February 2009 WNCParent by Stacey

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contents This month’s features 3

What to know

Breed myths

Things to do

Planning to adopt a pet? Here are 10 things you should keep in mind. Experts say training is the key to having a kind dog, no matter the breed.

When it comes to children playing — or even competing — with their animals, opportunities abound in WNC.

Saying goodbye

On the big screen

14 16

It’s far from easy to say a final farewell to a pet. Tips for how to handle putting one to sleep. Animals are a favorite in Hollywood. Why not check out one of these pet-related flicks next time your kids want to watch a movie?

Dogs on the move

Scenes from a recent dog agility trial in Fletcher.

Good reads

If your child loves animals, have him or her dive into reading about them. We offer a few suggestions.

What to do when it rains

can get outside regularly to play. Here are a few indoor options around town to keep from going stir crazy.

with bedwetting 22 Dealing Simple treatments can often

help children who wet the bed.

24 It’s potty time

A love of animals leads to activities, adoption When my twin daughters were little, we embarked on myriad activities, trying to find their niche. From dancing to tennis, they tried just about everything. Then one day I took them out to the Biltmore Equestrian Center, where they took their first riding lesson. They had found their “thing.” My girls had always had a special place in their hearts for animals, so it stood to reason they would love an activity involving horses. For other things to do with pets or animals, see our story on Page 8. With that same love of animals living in my own heart, it didn’t take long before we filled our house with pets. We started with fish, then gerbils. Then we hit the “big time” and adopted a dog. Max is 4 now and has been a delight — well, except for the time he dug a hole in my kitchen wall, all the way through to the pink fuzzy insulation. He seems to regret the error. After Max came Gracie and Oscar, who have each had their share of “errors” in my house, but they erase them with the kind of love and affection that one might expect from a domesticated canine. Adopting a pet can bring a lot of love and happiness to a home. If you’re thinking of adopting, check out the 10 things you should know before taking on a new family member, starting on Page 3. Nancy Sluder, Editor

Try these tested tips when it’s time to get your little one out of diapers.

32 Kids at play

A glimpse of a couple of activities around town to keep toddlers busy — and parents happy.

38 Camp Guide 2009

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer

preview

Looking for a spring break or summer camp? Get a head start with our listings.

WNC PARENT EDITOR Nancy Sluder nsluder@citizen-times.com

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

On the cover

FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com

Lisa Field - 252-5907 lmfield@gannett.com

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

Photo special to WNC Parent.

STAFF WRITER Barbara Blake bblake@citizen-times.com

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It’ll be awhile still before you

In every issue

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 CALENDAR CONTENT submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 or e-mail calendar@wncparent.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES advertising deadline for the March 2009 issue is Feb. 17 calendar items are due by Feb. 17

So, you’re ready for a pet? Top 10 things to know or do when adopting a new family friend By Pam J. Hecht ◆ WNC Parent contributor When Shellie Lalumondier went with her family to the Asheville Humane Society animal shelter to find a pet, she says she couldn’t go inside because she was “too big of a baby to go in and cruise the cages.” Her husband Mike and their two children found two dogs they liked and brought them outside for her to meet. They settled on a St. Bernard mix named Nellie, who was calm enough to fit in the household with their kids. “Adopting from a shelter is no easy task, but it’s well worth the effort,” she says. Continues on Page 4

PHOTOS BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Garrett Lalumondier, 10, enjoys his family’s adoptive dog at their Kenilworth home.

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Continued from Page 3

7. Be open minded

Here are some things to consider that can make adopting a pet a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone in the household.

The most compatible pet for your family may not be what you intended and it’s possible that you may not find your pet on the first day out.

1. Assess your space

8. Prepare in advance

A home large enough to accommodate a pet, with access to an outside yard if needed, is a basic requirement. You may also need to check with your landlord or homeowner’s association about pet ownership rules in your neighborhood.

Be sure to pet-proof the home, stock up on needed supplies and make any necessary modifications to your yard and fence, if you have one, to provide for your pet’s safety. Choose a vet and if necessary, make an appointment to bring the pet in for a checkup.

2. Know what you’re getting into Be sure you have the finances, time and energy needed to take care of a pet, especially with labor-intensive puppies or kittens. “Parents need to be ready to take care of a pet, because ultimately, it’s their responsibility,” says Jennifer Brehler, director of operations for the Asheville Humane Society. “Have realistic expectations of what kids can handle.”

9. Get to know your prospective pet

3. Make sure everyone is on board Everyone should be comfortable with the idea of having a pet and willing to do their part. Also, be certain that any pets you already have are compatible with the one you’re planning to adopt.

4. Do the research Learn about the type of breed or animal you’re interested in adopting (try www.petfinder.com.) Consider factors like age, size, temperament, kid-friendliness and energy level. Find out what services you’ll need before taking your pet home, such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering or inserting a microchip in case your pet gets lost.

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

5. Know your options Animal shelters and pet placement agencies have different adoption procedures and guidelines. Find out more online about the pet adoption choices in your area or to see photos of available pets. Several agencies hold pet adoption events at area pet supply stores and other locations, featuring animals available for adoption.

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

when shopping for a family pet, but parents should always have the final say, said Joan Bednarek, president of the Transylvania Animal Alliance Group, which matches rescued animals with families in North Carolina and surrounding states. “Make it clear from the beginning that you’ll value their input and that you’ll pick out a pet together, but that it has to be your decision,” she says. “Most kids want a puppy or a kitten, for example, but that isn’t always the best match for their family.”

WHERE TO ADOPT A PET

◆ Blue Ridge Humane Society (Henderson County), www.the-aarc.com, 685-7107 A sampling of area agencies that handle 808-9435, www.brotherwolfcaninerescue.org ◆ Catman-2 (Cullowhee), www.catman2.org, pet adoptions ◆ Transylvania Animal Alliance Group 293-0892 ◆ Asheville Humane Society, www.ashevil- (TAAG), www.petfinder.com/shelters/ ◆ Find-a-pet Society (Asheville), 254-9155 lehumane.org, 253-6807 taag.html, 966-3166 ◆ Haywood Animal Welfare Association, ◆ Animal Compassion Network, Skyland, ◆ Henderson County Animal Services Cenwww.hawapets.com, 452-1329 www.animalcompassionnetwork.org, ter, www.hendersoncountync.org/animals, ◆ Mary Paws (Asheville, cats only), www.ma258-4820 or Pet Harmony (rescued-pet 697-4723 rypaws.org, 622-3248 store), 274-3647 ◆ Animal Haven of Asheville, www.animal◆ Hope for Horses (Leicester), www.hopefor◆ Brother Wolf Canine Rescue (Asheville), haven.org, 299-1635 horses.org, 683-0160

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Find out as much as you can about an animal you like, says Brad Rayfield, director of Henderson County’s Animal Services Department, which runs the county’s animal shelter. Talk to the staff and volunteers who know the animals, he says. Make sure everyone in the family has a positive connection with the pet. Amparo and Doug Pringle, of Asheville, who found their hound/mix dog, Deacon, through the Animal Compassion Network a few months ago, visited with him, along with his foster owners, at a local park before deciding whether or not to adopt. They discovered that he was very unaggressive and their sons, ages 6 and 11, bonded with him right away, Amparo says. It’s important to ask a lot of questions, she adds.

10. Have a plan Create some rules together concerning care and play time. Decide who will do what, such as feeding, walking and bathing. Meanwhile, plan on everyone doing the loving.

◆ Pet Soup Rescue (West Asheville), www.petfinder.com/shelters/ NC499.html, 665-7745 ◆ Madison County Animal Services, www.madisoncountync.org/-shelter.html, 649-3190 ◆ Mercy Fund Animal Rescue, Inc. (Marion), www.petfinder.com/shelters/ NC461.html, 6527980 Continues on Page 9

Beyond the myths Experts say a dog of any breed can be well-behaved if trained By Barbara Blake Staff writer Everybody knows that pit bulls are mean and golden retrievers are as gentle as a doting grandma, right? Not necessarily, say trainers and breeders who deal with dogs ranging from Chihuahuas to St. Bernards. While it’s true all breeds have certain characteristics, experts say the temperament a dog ends up with has far more to do with how it is raised and trained than with some predetermined gene that makes it aggressive, loving, aloof or hyperactive. It’s generally understood that dogs like retrievers and basset hounds are more mellow and laid back, while terriers and border collies are, by their nature, more high maintenance. But regardless of breed, it’s no surprise to find a rowdy, destructive dog with no manners if it’s been raised by a sedentary owner who never gives it exercise or socialization, experts say. Why blame a dog for biting when it spends all its solitary days and nights chained to a tree with no human contact or companionship?

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

When searching breeds, remember that terriers and border collies are, by their nature, more high maintenance.

their dogs.” “I’m sorry to say that I’ve seen it all,” said Gail Hubbard, a certified dog trainer and co-owner of A Good Dog’s Life. “That is, the golden retriever that becomes aggressive and the pit bull who is just a loving lap dog. People seem to place blame on the dog – it’s definitely easier,” she said. Susan Wilson, also a certified dog trainer and co-owner of A Good Dog’s Life, said it’s critical to match the dog and owner and “to look at what the dog was bred for and make sure that the energy level of the dog matches

Mean-dog myths It’s a myth that pit bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans are inherently dangerous and mean, said Lynn Duckett, vice president of the Asheville Kennel Club. “A well-bred and properly trained pit bull is one of the sweetest dogs imaginable,” she said. “In all cases where dogs have attacked humans, the irresponsible owner is actually more responsible than the dog. Some people like the image of being seen with a ‘tough’ breed; somehow they think it makes them look cool,” she said. “Sadly, these are the very owners who refuse to properly train and socialize

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the person.” “One of the biggest mistakes I see is that people get small dogs and think they will just want to hang out all the time, when sometimes small dogs have more energy and exercise needs than the owners expect,” Wilson said.

said. “I’ve seen AKC champion dogs surrendered to rescue, but I’ve never seen an obedience-trained dog in rescue.” “People should consider breed characteristics, but also know that a dog is a dog and will create havoc in a household if not properly socialized and educated,” Hubbard said. Duckett said she is wary of so-called “designer” Matching dogs to owners dogs — mixes that are passed off as purebreds — It’s critical to research breeds and make sure such as Labradoodles, whose parents are a Labrador they match the owner’s lifestyle, family makeup and and a poodle. “You can and may get either the best living space, experts say. or the worst of each breed — there’s no way to Duckett, who has shown Kerry blue terriers for know what to expect,” she said. “Some of the people 20 years, said she has refused to sell Kerry puppies producing these designer dogs may proclaim they to prospective buyers because she could clearly see will get only the best from both parent dogs with that they were not up to the challenge of the relanone of the bad stuff mixed in. It simply isn’t so. It’s SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT tively high-maintenance terriers. like playing 52-card pickup — you never now how It’s a myth that pit bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans are “I’d say, ‘A Kerry blue is not for you, and I will the cards, in this case, the genes, will land.” inherently dangerous and mean. “A well-bred and properly not sell you a puppy at any price,’” she said. “They Finally, the experts say, do your homework and trained pit bull is one of the sweetest dogs imaginable,” said end up getting mad and going online — if you’ve got find out as much as you can about breeds you’re Lynn Duckett, vice president of the Asheville Kennel Club. money, you can get anything you want. And then a considering. Duckett recommends “The Roger Cayear or two later I’ve got the dog in rescue.” ras Dog Book,” and urges potential dog owners to Another way to get a feel for the best breed for owners provide enhances the dog’s personality,” visit the American Kennel Club’s Web site, your family is to meet the parents. Hubbard said. “That enhancement could be for the www.AKC.org, to learn more about breeds. “I probably would not adopt a puppy from a best, and it could be for the worst.” “And talk with purebred rescue groups; every litter with a mother that is very protective and unWhile every purebred has certain characteristics breed recognized by the AKC has a national rescue trusting of other people and other dogs,” Wilson that are predictable, “there will always be individual group,” she said. “And a responsible owner or said. “Puppies learn a lot from those first eight differences,” Duckett said. breeder will tell you the good, the wonderful and weeks.” the bad and ugly about their breed, so be prepared “Breed type has its place, for sure, but the things for honesty. If that person has lived with the breed Try training dogs pick up and learn from their earliest environfor years and advises you that this breed will not be ment (breeders) along with the environment new “My motto is, ‘Train, don’t complain’” Duckett a good match for you, listen to them.”

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Fun for kids, animals alike By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor Your pet is your best friend, and you love spending time with him. But if Fluffy is getting tired of chasing the cat and fetching the ball, what else can you do together? If you have a dog, there are all kinds of activities for kids and dogs, ranging from a game of catch at a local park all the way up to formal dog shows.

At the park Asheville has two dog parks with trails and fenced enclosures where your dog can socialize with other dogs. The French Broad River Park on Amboy Road in West Asheville features a dog park with a large fenced-in area made for exercising and socializing your dog. Azalea Dog Park is in Azalea Park off Swannanoa River Road. It features fenced areas for small and large dogs. In Black Mountain, check out River Walk Park and Dog Exercise Area, behind Bi-Lo shopping center on N.C. 9 South, The park features picnic tables and walking paths.

Special to WNC Parent Horse riding is a fun way for kids to spend time with an animal. Trail rides at the Biltmore Estate take guests along a ridge for views of the mountains and Biltmore House. donation per class. For information, call at 258-4833.

4-H clubs

Best in show?

Take a ride

Think your dog’s a real winner? Then the Asheville Kennel Club may be a fun place to go. “We offer Junior Showmanship, which is for kids younger than 18 and teaches kids how to take a dog into the ring and show it” said club member Eileen Wilson “The kids are judged on grooming, training, showmanship and handling.” The club offers handling classes for owners and dogs of all ages at 7 p.m. each Wednesday from mid-January through Thanksgiving at the Federal Reserve Center on Louisiana Avenue in West Asheville. The classes are ongoing and the cost is only a $1

If your pet has hooves, there are lots of activities you can share. Biltmore Estate offers one-hour, Western-style guided rides on trails through the woodlands and meadows of the estate, suitable for beginner to intermediate-level riders. The cost is $60 per adult, in addition to estate admission, and $50 per child (ages 8-16), in addition to regular estate admission. There are also several horse shows each year in WNC that will give your horse a chance to shine. For more information on activities for you and your horse, visit www.balsamquarter.com/ wncequineevents.html.

There are dozens of 4-H clubs in Western North Carolina that can get kids and animals together. Some focus on specific activities like horseback riding. “Some of the clubs require that kids own a horse, but others don’t,” said Mary McGlauflin, who supervises 4-H in Buncombe County. “We have kids doing everything from raising beef cattle to one young lady who raises guide dog puppies.” For information, visit www.nc4h.org. And the N.C. Mountain State Fair offers children’s categories in everything from bunnies to dairy goats. For more information, call 687-1414. Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@charter.net.

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WHERE TO ADOPT A PET Continued from Page 4

◆ Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation (Haywood County), www.sargeandfriends.org, 246-9050 ◆ Furever Friends (Old Fort), fureverfriends@att.net, 670-6723 ◆ Yancy County Humane Society, www. petfinder.com/shelters/NC08.html, 6829510 ◆ Transylvania Humane Society, transhu-

◆ Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., PetSmart, 3 McKenna Road, Arden (Transylvania Animal Alliance Group) mane@citcom.net, 884-6577. ◆ Second Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Pet A sampling of local pet adoption events Supplies Plus, 1865 Hendersonville Road, ◆ First and third Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Asheville (Brother Wolf) (dogs); 1-3 p.m. other Saturdays (cats); 6-8 ◆ Fourth Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Greenp.m. Wednesdays (cats), PetSmart, Wal-Mart life Grocery, 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville Supercenter Plaza, 150 Bleachery Blvd., East (Brother Wolf) Asheville (Animal Compassion Network) ◆ Additional Brother Wolf events for Feb◆ First and third Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. ruary: Noon-5 p.m. Feb. 7, Mast General (also open daily), Pet Harmony, 803 Fairview Store, downtown Asheville; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. St., Asheville (Asheville Compassion NetFeb. 13-15, Petsmart, 150 Bleachery Blvd.; work)

noon–4 p.m. Feb. 21, Bone-A-Fide Bakery, Black Mountain. ◆ Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., SuperPetz, 825 Brevard Road, Asheville (Furever Friends) ◆ Sundays, 2–6 p.m., SuperPetz, 825 Brevard Road, Asheville (Mary Paws) ◆ Second Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., SuperPetz, 825 Brevard Road, Asheville (Mercy Animal Rescue) ◆ Thursday afternoons, weather permitting, Earth Fare, 66 Westgate Parkway, West Asheville (Mary Paws)

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When to say goodbye to a pet By Carol Motsinger Staff writer Mary Kilroy’s pets are never far from her heart — or her home. The Kilroy family created an animal memorial garden beside their home on Bee Tree Road in Swannanoa. Statues of animals, children and Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals, stand among shrubs, trees and flowers. In summer, hummingbirds in the dozens visit nearby feeders. “We can sit on the front porch and see it all. It is a little piece of heaven on Earth for us,” Kilroy said. “Whenever one of our critters dies, or if we find a bird or animal from the wild that has passed on, we bury it here with all the dignity a creature of God’s deserves.” Over the many years the Kilroys have owned guinea pigs, mice, cats and dogs, they’ve had “to make some hard decisions about what to do about a sick or injured animal,” Kilroy said.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Determining if euthanasia is the right decision for a suffering pet is complicated.

A hard decision Determining if euthanasia is the right decision for a suffering pet is “a pretty complicated issue,” said Josh Von Szalatnay, veterinarian at Animal Hospital South in Asheville. He said he feels that putting a pet down is appropriate “when an animal is obviously suffering and that the animal’s quality of life is not likely to improve.”

The Kilroys’ cat Cloe developed a chronic but treatable illness. But each time she tried to give Cloe medicine, he was fearful and quite stressed. “Nothing we tried would make the process easier,” she said. She and her husband decided to put him to sleep. “The love relationship between people and animals can often be deeper and more complex than between some humans,” Kilroy said. “And holding on to a pet because we just can’t bear to let go is not for the pet’s sake, but for ours.”

Make a list If pet owners are struggling with the decision, Von Szalatnay suggests they make a list of things that define their pet’s personality. When the pet stops demonstrating these characteristics, then it is time, he said. Mark Ledyard, a veterinarian at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital in Asheville, said people who put down their pets struggle the most with the guilt of making this important deci-

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sion for another being. But when animals do communicate signs of trouble, such as plummeting appetite or energy level, or even the look in their eyes, it may be time to consider euthanasia. “When you’ve lived with this animal for a long time, you can tell,” he said.

Dealing with the pain Vicki Powers, of Old Fort, tried to save Junior, a big, clumsy sweet dog, after he got cancer. Before she took him to her veterinarian to be put to sleep, she took pictures of him and took him to the forest where he liked to play. But she had to take him early to his appointment. “I couldn’t handle it anymore ... I could just look in his eyes and tell” he was in pain, she said. She grieved for a long time, she said. Powers suggested that others shouldn’t be so hard on themselves. “They shouldn’t blame themselves if it’s something that needs to be done,” she said.

Animals worth watching on the silver screen By Katie Wadington Staff writer Have you ever noticed that some of the best kids movies involve animals? There’s certainly no shortage of family films with pets — a search at Amazon.com brings up 485 movies with “dog” in the title in the kids and family category. And, of course, animals are a staple in animated Disney films. Alan Berger, a co-owner of Rosebud Video on Charlotte Street, gives some classics on a list of recommended animal movies for kids. And, he says, many not only have good story lines, but a “showing of respect for the animals.” Among his top picks: “Old Yeller,” “Fly Away Home,” “Free Willy,” “The

Yearling” and “The Journey of Natty Gann.” Have an older child? Try “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill,” he recommends. Next time you grab a movie for a night of family entertainment — or just to keep the kids quiet — check out one of these others for surefire fun.

Old but good “That Darn Cat”

Classic Disney “Dumbo,” “101 Dalmations,” “Bambi,” “Finding Nemo”

Horse tales

Mouse mischief

“Black Beauty,” “National Velvet”

“Secret of Nimh,” “An American Tail”

Gone to the dogs (and some cats)

Some animals, some not

“Beethoven,” “Oliver & Co.,” “The Shaggy Dog,” “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”

“The Muppet Movie”

Pigs “Babe,” “Charlotte’s Web”

Fun in the cold “Ice Age,” “Happy Feet,” “March of the Penguins”

TV shows on DVD Need something shorter than a fulllength feature? Try out an episode or two of these classics involving furry friends that are out on DVD: Looney Tunes, “Scooby-Doo,” “The Muppet Show,” “Tom and Jerry,” “Clifford” and “Sagwa.”

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divorced families

There are do’s and don’ts to pets and divorce By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist

When we discovered that the guinea pig was a female, we changed her name to “Hannibella.” After some time, and my son agreed, I naturally During the did the right thing and adopted Handivorce process, nibella out to another “friend of a pets can be a friend,” along with the cage and feed. source of healing Now, I know there are plenty of and reassurance, guinea pigs out there that are great but they can also pets. Just don’t let my son know. create unexpected Since pets present pros and cons, problems. let’s look at a few of the do’s and For example, when he was young, don’ts regarding animals and the dimy son Weston had a strong desire to vorce process: own a guinea pig. Naturally, as “luck” ◆ Do make whatever reasonable would have it, a “friend of a friend” arrangements you can to let pets flow offered to donate one along with a with wherever the children reside. nice cage and feed. Always be wary This is, unfortunately, a painful reality gifts from “friends of friends,” espefor some adult pet owners. Place your cially if they offer lots of free stuff child’s interests above your own. along with the pet. ◆ Don’t make the pets another To make a long story short, the battleground in the divorce process. name we gave the guinea pig changed And, please, do not use pets as an to the appropriate name of “Hannibal” emotional bribe to get your child to after a repeated course of being bitten. want to spend more time at your resi-

dence. This will only backfire. ◆ Do consider adopting pets that make sense for your particular work and home situation. Though I personally love dogs and cats equally, I have become a “cat person” because of the realities of my life. Cats are independent enough to tolerate my fluctuating work schedule and to be there for my son, if he is staying at my residence. ◆ Don’t adopt exotic pets like hissing cockroaches just because they remind you of your ex-partner’s relatives and they make a good party joke. These jabs at your ex-partner will not go unnoticed by children. ◆ Do consider adopting pets from the local pound rather than a pet store or an advertised breeder. Mixed breed dogs and cats can be wonderful companions for you and your children. ◆ Don’t use pets as a bargaining chip in your divorce process. It bears repeating. ◆ Do remember that your pets may

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have emotional needs and may be confused by your experiences with anger or depression. Reassure and love them, especially if they have been exposed to a negative encounter between you and you ex-partner. In a strange way, pets can be a comfort to us when humans are not. They are available at 3 a.m. when you are awake crying and your human friends are asleep. They are unaware and couldn’t care less about any mistakes that you may have made contributing to the divorce process. Their short memory makes them very suited for showing us love during the hard times of our divorce process. With the possible exception of a certain guinea pig that now resides with a “friend of a friend of a friend.” Trip Woodard is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607.

kids voices

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

Elliot Butterworth, third grade “I would definitely have a kitten (I’m getting one on Thursday). I don’t know what I will name it. I really want one because they are cute. I want a girl because she wouldn’t spray. Most cats I know like me.”

Gracie Franzi, fourth grade “I would love to have a pet seahorse because they have a clingy tail like a monkey. They also have armor like an armadillo, fins like a fish, a head like a horse and a pouch like a kangaroo. Their eyes are like a chameleon, and they have a snout like an aardvark. Also, I just think they’re cute!”

Josh Lino, fifth grade “If I could have any pet in the world it would be a pig. Pigs are my favorite animal. I like how they roll in the mud and their curly tails. That is why I really want a pig.”

Shaun Sandefur, fourth grade

“I would have a sugar glider because they are so cute and cuddly. They are so rare they are almost extinct. They can ride on your shoulder and be your buddy forever.”

Jesse Jones, third grade

“I would love to have a parrot. A parrot would talk to me and compliment me. I wish he could have red and green feathers.”

Ema Peck, third grade

Frank Homolka, fourth grade “My favorite pet is a panda. I like pandas because they are cute and endangered. I think pandas are cool because they are black and white. I think pandas only eat bamboo.”

Emily White, fifth grade “If I could have any pet I would have a pet ferret. I want a ferret because they look cute and playful but they are stinky. If I had a ferret I would play with it and walk it. Ferrets in pet stores look cute especially when they are sleeping.”

“My rat likes peanut butter. His name is Pebbles. I like him because he is funny and cute. He makes a sound like this: chchchch!”

Alex Vogel, fifth grade “If I could have any pet it would be a lion. Why a lion? I would like it because it is smart, big, fast, cool, strong, and I can ride it. There are so many things going for a lion. So that would be the best pet for me.”

Hannah Griffin, third grade “If I had any pet in the world it would be a rat. They are smarter than any animal, and they can climb trees. That is why I want a rat.”

Andrew Lukin, fifth grade “If I could have any animal in the world it would be a turtle. I like turtles because they are small and colorful. I also like turtles because they are slow.”

Jenni Camhi, third grade “I would have a dog. I think dogs are cute. If I had a dog I would get a white poodle.”

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Can your dog do this? The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina hosted an American Kennel Club agility trial recently at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a glimpse of the event.

Photos by Erin Brethauer

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

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

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SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

We welcome photos of family, neighborhood, school, church and other social activities involving children. Send your high-resolution photos, along with a brief description of the event, and names, ages and hometowns of everyone pictured. Don’t forget 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.

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

From left, Kelleigh Azel, 9, Audrey Pooser, 9, and Jenna Goforth, 10, all of Asheville, proudly show the skirts they made at the holiday youth sewing camp at Waechter’s Silk Shop. Audrey made this skirt for a friend and then began a second skirt for her friend during class. The girls also completed a "tri-fabric" pillow case. Photo by Kelleigh’s mom, Jennifer Azel.

Emma Jo Davis, 4, and her PaPa put the finishing touches on Frosty after the first snow of the season. Emma is the daughter of Joe and Caroline Davis, of Marshall.

A wind chill of 24 degrees didn’t stop Kate Bryan, 3, of North Asheville, from playing. Here she sits at the top of the slide at WNC Nature Center. Submitted by mom Katharine Bryan.

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3 new books offer colorful stories about children and their pets By Jennifer Prince WNC Parent contributor

buttery yellow not only mirror the events of the story A children’s story about a small but suggest a dog in need of a person and a little sense of warmth. girl in need of a companion should Repetition in the end in one way only — happily. text adds cadence, “The Dog Who Belonged to No making this book One” (2008), written by Amy Hest a natural readand illustrated by Amy Bates, does aloud. Share this not disappoint. Set in a small town, with preschool presumably in the early 1900s, this and early elebook follows the separate daily activi- mentary schoolties of the dog and the girl, culminat- age children. ing in the event that brings them Children just together. learning to read This is a gentle, affectionate tale, will enjoy the told with a seasoned writer’s skill of beginning reader, understated eloquence. Bates’ pencil “My Dog, Buddy” and watercolor illustrations awash in (2008) by David Milgrim. This is the story of a boy and his dog, Buddy. Buddy does not obey anyone in the house except for the boy: “Dad tells Buddy to sit. Buddy stands up and barks.” “Mom tells Buddy to get the ball. Buddy takes a nap.” Slight tension builds when Buddy runs away with the brother’s shoe, but the problem is resolved quickly. The “boy and his dog” premise holds appeal for children. With one or two sentenc-

es a page, plenty of white space, large font, controlled vocabulary, and colorful, simple illustrations, this is a first-rate choice for beginning readers. Newly independent readers will enjoy “Daisy Dawson is On Her Way” (2008) written by Steve Voake and illustrated by Jessica Meserve. Written at a slightly higher reading level than beginning readers like “Henry and Mudge” and “Young Cam Jansen,” this chapter book is an utterly charming story about a kind girl, Daisy, who loves animals. A wondrous event leaves her with the ability to understand what animals say. Daisy uses this ability to rescue animals and insects from being lost, captured and hungry. In the process, she develops a close relationship with one animal in particular who becomes her special pet. Voake riddles the story with child-friendly humor: “Daisy was soon so busy trying to work out whether 121 (divided by) 7 had a re-

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mainder (and if so, what to do with it).” Meserve’s black and white drawings curl around paragraphs and fill margins so that they are an integral component of the story. Illustrations appear on every page almost, enough so that young readers are not likely to be discouraged by the length of the text. Jennifer Prince works with Buncombe County libraries. Contact her at Jennifer.Prince@buncombecounty. org.

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY FACTS Opinions abound as to who was the original Valentine, with the most popular theory that he was a clergyman who was executed for secretly marrying couples in ancient Rome in spite of Emperor Claudius II, who felt that marriage weakened his soldiers. In any event, in A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as Valentine Day. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. Esther Howland, a native of Massachusetts, is given credit for selling the first mass-produced valentine cards in the 1840s.

Romantic-sounding places to spend Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day: include Roseville, Calif.; Rose City, Mich.; South Heart, N.D.; Loveland, Colo.; Darling township, Minn.; Loveland, Ohio; Romeo, Colo.; Sacred Heart, Minn.; Loveland Park, Ohio; Lovejoy, Ga. Heart Butte, Mont.; Love County, Okla.; Loves Park, Ill. Valentine, Neb. Loveland, Okla.; Lovelock, Nev.; Lovelady, Texas; Romeoville, Ill.; Loving, N.M.; Loving County, Texas; Rosemont, Ill.; Lovington, N.M.; Valentine, Texas; Romeo, Mich.; Love Valley, N.C.; Rose Hill Acres, Texas; Rose Hill, N.C.; Rose Hill, Va. 24.5 pounds: Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2007. 20,227: The number of florists nationwide in 2006. These businesses employed 98,373 people. 28,300: Number of jewelry stores in the United States in 2006. 2.2 million: The number of marriages that took place in the United States in 2007, or a little more than 6,000 a day. Source: Census Bureau

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Cold and rainy? Get out of the house Try one of these boredom busters, from the library to the skating rink to a museum By Barbara Blake Staff Writer It’s a cold, rainy day and the kids are desperate for something to stimulate their restless minds and bodies. The park isn’t an option, nor is a bike ride, a hike or a trip to the skate park. But there are plenty of indoor activities in the mountain region that offer pure physical fun, educational enlightenment or a combination of both. Here’s a sampling.

Public libraries Children and parents can spend hours of time in their local libraries, most of which offer weekly story times (see Page 33 for listings) for all ages and a kid-friendly environment for just hanging out and exploring the world of picture books, board books, magazines, videos and DVDs, and even kid-sized computers. Buncombe County Libraries offer story times for children from age 4

months to 7 at various times during the week. Call your branch library or the main library on Haywood Street downtown at 250-4721 or visit www.buncombecounty.org and follow the link to departments. The Henderson County Library’s main branch at 301 N. Washington St. also has a special children’s room where parents are encouraged to read to their kids and weekly story times are held for preschoolers and families. A special Dr. Seuss party will be held

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Kids pan for gems at the 2007 Gem Fest at the Colburn Earth Science Museum.

from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Call 6974725 or visit www.henderson.lib.nc.us.

Go skating Tarwheels Skateway in Swannanoa is Asheville’s only roller-skating rink. The rink is often booked for parties on weekends, but there are plenty of hours available for public skating for entire families. Cost and hours vary according to day and season. The rink also includes a video arcade. Call 298-6606 or visit tarwheelsskateway.com.

Fun and games It’s not cheap and it’s definitely not quiet, but parents can put in the earplugs and let the kids burn out some energy at area attractions like Fun Depot and Chuck E. Cheese’s in Asheville and the Fun Factory in the Smokies in Franklin. There are myriad choices, from mini-golf, go-carts and laser tag to bumper cars, batting cages, climbing walls, skill games and arcades. Asheville’s Fun Depot is on Sweeten Creek Road. Call 866-303-4FUN or visit ashevillesfundepot.com. Chuck E. Cheese’s is at 104 River Hills Road in East Asheville. Call 2993750 or visit chuckecheese.com. Fun Factory in the Smokies is at

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1024 Georgia Road in Franklin. Call 866-482-2386 or visit thefactory.bz.

Go bowling Blow off the cold and mix a little exercise with fun at your local bowling alley, where everyone in the family can compete. Star Lanes is at 491 Kenilworth Road in East Asheville. Call 254-6161 or visit amf.com. Sky Lanes is at 1477 Patton Ave. in West Asheville. Call

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

The Health Adventure This enduring attraction in downtown Asheville is a health and science museum for children, packed with interactive exhibits that encourage wellness lifestyles, improve health awareness and promote science literacy through programs and exhibits. Dynamic and unusual programs, many of them traveling exhibits coming from across the country, focus on the wonders of the human body and the world around us. The Health Adventure is in Pack Place on Pack Square. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and for students age 12 and older, $6 for children ages 2-11, and free for children younger than 2. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

There are three bowling alleys between Asheville and Hendersonville. Have kids climbing the walls at home? Hit the lanes.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Colburn Earth Science Museum This kid-friendly museum inside

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

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unique and affordable museum that offers a series of nooks including a “tot spot,” health education, the Harris Teeter grocery room, a costume theater, nature area, log cabin, mountain music and creative art. The museum is at 318 N. Main St. in Hendersonville. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Admission is $5 per person and free for kids younger than 1. Call 697-8333 or visit handsonwnc.org.

KidSenses It’s worth a bit of a drive to Ruther-

fordton to spend the day at KidSenses Children’s InterACTIVE Museum, which offers a wide array of hands-on exhibits and activities. Among the offerings are DeSoto’s Dental Office, Gears and Gadgets, WFUN-Studio, Little Family Dollar, Creation Station, Bubbleology, Science Power, Big Climber and the Alphabet Trail. The museum is at 172 N. Main St. in Rutherfordton. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Call 286-2120 or visit kidsenses.com.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Children hustle around Little Family Dollar as they shop for all of the necessities at the KidSenses Children’s InterActive Museum in Rutherfordton. Pack Place in downtown Asheville includes 5,500 mineral and gem specimens from around the world, along with a petrology collection, an interactive exhibit on the science behind weather, a look at the history of mining in North Carolina, an exhibit on gold, and interactive programs on fluorescent minerals, crystals and fossils.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children younger than 4. Call 254-7162 or visit colburnmuseum.org.

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

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Dealing with wet beds at night Bedwetting is a common but treatable issue By Barbara Blake Staff writer

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

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

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Bedwetting is embarrassing for kids and frustrating for parents. The good news is there are ways to treat the problem, and most children outgrow it on their own as their bladder capacities increase. Enuresis, the medical term for bedwetting during sleep, is not uncommon. Between 5-7 million children wet the bed, more commonly boys than girls. In most cases, bedwetting will stop spontaneously with age. But while the problem is occurring, it’s uncomfortable for children who may fear going to camp or spending the night with a friend, and it’s obviously worrisome for parents who feel helpless to stop it. “Bedwetting is completely normal until about the age of 6, but almost all children who wet the bed routinely will eventually outgrow it without any kind of treatment,” said Dr. Susan Cohen, in practice with Asheville Pediatric Associates. The incidence of bedwetting, she said, is 20 percent at age 7, 5 percent at age 10 and 1 percent at age 18. “The cause is not well understood, but I view it much more as a sleep issue than a urinary issue,” Cohen said. Bedwetters are often very deep sleepers who just sleep through the need to use the bathroom. “Sometimes there can be mild associated urinary issues, like a bladder that tends to empty at smaller volume, or a tendency to produce more urine overnight than the average person. But these are generally normal, healthy kids with no underlying medical issues,” she said. Dr. Joshua E. Bernstein, with Asheville Medicine and Pediatrics in Arden, said genetics also plays a role in bedwetting; if a parent was a bedwetter, the child is more likely to be. “The typical kid is one who uri-

TIPS TO DEAL WITH BEDWETTING

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE? Have you dealt with bedwetting? Do you have any advice you could share with other parents? Visit WNCmom.com and join in the conversation.

nates a lot during the day and has a small bladder capacity, and is a deep sleeper,” Bernstein said. “That, combined with genetics, can all lead to nighttime bedwetting.” There can be more serious issues that lead to wetting, such as diabetes, neurological problems, urinary tract infections or “secondary nocturnal enuresis,” where the child has been completely dry for six months or more and then starts to wet at night, Cohen said. And emotional issues, stemming from hospitalization, divorce or the birth of a new sibling, can also trigger bedwetting. If more serious physical or psychological issues have been eliminated

◆ Restrict liquids for 90 minutes to two hours before bedtime. ◆ Wake the child a few hours after his bedtime to use the bathroom. ◆ Have the child practice holding urine in for increasing amounts of time to increase bladder capacity. ◆ Try an alarm system that wakes your child when she wets, to help train her body to wake on its own. ◆ Be aware of emotional issues that may trigger bedwetting, such as divorce or the birth of a new sibling. ◆ See a doctor if the child wets during the day, begins wetting at night after being dry for six months, or complains of a burning sensation with urination. after a visit to a pediatrician, there are several options to try, both doctors said. One is restricting liquids for 90 minutes or an hour before bedtime. Another is to awaken the child several hours later to use the bathroom. And another is to have the child practice holding urine in for increasingly longer periods to expand the bladder capacity. Electronic alarm systems, with a card inserted into the child’s underwear to sound if even a drop of liquid contacts the card, can be useful in training the child to wake up at a certain time to use the bathroom. “But a lot of insurance companies won’t cover the bladder alarms, and

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

up, and eventually their own body will get used to doing that.” Parents should never punish a child for wetting their bed, and they should use positive reinforcement when the child is dry, Cohen and Bernstein both said. “Parents need to be sure that the course of treatment doesn’t cause more complications than the bedwetting itself, either emotionally or physically,” Cohen said. “Be reassuring to your child that it will resolve, be supportive until it does, and tailor any treatment to meet the child’s individual needs.”

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When it’s potty time Follow this advice to ease everyone’s anxiety surrounding one of your toddler’s big milestones By Barbara Blake Staff writer It’s one of the most stressful periods in parenting: potty training. How do you know when your child is ready to move out of diapers and onto the toilet? How do you start the process? How do you handle the inevitable accidents? How long will it take for the child to master the art of using the potty? As intimidating as the process may seem, child development experts say there are ways to make the journey less painful for both child and parents. Following are some tips from Megan Lemmond, a preschool teacher at the five-star rated Mission Hospital Child Development Center and the mother of a 3-year-old, and Cathy Hohenstein,

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family and consumer sciences extension agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension.

When is your child ready? “What I tell parents is that every child is different, even within families, so be patient with the child,” Hohenstein said. “Boys developmentally may train later than girls — they may be 3 years old before they fully train.” Lemmond said signs of readiness include wanting a diaper to be changed immediately when wet or soiled, indicating they need to use the potty by squirming, bouncing around or holding their private parts, going off by themselves for privacy when filling the diaper, and showing interest in the potty and indicating with words when it’s time to go.

What’s the best way to start? “If the parents are comfortable with it, I think it’s great to just saturate your child with the concept of potty training as soon as the child can walk and talk,” Lemmond said. “That means taking the child with you to potty, allowing the child to go naked when practical, and teaching him or her about what peeing and pooping are as it happens. As soon as your child has the gross motor coordination to sit on a potty or potty chair, you can make it a part of play and conversation.” For parents who want to wait until the child is a little older, Lemmond said, there are a lot of books geared toward young children to get their interest up. She recommends Alona Frankel’s book, “Once Upon a Potty,” available in boy and girl versions.

Potty chair or regular toilet? “My daughter was more interested in the ‘real’ potty that we use; she wanted to be like us,” Lemmond said. “Some children are more comfortable with a potty chair, and some like the security of a child-sized attachment on the adult potty. It’s more convenient to avoid products and attachments because then your child is able to use the potty anywhere. But whatever it takes to get them interested is a-OK.”

Who should be involved in the training? “I always tell parents to work with the child’s care providers if they are in day care or home care, so that all of you are using the same techniques to train,” Hohenstein said. Lemmond said not only should all caregivers be in synch with the training technique, they should use the same terminology, frequency of potty trips and rewards.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

As intimidating as potty training may seem, child development experts say there are ways to make the journey less painful for both child and parents.

HAVE SOME TIPS?

Should kids be rewarded for performing? “Yes, but I recommend using nonfood and noncandy rewards such as a sticker chart or small toys for when the child stays dry or uses the potty,” Hohenstein said. “For older children that are showing a lot of hesitation, I sometimes recommend the ‘big kid weekend’ approach, where all sorts of new experiences are available to the big kid — a movie, making pizza and cookies with parents, choosing his or her own clothes all weekend,” Lemmond said. “Hopefully, all the new rewards and experiences show that being a big kid is super cool, and underwear and pottying are just a part of all these new privileges and opportunities.”

What should parents NOT do when training? “The worst thing to do is to react negatively or scold when things don’t progress quickly,” Lemmond said. “Don’t turn potty training into a power struggle; you cannot force a child to use the potty. Training should be an exciting, positive experience with constant encouragement. Shaming your child

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

or using rewards to make your child feel bad — ‘Well, no chocolate chip for you,’ — only sets up the experience for failure. You cannot guilt, shame or discipline a child out of diapers.” While negativity is the most detrimental mistake, inconsistency is the most common, Lemmond said. “When you start, you should stick with it for at least a week at a time; going back and forth between diapers and underwear is confusing for some children.” “And accidents do happen,” Hohenstein said, “especially when children are playing or engrossed in something.”

How long will it take? It depends completely on the child, both experts said. Lemmond said some children who take longer

to be emotionally ready have had enough time to be physically ready, and they can be trained instantly. “They just decide to do it,” she said. For younger children, it may take longer overall. “I think we ‘trained’ our little girl for almost a year, but that’s using the saturation approach I mentioned earlier,” Lemmond said. “We talked and talked, and cleaned up a lot of messes, but it wasn’t our goal to toss out the diapers the second we started introducing the concept.” The bottom line: “We were all done by her second birthday, so it took longer, but it was over sooner.”

Put the process in perspective “Little kids are like snowflakes — as with any developmental milestone, please don’t compare your wonderful, talented, complicated little person to the equally complicated kid next door,” Lemmond said. “Some kids are ready before they are 2, some are well past 3, a few are even older. “If the process becomes stressful for you and your child, cool off, let it go for awhile,” she said. “Your positive relationship with your child, your ability to goof around together, the amount of grinning you inspire in each other – those things are way more indicative of good parenting than whether your kid still wears diapers.”

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EXCERPTS FROM SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE FORUM Kate writes in ‘Deciding to have more kids…’ So, after the first 2 months I never thought I would be considering this again so soon, but... our son is now 7 months and already DH [dear husband] and I are discussing if, and when, we would be open to the possibility of getting pregnant again. We still may hold to our initial plan of just having DS [dear son]. Yet, if we do decide to have more I would want to have them be closer in age from a practical standpoint. All the diapers, potty training, feeding and sleep issues, get them over and done with together. Still, I’ve run into some articles on how difficult this is on the first kid, and if they are younger than 2 they have a harder time understanding any discussion about how “we love you just as much” and “I have to feed the baby” (again), etc. That from 2 on they can have a better grasp of this. What do you ladies think? What have you taken into consideration when planning your family? Anyone experience this or the opposite?

Posted by Jill.

They love “The Backyardigans,” posted by Michelle.

Nermina replies: My boy is almost 4 and I’m expecting another one in a month. He’s fully aware of and psyched about the arrival of a little brother. I know he will need to adjust still but it’ll be easier than if it happened two years or even a year ago. I feel like kids definitely need that undivided time from when they’re born to the age of 3, when they naturally become more independent and enjoy playing and doing things on their own. However, plenty of parents make the smaller age difference work wonderfully through good cooperation.

Jenni replies:

Dolly, posted by Suzanne.

SOME OF THE HUNDREDS OF PHOTOS POSTED BY WNCMOM.COM MEMBERS

Timing pregnancies so that each child is at least 2 years old before another comes along is logical. My own planning, however, went awry when I became pregnant only five months after the birth of my first child, and I have to say that whilst I may not have planned it this way I am glad it happened. Even though Max, my eldest, was only 15 months when his little brother Jake was born, he was really excited. One thing that made it a lot easier was that Max still took a long midday nap (two-three hours) and so I would put Jake down to sleep at the same time — giving me a few free hours during the day (which of course you wouldn’t get with an older toddler). When I fed Jake, I always made sure Max had a bottle to give to Teddy and Jake was happily entertained for hours by his brother’s antics. I have also always made a point of spending individual time with each of them from the off. Now they are aged 3 years and 19 months and they play together a lot and always seem to be in fits of giggles about something! I think it is nice that they are so bonded now and will grow up with the same interests.

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growing together

Traditional tools don’t apply at home school By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist The school year starts with a shopping trip for essentials: new pencils, notebooks, a snazzy backpack and a cart full of the 10-cent packages of loose-leaf paper. But in my house, where the teacher has done as much learning as the student, I have found that those ubiquitous supply lists only go so far. Our essentials defy lists these days. When we study animal habitats, we create our own by getting our hands dirty and researching native plants and animals. We inventory what nature has already provided on our suburban plot, and we seek ways to enhance our space. The bird bath outside our front window has become an accidental study in ornithology that can’t be duplicated in a textbook.

When we study the scientific method, we do it “CSI”-style, dissecting a chicken leg quarter and making an origami double helix that helps my visual learner wrap his brain around the concept of DNA. Everything is a learning opportunity, even our recent trip to Walt Disney World. Yes, despite her protests, even my traditionally schooled daughter learned during her unexcused absence. At Epcot, she put her third-year French studies to use, listening to casual conversations between native speakers, eating escargot and taking in French art. Both of my children learned about hydroponics and aquaculture by seeing it with their own eyes, observing experimental projects that Disney is conducting in conjunction with NASA. We played, too, which can be a big part of learning no matter how old you are. With my home-schooled son, a ride on a rollercoaster becomes a sensory experience that is directly

take, on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a lesson in the modern application of simple machines that have been in use for centuries. (Pulleys, anyone?) Every school should include a day at Animal Kingdom watching a gorilla drink from a stream, seeing a young giraffe munch on a tree top and learning new words — in Swahili. Even the trip itself becomes a lesson in geography, math and economics. Back at home, we do hit the textbooks, but we also build balloon-powered race cars, design totem poles and write fanciful stories about monsters. We learn — all of us — in everything we do. Sometimes we even use pencils and notebook paper. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Even a trip to Epcot Center at Walt Disney World can be educational. applied to our study on force and motion. Dropping 13 stories, give or

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Chris Worthy is an attorney who took down her shingle to be a stay-athome mom. Write to her at growingtogether@chrisworthy.com.

parenting in a nutshell

Keep children active to help them stay focused By Doreen Nagle Gannett News Service The kids are throwing tantrums indoors because the weather keeps them from playing outdoors — and now their focus is everywhere but where you want it to be. Involving your children in some physical activity can change their cabin fever behavior.

How it works ◆ It’s a fact: Physical activity increases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins improve mood, which in turn improves your child’s ability to focus. A child who is focused is a much better listener — and a good listener is calm and attentive. ◆ Physical activity aids in relieving stress and aggression, so keep games noncompetitive. ◆ Activities don’t always have to be strenuous: Low- or moderate-level activities also work well. Choose ones that can be adjusted to any age.

Indoors ◆ Who can deny the benefits of a seven-inning stretch, even if the World Series is long gone? Have the kids stand up and s-t-r-e-t-c-h their arms over their heads (little ones love this), out to the sides and all around their bodies. Then let everyone take a turn making up simple hand movements for all to follow. Add music to add to the fun! ◆ Grab a jump rope and see how

many jumps can be made going forward, then backward, then with eyes closed. ◆ Find a trio of small balls stashed around the house and (depending on the age of your child) download instructions to learn to juggle (go to thejimshow.com) or play catch with your littlest ones by rolling a ball back and forth. ◆ Play sports without having to fuss with all that equipment: pretend to be hitting a home run during a phantom baseball game or take a “swim” around the house mimicking Michael Phelps.

Outdoors ◆ On the days it’s nice enough to venture outside, take advantage of the cool, crisp air by going on a hike around the neighborhood. Make a game of it by seeing who can spot a variety of treasure hunt items from a list you make before leaving the house. Dress in layers.

Tip from the trenches With all this activity — indoors or out — your children need a constant source of energy. Look to raisins to supply that extra energy, thanks in part to their superior iron content. Just half a cup of raisins has more iron than two slices of whole wheat bread. Doreen Nagle is author of “But I Don’t Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy” (HCI, $12.95). Write to her at parentinginanutshell@joimail.com.

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

Get out and play Photos and story by Paul Clark Moms get plenty of support and playtime with their children at Tiny Tot Adventures and AshevilleMommies Meet ‘n’ Greet, held Tuesdays at the Montford Community Center and The Hop Ice Cream Shop, respectively. Tiny Tot Adventures, for children 4 and younger (with parent) is Tuesdays and Thursdays, with gym free play, craft, snack and story time. Drop-ins are welcome, and the cost is $1 per session (the Montford Community Center, is at 34 Pearson Drive, Asheville, 253-3714). AshevilleMommies Meet ‘n’ Greet at The Hop (640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville) brings mothers together (and their children) for conversation and half-priced teas, lattes and coffees. Visit www.ashevillemommies.com for details.

Ellagrey Moody places a pretend call during Tiny Tot Adventures.

Aidan Cooley takes a milk break while his mother Katy Cooley visits with other mothers during a recent gathering of AshevilleMommies at The Hop. April Skye Lee, 9 months old, plays while her mother, Julie Lee, admires the other babies at The Hop.

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STORY TIMES AROUND WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA Buncombe County Public Libraries

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

Enka-Candler, Leicester 11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, North Asheville, Pack Memorial 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Skyland/ South Buncombe 11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, W. Asheville 11 a.m. Saturdays: East Asheville School-age story time (5-7 years) 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Pack Memorial. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays: North Asheville Storyline Call 251-5437 for a story anytime. Spanish story time Asheville-Buncombe County Library System, West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, Asheville. Free story reading in Spanish for preschool through kindergarten. Parents need to remain in the library. Call 251-4990 for more information.

Henderson County Public Library

Story time sessions run Feb. 11-April 1 at Main Library and Feb. 16-April 9 at branch libraries. For more information, visit henderson.lib.nc.us. Family story time for all ages 10 a.m. Tuesdays: Fletcher 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Mills River 10 a.m. Thursdays: Green River

10:30 a.m. Saturdays: Main Bouncing Babies (0-18 months) 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Main 9 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah 9 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher Toddler time (18 months-3 years) 9:30 a.m. Mondays: Edneyville 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays: PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON Fletcher Tonya Clanton reads to Caleb Black, 2, Ella Spaeth, 3, and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Anna Mae Black, 5 during story time at Growing Young CafĂŠ. Main 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher based, 4 p.m. third Saturday. Preschool story time (3-5 years) Magic Tree House Club: 4 p.m. fourth Sun10:30 a.m. Mondays: Edneyville day with discussion and activities. 7 p.m. Mondays: Main 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah Growing Young CafĂŠ 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Main 611 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 299-4420 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays. Kindergarten-Third Grade story time (Feb. 5-March 26) Osondu Booksellers 4 p.m. Thursdays: Main 184 N. Main St., Waynesville, 456-8062 Preschoolers story time: 10:30 a.m. TuesBarnes & Noble days. At 83 S. Tunnel Road, 296-9330 Story time: 1 p.m. Saturdays. American Girl Club: Discussion and crafts

From staff reports

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kids and sports

Sued for a broken finger ... what’s next? By Tom Kuyper Gannett News Service How about this one ... the family of an elementary-age boy is taking legal action against a school district because (Are you ready for this?) the boy allegedly broke his finger during a gym class. The young boy participated in class when a soccer ball was used to play volleyball because the volleyballs had not yet arrived. The family says it wants compensation because of bodily injuries, together with shock to his nervous system, which has caused much physical and mental pain and suffering. The family claims that the injury also has impaired his body functions and his ability to perform labor and has limited his enjoyment of life. Come on! I remember when I was a kid, we would play any sport with any ball we

found laying around and played it on “sub-par” playing surfaces. Sometimes, you just need to be creative and work with what you’ve got. My four kids all played sports in our local recreation leagues and took physical education in the public school system. If I’d taken legal action each time one of them got hurt, I would be a very rich man. There was the time my son rolled his ankle when he came down on another boy’s foot. We should have sued the boy for getting in his way. Or the time that my son broke his arm running into the wall going after a loose ball. I should have sued someone for putting a wall there. Who in their right mind would build a gym with a wall anyway? How about the time I got a ticket because I was driving too fast to get my daughter to her gymnastics class?

Any coach scheduling a practice at 5:30 when I get off at 5 deserves to be sued. What about taking legal action against those shoe companies because my kids got blisters on their feet trying to break them in? It did infringe on their “enjoyment of life.” I think my daughter pulled her hamstring trying to keep up with faster runners on the other team. Hmm ... what kind of lawsuit could we create out of that? Maybe the coach didn’t make sure she was properly warmed up. Not even my brother can escape the long arm of the law. My son broke his nose when his brother threw him a bad pitch that hit the grass in my brother’s yard, took a “bad hop” and hit him right in the nose. There was blood and everything. I should have sued for a bad lawn-mowing job. That would have never happened if he had nice level

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grass in his yard. This year, my daughter cut her elbow during basketball practice when it hit and knocked out the front teeth of a teammate. After her teammate finishes all her root canals and wiring for new teeth, she will move from the dentist chair to the witness stand. What about that coach who had such a good team and demoralized my team by winning by too many points? Think of all the stress and humiliation we experienced that day. That should be worth something. I might suggest keeping your son home and locked up in his bedroom because life is a big risk. He might pinch his finger in his math book at school, or trip on the sidewalk crack, or even get something in his eye. Come on! Write to Tom Kuyper at tom kuyper@kidsandsports.com.

Potpie for dinner Savory meal nourishes both body and soul By Jolene Ketzenberger Gannett News Service What is it about potpies that makes them so appealing? Daina Chamness, who has become known at Indianapolis farmers markets as “the pie lady,” has a theory. “It is definitely comfort food,” says Chamness, owner of Daina’s Petite Pies. There’s nothing like a potpie to soothe the soul in tough economic times. And why not? A savory filling, rich gravy, flaky pastry — that’s enough to make anyone feel better. Chamness says her single-serving pies, each about 12 ounces, are lower in fat and sodium than most supermarket brands and weigh in at less than 400 calories. And with such varieties as Quaker chicken, chipotle tamale, and roast pork and apple topped with sweet potatoes, they’re also hearty. GANNETT NEWS SERVICE “I don’t like to use the term ‘potpie,’ “ says Nothing says satisfying in the winter like a warm, rich potpie. One filled with meat — be it beef, chicken or turkey — and Chamness, who tries to avoid comparisons with supermarket varieties. “There really is no compari- vegetables not only tastes delicious but can be good for you. son. I battle everyone’s perceptions of what pies are.” You can order Chamness’ pies at dainaspetitepies.com. Or, you could always make your own. “They’re not that hard,” says Chamness. “It 1 pound ground chuck One 12-ounce jar turkey gravy takes time, and that’s what people have the least 20-ounce package frozen stew vegetables (potato, carrot 1/3 cup purchased basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto of.” and celery blend) 3 cups cubed cooked turkey (about 1 pound) Making a hearty meat pie can be time well 10-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables (corn, green One 16-ounce package frozen peas and carrots spent, and simplicity may be the key to success. beans and peas) One 11-ounce package refrigerated breadsticks Any basic piecrust can provide the base for a savo1 can beef broth Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 2 tablespoons steak sauce Dried basil (optional) ry pie, says Chamness. 2 tablespoons red wine And the filling doesn’t have to be fancy. “Any 1 tablespoon flour Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large saucepan, combine kind of casserole filling that you like, you can put 1/2 cup water turkey gravy and pesto; stir in turkey and vegetables. Bring to in a pie crust,” she says. 1 frozen piecrust, thawed boil, stirring frequently. Divide turkey mixture evenly among But do use plenty of meat “so that they’re not six 8-ounce casseroles. full of air and they’re not full of gravy.” Combine frozen vegetables in a large glass mixing bowl. Add Unroll, separate breadsticks. Arrange one breadstick on top Add a dollop of mashed potatoes and you’ve got beef broth, and microwave 5-6 minutes, or until tenderof each casserole, curling into a spiral to fit. Set other comfort in a crust. crisp. breadsticks aside. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil as To get started, try this tasty duo of meat pies. Meanwhile, brown ground chuck. Stir in steak sauce and desired. These easy potpie recipes use frozen veggies wine until blended. Add ground chuck to vegetables; reserve Bake casseroles about 15 minutes or until breadsticks are and a few convenience items with great results. meat drippings in skillet. Add flour to drippings to make a golden. Bake remaining breadsticks according to package roux. Stir in water until smooth. Add roux to vegetables and directions. Serves 6. The turkey-pesto potpies look especially appealmeat; stir well. ing in small baking dishes or ramekins. Homestyle Pour into round 4-quart casserole and top with piecrust. Source: Better Homes and Gardens magazine beef potpie makes a hearty family-sized entree.

Homestyle beef potpie

Turkey-pesto potpies

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serves 4-6. Source: www.betterrecipes.com

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librarian’s picks

Books offer peek into challenging teen years By Jennifer Prince WNC Parent columnist

story that was propelled solely by the carrying out of revenge. George, however, tempers the plot with Part of what makes dimensional, vivid, the teenage years so even beautiful, deschallenging are the criptions of the girls contradictions. A and their thoughts. fierce pursuit of auMeghan is severely tonomy and individuoverweight. At school, ality wrestles with a compulsion to she is ignored or ridiretreat into easy, unruffled conformity culed. She does not mind with peers. being ignored because she The dominating force changes from enjoys the feeling of being day to day, even hour to hour. Two simply an invisible observer. George’s new teen novels, told from strikingly evocative descriptive ability shines different perspectives, explore some here. of the issues entrenched in teen life, In gym, Meghan loathes her “hateparticularly in the middle school and ful sweatpants from the Kmart men’s high school setting. big and tall section… because they’re “Looks” is the first novel by Made- so big and so violently royal blue that leine George. It tells the story of two they break any and all invisibility teenage girls, Meghan and Aimee, who spells. They’re like the sheet the Scooform a tenuous alliance to best a class- by-Doo gang throws over the transmate who has wronged both of them parent ‘ghost’ to reveal him: They greatly. A less thoughtful writer might make Meghan appear.” In a similarly have taken this plot and written a eloquent way, George describes the

too thin, aspiring poet Aimee as being “bright with hunger,” as having a “beautiful hunger she’s been building like a glass palace in her body…”. Author Kevin Emerson explores the complexities of middle school in his first novel “Carlos is Gonna Get It.” From the beginning, Trina is honest about her and her friends plotting to play a mean trick on their classmate Carlos. Carlos has unspecified psychological issues that cause him to twitch, shriek, jump about and lose focus. Sometimes, “right in the middle of class he’ll pull up his shirt and start scratching himself and you know that’s REALLY GROSS…[and] if you end up in a study group with him… all he wants to study is aliens.” What is particularly compelling

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about this story is the way Emerson emphasizes the importance of compassion without being didactic. Even as the friends plan their elaborate hoax, Trina expresses doubts to the reader. She wants to be in on the trick but she begins to feel bad for Carlos “because he [has] to deal with himself, and his life, which just [seems] kinda lonely and sad.” At various stages of the planning, Trina tells of the “guilt demon” that stirs around in her stomach, but does she heed its presence? Side stories of Sara struggling for her parents’ acceptance, Donte worrying about transferring schools, and Thea’s loyalties give the characters depth, and flesh out ideas on identity and friendship. These books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit www.buncombecounty.org for more information.

Quick dinners Coconut-lime chicken

2 skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts (12 to 16 ounces each) 1/4 cup canned coconut milk 1 tablespoon lime juice 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Flaked coconut (optional, for garnish)

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

Rosemary-lemon baked tilapia

4 tilapia fillets (6 ounces each) 1 clove garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 teaspoons dried, crumbled) 1 lemon, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place each fish fillet on a 12-inch square of aluminum foil. Sprinkle with chopped garlic and rosemary and place a couple of lemon slices on each. Drizzle each with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold and seal foil. Bake 15 minutes. Prep time: 10 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes. Serves four. Approximate values per serving: 189 calories, 5 g fat, 85 mg cholesterol, 34 g protein, 2 g carbohydrates, 0 fiber, 356 mg sodium, 24 percent calories from fat. Gannett News Service

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Camp Guide 2009

Get ready for summer Compiled by Katie Wadington ◆ Staff writer

It may not seem like summer is right around the corner, but camps throughout Western North Carolina and beyond have been planning for your child’s arrival for months already. Here’s a preview of our annual Camp Guide, which publishes in full in the March issue of WNC Parent. It’s a sampling of what’s available, and includes camps that offer discounts for registering early (sometimes, before our Camp Guide even publishes). And to help out parents who need child care (or a few days’ peace) while school’s out in April, check out the listing of spring break camps.

Spring break camps

Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $195 members, $210 nonmembers. At N.C. 191 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For information, visit www.ncarboretum.org or call 665-2492.

All camps are April 13-17 unless indicated.

Community Theatre singing, dancing, and acting at Break into Showbiz! camp. Students learn new songs, write a script that ABYSA Children ages 5-14 can work on their soccer links the songs together and learn choreography to complete their show. Camp runs 9 skills over spring break at FUNdamentals a.m.-2:30 p.m. For first- to eighth-graders. camp. Half-day camp for 5- to 6-year-olds Cost is $150. To enroll, call Jenny Bunn at and full-day camp for 7- to 14-year-olds. 254-2939, ext. 21, jenny@ashevillethBoth camps will be at John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. Cost is $100 for half-day and $175 eatre.org or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org. for full day. For information, visit www.abyCamp Cedar Cliff at The Cove sa.org or call 299-7277. Full-day sessions (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) packed with arts and crafts, a zip line, field trips, Asheville Arts Center Scripture Adventure, games and more. ChilCamps for children ages 2-15. Lights, Camera, Action! Gives children ages 6-15 (divid- dren can develop skills on the archery and BB ranges. Open to rising kindergarten to ed into three age groups) a chance to write and star in their own commercial, TV show or sixth-graders. Cost is $185 (lunch and snack movie. Cost is $210 and runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. included). To register, visit www.campcedarcliff.org or call 450-3331. Once Upon a Time, for ages 2-6, explores the world of make believe. Cost is $125 and N.C. Arboretum runs 9 a.m.-noon. For details and to register, Discovery and adventure abound at the N.C. call 253-4000. At the Asheville Arts Center, Arboretum. Experience a wide range of activi308 Merrimon Ave. ties, from crafts and games to hikes and live animal demonstrations. Day trips will include Asheville Community Theatre outings to the Botanical Gardens, Cradle of Kids can spend spring break at Asheville

Outdoor Family Fun Center

ParXlent Golf Academy offers two-day and three-day camps for ages 7 and older (April 13-14) and 10 and older (April 15-17). Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camps are $129 and $149, respectively, or $199 for the full week for campers 10 and older. Receive a $10 per camper discount if registered by March 15.

Young Chefs Academy, April 14-16

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

N.C. Arboretum campers take shelter in a tepee of trees. The arboretum offers both spring break camps and summer day camps.

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

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What do you do when breakfast has been bungled, your lunch is a loser, or you have a dinner dilemma? Rescue those recipes! Young chefs will work together to problem solve recipe disasters. Students will learn four recipes a day. Along the way they will learn common substitutions, equivalent measures, and quick-fixes for recipe blunders. Cost is $99. From 9 a.m.-noon at Young Chefs Academy, 336 Rockwood Road, off Airport Road. For information, call 6512433 for e-mail ashevilleyca@bellsouth.net.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Emily Eply and Lena Kate Ponder at one of the Asheville Art Museum’s day camps.

Day camps Asheville Art Museum, June 15-Aug. 7

The Asheville Art Museum offers eight weekly sessions of Summer Art Camp to rising kindergartners through 12th-graders. Classes range from drawing and painting to sculpture and cartooning. Morning, afternoon or allday sessions available. Registration includes museum admission and all materials. Fullday students have a supervised bag lunch. Cost is $85 for members and $95 nonmembers for half-day camps; $150/$170 for full-day camps. For information, call 2533227, ext. 122, e-mail smcrorie@ashevilleart.org, or visit www.ashevilleart.org.

Asheville Arts Center, June 2-Aug. 8

Half-day camps and full-day camps for children ages 2-18. Put on a full stage production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” in two weeks. Learn how to play in a band at rock band camp. Other themes include “Send in the Clowns,” “Once Upon a Time,” reality shows like “Asheville’s Got Talent” and “Asheville Idol,” ballet, Irish dance, dance sampler, and more. Costs start at $125. Call 253-4000 or visit www.ashevilleartscenter.com.

Asheville Community Theatre, Backstage Pass camp, June-August

A summer theater camp in three two-week sessions (June 15-26, July 6-17, Aug. 3-14). Camp runs 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 5-7 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for ages 8-15. Younger

students will have a chance to work with acting, music, movement and improvisation through innovation and imagination. Older students will also explore courses that delve deeper into scene and monologue work. Each session culminates with a performance showcase. Cost is $200-$385. Contact Jenny Bunn at jenny@ashevilletheatre.org, 254-2939, ext. 21, or visit ashevilletheatre.org

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre, dance camp and boys camp, June 15-26 and July 6-17

Children ages 8-12 can study with members of Asheville’s professional international dance company, including dance and theater ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop and yoga with one performance. Runs 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. At 20 Commerce St., Asheville. Cost is $350 for two weeks, $200 for one. Or, for boys only, learn about the Roman Empire and the Gauls with Giles Collard. For ages 7-11. Study helmet and shield construction, stage combat, toy soldier painting, storytelling, drama, and build a Roman or Gaul camp. Cost is $380 for two weeks, $230 for one. Call 245-2621.

Camp Broadstone, Appalachian State University, Boone, June 14-July 24

The N.C. Summer Enrichment Program for academically gifted fourth- to ninth-grade boys and girls offers six weeklong camp sessions. The programs blend enrichment classes with adventure activities designed to Continues on Page 40

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Day camps Continued from Page 39

encourage intellectual, social, and physical growth through interactive and individual involvement. Classes may include sciences, environmental studies, arts, music, dramatic arts, creative writing, community service and cultural studies. Adventure activities include a high ropes course, a climbing wall, an alpine tower, hiking, canoeing, and a group problem solving course. Cost is $250 per week. For information, e-mail bevanjk@appstate.edu, call 963-4640 or visit www.campbroadstone.com.

Rhoades is a new day camp based at the Girl Scout Service Center near the campus of UNC Asheville for girls ages 5-16. Cost is $50-$185. Camp runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Registration opens Feb. 16.

Carolina Day School, June 15-July 31

Carolina Day School offers Summer Quest, Summer Explorations (for middle schoolers) and summer workshops (for high schoolers). Summer Quest campers can chose from more than 50 options including science, cooking, hiking and creek adventures, soccer, dance, disc golf, fashion, candlemaking and more. Summer Explorations offer a unique study into a particular subject, such as photography or one based on the Girls on Girl Scout day camp the Run program. And high-school workFor information on these camps, Call 252shops are intensive experiences in leader4442 or visit www.girlscoutswnc.org. ship, drama or aeronautical engineering. â&#x2014;&#x2020; Camp Pisgah, June 8-12: Camp Pisgah in Costs start at $125, and early morning and Brevard offers day camp to Girl Scouts and afternoon options are available. Registration non-scouts ages 5-17. Experience crafts, discount before April 10. Contact Libby horseback riding, swimming and more. Older Roland at lroland@cdschool.org or 274girls can take lifeguard training or learn to be 0758, ext. 305, or visit www.cdschool.org. a counselor. Transportation from Asheville and Brevard available for a fee. Cost starts at Carwile-Dodson pottery studio, Brevard, June 15-Aug. 14 $125, with substantial discount available if The Carwile-Dodson Studio for Pottery Incampers register by March 16. struction in Brevard will offer five weeklong â&#x2014;&#x2020; Camp Rhoades, June 22-July 31: Camp

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Play in the Clay children’s potter camps. Sessions for ages 6-10 meet 9 a.m.-noon; ages 11-16 meet 1:30-4:30 p.m. Children will learn the pinch, coil and slab methods of pottery construction, as well as basics of sculpture. Children in the age 11-16 session will have the chance to try wheel throwing. Cost is $180 per child ($165 if registered by April 30). Call 884-5771 or visit muddabbers.com/classes for a complete schedule and more information.

Cedar Cliff Day Camp, at The Cove, June 15-Aug. 14

Weekly full-day sessions (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) packed with swimming, arts and crafts, a zip line, field trips, Scripture Adventure, games, Super Splash and more. Children can develop skills on the archery and BB ranges. Day camp is open to rising kindergarten to sixthgraders. Cost is $185 per week (lunch and snack included). To register, visit www. campcedarcliff.org or call 450-3331.

Center Stage Dance Studio, June 8-July 31

Center Stage Dance Studio offers weeklong camps for dancers ages 3-10. Camps run 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for ages 3-6. Themes include Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Broadway Baby and more. Camps for dancers ages 7-10 run 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Themes include hip-hop, Hannah Montana, American Girl and more. Cost is $150 for half days and $190 for full days, with a $20 discount before May 16. For information, call 654-7010, e-mail csdance@bellsouth.net or visit www.centerstage1.com.

Colburn Earth Science Museum, June 29-Aug. 7

Summer camp at the Colburn is for rising kindergartners to fifth-graders. All camps run 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with the exception of Science Sprouts, for rising kindergartners and first-graders, which is 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Offerings include Cosmic Camp, Rockhounds Camp, Earth Science Extravaganza, and Science Sisters, a camp for rising third- to fifth-grade girls. Full-day camps are $180 members ($205 nonmembers). Science Sprouts is $95 members ($120 nonmembers). All campers except Science Sprouts spend the last day at an outdoor classroom in Swannanoa. Call 2547162 or visit www.colburnmuseum.org.

East Asheville United Methodist Church, music camp, July 13-17

Free music camp with games, outdoor activities, crafts and more will be offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at East Asheville United Methodist Church, 48 Browndale Road. Lunch is provided. Camp inclues learning a musical,

Place. Campers will visit three museums each day. Make rockets, meet The Health Adventure’s animals, engineer robots and more in Science Sampler at The Health Adventure. Mine for gems, hunt for fossils, blast off into space, explore dinosaurs and more at the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Draw, paint, sculpt, and more at the Asheville Art Museum. Register through the Colburn Earth Science Museum. Call 2533227.

RiverLink, river camps, June 15-July 17

Discover the French Broad River in Asheville and around the watershed at RiverLink’s camp for rising third- to eighth-graders. Play river games, complete a cleanup project, tour parks and greenways, build a rain garden, and do arts and poetry related to the river. Thursday night includes a sleep-away camping trip. Runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in four one-week sessions. Cost is $200/camper with $25 registration fee (waived for members). Visit www.riverlink.org/camps.asp, call SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Soccer Speed summer camp is a training camp teaching soccer players the fundamentals of 252-8474, ext. 111, or e-mail education@riverlink.org. sprinting and starting techniques. music games, crafts and lots of fun. Open to children who have finished kindergarten through sixth grade. Registration forms are available by calling 298-3211 and must be returned by June 30. For information, call 298-3211 or 299-9742 or visit www.eastashevilleumc.org.

Eliada Home for Children, June 4-Aug. 16

chute, arts and crafts, and movies. Full-day camps go on field trips. Cost is $70 for half-day and $140 for full-day. At 18 Legend Drive in Arden. Call 684-8832, e-mail hahnsgymnastics@hotmail.com or visit www.hahnsgymnastics.com

N.C. Arboretum, June 1-Aug. 8

Weeklong camps from age 2 to rising eighthgraders. Camps are 9:30-11:30 a.m. for 2Eliada’s Summer Day Camp offers a safe and to 4-year-olds and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for older children. Themes include Soggy Sneakers memorable summer experience for children and Gone Buggy for the little ones to Nature who have completed kindergarten through Rangers, Junior Mountaineers, Boots, Padage 14. Activities include weekly field trips, dles and Reels, and Mountain Trek for daily swimming, dirt bikes for ages 10 and school-age children. Cost from $45-$295, older, gym activities, golfing, horse experidepending on session and membership. At ences and teambuilding. Camp runs 7 N.C. 191 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekly. Tuition is $128 per information, visit www.ncarboretum.org or week. The camp accepts Buncombe County call 665-2492. child care vouchers. To register, contact Denise or Ashley at 254-5356, ext. 368. Outdoor Family Fun Center, golf

Fletcher Community Park, June 8-Aug. 14

Campers ages 5 (and have completed kindergarten) to 11 will enjoy swimming, games, nature education, field trips, crafts and more. Cost is $100 for residents, $130 nonresidents. Contact Cheyenne Youell at 687-0751 or visit www.fletcherparks.org.

Hahn’s Gymnastics, June 8-Aug. 21

camps, June-August

The ParXlent Golf Academy offers three-day golf camp offered for ages 7-10 from July 22-24 and Aug. 3-5 for $149. Five-day camp for ages 11-15 from June 15-19 and July 13-17 for $229. Register by May 1 for a $10 discount per camper. At Outdoor Family Fun Center, 485 Brookside Camp Road, Hendersonville. Call 698-1234 or visit www.outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com.

Pack Place, Pack Place

Half-day programs for 3 and older (must be Potpourri, June 29-July 3 toilet trained) and full-day programs for rising kindergartners and older. Theme-based Rising third- to fifth-graders can spend a week sampling the greatest hits of Pack activities include gymnastics, games, para-

Soccer Speed Summer Camp, Azalea Park, July 7-23

Soccer Speed is a speed development program for soccer players created by Reynolds High School sprints coach Lee Pantas to teach the fundamentals of proper sprinting and starting techniques. The camp, endorsed and supported by ABYSA and Highland Football Club, will be at the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex at Azalea Park and will consist of six one-hour sessions on July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23. Campers will be divided into two groups: U11 to U13 boys and girls will meet from 6-7 p.m. and U14 to U18 boys and girls will meet from 7-8 p.m. Cost is $100, with advance registration required. For more information or to register, visit www.soccerspeed.org or call 779-1569.

Swannanoa Valley Museum, summer day camps, June 22-26 and July 20-24

Swannanoa Valley Museum in Black Mountain will offer two weeklong camps. For rising second- to fifth-graders, there is Pathways to Adventure, which is a field trip camp that explores the pathways that led to the settlement of Western North Carolina. Exploring Our Mountains camp is for rising sixth- to eighth-graders. This field trip camp will take campers to high, hidden and historic places. Cost is $135. Camp alumni get a 10 percent discount. Snacks and drinks provided. Parent

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Day camps Continued from Page 41

volunteers are needed in exchange for free tuition for one child. Call 669-9566, visit www.swannanoavalleymuseum.org or e-mail swannanoavalleym@bellsouth.net.

The Health Adventure, Discover Science Camp, June 15-Aug. 7

Hands-on programs for rising first- through eighth-graders and families. Programs include a Family Robotics Workshop for rising fourth-graders to adults; Young Adventurers Science Surprise and Young Adventurers Bubble and Fizz for rising first- and secondgraders; Surfin’ Safari and Alien or Not? for rising third- to sixth-graders; and GIRLS Quest: Girls Investigating Real Life Science for rising sixth- to eighth-graders. Cost is $90 for members, $100 for nonmembers. Robotics workshop is $18 or $20 per person. Call 254-6373, ext. 316, or visit www.thehealth adventure.org.

Transylvania Community Arts Center

The Transylvania Community Arts Council is offering two camps at the Transylvania Community Arts Center, 349 S. Caldwell St.,

Brevard. To register, call 884-2787 or email tcarts@citcom.net. For more information, visit www.tcarts.org. ◆ Summer Art Camp, June 22-26: Children ages 5-12 can explore visual arts, music, dance and pottery in either a morning session, 9 a.m.-noon, or an afternoon session, 1-4 p.m. Cost is $75 per child for the week. ◆ Film Camp for teens, Aug. 3-7: Kids ages 12-16 will create a film in one week, including writing, producing, directing and acting. There will be a movie screening a month after camp ends. Camp runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $250. Bring a bag lunch.

(completed kindergarten through fifth grade), from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost is $90 for Recreation Center members, $100 for nonmembers. Drop-in is $20 or $25, with a three-day per week drop-in limit. Contact Abby Batten at recyouth@townofwaynesville.org or 456-2030.

Warren Wilson boys basketball camp, July 13-18

UNC Asheville Super Summer Camp, June 15-19 Open to rising third- to sixth-graders, Super Summer combines the fun of day camp with the excitement of academic learning in the arts, culture and community, technology, math and the sciences. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $215 for the week. Early drop-off (8-9 a.m.) and extended pick-up (4-6 p.m.) are available. Visit www.unca.edu/oaci or call 251-6558 for information.

Vance Elementary’s Camp Invention, July 13-17

A summer program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation for rising first- to

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Kristie Kim, a campter at The Health Adventure, watches her hands turn bright pink during an experiment at one of the Discover Science camps.

sixth-graders at Vance Elementary. Camp runs 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost is $205; register by March 31 for $20 off. Sibling discounts available. Contact Robbie Lipe at 350-6600. Register at www.campinvention.org or 800968-4332.

Waechter’s Silk Shop, Camp Sew Wow!, June 22-26

Students ages 9-15 will learn how to use the sewing machine, lay out and cut a pattern, follow pattern instructions in sewing an item. Bring a sewing machine or rent one. Runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with 30-minute lunch break. Cost is $195, plus fabric and supplies purchased at the shop, which is at 94 Charlotte St., Asheville. Call 252-2131 or e-mail classes@waechters.com

Waynesville Parks and Recreation, June 15-Aug. 14

Full-day camp offered for children ages 5-11

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A one-week all-skills camp and a one-day (July 18) shooting camp for boys (rising fourth- to 12th-graders) at DeVries Gymnasium at Warren Wilson College. Runs 9 a.m.noon. Cost is $70 for all-skills camp and $30 for shooting camp. Call Kevin Walden (head men’s basketball coach) at 771-3738, e-mail kwalden@warren-wilson.edu or visit www.warrenwilsonowls.com/d/2008-09/ Mens_Basketball/Warren_Wilson_ Basketball_Camp_(2009).doc

Writing camp, starts June 15

Through fun, thought-provoking writing exercises, activities and discussion, young writers will find an encouraging community where their creative efforts will shine. Write at Thomas Wolfe Memorial, in the house that served as the basis for “Look Homeward, Angel” by Wolfe. End-of-camp public readings in the visitor center auditorium. All skill and/or experience levels welcome. Weeklong sessions (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) for rising fourth- to eighth-graders. Fees vary, but include a 10 percent discount if registered by March 31. Call 215-9002 or visit www.wolfememorial.com.

Young Chefs Academy, ‘The Great Kitchen Mystery,’ June 9-Aug. 20 Get caught up a mystery: Can Pat and Patty foil the misdeeds of the notorious culinary crook, Chef Pierre Poulet? For children 4 and older. Camp runs 9 a.m.-noon TuesdaysThursdays. Cost is $135 before April 30, $150 after. To register, call 651-2433. For information, visit www.youngchefsacademy.com.At 336 Rockwood Road, Arden.

YWCA of Asheville

Applications for all are available at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. ◆ Summer camp, June 15-Aug. 21: YWCA Summer Camp for children in kindergarten to sixth grade includes field trips, gardening, sports, nature hikes, swimming lessons, music, art and more. Runs 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday at the YWCA. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Cost is $135 a week for YWCA members, $145 for nonmembers, with a $20 per week deposit and a $40 individual or $55 family registration fee. Call CiCi Weston at 254-7206, ext. 111, or e-mail cici.weston@ywcaofasheville.org. ◆ Spirit camp, June 15-July 31: A unique summer program for teens ages 12-16. Spirit offers daily, full-day field trips, including wilderness adventure, outdoor service-learning projects, swimming, skating, trips and more. Runs 7:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. MondayFriday. Cost is $120 week (call to ask about flexibility). Limited to 26 campers per week. Call Kenya Webster at 254-7206, ext. 205, or e-mail sos@ywcaofasheville.org. ◆ FutureVision, June 15-July 31: Future Vision camp for rising ninth- to 11th-graders offers a three-day-a-week camp. Runs 8 am.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Includes hands-on career exploration, wilderness adventure, swimming, service-learning

projects and field trips. Free. Call Rachel Herrick at 254-7206, ext. 103, or e-mail futurevision@ywcaofasheville.org.

care available, June 8-Aug. 14. $135 per week, with one-time registration fee of $35/ child or $50/family. Call 210-2273. YMCA of Western North Carolina, ◆ YMCA Community Camp at Beaverdam: camp on eight acres. Programs summer day camp, June-August Traditional for rising first- to sixth-graders. 9 a.m.-4 All camps run Monday-Friday, but times vary. p.m., with early and late care available, June Registration begins March 15 for members 15-Aug. 21. At 201 Beaverdam Road, Asheand child care participants, March 29 to the ville. $135 per session, with registration fee public. (Corpening YMCA registration open to of $35/child or $50/family. Call 210- 2273. everyone March 15.) Financial assistance is ◆ Mild Adventure Camp: This camp is for available. Costs are for members/nonmemthe 9- to 13-year-old who likes the outdoors bers. Call the Asheville YMCA at 210-9622, and physical activity. Runs June 8-Aug. 21 at Reuter Family YMCA at 651-9622. YMCA Camp Beaverdam. $145/$170. ◆ Reuter Family YMCA Discovery Pre◆ Wild Adventure Camp: This camp is for school: A half-day camp for children 3-rising 10- to 14-year-old with a brave and extremekindergartners (must be potty trained). Runs ly adventurous heart. At YMCA Camp Bea8 a.m.-noon, June 1-Aug. 14. at Reuter verdam. $175/$195. Call 210-9622. Family YMCA, Skyland. $80/$115 with 25 ◆ Teen Extreme Adventure Camp: For ages percent discount for additional siblings per 12-16. Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 8-Aug. 27 session and one-time $15 registration fee. at Reuter Family YMCA. Activities include ◆ Corpening Memorial YMCA day camp: rock climbing, rafting, hiking, paintball, For rising kindergartners to ninth-graders. service projects and more. $155/$185 per Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with early and late care week. available. $65/$85. Call 659-9622, ext. ◆ Sports camps: Basketball camp for ages 115, or e-mail lfrommer@ymcawnc.org. 3-12 at Reuter Family YMCA (starts at $60/ ◆ YMCA Buncombe County School day $80). Flag football camp for ages 6-12 at camp: School-based day camps include Reuter and 8-13 through Asheville YMCA field trips, swimming, eco “go green” days ($100/$120). Iddy Biddy Sports Camp for and more. for rising first- to sixth-graders. At ages 3-rising kindergarten through Asheville Emma and Sand Hill-Venable elementary YMCA ($75/$105). Various times. schools. Runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early and late

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Coed overnight camps Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center Earth Camp, Blowing Rock, July 5-18

Camp Cheerio, Glade Valley, July 12-Aug. 21

Buffalo Mountain Camp, Jonesborough, Tenn., May 31-July 24

Mountain, June 7-Aug. 8

Camp in Glade Valley (160 miles northeast of Asheville in Allegheny County) with oneA nonprofit organization offering a camp that and two-week sessions for children ages teaches fun and meaningful experiences that 7-15. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, brings campers closer to themselves, their archery, riflery, climbing, high ropes, newspafriends and the land around them. Activities per, cheerleading, horseback riding, fishing, include traditional earth skills, wilderness soccer, football, basketball, arts and crafts, survival, woods lore, woodworking, archery, hiking, rocketry, swimming, drama, dance, backpacking, low-impact camping and canature study, tennis, tumbling and more. noeing. Family-style meals offer mostly Cost starts at $799 per week. For informaorganic and local foods. Limited to 20 partion, e-mail Lynda@campcheerio.org or call ticipants. Cost is $1,400. Call 964-1473, 800-226-7496. e-mail charleecamp@aol.com or visit Camp Lutherock, Sugar www.buffalocove.com. Lutherock offers high-adventure camp experiences for youths in elementary school through senior high. Caving, whitewater SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Campers learn about Christ while experirafting, rock climbing, rappelling, backItâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pirate night at Green River Preserve camp. encing outdoor adventure and fun. Camp packing and leadership development are affiliated with United Methodist Church offers among the opportunities available. Prices is $1,300-$3,000 per session. E-mail incoed full-week and half-week camps for start at $449, with discounts available if fo@enf.org or visit www.enf.org. children 6-18 years old. Activities include registered by May 15 or earlier. Call 684Green River Preserve, Cedar hiking, team-building games, creek walking, 2361 or visit www.Lutherock.com. Mountain, with trips to Outer Frisbee golf, swimming, climbing, fishing, Cheerio Adventures, Mouth of Banks, June 12-Aug. 14 archery, crafts, Bible studies and more. Wilson, Va., June 14-Aug. 1 The Green River Preserve is a small, noncomCosts start at $325 for full week and $170 Coed camp for children ages 10-17 offers petitive camp for bright, curious, and creative for half-week. For information, call 423-929one- and two-week sessions. Activities inchildren with a focus on science and ecol9037, e-mail buffalomountain@hotmail.com clude kayaking, zip line, canoeing, caving, ogy, but great depth in the arts and ador visit www.buffalomountaincamp.org. backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbventure. For rising second- to 12th-graders. Camp Broadstone, Appalachian ing, rappelling, whitewater rafting, sailing, Activities include natural history hikes led by State University, Boone, sea kayaking and more. Also offered are professional naturalists, fly fishing, fly-tying, three-day parent-child trips and two-week June 14-July 24 climbing, archery, BB skeet, pottery, theater, extreme camp sessions. Costs start at $899, canoeing, dance, drumming, guitar, gardenThe N.C. Summer Enrichment Program for with parent-child trips at $296 per pair. For academically gifted fourth- to ninth-grade ing, primitive skills, juggling, yoga, swimming information, e-mail info@cheerioadvenboys and girls offers one- and two-week and more. In five-day to three-week sessions. residential programs. The programs feature a tures.com, call 800-226-7496 or visit Price is $725-$3,150. Scholarship assistwww.cheerioadventures.com. blend of enrichment classes with adventure ance is available. Family Camp is Sept. 4-7. activities designed to encourage intellectual, CLIMBE at Montreat College, Call 698-8828, e-mail info@greenriverpresocial, and physical growth through interserve.org or visit www.greenriverpreserve.org. Montreat, June 21-July 31 active and individual involvement. Costs start Montreat College is offering weeklong, overLutheridge, Arden, June 7-Aug. 8 at $1,100. For information, e-mail benight trips for rising eighth- to 12th-graders. Lutheridge Conference Center and Camp has vanjk@appstate.edu, call 963-4640 or visit There are two two-week sessions. Choose offered summer camp for children, youth and www.campbroadstone.com. from two adventures each week, with multifamilies since 1951. On-site, overnight proCamp Cedar Cliff, The Cove, day, science-intensive, adventure trips ingrams are offered for first-graders through cluding backpacking, canoeing, caving, Asheville, June 20-July 24 senior high. Activities include canoes, crafts, Fun and adventure geared to help your child climbing and more. Prices start at $50 and Bible study, challenge tower, pottery, sports succeed and grow, and to point him or her to are based on a sliding scale. Visit www.CLIM- and more. Music week, Fourth of July week God. Activities include archery, BBs, zip line, BE.org, e-mail bkirkland@montreat.edu or and Christmas in July week are special emcall 800-349-CAMP. high ropes course, rappelling, horseback phasis weeks. An outdoor adventure program riding, whitewater rafting, team-building is offered for middle and high school youths Eagleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest Camp, Pisgah activities, Bible studies, swimming and more. Forest, June 13-Aug. 16 with programs including canoeing, backOpen to rising fourth-graders to graduated packing, whitewater rafting, alpine tower and Coed camp for ages 6-18. Activities include seniors. In one- or two-week sessions. Cost much more. Prices start at $237 for halfrock-climbing, whitewater paddling, sports, is $685-$1,370 per week. To register call week and $449 for full week, with discounts performing and visual arts, fishing, horse450-3331, e-mail camp@campcedarcliff.org back riding, teen adventures and more. available if registered by May 15 or sooner. or visit www.campcedarcliff.org. call 684-2361 or www.Lutheridge.com. Sessions are one to three weeks long. Cost

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Swannanoa 4-H Camp, June 12-Aug. 8

Three-day camps for ages 5-12 and weeklong camps for ages 8-16 available. Traditional camp activities include swimming, archery, arts and crafts, air rifles, climbing tower, zip line, both low and high ropes and hiking. Or try some adventures like rock climbing and whitewater fun! Cost is $150 for three-day camp and starts at $395 for weeklong sessions. Visit www.swan4h.com or call 686-3196.

UNC Asheville camps

For information and registration forms, call www.unca.edu/oaci or call 251-6558. WNC Summer Music Camp, June 21-26: Aspiring middle- and high-school musicians can experience intense instruction and melodious fun. The overnight camp is open to middle and high school students. The Western North Carolina Music Camp affords students the opportunity to learn under music faculty from UNCA, regional public schools and from across the Southeast. Cost is $405 for residential and $300 for commuter. Spring into Wellness, June 14-20: Spring into Wellness is a residential camp on the campus of UNC Asheville, administered by Mission Hospitals, UNCA and Mountain Area Health Education Center. For rising eighthand ninth-grade students in Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina, Spring into Wellness is a camp dedicated to offering middle schoolers a fun and engaging way to explore what it takes to have a future health care career.

Overnight camps for boys

Overnight camps for girls

Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Ridgecrest, June 7-July 31

Camp Carysbrook, Riner, Va., June 14-Aug. 9

Camp Carysbrook, a 200-acre summer camp for girls ages 6-16. With 18 different activities and a two-week equestrian camp. Prices for one- to eight-week sessions range from $800-$4,675. Visit www.campcarysbrook.com, e-mail info@campcarysbrook.com or call 540-382-1670.

Christian camp for boys ages 7-16 established in 1929. Some of the more than 25 activities offered include archery, mountain biking, Bible study, horseback riding, riflery, swimming, canoeing, tennis and volleyball. Sessions are two-eight weeks, and prices start at $1,415 with sibling discounts. E-mail rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com or visit www.ridgecrestcamps.com.

Camp Cheerio, June 7-July 11, Glade Valley

Camp Cheerio in Glade Valley offers camping with one- and two-week sessions for girls ages 7-15. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, archery, riflery, climbing, high ropes, cheerleading, horseback riding, and more. Cost starts at $799. E-mail Lynda@ campcheerio.org or call 800-226-7496.

Christ Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Revolution Lacrosse Camp, Arden, July 6-10 MLL All-Star Dan Cocchi headlines the coaching staff along with five college coaches, and several college All-Americans. The camp is designed for all skill levels and provides a 6-1 camper to coach ratio. For ages 10-18. Day camp and overnight options. Cost is $395 for day campers, $445 for boarding campers. Visit revolutionlaxcamp.com or contact Jeff Miles at laxcamp@christschool.org.

Falling Creek Camp for Boys, Tuxedo, June 7-Aug. 14

A traditional camp for boys in grades one to 10 that also provides many adventure experi-

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Ridgecrest offers overnight camping for boys ages 7-16.

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

Camp Crestridge, Ridgecrest, June 7-July 31

A Christian camp for girls ages 7-16 established in 1929.Activities offered include archery, mountain biking, Bible study, horseback riding, riflery, swimming, canoeing and tennis. Two- to eight-week sessions. Prices start at $1,415 with sibling discounts. E-mail rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com or visit

www.ridgecrestcamps.com.

Camp Illahee, Brevard, June 7-Aug. 14

A Christian camp for rising second-grade to 11th-grade girls established in 1921. Activities include crafts, sports, climbing, kayaking, drama, gymnastics and lake activities. One- to four-week sessions. Cost is $1,150$4,400. Call 883-2181, e-mail mail@campillahee.com or visit www.campillahee.com.

Rockbrook Camp for Girls, Brevard, June 7-Aug. 15

Rockbrook is a traditional summer camp for girls ages 6-16. It offers a diverse program of horseback riding, adventure activities, rafting, ceramics, crafts, gymnastics, riflery and many other activities. Two-, three- or fourweek sessions. Cost is $2,200-$4,100. Call 884-6151, e-mail office@rockbrookcamp.com or visit www.rockbrookcamp.com.

Upper 90 Soccer and Adventure Camp, Warren Wilson College, June 15-19

Camp for girls ages 10-14 includes soccer, climbing, paddling, dance and other activities. Cost is $500. Call Stacey Enos at 7713737 or visit www.warrenwilsonowls.com.

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puzzles for parents ACROSS

1. Old-time calculators 6. Lennon’s wife 9. Guided by a star, according to Matthew 13. Anglo-_____ 14. Bar in Ireland 15. Relating to a gene 16. "_____ Last Night," movie 17. Between E and NE 18. Cavern 19. *"Happy Feet" hero 21. *Precedes polar night 23. T-cell killer 24. Number one 25. Drink spot 28. Prong of a fork 30. *North Pole ocean 35. Twelfth month of civil year 37. "Good ____!" 39. Wasted on the young? 40. ____ mater 41. PHD in Great Britain 43. Dog command 44. Prime Minister of Israel and Nobel Peace Prize winner 46. Verdi’s popular opera 47. River islet 48. Peter Pan lost his at Wendy’s 50. Fish traps 52. Popular with ham and swiss 53. Smell badly 55. European Union 57. Kebab holder 60. *"The Polar _______," movie 64. *Famous Pole resident 65. CA’s Santa ___ winds 67. La _____ University in Philadelphia 68. Incongruity between what’s expected and what actually occurs 69. Distress call 70. Penetrate or soak 71. Pocket bread 72. Before, archaic 73. Fire starter

DOWN

1. As quickly as you can 2. Third behind Bonds and Aaron 3. Long nerve fiber 4. Common this time of year 5. TurboTax maker 6. Welcoming sign 7. Mother Teresa, e.g. 8. Excessively fat 9. His restroom 10. Done before dealing 11. Encircle or bind 12. *Common polar terrain 15. Burt Lancaster played him in 1960 film of Sinclair Lewis novel 20. Ivy-covered 22. *Owner of Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station 24. Consider or ponder carefully

25. *They’re white at North Pole 26. Muslim God 27. Cuban dance 29. Adjacent to Sonoma Valley 31. A blackjack or bludgeon 32. Your very own teacher 33. Mediterranean boot 34. Partially digested food 36. "Best ____ plans" 38. Either right or left 42. Type of paint 45. *Roald Amundsen’s motherland 49. "a ___ bit"

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51. Blood infection 54. Done before starting over 56. Unwelcome during workout 57. Hindu dress 58. Speed on water 59. Highest volcano in Europe 60. Alleviate 61. Napoleon’s exile island 62. Disparaging remark 63. Station finder on radio 64. Done with hot drink 66. Neither

Solutions on Page 56.

Kids page

Coloring

Connect the dots

Word search canary cat dog ferret finch fish gerbil hamster iguana mouse parakeet parrot rabbit rat snake turtle

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video games

Get in touch with nature in ‘SimAnimals’ game By Jinny Gudmundsen Gannett News Service

Your backpack can store seeds, animals that you have befriended and Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) even a lake’s worth of water. BefriendBest for ages 7 and older “SimAnimals,” a new simulation ing an animal is a process that inFrom Electronic Arts, simanimals.com, game for the Nintendo Wii and Ninvolves feeding it and winning its trust $49.95 (Wii) and $29.95 (DS). tendo DS, puts nature in your hands, so you can pet and play with it. literally. You play as an animated hand There are many things that make as you tinker with the different forest energy on the happiness bar. this game compelling, including the environments by interacting with the For example, if you put your hand outstanding graphics, music and artiGANNETT NEWS SERVICE creatures and plants found there. Beover an acorn tree and shake it back ficial intelligence, but the most attracYour role in “SimAnimals” is to help all cause you can touch, pick up and and forth with the Wii remote, a seed tive feature is that the game lets you animals and plants satisfy their basic needs. explore the delicate balances found in move all of the animals and plants, it might fall out. If you pick up that is a fascinating experience that is hard acorn and drop it on top of a squirrel, nature. You can learn what each anito put down. it will eat it and then emit happy enact with the animals and plants in a mal and plant needs, the interconnecFull of more than 30 animals — ergy. On the other hand, if you pick up positive way, but a few have surprising tivity of animals and plants and the including porcupines, bears, skunks a skunk, whirl it around and fling it consequences. For instance, if you effects of pollution on the forest. and beavers — and more than 80 into the nearest stream, it will emit pursue the challenge to make a skunk Electronic Arts consulted with an plants, the game’s overall theme is for sad energy. Likewise, if you pick up a spray your hand, your hand faints and animal behaviorist, so much of the you to help each animal and plant find tree and plop it into soil it doesn’t like, drops to the ground. information presented is true to nahappiness. it will emit sad energy. As you make the first location ture. There is even an encyclopedia When you enter an environment, To help you, the game offers nature happy, the next will unlock. Each loca- that helps you figure out what animals you will see a bar graph on the top of lessons and presents you with chaltion features different animals and eat and what plants need. the screen indicating that the environ- lenges that earn medals and unlock plants. But you will find that you may Gudmundsen is the editor of Comment isn’t happy. As you play the other animals and plants. You can need to introduce animals and plants puting With Kids magazine (Compugame, your actions have consequences choose which of these challenges to from previous locations. You can do tingWithKids.com). Contact her at expressed as happy-faced or sad-faced pursue. Most teach you how to interthis using the game’s backpack. gnstech@gns.gannett.com.

‘SIMANIMALS’

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calendar of events

Things to do Starts Feb. 2

Expressive Arts series

Expand creativity, build confidence, make new friends and express yourself through the arts. Series includes drama games (Feb. 2-3), Playback Improv Theater (Feb. 9-10) and sand play (Feb. 16-17). At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172. ◆ For homeschoolers: Runs 12:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays for 6- to 9-year-olds and Tuesdays for 10- to 13-year-olds. ◆ For non-homeschoolers: Runs 4-6 p.m. Mondays for 6- to 9-year-olds and Tuesdays for 10- to 13-year-olds at Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville.

Feb. 2

Food allergy group

Would you like to have COCOA — Caring for Children with Food Allergies — in Asheville? A free group for parents of food allergic children is meeting at Earth Fare on Hendersonville Road in South Asheville. If you are interested, come to meetings at 6:45 p.m. the first Monday of the month or e-mail Kristie at cocoa_in_asheville@yahoo.com for details.

Groundhog Day events

Learn about the world of groundhogs at the WNC Nature Center with naturalist Carlton Burke during an hourlong presentation at 2 p.m. Regular admission rates apply. The center is at 75 Gashes Creek Road, East Asheville. For information, call Keith at 298-5600, ext. 305. Join Carlton Burke and Grady to learn about the history of Groundhog Day and see Grady make his prediction for spring at Chimney Rock Park, U.S. 64/74A, Chimney Rock. Call 800-277-9611 or visit chimneyrock.com for information.

Starts Feb. 2-3

YouthSpark Creative Wellness series

Experience the fun and positive environment of Spark while expanding your creativity, self-expression, confidence, and friendships through expressive arts. Themes include: Playback Improv Theatre (Feb. 2-3), sand play (Feb. 9-10), collage (Feb. 16-17), mask-making (Feb. 23-24), creative movement (March 2-3), drama games (March 9-10). At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172 for more information. For homeschoolers: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Mondays for 6- to 9-year-olds and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays for 10- 13-year-olds. For non-homeschoolers: 4–6 p.m. Mondays for 6to 9-year-olds and 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays for 1013-year-olds

Feb. 3

Montreat MOPS

Come join other moms for fun, laughter and

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

Feb. 3 and 10 Childbirth 101

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

Feb. 4-8

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

See the circus’ “Zing Zang Zoom” show at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C. Ticket prices are $15$88. For showtimes and tickets, visit Ringling.com or Ticketmaster.com.

Feb. 4 and 18

Family Knitting Circle

Bring your own needles and enjoy some knitting time, 3:30-4:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Growing Young Café, 611 Tunnel Road, East Asheville. Call 299-4420 or visit growingyoungcafe.com for more information.

MOPS

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

Starts Feb. 4

Empowered Birthing childbirth education classes

Four interactive classes on Wednesday evenings focus on natural childbirth, positions for comfort, and hands-on massage techniques for labor. VBACs welcome. Classes are at the Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Cost is $175 for the series taught by Trish Beckman, CNM, and Laura Beagle, LMBT and CD. For information or registration call 2319227.

Feb. 5

Moms with Multiples

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

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents its “Zing Zang Zoom” show Feb. 4-8 at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C.

Preschool Play Date

The Health Adventure’s Preschool Play Date series provides children 3-6 with a unique and safe venue to play and a chance for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to socialize and bond. Includes hands-on take-away activities led by an educator from the museum. Free for members or with museum admission. The Preschool Play Date series is 10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday of the month. No registration in required. Call 2546373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Evening family story time

Explore “Classic Stories and Folklore for Families” at the Oakley/South Asheville Library at 7 p.m. Tales will span all places and times, from Aesop to King Arthur to Uncle Remus and more. Join us for a relaxing end to your hectic day. Children in pajamas with their stuffed animals are welcome. Free. The library is at 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754.

Starts Feb. 6

‘Moneyville’ exhibit

Where can you play the stock market, run your own lemonade stand, put your face on a million dollar bill, and see samples of currency from pounds to pesos? In Moneyville, The Health Adventure’s new exhibit, which runs through May 24. Moneyville uses the fascinating subject of money to build math skills and promote economic literacy in a fun, immersive setting. Hands-on activities range from creating your own “money” to exploring anti-counterfeiting measures to seeing what a million dollars looks like. At 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. For information, visit thehealthadventure.org or call 254-6373.

Feb. 6-7

‘Godspell Jr.’

Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, “Godspell Jr.” is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. Features the international hit “Day By Day.” Performed by Asheville Arts Center students. Show times are 7 p.m. Feb. 6-7 and 3 p.m. Feb. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for children. Tickets available at the arts center, 308 Merrimon Ave. Call 2534000.

Feb. 6 and 20 Moms night out

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

Weaverville Library teen advisory group

Teens ages 12-18, what do you want from your local library? Come share your ideas in this group focused on teen involvement in developing the collection, creating library programs and positively impacting our community. At 4 p.m. For more information call the Weaverville Library at 2506482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org. The library is at 41 N. Main St.

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Feb. 7

Father/daughter dance

The town of Fletcher will offer two father/daughter dances, at 3 and 6 p.m. Spend a special evening dancing with your daughter at these semi-formal dances. Fathers and daughters can make valentines and enjoy refreshments and each other. At Calvary Episcopal Church’s Fellowship Hall. Tickets cost $10/father and $5/daughter for Fletcher residents and $17/father and $7/daughter for nonresidents. Tickets can be purchased at Fletcher Town Hall. Advance purchase is required.

Open house

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

including free 10-minute chair massages, spinal screenings, self-defense classes, essential oil therapy, Reiki and more. At 1534 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. For information, call 693-3319 or visit ioschiro.com.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day

This is 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. The event gives women and girls an opportunity to build skills in a sport of interest. The cost is $12 per person. The fee includes four clinics, a T-shirt and a goodie bag, a healthy lunch, door prizes and a ticket to the Women’s Big South Tournament at UNC Asheville that day. Registration is ongoing with limited space. Early

registration is advised. For more information and to register contact Stephens-Lee Recreation Center at 350-2058 or adains@ashevillenc.gov.

Playin’ It Safe workshop

Living the Healthy Life: Playin’ It Safe is a workshop for teen girls and their moms with frank discussions of “taboo” subjects and unpopular problems to empower teens to make good choices and avoid unwanted pregnancies, STDs, risky behaviors and dating violence. Runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Road, Asheville. Open to rising eighthgraders and older, and their moms. Suggested donation is $5. Lunch and giveaways (including gas cards, massage, Biltmore Estate passes and more) are included. Registration is strongly recommended. Call 252-4442 or e-mail playinitsafe@gmail.com for information and to register.

Suzuki violin concert

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

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Keonia Woods practices tennis drills during the 2008 National Girls and Women in Sports Day at UNC Asheville. This year’s event is Feb. 7.

Valentine family contra dance

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

Victorian tea party

Smith-McDowell House Museum will host a

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Victorian-era tea party. The program will be about Victorian manners and etiquette, and the craft will be making Victorian valentines. Dress code will be Sunday best dressy. Girls ages 7-12 are welcome to bring their favorite doll and dress in period costumes, if desired. Two-hour program begins at 11 a.m. A second program at 3 p.m. will be added if first program reaches 12-person minimum. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call

Feb. 8

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

Family Tu B’Shevat Seder

Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees, at 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Asheville. Nosh and marvel over all the amazing gifts we receive from trees. Enjoy fruits and nuts and a few surprises. Adults are $8 for JCC members, $12 for community; children are $6 or $8. RSVP to Natalie Kramer at 253-0701, ext. 108, or natalie@jcc-asheville.org. The center is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville.

Feb. 7-8

Henderson County youth baseball registration

Registration will be available 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7 at Blue Ridge Mall, Hendersonville East High School, Flat Rock and Hendersonville middle schools and Apple Valley Elementary School; and 1-4 p.m. Feb. 8 at Blue Ridge Mall. Cost is $70 per player, with a $10 late fee after Feb. 8. For more information, visit eteamz.com/hcybsl/.

‘Black, Brown, Red, Yellow and White — Stories of Racial Identity’

Feb. 7 and 14

Owen youth baseball and softball registration

Register your child for Owen’s youth baseball and softball league (Babe Ruth Division) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Burger King in Swannanoa, Black Mountain Elementary School or Owen Middle School. Cost is $45 per child. For more information, call 242-3846 or 686-4094.

South Buncombe youth baseball and softball registration

Register boys ages 4-15 and girls ages 4-12 for spring baseball and softball, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Valley Springs Middle School cafeteria, off Long Shoals Road in Skyland. Cost is $60 per player for Asheville residents, $65 nonresidents and includes shirt, hat, trophy, pictures and game drink. Girls ages 13-18 should contact Henderson County. Late fee for registration after Feb. 14. for

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Now’s the time to sign up for youth baseball and softball. Henderson County, South Buncombe and Owen all offer sign-ups in early February. more information, visit sbraa.org.

Asheville Playback Theatre presents a performance dealing with the complex issue of racial identity at 3 p.m. at the YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. When and how did you learn about race? In what ways is your racial heritage an important part of who you are? How does it define your life choices? Where are you most at home? Who do you call family? Such questions lead us to stories, and such stories lead us to connection and understanding. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior and students. No one will be turned away because of lack of funds if seats are available. For more information, visit ashevilleplayback.org or call 670-5881.

Feb. 9

Asheville Area Birth Network

Group meets at 7 p.m. at Family to Family, 207 Charlotte St. For more information, visit ashe-

villebirthnetwork.com or contact Sonya Stone at 335-0224 or sonya@ashevillebirthnetwork.com or Jenn McCormack at 713-3707 or jenn@ashevillebirthnetwork.com.

La Leche League Monday mornings

La Leche League’s Monday group meets at 10 a.m. the second Monday of the month at First Congregational Church on Oak Street. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers are welcome. For information, contact a leader: Susan 628-4438, Jane 670-1032, Falan, 253-2098, or Tamara 505-1379.

Veritas Christian Academy open house

Veritas Christian Academy, a classical Christian school serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, will host an open house, 5-6:45 p.m. The public is invited to tour the school, see the curriculum and talk with the faculty. Veritas Christian Academy is at 17 Cane Creek Road in Fletcher, at the corner of Hendersonville Road and Cane Creek Road. Call Darla Hall at Veritas at 6810546 for further information.

Feb. 9 and 23

‘My Mom Is Having a Baby’

A free program to help children ages 3-8 understand, accept and anticipate the changes that will happen as the family prepares for the birth of the new baby. Each child will see and hold lifelike models that show how a baby grows and

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‘Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln’

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The Enka-Candler Library celebrates the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln at 4 p.m. A Civil War re-enactor will demonstrate life in Buncombe County during Lincoln’s presidency. Read the book “Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek” by Deborah Hopkinson and make stovepipe hats. The library is at 1401 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758.

develops, make a kite mobile for the new baby’s room, receive an activity/coloring book and tour the Mother/Baby Unit at Mission Hospital to see where mom and baby will stay. Program runs 4-5 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Mission Hospitals. To register, call 254-6373, ext. 316. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.com and click on the “Programs” tab.

Feb. 13

Parents night out

Feb. 10

Fired Up! Creative Lounge and Art Boutique is hosting a parents night out for children ages 5-12 with pizza, drinks and bisque items for kids to paint. Cost is $25 per child. Call 253-8181 for reservations.

Moms group

A Christian moms group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at St. Paul’s Church, 1095 Hendersonville Road in South Asheville. Moms with any age children are welcome. Refreshments and child care provided. For information, contact 388-3598.

Feb. 11

Holistic Parenting Forum

The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living to gather. The group provides support, education and resources to parents who desire to create a healthy environment for their children. This month’s topic is “Aromatherapy...Beyond Just Fragrance!” presented by Beth Bluth. 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 information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com.

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. No club dues, just the cost of museum admission. From 4-5 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at The Health Adventure in Pack Place. For information, call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Feb. 11-12

‘Preschoolers We Love You! 2009’

Librarians are practicing animal noises and silly songs in preparation for the 23rd annual production of “Preschoolers We Love You!” This popular kids’ show began as a special valentine to the library’s under-5 set and now regularly draws

Feb. 13-15 SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Rows of baby gear line the floor of the WNC Ag Center in Fletcher at a past Wee Trade Best Made consignment sale. Sell your summer clothes — or pick up some great deals — at this winter’s sale, Feb. 12-15. more than 1,000 children for the multiple performances. The program is a musical revue especially for preschoolers, with puppets, dancing and other lighthearted nonsense. The talented performers are drawn from the library staff across the county. Performances both days at 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Groups, please call the library to register. If you miss the show in person, the production will also be televised on the Buncombe County television channel, BCTV. Visit buncombecounty.org for listings. At Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. Call 250-4700 for information.

Feb. 12

Asheville Christian Academy open house

Wee Trade Best Made consignment sale

The largest children’s clothing consignment sale in Western North Carolina. Item drop-off is 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 10-11. Volunteer and consignor pre-sale is Feb. 12. Sale is 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 14 and noon-4 p.m. Feb. 15 (all items half price on Sunday). At WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher. For information, visit weetrade.com or call Nina at 697-2952 or Rita at 692-0033.

Feb. 13

Parents night out

Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church offers a parents night out, 6-8 p.m. Open to community children, ages 2-11. Pizza dinner included. Donations accepted, but not required. For more information, call the Rev. Sean Maney at 242-8402 or visit malvernhillspca.com.

Masquerade ball and dinner theater

Come for an evening of entertainment at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree in Saluda from 7-9 p.m. This ticketed event for adults and sixth- to Asheville Christian Academy is hosting an open house from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Families are invited to 12th-graders includes dinner and a show, as well as a surprise special guest. Call Veritas Christian tour the campus with a current parent, explore Academy at 681-0546 for ticket information. classrooms, meet faculty, staff and students. At 7:30 p.m. the head of school will make a brief presentation. Experience Asheville Christian Academy’s liberal arts education with a biblical world view. ACA is fully accredited and serves K4 Parents night out through 12th grade. Call 581-2200 or visit ACAChildren learn about performing arts at the Ashecademy.org. ville Arts Center while parents get a break. From 6-9:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for the first child, $15 for

Feb. 13 and 27

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

Feb. 14

Flip Flop Hop

A “tropical gala” to support the WNC Down Syndrome Alliance at 7 p.m. at The Orange Peel. Visit flipflophop.com for information.

‘We Heart Mo!’

Join the East Asheville Library for a special story time at 11 a.m. featuring the books of Mo Willems, author of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus,” along with crafts and fun. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738.

Valentine’s Day crafts

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

Feb. 14-15

Henderson County youth softball registration

Registration is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 14 and 1-4 p.m. Feb. 15 at Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville. Cost is $75 per player. Players must not be older than 18 as of Jan. 1, 2009, or younger than 4 as of Dec. 31, 2008. For more information call David Edney at 388-0570 or visit hendersoncountyyouthsoftball.com.

Feb. 14 and 28

Creativity day camps

A full-day camp designed to inspire your child’s unique creative expression in The Rainbow Well Center’s new children’s art studio. Morning- and afternoon-only sessions are also available. Camp is led by Maureen Healy. Includes rotating musicians and artists and more. The Rainbow Well Center is at 26 Howland Road, Asheville. For more information, visit therainbowwell.com or call 505-0383.

Feb. 15

The Valentine Swim

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a swim at Zeugner Center. Bring your Valentine and a can of food for MANNA FoodBank and swim for $1 per person. The Zeugner Center is in Skyland next to Roberson High School. For more information on costs and rentals contact Teri Gentile at 684-5072 or teri.gentile@buncombecounty.org.

‘Forever Free: Harriet Tubman’s Contribution to Emancipation’

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

FAFSA Day

Watch history come alive at the Fairview Library. At 2 p.m., actress Becky Stone will portray Civil War activist Harriet Tubman as part of Buncombe County Public Libraries’ yearlong celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial. Start the celebration by bringing the whole family to see a fascinating glimpse of the remarkable woman who helped lead our country to emancipation. This program is appropriate for adults and school-age children. Free. The library is at 1 Taylor Road. Call the library at 250-6484

College financial aid officers and other financial aid specialists will assist students in the completion and electronic submission of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms. The program is open to individuals who plan to attend college in the 2009-10 academic year. UNC Asheville, McDowell Technical Community College and Southwestern Community College are the area hosts for FAFSA Day, with all events running from 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, visit cfnc.org and click on “Register for CFNC Events.”

Festival of Knowledge

Feb. 15 and 22 Parents retreat

Give yourself a revitalizing retreat from your responsibilities as a parent and ignite sparks of insight, creativity, playfulness and transformation in your life. Without any prerequisite of artistic ability, enjoy a supportive environment where a guided expressive arts process leads to refreshing clarity and a renewed sense of self. Runs 2-5 pm. at Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172 for more information.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

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

Feb. 16

Registration starts Feb. 18

This free course covers how grandparents can help, how childbirth has changed, gift ideas, safety and a tour of the Park Ridge Hospital obstetrics unit. Class is at 7 p.m. in the Duke Room at Park Ridge, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville. For information or to register, call 681-2229.

Parents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 in Buncombe County are invited to attend a series of six free play and learn group sessions at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, March 3-April 7, or at 10 or 11 a.m. Wednesdays, March 4-April 8. The sessions include pre-literacy activities including songs, fingerplays, puppets, movement, and instruments. Adults receive free information each week on educational activities to do at home with children. Each 45-minute session will be in the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville. For information, call Marna Holland at 255-5423. Attendance is required at four of the six sessions. Registration is required by e-mail (marna.holland@asheville.k12.nc.us) or phone. New participants may register Feb. 18. Returning participants may register Feb. 25.

Grandparent class

La Leche League Monday evenings

La Leche League meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Awakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome. For information, contact a leader: Adrienne at 713-1534, Jen at 713-3707, or Yvette at 254-5591.

Mommy and Me luncheon

The Baby Place at Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville welcomes new moms to its Mommy and Me luncheon, noon-1 p.m. Bring your new baby, visit with other new moms and enjoy a short speaker. This luncheon is in the hospital’s Private Dining Room, ground floor by the café, and will take place on the third Monday of each month. Please call 681-2229 to RSVP.

Presidents Day

Federal holiday. No school in many districts.

Feb. 17

Breast-feeding class

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

Family Fun Night at Weaverville Library

Come to the Weaverville Library for a bedtime story time at 6:30 p.m. Sing lullabies and read a selection of bedtime stories. Pajamas and snugglies welcome. The library is at 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Play and Learn program

Starts Feb. 18

Tiny Tykes music class

Learn while singing, playing, keeping a beat and playing simple instruments. Classes at East Asheville Community Center run 10-10:45 a.m. Wednesdays through March 11 and are taught by Cathy Riley, professional instructor who specializes in work with preschool-age children. Cost is $36 per session. The center is at 906 Tunnel Road. For registration information, call Jessica Johnston at 251-4041.

Feb. 18

Drumming with Terry Edgerton

Join Asheville drummer Terry Edgerton at 6 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library for an evening of music with lots of audience participation. This free program is for children and adults of all ages and is sponsored by the Friends of the Swannanoa Library. The library is at 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486 for information.

Feb. 18-19

‘Into the Woods’

A fractured fairy tale from James Lapine and

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

Feb. 19

Colburn Museum home-school program

The Colburn Earth Science Museum at Pack Place is offering a course called “Circling the Sun” for students in first to third grades. Class runs 2:303:30 p.m. Minimum class size is 6 students. Cost is $5.50 per child per class, and prepayment is required. To register or for information, call 2547162.

Pajamapalooza

Put on your pajamas and come to the East Asheville Branch Library for an evening of bedtime stories, songs and fun. Ideal for ages 3-6, but all ages welcome. At 6:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road.

Feb. 21

‘Cinderella’

The world renowned Russian National Ballet Theatre performs one of the most famous and best loved classical ballets to Prokofiev’s rich score with a company of more than 50 dancers, presented by Asheville Bravo Concerts at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Students receive half-price seating. For priority seating and discounts, season subscriptions are available by calling 2255887. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.

Drama improv workshop (intermediate level)

If you know you already love drama improv, join in some serious fun. Take your drama improv skills to the next level through small group improv challenges and one-on-one coaching. Increase your self-confidence and dramatic flare. Runs 10 a.m.-noon for 8- 10-year-olds and 12:30–2:30 p.m. for 11- to 13-year olds. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit

Enter a display in the WNC Nature Center’s Festival of Knowledge. Displays can be created in three categories: build a bug, cultural science and natural science. Posters, displays and threedimensional creations will be judged for information, creativity and workmanship. Participants will be interviewed by judges for knowledge of content of their project. Prizes will be awarded. Obtain an application for your entry by calling 298-5600, ext. 305. For details, visit wildwnc.org. Event runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Nature Center is at 75 Gashes Creek Road, East Asheville.

Pajama Havdalah

Havdalah is the Jewish tradition marking the end of each Shabbat at sunset on Saturday night. Come say goodbye to Shabbat at the JCC in your PJs. Enjoy fun activities, and of course, cookies and milk at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for JCC members, $15 for community. RSVP to Natalie Kramer at 253-0701, ext. 108 or natalie@jcc-asheville.org. The center is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville.

Teen Writing Circle

Strengthen your writing muscles with games, writing exercises, and feedback on your stories and poems from other teens. Bring a poem, story, or other piece of writing to share with a group of teen writers at the East Asheville Branch Library. From 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Ages 11-18. Snacks provided. Call 250-4738 for information. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road.

Feb. 22

Mardi Gras event

Short Street Cakes will celebrate its new shop’s opening at 225 Haywood Road, West Asheville, with a celebration for Mardi Gras from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Festivities will include Mardi Gras beads, live music, a cake raffle, the launching of a new menu and cake flavor.

Feb. 23

Meditation techniques for parents

Free informational meeting about an upcoming meditation course offering basic meditation instruction for those new to meditation or who have tried to meditate but were unsuccessful. Facilitated by parent educator and published author, 7 p.m. in Asheville. Please call or e-mail sarah@sarahwood.com for directions. Course begins March 2, weekly for 12 weeks. Attendance is flexible. More information at sarahwood.com/ circle.htm or call 242-0680.

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Feb. 24

Hendersonville Christian School open house

Hendersonville Christian School, 708 Old Spartanburg Road, will host an open house information session at 6:30 p.m. Interested families are invited to tour the newly renovated campus, meet teachers and hear from Headmaster Greg Mosely. For information, call 692-0556 or visit hendersonvillechristianschool.org.

Pardee parenting classes

Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information.

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

0226.

Breast-feeding Basics class

Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville offers a course on the basics of breast-feeding, 7-9 p.m. Held in the hospital’s Duke Room. Call Sheri Gregg at 681-2229 for information or to register.

Stamping class

Feb. 25

Breast-feeding and Calming a Fussy Baby class

A fun interactive class that teaches tips and tricks to feed and calm and soothe your sweet baby. Don’t just prepare for labor — prepare for a newborn. Class runs 6-9 p.m. and is taught by Holly Mason, RN, at the Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Cost is $25. For information or registration call 250-

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services offers an advanced rubber stamping and design class, 9:30-11 a.m. The class explores stamping to design cards, stationery and many other crafty ideas. Chose from hundreds of special designed rubber stamps and ink colors so that your design is complete in your own way. Register by Feb. 20. Cost is $15 per person. At county offices, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville. For information contact Grace Young at 250-4265.

Feb. 26

School-age reading club

The Weaverville Library has added a book club for school age kids that will meet the fourth Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. Celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s bicentennial birthday with some fun activities and a craft. For more information, call 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org. The library is at 41 N. Main St.

Feb. 28

TOPSoccer coach training

Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association will offer its second season of TOPSoccer, a community-based soccer program for young athletes with special needs. A training course for those interested in coaching will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the

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Asheville-Buncombe Youth Soccer Association offers the TOPSoccer program for athletes with special needs. Coach training for the league is Feb. 28. gym at Asheville School in West Asheville. The program will run for seven-eight Sundays starting in mid-March. Each player receives a uniform and participation award at the end of the season. To register for the coach training, visit https:// www.youthleaguesusa.com/ncysa/2008/school/ cgi-bin/directory.cgi. For information about the

program, contact Shane Weems at 299-7277, ext. 304, e-mail recdoc@abysa.org or visit abysa.org/TOPSoccer.shtml

Center behind Mission Hospital. A free Breastfeeding Training (a required pre-requisite) will be offered 5:30-9 p.m. March 26. The early registration fee of $390 (for the 27-hour course) ends Feb. 28; cost is $450 after that date if space is still available. For more information and/or to register, visit peacefulbeginning.org or call Cheryl Orengo at 258-3327.

Starts Feb. 28 Super Saturdays

Gifted, creative and motivated third- through eighth-graders can super-size their Saturday mornings at UNC Asheville. The university’s sixweek enrichment program runs Feb. 28-April 4. Students may choose one or two courses per session from a diverse offering of nearly 30 classes. Courses meet 9-10:20 and 10:30-11:50 a.m. Cost is $65 per course. For information, visit unca.edu/oaci/supersaturday or call 251-6558.

Ongoing

SpiralScouts

Black Bear Circle No. 182 of SpiralScouts meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. at Montford Community Center. SpiralScouts is an Earth-based scouting program for boys and girls, ages 3-18. For more information, e-mail MicheleC@spiralscouts.org.

March 1

Creative arts preschool

Camp Ruach preview

Kids (and parents) are invited to a special Camp Ruach Day to enjoy some favorite Camp Ruach activities from 12:30-3 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Asheville, 236 Charlotte St. Get together with camp buddies to sing along during afternoon ruach, enjoy arts and crafts, games and more. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free and open to the public. Contact Seth Kellam for more information at 253-0701, ext. 107, or email seth@jccasheville.org.

Starts March 4

Empowered Birthing childbirth education classes

Four interactive classes on Wednesday evenings focus on natural childbirth, positions for comfort, and hands-on massage techniques for labor. VBACs welcome. Class are at the Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Cost is $175 for the series taught by Trish Beckman, CNM, and Laura Beagle, LMBT and CD. For information or registration call 2319227.

March 4-6

‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ school performance

Diana Wortham Theatre presents a new production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Full of action, music, magic tricks and well-integrated audience participation, this play is a hit with students and teachers. Recommended for kindergarten through fifth grade. Showtime is 10 a.m. Cost is $6. Teachers and bus drivers are free with groups of 10 or more. The Y.E.S. Fund provides need-based scholarships to cover the cost of admission for students and schools; limited scholarships available by application for students on free or reduced lunch programs. For information and reservations, contact Rae Geoffrey at 257-4544, ext. 307. For information, visit dwtheatre.org and clicking on the Teacher’s Page link.

Starts March 7

Tots On Toes dance workshop

Introduce your child to the art of dance. Winter workshop classes are four consecutive Saturday mornings, starting March 7. Mommy and Me class (ages 2-3) is 10:30-11 a.m. Preschool ballet class (ages 3-5) is 11-11:45 a.m. Elementary grades ballet and tap combo class is 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for the entire fourweek workshop. Classes are held at the Stoney

Registration is ongoing for the new creative arts preschool at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. For more information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com

Suzuki violin lessons SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Hands On! A Children’s Gallery has a new loom exhibit. Mountain Activity Center in Henderson County. Tots on Toes is a partnership with Henderson County Parks and Recreation. For more information and to register, contact Dory Jones at 6849201 or dory@TotsOnToes.com or visit TotsOnToes.com.

March 8

Daylight Saving Time begins Set clocks ahead by one hour.

Purim Carnival

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays in the Jewish tradition. Enjoy loads of Purim fun at the Jewish Community Center’s annual Purim Carnival, including games, bounce house, cotton candy, cake walk, wine tasting for adults 21 and older, and more. Costumes welcome. Runs 12:30-3 p.m. Admission is free; tickets must be purchased for food and attractions. For information, contact Natalie Kramer at 253-0701, ext. 108, or natalie@jcc-asheville.org.

March 13-29 ‘Narnia’

Asheville Community Theatre presents a musical based on C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.” Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $12. For information and tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org.

March 14-18

Munchkin Market

Consignment sale at Biltmore Square Mall. Item drop-off is March 7-10. Public sale is March 14-18. For details, visit munchkinmarket.com.

March 27-29

Postpartum doula training

Have you always wanted to work with new families? Maybe your dreams can be fulfilled by becoming a postpartum doula. A DONA-approved Postpartum Doula Workshop runs 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. for three days at the Women’s Resource

Enrollment is open for Suzuki violin students ages 3 through adult, for beginners through advancedintermediate levels. Call Holly Thistle at 5458673 for information about the program or the Suzuki method.

Home-school bowling league

Tarheel Lanes offers a league open to all WNC homeschoolers at 1:30 p.m. Fridays. Bowl two games with shoes for $7 per week in a 12-week session. All ages welcome. Trophies and a party when the league ends. Call 692-5039.

Drop-in art classes

A “drop-in” art class is held 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Rainbow Well Center in North Asheville. A professional artist and child art therapist are on-hand to inspire creative expression. For more information, visit therainbowwell.com or call 505-0383.

Come Play with Us playgroup

Visit East Asheville Community Center from 10 a.m.-noon each Friday for free playgroup. Meet new moms and babies, make new friends and have fun. The center is at 906 Tunnel Road. For more information, contact Jessica Johnston at 251-4041. Adult participation required.

Zeugner Center swimming

Open swim for all ages, 1-5 p.m. Sundays at The Zeugner Center in Skyland, next to Roberson High School. Adult lap swim is 8:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 8:30-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Adult water aerobics is 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 6845072 for more information.

Jewish Community Center events

◆ Tot Shabbat with Penny White: 10 a.m. Fridays. Join with friends to sing songs and celebrate the beginning and end of a beautiful Shabbat. All are welcome. Children not enrolled in Shalom Children’s Center or Just Kids must be accompanied by an adult. ◆ Tot Shabbat playgroup: 11 a.m. Fridays. Join an after-Shabbat playgroup for children not enrolled in Shalom Children’s Center. Meets following Tot Shabbat. Challah and juice will be provided along with a special art project or group game. For details, contact Erin Fendler at 5052697 or Caroline Martin at 253-0701, ext. 109. ◆ Jewish Family Services case management and mental health counseling: Families can receive help through Jewish Family Services, including short term mental health counseling and assistance with referrals to community services and agencies for help in crisis situations.

Financial assistance is available on a limited basis, along with a sliding fee scale. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Contact Migs Halpern at 253-0701, ext. 140, or migs@jccasheville.org for assistance, or call the JFS Confidential Direct Line at 253-2900.

Kindermusik classes

Spring registration is now open for children ages newborn-7. Four unique curricula promote creativity, listening skills, self-esteem, problem solving, vision and focus, language and literacy, hand-eye coordination, emotional and social skills, balance and coordination — all while providing an introduction to music. Call area licensed educators: Lora Scott (Biltmore Village, 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/music-choirs/kindermusik); Beth Magill (downtown, 298-9350, magills.net); Patty Lee Book/Yvette Odell (North and South Asheville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com); Debra Huff (Madison County, 206-3145 or 689-1128); Sonja Gorsline (Brevard, 883-8538).

Joyful Noise classes

Joyful Noise Community Music and Arts Center is enrolling students for private lessons and group classes. For information, visit brioconcertseries.org/joyfulnoise.html or e-mail joyfulnoiseartscenter@gmail.com. For private lessons, contact director Gina Caldwell at 649-2828 or gina_m_caldwell@yahoo.com. Class offerings include: ◆ Dance classes: Clogging at beginner and intermediate levels for children and adults and Irish/clogging for kids. $10 per class. Runs through May. At First Presbyterian Church in Weaverville. Contact Heidi Kulas, 319-7202, cloggerina@charter.net ◆ Appalachian ballad singing and old-time rhythm guitar and bass classes ($10 each), and Appalachian slow jam each Monday, 6-7 p.m. that is open to the public ($5 each week). At First Presbyterian Church in Weaverville. Contact Cary Fridley, 337-6467 or caryfridley@gmail.com. ◆ Hand quilting: Complete at 32-inch square sampler. Cost is $12 per class, not including supplies. E-mail joyfulnoiseartscenter@gmail.com for information. ◆ Musial Mornings with Mommy and Me: A five-week course with music, movement and fun exploring the habitats around the world. Cost is $65 for five weeks, $25 for additional siblings. For ages 2-4. Begins late January. Contact Cynthia Roop at croop@mhc.edu or 319-7077. At Weaverville United Methodist Church.

Weaving loom exhibit

Hands On! A Child’s Gallery has opened a new weaving loom exhibit in its log cabin, a project in collaboration with Ann Mullican and Ruth Howe, members of Heritage Weavers. Choose from a variety of fabric, yarn, and even paper, and with a simple over-and-under method, weave the materials into a tapestry. Hands On! is at 318 N. Main St. in downtown Hendersonville. For more information, call 697-8333 or visit handsonwnc.org.

Asheville Music School

The Asheville Music School is now enrolling new students for the new year. Private lessons, all instruments, ages and voice ranges. Group guitar to violin classes also available. Call 252-6244 or visit ashevillemusic.org.

Swimming lessons

Learn to swim at the YWCA of Asheville. Red Cross certified swim lessons are now in session and can be joined at any point in the session. Classes are offered for babies, preschoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call 254-7206, ext. 110, for more information or sign up at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Visit ywcaofasheville.org.

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