. “But they are going to be especially important in the Kyley Ferris, kindergarten teacher at upcoming year as schools deal with Hall Fletcher Elementary and Asheville funding cuts that impact everything City Schools Teacher of the Year in

from supplies to teacher assistants,” she said. “A school community is not complete without the parents.” Sullivan offered this list of wishes for parents who: ◆ “Are willing to come in and share their gifts and/or talents as Marti Sullivan they relate to material being studied in the classroom. ◆ “Are willing to work with students in small groups for both enrichment and remediation. ◆ “Are willing to fulfill items on a teacher’s ‘wish list,’ which includes supplies that are not provided. ◆ “Are able to contribute to scholarships so all students get to participate in extracurricular activities and field trips. ◆ “Donate their time to assist with clerical duties like filing papers, making copies, etc.”

Fulfilling classroom needs Tamela Wells, parent of two children at Evergreen Community Charter School, has launched her own mission to help teachers and students, and urged other parents to do the same. “I’ve gone to faculty meetings and asked teachers to yell out things they needed for their classrooms,” Wells said. “Since I’m a dedicated Goodwill shopper, over the summer I’m collecting different things they need — filing cabinets, books, rugs, lamps, leftover paper, the kinds of things that will offset some of the costs that teachers have to pay for out of pocket.” If every parent would donate one small item, classrooms could be more comfortable and inviting, and more resources would be available, she said. “I’m really big on reusing items; there are a lot of times teachers can use stuff that we might cast off, that would help

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everybody,” Wells said. “I’m crazy about the teachers at Evergreen — they are absolutely above and beyond all the time. So I’m going to pay special attention this year to see how I can make things easier for teachers.” Tamela Wells

Adding some technology Buffy Fowler, a teacher at Francine Delany New School for Children for 12 years, said parents are always needed in the classroom to mentor children and help them with reading skills. “And technology support would be super, to have parents come in and help a student put together a Power Point presentation on their research, or even simple things like word processing and helping students who may not have computers at home,” Fowler said. Children at the other end of the spectrum also can benefit from parent volun-

teers. “Some of these kids are very strong (in technology), and it would be great to have parents who can take them beyond that, like teaching kids how to do a DVD for other parents about what’s going on in the class- Buffy Fowler room,” Fowler said. And that’s another key to helping teachers and students alike, she said. “If parents know what’s going on the classroom, and are staying in touch with their child’s homework, they’re more likely to have a discussion with the kids when they see something in the paper or on TV that relates to what they’re doing,” Fowler said. “That’s a commitment right there, spending that daily time to review what the children have done in class and what they’ve learned that day. And that in turn helps the teacher.” “Until I saw it with my own eyes, I didn’t understand the dedication teach-

ers have for their jobs, working so many hours after school at home, spending money out of their own pockets for supplies,” said Katherine Carter, PTO president at Weaverville Elementary School. Katherine Carter “Any classroom time that parents can give, just being a presence in the classroom, is huge,” she said. Some parents might be comfortable handling small group of children under the supervision of the teacher, while others might prefer to be in the background doing paperwork, she said. “Teachers are already facing pay cuts, and now the number of aides is being reduced once again,” Carter said. “The No. 1 thing parents need to understand is that whatever time or effort they put into the school directly affects their child. If you do it for no other reason, do it for your own child.”

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3 new schools offer different approaches Continued from Page 3

added in subsequent years) Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wednesdays) Tuition: $9,000 First day of school: Sept. 8 Other: Mini-camp/induction for incoming students, Aug. 28–Sept. 2

Visual Arts Preschool, Roots + Wings School of Art For Amy Grace’s 3-year-old daughter, the new Visual Arts Preschool at the Roots + Wings School of Art will be her first school experience. Grace, of Fletcher, says they chose the school because it was small “with a nurturing environment and a strong arts-based curriculum.” The Visual Arts Preschool features a traditional preschool curriculum, but with themes built around art and music from around the world, and regular visits from artists and musicians. Roots + Wings founder Ginger Huebner, an artist, visual art instructor, and mother of two small children, says that parents would ask her where they could bring their young kids to do art. She didn’t have many answers for them, which inspired her to open a school where Asheville’s large community of professional artists can connect with kids and their families, she says. Roots + Wings School of Art also offers a variety of classes, camps, open studio time, parties and private art sessions for kids, adults and families. “Ginger is actively involved in the community and is open to parent suggestions,” Grace says. “She is focused on making this program successful.” Where: The Cathedral of All Souls, 3 Angle St. (Biltmore Village), Asheville Contact: Ginger Huebner, director; 545-4827 or rootsandwingsarts.com Ages: Mixed-aged classroom, ages 3-6

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(must be potty trained) Hours: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MondayThursday, two- or four-day enrollment First day of school: Aug. 17 Tuition: $220 per month for two-day enrollment, $340 per month for four days ($50 registration fee, $150 annual materials fee, 10 percent reduction for siblings).

Montessori Elementary School of Asheville Interest in a Montessori education is high in Asheville, says Shaun Gerson, director of Montessori Elementary School of Asheville. While several Montessori schools nearby already offer programs for younger children, his school will serve the elementary-aged set. An American Montessori Society trained teacher, Gerson has been teaching for 10 years and says that there are many misconceptions about the Montessori setting. “Most people think Montessori is total freedom without structure,” he says. “But it’s freedom within certain

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Montessori Elementary School of Asheville opens this fall. limits and choices within a daily structure. “Students progress at their own pace and the child-centered environment encourages cooperative work, problem solving and social communication.” Montessori Elementary School also offers specialized classes like art, Spanish, physical education, drama, music and woodworking.

MaryAnn and Erik Curl, who live near Mars Hill, plan to send their 6-year-old son to the school. It’s a perfect match for the Curls, who were looking for a school where children aren’t confined to desks for long periods of time and instruction doesn’t focus on “teaching toward the test,” says MaryAnn. The mixed-age grouping, in which younger students can learn from their older classmates, was also a draw. Where: 235-D Weaverville Highway, Asheville Contact: Shaun Gerson, director; 3670259 or mesasheville.com Ages: Mixed-aged classroom, ages 6-9 or first to third grade (fourth to sixth grade class to be added next year) Hours: 8:15 a.m.-2:45 a.m. Monday-Friday First day of school: Aug. 24 (orientation/ partial school day: August 20-21) Tuition: Call or e-mail mesasheville@gmail.com for enrollment package Pam J. Hecht is a freelance writer and editor based in Asheville. E-mail her at pamjh8@gmail.com.

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The vaccine debate IMMUNIZATION RESOURCES

By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor

◆ immunizenc.org (NC Immunization Branch) ◆ immunizationinfo.org ◆ cispimmunize.org (2009 recommended immunization schedule) ◆ nvic.org (National Vaccine Information Center) ◆ cdc.gov/vaccines/ ◆ generationrescue.org/vaccines.html ◆ aap.org ◆ chop.edu ◆ momsagainstmercury.org ◆ immunize.org/concerns/ ◆ drgreene.com/21_510.html (chicken pox) ◆ lewisnaturalhealth.com/resources/ articles/hpv-vaccination-debate-1 (HPV) ◆ “The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child,” by Dr. Robert Sears ◆ “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children’s Vaccinations,” by Stephanie Cave and Deborah Mitchell ◆ “Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective,” by Neil Z. Miller

For some parents, getting their kids immunized is a no-brainer. Others, concerned that certain vaccines may cause harm, take a more cautious approach. The bottom line: We all want to do our best to protect our kids. But with the ongoing controversy surrounding immunizations, navigating the maze of information on the subject can be daunting.

Where to start The most important thing is to make an informed decision based on facts, not fear, says Dr. Susan Ehrsam, of Family to Family in Asheville, who has a 4-year-old daughter and 2-month-old son. Talk with your doctor, educate yourself and take into account family medical history, beliefs and philosophies, Ehrsam says. If you choose not to vaccinate, be sure you are “OK with the consequences of the disease you’re not vaccinating against.” Consider the exposure risk to certain diseases, she adds. “If you’re breastfeeding and your child isn’t in day care, there may be less risk involved.” While working in pediatric intensive care, Ehrsam says she selectively vaccinated her own baby daughter, who is now 4, because she felt the possible risks were high, but will postpone future vaccines for now. Meanwhile, many in the medical field, like Dr. Susan Mims, director of Mission Children’s Hospital, firmly recommend following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s childhood vaccination schedule, believing the benefits to greatly outweigh any risk. Dr. Christine Morgan, with All Kids Pediatrics, says that with the rising numbers of parents who don’t vaccinate their kids, she’s worried about the widespread re-emergence of preventable diseases like polio, which plague other countries. It’s a community health issue, she says.

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Parents should make an informed decision on immunizations. “For example, if an older child has pertussis (whooping cough) and a baby (or a child with asthma) catches it, it’s potentially life threatening,” says Morgan, who, after much thought, decided to fully vaccinate her preteen son. “We are fortunate to have these tools to protect our kids,” says Mims. “Parents need to remember our history — during disease outbreaks in the past, the youngest children would die.”

Delaying the schedule Shelley Tom, a counselor at Asheville’s Women’s Wellness & Education Center who leads a parenting group for new mothers, says many of the moms struggle with making the decision about vaccinating. Tom, a mother of two young boys, waited until her kids were a year old before introducing them to vaccines “so they would be more developed before introducing foreign substances into their

systems.” She delayed the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine until her boys were 3 “to rule out MMR as a cause for autism.” “Through my doctor, I discovered that the rigorous vaccination schedule exists because pediatricians know they will see almost all children for the first two years of life — but I knew my kids were going to be vaccinated after two years,” Tom says. The benefits of delaying certain vaccinations have not been proven, says Ehrsam, but “theoretically, it makes sense that a large number of vaccinations could be challenging to a young child’s immature immune system. Hepatitis B is an example of a vaccine given at birth that may make sense to delay, unless the mother is at risk.” While staggering vaccines over time

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Shopping deals abound in August Tax-free weekend, big sales fill month By Katie Wadington Staff writer Bargain hunters, get ready. August could be your dream month. Between a weekend-long sales-tax holiday and many consignment sales, there’s no reason to pay full price plus tax on back-to-school needs and more. Since 2001, North Carolina has waived sales tax for a weekend to help ease the pain of back-to-school shopping. The holiday begins at midnight Aug. 7 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Aug. 9. Don’t have school-age kids? The taxfree benefits still apply. The key to maximizing your bargain-shopping is knowing what’s eligible. And, stores are not allowed to opt out of the holiday. Items exempt from tax include traditional school supplies like pencils and notebooks, computers, and clothing items costing $100 or less. But there are unexpected things on the list, too. There is no tax, for instance, on costumes, arts and crafts supplies, and sporting equipment of all kinds. Shoppers don’t have to go to a store to take advantage of the discount. Items ordered by Internet or telephone during the weekend qualify. (For a list of items considered tax-free and their price limits, visit the state Department of Revenue’s Web site at www.dornc.com/ taxes/sales/holiday_4-08.pdf.) Jeff Washburn, general manager of Asheville Mall, recommends shopping early to take advantage of sales. “We anticipate a very busy weekend and encourage shoppers to shop early for the best selections and to avoid the last-minute crowds,” he said. Washburn suggested researching prices of items on your list before shopping to find the best bargains. And he offered this tip on using coupons during the tax-free weekend: Manufacturer’s coupons cannot be used to bring down the price of an item to put it within the

CONSIGNMENT SALES Details on area sales in August. Aug. 1-4: Munchkin Market, Biltmore Square Mall in former Steve & Barry’s store, munchkinmarket.com. Drop off is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 27-28. Volunteers shop July 30; consignors shop July 31. Public sale hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 1; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 2; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 3-4. Aug. 7-9: Wee Trade, WNC Ag Center, wee-trade.com. Drop off is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Volunteers, consignors and guests shop Aug. 6. Public sale is 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 7; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 8; noon-4 p.m. Aug. 9. Aug. 15: Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County Back-to-School Rummage Sale, Emma Elementary cafeteria, childrenfirstbc.org. Sale is 8 a.m.-noon. Aug. 29: Moms of Multiples rummage sale, Blue Ridge Motion Pictures, 12 Old Charlotte Highway (across from River Ridge shopping center), amom.findsmithgroups.com. Sale runs 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., with half-price sale from 2:15-3 p.m. tax-free limit. For example, if a coat is $120, you’ll pay tax on it, even if you have a coupon bringing the price under $100. Tax-free weekend isn’t the only way to save money in August. The month starts and ends with consignment sales. Kicking off the month is Munchkin Market, running Aug. 1-4 at Biltmore

Square Mall. Wee Trade is the same weekend as the sales tax holiday, Aug. 7-9, at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. (Shoppers at the Aug. 6 presale will have to pay sales tax.) And the Asheville Mothers of Multiples group offers its sale Aug. 29.

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Vaccine debate Continued from Page 8

may have no medical benefits, adds Morgan, it may be more comfortable for both the parents and kids. Although, she adds, she would not delay certain vaccines at 2, 3 and 6 months old, for example.

Are vaccines safe? “Our vaccine schedule has been created by the brightest minds in disease prevention,” Mims says. Although vaccines can cause mild reactions like soreness or low fevers, “there’s no evidence that the ingredients are toxic.” “Vaccines today are more effective than ever, and they work by boosting the immune system,” she adds. “Parents shouldn’t be afraid of them.” But in recent years, parents and the media have reported that vaccines have caused a variety of illnesses, ranging from allergies to autism. Mayari Waymouth, of Candler, takes this, along with her own research on the

subject, seriously. Waymouth decided not to vaccinate her three small children, as long as they are healthy and she doesn’t feel there is a disease threat, she says, pointing out that “there have been no long-term studies on the safety of vaccination.” “Children’s bodies are meant to encounter some of the diseases the vaccines prevent, which strengthens their immunity,” she says. “According to research, introducing pathogens into the bloodstream via vaccines results in higher rates in allergies and asthma.” “Kids are exposed to germs every day and yet parents are concerned about the five in a shot,” says Sue Ellen Morrison, RN, disease control manager for Buncombe County Health Center, who says she’s seen many unvaccinated kids suffer from diseases like pertussis. “It’s not a balanced look.” “The most challenging part is not really knowing,” says Tom. “There are a lot of unknowns.” “We don’t see the controversy,” says Morrison. “We see children who need to be protected.”

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The after-school challenge Several programs care for kids when class lets out By Barbara Blake Staff Writer Just as finding the right school for your child is critically important, so is finding the best option for after-school care — where kids can spend more than three hours each day while mom and dad are finishing up their workday. Here’s a sampling of some of the longstanding programs in Buncombe County, and information about resources and referrals to help find the right match for your child. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Jason Inman, a counselor at YWCA of Asheville’s after-school program, helps with homework.

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Several area programs offer after-school care Continued from Page 11

YWCA The YWCA is a 5-star-rated child care center, according to the N.C. Division of Child Development, a state agency that regulates child care. The YWCA offers homework assistance, tutoring in math and reading, service learning, gardening,

swim lessons, fitness, field trips, arts and crafts, and other enrichment. Location: 185 S. French Broad Ave. Hours of operation: 2:30-6 p.m. MondayFriday; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. snow days, teacher workdays and some holidays. Cost: $67 per week with YWCA membership; $104 per week without Y membership; $30/day for full days. Snacks: Afternoon snacks provided.

Breakfast, lunch and snack provided on teacher workdays. Transportation: Transportation provided from all Asheville City elementary schools, several county elementary schools, and charter and private schools. Registration: Applications are available at ywcaofasheville.org and at the Y. Contact: Cici Weston, 254-7206, ext. 111; cici.weston@ywcaofasheville.org.

YMCA The YMCA offers homework support, arts and humanities, “Go Green” days, games, sports, health, wellness and nutrition, character development, team building, literacy, science and outdoor fun. Location: The YMCA on Beaverdam Road, and 17 school-based sites. Hours of operation: 2:30-6 p.m. MondayFriday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on snow days/ teacher workdays and some holidays at designated locations but not at each individual school location. Cost: Buncombe County Schools sites: $68 for five days per week, $48 for three days per week. Child care vouchers are accepted. At the Beaverdam site serving Jones, Dickson and Claxton elementary schools, cost is $138 draft bi-monthly or $150 nondraft bi-monthly. Vouchers are not accepted. Snacks: A daily snack is provided Transportation: Transportation is available from Jones, Dickson and Claxton to the Beaverdam site; transportation is provided from Weaverville Primary to Weaverville Elementary and from Johnston Elementary to Emma Elementary. Registration: In person or via mail at the Child Care Services office at 53 Asheland Ave., Suite 102-A, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or online at ymcawnc.org. Early registration is recommended. Contact: Katherine Allen at 210-2273 or kallen@ymcawnc.org.

Jewish Community Center The JCC “Just Kids” after school enrichment program is a 5-star rated program that offers homework help, intel-

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lectual pursuits, outdoor playtime and special activities. Location: 236 Charlotte St. Hours of operation: 3-6 p.m. MondayFriday following the Asheville City Schools schedule Cost: $190-$370 per month for JCC members and $220-$460/month for nonmembers, based on the number of days attending and the option of pre-payment for teacher workday/snow day care. Fullday care is $33 for members, $42 for nonmembers. Snacks: Healthy snacks are provided. Transportation: Children from Dickson, Jones, Claxton, Asheville Catholic and Maccabi Academy are picked up between 2:30-2:50 p.m. The JCC also is a drop-off point for buses from Francine Delany, Vance and Hall Fletcher. Registration: In person or online at jcc-asheville.org Contact: Seth Kellam at 253-0701, ext. 107, or e-mail seth@jcc-asheville.org.

Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club The Salvation Army after school pro-

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Jared Pressley plays kickball during the YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after-school program at W.D. Williams Elementary School in Swannanoa. gram is a Christian faith-based organization open to all children ages 6-13, with daily devotions included along with homework help, choir, arts, sports, char-

acter and leadership-building, Adventure Corps, Sunbeams and Girl Guides. A teen center adjacent to the club building serves children ages 14-18 for $10 per year. Location: 750 Haywood Road in West Asheville. Hours of operation: 2-6 p.m. normal days; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. snow/teacher workdays. Cost: Ranges from $30-$85 per week based on income. Snacks: Snacks provided daily. Transportation: Transportation provided from Jones, Claxton, Asheville Middle, Asheville High, West Buncombe, Emma, Oakley, Sand Hill-Venable, Johnston, Erwin Middle and Erwin High. Registration: Pick up an application at 750 Haywood Road, or contact Kimberly Miller at 255-0266 or kim.miller@ uss.salvationarmy.org.

Eliada Home Eliada Home offers a 5-star rated program that includes swimming, horseback riding, gardening, field trips, tutoring and exercises in self-esteem, social skills and self-help skills. Service-learning projects are included. Location: 2 Compton Drive, off Leicester Highway. Hours of operation: 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. snow/teacher workdays. Cost: $63 per week with transportation, $55 per week without transportation (for those whose school buses drop them off at Eliada). Snacks: Snacks provided daily. Transportation: Transportation from schools can be arranged. Schools served include Leicester, West Buncombe, Emma, Johnston and Erwin Middle. Registration: In person or online at eliada.org. Contact: Denise West at 254-5356, ext. 224, or dwest@eliada.org.

Family child care homes Buncombe County Child Care Services offers a resource and referral service to help parents find an organized program that matches their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs or a Family Child Care Home licensed by the state. Call 250-6700 or e-mail Alesia Holt at Alesia.Holt@buncombe county.org.

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kids’ voices

The best part of my summer vacation Summertime should be all about fun, at least for kids. With the beginning of the new school year rapidly approaching, we asked children at Eliada Home’s summer camp program to tell us about something fun or interesting they’ve done so far this summer. Here’s what they told staff writer Barbara Blake. “I went to Myrtle Beach, and the funnest thing I did was go to Broadway on the Beach. I got my T-shirt airbrushed with my name on it, and there was a big dragon and fire came out of its mouth. I also had fun painting the horses (at camp) with this kind of jelly and soap finger paint. I used blue and green and I painted her name, Rainbow, and a peace sign.” Maecy Scott, age 9

“The most fun thing I did was go to the beach. We got to swim in the waves and also at the pool, and we found seashells and sand dollars and all that stuff. Also, we digged out a big hole in the sand and poured water into it and let the sun warm it, and then we had our own hot tub.” Sammy Lawlor, age 8

“I went to Florida to see my aunt, and we went swimming at the beach, and I made a sandcastle. We also went to Disney, and I saw Cinderella. But being at the beach was the best part.” Mitzi Martin, age 7

“The most fun I had was riding the horses. The first time, I was nervous. But now I like it. My favorite horse is Miss Rainbow. At the end of (July), I’m going to Cherokee. We’re going to fish and camp overnight for three days. I know that will be fun.” Tyler Buckner, age 6

“Swimming anywhere is my funnest thing. Mostly I like going underwater with my eyes closed. I like being here at camp, and I like having my cousins here, even if we’re in different classes. I like riding the horses. Kiwi is my favorite — he’s a pretty nice horse.” Carson Connors, age 6

“Something interesting I did was go to the (North Carolina) Arboretum. We looked at plants and little tiny trees, and we learned about ‘tree cookies’ where you make a slice of the tree trunk and count the rings to see how old it is.” Kristen McCall, age 6

“I went to the beach, and I tried to make a sandcastle, but it didn’t work. So we just played games in the sand. At camp, I liked painting the horses. I painted Rainbow pink and purple. I could tell she liked it.” Merrylyn Vasquez, age 6

“I loved going to the Riverbanks Zoo (in Columbia, S.C.). I liked the gorilla — he was just lounging around feeding himself bamboo grass. And I liked the really cool zebras. I went to the turtle section and a turtle almost bit me. It was too fun!” Deahnie Tate, age 8

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Going beyond medication Alternatives for treating ADHD and ADD By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist A growing problem in family and school life has been the increasing number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder, known as ADHD or ADD. The controversies around these disorders have centered on perceptions that it is over diagnosed and the main treatments involving medication may be doing more harm than good. As a child therapist, I am frequently asked about the credibility of the diagnosis, the usefulness of current medications and effec-

tive alternative treatments. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s explore these questions and examine some guidelines. One complicating factor in determining whether a child is ADHD/ADD has to do with the fact that anxious children in general can look ADHD/ADD in their behavior. Children in distressed families (such as parents who have lost their job and have financial pressures or parents who are being deployed overseas for military duty, to name but two common examples), children of divorce and children suffering from the loss of a loved one, all can behave with ADHD/ADD symptoms. This could include having difficulty staying still when expected to do so, staying focused and engaging in tasks requiring patience. Like most emotional/behavioral problems, there is not some blood test that

can determine or confirm the diagnosis. Even psychological tests given for earlyage children tend to be reliant on reports from school teachers and/or the parents that may not present a true or full picture of what is going on with the child. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not saying the diagnosis is incorrect, but promoting that parents and professionals both need to be cautious and take in as much information as possible about the full family picture before deciding on a course of response to the behavior in question. Anxious children can also experience a positive benefit from several of the same medications prescribed for ADHD/ADD to help children succeed in school. Medication, however, should be seen as a only part of the treatment. Many professionals working with ADHD/ADD children agree that medication should be for the purpose of acaContinues on Page 16

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ADHD treatment alternatives Continued from Page 15

demic advantage, not behavioral control. Several parents I work with take their children off medication during the weekends, holidays and summer with the prescribing doctor’s consent. Focus can then be on eliminating any contributions to a child’s anxiety and working to teach them skills for better social control. I advise parents to speak with the

prescribing doctor and be clear about the medication’s effects, side effects and the long-term course of treatment. What are the alternative treatments? There are many, and they can be done along with the medication or without. Here are some of my suggested guidelines: ◆ Neurofeedback. This is a growing field in which the child’s brain activity may be “mapped” by special sensors

placed on the scalp and the child then given a course of treatment in which he will learn to control his brain patterns through interaction with a neurofeedback programmed computer system. This has great promise in showing results in increased concentration and “thinking ability.” ◆ Diet. I am not going to get into the hundreds of herbal supplements that are available, but will say that a true balanced diet (you know, with fruits and vegetables, no fast foods) is advisable. It can be helped if the adults lead by example. ◆ Omega-3, which can be found in supplements, or naturally in fish, has been shown to be beneficial to ADHD/ ADD children. If you use supplements and your child has problems with fish, like an allergy, omega-3 can be found in flax seed supplements. ◆ Exercise. 20 minutes is a good standard for daily “run around” exercise. If possible, try this before school. If not, even a 20 minute daily walk after school can be beneficial. Again, parents can lead by example. ◆ Music. This is something to experiment with because research does not seem consistent. White noise, such as a fan humming or other monotonous sounds, can help some ADHD/ADD children maintain focus during homework time. Other ADHD/ADD children may respond better to classical music and some to actual hard rock. ◆ Video time. This needs to be limited to no more than two hours a night. At least, that is the goal. And, it can be earned, as a good result on a behavioral chart focusing on your primary concerns about your child’s behavior. The hardest point about any alternative treatment is that the parents have to lead the way. If you watch five hours of TV a night, it will be hard to tell your children to do differently. The same applies to diet and exercise. Just try to focus on the long-term picture for your child and remember that the easiest or most convenient way is not necessarily the best way. Trip 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 6068607.

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Easing school struggles By Kate Harrison Staff writer

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Children who are struggling can find help at after-school programs and private tutoring.

Most children don’t like saying goodbye to summer. But to children who struggle academically, the prospect of starting school can be filled with dread. With more individualized help, this attitude can be changed. There is a host of programs and resources available in Western North Carolina. “Parents need to be aware of all available avenues,” said Terri Wells, academic coach coordinator with Asheville City Schools Foundation. “The resources are there; many people just don’t realize it.” Most schools offer various kinds of

academic assistance, with the additional help coming from your child’s school and the classroom teacher. In addition, there are many afterschool programs and private tutoring options in the area. Below is a guide to help you find a good fit for your family.

City schools The Asheville City Schools Foundation runs an Academic Coach Program, available in each city school for grades 2-12. These coaches are volunteers who spend at least one hour a week working one-on-one with a student who is falling Continues on Page 18

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Programs ease academic struggles behind. According to Wells, the academic coach is a hybrid of mentor and tutor. “Students get to build skills, but they are also able to have that relationship with the tutor which encourages them,” she said. The coaches work in the city schools during the school day, and work around the schedule of the student they are paired with. The program is also launching its Ribbon of Hope After-School Program, and partners with several community after-school organizations — Delta House on South French Broad, Youthful Hand in Lee-Walker Heights, and the YWCA — to help provide and supervise tutors.

size varying from five to 15 students. “Every teacher at our school in involved in some kind of additional tutoring work,” said Brian Chandler, principal of Oakley Elementary. The children receive a snack and then spend about an hour and fifteen minutes working with tutors in the classroom. Marcia Perry, principal of Haw Creek Elementary, says the program is more than just homework help “The sessions are time to reinforce the concepts being taught during the regular school day,” she said. According to Perry, some schools provide remediation before school, others after, or both. Many schools also keep their SuccessMaker computer labs available during these additional times.

County schools

YMCA after-school programs

Many county schools offer extendedday programs for students who need assistance. Students can come two days a week to work with teachers, with class

The YMCA partners with elementary schools in Buncombe County to provide after-school care and academic assistance. These programs take place at the

Continued from Page 17

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schools, serving more than 18 sites and 750 children. There is a 1-to-15 YMCA staff member-to-student ratio. The YMCA structures its program to encourage children to creatively reinforce what they’re learning in school. “Kids are able to grasp what they’re learning in school better if they can see it outside the classroom context,” said Jennifer Svenstrup, director of Child Care Services. For details on after-school programs at the YMCA, as well as the YWCA of Asheville, see Page 11.

their child’s learning,” Svenstrup said. ◆ More than just homework help: Skillbuilding and identifying learning gaps are the only way a child will be able to form a solid foundation on which to keep building, said Beth Martin, Huntington’s Learning Center director. “We’re not going to work on homework that they’re not prepared to do.” ◆ Don’t repeat the school day: “Even the most hyperactive kid’s brain is fried at the end of the day,” said Coral Jeffries, director of New City Christian School.

She encourages parents to look for programs that incorporate movement and variety with learning. ◆ Prioritize reading skills: “Reading affects every other subject area,” said Jeffries. Encourage kids to read fun books that interest them. ◆ Track the progress: Note your child’s improvements and encourage your child to, as well. Shirley Whitesides, director of the B.O.O.S.T Afterschool program, has students keep a journal of what they have learned and want to learn.

Other community programs ◆ Youthful H.A.N.D, in Lee-Walker Heights, kindergarten to eighth grade; 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; tutoring time, along with enrichment activities and games. Call 257-2711. ◆ B.O.O.S.T After School program at Delta House Life Development, across from Asheville Middle School; grades six to 12, although the primary focus is on middle schoolers; kids walk from school, parents pick up; academic coaching, along with service learning, art projects, snack, computer skills; Call 254-6804. ◆ Hillcrest Enrichment Center; kindergarten to eighth grade; limit of 30 students; 2:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; academic assistance provided, along with enrichment activities and games; call 252-6376. ◆ Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club; call 255-0266.

Private tutors A sampling of private tutors and learning centers in the area: ◆ Huntington Learning Center, in Asheville, 299-7440. ◆ Sylvan Learning Center, in Asheville, 253-2312; Hendersonville, 698-1900. ◆ Arden Reading Clinic, which has campuses in North and South Asheville, 658-9448.

Things to remember ◆ Different children, different ways of learning: “Children do not all learn at the same rate and in the same way,” said Perry. “The additional time helps us to individualize the learning process.” ◆ Parents can’t sit on the sidelines: “Studies show that success rates improve dramatically when families are involved in

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librarian’s picks

2 pictures books relate the joy of ‘yes’ By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Libraries Can I stay up late? No. Can I have cookies for dinner? No. Can I wear my bathing suit to school? No. From a kid’s point of view, the word “no” squashes so many fun, perfectly reasonable requests. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were days when the answers to questions like these could be yes? Authors Amy Krause Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld imagine such a day in their exuberant new picture book, “Yes Day!” Couched in illustrations rendered in a cheerful watercolors and color pencils, “Yes Day!” tells the story of a little

boy who wakes up one morning and looks at the day circled in red on his calendar. He shouts, “YES!!!” Today is his favorite day! It is the day when the answer to all of his requests is yes. “Can I please have pizza for breakfast?” “Can I use your hair gel?” “Can we invent our own game?” When at the grocery store, “Can I pick?” Throughout the day, the boy’s parents good-naturedly humor him as he molds his hair into punky spikes and fills the shopping cart with super-sweet cereals like “Hot Fudge Sundae and Oat Flakes” and “Marshmallow Fluff Cereal.” The

blissful day ends with the boy star-gazing with his dad. In another new children’s picture book, “The Red Shoes,” it is a little girl whose impractical but harmless wish is met with an unexpected, shining yes. Written by Eleri Glass and illustrated by Ashley Spires, “The Red Shoes” tells of a girl and her mother who go shopping for shoes. The illustrations are rendered in gray watercolor with only the slightest hint of dark red outlining the figures. The mother and the girl are dressed all in gray. The shoe store is gray and it is packed with gray shoes. The gray sales lady persists in showing the girl and her mother pair after pair of uninspired gray shoes. From a corner, a pair of red Mary Janes beckons. Against the gray background, how the red shoes stand out! So great is the girl’s admiration for these shoes that she sees them as possessing all manner of active, flirty qualities: the shoes whisper, they giggle, they sing. Once the girl tries them on, the shoes lift her on a breeze that is “cherry blossom sweet.” The girl’s mother approves of the shoes. As the girl drifts off to sleep that night, she smiles as she thinks of her new red shoes comfortable and shiny on her feet. The authors and illustrators of “Yes Day!” and “The Red Shoes” have different visions for their stories. One is bright and energetic. The other is more subdued and lyrical. In both, the palpable joy of having a grown-up say “yes” makes for stories that are worth visiting again and again. These books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit www.buncombecounty.org for more information.

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL FACTS

12: Percentage of children 6-11 who participated in lessons, sports and clubs as of 2006. Lessons Summertime winding down and summer vacations cominclude those taken after school or on the weekend ing to an end signal that back-to-school time is near. It’s in subjects such as music, dance, language, coma time that many children eagerly anticipate — catching puters or religion. up with old friends, making new ones and settling into a 6: The percentage of children 6-11 who had ever new daily routine. repeated a grade as of 2006. For children 12 to 17, $7.6 billion: The amount of money spent at family cloththe rate was 11 percent. ing stores in August 2008. Only in December were sales 67: Percentage of children 6-17 whose parents significantly higher. Similarly, sales at bookstores in Aureported that their kids often like school. gust 2008 totaled $2.4 billion, an amount approached in 10.9 million: Number of school-age children (5-17) 2008 only by sales in January. who speak a language other than English at home; 76 million: The number of children and adults enrolled in 7.9 million of these children speak Spanish at school throughout the country in October 2007 — from home. nursery school to college. They comprised 27 percent of 31 million: Average number of children particithe entire population 3 and older. pating each month in the national school lunch 55: Percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in preprogram in 2008. school in October 2007. 98,793: Number of public schools in 2006-07. In SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT 56 million: The projected number of students to be en2007-08, there were 28,218 private schools. rolled in the nation’s elementary through high schools this fall. 3,970: The number of public charter schools nationwide in 2006-07. 11: Projected percentage of elementary through high school students These schools, exempt from selected state and local rules and reguenrolled in private schools this fall. lations, enrolled 1.2 million students. 42: Percentage of elementary through high school students who were 7.2 million: Number of teachers in the United States in 2008. Some 2.9 minorities, as of October 2007. million teach at the elementary and middle school level. 23: Percentage of elementary through high school students who had at least one foreign-born parent in October 2007. Source: Census Bureau

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Bedrooms grow up Gannett News Service Children can outgrow the decor in their bedrooms faster than a pair of shoes if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not careful with your design choices. Cut back on the frequency of makeovers with these tips for updating youngstersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rooms as they, and their tastes, grow up. Here are some ideas:

PHOTOS BY GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Infuse bright colors with accents like this Lilly Pulitzer magnetic memo board, $18.50 at preppyprincess.com.

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The SKETCHoRAMA dresser has a dryerase finish for extrapersonal personalization. It is available at littlemissmatched.com.

Build the decor around a theme. American and National League themed bedding, $29 to $179 each; framed jersey artwork, $279.99; sheet sets beginning at $69; all at potterybarnkids.com. Cut back on the frequency of makeovers with art that hangs or sticks like the Eli Manning Fathead wall graphic. It is 6-foot-5-inches tall; $99.99 at fathead.com.

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ARE YOU A MEMBER? Sign up at WNCmom.com to join the conversation and share photos.

FROM THE FORUMS AND PHOTO GALLERIES Gina wrote in ‘Hypnobirthing?’ “Does anyone know if any hypnobirthing classes are being offered in the area between now and October?”

Where is the best place to find cheap formula? James replied: “Amazing Savings at 121 Sweeten Creek Rd. in Asheville, and 3018 Hwy 70S in Black Mountain, often has infant formula at very low prices, sometimes as much as 50 percent off retail. Sometimes diapers too. Supplies are somewhat sporadic, so buy it when you see it.” Tina replied: “We actually buy it off of eBay. We get the powder formula, it is factory sealed and has expiration date on bottom of can, which is several months off. … A lot of people sell in bulk also which helps with not running out, some even offer free shipping. We have saved as much as half before.”

Ian in a Jeep, posted by Krystina.

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Beekeeper workshop, posted by Gayle of Blue Ridge Montessori.

Napping, posted by Andrea.

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divorced families

Communication is key as school starts By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist Going back to school usually brings about mixed emotions from many parents. Some say “yeah” with the idea of more freedom for themselves. Others, however, may see this as continued evidence that their children are growing up. I fall into the latter group. I contemplated the idea of simply not feeding my kid to stop him from growing up, but he seemed insistent on eating regardless. Besides, I decided I didn’t want to get involved with DSS, which might not be sympathetic with my intentions. For divorced or divorcing parents,

there can be additional considerations about school that will be relevant to your custody agreement. If such an agreement exists, it is important for the school to have a copy of the guardianship arrangement. This will safeguard your child from unannounced visits or pickups as determined by the court. Unfortunately, even under the best of circumstances where you have collaborating parents, schools will tend to relay basic information about events and general school matters usually to only one address. Whoever is designated to receive this information will have to make a concerted effort to relay this to the other parenting partner. School events like sports, art or science affairs can be an important part of a child’s life and memory. Collaborating parents can show by mutual attendance to such events that the child can love both parents without being disloyal to one. This does not mean that you need to sit next to your ex-spouse, just be at the same event. Too much closeness between separated parents can be confusing to the child, too. It is your responsibility to control tribal warfare. If your relatives hate your ex-spouse and can not control their words or attitude around your children, then they may need to be excluded from coming to school events. Make a point to let teachers and school counselors be aware and stay

updated about stressful events in your child’s life both during and after the divorce process. Strive to tell them relevant information in a nonblaming fashion. School officials are not there to take sides but to encourage academic success. Remember, the school is always subject to legal constraints. During parentteacher conferences, only the true legal guardians have any actual voice concerning intervention plans for children. Depending on how custody is determined, this may exclude step-parents and grandparents. An individual school may listen to their input, but the school has the right to control who should legally be at the conferences and who signs off on school plans. For those of you who think this is hard work, then take comfort in knowing that even “normal” parenting under the best of conditions can be hard work. It is the long-term picture that is most important and that separates those who parent for their own needs from those who are focused on their child’s welfare. By the way, I was kidding and never carried out those plans to keep my son from growing by not feeding him. He eats at least two nutritional Triscuit crackers a day. Sometimes even flavored. Trip 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 6068607.

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We welcome photos of family, neighborhood, school, church and other social activities involving children. Send your high-resolution photos, along with a brief description of the event, and names, ages and hometowns of everyone pictured. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your name and contact information. Send to Katie Wadington at kwadington@citizen-times.com or WNC Parent Photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802.

Zetta Anderson, 2, with her daddy, Martin Anderson, at Mana Cabanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s produce stand in Saluda one Saturday. They live in Saluda.

Nse Uffort, 2, of Cherokee. Submitted by his mom, Tina.

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Anna-Kate Self, 7, loves to give people "spa makeovers," says her mom, Kelli Self, who adds that Anna-Kateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother Alex, 4, is not exempt from the treatment. The Self family lives in Asheville.

Annie Brooke Roberts, 2, sits with her new sister, Olivia Leigh Roberts. Submitted by their mom, Brooke. They live in Sylva.

Chance Galloway, 1 1/2, plays in his yard in Reynolds. Submitted by his mom, Debbie Galloway (dad is Eric Galloway).

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home-schooling scene

Take a home-school break for summer opportunities and adventures open to our children.

By Nicole McKeon WNC Parent columnist I am a home-schooling mom. Over the last year, I have been “homeschooled” myself, by the eclectic and often opinionated home educators of Western North Carolina. It has been my pleasure. I am still learning my way around this adventure, but one thing I am absolutely sure about is that home educators need support in many different forms. In WNC, home-schoolers have a plethora of wonderful support groups to choose from, a variety of online groups to visit and learn from, and diverse coop choices. The one thing I was missing was a central place I could go to find, in print, what’s going on in the home schooling universe. This column is meant to be a place to share some of the

The learning is EASY The long, lazy days of summer … but my kids seem to do much better when they’re on a schedule, or at least some semblance of a schedule. I’ve done some thinking about how to make the summer learning adventure continue without too much effort. Here’s my EASY plan: Everywhere: Learning and fun are everywhere if you choose to find them. My 4-year-old and I spent an entire afternoon shoveling the new sand into the stalls of our barn. We had a great time. Graeme loved helping, and it was the perfect place for his trucks, cars, shovels, rocks, leaves, pants, shoes etc. I guess what I’m saying is, you don’t have to go “someplace” to have fun. You can make fun where you are. Have a scavenger

hunt at your house. Catch fireflies (and set them free), build a fort, even big kids like this, whether you build it out of wood or blankets, it’s still fun. Art: Make mud pie models, arrange bouquets of wildflowers (they’re everywhere this year thanks to the rain we’ve had), sit on your porch and sketch together. I put on my CD of show tunes and sing at the top of my lungs while vacuuming, I am totally entertaining to my children! Let them pick a CD, and listen together. Watch the clouds go by, and tell each other what they look like. (It’s a dolphin, no, it’s a racecar ...). Slack off: Yes, you heard me right. For all you home-schooling parents, you have my permission to veg out in front of the television watching “Jaws 2.” You’ve earned it. You sacrifice a lot to be able to educate your children at home. You need to take time to recharge. Plus, it will make me feel so much better to know that someone else is as exhausted as I am. Say yes: Take the pressure off. Peruse curriculum catalogs poolside, read “For the Children’s Sake” for the fourth time and reassure yourself that this is the right choice. Watch your children and bask in knowing that they are growing and learning all the time.

Home-school stuff to do for August ◆ Wonderworks, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.: Free educators day. You and three friends (read: hubby and two kids) get free entrance to the Wonderworks Activity center. Call for a reservation, (865) 868-1815. ◆ First Day of School celebration: We’re planning on celebrating the day we don’t have to start school. So while all the kids are shopping for new school clothes and getting on shiny yellow buses, we’re going to go to Barnes and Noble to buy some new books, then we’re going to go get ice cream. Nicole McKeon is a home-schooling mom who lives in Fairview. Contact her with your ideas at nmckeon@msn.com.

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growing together

Enjoy the season of life that you’re in By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist So, what do you do? For a long time after leaving the work force, I didn’t know how to answer that question. Of course, I knew what I wanted to say: “Isn’t it obvious?” “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” “Why, I’m a supermodel. Thanks for asking.” The truth is that I was uneasy — embarrassed, really — to admit to my law school classmates that I changed diapers and nursed babies all day, and I was learning to cook and clean for good measure. It seemed less than enough.

Yesterday, my tired friend said she knows the years with her little ones will fly by, but sometimes the days seem incredibly long. I could instantly identify with that. When my daughter was a colicky, fussy baby, I knew every bump in the faux brick vinyl flooring in our kitchen. (Yes, it was as ugly as it sounds.) I knew it so well because I sat there on the cool floor many times in the wee hours, crying baby on my lap, thinking the night was endless. It was, in a way. Now, the years have flown and the hard days are still long but not endless. I would never tell the mom of a new baby to enjoy it “because it goes so fast.” She would probably just hate me and think I am the clueless mom of a teenager. (OK, that last part is true.)

So I won’t tell her. I will attempt to show her by enjoying this season of life with my family, embracing my role as homemaker and finding genuine happiness in simplicity. Heck, I even make quilts and bake all our bread from scratch now. When my babies were still so small and needy, I was happy to find time to call the pizza guy. Surviving that time with pure joy in abundance has given me confidence that I never found in a courtroom. So if you ask me, I will tell you to embrace the seasons as they come. But only if you ask. Chris Worthy is an attorney who took down her shingle to be a stay-at-home mom. Contact her at growingtogether@chrisworthy.com.

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kids and sports

Camp offers more than fundamentals By Tom Kuyper Gannett News Service “Duck!” “Food fight!” Why else do kids go to basketball camp? During these hot summer months, there is nothing better than a basketball camp for kids. There are lots of reasons, but here is my short list: ◆ Learning how to meet and make new friends. ◆ Learning how to mop up spilled soda on the breakroom floor. And then doing it again because it’s still sticky. ◆ Learning how to tactfully negotiate your position when someone cuts in front of you in line. ◆ Learning how to deal with your teammates when they blame you for a lost game. ◆ Learning how to make the $10 mom gave you last all week at the snack bar. ◆ Learning how to find your basketball at the end of the day when there are 50 other identical balls. ◆ Learning how to take cover during those out-of-control food fights at lunch. ◆ Learning how to follow instructions even when you have a better idea. ◆ The free T-shirt can be worn long after camp is over. ◆ Getting that feeling of satisfaction when you tell the coach/referee that you did foul your opponent even if he didn’t see it and didn’t make the call. ◆ Learning how to be patient and wait in line for your turn to shoot. ◆ Learning how to congratulate others when you lose, and to be humble when you win. Oh yeah, and then there is all the basketball stuff: shooting, rebounding, dribbling, defending, etc. E-mail Tom Kuyper at tomkuyper@kidsandsports.com.

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SpongeBob: A hit from square one By Gary Strauss Gannett News Service After Steve Hillenburg’s idea for a naifish animated sponge and his undersea friends was given the go-ahead by Nickelodeon, the former marine biologist figured it still might sink to the Bikini Bottom of failed TV cartoons. “It’s a show about a sponge — I thought we’d get one season,” says the SpongeBob SquarePants creator, still a bit shocked as the show marks its 10th anniversary with more than 50 hours of weekend programming, including 11 new episodes, that started in July. “We’ve been lucky.” SpongeBob has been the top-ranked animated show among preteens since 2002 — it still regularly draws 3.5 million-plus total viewers — and now airs in 170 overseas markets. The so-square-he’s-cool fry cook is also a marketing icon, with $8 billion in total merchandise sales. “You kind of knew it was special,” says Nickelodeon president Cyma Zarghami, who was among the Nick execs who screened the 1999 pilot. “It broke the creative mold.” Other than a clever idea, “we were just trying to make something we’d want to watch and laugh at,” says Hillenburg, 47, who ceded day-to-day series control after 2004’s theatrical “SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” release. Novelist and clinical psychologist Steve Spruill discovered the show while channel-surfing. “SpongeBob is so happy and positive. In a world of tension, he appeals to the part of you that would like to see that in people,” says Spruill, 63, who wrote the self-help book “Absorbing SpongeBob: Ten Ways to Squeeze More Happiness Out of Life.” How long can SpongeBob soak up viewers? “The quality is as it always was,” Zarghami says. “We’ve got another 10 good years ahead.” That would suit comedian/voice-over artist Tom Kenny —

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Steve Hillenburg is the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants. whose rubbery, high-pitched voice has endeared SpongeBob to millions — just fine. “I couldn’t dream up a gig this fun,” says Kenny, 47. “I feel like I’ve won the lottery.”

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video games

Nancy Drew heads to the Bahamas By Jinny Gudmundsen Gannett News Service For families planning a staycation instead of a vacation, how about taking a virtual trip to the Caribbean? With the newest Nancy Drew computer mystery,

families join Nancy and her best friends George and Bess for a mystery set in an ecotourism resort in the Bahamas. In “Nancy Drew: Ransom of the Seven Ships,” the lush island setting creates a beautiful backdrop for a mystery involving the kidnapping of Bess and the

‘NANCY DREW: RANSOM OF THE SEVEN SHIPS’ Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5) Best for: Ages 9 and older From Her Interactive, herinteractive.com, $20, Windows. hunt for a 300-year-old treasure. As with all of the Nancy Drew mysteries from Her Interactive, you become the famous teenage sleuth and see the world from a first-person perspective as if you were Nancy Drew. You explore the island paradise by driving, walking, and even sailing. You will also scuba dive and go spelunking. As a detective, you must explore the resort island and look for clues. You can choose to interrogate the few people you meet by using a drop-down menu to control the conversation. But the more helpful hints will come from the resort’s pet parrot, which can be coaxed to speak if given fruit. Fruit is won by playing games with the island’s monkeys. In addition to exploration and investigation, you will encounter a number of puzzles that you must solve to move the story forward. For example, when you find a treasure chest under the sea while scuba diving, you must solve a Sudoku-type puzzle using nine colors (instead of numbers) to open the lock. Some of the puzzles are about decoding secret writings, while others are about lining up mirrors so that a light beam can navigate a dark space. For fans of this series, “Ransom of the Seven Ships” is more about puzzles and navigating your environment, and less about solving a mystery by talking to others. The mystery does provide a nice variety of things to do, from having you climb up cliffs to find bat caves to diving underwater to rummage through the remains of a shipwreck. The bottom line is that this is an entertaining mystery for fans and newbies to this series. Not bad for $20. Contact Gudmundsen at gnstech@ gannett.com.

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video games

ZulaWorld combines science, fun By Jinny Gudmundsen Gannett News Service Exploring virtual worlds is a hot craze for kids. In most you become a character who goes on adventures or fights his or her way to glory. In ZulaWorld.com, kids become aliens and explore a world full of scientific challenges. Based on the world created in the “The Zula Patrol” television series, which airs on NBC on Saturday mornings and PBS at other times of the week, kids enter this outer space world only after their parents agree via e-mail consent. Targeted at kids ages 6-9, this virtual world is free to play, but much of the more robust content is available only with a VIP membership, which costs $5.99 for one month or $29.99 for six months. Kids start by designing and naming their alien. They arrive in Midtown Zulapolis, a futuristic metropolis that is ripe with street signs. From this hub, kids can go to a building to play seven free games, venture to the west to pick up garbage and then recycle it, or check out numerous other stores and activities. This world’s economy runs on Zlinkles, coins earned by playing games, answering science challenges, recycling and going on missions. By spending Zlinkles, kids can trick out their spaceship, buy a pet and purchase additional accessories for their alien avatar. In addition to walking (by pointing and clicking with the computer mouse), kids can also use a map found on a lower toolbar to teleport to other locations, including the Greater Crater Planetary Park and the Ice Station Zula. You can also hop into your own spaceship to blast to other planets. More locations and planets are coming soon. As with most newly launched virtual worlds, this one is a work in process. As kids explore, they will periodically find signs saying “Coming soon.” Some of the games work well, and others seem to need some refinements. Some just need better instructions. But this virtual

ZULAWORLD.COM Rating: 3.5 stars (out of 5) Best for: Ages 6-9 From Zula USA and IBM, zulaworld.com, free or memberships starting at $5.99/ month.

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As an alien in ZulaWorld.com from Zula USA and IBM, you play games that relate to science concepts to earn currency in this virtual world. world has a noble mission of making science fun and interactive, so families willing to explore a new virtual science frontier will find a lot to like.

A virtual world that is focused on making science fun is a great addition to the kid virtual world market. ZulaWorld.com has great potential with good graphics, funky music, a terrific interactive resource that defines scientific concepts using videos, and clever ideas for games. Gudmundsen is the editor of Computing With Kids magazine (ComputingWithKids.com). Contact her at gnstech@gannett.com.

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parenting in a nutshell

Put the brakes on kids’ eating problems By Doreen Nagle Gannett News Service Food is the fuel of your child’s development, so naturally you want him to eat well — and not be too fussy. What are some of the ways you can accomplish

this worthwhile goal? Don’t say one thing, then do another: You are your child’s main role model, and this is also true when it comes to the kitchen table. Even if your children are too young to understand what you say, they are never too young to understand

what do. Your actions speak loudly to them; so, if you refuse to eat certain foods you say they should eat, they will wind up copying you anyway. Lead the way so your children can explore different foods with your encouragement. ◆ The table is no place to play “deal or no deal” as in “If you eat your broccoli, you can have dessert.” The reason this doesn’t work is because if your child doesn’t like broccoli, ice cream for dessert won’t make her like it any better. Keep trying to get her to eat the broccoli by offering it to her at various meals or cooking it in a different way (how about steamed with melted cheese). Eventually, she will likely give it a try. ◆ Variety really is the spice of life at the dinner table: Left to their own devices, would your kids eat only pancakes, pizza and french fries or some other limited variation of a menu? While you may want to please your kids by offering them limited choices, you are not serving their nutritional needs. Serve a variety of good wholesome foods — lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Think color when you shop for your family meals — that way you are also assuring that you serve your children an array of vitamins and minerals. ◆ Make your menu decision and stick to it. Don’t offer a restaurant of choices just because your kids each like something different. If you make just one meal, you will be more likely to focus on getting the best variety of foods into your menu. You can treat the family to a night at a restaurant as budget and time permits so that they may each choose what they want as a special treat. ◆ Choose your food battles. Pressuring your children to eat foods they don’t want to eat makes what should be a pleasant experience for the whole family into a war zone. It becomes a control issue and ceases to be about the actual food and more about who is in charge. Doreen Nagle is author of “But I Don’t Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy” (HCI, $12.95). E-mail her at parentinginanutshell@joimail.com.

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How to avoid food-borne illnesses Fitness magazine How do the experts outsmart foodborne bugs at home? ◆ “I use a meat thermometer and annoy my family by making them use one too,” says Chris Waldrop of Consumer Federation of America. “It’s the only way to be sure your meat and poultry are cooked to the proper temperature.”

◆ “I eat probiotic yogurt,” says Labuza. Some research suggests that probiotics, or good bacteria, may help protect the stomach against nasty bugs. First printed in the July/August 2009 issue of Fitness Magazine. Write to the editors of Fitness magazine at fitnessmail@fitnessmagazine.com

◆ “I don’t eat alfalfa sprouts,” says Ted Labuza, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition. The moist environment they’re grown in makes sprouts especially prone to bacterial growth. (The FDA recently announced that sprouts had been linked to salmonella in several states.) ◆ “I buy my salad greens whole,” says Michael Doyle, Ph.D., of the University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety. “If there are germs in bagged salad, it’s almost impossible to rinse them all out.” Instead, he buys heads of lettuce, removes the outer leaves and rinses the inner ones thoroughly. ◆ “I check labels for the country of origin,” says Waldrop. As of March, food products are required to carry stickers or labels that tell where they came from. “If I hear there’s an outbreak from, say, Mexican green onions, I can buy products from another country instead,” Waldrop explains.

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Cheesesteak bio offers taste of South Philly By Betsy Price Gannett News Service

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Carolyn Wyman wrote “The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book.”

When author and food historian Carolyn Wyman led foodies on a 12-mile bike tour of eight Philadelphia cheesesteak shops recently, she chose to focus only on South Philly for two reasons. “We don’t want to have to do too much work,” she says, “and just a lot of it is in South Philly, which is obviously the birthplace of the cheesesteak.” Wyman says her new book, “The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book” ($16, Running Press) is the first history of cheesesteak sandwiches. It seems a natural topic for a woman who wrote “Spam: A Biography,” “Jell-O: A Biography” and “Better Than Homemade.” According to Wyman, cheesesteaks sprang to culinary life in Philadelphia in 1930, when hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri decided he was tired of dogs for lunch. He sent his brother, Harry, to the butcher to get some thin-sliced steak. He fried it up on his grill with onions and put it on a hot dog bun. Just as he was about to take a bite, a cab driver who was a regular customer stopped and asked what he had. It smells good, the cabbie told Olivieri. The cabbie loved the sandwich and told Olivieri that he should sell them. Business exploded, and steak shops competing with Pat’s popped up everywhere. Cheese wasn’t added until the 1950s. People argue about who started it, but the Olivieri family credits employee Joe Lorenzo. One day during lunch, he dumped the American cheese from his homemade sandwich onto a steak sand-

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Pat’s cheesesteak

wich from the shop. The late addition of cheese — which today can be American, provolone or Cheese Whiz — is one reason local shops advertise “steaks,” not “cheesesteaks.”

The nose knows No matter where you buy your cheesesteaks, they should have these qualities: ◆ A roll that is fresh, but not soft. It

1 (8-ounce) jar Cheese Whiz 6 tablespoons soybean oil, divided 1 large Spanish onion, coarsely chopped 1 1/2 pounds rib-eye steak, thinly sliced (have the butcher slice it for you or slice it yourself, partially frozen) 4 crusty Italian rolls, split partially open lengthwise Hot cherry peppers, for serving (optional) Hot sauce, for serving (optional) Ketchup, for serving (optional and sacrilege among many) Melt the Whiz in a double boiler or microwave oven, stirring occasionally, until hot, but not boiling. Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons oil to the skillet, and saute the onion until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the onion. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons oil to the skillet. Saute the steak slices until brown on one side, about 1 minute, and then flip to the other side and repeat; do not chop the meat. Place one-fourth of the steak into each roll. Divide the onion among the rolls and the top with the hot cheese. Serve as desired with hot peppers, hot sauce and ketchup.Source: “The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book,” by Carolyn Wyman ($15.95, 2009, Running Press)

should be soft on the inside, but have some crust and heft to the outside to stand up to the filling. ◆ A creamy cheese taste that doesn’t dominate the sandwich. ◆ The meat should have the chew of steak and taste beefy without being tough or overly fatty.

◆ The onions should be cooked, but not overcarmelized. “All those ingredients need to work together, as ideally no one of those elements dominates,” she says. “They’re in a perfect balance that creates the taste and a smell that is distinctively cheesesteak.”

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Eggs make a comeback By Ron Mikulak Gannett News Service When one of the chefs at Wild Eggs in Louisville, Ky., incurs the displeasure of executive chef J.J. Kingery, he can expect to be put on egg-breaking detail for a while. That doesn’t sound that bad, until you realize that with two restaurants in town, the Wild Eggs kitchens go through between 15,000 and 18,000 eggs a week. In anyone’s book, that’s a lot of shell cracking. Breakfasts and brunches have been where the restaurant action is in recent years, a trend Wild Eggs has jumped on successfully. As a result of his expertise with devising and cooking egg dishes, Kingery has been named one of six “eggscellent” chef ambassadors of the American Egg Board, a panel of consultants named every year by the industry council.

“There is so much you can do with eggs,” Kingery explained to Sullivan University students at at lecture last year. “They are great for breakfasts, essential in baking, and are versatile as garnishes. In batters, eggs are a leavening agent, creating a lighter, airier product. They help with browning, and add gloss to baked dishes, as both an ingredient and as an egg wash. They are a binder in stratas and bread pudding, holding ingredients together. “Eggs are nature’s perfect food. They have all the essential vitamins, except for vitamin C, and they are protein rich. And they are inexpensive.” For some years, eggs had taken a bad rap in the food consciousness of American eaters. Cholesterol bombs, they were termed, and diners were warned to consume no more than two eggs a week, in any form. But like most of the health claims about foods, this blast of negativity was overblown. In the first place, the link between serum cholesterol in the bloodstream and the ingestion of dietary cholesterol from foods has never been clear. Recent studies have suggested that trans fats and other foodindustry additives add to blood cholesterol levels more than does the natural cholesterol in an egg yolk. In other words, eliminating potato chips and

oatmeal cream cookies from your diet makes more sense than avoiding eggs. As an industry spokeswoman, Connie Cahill of the American Egg Board has to put a positive spin on her topic, but her comments accord with food author Michael Pollan’s critique of what he calls “nutritionism,” the tendency of laboratory studies of food to focus on one component and ignore the ways the myriad chemical components of food interact. “Thirty years ago, the government got worried about evidence for blood cholesterol’s link to heart disease,” Cahill said. “Using the science of the time, the government settled on a safe level of dietary cholesterol at 300 milligrams a day. But this was before the full nutritional profile of eggs was understood.” Subsequent research, Cahill said, has never linked eating eggs to heart disease. “But we have found that eggs have a high level of choline, a substance that seems important in mental functioning in children, pregnant mothers and seniors. The current recommendations are 425 to 450 milligrams of choline a day. Two eggs will give you half that.” If you continue to be concerned about micronutrients and their importance to human metabolism and health, eggs continue to give more confidence than worry. For instance, lutein — a

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Wild Eggs’ deviled egg salad sandwich 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 3 tablespoons chopped pickled hot peppers 1 teaspoon pickle juice A pinch of each: white pepper, sugar, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper. 8 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and coarsely diced Kosher salt to taste In a bowl, combine the mustard, mayo, chopped hot pickles, pickle juice and the spices, and whisk to make a dressing. Fold in the diced hard-cooked eggs, being careful not to break the eggs up too finely. Allow to stand for about 30 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Serve on sourdough bread with lettuce, tomato and slices of pickle. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Wild Eggs’ stuffed French toast The egg in this recipe softens and mellows the texture of the bread, allows for an attractive browning, and adds its nutritional richness to a carb-heavy breakfast. 8-ounce package cream cheese 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 eggs 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon vanilla One-fourth tablespoon salt One-half teaspoon cinnamon (or more to taste) 1 tablespoon brandy (or more to taste) 8 thick-cut slices sourdough bread Fresh blueberries Fresh strawberries, sliced Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar and set aside. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, vanilla, salt, cinnamon and brandy, and set aside. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the sweetened cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread. Top four slices of bread with as many blueberries as will easily fit, pressing them lightly into the cream cheese. Top the other four slices with sliced strawberries. Make a sandwich combining a slice with blueberries and a slice with strawberries. Dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture, coating well. Cook French toast on a heated, greased griddle or skillet until nicely browned on both sides. Cut diagonally and serve with whipped cream, berry garnishes and syrup as desired. Makes 4.

nutrient that has been connected with eye health, especially with warding off the problems that lead to macular degeneration — is also found in relatively high proportions in eggs. But analysis of micronutrients may not be the most meaningful way to think about food. Major assertions made by Pollan, author of “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto” (Penguin Press, $21.95), continue to resonate, making eggs an intelligent choice for easy suppers as well as pleasant breakfasts. His mantra of “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants” has been much parodied, but the sense remains, as does his definition of “food”: anything your grandmother would have happily eaten. High among those traditionally recognized things that are real food are eggs, which remain a good choice to include in a balanced diet.

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Grill succulent chicken for dinner By Karen Fernau Gannett News Service It would be easy to dismiss beer-butt chicken — part classically roasted bird, part rowdy keg party — as a misguided grilling experiment. Who in their right mind would shove a can of beer up a chicken’s patootie, grill it for hours and expect anything short of disaster? Anyone who likes grilled chicken as moist as butter, that’s who. Long the rage among professional barbecuers, beer-butt chicken is more than a novelty. The beer infuses the meat with moistness while the grilling produces a crisp, picture-perfect skin. “It might seem strange, but beer-butt chicken is really a simple idea that works,” said Jon-Paul Hutchins, execu-

tive chef at Scottsdale Culinary Institute. “Let the moist steam of beer bathe the chicken while it grills and prevent it from drying out.” Beer-butt chicken is not as traditional as burgers and dogs for summer grilling, but it’s a relatively inexpensive, no-fuss alternative. Plan on one chicken to feed three to four guests. Summery side dishes include potato salad and a dessert of watermelon and berries. What kind of beer should you use? Aim for a midpriced variety. “If the beer is too cheap,” Hutchins said, “the chicken will taste like cheap beer, but on the other hand, you’re wasting your money on high-end craft beers. Buy a relatively inexpensive beer that you would drink.” For a nonalcoholic version, use lemonade instead. (See recipe for details.)

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Long the rage among professional barbecuers, beer-butt chicken is more than a novelty. The beer infuses the meat with moistness.

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Beer-butt chicken

Potato salad

Fruit sundae

1 fryer chicken, about 2 1/2 (not a roaster — they are more likely to tip over while grilling) 1 can of midpriced beer (or, 1 empty soda can filled with 10 ounces of lemonade) Wash and dry the chicken and an unopened can of midpriced beer. Open the can and drain about one-fourth of the beer. Rub the chicken skin with spices for additional color and tasty skin. Buy a grilling-spice mix or mix your own. An all-purpose rub calls for 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup dark chili powder, 1/4 cup kosher salt and 2 tablespoons cracked black pepper. Ease the chicken’s nether region down over the beer can. Pin back the wings to help stabilize the bird. Heat a grill and place the upright chicken on indirect heat. The can and legs form a tripod to keep it from tipping over. Cover with a lid and the chicken will smoke, grill and steam for nearly two hours.

1 pound small white potatoes, such as creamer, fingerling or Yukon Gold 1 pound small red potatoes 12 ounces purple Peruvian potatoes 3 tablespoons walnut oil or olive oil, divided 2 ounces chopped ham 1/3 cup chopped walnuts 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 tablespoons sherry or white balsamic vinegar 1 cup chopped red or orange bell pepper 4 scallions, chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Do not peel. Steam for 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a medium skillet. Add ham, walnuts and garlic and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes. Add the vinegar and stir well. In a large bowl, toss ham mixture with potatoes, remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, bell pepper, scallions, salt and pepper. Serve warm or cold. Makes 8 servings. Source: “Potato Salad: 65 Recipes From Classic to Cool,” by Debbie Moose (2009, Wiley, $16.95)

4 cups watermelon balls 2 cups fresh blueberries 4 dollops prepared whipped topping Gently mix together the watermelon and blueberries. Divide among 4 sundae bowls. Top each with a dollop of topping and sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Source: National Watermelon Board

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Take a dip in the pool Asheville City pools

Swim for free Pools will host Super Sunday Specials this summer. Get free admission between 1-2 p.m. Specials for July include: Aug. 2: Teen Day (all teens) Aug. 9: MANNA Food Day (bring a canned food item and get in free) Aug. 16: Back to School Day (all students)

Cost to swim is $3 per person, with discount passes and group rates available. Malvern Hills and Walton Street pools are open 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayFriday; Recreation Park pool is open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. All pools are open 11 a.m.-7p.m. Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit ashevillenc.gov or call 259-5800.

Hendersonvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patton Pool

Buncombe County pools Cost to swim is $3 per person, with discount passes available at all pools. Pool hours are noon-5:45 p.m. MondayFriday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Saturday and 1-6:45 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact Teri Gentile at 684-5072 or teri.gentile@buncombecounty.org.

Cost to swim is $4 for adults, $3 for youths and seniors if residents of Hendersonville. Passes are available; applications are at cityofhendersonville.org. Patton Pool is open noon-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Lap swim is available 10 a.m.-1 p.m. MondaySaturday. The pool is at 1610 Asheville Highway. For more information, call 697-3081.

PHOTO BY COLBY RABON

Pierre Griffin dives off the board at the Malvern Hills pool in West Asheville earlier this summer.

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AREA STORY TIMES Buncombe County Public Libraries For more information visit buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/Library/default.asp Mother Goose Time (ages 4-18 months) 11 a.m. Mondays: West Asheville 10 a.m. Tuesdays: Pack Memorial (walkers) 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Fairview 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Pack Memorial (nonwalkers) 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Swannanoa, Weaverville (second and fourth Wednesdays) 11 a.m. Thursdays: Oakley/South Asheville Toddler Time (ages 18-36 months) 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Leicester 10 a.m. Wednesdays: North Asheville 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Fairview, Skyland/ South Buncombe 11 a.m. Wednesdays: West Asheville 10 a.m. Thursdays: Pack Memorial, Swannanoa 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Black Mountain, EnkaCandler 11 a.m. Thursdays: Pack Memorial, Weaverville (second and fourth Thursdays only) Story time (ages 3-5) 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville (first and third

Tuesdays) 10 a.m. Wednesdays: Oakley/South Asheville 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Black Mountain, Enka-Candler, Leicester 11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, North Asheville, Pack Memorial 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Skyland/South Buncombe 11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, West Asheville 11 a.m. Saturdays: East Asheville School-age story time (ages 5-7) 3:15 p.m. Thursdays: North Asheville Storyline Call 251-5437 for a story anytime. Spanish Story time West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, Asheville. Free story reading in Spanish for preschool through kindergarten. Call 251-4990.

Henderson County Public Library For more information, visit henderson.lib.nc.us. Bouncing Babies (ages 0-18 months) 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher, Main Library Toddler time (ages 18 months-3 years) 10 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah

10 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Main Library Preschool story time (ages 3-5) 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Main Library Preschool-Second Grade story time 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Etowah, Fletcher Family story time (all ages) Edneyville: 10 a.m. Mondays Green River: 10 a.m. Thursdays Mills River: 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Barnes & Noble Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-7335 Story time: 11 a.m. Mondays (toddlers) and 2 p.m. Saturdays (young readers). American Girl Club: Discussion and crafts based, 4 p.m. third Saturday. Magic Tree House Club: 4 p.m. fourth Sunday with discussion and activities.

Growing Young CafĂŠ 611 Tunnel Road, East Asheville, 299-4420 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays

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calendar of events

Things to do July 27-Aug. 1 ‘Wizard of Oz’ See a production of the “Wizard of Oz,” presented by Henderson County Public Library. For more informa-

tion, visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/hcpl_kids.html. ◆ 2 p.m. July 27: Mills River Town Hall, 5046 Boylston Highway. 2 p.m. July 28: Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road, 891-6577.

2 p.m. July 29: Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, off Hendersonville Road, 687-1218. 2 p.m. July 30: Edneyville Library, 2 Firehouse Lane, 685-0110. 11 a.m. July 31: Green River Library, 50 Green River Road, Zirconia, 697-4969. 2 p.m. Aug. 1: Main Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 697-4725.

July 27-28 Munchkin Market drop-off The Munchkin Market consignment sale at Biltmore Square Mall will accept consignment items 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 27-28. Appointments for drop-off are not required. Sale is Aug. 1-4 (see calendar item for details). Call 230-8909 or e-mail misty@munchkinmarket.com with questions or for information.

July 28 BirthNetwork of WNC BirthNetwork of WNC is a nonprofit, grass-roots movement based on the belief that birth can profoundly affect physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The group meets 7-8 p.m. the fourth Tuesday at the Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville. This month’s topic is “Yoga and Birth” with yoga instructor Emily VanEm, who will share her experience of natural labor. For information, e-mail birthnetworkofwnc@gmail.com or visit birthnetwork.org.

Black Mountain Library Knitters A casual group for knitters of all skill levels at 7 p.m. at the Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St. Call the library at 250-4756 or email blackmountain.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Leicester Library Knitters A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at 6:30 p.m. at the Leicester Library. The library is at 1651 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480.

Imagination Pagination workshop Kids can learn to make a book at this workshop at 2 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758 or e-mail enka.library@buncombecounty.org.

Pardee parenting classes Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information. Classes are free. Registration is not required. ◆ Infant care class: Learn the basics, 6:30-8 p.m. ◆ Prime-time with a pediatrician: Learn from a local pediatrician what to expect with a newborn in your home, 8-9 p.m.

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July 29 Balloon Fairy Join the Balloon Fairy at 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Call 250-4752 to register. Limit 50 children. All ages welcome.

July 30 Friendly Metal Robots Bring your creativity for this program at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 2506480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

Mod Podge Mania Get creative at this crafty program at 6:30 p.m. at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. For information, call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Kids try for trout at the annual Talking Trees Trout Derby at Oconoluftee Islands Park in Cherokee. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s derby is July 31-Aug. 1.

Mountain Story Magic At 3 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org for information. Free ticket required; tickets available at the library starting July 16.

Peaceful Beginning labor support forum Forum open to nurses, midwives, doulas and any friends or family members who have or are planning to provide labor support to a woman during birth.

Free, but small donations accepted. At 7 p.m. at The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. For information, call Cheryl at 776-3327 or visit AshevilleWomensWellness.com.

July 31-Aug. 1

stations, wildlife and fisheries exhibits, food, music and prizes. Trout Derby is free for children ages 3-11. Register from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 31 (or until limit of 2,000 children is reached). Fish 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 1. At Oconaluftee Islands Park, 498 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee. For more information, visit cherokeetroutderby.com or call 497-1898.

Talking Trees Trout Derby Activities include fly-tying exhibitions, fish-cleaning

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WNCMOM.COM, THE PLACE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT

Kids page

Connect the dots

Maze

Word search Coloring

Backpack Binder Calculator Compass Crayons

Dividers Eraser Glue Highlighters Notebooks

Paper Pencils Pens Protractor Ruler

Scissors Stapler Watercolors

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puzzles for parents Across 1. Japanese door or room divider 6. Stallone’s nickname 9. Change of address 13. Native American emblem 14. “Scooby-Doo, Where Are ___?” 15. Stored, as in by bees 16. Bone cavity 17. Network airing “The Smurfs” 18. Ooze out 19. Rural poem, like Virgil’s 21. Ill-tempered fourth-grader named Eric 23. Japanese monetary unit 24. Nurse’s attention 25. Goofy, e.g. 28. In the Navy 30. Road Runner’s nemesis 35. Twelfth month of civil year 37. Attorney’s bargain 39. Big entrance 40. Spanish surrealist painter (1893-1983) 41. Encyclopedia books, e.g. 43. American popular music composer (1885-1945) 44. Throat lobe 46. Suggestive of the supernatural 47. European sea eagles 48. Second-hand shop’s line of business 50. Peterson of “Cheers” 52. Between ready and go 53. Thailand money 55. Author Fleming 57. Hanna’s partner 61. Dome-shaped covers for Buddhist relics 65. Round openings in architecture 66. A little smaller than an ostrich 68. Impression, as in a floor 69. Scope or range 70. ___ Aviv 71. Empower 72. Leak gradually 73. Porky’s home? 74. City in western Germany

12. Paradise 15. Concerning this 20. Incompetent 22. Part of a circle 24. Mild, as in weather 25. Take exception to 26. Popeye’s sweetie 27. Spiritual teachers 29. Sunburn aid 31. Oxen connector 32. Deed hearings 33. Alloy of lead and tin 34. Chico or Harpo 36. Cartoon and book siblings, “Charlie and ____” 38. Prefix for air 42. Israel’s neighbor 45. Even though 49. It’s prominent on Dumbo 51. The youngest Simpson

54. Tiny amounts to a Scot 56. Middays 57. Constricting snakes 58. Infamous company in Looney Tunes cartoons 59. Bumpkin 60. Found on a radar 61. At the proper time 62. Pals 63. Malaria symptom 64. “As ____ on TV” 67. “When Harry ___ Sally...”

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Down 1. Male deer 2. Improve, as in skills 3. Palindrome character name on “The Simpsons” 4. Tom’s rival 5. Visual representations 6. Pop group “’N ____” 7. Tennis shot 8. American evergreen shrub 9. Mixed, archaic 10. Female gamete 11. Hindu sacred writing

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Starts Aug. 1 Montreat Morning School enrollment Enrollment begins for Montreat Morning School’s program for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. Pre-kindergarten program for 5-year-olds also offered. Classes run 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Monday-Friday, SeptemberMay. For more information, contact director Chris Lance at 686-9028 or mms@montreatpres.org.

Aug. 1

themselves (any nonmotor means of transportation) and win prizes for the most creative, most environmental, funniest, and cutest in several age categories. At French Broad River Park, off Amboy Road in West Asheville. For more information, visit riverlink.org.

YMCA parents night out The YMCA in downtown Asheville offers a parents night out for children ages 2-12. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course, snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (at least 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered 6-10 p.m. the first Saturday and 6:30-9:30 p.m. the third Friday of each month. Friday cost is $12 for members ($24 nonmembers); Saturday cost is $15 for members ($30 for nonmembers), with $2 sibling discounts for everyone. For information or to register, call 210-5622 or visit ymcawnc.org.

Haywood County Bookmania Storytelling, readings, refreshments and more from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Waynesville First Presbyterian Church, 305 N. Main St. For more information, visit Osondu Booksellers’ site at osondubooksellers.com.

RiverLink’s Rockin’ River Fest Rockin’ River Fest offers family friendly activities all day long as an opportunity to enjoy the French Broad River. Enjoy face painting, hula hoops, art projects and more. The festival runs 11 a.m.-5 p.m. At 10:30 a.m., join in the Kids Parade, in which kids can decorate their bikes, roller skates, skateboards or

Aug. 1-4 Munchkin Market sale Consignment sale in the former Steve & Barry’s store at Biltmore Square Mall. Consignor drop-off is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 27-28. Volunteers shop early on July 30. Consignor presale is July 31. Public sale runs 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 1, 1-5 p.m. Aug. 2, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 3-4 (half-price day on Aug. 4). For information, visit munchkinmarket.com, e-mail misty@munchkinmarket.com or call 230-8909.

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Aug. 1 and 8 WNC Fall Ball registration Registration is open 9 a.m.-noon at Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Road, for the 2009 season of WNC Fall Ball. Cost is $55 per player, with sibling discounts. For ages 4-16. For more information, visit wncfallball.com.

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Kids Corner Market The Kids Corner Market is a new series of free kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities at the Asheville City Market offered Saturdays throughout the summer. Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is organizing The Kids Corner Market to get children excited about fresh, healthy food and physical activity. Runs 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the market, 161 S. Charlotte St. Themes for August include: Aug. 1, obstacle course; Aug. 8, healthy eating games; Aug. 15, scavenger hunt; Aug. 22, cooking demo; Aug. 29, fun farm activities. For more information, visit asapconnections.org.

Aug. 2-Oct. 15 KidPower ENERGIZE! WNC PARENT PHOTO

Registration for WNC Fall Ball is Aug. 1 and 8. The league is open to boys ages 4-16.

Park Ridge Hospital offers a free, multidisciplinary community outreach program that is designed for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity and

Type 2 diabetes. During the 12-week, 36-session program, participants and their families are given comprehensive nutrition education, instruction in behavior modification and exercise training by a staff of medical specialists. Now accepting physician referrals, which are required. Call Ellen Seagle at 650-6960 for more information.

Aug. 3, 10 and 17 Hands on History and Animal Feeding program Historic Johnson Farm program includes hands-on activities like the old-time joggling board, an oldfashioned chalkboard, sand toys and an old-time washboard. Meet and feed the animals, too. At 11 a.m. Mondays at the barn. Cost is $5 for adults and $1 for bags of animal feed. Tables are available on the grounds for picnicking.

Aug. 3-7 Soccer camp N.C. Mountain Area Youth Soccer Association hosts European professional soccer players to coach its European Soccer Skills Camp at North Buncombe High School. Camp is for children ages 7-18 and runs 9 a.m.-noon for children 7-9 and 3-6 p.m. for ages 10-18. Cost is $119. Register by July 29. For more information, visit ncmaysa.com.

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Aug. 4 ‘Making Puppets Come Alive! Angels, Aliens and Animals’ Bring an orphan sock to West Asheville Library and make a puppet. Free ticket required. Tickets may be picked up at the library. For ages 7-12. The library is at 942 Haywood Road. Call 250-4750 or e-mail westasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER

Montreat College continuing education seminar

Carson Barry looks at a living beehive display at last year’s Sourwood Festival in downtown Black Mountain. This year’s event is Aug. 8-9.

Learn about Montreat College’s School of Professional and Adult Studies. Students attend class just one night per week in Asheville and can earn their degree in about two years. Master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in business and education are available. An informational meeting will be offered 6:307:30 p.m. at Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. Learn more about Asheville Arts Center’s programs, too. Call 667-5044 or e-mail Sarah Yerkey at syerkey@montreat.edu to RSVP.

Montreat MOPS Come join other moms for fun, laughter and friendship. Group meets the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8 p.m., fourth floor of the Henry Building at Geneva Place in Montreat. Free child care is available. Call 669-8012, ext. 4001, to reserve a spot.

Free Kindermusik story time Come sing, move, listen and play at this free session of Kindermusik for parents and children, ages newborn to 7. At Asheville Arts Center’s North location, underneath Atlanta Bread Co. on Merrimon Avenue. Reservations requested. Call 253-4000 for information and reservations.

Aug. 4 and 11

Preschool play dates

Childbirth 101 A two-session class for expectant parents covering the labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathing patterns, birth options, positioning and comfort measures. Bring two pillows and a blanket. Two Tuesdays, Aug. 4 and 11, 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is $90, or free with Medicaid. Registration required. At Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information.

Aug. 4-5

Play from 9 a.m.-noon at First Baptist Church of Asheville. Cost is $5. Call for the calendar, locations and more details. Registration is required to attend. Register at fbca.net. For more information contact Bree Welmaker at 252-4781, ext. 318, or bwelmaker@fbca.net.

Skyland Library Knitters Join a casual knitting group for all skill levels, 6-8 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

Aug. 5 and 19

Wee Trade drop-off The largest consignment sale in Western North Carolina at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. Sign up to consign by Aug. 2. Drop off is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Presale for volunteers and consignors is Aug. 6; public sale is Aug. 7-9. For more information, visit wee-trade.com or call Nina at 697-2952 or Rita at 692-0033.

MOPS

Aug. 5

Hominy Mamas perform

Breast-feeding and Newborn Parenting class Class on newborns and breast-feeding meets 6-9 p.m. at The Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. For more information, call Holly at 250-0226 or visit AshevilleWomensWellness.com.

Mothers of Preschoolers meets at Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden on the first and third Wednesday mornings of each month, 9:30-11:30. For more information, call 687-1111.

Aug. 6 The Hominy Mamas bring their music to Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Starts at 11 a.m. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

Ice cream social Asheville Arts Center pairs with The Hop Ice Cream Café for an ice cream social from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tour the Arts Center and learn about its programs.

Suggested donation of $2 to benefit the center’s scholarship program. At 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Call 253-4000 for information.

Moms with Multiples Group for moms with multiples meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Women’s Resource Center on Doctors Drive, behind Mission Hospital. Meetings are an opportunity to share experiences and offer support in a social setting. For information, call 444-AMOM or visit ashevillemom.com.

Mountain Music with Jeff Robbins At 11 a.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Bring a chair or something to sit on. Call 2506486 or e-mail swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

Preschool Play Date The Health Adventure’s Preschool Play Date series provides children ages 3-6 with a unique and safe venue to play and a chance for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to socialize and bond. It includes hands-on take-away activities led by an educator from the museum for children ages 3-6. Free for members or with museum admission. Runs 10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday of the month. No registration in required. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

‘Stories of the Fire for the Family’ At 7 p.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Ends Aug. 6 Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club The Cradle of Forestry offers a weekly summer nature program in which kids help Woodsy Owl in his conservation mission to “lend a hand, care for the land!” The program is for children ages 4-7 with a variety of

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calendar of events outdoor-oriented activities that will explore a forestrelated theme. Meets 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays through Aug. 6, rain or shine. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Cost is $4 per child per program. Accompanying adults receive half-price admission ($2.50). Reservations requested. Call 877-3130 or visit cradleofforestry.com for information.

Aug. 7 Parents night out Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church offers a parents night out, 6-8 p.m. the first Friday of the month. Open to community children, ages 2-11. Pizza dinner included. MHPC also offers a program for community youths ages 10 and older that runs consecutively with Parents Night Out. Donations accepted, but not required. For more information, call the Rev. Sean Maney at 242-8402 or visit malvernhillspca.com.

Aug. 8 Book sale Friends of the Skyland Library will host a book sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the library, 260 Overlook Road. Preview sale from 7-9 p.m. Friday for members; get your membership at the door. Call 2506488 or e-mail skyland.library@buncombecounty.org.

Craft workshop Bring your creativity to life at “It’s Alive! Make Your Own Monster Recycled Craft Workshop” at 11 a.m. at the East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Hula Hoop Hoopla For children 10 and older. At 2 p.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Space is limited; call 250-4754 to register.

Tao of Parenting workshop An innovative workshop to deepen and refine skills on how to parent a highly intelligent, creative and sensitive child. The program will be led by Maureen Healy and offered at Horse Farm, Equinection in Green Mountain. For more information, visit growinghappykids.com or call 505-0383.

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Aug. 7-8 Overnight Delight at WNC Nature Center Stay overnight at the WNC Nature Center in a tent or the Main Exhibit Building with the snakes, turtles, lizards and salamanders. Program includes wolf education, crafts, snacks, outside tour and howling survey with a continental breakfast served Saturday morning. Limited to 25 people. Cost is $35 for Asheville resident children ($40 nonresident) and $20 Asheville resident adult ($25 nonresident). Reservations and advance payment required. For more information, contact Keith Mastin at kmastin@ashevillenc.gov or 298-5600, ext. 305.

Aug. 7-9 Sales Tax Holiday All day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, clothing up to $100 per item, sporting equipment up to $50 per item, computers up to $3,500, school supplies up to $100 per item and instructional materials up to $300 per item can be purchased tax-free in North Carolina. For details, visit dornc.com/taxes/sales/ salestax_holiday.html. For more details, see Page 9.

Wee Trade sale The largest consignment sale in Western North Carolina at the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher. Sign up to consign by Aug. 2. Drop off is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 4-5. Presale for volunteers and consignors is Aug. 6. Sale is 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 8 and noon-4 p.m. Aug. 9 (half price day). For more information, visit wee-trade.com or call Nina at 697-2952 or Rita at 692-0033.

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tional Church on Oak Street. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers are welcome. For information, contact a leader: Susan 628-4438, Falan, 683-1999, or Tamara 505-1379.

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Historic Tea Party The Smith-McDowell House Museum hosts a Historic Tea Party for boys and girls ages 7 and older. The party will feature a Southwest Fiesta theme, centered on 1820s life in New Mexico when it was still part of Mexico. The American Girl doll Josefina will be featured as participants learn about the culture and time period. Enjoy treats from the era and break a piñata. Dress code is casual. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Starts at 11 a.m. A second party at 3 p.m. may be added. For reservations, call 253-9231. Smith-McDowell House is at 283 Victoria Road, on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Aug. 8-9 Sourwood Festival

Aug. 10-11 Suzuki Violin workshop Workshop for Suzuki Violin students, their parents and siblings. Join this two-afternoon workshop that includes violin group classes, fiddling classes, music theory (“Music Mind Games”) for violinists and their siblings, and parent seminars about the Suzuki Method and philosophy. Space is limited. Child care is also available. Instructed by Holly Thistle and Marie D’Andrea. Held in Weaverville. For information and to register, call Thistle at 545-8673. WNC PARENT PHOTO

The Smith-McDowell House Museum hosts its next Historic Tea Party on Aug. 8.

Black Mountain’s annual summer festival is an alcohol-free event with dozens of vendors, food and entertainment. Visit exploreblackmountain.com for more information.

came to happen. Tie-dye activity and book signing to follow. Suggested for ages 3 and older. At 1 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St., downtown Asheville. Call 232-2228.

Aug. 9

Aug. 10

Woodstock anniversary story time Author Abigail Yasgur reads her new picture book “Max Said Yes!” and talks about how Woodstock

Aug. 10-14 Mount Moriah Wesleyan VBS Mount Moriah Wesleyan Church, at 1 Fairmont Road, Candler, is hosting Power Lab, with Bible songs, treats and crafts, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 667-2494 to register.

Aug. 11

La Leche League Monday mornings

Enka-Candler Library art gallery opening

La Leche League’s Monday group meets at 10 a.m. the second Monday of the month at First Congrega-

Bring your art to the library anytime over the summer and the library will put it in its gallery. Celebrate the

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calendar of events gallery’s opening with music and snacks at 6:30 p.m. At Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758 or e-mail enka.library@buncombecounty.org.

Asheville. Cost is $5. Call for the calendar, locations and more details. Registration is required to attend. Register at fbca.net. For more information contact Bree Welmaker at 252-4781, ext. 318, or bwelmaker@fbca.net.

Groovin’ on Grovemont concert

Aug. 13

The Friends of the Swannanoa Library presents the seventh annual Groovin’ on Grovemont summer concert series with Firecracker Jazz Band in Grovemont Square adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, frisbee, etc. and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music. Starts at 6 p.m. The concert series is free, but pizza and ice cream treats will be available for sale with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. The library will also be hosting a half-price book sale every performance evening. For information, call 250-6486.

Knitty Gritty Knitting Night East Asheville Library, at 902 Tunnel Road, hosts a casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at 6:30 p.m. Call 250-4738.

Mother-daughter quilting class Waechter’s Fine Fabrics in Biltmore Village offers a workshop where moms and daughters can create a small patchwork quilt that folds into a pouch, perfect for a sleepover. Runs 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost is $55, plus supplies purchased at the shop. For details, visit waechters.com. To register, call 274-3146.

Marbles, Papers and Strings Join magician David Novak at 2:30 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

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Kindermusik story time Come sing, move, listen and play at this free session of Kindermusik for parents and children, ages newborn to 7. At Asheville Arts Center’s South location, on Summit Avenue, behind the Quizno’s on Hendersonville Road north of Long Shoals Road. Reservations requested. Call 253-4000 for information and reservations.

Aug. 12 Holistic Parenting Forum The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living to gather. The group provides support, education and resources. All meetings take place on the second Wednesday of every month at Earth Fare in West Asheville from 6-8 p.m. Children are welcome. For more information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com

La Leche League—Hendersonville La Leche League of Hendersonville offers information and support for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road. Babies and toddlers are welcome. For more information, contact a leader: Andrea 676-6047, Katie 808-1490, or MC 6939899.

Mommy and Me support group Park Ridge Hospital offers a support group for moms at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. At Lelia Patterson Center, Fletcher. Contact Amy Roach at 253-2804 or Angie Collins at (231) 838-4853 for more information.

Origami Folding Frenzy Learn new folds, share favorites, and meet fellow origami enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Paper is available at the museum store or bring your own. Cost is museum admission. No club dues, just the cost of museum admission. From 4-5 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at The Health Adventure, 2 S. Pack Place. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Preschool play dates Play from 9 a.m.-noon at First Baptist Church of

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information or reservations.

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Aug. 14-15 Asheville Arts Center open house

Aug. 13-14 Mountain Story Magic

◆ 11 a.m. Aug. 13 at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org for information. ◆ 11 a.m. Aug. 14 at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org. ◆ 1:30 p.m. Aug. 14 South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Aug. 14 Outdoor Movie Night Jackson County Chamber of Commerce offers a free monthly showing of modern classics this summer. See “Babe” at Monteith Park in Dillsboro at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Light refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 586-2155 or 800-962-1911.

Parents night out Fired Up! Creative Lounge, at 26 Wall St. in downtown Asheville, hosts a parents night out for kids ages 5-12 from 6-9 p.m. Pizza, drinks and a bisque item for kids to paint is included. Cost is $25 per child. Reservations required. Call 253-8181 for

Celebrate the Asheville Arts Center’s fifth anniversary with food, fun and activities. From 5-8 p.m. Aug. 14 at the South location, on Summit Avenue off Hendersonville Road north of Long Shoals Road, and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Main location, 308 Merrimon Ave.

Aug. 15 Back-to-School Rummage Sale Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County will host a Back-to-School Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-noon at the Emma Elementary School cafeteria. Get affordable clothing for children and families and support the programming at the Family Resource Center at Emma. For more information contact the center at 252-4810.

Meet Cosmo the Dog Author Suzanne Kline and Cosmo, star of a new book series, will read their first book and meet fans, with a book signing to follow. Free. All ages welcome. At 1 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St., downtown Asheville. Call 232-2228.

Open Heart meditation workshop Workshop runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Cost is $100. For information, call Bob at

645-5950 or visit openheartworkshops.com

Tails and Trails 5K Adventure Race Come with your canine athlete to the Buncombe County Sports Park for the third-annual Tails and Trails 5K Adventure Race. The race is for dogs and their humans. The entry fee is $5 plus two cans or one bag of good quality dog food per each person/ pup team. The dog food and part of the proceeds benefits the Asheville Humane Society. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. Register at the race or in advance by calling Jay Nelson at 250-4260. Dogs should be leashed. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Water breaks for the dogs are set up around the course.

Aug. 17 Grandparent class Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place offers a class on how grandparents can help parents, how childbirth has changed, gift ideas, safety and a tour of the OB unit. At 7 p.m. Cost is $25. Held in the Duke Room at the hospital. Call Sheri Gregg at 681-BABY for information or to register.

La Leche League Monday evenings La Leche League meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Awakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome. For information, contact a leader: Jen at 713-3707 or Yvette at 254-5591.

Mommy and Me luncheon The Baby Place at Park Ridge Hospital in Henderson-

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calendar of events ville welcomes new moms to its Mommy and Me luncheon, noon-1 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Bring your new baby, visit with other new moms and enjoy a short presentation. This luncheon is in the hospital’s Private Dining Room, ground floor by the café. Please call 681-2229 to RSVP.

Aug. 17-21 Bounceville USA day camp Bounceville USA offers half-day camp from 9 a.m.noon Monday-Friday. Activities include 90 minutes of bounce time, games and crafts. For ages 3 and older. Cost is $75. Call 696-4949 or visit bouncevilleusa.com for reservation. Bounceville is at 614 Market St., Hendersonville.

Aug. 18 Breast-feeding class Learn the art of breast-feeding. Class covers breastfeeding basics to help give moms a good start. From 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600. Class is free; registration is not required.

Aug. 19 Adinkra Adventure Learn about West Africa through cloth, sound and story at 10 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Breast-feeding Basics class Learn about breast-feeding your new baby through Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place. At 7 p.m. Cost is $25. Held in the Duke Room at the hospital. Call Sheri Gregg at 681-BABY for information or to register.

Skyland Library Knitters Join this casual knitting group for all skill levels from 3-5 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

Starts Aug. 19 Empowered Birthing childbirth classes Four interactive classes on Wednesday evenings focus on natural childbirth, positions for comfort and hands-on massage techniques for labor. VBACs welcome. Classes are at The Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St. Classes run 6-9 p.m. and start Aug. 19. Cost is $175 for series. For information, call Trish at 231-9227 or visit AshevilleWomensWellness.com

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calendar of events AREA BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES

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Play and Learn registration Parents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 in Buncombe County who are not in regulated child care are invited to attend a series of six free Play and Learn group sessions. Five groups will be offered: 10 or 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Oct. 27; 10 or 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 2-Oct. 28; and 10 a.m. Thursdays, Sept. 3-Oct. 29. Participants select the time and day that fits their schedule. There will be no class during the week of Labor Day. Each 45-minute session will be held in the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville. The program focuses on preliteracy skills and educational information for parents and is sponsored by Smart Start of Buncombe County and ACS Preschool. Activities include songs, puppets, dance, games and hands-on activities. Register by e-mail (marna.holland@asheville.k12.nc.us) or phone (255-5423). New participants may register Aug. 19. Returning participants may register Aug. 26.

Wondering when the kids go back to school? Aug. 6: Madison County Aug. 20: Haywood County

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Ruby Nuss reads during the first day of school at Ira B. Jones Elementary last fall. conservatoryofasheville.com for more information.

Aug. 21 Bounceville USA parents night out

Aug. 20 Ballet Conservatory of Asheville open house Visit Angie Lynn and Wayne Burritt at their new studio at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 255-5777 or visit ballet-

Kids can bounce away the evening from 6-9 p.m. at Bounceville USA, 614 Market St., Hendersonville. Cost is $15 per child (due when reservation is made) and includes pizza, drink, craft, movie and 90 minutes of bounce time. Limited to 15 children. Call 696-4949 for information or reservations or visit

Aug. 25: Asheville, Buncombe County, Henderson County, McDowell County and Transylvania County.

bouncevilleusa.com.

Aug. 22 Garden Science Investigation Learn what makes an insect an insect at Garden Science Investigation, a program for kids ages 5-11 at the Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Why do bugs visit flowers? Are insects helpful to gardens? Find out. Cost is $7. Runs 9:30-11:30 a.m. To register, call 252-5190. For more information, visit ashevillebotanicalgardens.org.

Summer Farm Day Horse Sense of the Carolinas in Marshall offers a chance to spend time with horses, starting at 10 a.m. Participants will spend several hours washing, cleaning, and grooming the horses, followed by lunch and an introduction to horse behavior and psychology. The day will close with a demonstration of natural horsemanship, where participants will see the results of years of “whispering” to horses. Limited to 10 people. E-mail Shannon@HorseSenseOTC.com to register. For more information, call 683-7304 or visit horsesensetherapy.com.

Aug. 25 BirthNetwork of WNC A nonprofit advocacy for mother-friendly maternity care offers a free discussion on birth options, “When to cut the umbilical cord,” 7-8 p.m. at Pardee Education Center, Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville. For more information, e-mail birthnetorkofwnc@gmail.com.

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calendar of events Black Mountain Library Knitters Join this knitting group for all skill levels at 7 p.m. at Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St. Call 250-4756.

Pardee parenting classes

Moms of Multiples rummage sale The AMOM Fall Rummage Sale is at Blue Ridge Motion Pictures, 12 Old Charlotte Highway (across from River Ridge) runs 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Half-price sale from 2:15-3 p.m. Sale features baby clothes, children’s clothes (large sizes too), equipment, maternity clothes, adult clothes, toys, books and yard sale items large and small.

Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information. Classes are free. Registration is not required. ◆ Infant care class: Learn the basics of infant care, 6:30-8 p.m. ◆ Prime-time with a pediatrician: Learn from a local pediatrician what to expect with a newborn in your home, 8-9 p.m.

Aug. 30

Aug. 29

The Little Gym, at 1000 Brevard Road, will hold an open house from 2-4 p.m. with games, door prizes and refreshments. Mini-classes/demonstrations will be held for various age groups. For specific demo times or more information visit us online at tlgashevillenc.com or call 667-9588.

Bill Grimsley Creates Magic At 11 a.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. Free ticket required; tickets available at library starting Aug. 15. For all ages. Call 250-4750 or e-mail westasheville.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

Children’s book signing Susan Runholt returns to Asheville to present her new mystery novel, “Rescuing Seneca Crane.” Reading with signing to follow. Free. Suggested for ages 8-14. At 1 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St., downtown Asheville. Call 232-2228.

Story time Get ready for Grandparents Day with Kristy Dempsey’s charming picture book, “Me with You.” Book signing and free activity to follow. All ages welcome. At 1 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St., downtown Asheville. Call 232-2228.

The Little Gym open house

Starts in September Chiquitin Bilingual Academy Chiquitin Bilingual Academy is a bilingual program offering weekly, 45-minute classes for children ages 1-3 and their caregivers. Learn a new set of English

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are two Rockhounds sessions: the third Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month. Each is limited to 20 children. ◆ Science Sisters is only for girls in third to fifth grades. It meets the second Thursday of each month to learn more about women in science. Each meeting features a different scientist explaining her career and leading the girls in a hands-on experiment.

Continued from Page 61 and Spanish vocabulary in each class while singing songs, playing games, dancing and reading. Families leave each class with a vocabulary book and games to use throughout the week. Classes are held in North Asheville and start the first week of September. Cost is $125 for 12 classes. Register in advance. Scholarships available. Call 581-4463, e-mail chiquitin@charter.net or visit chiquitin.info for more information or to register.

Sept. 1 Free Kindermusik story time Come sing, move, listen and play at this free session of Kindermusik for parents and children, ages newborn to 7. At Asheville Arts Center’s North location, underneath Atlanta Bread Co. on Merrimon Avenue, and South location, on Summit Avenue off Hendersonville Road north of Long Shoals. Reservations requested. Call 253-4000 for information and reservations.

Clogging classes Children ages 3 and older can learn to clog with Junior Olympic medalist Ashley Shimberg and The Asheville Clogging Company. Beginner through advanced classes offered starting in September at Hahn’s Gymnastics, 18 Legend Drive, Arden. For more information and a class schedule visit ashevillecloggingcompany.com or e-mail ashley@ashevillecloggingcompany.com or call 329-3856.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Science Sisters is a program for third- to fifthgrade girls offered by the Colburn Earth Science Museum at Pack Place.

Colburn Earth Science Museum clubs The Colburn Earth Science Museum is now registering children for its Junior Rockhounds and Science Sisters clubs. The groups each meet once a month in the museum from 4-4:45 p.m., September though May. Cost is $45 for museum members and $60 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call 254-7162 or stop by the museum in the lower level

of Pack Place. ◆ Junior Rockhounds Club is for children ages 6-10 who are interested in rocks and minerals. At the first meeting, each Rockhound receives a collector’s box and a book about rocks; at each subsequent meeting they will get a mineral specimen for their box. Learn about minerals with games and crafts. There

Ongoing Swim lessons in Spanish The YWCA of Asheville, at 185 S. French Broad Ave., now offers beginning swimming lessons in Spanish. Classes for 2- and 3-year-olds are 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Students can sign up at any time. New participants can try the class one time for free. One parent must accompany his or her child in the pool. To sign up, or for more information, call 254-7206, ext. 110, or go to ywcaofasheville.org.

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SPECIAL OLYMPICS SEEKS ATHLETES Buncombe County Special Olympics is seeking athletes to compete in bocce ball and soccer. These events will start at the end of August and are appropriate for ages 8 to adult. Athletes who are unfamiliar with the sports but would like to learn are encouraged to call for information. To find out more or to sign up for events, contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or e-mail grace.young@buncombecounty.org. There is no charge to athletes who take part in Special Olympics.

meet weekly for support and community. The group is open to all in a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore early parenting skills. Cost $100-150 sliding fee. Meets noon-2 p.m. Tuesdays starting in August. Call Shelley at 582-4653 for more information and to register. ◆ Aquanatal water exercise class for pregnant women: At 11 a.m. Fridays at Warren Wilson College pool. Meet at the Women’s Wellness and Education Center at 10:30 a.m. to carpool. Cost $10 per class. Contact Sarah Gralnick at 337-8630. ◆ Prenatal yoga classes are available 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Cost is

$10 per class, $45 for five-class series.

Roots and Wings preschool Roots and Wings School of Arts Visual Arts Preschool is now enrolling. The new school will offer classes with no more than nine students for children ages 3-6. The school is at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. Enrollment forms are available at rootsandwingsarts.com/preschool_main.html.

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Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place childbirth classes Choose from weekly Wednesday night classes for six weeks or a one-day class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Monday of the month. Held in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Hospital, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville. Cost is $90 total for the series. Start at any point in the class cycle. Please call Sheri Gregg at 681-2229 for information or to register.

Kindermusik registration Make a musical play date every week this fall. Programs begin in August or September (depending on educator). Four curriculums promote creativity, listening skills, self-esteem, problem solving, vision and focus, language and literacy, hand-eye coordination, emotional and social skills, balance and coordination—all the while providing a joyful introduction to music. Classes for newborns through 7-year-olds. Area licensed educators: Lora Scott (Biltmore Village), 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/ music-choirs/kindermusik; Beth Magill (downtown Asheville), 298-9350, magills.net; Yvette Odell (North and South Asheville), 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com; Debra Huff (Madison County), 206-3145 or 689-1128; Sonja Gorsline (Brevard), 883-8538.

Creative arts preschool Registration is ongoing for the creative arts preschool at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. (Main) and 9 Summit Ave, Arden (South). For more information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com

Women’s Wellness and Education Center classes All classes are at the Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. For information, call 505-7505 or visit ashevillewomenswellness.com. ◆ Community Pediatric Acupuncture Clinic: Painless shoni-shin treatments in a child-friendly atmosphere. From 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays. Cost is $25 for new patients, $20 for follow-ups. For more information, call Natalie Allard at 275-6816. ◆ Mamatime mother baby classes: Mamatime is a facilitated group of 10 moms and 10 babies who

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Mommy and Me for Babies This is a free group that meets weekly in two locations to provide an opportunity for new parents to gather. On Mondays, meet at the new Woodfin YMCA. Mommy/baby yoga for pre-crawlers is 11-11:45 a.m.; forum is noon-1 p.m. On Tuesdays, meetings are at Reuter Family YMCA in the Mission Wellness Resource Center Room. Mommy/baby yoga for precrawlers is at 10:30 a.m.; guest speaker/open discussion is at 11:30; walk and talk starts at 12:45 p.m. Please call 213-8098 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com to register.

Toddler Fun Toddler Fun is a free group that provides an opportunity for parents to have some structured fun with their children ages 1-3 including 45 minutes of songs, stories, finger-plays, parachute play and more. At 10 a.m. Mondays at the new Woodfin YMCA and 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Reuter Family YMCA. To register, call 213-8098 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com.

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