WNCParent February 2010 by Stacey

c o n t e n t s Pets teach lessons

The Kids & Pets issue has always been one of my favorites, for as much as I love my daughters, I am also a huge animal lover. For last February’s issue, I was the proud owner of three dogs. Sadly that number went down to two last summer. My boy Max went to wait for me across the Rainbow Bridge at only 5 1/2 years old. It was one of the hardest things that has ever happened to me. He was the handsomest boy, and I know if he’d had opposable thumbs he would have ruled the world. My daughter Becca had the idea to train a service dog for her senior project at Roberson High School. The addition of a puppy to our home, even though temporary, should ease our pain a bit and teach us some things along the way. Learn about getting involved with service dogs on Page 6. This is my last issue as editor of this publication, as I have been asked to take on some different projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with WNC Parent and am grateful that I will still contribute in a limited role. The magazine is now in the capable hands of Katie Wadington — I hope she enjoys her ride as much as I have. Nancy Sluder, contributing editor

This month’s features

2 Cats 101

Advice on adopting a feline friend — how to find the right cat, preparing children and more.

6 Giving back

Learn how to get involved in training a service dog.

8 Pet therapy

Animals provide comfort and healing help to the sick and disabled.

10 Fostering pets

Give a cat or dog a safe, temporary home by fostering.

fish 12 Go Allergic to furry friends? Try a more aquatic pet.

16 Animals in print

Readers who like four-legged friends will enjoy these books.

19 Family Choice Awards

Here’s your ballot to vote in the 2010 Family Choice Awards.

47 French for dinner

dog some natural, tasty snacks.

48 Valentine’s Day on a

Dog treats 26 Get in the kitchen and bake your

34 Camp Guide preview

A glance at what to expect in March’s Camp Guide.

In every issue

Kids’ Voices..........................30 Recall Roundup .....................31 Librarian’s Pick .....................41 Divorced Families ..................43 Growing Together...................44 Home-school Happenings........45 Kitchen Kids.........................46 Puzzles ......................50-51, 64 Show and Tell ...........................52 Calendar .........................53-64

Make a warm and hearty cassoulet.

budget

Whip up a special meal without spending a fortune.

On the cover Photo special to WNC Parent

Are you a member? Join the conversation, share photos and more at WNCmom.com.

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer WNC PARENT EDITOR STAFF WRITER Katie Wadington - 232-5829 Barbara Blake kwadington@citizen-times.com bblake@citizen-times.com ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Miranda Weerheim - 232-5980 Nancy Sluder mweerheim@gannett.com nsluder@citizen-times.com FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com CALENDAR CONTENT E-mail calendar@wncparent.com or submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 SUBMISSION DEADLINES Advertising deadline for the March issue is Feb. 16 Calendar items are due by Feb. 10

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Adopting

a cat

101 Looking for a feline friend? By Stephanie Jadrnicek WNC Parent contributor Families spend months preparing for the arrival of a new baby. From purchasing the proper equipment and supplies to emotionally priming family members, a lot of homework goes into readying the household for a smooth transition. Though adopting a new cat may not demand as much preparation as bringing home a newborn, there’s still much to consider. The first step is figuring out where to find the right kitty. Dr. Susan Wootten at the Animal Hospital of North Asheville suggests adopting from animal shelters because of medical reasons. “You can ask if the cat has been tested against feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus which are basic tests most shelters perform,” Wootten said. “They also usually deworm the cats and start them on their initial kitten vaccinations.” There’s no shortage of cats that need good homes. The Buncombe County Animal Shelter took in more than 3,000 cats last year. You can buy cats at pet stores or get one for free from someone who has a whole litter to give away, but there are benefits to

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adopting from the animal shelter. “When cats leave our shelter they’re pretty much ready to go,” said Shelly Moore, president/CEO of the Asheville Humane Society. “Our adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, initial vaccines and flea treatment, a microchip, a free initial appointment from a Buncombe County veterinarian after adoption and one month of free veterinary health insurance.” The shelter also provides a bag of Science Diet pet food, a cardboard carrying case for the cat and informative literature and a DVD to help make the adoption a success. The adoption fee for kittens less than 4 months old is $100; for cats older than 4 months, it’s $85.

Picking the perfect cat The adoption process has come a long way. Instead of randomly selecting a cat from the shelter, pet adop-

ters are now guided through a program called Meet Your Match. Each adoptable cat has been assessed based on its level of interest in play, exploring, “talking” and being the center of attention. Cats are categorized as one of nine “feline-alities” so pet adopters know what to expect from their new companion. “The ‘feline-alities’ are divided into three colors. Purple cats are usually your low-key kitties. They’re quiet, they seek affection and generally stay out of trouble. Orange cats like company. They tend to hang out with you while you’re working,” said Moore. “And green kitties are more adventurous, they’re out there exploring. They’re the party animals hanging off the curtains.” Adopters fill out a survey to help them find the perfect pet. Once the match is made, there’s some brief paperwork and an adoption counseContinues on Page 4

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Cats 101 Continued from Page 2

lor offers tips on everything from what else a cat will need to introducing a cat into a home. Wootten tells new pet owners to allow for a one- to two-week transition period. “That’s how long it typically takes cats to feel comfortable in their new home,” she said. “It’s important for cats to have their own space when they first come into a new home, that might be a bedroom or just a room where they can have quiet time.”

Cats and little ones

Solo time is especially vital when there are infants or toddlers in the home, to protect the cat as well as the child. Unsuspecting toddlers may handle the cat harshly, holding or grabbing it, and the cat will naturally protect itself and may scratch the child. Another consideration is the innate curiosity of a toddler. Parents may want to place litter boxes and food and water bowls out of reach. “A gradual introduction is best. I think supervision with young children is very important during that transitional stage,” said Wootten. Whether the cat is new to your home or has been around for years, you might want to make a few changes if you become pregnant. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite which infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans. However, the primary host is the cat family. “You’re probably more at risk from other things like undercooked pork or vegetables from your garden if they’re not cleaned properly,” said Wootten. “Even cats that do shed toxoplasmosis in their stool may not be symptomatic for disease, but it is recommended by most

general practitioners that pregnant women do not change the litter. Either have somebody else in the household take on that responsibility, or if you have to change the litter, wear gloves.”

Outside vs. inside? Claws or not? Adoption counselors encourage new pet owners to keep their cats indoors, mainly for safety reasons. Outdoor cats are much more likely to be hit by a car, ingest a deadly poison like antifreeze or pesticide, contract a disease from another animal or be attacked by a stray dog. “Five or six years ago, we wouldn’t have let someone adopt a cat that would be kept outdoors but that’s no longer the case,” said Moore. “There are too many people that can provide good homes without the exact perfect circumstances. We have to give them the opportunity to love that animal and be a good pet owner.” Though the shelter has become more lenient with the indoor versus outdoor issue, they stand strong against declawing. “Removing a cat’s claws is comparable to having your own fingernails removed along with the bones,” Moore said. “It’s very painful, recovery can be difficult and there are long-term behavioral complications. These cats tend to be biters because they feel like they can’t defend themselves.” Adoption counselors show new pet owners how easy it is to trim the cat’s nails or file them down. They also offer humane alternatives to declawing such as providing scratching posts for the cats. Although adopting a cat involves taking on a new responsibility, pet owners receive a lot of love in return. “Cats provide wonderful companionship. We know there are so many health advantages to having a pet in your life such as lowering your blood pressure and reducing stress and depression,” said Moore. “A great way to learn unconditional love is to give a homeless cat a new life.”

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Raising guide dogs

Families foster puppies with a future in service By Lindsay Nash WNC Parent contributor It all started with a science project about therapy and service dogs for the Asheville-based Middlemas family. Now, a year later, the family has their very own puppy, which they are raising to be a guide dog. And, just ask anyone who knows this family — Fred goes everywhere they go. “Fred goes to school with me,” said Jennifer Middlemas, a teacher at Carolina Day School, who with her husband and sixth-grade twins, is raising Fred. “The school community has embraced Fred like I never could have imagined. It’s been a very big deal.” The Asheville family is one of many across the country who take on the task of raising a puppy to become a guide dog for a blind or disabled person. “I absolutely recommend it,” Middlemas said. “It’s a wonderful service project for any family to do.”

What’s involved? Raising a puppy to be a service dog, also known as “puppy walking,” is made possible for families in Western North Carolina by the Guide Dog Foundation. It’s a program where families foster a puppy in their home for the first year of its life. The goal is to socialize and educate the puppy in everyday life and outdoors experiences — which play a vital role in the future of a service dog. “Basically, you’re raising a puppy,” said William Krol, spokesman for the New York-based Guide Dog Foundation. “That puppy is with you 24/7,” he said. “If you go to the store, you take it to the store. You take it to the dry cleaners, your family trips, the mall, any outing at all.” The puppy wears a special yellow vest, which allows it to enter any busi-

PHOTO BY BILL SANDERS

The Middlemas family walks through the parking lot at the Asheville Mall with Fred, a guiide dog in training. The family trains young dogs to be guide dogs by socializing the animals to people, common noises in their environment, and being among crowds such as at the mall. The family is Jennifer and Robert Middlemas and their 12-year-old twins, McKaylee and Nolan. ness like regular service dogs. In North Carolina, the puppy raisers in the area have worked very hard with the state legislature to get laws changed to allow access to these puppies-in-training as well as licensed guide dogs, said Libby Bagwell, Asheville field representative for the Guide Dog Foundation. “Now, puppy raisers can go anywhere with their puppy in training,” she said.

A lot of work and some play It’s important for puppy raisers to understand that their foster puppy will some day be a guide dog. So when the yellow vest goes on, it’s no longer playtime.

“When the yellow jacket is on, there are strict rules,” said Nadina Knoernschild of the Guide Dog Foundation. “There is no playing, only working,” she said. “And you can actually see these dogs change character when the jacket goes on. You zip on that vest and they focus quickly. When you get home, take off the vest, they know they can be a puppy again.” The Guide Dog Foundation requires puppy raisers to attend one class a month in their area to learn how to get their puppy started in the training it takes to get them ready for their official training later on. There is a 50-60 percent success rate of these puppies graduating to actually

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become service dogs. Some dogs will be guide dogs for the blind; others are trained to be “bomb and drug sniffers,” Knoernschild said. If the dog does not make it, and some don’t, it can be used as a therapy dog or adopted out, sometimes back to the family who trained it. But puppy raisers shouldn’t count on this because, Knoernschild said, it’s more about giving back.

RAISE A PUPPY TO BE A SERVICE DOG

A gift that can change a life The puppies are usually raised in a foster home for one year, from the time they are 7 weeks old until they are 12 to 14 months old. Bagwell admits this is the No. 1 question she gets: “How do you say goodbye?” “It’s all about the people you can help,” she said. “How many times in your life do you actually get the chance to change somebody’s life? It’s just quite a blessing.” If your family is interested in raising a service puppy, it’s important to explain to your children that they must say goodbye.

Jennifer Middlemas with Fred in Barnes and Noble. When Fred’s yellow vest goes on, he’s working, not playing. The Middlemas family knows they have to say goodbye pretty soon to their beloved Fred. “Everyone at school — people I don’t even know — have been asking me if Fred really has to go,” Middlemas said. “For closure, we’re going to try and meet the person Fred will eventually work with and help.”

The Guide Dog Foundation helps local families raise puppies to be service dogs. Here are a few details: ◆ How to get started: Fill out an application form online. The foundation needs more puppy raisers. ◆ The average costs: $30 to $40 a month for food (the foundation covers all supply and vet bills) ◆ What you need: Time, energy, and a big heart ◆ Types of dogs: Most commonly, Labradors, golden retrievers and Lab-golden crosses. ◆ More information: Call 800-548-4337 or visit guidedog.org. The whole process is a lot of hard work, Middlemas explains. But, she says, it’s completely worth it. “We all work together to help. And it’s just been a great experience for us. It has been a great service project for our family.”

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Pet therapy helps healing By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor A pet can be more than just a beloved family member or a fun buddy. For many, spending time with an animal can be therapeutic, speeding up healing and providing comfort in times of distress. Haley Cole, 14, of Bryson City, sometimes spends weeks at a time at Mission Children’s Hospital as a cancer patient and visits the Reuter Children’s Outpatient Center weekly for chemo treatments. She can be feeling at her worst, says mother Tanya Gibson, but when she finds out a dog will be visiting her, it will “completely turn her day around.” “The dog gets up on her bed and she talks to and loves on them,” says Gibson. “It’s something she looks forward to and it makes her feel better.”

Dogs are good therapy

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Volunteers with the nonprofit organization Paws with a Purpose bring specially trained pet therapy dogs throughout Mission Hospital, as well as other area health care and residential facilities. Patients can brush the dogs, give them treats or even walk them. The visits lower stress and anxiety and create healing bonds, says Pam Hardin, Paws with a Purpose founder/executive director and pet therapy coordinator at Mission. The dogs have encouraged patients to walk or talk when they hadn’t done so before, she adds. “Dogs are perceptive and more in tune with nature than we are,” she says. “They can sense what a patient needs.” “Pet therapy helps lift moods, which can relieve symptoms like nausea,” says Dr. Orren Beaty III, a pediatric oncologist at Mission. “It gives children a chance to just be a kid with a dog.” Paws with a Purpose volunteers also bring dogs to read with children at several area schools, to improve reading skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, says Hardin. “The dogs provide unconditional,

Pediatric oncology patient Josh Shipman finds comfort with pet therapy dog Freckles at Mission Children’s Hospital.

A student participates in the Paws ’n Tales Reading Program at Hall Fletcher Elementary School in Asheville along with a Paws with a Purpose volunteer. The program provides reading assistance. nonjudgmental acceptance, so the children are more relaxed reading to them than they may be in front of their class-

mates,” Hardin adds. For kids with severe disabilities, the visits can help improve communication

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and motor skills. Eliada Home, an Asheville nonprofit that works with children and families, uses certified therapy dogs and horses in several ways, including individual and group therapy for at-risk kids. Younger kids or those with limited experience first work with other animals, like donkeys, goats and cats. “When kids are having a difficult time, animals can be a calming force,” says Laura Elliot, director of enhanced services at Eliada. Powerful lessons are achieved with animals that can’t be replicated with traditional talk therapy, says Elliot, and it helps build self-esteem, respect, trust and confidence — “life skills that transfer into their everyday lives.” Kay Loveland, an Asheville psychologist and advocate of animal-assisted therapy, uses her two certified pet therapy dogs to help some of her patients. “It helps put people at ease, soothe themselves if under stress, and makes it easier to talk about what’s bothering them,” Loveland says. “It gives a safe feeling, especially with kids,” and helps

VOLUNTEERING ◆ For information about becoming certified with your dog as a pet therapy team, visit deltasociety.org or tdi-dog.org. ◆ To volunteer, either with or without a dog, contact Paws with a Purpose at 301-5737 or pawswithapurpose.org.

with work on attachment, boundary setting and self-control issues. “People are more real with an animal — they talk from the heart,” adds Loveland. “For those who have a hard time getting close to others, dogs are an incredible way to learn to connect in a nonthreatening way.”

Horses help heal Horses can also be used to help resolve a variety of psychological, behavioral and family problems, boosting leadership, social skills and self-esteem, experts say.

Because it’s active and involves a high degree of nonverbal communication, equine-assisted psychotherapy can work when traditional talk therapy doesn’t, says Kendall Smith, director of clinical services at Horse Sense of the Carolinas, which provides this type of therapy. Kids do things like getting horses to jump over obstacles and observing herds to see how they interact. They groom and halter the horses, along with other specialized activities. Working with horses is particularly suited for kids because it allows them the chance to try new behaviors and get immediate, honest feedback from an unbiased source — the horse, says Smith. “It’s the kind of therapy that many kids would want to do and it usually takes us less time to get to the heart of the issue,” says Smith. “Kids become vulnerable and more open during the process, sharing things they may not otherwise.” Pam J. Hecht is a freelance writer and editor based in Asheville. E-mail her at pamjh8@gmail.com.

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PHOTOS BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Luke Baker, 6, gives his family’s foster dog, Jack, a kiss as his mother, Stacey, and brother, Seth, sit nearby. Jack is the family’s fourth foster dog.

The temporary pet

Fostering animals keeps dogs, cats out of shelters By Barbara Blake WNC Parent writer If you were a homeless dog or cat waiting to be adopted into a permanent home, would you rather sit inside a small cage in an animal shelter day in and day out, or live in a temporary home filled with warmth and love? There are hundreds of would-be pets in the area who would clearly opt for

warmth and love over the steel bars of the overpopulated shelters whose staffs do the best they can with a neverending parade of abandoned or abused animals — many of whom would meet a tragic fate if it weren’t for foster families. Their saviors: the selfless volunteers who open their hearts and homes for a few days, a few weeks or even a few years, determined to keep dogs or cats safe and healthy until they are adopted

into permanent, loving homes.

Benefits to kids Yes, it’s sometimes hard to say goodbye to a pet who’s been a “guest” and formed a bond, especially with kids. But it’s also a good learning experience, animal advocates say. “Explain to your children that they are helping the dog/cat/puppy/kitten in

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becoming adoptable and ready for a permanent home,” said Katherine McGowan, director of development and public relations at the Asheville Humane Society. “If the child knows it’s a process, they will appreciate what they are doing as a junior volunteer.” Denise Bitz, founder and president of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, said that fostering an animal “teaches children how to be kind to animals, and that compassion toward animals leads to an unconditional love and lots of wet kisses.” “It also teaches responsibility and promotes health and well-being, and there is research that shows that living with an animal reduces stress and increases laughter,” she said. Stacey Baker, whose family has fostered four dogs through Brother Wolf — including Jack, their current guest — said taking in animals “has been such a great adventure” for herself, husband Fred and sons Seth, 9, and Luke, 6, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. “This experience has taught them the joy that comes with caring for something in need; they have loved every dog we have fostered and can’t wait for the next one,” she said. “It has taught our youngest how to gently love an animal, and our oldest has learned the value of being responsible by taking them for walks, giving them food and water and just playing with them,” Baker said. “In return, each dog has been so eager to please us and lavished us with affection.” Bitz said there are more than 170 ani-

Seth Baker, 9, and brother Luke Baker, 6, give their family’s foster dog, Jack, a check up in Luke’s bedroom. mals in Brother Wolf’s network at any given time, and foster homes are needed for more than 70 animals each day. One of the additional benefits of fostering is that the foster family can provide information about an animal that shelter staff would not otherwise know, and also participate in helping decide if a potential adoptive family is a good match for the dog or cat, she said.

Are you prepared? McGowan, who called fostering “a lifesaving method that gives animals a second chance,” said there are several issues to consider as families think about fostering an animal. ◆ Space: Is there an appropriate place that can be puppy- and kitten-proofed, with uncarpeted floors that can be easily cleaned? ◆ Time: The commitment for puppies

is much different than fostering an single, adult animal. Some animals require special medication and all will need exercise. ◆ Family members: Consider the impact on existing pets, such as those who are elderly, aggressive or nervous, and whether children in the home are mature enough to understand warnings like raised fur, growling or skittishness. If the decision is made to foster, and it’s time to say goodbye, how do families adjust their attitudes? “Probably the best remedy is getting a new foster crew of cuteness,” McGowan said. “Unfortunately, there is a seemingly endless supply of animals who need extra special care. When you return one animal, or a litter, to the shelter, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ll probably be asked to foster again very shortly!”

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Vincent and Marissa Strack, whose parents, Dave and Belinda Strack, own The Asheville Aquarium in Regent Park, admire a small fish tank suitable for young children.

Get into fish

What to know before you buy an aquarium By Barbara Blake WNC Parent writer

Don’t have the time or space for a dog? Someone in the family’s allergic to cats? Consider a pretty fish in a bowl or small aquarium, an ideal pet for families with younger children who might not be mature enough to take care of a bigger animal but can certainly drop a few flakes of fish food into the bowl each day. But be warned that even the simplest goldfish requires proper care and feeding, including regular water changes and attention to food portions. And if your family is considering a large aquarium with multiple fish, plants

and structures, there are many issues that come into play regarding ecosystems, water temperature and fish socialization. “The easiest fish, with the least maintenance required, is a Betta, which doesn’t require a filter or heater,” said Belinda Strack, who, with her husband, Dave, owns The Asheville Aquarium Inc. in Regent Park. “You basically change the water once a week, and because they come to the surface for air, you don’t need a filter.” Also known as Siamese fighting fish, Bettas are a solitary fish and do best kept alone, “although some will do fine in a community aquarium with other species, while other individuals are quarrelsome to any fish they run across,” said Chip

Betta fish Bridges, owner of Blue Ridge Reef & Pet in Black Mountain. Goldfish are easy, and also do not require heaters, but they are notoriously overfed by uneducated owners, which can lead to problems with too much waste in the water and the eventual death of the fish, Strack said.

The right equipment For those who want multiple fish but do not want to move into the realm of large aquariums with elaborate heating and filtering systems, simple tropical fish can make pretty and interesting pets with minimal equipment required. Heaters begin at about $16 and go up to about $40 depending on tank size, and filters vary in cost.

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“We really try to educate our customers on the cycle process, and how to get the tank ready,” Strack said. “When you have a regular tank with filtration, we recommend using hardy fish to get started on the cycle, which begins with the fish waste and sets up the environment for other fish. “A lot of people set up the tank and add a bunch of fish, and then they die, and they get discouraged,” she said. “We want people to have success with this hobby, so we try to find out if they’re just starting out and try to educate them.” Bridges said he’s seen a lot of customers in the past few weeks whose children got an aquarium for Christmas, typically small kits between 2-10 gallons that have no heater. “But a heater is crucial for tropical fish, particularly in the cold months,” he said. “If you choose not to buy a heater, the only two fish choices commonly seen in the hobby are goldfishes and White Cloud Mountain minnows.”

Taking care For any fish, the most important tasks are proper feeding and partial water changes, Bridges said. “You can feed most types of fish once a day, but be certain that every bit of food you put in the tank is eaten right away — uneaten food will rot and cause big problems,” he said. “Once you are feeding properly, you will need to change a small amount of the water once every week; remove 10-20 percent of the old water and replace it with clean water at the same temperature.” A big no-no is to remove the fish and scrub the whole tank, he said. “This is very disruptive to the ecosystem you are trying to establish, and it is very stressful on the fish.” Bridges said the top three rules for families beginning an aquarium are: change the water regularly; buy good equipment (filter, heater and lights); and buy the correct size tank for the species you want to keep. “Rule 4 is to start with easy-to-carefor species,” he said. “Seventy percent of folks who buy an aquarium are out of the Continues on Page 14

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Goldfish Continued from Page 13

hobby within a year. And I suspect that buying what appeals to their eye instead of doing a little homework on fish species has a lot to do with this.” White Clouds and Zebra Danios are among the most resilient aquarium residents, followed by platys and swordtails, Bridges said. “With those four species, there is a big variety of shapes and colors, and all are active,” he said. “Guppies are hit or miss these days; most guppies and mollies available today are pool-bred in Asia and are not the bulletproof fish they were 20 years ago. If you can find them from a local breeder, they should be much more hardy.”

More advice Other tips from Bridges: ◆ The only fish suitable for small bowls are Bettas, which can breathe surface air. ◆ Do not put goldfish (cold water) and tropicals (warm water) together. “While it’s possible to keep them together, it’s akin to keeping a fern and a cactus in the same pot.” ◆ Turn aquarium lights off at night. ◆ All food should be eaten in about 60 seconds. You can feed this way multiple times daily, but uneaten food will rot and cause big problems. Most beginners kill fish with kindness. ◆ Be careful with glass cleaner; spray the paper towel, not the glass. ◆ Don’t allow children to tap on glass. “This common child behavior is a huge stressor; I have had many fish in the store get badly bruised snouts from darting away into the glass after the glass has been tapped on. Some fish refuse to eat and die.”

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Delightful books show fun of pets By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Library Kids seem to be fascinated to no end with pets. Furry, scaly, barky or chirpy, there is just something inexplicably appealing about these animal friends. Children’s authors, knowing this, create resonant stories and pictures depicting this bond. Some appealing titles have been published recently that illuminate this theme. “Be Gentle with the Dog, Dear” by Matthew J. Baek tells the story of a mature, mild-mannered dog, Tag, who bears up stoically under the aggressive affection of the household toddler. Tag tolerates tail pulling, tackling and extreme hugs, but when the toddler grabs Tag’s favorite toy out of his mouth, what then? Tag’s adults (that is, the toddler’s parents) intervene and show the toddler how to be gentle with Tag. The next scene shows a contented toddler and Tag curled up together for a nap. Then enters the family cat. Baek’s illustrations consist of uncomplicated figures rendered in a gently hued palette that consists mainly of pink

and blue. Against white backgrounds, the figures stand out and keep the reader’s focus on the toddler and dog. “Dogfish,” written by Gillian Shields and illustrated by Dan Taylor imbues the boy-wants-adog-but-mustsettle-for-agoldfish story with fresh wit and charm. Everyone, the boy tells his mother, has a dog except for him. For every reason he wants a dog, his kind, practical mother comes up with a reason why he cannot have one. “Why do you need a dog when you have such a nice goldfish?” “But honey; how could we have a dog when we live on the 44th floor?” Finally, the mother suggests, “Well, if you can’t have what you want, you could try to want what you have.” The boy looks into the eyes of his goldfish and is smitten. Maybe they CAN do fun things together after all. Here, Shields propels the exuberant boy and his fish into fantastical scenarios (fantastical for a fish, anyway).

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Taylor’s illustration’s have clean lines and fresh, summery colors. A Danish Modern sofa, shag rug, and a starburst clock set amid rooms painted in turquoise blue bring to mind the urban, chic 1960s culture. The mom’s flipped hair and black capri pants add to the look. Not only does Taylor create a solid sense of time and place, he incorporates the final quirky scenes seamlessly. In another new book about children and pets, veteran illustrator Tracey Campbell Pearson brings her inimitable style to poet Ted Hughes’ delightful poem “My Brother Bert.” Hughes begins, “[Bert] used to go to school with a mouse in his shirt.” From here, Hughes imagines a hobby gone awry. Cats and rabbits are one thing, but one day Bert brings home a gorilla. A gorilla is a worrisome pet to have but not for the reasons one might expect. Sure, a gorilla might be messy, smelly, loud or even dangerous. Bert’s concern, however, is that the gorilla might not get along with his grizzly bear — or the lion. Or the ostriches. Or the aardvarks. Worse still, what will the neighbors think? Pearson’s whimsical line drawing and watercolor illustrations marry well with Hughes’ funny poem. Pearson fleshes out the brief text with additional life: a

pile of bananas awaiting the gorilla, the aardvark wearing boxer shorts on his head, the little sister observing all of this with her sock monkey ever-present. Relating to the most sobering part of pet ownership is the new picture book “Big Cat Pepper.” Written by Elizabeth Partridge and illustrated by Lauren Castillo, this book tells the story of a little boy who has grown up with two constant presences: his Mama and his cat. Accustomed to a pleasant routine with his cat, the boy wonders at his pet’s recent show of strange behavior: lack of appetite, no interest in playing, an inclination to steal off by himself. Mama explains to the boy that Big Cat Pepper, who is old now, will die soon. When the cat dies, the story goes on to show how Mama helps the boy work through his grief. Gentle, lyrical phrasing like “If I stand real quiet will I see his spirit fly?” and “In the wind that whispers, I can hear him purr” paired with Castillo’s warm drawings of domesticity and a loving family. This might be just the title to share with a child who has lost a pet. These books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit buncombecounty.org for more information.

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Kids using media for 8 hours a day USA TODAY Kids these days spend so much time with electronic media — cellphones, iPods, video games and computers — that it might as well be a full-time job: more than 53 hours a week, a study finds. Compared with peers a decade ago, young people spend 79 more minutes of free time each day listening to music, watching TV and movies, playing video games and hanging out online. Nearly twice as many now say they do at least two of these at the same time. The findings, out last month in a Kaiser Family Foundation survey of 2,002 people ages 8-18, show that young people spend seven hours and 38 minutes using media in a typical day — up from six hours and 19 minutes a decade earlier. About the only thing that seems to be fading: ink. Though daily book readership has held steady at about 47 percent since 1999, the percentage of young people who say they read a magazine daily has plummeted from 55 percent to 35 percent. It’s worse for newspapers, down from 42 percent to 23 percent. Electronic media are now “a part of the air that kids breathe,” says Vicky Rideout, director of Kaiser’s Program for the Study of Media and Health. African-American and Hispanic kids spend nearly one-third more time each day with electronics than white kids. Among other findings: ◆ Cellphone ownership has increased since 2004, 39 percent to 66 percent. ◆ iPod ownership has jumped since 2004, from 18 percent to 76 percent. ◆ 20 percent of kids’ media comes via mobile devices. Rideout was “frankly astonished” at the results. “Anything that takes up this much time we really do need to think about it and talk about it.”

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Do you go out of your way to frequent a business because it is friendly to families? Is there a shop or restaurant in your neighborhood so fantastic that all of WNC should know about it? Here’s your chance to give kudos to your favorite area businesses, organizations or destinations. The WNC Parent Family Choice Awards recognize the region’s best offerings in 64 categories. The winners are decided entirely by the magazine’s readers. A couple of quick rules: Vote in at least 20 categories for your ballot to count. Don’t enter a particular business or organization in more than 3 categories per ballot, or your ballot will be disqualified. (For complete rules, see the back of the ballot.) Rather vote online? Visit WNCmom.com for a link.

FOOD

Food

Most family-friendly restaurant for breakfast__________________________ Most family-friendly restaurant for lunch____________________________ Most family-friendly restaurant for dinner____________________________ Best bakery_______________________________________________ Best ice cream/custard shop___________________________________ Best hot dog______________________________________________ Best pizza_______________________________________________ Best kids’ menu____________________________________________ Most family-friendly grocery store_________________________________

ACTIVITIES Best parent/child program_____________________________________ Best gymnastics program______________________________________ Best music program_________________________________________ Best dance program_________________________________________ Best paint-your-own pottery studio________________________________ Best sports club/league_______________________________________

Best bowling alley__________________________________________ Best place for swim lessons____________________________________ Best place for horseback riding lessons_____________________________ Destination fun____________________________________________ Best miniature golf__________________________________________ Best museum_____________________________________________ Most family-friendly fair, festival or special event_______________________ Best family-friendly hiking trail___________________________________ Best rainy day activity________________________________________ Best summer day camp_______________________________________ Best summer overnight camp___________________________________ Most family-friendly vacation in North Carolina________________________ Most family-friendly day-trip destination_____________________________ Best place to take child for the morning or afternoon____________________ Best holiday event__________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT Best TV station for the entire family_______________________________ Best radio station for entire family________________________________ Continues on Page 20

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Most family-friendly movie theater________________________________ Most family-friendly stage theater_________________________________

AROUND TOWN Best park_______________________________________________ Most family-friendly place of worship______________________________

SHOPPING

Most family-friendly place to work________________________________

Best consignment store_______________________________________ Best consignment sale________________________________________ Best place for children’s furniture_________________________________

Best place for family fun______________________________________

JUST FOR YOU

Best store for pet supplies_____________________________________

Best place to relax without your children____________________________

Best children’s shoe store______________________________________

Best date night restaurant_____________________________________

Best children’s clothing store___________________________________

Best weekend getaway for two__________________________________

Best toy store_____________________________________________

Best place to get back into shape________________________________

Most family-friendly bookstore___________________________________ Best place for costumes_______________________________________ Best place to find organics_____________________________________

THE FINE PRINT

Best family/child specialty photographer____________________________

The Family Choice Awards are decided solely by WNC Parent readers. Winners and runners-up will be printed in the June 2010 issue. Winners will be determined by the total number of votes received, and all decisions are final. Votes may be submitted using this ballot or the online ballot found at WNCmom.com. Deadline to enter is April 30. Follow these rules, or your ballot won’t count: ◆ A business or organization may be entered in no more than 3 categories per ballot; more than 3 entries will disqualify the ballot. ◆ A business or organization may win first place in no more than 2 categories. ◆ Voters must submit their choices in at least 20 categories. ◆ A name and contact information must be included for verification purposes on all ballots. ◆ Ballots submitted by mail must be originals. ◆ Entries on print ballots must be written clearly. Mail ballots to: WNC Parent Family Choice Awards, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802.

Best place for birthday parties___________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________

Best birthday party entertainer__________________________________

Address:________________________________________________

Most family-friendly car dealer

SERVICES Best pediatric practice_______________________________________ Best family dentist__________________________________________ Best orthodontist___________________________________________ Best family eye doctor________________________________________ Best veterinarian___________________________________________

Phone or e-mail address:______________________________________

EDUCATION Best preschool____________________________________________ Best after-school program_____________________________________ Best child care____________________________________________ Best home-school program____________________________________

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Baking for Fido

Whip up some tasty treats for your pup

By Barbara Blake WNC Parent writer If you thought your home-baked cookies, cakes, cheese straws and biscotti were comfort foods suitable only for human family members, think again. Canine connoisseurs — or even your old hound dog — love a treat from the oven just as much as their humans do. And if those treats are prepared using wholesome, nutritious ingredients that are safe for dogs, they can be savored by both two-legged and four-legged foodies. In many cases, home-baked goodies are superior to typical store-bought treats because they are made without fillers or animal byproducts, which can result in a healthier, happier pup. “The main reason that home-baked treats are better is that they can be made with all natural, human quality ingredients, without dyes, preservatives or fillers,” said Joy Flora, owner of Three Dog Bakery in downtown Asheville. “Baking for your dog with your children is easy and is a fun activity to share,” she said. “It can get kids interested in the joy of cooking for others, nutrition and nurturing their pets in a special way.” The Three Dog Bakery cookbook has an amazing assortment of recipes, ranging from salmon loaf and garlic French fries to “Beagle Bagels” and “Pup Tarts.” Three Dog Bakery baker Pam Norfleet said the bakery uses “all human ingredients, but no sugar or salt.” Other foods to stay away from when cooking for your dog include hops (beer), macadamia nuts, chocolate,

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PHOTO BY BARBARA BLAKE

Kelly Lumsden, visiting downtown Asheville on a day trip from her home in Charlotte, lets her dog, Gussie, have a look at the offerings at Three Dog Bakery on Battery Park Avenue.

Gar “Licky” french fries

4 medium potatoes 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Pinch of paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Peel and cut potatoes into ½-inch strips. Toss strips in oil and garlic powder, and spread on baking sheet. Bake 30 minutes, turning several times, until golden. Remove from oven and sprinkle with paprika. Cool before serving. Refrigerate in sealed container. Recipe from Three Dog Bakery, 21 Battery Park Ave., downtown Asheville, threedog.com, 252-1818.

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Baking for Fido Continued from Page 27

grapes, raisins, cat food, caffeine, mushrooms and onions, she said. Sandi Rector, owner of Bone-A-Fide Bakery and Pet Boutique on Cherry Street in Black Mountain — known for its doggy birthday cakes — said it’s important to check the ingredients in all foods your dog is eating. “Try to avoid anything that has byproducts — these don’t always have to be identified, and can be some scary stuff,” Rector said. “You may pay a little more for your pet food, but it will pay off in the long run with fewer health issues and visits to the vet.”

Cheesy apple nips

3 oz. low fat cream cheese 2 oz. blue cheese 4 medium apples Beat cream cheese and blue cheese together until smooth. Core apples; fill with cheese mixture. Chill 2-3 hours. Cut into 16 wedges. Refrigerate in sealed container. Recipe from Three Dog Bakery

Pumpkin cookies

2 cups cooked or canned pumpkin 1 cup oatmeal or rolled oats 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses 1 teaspoon vegetable oil Up to 3 cups whole wheat flour 1 egg 1/2 cup chopped apple (optional) Mix 1 cup flour and oats. Add pumpkin, molasses, egg and oil (and apple if using). Mix well with spoon or hands, or mixer. Add the rest of the flour a bit at a time, and add water if the dough gets too mealy. Dough should be smooth and not too sticky. Roll out on a floured board to 1/2-inch thickness and cut out pumpkin shapes (or any shapes you want). Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes. This recipe calls for a greased cookie sheet but I always use parchment paper; it keeps the cookies from burning on the bottom. Recipe from Sandi Rector, Bone-A-Fide Bakery and Pet Boutique, 118-A Cherry St., Black Mountain, 669-0706.

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kids’ voices

My favorite pet

Kids and their pets often have an unbreakable bond. We asked third-graders in Eben Heasley and Chris Weaver’s classes at Evergreen Community Charter School to tell us about the best pet they’ve ever had, past or present. Here’s what they told staff writer Barbara Blake “Annie was one of my favorite pets. She was my guardian angel. She was a Blue Heeler, and she was beautiful. One day my mom and I were going somewhere and I accidentally left out a chip bag and she suffocated. We found her lying on the treadmill. I am sad that she is gone but I still love her.” Gracie Leonor-Spears “We found my cat in my dad’s studio. He was white on his stomach and paws and black on his back and head. I think my cat caught snakes. He was active and lazy sometimes. We let him go in the wild, and he would usually come back during dinner. One day we let him go out. The next morning he didn’t come back. It was very sad. I still love him deep in my heart.” Cadence Blake “My dog Smoothie is dark brown and has brown eyes and loves to play tug of war outside. Sometimes when you give her a treat she does a trick. She’s always a good friend.” Drake Tomlinson

“My dog Shino was awesome. He had curly black hair. He had a loving heart. Shino loved sitting on our porch looking at the mountains. He was very supportive of my feelings. Shino taught me how to stand up. When I was at a birthday party I got a call from my friend Mark saying that Shino was dying. My mom and I went to her house and he was dead. I was very sad. But at least he lived to be 16.” Rebecca Molaro “Oliver is the best pet I have had so far. He is always thrilled to see me or my mom. He is so playful, if you whisper in his ear, ‘ha ha,’ he will go wild. Oliver is brown with sweet puppy eyes. Sometimes he will come and lay down with you with his head on your chest. We are best friends.” Jazlyn Sargent “My best pet is my dog Kiley. My mom had a dog named Rubin but he would bite, so they had to give him away to one of her friends. So we got Kiley when she was a little puppy. She is the best pet because she always sleeps with me every night and she is my best friend ever.” Naia Garcia

“My favorite pet is named Cash. He is a very good dog. He never begs. He is very lazy and fat. He is very gentle with my other pets. He almost never gets in trouble.” Steel Markert “I have a ferret named Shanti. He plays with me; if I am lucky Shanti will play hide and seek. Shanti is as white as snow. Shanti runs loose in my room and sometimes while I’m sleeping he will give me a kiss. Shanti is the guardian of my bubble-gum pink room. He is very helpful when I am sad or lonely. Shanti is in my dreams and mind at all times.” Saki Sullivan “My best pet is named Pinky. She is a Boston terrier. She gets a little clumsy. One time we had a screen door and we had a glass door. We opened the glass door and Pinky ran right into the screen door!” Enzo St. Vincent

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recall roundup

Death leads to crib recall

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued the following recalls. For details, visit cpsc.gov.

Dorel cribs Dorel Asia SRL, based in Barbados, has recalled about 635,000 cribs because they pose suffocation and strangulation hazards to infants and toddlers. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs until replacement kits are obtained and installed. On the cribs, the drop side hardware can fail, causing the drop side to detach from the crib. This creates a space in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped and suffocate or be strangled. One death has been reported. The cribs were sold at Kmart, Sears and Walmart from January 2005-December 2009 for $120-$700. For specific model numbers, visit cpsc.gov or dorel-asia.com. For a repair kit, visit dorel-asia.com or call 866-762-2304.

Graco strollers Graco Children’s Products has recalled about 1.5 million strollers because the hinges on the stroller’s canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the user is opening or closing the canopy. Products affected include Graco’s Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and travel systems. They were made between October 2004February 2008 and sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Kmart, Sears, Target, Walmart and other retailers. Graco made two different styles of hinge mechanisms for these stroller models. Only those with a plastic, joined hinge mechanism that has indented canopy positioning notches are included. For specific model numbers, visit GracoBaby.com. Consumers should immediately stop using the strollers and contact Graco to receive a free repair kit at 800-345-4109. Compiled by Katie Wadington

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Camp Guide

2010

This is a preview of the Camp Guide that will be published in the March issue of WNC Parent. The guide is provided to familiarize readers with area camps. It should not be considered an all-encompassing list. For more information on each camp, visit the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Web site.

SPRING BREAK ABYSA, FUNdamentals Camp

Abysa.org; shane@abysa.org Ages 5-14. Half-day and full-day camps at John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. $110 for half-day and $190 for full day.

Asheville JCC

jcc-asheville.org; Sepi Shams, sepi@jcc-asheville.org, 253-0701, ext. 105 Kindergarten-fifth grade. Just Kids full-day programs run 8 a.m.-6 p.m. April 2 and April 5-9. $42 per day ($33 members), plus fees.

YWCA

ywcaofasheville.org; 254-7206, ext. 111 Kindergerten-age 12. Runs 7:30 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 p.m. April 6-9. $25/day. At 185 S. French Broad Ave.

DAY CAMPS ABYSA

FUNdamentals soccer camp, June-August abysa.org; shane@abysa.org; 299-7277 Ages 5-14. At the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex at Azalea Park near the WNC Nature Center. Half-day camps (9 a.m.-noon) for 5- and 6-year-olds for $110; full-day camp for 7- to 14-year-olds for $190. Early Bird drop-off available. Daily pool visits.

Asheville Jewish Community Center

Camp Ruach, June 21-Aug. 20 jcc-asheville.org; Seth Kellam, 253-0701; seth@jcc-asheville.org Rising first- to eighth-graders. Four two-week sessions, one weeklong session; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with extended care at 8 a.m. available. $445 (members)/ $510 for two-week session with 10 percent discount before March 15. Other discounts, scholarships available. At 236 Charlotte St., Asheville.

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Learn pottery techniquest at Carwile-Dodson Studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camps.

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville

Summer Dance Workshops balletconservatoryofasheville.com; 255-5777 Weeklong, half-day dance workshops for ages 5-10, $125. Four-week Summer Ballet Intensive (auditions Feb. 7) for intermediate and advanced students, $1,800. At 6 E. Chestnut St.

Buncombe County Parks and Rec

Camp Julian Day Camp, Aug. 16-20 Grace Young, 250-4260, grace.young@buncombecounty.org Rising first- to eighth-graders. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Lake Julian Park off Long Shoals Road. $150 per week or $35 per day.

Carolina Day School

Summer programs, June 14-July 30 cdschool.org; Libby Roland, lroland@cdschool.org; 274-0758, ext. 305 Rising pre-K to fifth grade for Summer Quest; rising middle schoolers for Summer Explorations; rising high schoolers for Summer Workshops. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with early and late options available at 1345 Hendersonville Road. Starts at $150; discount before April 9.

Carwile-Dodson Studio for Pottery Instruction

Pottery camp, June 14-Aug. 13 Muddabbers.com/classes; 884-5771 Sessions for ages 6-10 meet 9 a.m.-noon; ages 11-16 meet 1:30-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. $190. The studio is next door to Mud Dabbers Pottery, four miles south of downtown Brevard on U.S. 276.

East Asheville United Methodist Church Music camp, June 28-July 2 298-3211 or 299-9742

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Rising first- to seventh graders. Learn and perform a musical, outdoor activities, crafts. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at East Asheville United Methodist Church, 48 Browndale Road. $5, lunch provided.

Eliada Home for Children

Day camp, June-August eliada.org; 254-5356, ext. 224 Rising first-graders to age 13. Two-week sessions, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $270, includes three meals a day, plus a $25 registration fee before March 31 ($50 after April 1). Buncombe County child care vouchers accepted.

Fletcher Community Park

Day camp, June 9-Aug. 13 fletcherparks.org; Cheyenne Youell, 687-0751; c.youell@fletchernc.org Rising first-graders to age 11. Starts at $100 plus registration fee. Registration starts March 13 for residents, March 22 for nonresidents. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at park, 85 Howard Gap Road.

Roots + Wings

Art camps, June-July gingerhuebner.com/roots+wings Ages 3-12. Three-day camps, 9 a.m.-noon MondayWednesday at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. $125, with sibling discounts available.

Soccer Speed camp

June 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24 soccerspeed.org; leepantas@bellsouth.net; 779-1569 Ages 8-18. Speed development camp created by Reynolds High School sprints coach Lee Pantas. Six sessions, 6-7 p.m. $100.

Swannanoa 4-H Camp

Day camp, June 14-Aug. 6 swan4h.com; swan4h@yahoo.com; 686-3196 Ages 4-13. 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in half- and full-day sessions that are one or two weeks long. Starts at $60.

Transylvania Community Arts Center

tcarts.org, 884-2787, tcarts@citcom.net Summer Art Camp, June 14-18 Ages 5-12. Explore visual arts, music, dance and pottery. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. $75. Film Camp for teens, July 12-16 Ages 12-16. Create a movie in a week with a local filmmaker. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $250.

Vance Elementary

Camp Invention, July 12-16 campinvention.org; 800-968-4332; Robbie Lipe, 350-6632 Rising first- to sixth-graders in Asheville City Schools. Program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Vance. $210; register by March 31 for $25 off. Sibling discounts.

YWCA of Asheville

Day camp, June 14-August ywcaofasheville.org; 254-7206, ext. 111; cici.weston@ywcaofasheville.org Rising first-graders to age 12. $140 (members), $150 (nonmembers) per week. At 185 S. French Broad Ave.

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OVERNIGHT - COED Camp Broadstone, Appalachian State University, Boone

campbroadstone.com; bevanjk@appstate.edu; 828-963-4640; June 13-July 30; 1- and 2-week sessions Third- to ninth-graders. Summer enrichment for academically gifted students. $975-$1,900.

Camp Cedar Cliff, The Cove, Asheville

cedarcliff.org; 450-3331 June 12-July 23; 3-day, 1- or 2-week sessions Rising second-graders to graduated seniors. Christian camp with archery, BBs, zip line, team-building activities, Bible studies, more. $350-$1,370.

Camp Woodmont, Lookout Mountain, Ga.

campwoodmont.com, 706-298-0833 June 6-July 23, 1- and 2-week sessions Ages 6-14. Horseback riding, archery, aquatics, drama/dance, arts and crafts, sports. $745 and up. Discount available before April 1.

CLIMBE at Montreat College

CLIMBE.org, climbe@montreat.edu, 800-349-CAMP June 20-July 30, weeklong sessions Middle and high school students. Science-intensive adventure trips. $100-$500 per week, based on a sliding scale. Discount if registered by Feb. 15.

Eagleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest Camp, Pisgah Forest

enf.org, info@enf.org, 336-761-1040 June 12-Aug. 15, sessions are 8-20 days. Finished kindergarten-12th grade. Wilderness activities, arts activities and athletic activities. $1,280$2,990.

Gwynn Valley Camp, Brevard

gwynnvalley.com; mail@gwynnvalley.com; 8852900 June 11-Aug. 15; 8-, 10-, 13- and 21-day sessions Rrising first to ninth grades. Horseback riding, rock climbing, working farm, mountain biking, natural history, whitewater canoeing and kayaking, more. $1,325-$3,125.

Kanuga, Hendersonville

Kanuga.org/camps; 692-9136 Camp Kanuga, June 5-Aug. 10: Christian camp for ages 7-15. Sessions are nine or 13 days. $875$1,265. Trailblazer Adventure and Paddle and Pack Trailblazer Adventure, June 16-July 14: Trailblazer Adventure is an eight-day, 45-mile backpacking trek along the Appalachian Trail for ages 15-16. Paddle and Pack Trailblazer Adventure is a four-day, 25-mile backpacking trek, and a four-day flat-water canoe camping trip for 16-year-olds. Two-week sessions. $1,375-$1,650.

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North Carolina Outward Bound

NCOutwardBound.org; info@ncobs.org; 866-282-6262, ext. 1 June-August; 4-, 8-, 14- and 21-day sessions Parent-child course is for ages 12 and older; other sessions ages 14-16 and 16-18. Wilderness-based, overnight programs that may include backpacking, rock climbing and/or whitewater canoeing. $745$3,995.

Summer College in Biotechnology and Life Sciences, N.C. State

cifr.ncsu.edu/scibls July 5-31 Rising juniors and seniors with 3.5 GPA and teacher/ principal recommendation. $1,958 (includes program fee, tuition, room and board). Scholarship deadline is May 7.

Swannanoa 4-H Camp

swan4h.com; swan4h@yahoo.com; 686-3196 June 20-Aug. 6; 3-day to 1-week sessions Ages 8-16. Arts and crafts, hiking, archery, riflery, ropes, Appalachian heritage and a climbing tower.

OVERNIGHT - GIRLS Camp Carysbrook, Riner, Va.

campcarysbrook.com, info@campcarysbrook.com, 540-382-1670 June 20-Aug. 15, 1- to 8-week sessions Ages 6-16. The Horseback riding, outdoor living skills, nature study, caving, more. $815-$4,750 with 5 percent sister discount.

Camp Merri-Mac for Girls, Black Mountain

merri-mac.com; 669-8766 June 6-Aug. 7; sessions are 6 days to 5 weeks Ages 6-16. Christian camp with riding, backpacking, tennis, gymnastics, archery, spelunking, dance, drama, more. $1,150-$4,950.

Camp Ton-A-Wandah, Flat Rock

Camptonawandah.com; info@ camptonawandah.com; 800-322-0178 June 7-Aug. 7, 2- and 3-week sessions Ages 6-16. Horseback riding, archery, dance, photography, drama, sports, riflery, more. $2,100-$3,100.

North Carolina Outward Bound

NCOutwardBound.org; info@ncobs.org; 866-282-6262, ext. 1 July 6-26. Wilderness-based, overnight program with backpacking, whitewater canoeing, service project, personal challenge event. $3,295.

Rockbrook Camp for Girls, Brevard,

rockbrookcamp.com; 884-6151; office@rockbrookcamp.com June 6-Aug. 12, 2-, 3- or 4-week sessions Ages 6-16. Horseback riding, adventure activities, whitewater rafting, ceramics, crafts, gymnastics, riflery, more. $2,300-$4,400.

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OVERNIGHT - BOYS

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Camp Arrowhead, Tuxedo

SPECIAL NEEDS

camparrowhead.org, office@camparrowhead.org, 692-1123 June 6-July 31, 1- to 4-week sessions Ages 6-16. Christian camp with kayaking, rock climbing, backpacking, archery, riflery, swimming, mountain biking, paintball, horseback riding, more. $970-$4,280.

Camp Coqui, Hendersonville

Missionchildrenshospital.org/camp; Lesley Edwards, 213-5548 July 5-10 Ages 7-16. Residential camp for children with diabetes at Camp Bob at Kanuga, Hendersonville. Climbing tower, hiking, field games, swimming, boating, co-op course, arts and crafts, music, campfires and archery. $500 for in-region children ages 7-13; $550 for in-region teens 14-16; $600 for out-of-region children ages 7-13; $650 for out-of-region teens 14-16. Financial assistance available.

Camp Lakey Gap, Black Mountain

christmount.org June 13-July 23; 6-day sessions Ages 4-17. Camp Lakey Gap strives to nurture individuals on the autism spectrum with an enriching summer camp experience not possible in a traditional camp setting and provide guardians with a time of respite. Must live or have an emergency contact person in an eight-hour driving radius of Black Mountain. Swimming, hiking, outdoor games, arts and crafts, canoeing, etc., in a structured and adapted fashion. $1,600. Apply by Feb. 16.

Camp Timberlake, Black Mountain

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Talisman Programs runs a camp in Zirconia for children with ADHD, learning difficulties, autism and Asperger’s.

Talisman Programs, Zirconia

Talismancamps.com; Laura Centers, 888-458-8226; info@talismancamps.com June 13-Aug. 6, multiweek sessions Ages 6-22. Programming for children with attention deficit and learning differences, and Asperger’s or high-functioning autism. Swimming, canoeing, hiking, rock-climbing, more. Starts at $2,400.

camptimberlake.com; 669-8766; email@camptimberlake.com June 6-Aug. 7; sessions are 6 days to 5 weeks Ages 7-16. Christian camp offers riding, backpacking, tennis, rock climbing, wrestling, paintball, archery, spelunking, riflery, mountain biking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, guitar, soccer, volleyball, ropes course, fencing, rafting. Sister camp is Camp MerriMac. $1,150-$4,950.

Christ School’s Revolution Lacrosse Camp, Arden

revolutionlaxcamp.com, laxcamp@christschool.org July 6-10 Ages 10-18, all levels of play. Professional players and college coaches lead lacrosse camp, which includes a 6-1 camper to coach ratio. $395 for day campers, $445 for boarding campers.

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librarian’s pick

What’s more fun than ‘Bubble Trouble’? By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Libraries Bouncy, wiggly and sing-song giggly begins to describe author Margaret Mahy’s and illustrator Polly Dunbar’s new children’s picture book, “Bubble Trouble.” Mahy and Dunbar never doubt who their audience is. They cater to children’s delight in whimsy and fun. They make the impossible seem not only possible, but absolutely delightful. “Bubble Trouble” tells of a day when Little Mabel sits innocently with her bottle of bubbles. She blows a few bubbles. One wayward bubble floats over to her baby brother, picks him up and carries him away. Little Mabel and Mother chase after Baby in alarm. The bubbled

baby wafts over the fence into the neighbor’s yard. On Baby goes, all through the neighborhood. The baby in the bubble disrupts Tybal and his mother, Sybil, as they play a game in the garden. The sight of a baby in a bubble startles Mr. and Mrs. Copple who are out for a walk. Elderly Mrs. Threeble and her sister stop their quilting. Neighbors begin to gather and gossip. All the people chase after Baby who floats, smiling, through the air. Finally, Canon Dapple devises a plan to get Baby down safely. But before the plan can be enacted, Abel (who’s a rebel) causes a stir. Mahy’s precisely cadenced phrasing and alliterative word choices make the story a pleasure to read and to hear.

Dunbar’s mixed-media illustrations match the playfulness of the story. The figures and backgrounds are rendered in pencil and watercolors. While many of the finer details are done with pencil and watercolors, some of them are done with bits of patterned paper. The mixture blends together beautifully, creating a whimsical and colorful world. Teachers and parents of preschoolers and early elementary school students who enjoy reading aloud to their kids will do well to select “Bubble Trouble.” It is picture book-making at its best. It is clever both in word and image. It is imaginative. It is fun. This book is available at Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit buncombecounty.org.

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divorced families

Get a pet only if the situation is right By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist OK, first: If you are going through a divorce, resist the temptation to buy that oversized tarantula or hissing cockroach in memory of your ex-partner. And if you do, for goodness sake, don’t name it after a former in-law. Now, about a real concern: Don’t buy or adopt a pet just to be pleasing to your children. Take into account who will be ultimately responsible for the well-being of the pet and do not assume this will fall on your children. And please do not get a pet to “help teach your children responsibility.” But enough with the negatives. If it makes sense for where you are living,

pets can provide a wonderful addition to your changing family. They can feel your distress and, in their own way, attempt to comfort you. If you already have a pet, I suggest that the animal follow the custody arrangement of the children, unless the children are disinterested in the pet. This may cause additional grief for you, but it is something you decide based on the child’s best interest. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions that I get about pets and families changing through divorce: Q. What kind of pet should I get? A. Think through your schedule and your space. Do you have time to walk a dog? Do you have a fenced yard? Remember that animals can get lonely and bored, too. Do you want an animal with more capacity for independence or one who is constantly seeking your atten-

tion? Exotic pets like reptiles and small birds, to name a few, can be fun to look at, but risk becoming boring to many children once the novelty wears off. Q. Where should I get a pet? A. Check Critter magazine (free at many pet food stores), ask your vet and check your local shelter. Consider getting a more mature animal whose traits can be described. Whatever animal you get, the odds are in your favor that the investment you make in its care will be rewarded many times over through its gestures of unconditional love. Pets can be nature’s anti-depressants. 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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growing together

Turn each moment into a teachable one By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist As I was talking with some other home-schooling moms recently, I discovered that teaching my youngest at home has changed the way I view the world. Sometimes out of necessity and often out of sheer curiosity, being a teacher as well as a parent causes me to make everything a learning experience. A spider in the kitchen becomes a lesson in entomology. A chance to help someone in need translates into lessons in gratitude and the reward of service. I think it should be this way whether you home-school, co-school or afterschool your children — every parent can find a niche in one of those categories. Though aspects of a child’s learning may be delegated to someone else, a parent’s responsibility for education should not be abdicated in the process. There is very little chance that I could effectively teach my daughter’s French 4 class. However, the choices our family makes and the resources, support and accountability we provide are as critical to her success as the daily choices made in her classes. My children have distinctly different needs, wants and talents, something that I see as proof that God has a sense of humor. Providing for their need to learn and grow intellectually, socially and spiritually is no different than meeting their physical needs. When they were toddlers and my daughter ran into the door frame at full speed and my son fell down the stairs Wile E. Coyote-style, just keeping them safe was my top priority. I am trying to do a little better with their brains. Worthy is an attorney who took down her shingle to be a stay-at-home mom. E-mail her at chris@worthyplace.com.

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home-school happenings

Teach children love by helping others By Nicole McKeon WNC Parent columnist Teaching love. February means Valentine’s Day and hearts and celebrations of love. Not only passion, but compassion. One way we have tried to encourage our children to show love is by volunteering. I know what you’re thinking: I barely have time to take a shower, how am I going to find time to volunteer? But, volunteerism can take lots of different forms. One way to get started is to sit down as a family and discuss the issues that concern your family or that your kids may have a particular interest or heart for. Maybe your family really loves animals and believes in the importance of safe happy homes for these furry friends. Then consider contacting the Asheville Humane Society or Animal Compassion Network or Brother Wolf (or for larger furry friends, Hope for Horses). All of these agencies have multiple ways to assist — from as time-consuming as

fostering a pet to as simple as dropping off dog food. Maybe your kids are concerned about people who don’t have a home. Then give local shelters a call and see what they need. You could go as a family to work at the shelter or you could simply collect blankets from friends and families (as one local home-schooling family recently did) and bring them to the shelters. Perhaps your kids are worried about people who don’t have enough to eat. There are many ways to help hungry people in WNC. You could contact MANNA FoodBank, churches or Meals on Wheels, to name just a few. In these tough economic times, I understand that most people don’t have a lot of extra cash. This is the time when it is most important that we give what we can. Teach your children love by giving what is most important, your time and your attention to the folks who need it most. That’s a lesson we can all use.

HOW TO HELP Asheville Humane Society: 253-6807 Animal Compassion Network: 258-4820 ABCCM: 259-5300 (shelters/health care) Hope for Horses: 683-0160 MANNA FoodBank: 299-3663 Food For Fairview: 628-4322 The Lord’s Acre: thelordsacre.org Meals on Wheels: 253-5286

HOME-SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

Feb. 9, Asheville Art Museum: Program for students in first to fifth grades that meets 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Tour the museum and participate in a hands-on activity. Cost is $4. To register, call 253-3227, ext. 121 or 122, or e-mail eshope@ashevilleart.org. For information, visit ashevilleart.org. In Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square. Feb. 10, The Health Adventure: For ages 5-7, Physics in a Baggie teaches sound, momentum and more. Ages 8-10 focuses on Mindbender Mansions, teaching brainteasers. Programs run 1:30-2:30 p.m. Cost is $7 per child, $5.50 for members. Call 254-6373, ext. 316. Visit thehealthadventure.org. Feb. 18, Colburn Earth Science Museum: A home-school program for first- to third-graders from 2:30-3:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. February’s topic is Weather 101. Cost is $5 for members, $6 for nonmembers. Visit colburnmuseum.org or call 254-7162. In Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square.

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kitchen kids

Hearty breakfast warms morning What does it take to be a Kitchen Kid? The recipe is quite simple. Start with safety first. Then, add an interest in learning. Finally, sprinkle in a few simple kitchen skills. Make this French toast together for a family breakfast.

Get-stuffed French toast

1 16-ounce challah or French bread loaf, cubed 1 8-ounce package Havarti cheese, cut into thin slices 6 large eggs 4 cups milk 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 12-ounce jar blueberry preserves Preheat oven to 350째F. Arrange half of bread cubes in lightly buttered 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Top evenly with Havarti; top with remaining bread cubes. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup in large mixing bowl; pour over bread mixture, pressing bread cubes to absorb egg mixture. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon over the top. Cover baking pan with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 30 more minutes or until lightly browned and set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.5. Stir together blueberries and blueberry preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Serve blueberry sauce over French toast. Source: Wisconsin Cheese

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Cassoulet worth effort Gannett News Service Cassoulet is like a weekend homeimprovement project, but instead of a spiffed-up kitchen, you end up with a traditional French meal with cathartic powers. Natives of southwestern Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Languedoc region claim this rich dish as their own.

Everyday Cassoulet

4 cups cooked cannellini beans 1 1/4 pounds pork shoulder Salt and pepper to taste 3 1/2 to 4 quarts vegetable stock or broth 4 ounces applewood-smoked bacon 12 baby carrots, chopped into uniform pieces 1/2 cup leeks, chopped into bite-size pieces 1/2 cup celery, chopped into bite-size pieces 4 tablespoons red onion, diced 1 cup toasted bread crumbs 4 tablespoons chopped parsley, divided 1 cup bean cooking liquid 8 ounces butter Generous splash of sherry wine vinegar Soak beans overnight. Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Season pork shoulder with salt and pepper. Place on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for 10 hours. Remove pork from rack and place between two sheet pans until cool to allow the juices to settle and to square off the roast, making it easier to cut into bite-size pieces. Follow package directions for cooking beans, but cook in vegetable stock instead of water. Cool beans in cooking liquid. Reserve liquid. Cut bacon into 3/4-inch pieces, saute until crispy; set aside. Place carrots in a small pot with enough water to cover. Add salt and dash of honey. Simmer until tender and glazed. Set aside. Blanch leeks and celery until tender, then plunge in ice bath to chill. Remove; set aside. Saute red onion until tender in small skillet. Mix bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley in bowl and set aside. In a casserole-style pot, combine pork, beans, 1 cup bean cooking liquid and butter, and simmer until blended, about 30 minutes. Add bacon and vegetables; simmer until warmed through. Finish with remaining parsley, salt, pepper and vinegar. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and serve. Makes 4 servings.

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Love isn’t cheap (but this meal is) Gannett What’s on the menu for Valentine’s Day? Why not start with a cup of cream of portobello mushroom soup? Followed by shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta. And top it all off with a dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries. Think you have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy these delicious treats? Think again. For roughly $25, you can whip up this entire meal. The mousse needs to be made at least eight hours in advance to have a chance to set. If the mousse sounds too fussy, follow the first part of the recipe for the chocolate, pour it over a slice of angel food cake and top with strawberries. It’s a mighty tasty, no-fuss dessert. True, it’s not a restaurant, but it’s a budget Valentine’s meal.

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Chocolate mousse with fresh berries is the perfect ending to a Valentine’s Day meal.

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Cream of Portobello mushroom soup

10 baby portobello mushrooms 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon olive oil 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon thyme 1/2 teaspoon rosemary 1/4 cup chicken broth 1 3/4 cups half and half Puree the mushrooms in food processor into tiny pieces. You want to get a mouthful of mushrooms in every bite. Heat butter and olive oil in a small pot and add onion. Saute five minutes. Add spices and mushrooms. Saute three minutes. Add broth and half-and-half. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer while you make the pasta. Stir occasionally. Serves 2.

Shrimp scampi over pasta

1/4 of a (16-ounce) box of angel hair pasta 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup chopped onion 3/4 cup chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings 8 jumbo shrimp or 20 medium shrimp 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 large Roma tomato, chopped 3 tablespoons chopped parsley 4 tablespoons heavy cream Put pasta water on to boil. Chop your onion, garlic, tomato and parsley. Keep each separate and set aside. Saute butter and onion for five minutes over medium heat in large saucepan. Add broth, Italian seasoning, shrimp and garlic. Cook 5 minutes or until shrimp is pink. By now, your pasta water should be boiling. Cook pasta according to directions. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, in about 3-4 minutes. While pasta cooks, add tomato, parsley and heavy cream to your shrimp pan. When pasta is done, drain water and immediately add pasta to your shrimp mixture. Toss to coat and serve. Makes 2 large servings.

Chocolate mousse with berries

3/4 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup cold heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/3 cup sugar, added 1 tablespoon at a time For best results, chill the beaters and the bowl youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to use to whip the cream. In a heavy saucepan, on low heat, slowly heat chocolate, cream, butter and sugar until smooth. Immediately remove from heat. Do not let this boil or bubble or you will scorch your chocolate. In non-reactive bowl, beat cream for 5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add cream of tartar and one tablespoon of sugar at a time until stiff peaks form and cream is thick, after about another 5-10 minutes of beating. Then, slowly add the chocolate mixture a little at a time, and beat after each addition. Repeat until the chocolate is added and mixture thickens. Place in wine glasses or desired containers and refrigerate 8 hours or more. Serve with fresh berries.

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kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; page Dot-to-dot

Coloring

Maze

Word search

Daisy Dewey Donald Duck Dumbo Goofy Gus Goose Huey Louie Mickey Mouse Minnie Peter Pan Pinocchio Pluto Scrooge Snow White

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puzzles for parents Across 1. Ancient commemorative stone slab 6. ___ Paolo, Brazil 9. Black, yellow and chocolate dogs 13. Like a welldefined muscle 14. ___ and flow 15. Oil lamp dweller 16. Given name of “The Raven” author 17. Pressure unit 18. Call forth 19. Exercise session 21. Fitness helper 23. Bro’s sibling 24. Russian monarch 25. At the stern 28. Holier than who? 30. Squeezed into a tight place 35. What overweight folks do to get into plane seat? 37. Abounding with elms 39. “Dear _____” 40. Taxonomic group 41. Bebop’s former name 43. Zeal 44. Opposite of alpha 46. Great Soviet gymnast Korbut 47. Famous British art institute 48. Protest and withstand 50. Getting fit is rarely this 52. Distress call 53. The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical 55. Little piggy 57. Like cardio exercise 61. Dumbbells, e.g. 65. Russian pancake 66. Out of shape exercisers put it on joints 68. Oil or vinegar bottle 69. Industrial center of Ruhr 70. Prefix meaning “not” 71. Gene or Grace, e.g. 72. Known for his “Weekly Top 40” 73. Came into possession 74. Like old bread

12. Nostradamus, e.g. 15. “______ up” 20. Wedding greeter 22. Not cooked 24. One who does floor gymnastics 25. Wish him to “break a leg” 26. Picture holder 27. Subject of Boston Tea Party 29. Margarine 31. One way to lose weight 32. Black tie affairs, e.g. 33. Muse of love poetry 34. Force units 36. Jesus’ first guests 38. Hindu-based workout 42. Cut and _____ on a computer

45. Garbage can 49. Mai ___ 51. Cry of encouragement to foxhounds 54. Frosting 56. White heron 57. In bed 58. Additional 59. “____ and shine!” 60. Dollar bills 61. Departed 62. Hawaiian dance that gets hips moving 63. Friedrich von Schiller’s “Wilhelm ____” 64. Eye infection 67. Pigeon call

Solutions on Page 64

Down

1. Fret 2. Type of list 3. Engineer, abbr. 4. They’re feared at CIA 5. Quick and skillful 6. Labor Day mo. 7. Traverse and oblique muscles location 8. Death notices 9. Famous Holocaust survivor-author Primo ____ 10. “At another time” to Shakespeare 11. Used when spinning

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We welcome photos of your children. Send high-resolution images, along with a brief description of the event, and names, ages and hometowns of everyone pictured. Include your name, address and phone number. Send to Katie Wadington by e-mail at kwadington@citizen-times.com or to WNC Parent Photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802.

Connor, 4 months, and Craig Warren, 11, from Candler. Submitted by their mom, Teressa Warren.

Ava Hazel Bird, 2 1/2, gets ready for trick-or-treat. Submitted by parents Lana and David Bird. They live in Asheville.

Carter Myers, 9 months, enjoys the flower carpet at the Biltmore Estate. Submitted by his parents, Dana and Brent Myers, and big brother Brady.

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calendar of events

Things to do

The deadline to submit items for March’s calendar is Feb. 10. Send event information to calendar@ wncparent.com.

Through February

Black History Month at Vance Birthplace

Vance Birthplace State Historic Site in Weaverville marks Black History Month with the “Behind the Big House” program for fourth-graders and older. The program explores the slaves’ side of the plantation. Slaves entered the mountains of Western N.C. with European settlers in the late 18th century. The program takes place at: 10 a.m. Feb. 6; 11 a.m. Feb. 13; 1 p.m. Feb. 20 and 2 p.m. Feb. 27. It is free and open to the public, but reservations are required as space is limited. Call 645-6706.

Feb. 1

Food allergy group

COCOA — Caring for Children with food Allergies — is a free group for parents of food allergic children. Meets at 6:45 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Earth Fare in South Asheville. E-mail Kristie at cocoa_in_asheville@yahoo.com.

Starts Feb. 1 Theater classes

Asheville Community Theatre hosts youth and adult theater classes beginning Feb. 1. Youth classes include beginning and intermediate acting; musical theater, craft and home-school sessions. Details and registration online at ashevilletheatre.org or by calling 254-1320.

Swannanoa Valley Montessori School registration

Registration opens Feb. 1 for the 2010-11 school year at Swannanoa Valley Montessori School, which serves ages 18 months to sixth grade. Preschool is at 130 Center Ave., Black Mountain; elementary students are at Carver Community Center in Black Mountain, with future plans to move those ages to a new site in Asheville. For information or to schedule an appointment for a visit, call 669-8571 or visit swanmont.org.

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Starts Feb. 3

calendar of events

Afternoon Art classes

Continued from Page 53

Roots + Wings offers weekly art sessions for children ages 7-10, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. Wednesdays. February’s session focuses on collage and mixed media. Runs Feb. 3-24. Cost is $50 plus $10 supply fee. Sibling discount. Classes held at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. Call 545-4827 or visit rootsandwingsarts.com for information and to register.

Feb. 2

Groundhog Day

Chimney Rock Park’s Grady the Groundhog will make his prediction for spring at 10 a.m. A program will teach the history of the groundhog and the legend of the holiday. Admission is $14 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-15, free for 5 and younger. Visit chimneyrockpark or call 800-277-9611.

Starts Feb. 2

Healthy meals workshops

Feb. 3

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place offers a workshop teaching the benefits of breast-feeding, feeding patterns, proper latch and positioning. Call 681-BABY to register. Cost is $25. The hospital is at 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.

Francine Delany school open house

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Francine Delany New School for Children is hosting a series of workshops designed to help busy families prepare healthy and delicious meals without breaking their budget. Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m., Feb. 2-23. $10/ workshop. Ted at 236-9441, ext. 386, or e-mail ted@fdnsc.net to register.

Breast-feeding class

Feb. 4

Check out Grady the groundhog at Chimney Rock Park on Feb. 2, Groundhog Day.

Hendersonville Christian open house

Hendersonville Christian School, at 708 Old Spartanburg Highway in Hendersonville, will host an open house for all interested families 10-11 a.m. Feb. 3. Talk with the headmaster, see classes, and tour the campus. Call 692-0556.

Swannanoa Library Knitters

Casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels, 5-7 p.m. Call 250-6486.

Francine Delany New School for Children, at 119 Brevard Road in West Asheville, is holding an informational meeting for prospective families from 6-7:30 p.m. Call Nancy at 236-9441, ext. 0, or visit fdnsc.net.

Feb. 4 and 11

Childbirth class

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. Also includes tour of the Pardee Women and Children’s Center. Runs 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 4 and 11. Cost is $40, or free with Medicaid. Registration required. At Pardee Hospital Orientation Classroom, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Call 866-790-WELL.

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calendar of events

Starts Feb. 5

Preschool art class

Roots + Wings offers weekly art sessions for children ages 3-6, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays. February’s session focuses on clay sculpture. Runs Feb. 5-26. Cost is $50 plus $10 supply fee. Sibling discount. Classes held at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. Call 545-4827 or visit rootsandwingsarts.com for information and to register.

Feb. 5-6

‘Jungle Book, Kids!’

Asheville Arts Center presents “Jungle Book, Kids!” at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 and noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Feb. 6. Introduce preschoolers to the theater at this show put on by children ages 4-7. At 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Call 253-4000.

Feb. 6

Health Adventure Girl Scout program

Girl Scout Junior badge program at The Health Adventure lets girls build an own owl box and uncover a mouse skeleton by dissecting a real owl pellet; play an echolocation game to learn how some nocturnal animals “see” in the dark; and visit Mindbender Mansion. Runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit thehealthadventure.org or call 254-6373.

Odyssey Community School open house

Odyssey Community School hosts an open house from noon-2 p.m. and Fun Day from 2-6 p.m. Meet teachers, administrators and parents, tour the campus, then stay for games, music and more. The school is at 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. Call 259-3653 or visit odysseycommunity.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. 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.

Feb. 6-9

Munchkin Market drop-off

Munchkin Market consignment sale will receive consignment items 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 6, 1-5 p.m. Feb. 7 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 8-9. Consigners shop Feb. 12. Public sale is Feb. 13-16. At Biltmore Square Mall. Visit munchkinmarket.com.

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calendar of events BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL REGISTRATION East Asheville Little League: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 13 and 20 at East Asheville Recreation Center, 906 Tunnel Road. Cost is $50 per player. Contact David Johnson, 296-7523 or eayouthsports@charter.net or visit eayouthsports.org. Fairview Little League: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27 at Fairview Elementary’s gym. Call Doyle McLaughlin, 628-4051. North Asheville Little League: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27 at North Asheville Community Center, 37 E. Larchmont Drive. Call Marc Lifchez, 258-0607. South Asheville Little League: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Road. $55. Call Bill Flood, 777-2191. South Buncombe baseball and softball: Feb. 6 and 13 at Valley Springs Middle School cafeteria. Online registration begins Feb. 1 at sbraa.baberuthonline.com. West Asheville Little League: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5, 12 and 19 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 6, 13 and 20 at West Asheville Center, 970 Haywood Road. $60. Call Will Wolfe, 777-9380, for details.

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Feb. 7

Adults’ young adult book club

Spellbound Children’s Bookshop is starting a young adult book club for adults (18 and older), noting that many books written with a teen audience in mind have found crossover success with older readers. Books considered are written and marketed for teens ages 14 or 16 and older. First meeting is 4-5 p.m. Feb. 7. February’s selection is “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore. The shop is at 19 Wall St., Asheville. Call 232-2228 or visit spellboundchildrensbookshop.com.

Ballet audition

Audition for Ballet Summer Intensive with Ballet Conservatory of Asheville at 193 Charlotte St., Asheville. Intermediate program (ages 10-12) auditions are 10 a.m.-noon; advanced program (age 13 and older) is 1-3 p.m. Summer Intensive is June 28-July 23 with New York City Ballet’s Amanda Edge. Daily classes in ballet, pointe, variations, modern, jazz. Daytime and room/board options. Visit balletconservatoryofasheville.com or call 255-5777.

SOCCER REGISTRATION Henderson County Parks and Recreation: Soccer program for ages 5-17 (as of Aug. 1, 2009). $65. Returning players who have the blue and silver jersey will receive $20 off registration fee. Regular registration ends Feb 19; Internet registration ends Feb 21. Practices can begin March 22. Register in the Jackson Park office, by phone at 6974884, or at hendersoncountyrecreation.org. Upward soccer: Registration is open through March 16 for kindergarten-sixth grade boys and girls at the Biltmore Baptist Church or online at bluesombrero.com/biltmorebaptist. Registration is $70 before March 8, and each additional child receives a $10 discount. Call 687-1111, ext. 112, or upward@biltmorebaptist.org. YMCA soccer: Registration is open through March 22 for spring soccer at the YMCA Youth Services Center, 201 Beaverdam Road. The season is eight weeks, with practices once during the week and Saturday games. Cost: $70 members, $90 nonmembers (includes jersey, trophy, and end of season celebration). Contact Brennan Splain at 777-6035 or bsplain@ymcawnc.org.

Feb. 8

Park Ridge Hospital Baby Place classes

Call 681-BABY to register. The hospital is at 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville. ◆ Childbirth class: One-day class meets 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $90 per couple. ◆ Sibling class: Class designed to help the soon-tobe big brother and/or sister get ready for the new baby. Includes a craft, a big sister/big brother T-shirt, and tour of the Baby Place. Cost is $25. Runs 7-8 p.m. ◆ Infant/pregnancy massage class: Class designed for pregnant women and their partners/birthing partners. Learn various massage techniques to help mom to relax and ease her discomforts in pregnancy and labor. Bring two large towels and two pillows. Cost is $125. Starts at 6 p.m.Veritas Christian Academy open house

Veritas open house

Veritas Christian Academy, a classical Christian school educating students pre-K through 12th grade, will host a community open house from 5-6:45 p.m. Tour the school, see the curriculum and talk with the

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calendar of events faculty. Veritas Christian Academy is at 17 Cane Creek Road in Fletcher, at the corner of Hendersonville and Cane Creek roads. Call Darla Hall at 6810546 for more information.

Feb. 8-March 5

YMCA swim lessons

◆ Asheville YMCA offers a four-week session with classes offered for children ages 6 months-14, parent-child classes, adult classes, and a swim club for children ages 7-14. Registration deadline is Feb. 5. Starts at $40 for members and $70 for nonmembers. Call 210-9605 or visit ymcawnc.org. Reuter Family YMCA offers a four-week session with parent-child, preschool, youth and adult classes. Registration deadline is Feb. 3. Starts at $40 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Call 651-9622 or visit ymcawnc.org. Corpening Memorial YMCA in Marion offers a fourweek session with preschool and youth lessons. Registration deadline is Feb. 7. Starts at $20 for members, $40 for nonmembers. Call 659-9622 or visit ymcawnc.org.

Feb. 9

ACA open house

Asheville Christian Academy is hosting an open house for all grades from 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 9. Faculty members will be giving family tours and the Head of School will give an overview presentation. Asheville Christian Academy’s offers a liberal arts approach to a college preparatory education with a biblical worldview. It serves K4 through 12th grade. Call 581-2200 or visit ACAcademy.org.

Sit and Knit

A casual knitting and needlework group for all levels at 1 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Feb. 10

Holistic Parenting Forum

The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that meets monthly to provide support, education and resources for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living. 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

Infant CPR class

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place offers a class on infant CPR at 7 p.m. Call 681-BABY to register.

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. 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.

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Feb. 10-12

‘Preschoolers We Love You!’

Librarians are practicing animal noises and silly songs in preparation for the 24th annual production of “Preschoolers We Love You!” A musical revue especially for preschoolers, with puppets, dancing and other lighthearted nonsense. Free. Groups, call 250-4729 to make a reservation. Performances are 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. at: ◆ Feb. 10: Weaverville Library, ◆ Feb. 11: Black Mountain Library ◆ Feb. 12: Oakley/South Asheville Library

Feb. 12-14

Relationship workshop

Julia and Robert Roskind, authors of “In the Spirit of Marriage: Creating & Sustaining Loving Unions,” will host a workshop on devoting intimate relationships to learning to love unconditionally. At Camp Rockmont, Black Mountain. $145. Visit onelovepress.com or call 295-4610.

Feb. 13

Father-daughter dance

Fletcher Parks and Recreation hosts its annual Father-Daughter Dance at Calvary Episcopal Church. There are two dances: 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (evening dance already sold out). Tickets cost $12/father and $6/daughter for Fletcher residents; $18 and $7 for nonresidents. Buy tickets at Fletcher Town Hall. Advance purchase is required. Visit fletcherparks.org or call Cheyenne Youell at 687-0751.

Manga Club for teens

East Asheville Library hosts a forum for drawing, reading and discussing manga with other interested teens. Ages 11-18. Free. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

A community event designed to expose women and girls to a variety of activities that will inspire them to lead active, healthy lives. This year’s event is open to women and girls (ages 6 and older) as a chance to try a new sport or fitness class, or build skills in a sport of interest. Registration ends Jan. 29. Cost is $12 per person. Late registration is $15/person. Fee includes four clinics, T-shirt and goody bag, healthy lunch, door prizes, and a ticket to the Women’s Big South Tournament at UNC Asheville that day. Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register, contact Allison at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center at 350-2058 or adains@ashevillenc.gov.

Victorian Tea Party

Smith-McDowell House Museum hosts a tea party for ages 7 and older from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 children (must be accompanied by adult). Make reservations a week in advance by calling 253-9231 or e-mailing education@wnchistory.org.

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calendar of events

Starts Feb. 13

Children’s book artists exhibit

Asheville Art Museum will host “Nouns: Children’s Book Artists Look at People, Places and Things” from Feb. 13-July 11. It looks at the varied art styles used in children’s book illustrations. The museum is at Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Visit ashevilleart.org.

Feb. 13-14

Auditions workshop

Asheville Arts Center offers young actors a chance to practice a monologue and song and receive feedback from a professional union director Andrew Gall of Parkway Playhouse and professional performer Dominic Aquilino. Bring headshots and resumes for inspection. Reservations required. From 3:30-5 p.m. Feb. 13 for ages 8-17 and 3:30-5 p.m. Feb. 14 for adults. Call 253-4000. At 308 Merrimon Ave.

Feb. 13-16

Munchkin Market consignment sale

Munchkin Market consignment sale is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 13; 1-5 p.m. Feb. 14; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 15-16. Items are half off on Feb. 16. At Biltmore Square Mall. Visit munchkinmarket.com.

Feb. 15

Childbirth refresher class

This class is designed for a couple that just need a brush up on labor and birth choices. The class covers relaxation techniques, birthing options, pain relief techniques, medications and medical procedures, as well as a tour of Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place. Runs 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cost is $55. Call 681-BABY to register. The hospital is at 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.

Mommy and Me Luncheon

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place welcomes new moms to its Mommy and Me luncheon at noon the third Monday of the month. Bring your new baby, visit with other new moms and enjoy a short presentation. Call 681-BABY to RSVP.

Presidents Day

Federal holiday honoring birthday of President George Washington.

Feb. 15-18

‘Cats!’ auditions

Asheville Arts Center is looking for actors, singers and dancers ages 8-18 for the Children’s Theatre Workshop production of “Cats!” Auditions are 4:30-6 p.m. Feb. 15 and 17 at the South location, 10 Miller Ave., Asheville, and 4:15-5:45 p.m. Feb. 16 and 18 at the North location, behind Atlanta Bread Co. on Merrimon Ave. Call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Area librarians perform the 23rd annual production of "Preschoolers We Love You!" at Pack Memorial Library. The musical revue will be performed at three different branch libraries from Feb. 10-12.

Feb. 16-17

‘Curious George Live!’

Curious George comes to Asheville Civic Center in “Curious George Live!” at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 and 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 17. Tickets start at $12 and are available at ticketmaster.com.

Wee Trade consignment sale drop-off

Drop-off items for sale at Wee Trade Best Made from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at Expo building at WNC Ag Center, Fletcher. Visit wee-trade.net for guidelines and details. Consignor pre-sale is 5-9 p.m. Feb. 18.

Feb. 17

Swannanoa Library Knitters

Casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels, 5-7 p.m. Call 250-6486.

Feb. 18

Breast-feeding class

Learn the art of breast-feeding. Class covers breastfeeding basics to help give moms a good start. From 6:30-8 p.m. at Pardee Hospital, education classrooms, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Call 866-790-WELL. Free. Registration is not required.

Daddy Duty class

Helpful ideas and tips for dads during the labor and birth process. At 6:30-8 p.m. at Pardee Hospital, Video Conference Room, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Free. Registration not required. Call 866-790-WELL.

Feb. 19

Weaverville Library Teens

Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Mardi Gras Huzzah!, the

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calendar of events Continued from Page 59 February Teen Awesome Group event. At 4 p.m. Win beads, enjoy a King Cake, make your own mask. Ages 12-18. Call 250-6482.

YMCA parents’ night out

Feb. 19-21

Wee-Trade Best Made consignment sale

Sale runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 20 and noon-4 p.m. Feb. 21 (items half price on final day). At Expo building at WNC Ag Center, Fletcher. Visit wee-trade.net for details.

Feb. 20

Family Magic Show

“Vaudeville Magic,” an evening of a variety of magical entertainment, 4-5:30 p.m. at Carver Community Center, Cragmont and Fortune streets, Black Mountain. Presented by Western North Carolina Magic Club and Swannanoa Valley Montessori School. All ages. Magic tricks galore, plus balloon twisting. Adults $7, child $5. Visit swanmont.org/ news_events.php

Festival of Knowledge

WNC Nature Center hosts a science competition for children of all ages. Students can submit a project on cultural history, natural history or entomology (study of insects). Runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Top displays will win awards. Participation is free. Visit wildwnc.org or contact Keith Mastin at kmastin@ashevillenc.gov or 298-5600, ext. 305. The Nature Center is at 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville.

Feb. 21

Frostbite 5K Run and Community Health Fair

Park Ridge Hospital hosts the 18th Annual Frostbite 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the Park Ridge Hospital KidPower Program to combat childhood obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. For more information please call 681-2162. The fifth-annual Park Ridge Hospital Community Health Fair will run in conjunction with the Frostbite events. Starts at 2:30 p.m. At Park Ridge, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.

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calendar of events

Feb. 22

‘Before You Go Outside’

Registration not required. Call 866-790-WELL.

Feb. 27

Project Learning Tree workshop

Historic Johnson Farm’s Interpretive Center offers “Before You Go Outside” at 7 p.m. The class will be led by Gary Eblen, community outreach coordinator for Diamond Brand Outdoors, and will include hints, tips and ideas to make camping, hiking and outdoors experiences a pleasure. Cost is $5. Suitable for adults and students 12 and older. Registration suggested. Call 891-6585. The farm is at 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville.

N.C. Arboretum is hosting the Project Learning Tree workshop for educators in grades K-8. The program teaches students awareness and knowledge of the world around them and their responsibility for it. Participants receive a free PLT activity guide and other takeaway materials and earn CEU and/or NC Environmental Education Certification credit. Contact Amy Garascia at amysworkshopinfo@aol.com or 884-5713, ext. 26.

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place offers a Mommy and Me group at 10 a.m. Call Angie Collins at 231838-4853 for more information.

Purim Carnival

Mommy and Me group

Feb. 23

Knitting groups

◆ Black Mountain Library Knitters: knitting and needlework for all skill levels, 7 p.m., at 105 Dougherty St. Call 250-4756. ◆ Leicester Library Knitters: knitting and crochet for all skill levels, 6:30-8 p.m., 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480. ◆ Weaverville Library Sit and Knit: knitting and needlework for all levels, 6-8 p.m., 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Feb. 25

Infant care class

Pardee Hospital offers a course on infant care from A to Z. From 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pardee, education classrooms, 800 N. Justice St., Hendersonville. Free.

Feb. 28

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays in the Jewish tradition. Enjoy Purim fun at the Jewish Community Center’s annual Purim Carnival. Runs 1-3:30 p.m. Carnival games, wine tasting for adults, hamentaschen contest, more. Free admission; tickets must be purchased for food and attractions. Contact Natalie Kramer at 253-0701, ext. 108, or natalie@jcc-asheville.org.

March 1-4

‘Aristocats!’ auditions

Asheville Arts Center is auditioning children ages 4-7 for “Aristocats!” From 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 1 and 3 at the North location, behind Atlanta Bread Co. on Merrimon Avenue, and 3:30-4:30 p.m. March 2 and 4 at the South location, 10 Miller Ave. Call 2534000.

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Children dress up for the Purim Carnival at the Jewish Community Center. This year’s carnival is Feb. 28.

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March 4

Francine Delany school open house

Health Adventure Girl Scout program

Junior Girl Scouts can earn the “Making It Matter” badge through science experiments with slime, circuitry and more. Runs 3:15-5:15 at the museum, 2 S. Pack Square. Cost is $6 per scout. For information, call 254-6373, ext. 327, or visit thehealthadventure.org.

March 5-21

‘The Boxcar Children’

Asheville Community Theatre presents the play “The Boxcar Children,” based on the books by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets and information, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

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March 6-April 17 Super Saturday

Super Saturday is UNC Asheville’s six-week academic enrichment program third- to eighth-graders. Courses cover math, physics, computer music, photography, pottery, bookmaking and more. Class runs Saturday mornings. Visit unca.edu/oaci/supersaturday.

H1N1 vaccinations

Buncombe County Department of Health is offering H1N1 flu vaccine by appointment to anyone age 6 months or older. Call 259-3000 to schedule. Free to the public, no waiting with appointment.

Swimming at Zeugner Center

Zeugner Center Pool, behind Roberson High, is open for lap swim, water exercise and open swim. Open swim is 1:30-5 p.m. Sundays, $3 per person or $20 for a 10-visit pass. Call 684-5072.

Merrimon Avenue Baptist Preschool

Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church Preschool is now accepting enrollment for its classes for ages 1 to pre-kindergarten. Classes run 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 3- to 5-year-olds also meet Mondays. The cost is $15/day. The structured pre-kindergarten class focuses on kindergarten readiness

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Ongoing

Mindbender Mansion

The Health Adventure’s new exhibit, through May 5, is Mindbender Mansion, an eclectic place full of brainteasers and interactive challenges guaranteed to test the brain power and problem solving skills of even the most experienced puzzlers. With 40 individual brainteasers and five large-scale group activities. Included with admission. The Health Adventure is in Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Call 2546373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

‘The Scoop on Poop’

N.C. Arboretum presents an exhibit on “the science of what animals leave behind.” “The Scoop on Poop” is based on a book of the same name by Dr. Wayne Lynch. It explores how poop is used by animals, scientists, power companies and more. Runs through May 9 at the Baker Exhibit Center at N.C. Arboretum, off N.C. 191. Call 665-2492 or visit ncarboretum.org.

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calendar of events Continued from Page 63 and is taught by a licensed birth-kindergarten teacher. Call Sara Calloway at 252-2768, ext. 315, or e-mail scalloway@mabaptist.org.

Tiny Tot Adventures

Montford Community Center offers this free class 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April. No class when Asheville City Schools are out. At 34 Pearson Drive. Call 253-3714.

Super Science Saturday

Experiment with science during Super Science Saturdays at The Health Adventure, from noon-2 p.m. each Saturday. Programs feature hands-on activities led by museum facilitators. For specific activity descriptions or for more information, visit thehealthadventure.org. The museum is at Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square.

Solutions to puzzles on Page 51

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