WNC Parent July 2009

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contents This month’s features 3 4

The 1st birthday

Planning a child’s birthday party can be a fun, albeit a sometimes overwhelming task. Finding the right venue, theme, games and then penning a list of invitees can take both time and money, but the rewards of the perfect party are boundless.

When I planned my daughters’ 1st birthday party, I knew it was more for me, my parents and especially for the photos, than for them. At the ripe old age of 1, they had little idea what was going on around them, but now, at 16, can look back at the photos and know that Winnie the Pooh was the theme and know who was there to celebrate with them. Working around the naptimes at this age seemed to be my biggest challenge; however, all things considered, this momentous occasion came off fairly smoothly. For tips on planning a 1st birthday party, see our story on Page 3.

Being a mother to twins, a story on dealing with birthday parties for multiples seemed worthwhile. There are different challenges associated with a party for two or more, and hopefully our story on Page 6 will help.

As my daughters grew, the parties became more involved and their participation much more substantial than in that first one, but each is a memorable event, documented in pictures that do make all the agonizing and planning so worthwhile. I hope this issue of WNC Parent helps our readers to pull off that perfect birthday celebration.

Nancy Sluder Editor

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Tips for making your child’s 1st birthday party an easy one.

On a shoestring budget Throw a kid-approved birthday bash without spending a fortune by following these suggestions.

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Party of 2 (or 3)

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Beyond cake

Hosting a party for twins or triplets takes a bit more finesse than your average party. Here are a few ideas.

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Bored with birthday cakes? Try something different this year, like cupcakes, ice cream, cookies and more.

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A different sort of party

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Just for boys

Ditch the traditional party ideas and go with something more creative, like a book swap or a scavenger hunt.

Need a party with some action for the boy in your life? Try climbing.

Or swimming. Or a bit of everything.

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The Birthday Guide An essential list of places to have a party, makers of sweet birthday treats, entertainment, party planners, photographers and supply stores across Western North Carolina.

38 Coupon secrets Be a savvy shopper — follow our tips to help save a bundle at the store.

39 Thai on the grill

P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com

Add some spice to dinnertime with these Thai recipes for the grill.

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer

40 Grilled veggies Need a new summer side dish?

Try corn or an onion on the grill.

In every issue Kids Voices .......................................................16 Growing Together by Chris Worthy..........................31 Show and Tell ...............................................32-33 Librarian’s Picks by Jennifer Prince ...........................34 Divorced Families by Trip Woodard ............................36 WNCmom.com Page ...........................................37 Kids in Sports ...................................................41 Video Games ....................................................42 Parenting in a Nutshell .......................................43 Story Times ......................................................44 Puzzles................................................................46-47 Calendar .....................................................48-55

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Birthday party planning can be fun and challenging

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

Photo special to WNC Parent.

STAFF WRITER Barbara Blake bblake@citizen-times.com

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 CALENDAR CONTENT Submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 or e-mail calendar@wncparent.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES Advertising deadline for the August issue is July 14 Calendar items are due by July 14

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The 1st birthday Tips for throwing a great — and manageable — party as your baby turns a year old were suddenly under the pressure to finish preparations, entertain their guests, and take care of birthday girl Olivia — who was in need of a nap.

Any photograph of a baby’s 1st “Everything took longer than we birthday usually has several key feaexpected,” said Adams. “It was so tures: The child sits behind a heavilystressful. It felt like Nicole and I didn’t frosted cake bearing one candle, birthhave a second to breathe. We didn’t day hat askew. Undoubtedly, face and talk, we didn’t mingle, we didn’t eat. fingers are smeared with icing.

We were too busy to realize that The classic photograph, found in guests were having a good time. We almost every family’s photo archives, were so buried by the details that we illustrates a special milestone for both failed to attend our own daughter’s the child and the parents, who have party.” just come through their first year on The experience completely the roller coaster of parenthood. changed the Adamses’ outlook on “Baby has made a lot of progress birthdays. that first year, and as parents you “We vowed... if we have another survived. So to celebrate that is awechild, they won’t get a 1st birthday some, even though your child doesn’t party. Maybe that will even it out,” ‘get it’ very much,” said Brecken Rujoked Adams. land, whose son Judah is now 27 Their advice to new parents: “Save months old. the bells and whistles for Sweet 16.

Many new parents are excited to Keep the 1st birthday celebration as mark the occasion, but wonder how simple as possible.” best to do so. Because this is baby’s 1st Whether you decide to keep the birthday, it is often the parents’ first party big or small, there are a few key time throwing a child’s birthday party. things to remember when considering Inevitably, questions abound.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT your guest list.

We talked to several area parents A 1st birthday party is a lot about capturing the moments so your child can see them when It may be fun to invite young chiland asked them to give us their list of he or she is old enough to appreciate the celebration. dren, but do not have them unless dos and don’ts when it came to celetheir parents can come to help watch brating No. 1. them. birthday, filling their house and yard “You want the people who can “We had some kids come whose really celebrate with you, people who with guests. She said the party was a Whom to invite? parents just dropped them off,” said blast, but it took months of preparahave been there from the very beginOwen, “and they were just running tion to gather supplies and set up. ning. They know how special the day Many parents wonder if they around doing who-knows-what. We Although the big party can be fun, should ring in the first year by having is,” Owen said. many families prefer a small, intimate couldn’t watch them because we were The number of people you decide a big blowout with everyone they so busy with the party.” celebration with just a few family to invite to the celebration should know, or keep the guest list to just a Ruland’s mother-in-law advised her members and friends who have played few close family members and friends. primarily depend on your family’s to invite the same number of kids as a significant role in the child’s life. preferences and the child’s personaWhether you decide to go big or the age the child is turning, which This is what WCQS radio announsmall, parents say you want to be with lity. Know what the child can handle.

Ruland plans to adopt. cer Ken Adams and his wife, Nicole, people who know how significant the It is easy for a child this young to be If you invite families with infants, wished they had done after they threw over-stimulated and become upset. day is for your family. keep in mind that they may have to their daughter Olivia’s 1st birthday Also keep in mind how much you Serena Owen, a cake artist with duck out early when naptime rolls party. can handle. Do not invite a large Artista Cakes, who also loves to plan around.

Wanting to introduce Olivia to the parties, says that on the 1st birthday it crowd if you do not have sufficient world, they decided to hold a big is important to surround yourself with help with preparation and supervidance party and invite a host of family sion. people who have been with you and friends. A stream of guests began Owen and her husband decided to throughout the journey of the first Continues on Page 14 to show up early, and the Adamses go big for their daughter Lydia’s 1st year.

Kate Harrison WNC Parent contributor

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Gage Lawrence, right in red shirt, celebrates his 6th birthday party with friends at Haw Creek Park.

Big party

on a

little budget

Ideas for celebrating a child’s birthday without breaking the bank

By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor For my son’s 7th birthday party, I buried colorful gem stones — real and dollar store-faux — in a pile of dirt, gave the kids sticks for digging and let them have at it.

It didn’t cost much. But, as he told me later, it was his best birthday party ever. In fact, I could barely get some of the boys to stop digging long enough to eat a slice of birthday cake.

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It was proof that you don’t need to spend oodles of cash, or time, for a fun kids’ party.

Here are more ideas for throwing kid celebrations they’ll never forget without spending an amount you’ll never forget.

Double up Party activities can do double duty by also serving as the take-home gift, says Julie Fals, co-owner of Growing

Young Café, a drop-in child care/ tutoring and party venue in Asheville.

At her daughter’s 3rd birthday party, the kids painted inexpensive flower pots. With dirt, seeds or seedlings and spoons, they can do their own planting, too, she says.

Projects like decorating picture frames or face masks, baking cookies or beading bracelets can also be party favors. Or, throw inflatable balls around the yard for play and have kids take them home afterward. Decorate

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paper lunch bags and use them later for piñata candy.

Scan your child’s artwork for email invitations and/or decorations.

Make copies and cut into pieces for a puzzle-making contest.

Employ an older child If there’s an older, willing sibling or neighborhood child, tap into this inexpensive entertainment source. An older child can face paint, organize

simple outdoor games or lead a singa-long.

Celebrate at home Scatter a few large storage boxes on a soft surface and small children can crawl through the “tunnels” and “trains.” Plan a scavenger hunt or try a talent show, dress-up or dance party.

Decorate cupcakes or make pizza.

Opt for old standbys like pin the tail, hot potato, red light/green light, Twister, relay races or musical chairs.

Create stations with different crafts, games or water activities.

Kids can make their own bubble solution with Dawn, glycerin and water, says Margaret Mattson, Growing Young Café co-owner. Fill trays or a small wading pool and provide colanders, slotted spoons and shaped pipe cleaners to make the bubbles.

Sprinkle in tempera paint and blow bubbles with straws, capturing them on paper as bubble prints. Use a hula hoop to make a huge bubble around each child.

Or, make slime, Alka Seltzer rockets and mini volcanoes with inexpensive household ingredients, Mattson says. Go online to find directions.

ONLINE RESOURCES These Web sites offer cost-saving party games and tips: ◆ Familyfun.go.com ◆ Amazingmoms.com ◆ Partygameideas.com ◆ Parentingteens.about.com/od/birthdays/a/birthdayparty.htm (games for teens) ◆ Orientaltrading.com (for supplies and favors) ◆ Birthdaydirect.com (for supplies and favors)

“It was simple, inexpensive and the boys had a blast,” she says.

Park playgrounds can be an easy party option. Bring blankets for a picnic or set up at a park shelter. The Asheville Parks and Recreation Department, for example, charges $30 for three hours to reserve a covered shelter, or you can take your chances and just show up.

Party between meals Susan Lawrence threw her 6-yearold son a bring-your-own-bike/scooter party at her neighborhood park in East Asheville. She served snacks, drinks and ice cream.

Keep the party small Experts say to invite the number of children equal to your child’s age.

Older kids might prefer to have just three or four pals in exchange for a pricier activity, like a movie or minishopping spree at the mall.

Get creative with the venue

Skip the package deal, bring your own cake and transform almost any fun kids’ place into a party. Pizza resFor older kids, a slumber party taurants (like Asheville Pizza & Brewmight fit the bill, if you don’t mind a ing Co. with its game room and $2-$3 late night of revelry. Spring for pizza, movies,) ice cream shops (some Dairy popcorn and a simple breakfast. Your Queens have an outdoor playground), child probably has his/her own idea of miniature golf, bowling or skating party activities. Provide a movie after- could be good options. Or, visit a fire ward, to calm the kids from their post- station or animal shelter. cake sugar high.

Pick a park, any park

Mommysavers.com, an online source of budget- and time-saving ideas.

Make it simple with punch, cake and a snack or two. Use small toys or inexpensive objects like silk flowers or dollar store trinkets to decorate a homemade cake, suggests Kim Danger, who publishes

Give an older child the reins Danger suggests having an older child plan his/her own party.

“If you give them $100 to plan a party and allow them to pocket what they don’t spend, they’re more apt to make frugal decisions,” she says. “And it’s a great way to help them learn to make smart decisions with their money.”

Don’t fuss with decorations Keep it simple — a couple of balloons might do the trick. Use toys and other items on hand. At a birthday party, friends and fun trump décor.

E-mail freelance writer Pam J. Hecht at pamjh8@gmail.com.

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The more the merrier Planning a party for multiples presents double the challenge

By Barbara Blake WNC Parent writer Planning and executing a birthday party for one child can be both fun and challenging. Throwing a bash for twins, triplets or other multiples has its own set of obstacles, but it also can be double, triple or quadruple the fun.

We asked some of the moms from the group Asheville Area Mothers of Multiples to weigh in with tips on party planning, gift giving, the all-important cake(s) decision and other issues that go along with a shared birthday to ensure each child feels unique and special on this very special day.

1 party theme or multiple?

wanted a butterfly cake, the other, dragonflies. So the theme focused on pretty flying things.”

Brenda Case, mother of twin boys, said the decorated cake is the theme, “and I just use bright color streamers and balloons for the party.”

Jenn Clements said she always has two themes for her twin boys “because they are individuals.”

“I think each one [of her twin girls] is worried that her sister’s theme might be better than hers, or more fun, so I believe that is why they have so far wanted the same theme,” said Christa Willey. “But I think it’s important to give them each the option to have their own theme so they do feel like they are an individual.”

“One common theme,” said Lisa Carver, mom of triplet boys. “Don’t make life harder than it already is.”

“A general theme overall, but with different plates, hats, etc.,” said Anna Mills, mother of twins.

“Our parties have had one theme, usually suggested by the cake choices,” said Susan Andrew, also a mother of twins. “One year we had a fairy theme, and one girl

1 cake or 2 (or 3 or 4)?

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“I have boy-girl twins, and for the first three years I did one cake,” said Jennifer Rudisill. “But on their 4th

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Alexandra and Rachel Willey shared a cake and a princess theme for their 5th birthday.

birthday, we started having two. I let them choose their own cake.”

“I let each child pick out a cake with the character they like and maybe get balloons to match,” said Terri Frue, mother of boy/girl twins who will turn 5 in September. “I do think that with lots of kids being invited, cupcakes would be the easiest.”

“I always do one cake for each boy,” Clements said. “Plus, we usually need a large amount of cake for all the family and friends.”

“We always have two cakes, elaborately decorated, with themes and flavors chosen by each girl,” Andrew said. “They never want the same thing, and this way there’s always plenty of cake for a big party.”

One of Andrew’s favorite birthdays was when she made a double-layer chocolate cake with white frosting, decorated with a carousel theme using toy animals and stick candy with ribbons attached, and a yellow cake with lemon filling decorated with berries, flowers and mint leaves.

“I bake three small cakes — one for each boy — and then have a large one for party guests,” Carver said.

Gifts given to multiples “I do not expect guests to bring separate gifts, especially if the guest is a friend/classmate of one and not the other,” Rudisill said. “But family and close friends have always done separate gifts.”

“I think if someone is invited to a twins party, they should bring separate gifts,” Frue said.

“I always ask for no gifts — if someone gets them a gift, it is up to them to decide whether to bring one or two,” Clements said.

Willey said her 7-year-old twins each invite friends from their classes, and each guest brings a gift for whi-

way, and getting two of the same thing is good initially, but they can do with only one in the end. A gift they can share is always nice [like a board game they can play together].”

Gifts given by multiples to a single birthday child

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Triplets Mason, Cooper and Henry Carver enjoy their cake at their 1st birthday party last year. They are the sons of Lisa and Peter Carver. chever girl is his or her classmate.

“Everyone knows they are twins, though, and I have had parents send gifts for each girl, which is very thoughtful but certainly not necessary.”

“One for each child or a big one when they are younger,” said Case.

“But it’s important when they are school aged to give one gift to each or to the one you were invited by. Too many times they are considered ‘one’ by the public. [They] have had awards in sports and Boy Scouts that have said, ‘Tanner/Devin,’ and they were very upset,” Moore said. “I am a twin with a boy and that didn’t happen as much.”

“We tell our guests, ‘no gifts,’” said Tami Bebber, mother of twin girls.

“We take care of that — it’s so much easier on everyone.”

Kimberly Sweetland, mother of

twin girls, said she requests one gift for her daughters.

“That way the guests don’t feel overwhelmed, and the girls don’t get so many presents,” Sweetland said.

“The girls need to learn to share any-

“We typically take one gift but spend a little more because it is from both kids,” Rudisill said.

Frue agreed. “When both children are invited to a party, I usually buy one gift. We just spend a little more than we would if one child was invited.”

“I always try to think of [the twins] as individuals,” Clements said. “If they were separate ages they would each take a gift to a birthday party.”

“If we find something they both really like and it is a little more expensive, we take one larger gift,” Willey said. “If they cannot find something they can both agree on, we take two individual gifts.”

“We take either three small gifts or one big gift,” Carver said.

Continues on Page 15

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Beyond the typical cake Move over yellow cake with buttercream — there are other birthday options

By Lockie Hunter WNC Parent contributor The bakeries of Western North Carolina offer myriad alternatives to the traditional birthday cake. From cupcakes and cookie platters to vegan, gluten-free and other special dietary preferences, there are many mouthwatering options.

If there are dietary concerns, try a gluten-free birthday cake from World’s Best Carrot Cake.

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Ice cream cake

In addition to scoops in many flavors, The Hop dishes up ice cream “There is something about having a cakes. The Hop, has been around for 30 years. Owners Greg and Ashley cupcake with a half-cake to half-icing ratio, all to yourself, to bring out your Garrison are both UNC Asheville possessive side,” said Heather McMul- alumni. “The Hop makes homemade ice cream cakes with any flavors of ice len, co-owner of The Sisters McMulcream and a cookie or cake crust,” len. Cupcakes stir up fond memories

Cupcakes

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

from childhood. “It is cake that does not need a plate or a fork. What could be better? We also offer a smaller cupcake perfect for the younger crowd.”

The Sisters McMullen, 55 Weaverville Highway #9, Asheville, 252-9330; 1 N. Pack Square, Asheville, 252-9454.

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Ashley Garrison says. “All cakes are custom decorated, too.” The Hop also hosts free special events.

The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 103, Asheville, 254-2224.

Cater to your special dietary needs Crème Patisserie and Confectionery makes special cakes that include low fat, sugar free, vegan and gluten-free options. At 640 Merrimon Ave, suite 201, Asheville, 350-9839.

Mini treats “Trays of mini desserts are perfect for a party,” says Sarah Resnick, pastry chef at City Bakery. “We offer mini cheesecakes, mini éclairs, mini fruit tarts, mini cream puffs, as well as truffles. This option allows you to have several desserts, instead of just one cake, so everyone is sure to find something they love. It’s easy finger food, no need for slicing and serving.”

City Bakery, 60 Biltmore Ave., 252-4426; and 88 Charlotte St., 254-4289, both Asheville.

Carrot cake Moon pie

Avi Sommerville, co-owner and founder of World’s Best Carrot Cake, says, “We are famous for several varieties of carrot cake that help meet dietary preferences: 100 percent organic; gluten-free traditional or chocolate carrot cake; vegan carrot cake; and by special order, gluten-free/lactose-free carrot cakes.”

World’s Best Carrot Cake, 175 Weaverville Highway, Suite V., Asheville, 658-2738, worldsbestcarrotcake.com

Owner Bridgette Cannon describes the moon pie as “a dessert that starts with a Sugar Momma’s cookie base, then alternates up with our famous icing with our signature vanilla bean cake. Once you’ve got it stacked where you want it, we then pour a chocolate ganache over it — white, milk, or dark chocolate.”

Asheville Cake Co., 348-0720, ashevillecakecompany.com. Call for an appointment.

Cookie trays

Custom chocolate sculpture

A birthday party with a seasonal theme could include gingerbread cookies shaped into turkeys, scarecrows or other fun designs for any season.

The Bake Shoppe, 146 Weaverville Highway, Asheville, 645-2038.

Let the folks at Chocolate Gems create one-of-akind chocolate sculptures for the birthday boy or girl. Or indulge each guest with their own chocolate box decorated with sugar flowers and leaves. At 106 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-9105.

Cupcakes, like these from The Sisters McMullen, can make a great alternative to the typical birthday cake.

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Action-packed parties for boys Keep your birthday boy and his pals entertained

By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor Does the idea of throwing a birthday party for a bunch of rowdy boys make you break out in a cold sweat? Take a deep breath and relax. Here are some ideas to get the guys out of the house and into some serious birthday fun without breaking the bank.

ClimbMax Climbing Center If the boys have you climbing the wall, return the favor at ClimbMax Climbing Center.

WNC PARENT PHOTO “Climbing is a great way for a group of Since boys love to dig in the dirt, a gem mining birthday party could be a per- boys to work off some energy,” said Jenny fect choice.

Wallace of Asheville, who has had parties at

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ClimbMax for her son.

The store offers party packages with a party room, equipment rental and pizza from a local pizza parlor. Call 252-9996 or visit climbmaxnc.com for more details.

Check out a cool pool “One of our favorite boy parties is to rent out the pool,” said Cathy West, of Barnardsville. “Just bring a cake, and you’ve got an instant party.”

The YWCA on South French Broad Avenue is a favorite for pool parties, offering two-hour packages that include an hour in the pool for up to 30 children and an hour in the party room. Tables and chairs are provided. Cost is $105 for YWCA members and $120 for nonmembers. Times available for parties

PHOTO BY KATE HARRISON

Pools are a great place to let boys expend some energy at a birthday party. are 7-9 p.m. Fridays; 2-4 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Saturdays; and 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 254-7206, ext. 209, or visit ywcaofasheville.org.

Parties at the YMCA in downtown Asheville are offered from 1-3:30 and 4-6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Parties include an hour of pool time, followed by an hour of time in the party room.

Cost is $80 for members ($100 nonmembers) for up to 10 people, and $140 for members ($160 nonmembers) for 10-20 people. Call 210-9622.

birthday parties with reduced-price admission at all home games.

Parties feature food and a chance for the birthday boy to visit the dugout before the game for autographs.

The team will even announce the birthday boy’s name over the public address system. Prices start at $13 per person and require a minimum of 10 people.

Tarwheels Skateway

For a fast-paced and fun boy party, head out to Swannanoa to Tarwheels Skateway. It offers birthday parties for Fun Depot $10 per person during the week and $12 For the ultimate in boy fun, it’s hard per person Friday and Saturday to beat Fun Depot in South Asheville. nights. Parties include invitations, With everything from batting cages to admission and skates, tables set with spoons, plates and napkins, balloons, go karts to laser tag, they have everydrinks and ice cream, and a free pass thing you’ll need to keep a herd of for the birthday child. boys entertained for a few hours.

Call 298-6606 or visit Fun Depot offers three party packtarwheelsskateway.com. ages for different age groups that include pizza, birthday cake, soft drinks, paper products, Boxcar Bucks, a perStrike it rich sonal party host or hostess, a T-shirt for the birthday child and other treats.

Head for the hills for a little gem Prices range from $99.99 for 10 chilmining. Asheville Outdoor Center on dren younger than 5 to $149.99 and Amboy Road offers birthday parties $219.99 for 10 older children. featuring gem mining along the banks Party times are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon- of the French Broad River. day-Friday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. SaturPricing depends on group size; for days. Call 277-2FUN, ext. 104, or visit more information, call 232-1970. ashevillesfundepot.com.

Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer.

E-mail him at southerncooking@ Play ball! charter.net.

Asheville Tourists offer baseball

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More creative celebrations Alternatives to the traditional party

By Barbara Blake WNC Parent writer Kids love a birthday party, whether it’s an old-fashioned affair with pin the tail on the donkey and a homebaked cake or an extravagant affair with clowns, balloon artists and bounce houses.

Party venues like The Health Adventure, WNC Nature Center, Fun Depot and Chuck E. Cheese’s are always popular destinations, but with a little creative thinking you can find alternatives to the traditional party event.

Here are five ideas to consider.

A magical tea party An enchanting destination for little

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Anna’s Playhouse in Mills River is a great alternative to a typical birthday party. girls is Anna’s Playhouse in Mills River, a restored, child-size house originally build in the 1920s that offers an

unforgettable experience for up to six girls and two adults.

Party packages include access to a

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closet filled with dress-up clothes, hats, shoes and accessories; games and a craft; a lesson in tea-party manners; playtime with girls’ favorite dolls; a framed photo of the event; and the tea party itself, which includes tea or drink of choice, finger sandwiches, scones with mock Devonshire cream and raspberry preserves, cookies and cupcakes prepared by the Southside Café.

Contact: 674-6653, or annasplayhouse.biz.

Another venue for tea parties is Chelsea’s Tea Room at 6 Boston Way in Biltmore Village. Chelsea’s offers tea trays with either cheese or with finger sandwiches, scones, cookies and other goodies, and girls are invited to dress up and bring dolls or teddy bears to help them celebrate the birthday child.

Contact: 274-4400, or chelseastea.com.

A one-stop option is Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. at 675 Merrimon Ave. Parties can be held in the game room in what was once the secJill Clark, mother of 6-year-old twins Celia and Sean, offered this idea ond of two theatres at the complex, with space set aside for birthday cake, for a no-hassle party that also spared the parents of party guests from com- ice cream and gift opening. The restaurant offers a number of menu oping up with gift ideas. tions, including pizza, sandwiches and “For their birthday, we requested no gifts. Instead, we asked everyone to salads.

Before or after the party itself, bring one book, either new or gently children can walk to the adjoining used, and then held a book exchange theater and catch whatever kid-friendso that each child went home with a ly flick is playing that day. The restau‘new’ book,” Clark said. rant’s party coordinator can help “The kids already get so much for make the arrangements. their birthday from [Clark and her Contact: 254-1281, ext. 59, or ashehusband, Keith], the grandparents, villepizza.com. etc., and we didn’t think they needed any more stuff,” she said. “The idea worked really well, and it also solved A day at the spa the need for having any goodie bags.”

Several spas in the area offer facials or manicure/ Dinner — or lunch — and a movie pedicure parties for girls, Any number of kid-friendly restau- as long as they sign waivers (for youngrants in town can make space for a er than 18) and group of children to have a meal folare accompalowed by cake and gift-opening. nied by an Ideally, the restaurant would be adult. Here’s near a movie theater, where the kids can be ferried before or after lunch or a sampling. ◆ Sensidinner.

A fun and educational party — with no goodie bags

bilities Day Spa at 59 Haywood St. and in Biltmore Park offers manicure/ pedicure parties, with space for cake and gifts. Call 253-3222 in Asheville, 687-8760 in Biltmore Park, or visit sensibilities-spa.com. ◆ The Spa at Biltmore Village at 18 Brook St., suite 104, offers manicures and pedicures for up to 12 girls, with room for cake and gifts. Call 277-2649 or visit spaatbiltmorevillage.com. ◆ Privai Academy at 6 Roberts Road near Biltmore Village offers facials, along with lessons in skin care and cleaning. There’s also space for a party with cake and gifts. Call 2773883, or visit privai.com.

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Marble tiles mark spots on the Urban Trail, ideal for a downtown scavenger hunt.

A photo scavenger hunt This creative party activity suited for older children will take some time to plan, but it’s guaranteed to make a lasting memory for all involved.

Pick an area, like downtown Asheville, and compile a list of items or places the kids have to find. For example, a pair of chopsticks at an Asian restaurant, a certain plaque along the Urban Trail, the

American flag hanging in front of one of the government buildings, and a water fountain in a specific park or green space.

Send the party guests out in small groups to search for the items on the list, armed with digital cameras to document each find. The first group back with pictures of each item on the list wins the grand prize. Adding to the fun of this idea is that there will be many photos of the party to share.

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Tips for throwing a great — and manageable — 1st birthday party Continued from Page 3

When, and how long?

Although it is special to have the party on the child’s birthday, Owen said that having the party on a Saturday is easier for everybody involved. “That way you’ve got the whole day to get ready, and you have a whole day after that to rest.” Weekend parties also work better for other adults or out-of-town guests.

The party should be short. One to two hours of hubbub is about the most a 1-year-old can handle before becoming overwhelmed and cranky.

It is also a must to schedule the party around naptimes. Holding the party in the late morning allows for a morning nap, and having it in the late afternoon gives time for an afternoon SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Olivia Adams celebrates her 1st birthday. Her parents, Ken and Nicole, planned an elaborate nap. A well-rested child is better able celebration that they eneded up having little time to enjoy. to cope with all the attention.

What to do?

Mainly, Owen said, the 1-year-old

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birthday party is simply about being together and enjoying the day. But she does have some suggestions for things

to do at the party.

Though 1-year-olds are too little to participate in many activities, there

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are a few good things to keep them occupied. For one of Lydia’s birthdays, Owen filled a kiddie pool with plastic balls from Wal-Mart, making a mini ball pit for the children to play in.

Another thing she suggests is bubbles.

“Really for a 1-year-old all you need are bubbles and balloons and they are loving it,” said Ruland.

Cake & food Although the baby is the center of the party, Owen says the cake comes in second.

“It’s sort of a centerpiece that will show up in all the pictures,” she said.

If the party has a theme, it can be shown in the cake. Owen made a princess castle cake for Lydia’s 1st birthday to go along with a princess theme.

But parents agree that at the end of the day, the cake is mainly all about the icing. Owen even made a separate small cake for Lydia to dig into.

Some parents do not want to feed their children cake for health reasons.

A few fun alternatives are Jell-O, pudding, muffins or sugar-free cupcakes.

You do not need to provide a meal at the party, but if you do decide to offer refreshments to the adults, serve something low maintenance. As always, check if any of the children have allergies before giving them food.

Save (but also savor) the moment Be sure to capture the day with some good pictures and video footage.

Although your child will not remember this day, it will be a special event he or she will enjoy seeing pictures and video of later.

Enlist a trusted volunteer to be the designated picture or video taker — you are already doing too many things to be running around trying to get the perfect shot.

Another unusual way to treasure the birthday is to make a time capsule that the child can open when he is older. Instead of asking for gifts, ask guests to bring something to put in the capsule.

You can include mementos from the baby’s first year; newspapers,

GIFT IDEAS FOR 1-YEAR-OLDS ◆ Toys that make noise and light up ◆ Textured or board books with colorful pictures ◆ Push-along baby walkers ◆ New bath toys ◆ Clothes ◆ A big, lasting present like a swing, playhouse or a rocking horse magazines and CDs that are popular at the time; family heirlooms; or things you think they will enjoy at the age they’ll open the capsule (for example, if they are going to be 10 when they open it, put in a book or game that a 10-year-old might enjoy) Although it is good to save memories for later, it is crucial to relish the day itself. One thing parents recommend is to carve out some time at the end of the day for just mom, dad, and baby to be together and reflect.

“You just want to spend time with your child, at the end of it all,” said Owen. “You want to keep reminding them how special they are. You may not have pictures of that moment, but you have that in your heart.”

Parties for multiples are challenging Continued from Page 7

“A present from each child is what we do,” Case said. “They don’t have to be expensive — we limit gifts to $10 or less.”

Only 1 multiple is invited to a friend’s party “On some occasions only one was invited, which did upset the other a little,” Frue said. “So we usually plan some special activity for the uninvited twin to do for that day.”

“I have told parents they don’t have to invite both children, just the one their child is friends with,” Case said.

“We can do something together while the other is away at the party. I think it is a good lesson to learn at an early age that life is not fair, and we are different and special in our own way.”

“A challenge for [parents of single children] is whether to feel obligated to invite both [or all] multiples even if the birthday child is only friends with one,” Sweetland said. “I haven’t gotten to this stage yet, but I don’t think it’s necessary to always include all the

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Susan Andrew made these two cakes for her daughters, Isabel and Olivia, when they turned 3. multiples.”

Andrew said that because her 7year-old girls are in separate classes in school they have gotten invitations addressed to only one or the other.

“That’s dicey — birthday parties are big fun for these two, and the one who isn’t invited would be pretty upset,” she said. “So far, I’ve been able to communicate with the other parent, who always says, ‘Oh, I didn’t know, please bring her twin sister,’ but it can’t be this way forever. I don’t see a good way to handle this, short of taking the uninvited one out for some other desired treat or outing.”

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kids voices

My best birthday party Some of a child’s best memories come from birthday parties — especially their own. We asked an assortment of kids in Asheville to tell us about the party that’s been most memorable to them so far. Here’s what they told staff writer Barbara Blake.

“I had so much fun at one party when my friends came and got me this cool book with picture that changed. We played in the sandbox and had so much fun.

We had heartshaped plates with princesses on them. I love princesses. And all the moms had fun too, just talking to each other.”

Jemiah Williams, age 6 “My best party was a surprise party, and I got a skateboard with patches. I had a Spider-man cake, and we played all different games, and I got gifts from all my friends. My favorite gift was my skateboard patches.”

Jonathan Weston Franklin, age 5

“My best party was at Chuck E. Cheese’s. We got to ride in cars that went up and down.

I had a lot of friends there. And we had chocolate cake, my favorite.

Chocolate cakes are yummy. And it had a princess on it.”

Jasmine Brown, age 6 “My best birthday was a flightthemed one, with airplanes. We had a cake with a runway down the middle, and a plane crashed into the side of it.

We made the hallway into a runway and someone stood in the middle with flashlights and would direct us [the planes] in circles around the house. And we had an airplane poster that a real pilot had given me.”

Thomson Meeks, age 9

“My mom’s friend came over and we made tiedyed stuff. The cake was tie-dyed, with lollipops on it, and everything else was tie-dyed. My whole class came.

We said to bring white clothes, and everybody tie-dyed something different. And then they took their tie-dyed stuff home.”

Rylee Somervill, age 8

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“When I turned 5 I had a Dora [the Explorer] cake, and a Dora train, and Dora plates and stuff. At my cousin’s party when he turned 1 year old, we went to Chuck E. Cheese’s, and we got to play lots of things. He had a train on his cake.”

Hailey Ellis, age 5 “My favorite was a detective party.

We had to solve a mystery to find the birthday presents.

We had to find fingerprints and follow clues, like a car key, which would lead us to the car where all the presents were hidden in the trunk. For favors, each guest got a little note pad, a golf pencil and a magnifying glass, and their names were put on detective badges, in code. It was the most elaborate party I’ve ever had.”

Kate Lindrum, age 10

“My favorite party was when I turned 5. My Nana got me a big Transformer, and my party was at Fun Depot. The most fun thing at Fun Depot was playing all the games. I still have the Transformer toy that was on my cake.”

Collin Shepard, age 5

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The B rthday Guide Where to party, what to eat, how to entertain the kids and more

PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Ava Pulliam, 3, Charlie Purcell, 4, and Parker Pulliam, 4, play around on the bars at The Little Gym during a birthday party for their friend Chip Hoornstra.

Party places Acceleration Sports Institute, 14 Legend Drive, Arden, 687-7999, accelerationsport.com. Party where the pros train.

ASI offers birthday parties with basketball court, dodge ball, batting cages, inflatable castle jumper, inflatable sports jumper or inflatable obstacle course.

AMF Star Lanes Bowling, 491 Kenilworth Road, Asheville, 254-6161, amf.com. A two-hour bowling party, offered on weekends, includes one hour of bowling, rental shoes for each guest, invitations and thank you cards, paper products and unfilled goody bags. Each guest receives drink and pizza or kids meal.

Parents can bring a birthday cake. The birthday child receives an AMF Birthday Bowling Pin that can be autographed by the guests.

Anna’s Playhouse, Mills River. Host a party at a playhouse with running water, electricity hardwood floors, sun porch and more. Contact Lizbeth Hartzog at 674-6653 or visit annasplayhouse.biz.

Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com. The arts center has a variety of options for birthday parties, with character parties from princesses to pirates to themed parties

such as “From Wizard to Wicked” where children can act, sing and dance down the yellow brick road while learning their favorite scenes from the “Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked.” Parties can be all-inclusive, affordable to opulent, with visits from your favorite princess or character, party favors, mailed invitations and a birthday cake.

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Party places Continued from Page 17

Asheville Tourists, McCormick Field, 2580428, theashevilletourists.com. Celebrate your child’s birthday with Ted E. Tourist. Two party packages available, with a 10-person minimum. Packages include hot dog or pizza (varies by package), soft drinks and cake; one reserved box seat to the game; public address and scoreboard recognition during the game; a visit from Ted E. Tourist; and a marker and baseball for autographs in the dugout before the game. Parties begin one hour before a game.

Asheville West KOA campground, 309 Wiggins Road, Candler, 665-7015. New pavilion and pool rented out for parties.

Cake and food available for additional cost.

Asheville YMCA, 30 Woodfin St., Asheville.

Contact Rachel Kaminer at 210-9622, ext.

265, ymcawnc.org. The Y offers two types of parties. Pool parties are available 1-3:30 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. Saturdays and include an hour of pool time followed by 90 minutes

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in the party room for up to 20 children (more children for additional cost). Also available are Wii Fitness and Dance Dance Revolution parties after 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. That includes an hour of gaming time and use of the youth room for 90 minutes for up to 12 participants. Recommended for around age 6 or older.

guests through choosing and stuffing a new friend. Printable invitations and thank-you cards are provided online. Gifts for the birthday child and goody bags for the guests are included. Food and drinks are not allowed in the workshop. Parties are scheduled for groups of six or more. Parents can set the price beginning at $10 per guest.

Cheshire Fitness and Racquet Club, 25 Bounceville USA, 614 Market St., HenJane Jacobs Road, Black Mountain, 664dersonville, 696-4949, bouncevilleusa.com, 0400, villageofcheshire.com. Host a pool bouncevilleusa@aol.com. Bounceville offers party at Cheshire Fitness Club. Guests will three party packages, from an open play have access to the indoor, heated pool, food party to private parties. Private party packag- service area, and locker room, as well as es include an hour in the party room, an staff facility supervision. Parties available to hour of bounce time, a free jump pass for both members and nonmembers, and after the birthday child and access to a party normal hours of operation for additional coordinator to help with set up, cost. cleanup and party tasks, invitations and paper goods. Open Chick-fil-A, 1832 Hendersonville play parties offer an hour in the Road, Asheville, 277-9913. Eat party room and cleanup. Pizza, and enjoy time in the play area. drinks, personalized treats, and Bring in your own cake but no outside entertainment available ice cream or other foods. for additional cost.

Chimney Rock Park, U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Ashe64/74A, Chimney Rock, 625ville Mall, 298-1852, builda9611, chimneyrockpark.com, bear.com. A party leader guides education@chimneyrock-

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park.com. Birthday parties are available for all ages. Options include scavenger hunts, reptile demonstrations and a 32-foot climbing tower. Parties include admission for up to 12 guests and two adults (additional guests extra), cupcakes and drinks, paper goods, and free passes.

Chuck E. Cheese’s, 104 River Hills Road, Asheville, 2967330 299-3750, chuckecheese.com. Birthday party package includes two slices of single-topping pizza, a soft drink with free refills and 20 tokens for each guest. The birthday cake and a visit from Chuck E. Cheese are provided. A decorated table is reserved 90 minutes. The birthday child receives a crown, cup and cotton candy. Free invitations are also available to print online. Online bookings are available.

Claying Around, 1378 Hendersonville Road, Suite D, Asheville, 277-0042, clayingaround.com. Four party packages available, starting with the basic 90-minute party for 10 or more painters with cost per child plus cost of pottery. At a silver clay party for children 10 and older, guests make a silver charm that is taken home the same day. “Fancy Nancy” parties also available. Parties include a special plate for all guests to sign.

PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Jamie Bingham jumps down a bouncy slide during his 7th birthday party at Bouncville USA in Hendersonville.

ClimbMax, 43 Wall St., Asheville, 2529996, climbmaxnc.com. ClimbMax offers climbing parties for groups of six or more.

Party room is available, and pizza is available from a local pizza company at a discount.

an additional fee). Each package includes a Boxcar Bucks card for the children to participate in the activities at our facility. Parties can be booked in a real caboose for an additional charge.

East Asheville Recreation Center, 906 Tunnel Road, 251-4041, eastrecctr@ ashevillenc.gov. Let Asheville Parks & Recreation host a two-hour birthday party with a variety of packages available. Venue and cleanup provided for Saturday parties at 10 a.m. or 1 or 4 p.m. Must be booked two weeks in advance.

Fun Factory in the Smokies, 1024 Georgia Road, Franklin, 349-8888, thefactory.bz.

Birthday fun includes mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, bowling and more. Packages start at eight guests. Parties are 90 minutes and include cake and drinks, paper goods, return coupons for guests, set up, a T-shirt for the birthday child, bonus cash for guests.

Fired Up! Creative Lounge, 26 Wall St., Asheville, 253-8181, fireduplounge.com.

Two-hour reserved parties are available for groups of six or more. Per person fee plus the cost of pottery each guest chooses to paint. Guests are welcome to bring food, drinks, balloons, presents, etc.

Fun Things Etc., 196 N. Main St., Waynesville. 456-7672, funthingsetc.net, funthingsetc@bellsouth.net. Party package includes use of party room for up to two hours for as many as eight children, set up, decorations, balloons, banner, food, drinks and cake.

Invite more guests, have craft time, game time and have a staff member oversee the party for additional cost.

Fun Depot, 7 Roberts Road, Asheville, 2772386, ext. 104, ashevillesfundepot.com, party@ashevillesfundepot.com. Birthday parties in a private party room with a party host or hostess to accommodate your every need. Fun Depot offers four package options, all of which include pizza, soft drinks and paper products (ice cream cups and party platters with chicken fingers, hot wings, finger sandwiches and vegetable or fruit for

Ghost Town in the Sky, Maggie Valley, 9261140, ext. 336, ghosttowninthesky.com. The theme park offers two party packages: the Buckaroo Birthday and Wild West Birthday.

Both parties include admission, free parking,

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Party places Continued from Page 19

cake and drinks, paper products, private party room and cowboy/cowgirl hat for the birthday child. The Wild West party includes pizza, party favors, 30 additional party room minutes and exclusive view of the gunfight.

Growing Young Café, 611 Tunnel Road, 299-4420, growingyoungcafe.com. Birthday party packages are scheduled on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons. The café can do it all or just rent the playroom. Party themes include mad scientists, fairies or art adventure. Parties can also be customized to fit your child’s interests.

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Hands On! A Child’s Gallery is a children’s museum on Main Street in Hendersonville that offers birthday parties. Here, Colton Browder plays outside the museum’s costume theater.

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Hahn’s Gymnastics, 18 Legend Drive, Arden, 684-8832, hahnsgymnastics.com. Children have fun while they play games, use the parachute, run the obstacle course and receive gymnastics instruction. Each party is planned according to participants’ ages and special requests. Staff to participant ratio is one instructor to every 10 children. Parties include one hour of gymnastics instruction and a half-hour in the party room.

Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 697-8333, handsonwnc.org. Parties for up to 12 children (additional cost for up to 15 guests total) include party room for two hours, set up, invitations and a T-shirt for birthday child. Bring your own food, paper goods and provide one adult for every five children.

High Flight Gym, 50 Coxe Ave., Asheville, 252-8746, highflightgym.com. Instructors lead guests through games, activities, contests and free time throughout the gym, including trampolines, foam pit and the parachute. Party room provided for serving refreshments. Parties are 90 minutes and are available at noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m.

Saturdays, and 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sundays (no Sundays in June-August), or have a fun night party, with three hours of gym time starting at 7 p.m. Fridays or Saturdays (no Saturdays in June-August). Appropriate for all ages.

Maximum of 25 children. Decorations and refreshments not provided.

Holiday Inn Airport, 550 Airport Road, Fletcher, 684-1213. Offers pool parties for up to 15 children at indoor or outdoor pool, weather permitting. Parties available on

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Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays.

Guests must bring their own towels. Food and beverages may be brought in.

Hollywild Animal Park, 2325 Hampton Road, Welford, S.C., 864-472-2038, hollywild.com. Cool Cat party in the outdoor screened pavilion includes cake and ice cream, paper products, drinks, popcorn, bags of animal food for guests, free pass to return to the zoo and one hour in the party room. A host will serve the party. The birthday child receives a bottle to feed a baby animal, a safari hat and T-shirt. Pony rides additional. All guests have full-day access to the park.

KidSenses, 172 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, 286-2120, info@kidsenses.com. Package includes party room for one hour, unlimited play time in museum for 20 child guests and their parents, invitations, balloon bouquet, T-shirt for the birthday child. Please schedule at least three weeks in advance.

Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream, 26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, 252-2639; 116 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-6119.

Up to 10 children can celebrate a birthday by creating a chocolaty treat. Kids pick two

snacks among Oreos, marshmallow puffs and Rice Krispie treats, dip them in chocolate and decorate. Ice cream also available.

Balloons provided.

Marble Slab Creamery, 14 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 225-5579, marbleslab.com. Party room for rent. Ice cream and cakes available.

Marble Slab Creamery, 1840 Hendersonville Road, #103, Asheville, 277-0575, marbleslab.com. Space available for parties on patio or small gatherings inside.

McDonald’s, 850 Brevard Road, Asheville, 665-4860. McDonald’s near Biltmore Square Mall offers two party options. A party for up to 10 children includes cake and ice cream and set up (meals are separate).

Michaels, 111-A River Hills Road, Asheville, 299-0183; 5 McKenna Road, Arden, 6841961; Michaels.com. Have a crafty birthday party. Packages include invitations, project ideas, apron for birthday child, crafting assistance for each guest, set up and cleanup. Bring your own food, decorations and party goods. Minimum of five children, maximum of 10.

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER

Kamron Taylor had a party for his 9th birthday at Fun Depot.

Moe’s Southwest Grill, 1 Hendersonville Road, 225-6637, moes.com. Set up a party inside or out on the patio.

Montford Recreation Center, Kim Kennedy, 34 Pearson Drive, Asheville, 253-3714, montfordr@ashevillenc.gov. Host a climbing adventure on the indoor climbing wall for

your next party. Rental includes use of the wall, climbing equipment and an extra room for cake and presents.

offers two-hour pool parties year round, which includes an area set aside for the party adjacent to the indoor-outdoor pool.

Mountain Brew Café, 3480 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden, 687-9009. Have your next birthday in the upstairs dinning room or catered anywhere from picnics to seated meals. No event too small or large.

Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622, ymcawnc.org. The Y in Biltmore Park offers parties using the pool, the gym, the climbing wall or an inflatable obstacle course. Each rental also includes an hour in the party area.

Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, 238 Clingman Ave., Asheville, 285-0210, highwaterclays.com. Guests get two balls of clay to create a piece of pottery; pieces are fired after event. Parties for up to 10 people (additional guests extra) include an hour of exclusive use of the studio for clay time and an hour for celebrating. For all ages. Bring your own refreshments. Parties offered 1:303:30 p.m. Saturday and Sundays.

Outdoor Family Fun Center, 485 Brookside Camp Road, Hendersonville, 698-1234, outdoorfamilyfun@bellsouth.net, outdoorfamilyfuncenter.com. Birthday party packages for all ages with miniature golf, batting cages, driving range and more.

Ramada Biltmore West, 275 Smoky Park Highway, 667-4501, ramada.com. Ramada

Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation, 23 Turtle Creek Drive, Asheville, 274-2188, nwoodruff@southeasternfitness.com, southeasternfitness.com. Parties include exclusive use of the 88-degree indoor pool.

Smoky Mountain Dance Center, 1082 N. Main St., Waynesville, 400-8504, smokymountaindance.org. Invite your friends and family for fun, music and laughter. The dance center provides costumes and a dance class of your choice.

Southside Arts Studio, 2398 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 684-1611. Make your own pottery using hand-building techniques.

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Party places

and a T-shirt for the birthday child.

For up to 21 children.

360 Party Bus, 236-2841, 360partybus.com. Host a party on wheels and take birthday guests to a favorite STJ’s Inflatables, 710 Tracy Grove Road, Flat fun spot. Bus includes TVs, DVD player, Rock, 696-0674, info@stjs.net, stjspartiesatellite radio, party lights. For up to 20 sandevents.com. STJ’s Inflation Station offers people. party room for private or semi-private parties.

Indoor play area includes slide, obstacle Tropical Gardens Mini Golf, 956 Patton course, bounce house and more.

Ave., Asheville, 252-2207. Party package includes an hour in a decorated gazebo, soft Tarheel Lanes, 3275 Asheville Highway, drink, snow cone and future free pass for Hendersonville, 692-5039 or 253-2695, each child, one round of 18 holes of mini tarheellanes.com, info@tarheellanes.com. golf and paper goods.

Offers parties for 10 or more people. Bring your own cake and ice cream.

Young Chefs Academy, 336 Rockwood Road, 651-2433, ashevilleyca@bellTarwheels Skateway, 2134 U.S. 70, Swansouth.net, youngchefsacademy.com. Two nanoa, 298-6606, tarwheelsskateway.com. party packages offered where kids learn to Roller-skating rink offers birthday parties cook and make their own food. Parties are during any regular session and private par90 minutes long and include personalized ties when the rink is closed. Price includes invitations, food, drinks, balloons, paper invitations, admission and skates, paper goods, paper chef hats, and a T-shirt and goods, balloons, drink and ice cream for apron for the birthday child. Several food guests, free pass for birthday child. themes available.

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Tender Mercy Retreat, 383 Heath Retreat Road, Waynesville, 648-3524, tendermercyretreat.com. A seven-acre farm with a oneacre pond offers a setting for parties. Fish, tour the barn or hen house, learn about llamas, donkeys and horses, or walk on trails over 30 acres. Use a fire pit for a bonfire.

Bring your own tables or use the one on site.

Ample parking and use of restrooms.

The Health Adventure, Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, 254-6373, ext. 316, thehealthadventure.org. Offers age-appropriate programs. For ages 2-5, use the Creative PlaySpace for 45 minutes, with 45 minutes in the party room. For ages 6-10, choose from four party options. All birthday parties include admission for up to 20 children, a decorated party room and a gift bag for the birthday child. Minimum of one adult for every three children required.

The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-2224, thehopicecreamcafe.com. Shop featuring all-natural, homemade ice creams offers sundae bar, face painting and a balloon artist.

The Little Gym, 1000 Brevard Road, Suite 168, Asheville, 667-9588, tlgasheville nc.com. tlgashevillenc@thelittlegym.com. Two qualified instructors lead 90-minute parties that include gymnastics, music, games and more. Parties include invitations, set up and cleanup, all paper goods, drinks, balloons

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Waggers Dog Depot, 1020 Merrimon Ave., No. 102, Asheville, 271-4741, waggersdogdepot.com. Throw a birthday party for your dog. This boutique has grooming, self-serve wash, photography and a treat bakery.

Waynesville Recreation Center, Vance Street, 456-2030, townofwaynesville.org.

The rec center offers traditional two-hour pool parties or an overnight “lock-in” pool package for larger groups.

WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, 298-5600, ext. 305, wildwnc.org. Parties offered in the newly redecorated birthday room on Saturdays and Sundays (10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m.) throughout the year. Included are 25 guest passes to the Nature Center for that day only, a free small gift for the birthday child, use of the birthday room and kitchen facilities, along with a private bathroom.

Yoga for Kids, Kathleen Eskew, 277-6819.

Theme birthday parties for girls and boys ages 4 through teens. Have fun, learn and feel great through music, dance, storytelling, creative arts and earth care. Certified teacher for Yogakids International.

YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave., 254-7206, ext. 209, ywcaofasheville.org. The YWCA offers two-hour packages that include an hour in the pool and an hour in the party room.

Party food Asheville Cake Co., 348-0720, ashevillecakecompany.com. Offers dozens of flavors for custom cakes or cupcakes, including several family recipes.

Vegan options available.

The Bake Shoppe, 146B Weaverville Highway, Asheville, 645-2038, bakeshoppeasheville.com. Offers a large selection of custom birthday cakes.

Bi-Lo, 801 Fairview Road, Asheville, 2991400; 205 N.C. 9, Black Mountain, 6692306; 511 Smoky Park Highway, Candler, 670-1961; bi-lo.com. Personalized birthday cakes in a variety of themes or cupcakes, cookies and other treats are made to order.

Blue Ridge Bakery, 400 S. Broad St., Brevard, 883-8444. Children’s cakes are the bakery’s specialty. They are made with real butter, organic vanilla and fresh, local eggs.

Everything is made from scratch.

Cakes by Jane, 9 Old Burnsville Hill Road, Suite 4, Asheville, 285-9292, cakesbyjane.com. Southern cream cheese pound cakes

in a variety of flavors.

Calico Corner Gifts & Goodies, 2985609, calicocornergiftsandgoodies.com.

Offers a line of baked goods and personalized cakes all made to order, with nothing kept frozen or made ahead of time. Daytime delivery available for a small charge.

Carolina Mountain Bakery, 1950 Hendersonville Road, No. 11, Asheville, 6815066, carolinamountainbakery.com. Baking cakes since 1997, any color or theme can be incorporated into your cake design.

CinTom’s Frozen Custard, 3080 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, 274-5853. Homemade custard available in several flavors.

City Bakery, 88 Charlotte St., Asheville, 254-4289; 60 Biltmore Ave., 252-4426; citybakery.net. Cakes made from scratch in a selection of sizes with a variety of cake flavors, fillings and frostings. Traditional layer cakes to poundcakes to cheesecakes.

Cold Stone Creamery, 129 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville, 296-0004; 30 Town Square Blvd., Asheville; coldstonecreamery.com. A variety of ice cream cakes with children’s themes.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Short Street Cakes in West Asheville offers a variety of birthday cake options.

Dairy Queen, 2304 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 687-1883; Asheville Mall, Asheville, 298-1068; 26 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 2536835. Ice cream cakes that serve eight to 24 people.

Great American Cookie Co., Asheville Mall, 3 Tunnel Road, 298-2849, greatameri-

cancookies.com. Specializes in customized cookie cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

Harris Teeter, 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-5304, harristeeter.com.

Custom cakes in several sizes and themes.

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Party food Continued from Page 23

Ingles, several WNC locations, ingles-markets.com. Cakes in a variety of themes and 12-inch cookies made to order in store and online.

Kamm’s, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Asheville, 253-7464, kammscustard.com. Specializes in frozen custard pies, cookie sandwiches, bulk packaging for scooping, custom-made flavor treats with your choice of more than 35 flavors and mix-ins, Italian ices, and sugar-free and low-carb flavors.

The store also has a transportable rolling cart with umbrella that can keep custard frozen for up to nine hours without electricity.

Paris Bakery, 1020 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 252-2315. Customized birthday cakes in a variety of sizes.

Sam’s Club, 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, 251-5243; 300 Highlands Square Drive, Hendersonville, 698-6889; samsclub.com.

Cakes in a variety of sizes made to order.

Ultimate Ice Cream, 1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-1234. More than 100 flavors of ice cream — about 30 featured at any one time — available in pints and quarts. Ice cream pies also available.

Short Street Cakes, 225 Haywood Road, Asheville, 505-4822, shortstreetcakes.com.

A family owned cakery specializing in naturally handcrafted down-home Southern desserts. Specialty gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan options available.

The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-2224, thehopicecreamcafe.com. Shop featuring all-natural, homemade ice creams.

The Sisters McMullen, 55 Weaverville Highway, No. 9, Asheville, 252-9330; 1 N. Pack Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream, Square, Asheville, 252-9454. Pastries and 26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, 252-2639; cakes in several sizes and flavors, including 116 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-6119. gluten-free and vegan choices.

Treats perfect for birthday parties, including ice cream; chocolate-dipped cookies, marsh- Sugar Momma’s Cookies, 22 S.W. Pack mallow puffs, and Rice Krispie Treats; fudge; Square (the Jackson Building), Suite LL100, caramel corn; caramel apples.

251-7277, sugarmommascookies.com. Hot homemade cookies for pickup or delivery in

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True Confections, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 147, 350-9480, carole@trueconfections.net. From scratch, all-natural cakes using no artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives, and less sugar that conventional bakeries.

Wal-Mart Supercenter, multiple locations around WNC. Birthday cakes made to order.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Calico Corner Gifts & Goodies offers madefrom-scratch cakes.

a number of varieties, including a vegan option.

West End Bakery & Café, 757 Haywood Road, West Asheville, 252-9378, onhaywood.com/westendbakery. Many sizes and flavors of cakes, including wheat-free, glutenfree and vegan choices with several types of frosting to choose from.

World’s Best Carrot Cake, 175 Weaverville Highway, Asheville, 658-2738, worldsbeTCBY, 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, stcarrotcake.com. Five kinds of all-natural 274-1100; 671 Spartanburg Highway, Hencarrot cake made by hand in small batches. dersonville, 693-0925; 2344 U.S. 70, Swan- Organic, vegan and gluten-free options. nanoa, 686-7900; tcby.com. Low-fat yogurt Cupcakes available. cakes and pies.

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Party planning

Party supplies The Baggie Goose, 3 Swan St., Asheville, 274-3333, baggiegoose@aol.com, baggiegoose.com. Invitations for every occasion.

Par-T-Perfect, Asheville, 687-2494, partytime@par-t-perfect.com, par-t-perfect.com. A complete children’s party service that offers a wide variety of inflatables, face painters, balloon twisters, games, crafts, bear stuffing parties and more. Fully insured and state inspected.

Carolina Party & Paper, 1000 Brevard Road, Suite 167, Asheville, 681-0026, carolinapartyandpaper.com. Carries a large selection of handmade paper, stationary, party supplies, gift wrap and unique gifts.

Store specializes in printable invitations to match any theme.

The Party Pixie, Wendy Land, 606-4827, thepartypixie.com. A children’s party planning business for the all-inclusive birthday party. Services include mailed custom invitations, costumes, games, crafts, snacks, decorations, music and more. Themes include (but are not limited to) pirate, cowboy, superhero, knights, princess, day spa, rock star/diva and pink poodle.

Celebrations, 495 Watson Road, Arden, 687-7774; 265 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-5868. Party supplies in dozens of themes and a rainbow of colors.

If It’s Paper, 28 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, 253-3910.

Party supplies and party goods for many themes and patterns are stocked. Both mylar and helium balloons can be purchased.

Candles, favors, banners, piñatas, confetti, gift wrap and treat bags also are

available.

K&C’s Party Supplies, 582 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-7773. Themed and plain party supplies.

Party entertainment

Kmart, several area locations, kmart.com.

Themed and plain party supplies, invitations, wrapping paper and ribbon.

Asheville Face Painting, 606-0598, AshevilleFacePainting.com, info@ashevillefacepainting.com. Artist Michelle Bevans specializes in artistic, unique face painting.

Party Blvd., 21 Long Shoals Road, Asheville, partyblvd.com. Party supplies in themes and a variety of colors. Store specializes in giant balloons, balloon bouquets, party favors, banners, gifts and invitations for every occasion.

AshevilleKidsParty.com, magicbusworkshop@yahoo.com, 712-7150. Specializes in karaoke, dance, movie-making, music videomaking and giant screen movie/game parties.

Target, two area locations, target.com. Party supplies, invitations, wrapping paper and ribbon.

Wal-Mart, several area locations, walmart.com. Party supplies, invitations, wrapping paper and ribbon.

The Balloon Fairy, 423-2030, balloonfairymagic.com. Marcie creates balloon art and performs interactive magic for events. She is a “deco-twister,” creating custom balloon sculptures for events.

Bounce About Ltd., East Flat Rock, 6939959, bounceaboutltd.com, bounceabout@bellsouth.net. Inflatables rented for events, including bounce houses, obstacle course, slide and more. Tents also available.

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Party entertainment Continued from Page 25

Caricatures by Helen Nagan, 298-8546; hnart@bellsouth.net. Fun, exciting, color caricatures in less than five minutes. Get a drawing involving a favorite sport, hobby or just having fun. Nagan says there’s no need to sit still while she puts your likeness on 11” x 17” paper in black and colored markers.

lesley@funtasticfaces.net, 280-7926. Transform your birthday child and his or her guests into princess, SpiderMan, tigers and more. Specializes in elaborate face painting using only FDA-approved nontoxic, hypoallergenic facepainting makeup.

Good Times Inflatables, 775-3232, goodtimesinflatables.com. Provides inflatable games and rides, and other interactive games for parties of any size. Includes delivery and set up.

Carolina Caricatures, 298-1350, brianvasilik.blogspot.com. Brian Vasilik has drawn caricatures at Bele Chere and the Grove Park Inn. He draws at parties and other events, and can draw gift caricatures.

CrossWay Creative Ministries, 410 Old Fort Road, Fairview, 777-2711. Specializes in party theme balloon decor and programming, including black light puppetry, clowning, illusion, balloon enter- SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT taining and sculptures for all ages. Lesley Barkett of Funtastic Faces Face Painting, Lesley Barkett, funtasticfaces.net,

Funtastic Faces specializes in elaborate face painting.

Helen Holifield, storyteller, 2168849, taralight@hotmail.com.

Entertain children at birthday and holiday parties with stories. Holifield specializes in world tales and myths, and can design programs based on a child’s interest, like princesses, pirate, animals and more. Programs can involve songs and movement as well as stories, depending on the ages and interest.

HighTouch HighTech, 277-5611, sciencemadefun.net. Provides hands-on science programs for kids at your party venue. Parties include a fun-filled, fast-paced 75-minute science adventure, all science supplies and materials, participation for the birthday child 4 and older and up to 14 of his/her friends (fee for each additional child), take- SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Carolina Caricatures can draw caricatures at your home experiments for each child’s birthday party. child, science certificate of participation for each child, special Mark DeVerges, 713-6396, mark@markscience gift for the birthday child. deverges.com, markdeverges.com. From balloon twisting and large-scale balloon Joyful Spirits, Jan Parkerson, 298-1090, creations to roving magic and full magic joyfulspirits@bellsouth.net, joyfulspiritsmusshows. ic.com. Hammered dulcimer music, solo or ensemble, performed by an experienced Paint Savvy, 336-971-2890, musicians. paigetrent1@citcom.net, paintsavvy.com. A signature face painting company available Just for Fun Playgrounds, 543 Short Mcfor events of all kinds that creates decorated Dowell St., Asheville, 225-5868, jffpg.com. faces including animals, super heroes, prinInstall a custom wooden playground in time cess crowns, eye designs, monsters, flowers for a birthday party to keep the kids entertained. Do-it-yourself kits available on some and more. Uses FDA-approved paints with kid safety seal. models.

The Magic and Comedy of Bill Grimsley, 687-7774, billgrimsley.com. A professional entertainer for more than 20 years, Bill Grimsley provides magic and humor for a variety of events.

Space Walk of Asheville, 683-8500, herecomesfun.com. Inflatables, bounce houses, slides and more for rent.

STJ’s Inflatables, 710 Tracy Grove Road, Flat Rock, 6960674, info@stjs.net, stjspartiesandevents.com. Inflatables, climibing wall, mini golf, dunk tank, limbo, concession supplies and more for rent.

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Party photography Blake Madden Photography, 669-0555, maddenphoto.com, blake@maddenphoto.com. Experienced event coverage and portraiture for all occasions.

Olan Mills Studio, inside Kmart, 1001 Patton Ave., Asheville, 281-1485. A variety of packages offered for birthdays of any age.

Rebecca D’Angelo, rebeccadangelophotography.com, 357-8327 or 571-212-0298.

Photographs events of all kinds.

WNC Snap Inc., P.O. Box 1346, Burnsville, 284-3156, wncsnap.zenfolio.com, wncsnap@gmail.com. Customized photography.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Blake Madden Photography can capture memories from your child’s birthday.

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FOURTH OF JULY FACTS On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.

As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

2.5 million: In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.

307 million: The nation’s population on this July Fourth.

31: Number of places nationwide with “liberty” in their name. The most populous one as of July 1, 2007, is Liberty, Mo. (29,993).

Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.

31: Places with “eagle” in their name — after the majestic bird that serves as our national symbol. The most populous such place is Eagle Pass, Texas, with 26,285 residents.

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6: Number of states in which the revenue from broiler chickens was $1 billion or greater between December 2006 and November 2007. There is a good chance that one of these states — Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas — is the source of your barbecued chicken.

11: Places with “independence” in their name.

The most populous of these is Independence, Mo., with 110,704 residents.

5: Places adopted the name “freedom.”

Freedom, Calif., with 6,000 residents, has the largest population among these.

1: Place named “patriot” — Patriot, Ind., with a population of 190.

And what could be more fitting than spending the Fourth of July in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, population 26,472.

More than 1 in 4: The chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the

Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The Hawkeye State was home to 19.3 million hogs and pigs on March 1. This represents more than onefourth of the nation’s total. North Carolina (9.4 million) and Minnesota (7.3 million) were the runners-up.

About 4 in 10: The odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 39 percent of the nation’s dry, edible beans in 2008. Another popular Fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 61 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2008.

861 million: Amount in pounds of watermelon that Florida produced last year, leading 6.8 billion pounds: Total production of cattle the nation. Other leading producers of this and calves in Texas in 2007. Chances are popular fruit included California, Texas and good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and Georgia. burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about $193 million: The value of fireworks importone-sixth of the nation’s total production. ed from China in 2008, representing the And if the beef did not come from Texas, it bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($202 very well may have come from Nebraska (4.7 million). billion pounds) or Kansas (4.1 billion pounds).

Source: Census Bureau

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growing together

Kids push parents to keep up with technology started getting “friend requests” from people I didn’t know.

Then my friends gave me gifts. Gifts are My children have good. I could use taught me a lot: paa new mixer, tience, unconditional some office love and the merits bookshelves and a of a long, hot bubble hybrid car, in case bath. Now, they’ve you were wondering, but so far on shown me a new world. I’m not yet Facebook, I have gotten virtual candy sure if I like it. and plants. Maybe that’s for the best, Since I practiced criminal law and since I won’t gain weight or cause a have written enough scary stories to geranium’s unkeep me up at night for decades, I timely death. know the dangers that lurk online.

Still drowning Before I let my teenager join Facebook in a sea of flair — because, you know, she was the and quizzes, I very last teenager on the planet to be joined Twitter. I allowed to join Facebook — I had to tweet or maybe I sign up and check it out firsthand. I twit, I don’t know. No virtual gifts and even required that she make me her no pokes if I fail to respond to a comonline “friend,” which will probably ment, but it’s still a new way of life for come up in therapy one day. Soon, I

By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist

me.

I am torn. My daughter and her friends communicate everything in sound bites and quick thoughts of 140 characters or less.

While I am (mostly) embracing social media, I wonder if my children will ever really appreciate the joys of a long conversation over coffee, especially the kind where silences are never awkward and everyone finds time to linger over a second cup.

Will my kids ever enjoy being alone and disconnected from the world, even for a time? Will they abandon grammar and full sentences

in favor of a quick note 2 lol @ wht u r doing?

I’m trying to roll with it and be the cool mom who can adapt to the changing world. I refuse to be the mom who can’t program the DVR or keep up with my kids’ computer skills.

And the truth is, they are still kids, and not as savvy as they think. They need a parent looking on, in real life and online. Like every other season of parenting, this one requires me to step out and learn something new.

And since I’m chaperoning, excuse me while I respond to my virtual friend. She needs to know which character from “The Breakfast Club” is most like me so she can send me the right piece of flair.

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

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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 and contact information.

Send to Katie Wadington at kwadington@citizen-times.com or WNC Parent Photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802.

Demarion Dickson, 2 years old in this photo, of Asheville, has a great time at the March for Babies Walk in Asheville. His family completed the whole six miles. Submitted by mom Michelle Rumfelt.

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Conrad Traylor, age 2 1/2, of Asheville.

“Raining again, he says,” noted neighbor Melody Riles, who submitted the photo.

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Emelia Dills-Ashby, 5, of Candler, enjoys time at Hilton Head. Submitted by her parents, Ami and Kevin Dills-Ashby.

Richard Blakeslee holds his daughter, 8-month-old Mary Day Rian Blakeslee, of Asheville.

Submitted by Mary Day’s mom, Candice.

Alexander Black, age 2 1/2, of Candler, rides on his favorite toy motorcycle. His parents are Alex and Ashley Black. Submitted by his grandma, Karol Black.

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librarian’s picks

Princesses, frills and fairies fill these titles

By Jennifer Prince Children’s Book Reviews As sweet and pink as Valentine cupcakes, these two new picture books are sure to attract that subset of children who cannot get their fill of princesses, fairies and frills.

In “The Hinky Pink,” author Megan McDonald transforms an old, little known folk tale into a sparkling new story. Set in Old Italy, “The Hinky Pink” tells the story of poor, plain Anabel who is a seamstress of uncommon talent. When she is summoned to make Princess Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola a new dress for the Butterfly Ball next week, the task seems daunting but not impossible.

Inspired by bolts of cloth in silk and sateen, Isabel sets to work eagerly.

When Isabel goes to bed however, her covers are torn from her bed and someone or something pinches her.

This goes on all night and every night.

When day comes, Isabel is so tired that her sewing suffers. Her “seams [are] wrinkled as chicken skins, and her hems [zigzag] like chimney smoke.” Another maid in the palace tells Isabel that the source of her trouble is a tiny Hinky Pink with a big problem. Once the Hinky Pink’s problem is solved, Isabel’s problem will be solved, too. How Isabel accomplishes one to achieve the other is clever indeed.

Buoyed by rhythmic refrains, colorful similes, and Brian Floca’s pink and ivory watercolors, “The Hinky Pink” is a superb story to read aloud with a small group.

In “Princess Bess Gets Dressed” by Margery Cuyler, the author shows Princess Bess to be a very busy little girl. She has a dozen activities and events to attend throughout the day,

and each one requires a particular outfit. The outfits are beautiful but so laden with layers and lace that are itchy and stiff, that Princess Bess has to have two maids help her in and out of each one. At long last, after a night of dancing at the fancy ball, Princess Bess is sent to bed, where gleefully she strips down to a simple white camisole and underwear. “‘Now I’m in my favorite clothes!’ [says] Princess Bess on tippy toes.” Elated and comfortable, she falls asleep. The breezy, rhyming text suits the light, fun tone of the story.

Heather Maione’s illustrations complement the story perfectly.

Rendered in candy almond shades of pink, lavender, and green, Princess Bess is pictured in all manner of lace, ribbons, full skirts, and puffy sleeves. Young readers will be enchanted. Sharp-eyed readers will enjoy other details too like spotting Bess’s dog clowning around in each picture, sometimes matching Bess outfit for outfit.

These books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit buncombecounty.org for more information.

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Quick dinner Honey-oregano roasted chicken and carrots 2 chicken-breast halves with bone and skin (about 10 ounces each) 1 teaspoon olive oil Salt and pepper 1 bag (8 ounces) peeled and babycut carrots 1 tablespoon butter, softened 1 tablespoon honey 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush chicken with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place chicken skin-side up in an ungreased baking pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Then add carrots to pan, turn chicken skin-side down and roast for 25 minutes, so chicken roasts a total of 50 minutes. Combine butter, honey, oregano and more salt and pepper in a small dish. Turn chicken skin-side up and spoon some sauce on chicken and pour the rest over the carrots. Roast 5 more minutes.

Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 60 minutes. Serves 4.

Approximate values per serving: 540 calories, 30 g fat, 161 mg cholesterol, 48 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 242 mg sodium, 50 percent calories from fat.

Gannett News Service

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divorced families

Birthdays are a lot smoother for kids when divorced parents can collaborate peacefully

By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist It has been said that birthdays are good for you because research indicates that people who have the most live the longest. I love what we learn from research.

Divorced and divorcing people, however, may find that birthdays are “good” based on three realities: who is having the birthday (the parent or the child), the overall climate of the divorce process (as rated from collaborative to hostile) and one’s economic realities. Let’s review each.

hand, is a tempting opportunity for misguided love and warfare if both parents are not careful. Depending on the existing state of collaboration or hostility, this event could be physically shared, split up within the day, or rotated with one parent taking the “primary day” and the second parent taking an alternative day, then switching on the next year.

Regardless of the decided physical arrangement, children will have an even more pleasant experience with their birthdays if both parents strive to not “one up” each other in gifts, remind attending relatives and friends to keep unkind remarks about the ex to themselves, and if the children are reassured that it is OK to feel love for both parents without it becoming an issue of loyalty.

The birthday

The process

If the parent is the one having the birthday, this should be less complicated. Unless custody has defined a parent as a potential threat, former spouses often find that it is in their mutual interest to allow children to spend time with their parent on their special day. Children do not need to be under the pressure of gift giving, as cards, purchased or homemade, can communicate their feelings of devotion. Many parents find that time with their child is ultimately the most precious gift.

A child’s birthday, on the other

The second piece intertwines with everything divorce-related, which is that children of divorce tend to thrive in collaborative atmospheres and wither in relations between parents that are combative. This does not mean that you and the ex-spouse have to be friends, but that your interactions should be as cordial and civil as possible. This includes not only what is said, but what is not said. If a child beams with telling a story about having fun with the other parent and your response is silence or “a look,” your child will get what

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Regardless of the decided physical arrangement, children will have an even more pleasant experience with their birthdays if both parents strive to not ‘one-up’ each other in gifts, remind attending relatives and friends to keep unkind remarks about the ex to themselves, and if the children are reassured that it is OK to feel love for both parents without it becoming an issue of loyalty.

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

that means.

If communication between parents tends to dissolve frequently into fights, then try other ways to talk, like using e-mail or through a neutral third person. With the passage of time this can get easier. If it doesn’t, you may want to consider seeing a therapist to assist in developing these abilities.

The economic reality The last part has to do with being realistic about your economic reality.

The good news is that children remember experiences more than toys.

Did you experience how hard it was to get that stupid Furby when it was so popular? And where are those things now? Hopefully, they are being reconditioned and parachuted behind enemy lines to drive the terrorists crazy with all their chirping banter.

And video games/systems … how many nanoseconds does it take for those to go out of style?

Trust me that simple games and time spent playing those games with your children still holds magic.

Again, time is our greatest gift to and from our children, not things.

As for the birthday event itself, I could list dozens of low-cost to no-

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cost birthday celebrations. Go camping at Lake Powhatan, Mount Pisgah or Mount Mitchell (or your backyard) as a family and/or with friends, have an upside-down party at your place with the kids wearing pajamas and eating breakfast type food for dinner, go to the DuPont State Forest and have a birthday picnic, rent lots of cheesy movies and have an all night lock in at your house with a “trophy” for the kid who stays awake the longest, go to the WNC Nature Center or The Health Adventure, have a swim party (Lake Powhatan and Lake Lure are also inexpensive, but cold), scout out places to go fishing and have a fishing party, create your own puttputt course within your yard (plastic clubs and balls are cheap), go see the Asheville Tourists play (and let them know about your child’s birthday) or just do “nothing,” but hang out at your house and provide frozen pizzas and TV. Trust me, I could go on and on with the possibilities because we live in such a wonderful area with a multitude of resources. It is ultimately your attitude, and a reasonable collaboration from the other parent, that can make all the difference in the world when it comes to celebrating birthdays.

Trip Woodard is a licensed family and marriage therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607.

Posted by C Sawyer.

FROM THE FORUMS AND PHOTO GALLERIES Mamamegan asked in ‘Trading child care’: “I’m a single mama ISO other families to trade child care with. I can’t afford a babysitter right now and I work most weekend evening/ nights for a catering company. Slumber parties at my place would work out great! I’ve got a spare bedroom, plenty of toys, kiddy snacks and great kid DVDs. Let me know if anyone out there is interested!”

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

Oliver, posted

by Jen.

Kathryn responded: “I am also a single mom in the same boat except I work days, M-F. Sounds like a good trade if you could help cover days when school is out — that’s my biggest hassle! I’m in dire need of ‘me’ time but haven’t been able to make it work. If your interested, let me know and we’ll discuss some details!”

Meggan wrote in ‘Moving to Asheville’: “I don’t know anyone in Asheville, so I figured who better to ask about a city than other moms. I am a teacher and looking for a job around the Asheville area. My husband just has to be able to get into Asheville in 30 minutes for his job. Which schools and/or school systems are the best (city/county)? We are also looking for possible neighborhoods or suburbs to live in. … I would love an area that has trees and a park. … Low crime/ safety is a must as we are moving from a city with a horrible crime rate.

I just want a nice neighborhood to raise a family in. What areas do you think we should look in?”

Micah responded: “Currently, the job market for teachers in our area is pretty grim. …You could certainly check with private schools. … Haywood County is also a good place to live. It is more of a country setting, and has a relatively low crime rate. I have lived here all my life, so I am a bit biased.

Best of luck to you.”

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Stretch your budget with careful couponing

By Barbara Blake Staff writer Pay full price for shampoo, diapers or toothpaste? No way, says savvy shopper Jennifer Tate, a wife and stayat-home mother of two from Fairview.

“Diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cosmetics — we’re getting them for literally 10 cents and under apiece, when you double up on the coupons, plus a sale or clearance price item,” Tate said.

The secret is in the coupons and the preshopping research, she said.

Tate and her sister-in-law split the cost of 20 copies of the Sunday Citizen-Times each week, scoring a plethora of multiple money-saving coupons. Then, using Web-based forums and sites like afullcup.com, the two women research what’s on special at four or five local grocery stories and an equal number of drugstores.

“We pretty much have all the work done for us,” Tate said. The online forums are “basically a bunch of stayat-home moms who post their own findings at various supermarkets and drugstores, and there are a bunch of different forums like from Food Lion, Bi-Lo, CVS and other stores,” she said.

3-4 hours a week There is work involved for the shoppers, however: about three or four hours worth of research to match up the coupons with what’s on sale at various stores, then organizing the coupons and making a detailed list of items to be purchased. Plus time for the shopping itself.

But it’s worthwhile, Tate said.

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INSIDER TIPS FOR SAVING SHOPPING DOLLARS

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Jennifer Tate collects coupons and researches grocery store and drugstore deals to maximize her savings. With her is her 1 1/2-year-old daughter.

“It’s hard to monitor how much we’re saving,” she said. “But I’d say we probably easily buy $250 worth of groceries for about $40 or $50 a month.”

While coupons can save a significant amount of money, there are other techniques that can stretch a household’s budget.

Anne Foreman, a wife and mother of eight from Black Mountain, said shoppers make a mistake when they go into a supermarket with a predetermined list of ingredients for that night’s dinner.

What’s for dinner “The one thing I’ve always told my

kids and the wives of my sons is to not go to the grocery store with a list of the ingredients you need to make a certain dish, because they’re probably not going to be on sale,” said Foreman, who owns Moments Coffee Bar and Simply Anne’s Elegant Catering in Swannanoa.

“You should go see what’s on sale, and then decide what you’re going to make based on what you find,” she said.

And while she shops regularly at mainline grocery stores, she’s also a champion of discount markets like Grocery Outlet and Dickie’s in Swannanoa.

“They have fantastic stuff — you can get mustard and mayonnaise for

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Combine savings: Match coupons with sales on the same items at local stores, especially those offering double coupons. Plan to hit multiple stores.

New products: Watch for coupons for companies’ just-launched products — stores often have them discounted price to foster brand loyalty.

Swap coupons with friends or buy extra copies of the Sunday newspaper, and use duplicate coupons to buy large quantities of frequently used items Meat markdowns: Buy meat discounted because of looming “sell by” dates; freeze it immediately, and there’s no difference in quality.

Stack” coupons: Hold onto them until an item goes on sale, preferably when the store is doubling or tripling coupons.

If you’re not doubling or combining the coupon with a sale, you’re not getting the best deal. Be patient.

Early bird, night owl: Visit grocery stores early in the morning or late at night to find good markdown deals on meat and produce.

Know your limits: Learn stores’ coupon policies and be prepared for a follow-up trip if there are daily limits. Have coupons organized by store so you don’t hold up the line.

49 cents a jar,” she said.

“And because gourmet foods in grocery stores often have trouble selling, you can find a lot of gourmet ingredients at great prices a the discount outlets.”

Spice up your backyard grilling with Thai

By Karen Fernau Gannett News Service If you’re looking to change your summer-grilling repertoire, turn to Thailand for inspiration.

For centuries, Thai cooks have lit charcoal to coax out intoxicating flavors of a cuisine known for its balance of hot, sour, salty and sweet.

“Thai is a simple cuisine with fresh flavors, and one that loves the grill.

You walk down the street and everyone is grilling something,” says Tottie Kaya, chef and owner of Tottie’s Asian Fusion, a Scottsdale, Ariz., eatery specializing in Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cuisines.

Whether chicken wings or mango and bok choy skewers, Thai off the grill offers the perfect opportunity for devoted backyard cooks to fire up their taste buds. Grilling ethnic foods requires more thought and ingredients than the standard garlic-powderand-seasoned-salt hunk of meat, but for those drawn to Thai’s clean, potent flavors, it’s worth it. A bonus: Grilled Thai food is relatively low in fat.

“The grill allows us to experience cultures in our own backyards. And for those wanting to eat healthy, Thai is a perfect starting point,” says Candy Lesher, grilling expert with SunWest Appliance Distributing and Cooking Studio AZ in Tempe, Ariz.

Americans are more adventuresome than ever regarding ethnic dishes. According to one industry group, one in seven U.S. food dollars in the next decade will be spent on ethnic foods, an all-time high.

Kaya, a native of Laos, has witnessed firsthand the increasing interest in ethnic foods, specifically, the cuisines of Southeast Asia.

“Customers start with what they know, something safe, but we encourage them to expand and eat food from other countries,” says Kaya.

Although grilling is simpler than traditional meals, like galangal soup or the noodle dish pad Thai, she uses many of the same ingredients, such as lemongrass, Thai basil and curry paste. Most grilled meals require several hours of marinating. For quick Thai fixes, grill unadorned shrimp, chicken, fish or beef and serve with curry or peanut dipping sauces. Leftovers can be diced and served hot or cold in lettuce leaves.

Lemongrass chicken wings

Beef lemongrass sticks

2 tablespoons finely minced lemongrass 1 tablespoon sugar 4 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce 2 tablespoons paprika 4 Kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons coconut milk 1 dozen chicken wings In a bowl, mix lemongrass, sugar, garlic, fish sauce, paprika, lime and coconut milk until wellblended. Place chicken in a glass baking dish and GANNETT NEWS SERVICE drench in the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 2 hours.

Heat charcoal or gas grill on high. When hot, cook chicken wings, turning often, for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with a Thai curry or sweet chili sauce. Makes 4 servings.

Source: Chef Tottie Kaya, Tottie’s Asian Fusion in Scottsdale, Ariz.

2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons honey 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1 tablespoon paprika 2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce 2 to 3 pounds rib-eye steak, sliced into thin strips Lemongrass stalks, 4 inches long, slightly narrower than a drinking straw Sweet chili sauce for dipping In a bowl, mix sesame oil, honey, garlic, pepper, paprika, fish sauce and soy sauce until well-blended. Add steak strips to bowl, cover and marinate overnight in refrigerator, or for at least 4 hours.

Skewer strips on lemongrass stalks.

Heat gas or charcoal grill to high. When hot, grill steak on direct heat for 3 to 4 minutes for rare. Makes 4 servings.

Source: Chef Tottie Kaya, Tottie’s Asian Fusion in Scottsdale, Ariz.

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Grilled veggies enhance any meal

By Linda Masters Gannett News Service Whether you are grilling hamburgers, ribs, steak or salmon, side dishes are necessary to complete any meal.

As long as you have the grill fired up, why not grill a few vegetables to round out the menu?

Each spring just as grills are readied for another season of outdoor cooking, Vidalia onions show up in grocery stores. These onions from a 22-county area of Georgia are billed as the world’s sweetest onions, but despite their sweet flavor, each onion only has 22 calories. They generally are available April through October in most areas of the country.

Although Vidalia onions are specified for this recipe, any small- to medium-sized sweet onions will work.

E-mail Linda Masters at lmasters@baxterbulletin.com.

Grilled Vidalia onions 4 small- to medium-sized Vidalia onions 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 teaspoons butter 4 beef bouillon cubes Cut the top of each onion. Using a vegetable peeler, knife or your fingers, peel the paper skins from the onions, leaving root ends intact.

Core onions, being careful not to cut into the roots, because you need the root intact to hold the onion together. Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Place a bouillon cube in the center of each onion and top with 1 teaspoon butter.

Wrap onions with the foil and grill on a very hot grill over indirect heat or bake in a 350-degree oven about 35-40 minutes.

Note: Substitute butter-flavored cooking spray for the butter. You also can cut the measurement for the olive oil down to 1 teaspoon per onion, if desired.

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Unusual sweet corn and grilled Vidalia onions are side dishes that pair well with any grilled meat, including hamburgers.

Unusual sweet corn This recipe is an adaptation from a baked trout recipe where mayonnaise is used to keep the fish moist. Since it’s easy to overcook sweet corn and end up with dry, tough kernels, the mayonnaise also works well in this recipe.

Sweet corn, husked and cleaned Mayonnaise Greek seasoning or any all-purpose seasoning salt Smoked paprika Lightly brush each ear of corn with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with Greek seasoning or your favorite seasoning salt and smoky paprika.

Wrap in aluminum foil and grill over hot indirect heat about 45 minutes, or until kernels are soft when pricked with a fork. Open the foil and cook an additional 5-10 minutes. Remove foil and serve.You can also bake the corn in a conventional 350-degree oven.Note: For easy removal of husks and silk, divide the silk in half before pulling down the husks. The silk will come off with the husks every time.

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kids in sports

Learning the right way, not the comfortable way, isn’t often easy

By Tom Kuyper Gannett News Service I am in the middle of summer basketball camps, working with hundreds of young kids during these 10 weeks.

My job as well as my desire is to correct and/or teach proper shooting form and mechanics. Many of the kids who come to camp need lots of correction with their shooting. But, with correction comes change. This is the hard part. Breaking old habits for the new pure jump shot. It’s not easy. It feels weird.

A kid who shoots and makes five out of 10 free throws with bad mechanics can improve that percentage by using the right technique. The problem is that for a few weeks or even months that percentage usually will drop when shooting form is corrected. This is hard for the kids to work through. For many kids, the frustration of missing shots for a short time is too tough to deal with, so the old patterns are put back in to play.

Those who can hang in there and work through the new style will eventually come out much better. They need to be patient and look for small but steady progress. Here is yet another time when sports carry over into real life. We often do what feels good, or what we’ve become accustomed to doing because it is comfortable and it brings temporary results, but we form life patterns that aren’t grounded in what is right and true.

This is why so many kids do fine as young players and then later see little or no progress. They find themselves getting cut from the junior high and high school teams and join the ranks of those who hang up their sneakers.

Early success was the product of early maturity, and athleticism. They didn’t need proper mechanics to be the star.

In the high school years, proper mechanics becomes just as important as athleticism. The early gifted athlete now finds himself being challenged by

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

those he used to dominate.

These other players went through the learning curve to become better.

Their skills have now improved to a level that carries them through when their athleticism falls short.

Believe it or not, I have had parents who wouldn’t let their child go through that learning curve. They couldn’t stand to watch their child make fewer free throws than before. I had a dad tell me once that he wouldn’t let his son shoot with the proper form because he made fewer shots at practice the night before.

That is the learning curve! This kid has a rough road ahead of him with basketball unless he makes those needed changes.

That is why you send your kids to an expert in the field … to get better.

Getting better sometimes requires getting worse results for a short time.

Just hang in there and fight through the temptation of going back to the old way just because it feels better.

Doing things the right way will pay off in the long run.

Write to Tom Kuyper at tomkuyper@kidsandsports.com.

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video games

‘EA Sports Active’ helps families work out

By Jinny Gudmundsen Gannett News Service Last year’s hot fitness game was “Wii Fit”; this year it’s “EA Sports Active.”

What makes “EA Sports Active” so good is that it provides you with your own virtual personal trainer. There is nothing like positive feedback to make you do one more lunge even though your thighs are screaming.

In developing “EA Sports Active” for the Nintendo Wii, Electronic Arts worked with fitness experts, including Bob Greene, Oprah’s renowned fitness guru, who appears in the game. In addition to motivation from Greene, you’ll have your own virtual trainer talking you through your workouts.

You can choose to be motivated by a male or a female trainer.

This Nintendo Wii fitness program comes with a resistance band and a special thigh strap to hold the Wii nunchuk controller. The program has

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‘EA SPORTS ACTIVE’ Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) Best for: ages 7 and older From Electronic Arts, easportsactive.com, $60. exercises that cover cardio fitness, upper and lower body strengthening and sports practice. For the cardio fitness, there are a series of exercises that focus on running, walking, high stepping and kick-ups. There are 22 exercises that focus on upper and lower body muscles. You can also incorporate the Wii balance board from “Wii Fit” if you have one, but it isn’t necessary. For exercise by doing pretend sports, the program covers tennis, boxing, dancing, volleyball, basketball, inline skating and baseball.

What makes “EA Sports Active” so good is the ease with which you can use it. If you are looking for structure, try the 30 Day Challenge mode, where the program mixes up all of the pos-

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With “EA Sports Active” from Electronic Arts for the Nintendo Wii, two players can exercise together with both seeing their avatars on the screen.

Another plus for families is that the program can be used by two people at once, with two avatars appearing on the screen. That way a parent and a child can have fun working out together. If you want to do this, you will need to invest in an EA Sports Accessory Pack (for $20), which includes an extra resistance band and thigh strap.

Like “Wii Fit,” “EA Sports Active” tracks your progress by keeping track of your exercise. Unlike “Wii Fit,” it doesn’t track your weight; rather it focuses on calories burned, hours working out and the number of workout sessions you have completed over a period of time. It also has a journal feature, which helps you keep track of lifestyle and nutritional needs like servings of vegetables you ate, hours of sleep and the glasses of water you have consumed.

“EA Sports Active” provides a robust exercise program and delivers on its promise of providing a “personal trainer in a box.”

For families wanting to use this program with kids, it is unfortunate that you can’t make your on-screen personas look like kids. You can set skin tone, hairstyle, body type and clothing accessories; but all the avatars are adults.

If you thought “Wii Fit” was good, you will love “EA Sports Active.” If you haven’t tried either and you are serious about your exercise, choose “EA Sports Active.”

sible activities to create varied workouts that focus on specific muscle groups. By providing you with ordered workouts (rotating what you work on each day), the program makes sure you don’t overwork a specific muscle group. And this challenge is available on three levels of intensity, so it’s good for the exercise newbie or the gym-rat.

If you want to be in charge of what exercise you do, then the program offers you preset and custom workout options. With more than 60 preset workouts created by fitness experts, you select how long you work out as well as the area of focus. With the custom workout option, you can drag and drop exercises to a timeline. This option is perfect for families looking Gudmundsen is the editor of Comto create workout routines for children because you can select the sports puting With Kids magazine (ComputingWithKids.com). Contact her at games that make working out more gnstech@gannett.com. fun.

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parenting in a nutshell

Tag-You’re-It parenting keeps families together what must be taken care of first. Go over the must-do list with your spouse and divvy up who will handle what. ◆ Keep in reach. Phone, e-mail, instant message, text or otherwise You work communicate to stay in touch with days and your each other. You can also use these spouse works toys to keep the other parent in the nights. On top loop when they are not able to be with of this insane the rest of the family. Take a photo of schedule, you the soccer game and send it to your are trying to raise a family. How can you manage all children’s other parent. Or text “Just scored a goal!” while your spouse is at that needs to be done to keep your work. family together? By taking turns and ◆ Spread the love. Check in with doing what many parents do — work messages of love during the day by in tandem as tag-team parents: Get calling when the kids come home organized, plan ahead and treat each from school to ask how their day was, other with respect! tell them about yours and remind ◆ Prioritize each day, each week. them that even if you are not there, Get a big calendar and put it where you still care about their daily lives. everyone can have access to it and check it every day. Class play or recit- Oh, and do the same thing for your tag-team spouse. al coming up on Tuesday? Doctor ◆ Overlap. Try for a family meal appointment on Friday? Take care of

By Doreen Nagle Gannett News Service

Try for a family meal each day, no matter how brief a time you may have for it. each day, no matter how brief a time you may have for it. Make it the meal you might share during the “changing of the guard.” For instance, if one of you gets home early mornings and the other has to head out the door soon afterward, set the alarm a little bit earlier so you can sit down to a breakfast as a family, even if you have to leave midway through. Checking in with each other face to face at least part of the day will minimize the stress. ◆ Time together. Plan to spend your time together as a couple as well as a family. Strive for at least one night a month alone as a couple. It doesn’t need to be a fancy dinner and dancing date; a walk around the neighborhood

or sitting in the backyard dreaming new dreams works just as well. When you are together as a family, honor the necessities of family life just as you would if you had all the leisure time in the world. Family rules should always apply, in addition to family fun.

Tip from the parenting trenches Look to the future: Reminding your spouse that “this too shall pass” will help on those days it seems you might wind up tag-teaming your whole life.

Discuss an overall plan for getting on the same work schedule. Set a limit on how long you plan to live under your split schedule. Put your plan into action and grow toward your goal.

Doreen Nagle is author of “But I Don’t Feel Too Old to Be a Mommy” (HCI, $12.95). E-mail her at parentinginanutshell@joimail.com.

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

11 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville (first and third Tuesdays) 10 a.m. Wednesdays: Oakley/South Asheville 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Black Mountain, Enka-Candler, Leicester 11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, North Asheville, Pack Memorial 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Skyland/ South Buncombe 11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, West Asheville 11 a.m. Saturdays: East Asheville School-age story time (ages 5-7) 3:15 p.m. Thursdays: North Asheville Storyline Call 251-5437 for a story anytime.

Spanish Story time West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS Asheville. Free story reading in Spanish for Emily Widener, 4, left and Ashley Parsons, 6, gather around storyteller Melisa Pressley preschool through kindergarten. Parents during an evening family story telling time at the Enka-Candler Branch Library. For details need to remain in the library. on evening story times and other special events, see the Calendar of Events section, startCall 251-4990 for more information. ing on Page 48.

Henderson County Public Library For more information, visit henderson.lib.nc.us.

Bouncing Babies (ages 0-18 months) 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah

11 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher, Main Library Toddler time (ages 18 months-3 years) 10 a.m. Tuesdays: Etowah 10 a.m. Wednesdays: Fletcher 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Main Library Preschool story time (ages 3-5) 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Main Library Preschool-Second Grade story time 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Etowah, Fletcher 4 O’clock Craft Club (kindergarten-fifth grade) Main Library: 4 p.m. Thursdays in July Family story time (all ages) Main Library: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays in July Edneyville: 10 a.m. Mondays Green River: 10 a.m. Thursdays Mills River: 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Barnes & Noble Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-7335 Story time: 11 a.m. Mondays (toddlers) and 2 p.m. Saturdays (young readers).

American Girl Club: Discussion and crafts based, 4 p.m. third Saturday.

Magic Tree House Club: 4 p.m. fourth Sunday with discussion and activities.

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

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Take a dip in the pool this summer sons run Monday-Thursday for two weeks and are divided into five levels Cost to swim is $3 per person, with of swim experience. Cost is $25 per discount passes and group rates avail- session. Children ages 5 and older able. Malvern Hills and Walton Street swim 11-11:45 a.m.; ages 3-4 swim 11-11:30 pools are open 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mona.m. Swimmers at levels 1, 2 and 3 can day-Friday; Recreation Park pool is take evening lessons, from 6-6:45. open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. All Session one: Sign up begins noon pools are open 11 a.m.-7p.m. Saturday June 15. Lessons June 22-July 2. and 1-6 p.m. Sunday. For more inforSession two: Sign up begins noon mation, visit ashevillenc.gov or call July 13. Lessons July 20-30.

259-5800.

Swim for free Swimming lessons Pools will host Super Sunday SpeEach pool offers American Red cials this summer. Get free admission Cross swim lessons. Times vary by between 1-2 p.m. Specials for July inlocation. The next session is July 20-31. clude: Registration starts 11 a.m. July 13. LesJuly 5: Independence bathing suit sons are free. day (wear a red, white or blue suit) Guard Start program July 12: MANNA food day (bring a Lifeguard class is offered to youths canned food item and get in free) ages 11-14. It includes adult CPR inJuly 19: Baby day (all children struction. Class runs 9 a.m.-noon July younger than 3) 6-16. For more information, call Pam July 26: Pet day (bring a picture of Kelly at 350-2062 or 552-9226. your pet)

Asheville City pools

PHOTO BY KATE HARRISON

Recreation Park Pool is full of people enjoying a sunny afternoon.

Buncombe County pools

Hendersonville’s Patton Pool

Cost to swim is $3 per person, with Cost to swim is $4 for adults, $3 for discount passes available at all pools. youths and seniors if residents of Pool hours are noon-5:45 p.m. MonHendersonville. Passes are available; day-Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, 11 applications are at cityofhendersonvila.m.-6:45 p.m. Saturday and 1-6:45 p.m. le.org. Patton Pool is open noon-8 p.m.

Sunday. For more information, contact Monday-Saturday and 1-6 p.m. SunTeri Gentile at 684-5072 or teri.gendays. Lap swim is available 10 a.m.-1 tile@buncombecounty.org. p.m. Monday-Saturday. The pool is at Swimming lessons 1610 Asheville Highway. For more All county pools will offer two information, call 697-3081. swim lesson sessions. Session two is Swimming lessons and water aeroJuly 20-30; sign up starts July 13. Lesbics are available.

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Kids page

Connect the dots

Coloring

Maze Word search crab dolphin jellyfish lamprey lobster mollusks octopus otter penguin sea turtle seal shark shrimp sponge squid starfish stingray walrus

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whale

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puzzles for parents ACROSS 1. Passed with flying colors 5. Harry Potter’s mail carrier 8. Body of an organism 12. Cool character, ____ Suave 13. Eating poorly can give your stomach one of these 14. Make unclear 15. J Lo’s husband 16. ____away 17. She’s considered one of America’s great poets 18. Location of left, center and right 20. Stoolpigeon 21. Speak pompously 22. In a distant place 23. Lemon in Paris 26. Peas, beans and lentils, e.g.

30. He stung like a bee?

31. Trouble in Yiddish 34. Better alternative to fast food?

35. Conflict 37. Caviar 38. She charmed the Beast 39. Eagle’s nest 40. Redskins’ owner 42. Poetic “even” 43. Has its own bowl game, pl.

45. Nine-day Catholic devotion 47. Done after knotting shirt 48. Trees that produce type of food thickener 50. Type of nuclear missile 52. Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, e.g.

55. A grade of black tea 56. Highly excited 57. Cheap showy jewelry 59. Smallest parts of element having same properties as element 60. World’s longest river 61. Precedes stated rank 62. Surrealist Magritte 63. Right-angle building extension 64. Has nose in the air

DOWN 1. Length to be held off 2. Goodbye, adios, au revoir 3. Very light brown 4. Keeps away from apples?

5. Eight performing together 6. Healthful grains 7. Raunchy 8. Not completely nude 9. War god in Norse mythology 10. More important to kids than adults 11. Novelist Tan 13. Those within world’s largest ethnic group 14. Haze over 19. Latte foam 22. Man who always agrees 23. *Chocolate tree

24. Sicker 25. Queen’s headdress 26. Song in German 27. Battle royal 28. Host DeGeneres 29. Tuscan town 32. Resting places of those cremated 33. Scottish hero Rob 36. S in AIDS 38. Witch ride 40. What carrots may help you do 41. ______ someone’s services 44. Shackles or fetters, archaic 46. Gestures of victory or peace 48. A signature or seal 49. Coral reef island

50. Boundary line 51. Orthodox sacred image 52. Points downwind 53. Indian flatbread 54. Its competitors are famously overweight 55. One better than bogey 58. Short for debutante

Solutions on Page 56

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calendar of events

Things to do June 29

June 29-July 2

Gardening for Kids

Tots on Toes dance camp

Black Mountain Library hosts this lesson for children ages 5 and older. Registration requested.

Call 250-4756. The library is at 105 Dougherty St.

Camp activities include ballet and tap classes, crafts, games and snacks for ages 5-12. Runs 2-5 p.m. For ages 5-12 years. Cost is $65. Tots on Toes is a partnership with Henderson County Parks and Recreation. For information and to register contact Dory Jones at 684-9201 or dory@totsontoes.com and visit TotsOnToes.com.

Fun with Drawing, Lettering and Card Making Children ages 6 and older can get crafty at this workshop at 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Limited to 50 children. Call 250-4752 to register.

June 30 T-shirt workshop

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

June 29-30

Bring a cotton T-shirt or a bookbag to silkscreen at 1:30 p.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. Call 250-4750 or e-mail westasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

There’s more than just ribs at the Carolina Mountain Ribfest at the WNC Agricultural Center.

This year’s event is July 10-12.

‘Secret Life of the Mitochondria’

Through July

Rock. For more information, visit hayescenter.org.

Come and learn about the little known secret of how to give your mitochondria a boost, which may improve exercise performance, appetite control, reduce fat, increase muscle mass, and improve insulin sensitivity. Sponsored by Asheville Center for Health Excellence and presented by Dr. Russel Sher. At 7 p.m. at the Earth Fare community room, 66 Westgate Parkway. RSVP to 253-1727.

Visit ashevillehealthcoach.com.

‘Jack in the Park Tales’

July 1

Craft program Kids in third to sixth grades can make beaded hemp bracelets as part of Henderson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Registration required. Call 697-4725 for information, or visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/hcpl_kids.html. ◆ 11 a.m. June 29: Mills River, 4683 Boylston Highway, 890-1850. ◆ 2 p.m. June 30: Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road, 891-6577.

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Blowing Rock Stage Company presents “Jack in the Park Tales,” a duo of playlets using comedy, puppets and music. Performances are free.

Presented at 10 and 11 a.m. July 2, 4, 9, 11, 18, 23 and 25 and at noon on July 18. At the Annie Cannon Gardens (near the head of the Glen Burney Trail), off Laurel Lane in downtown Blowing

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Shakare workshop Make your own musical instrument using beading, knots and gourds. At 10 a.m. at Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Road. Presented by Lisa Whitfield. Cost is $10. For rising third-graders through high school. Call 891-6585.

calendar of events

July 6

Skyland Library knitting group

‘Steve Somers, The Amazing Teacher!’

A group for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels that meets 6-8 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488 for information.

At 1:30 p.m. at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road.

Call 250-6484 or e-mail fairview.library@ buncombecounty.org.

Starts July 1

Starts July 6

Play and Learn registration

Waynesville Parks & Rec camps

Parents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 in Buncombe County who are not in child care are invited to attend a series of six free Play and Learn sessions. Offered at 10 or 11 a.m. Tuesdays, July 14-Aug. 18, and Wednesdays, July 15-Aug. 19. Each 45-minute session will be held in the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville.

The program focuses on pre-literacy skills and educational information for parents and is sponsored by Smart Start of Buncombe County and ACS Preschool. Activities include songs, puppets, dance, games and hands-on activities. Register by e-mail (marna.holland@asheville.k12.nc.us) or phone (255-5423). New participants may register July 1. Returning participants may register July 8.

July 1 and 15 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.

July 2 American Tall Tales Family fun at 7 p.m. at East Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Balloon Fairy Gets Creative Watch the Balloon Fairy work wonders with balloons at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester. library@buncombecounty.org for details.

Moms with Multiples Group for moms with multiples meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Women’s Resource Center on Doctors Drive, behind Mission Hospitals. For information, call 444-AMOM or visit ashevillemom.com.

Preschool Play Date

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Kids enjoy the drumming circle at Camp Ruach at the Jewish Community Center on Charlotte Street in Asheville. The JCC offers toddler and preschool programs and afterschool care during the school year and a summer camp program when school’s out.

FAMILY CHOICE AWARDS CORRECTION The Family Choice Awards in the June issue of WNC Parent incorrectly listed the winners in the Best After-school Program category. The Jewish Community Center of Asheville placed first in this category. The YMCA was second, and Montessori Country Day came in third.

preview? Visit secretagent23skidoo.com. ◆ 11 a.m. at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville. library@buncombecounty.org for information. ◆ 3 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@ buncombecounty.org for information.

July 3 Parents night out Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church offers a parents night out, 6-8 p.m. the first Friday of the month.

Open to community children, ages 2-11. Pizza dinner included. MHPC also offers a program for community youths ages 10 and older that runs consecutively with the Parents Night Out program.

Donations accepted, but not required. For more information, call the Rev. Sean Maney at 2428402 or visit malvernhillspca.com.

July 3-4 Harambee Festival

◆ Adventure Camp: For children ages 11-15.

Three weeklong sessions, July 6-10, 20-24 and Aug. 3-7, at the Old Armory in Waynesville. Campers will learn about environmental responsibility, outdoor living skills, fitness activities and sports.

Cost is $100 for Rec Center members and $130 for nonmembers. For details or to register, call Michael Huffstetler at 456-9207 or e-mail oldarmory@townofwaynesville.org. ◆ British Soccer Camp: For ages 3-16. Cost and times vary by age. Runs July 27-31 at Vance Street Park. Campers will receive a T-shirt, soccer ball, soccer poster and evaluation. To sign up, visit challengersports.com, call 456-2030 or e-mail recathletics@townofwaynesville.org ◆ Environmental Camp: For kids ages 8-12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 6-10. Activities include trips to the Cradle of Forestry, Waynesville watershed, Lake Junaluska, DuPont State Forest and Waynesville Greenway. Campers will learn about greenways and assist with plant or tree identification.

Cost is $40 for Rec Center members, and $48 nonmembers. Call 456-3507 or 456-2030. ◆ Tennis Camp: For kids ages 12-17 from 11

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A celebration of culture, heritage and unity, featuring a street festival, music, arts and crafts, food and children’s activities. At Historic Seventh Avenue District and Sullivan Park, Hendersonville.

Runs 6-10 p.m. July 3 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 4.

July 4, 11 and 18 Kids Corner Market The Kids Corner Market is a new series of free kids’ activities at the Asheville City Market offered Saturdays throughout the summer to get children excited about fresh, healthy food and physical activity. Runs 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the market, 161 S. Charlotte St. For more information, visit asapconnections.org.

The Health Adventure’s Preschool Play Date series provides children ages 3-6 with a unique and safe venue to play and a chance for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to socialize and bond. It includes hands-on take-away activities led by an educator from the museum for children ages 3-6.

Free for members or with museum admission.

Runs 10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday of the month. No registration in required. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Rocketry class Beginner and intermediate rocketry classes offered 10 a.m.-noon at Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Each student will build a rocket to launch at Jackson Park immediately following the class. Cost is $15 ($12 for members) for beginners and $25 ($22) for intermediates. Call 697-8333 to register or visit handsonwnc.org.

Secret Agent 23-Skidoo Be entertained with hip-hop for kids. Want a

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July 7 and 14

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Childbirth 101

a.m.-1 p.m. July 20-22 at the Donnie Pankiw Tennis Center at Recreation Park. Registration is 10-11 a.m. July 18. Cost is $60. For information, call Waynesville Recreation Center at 456-2030 or e-mail recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

July 6-7 Puppet show Henderson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program presents a puppet show. For more information, visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/ hcpl_kids.html or call 697-4725. ◆ 10 a.m. July 6: Main Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville. ◆ 2 p.m. July 6: Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road. ◆ 2 p.m. July 7: Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, off Hendersonville Road.

July 7 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. Call 669-8012, ext. 4001, to reserve a spot.

Mountain Story Magic At 1:30 p.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. Call 250-4750 or e-mail westasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

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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, July 7 and 14, 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.

July 8 Creative Clay Sculpting Bonanza At 10 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

Holistic Parenting Forum The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living to gather. The group provides support, education and resources. All meetings take place on the second Wednesday of every month at Earth Fare in West Asheville from 6-8 p.m.

Children are welcome. For more information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com

PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Alden McCall looks at her mom, Kimberly McCall, as they try to choose a fun origami paper at The Health Adventure’s Origami Folding Frenzy. The group is open to the public and meets the second Wednesday of the month.

Katie 808-1490, or MC 693-9899.

La Leche League—Hendersonville Origami Folding Frenzy La Leche League of Hendersonville offers information and support for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Road.

Babies and toddlers are welcome. For more information, contact a leader: Andrea 676-6047,

Learn new folds, share favorites, and meet fellow origami enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Paper is available at the museum store or bring your own.

Cost is museum admission. No club dues, just the cost of museum admission. From 4-5 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at The Health Adventure, 2 S. Pack Place. Call 254-

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6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Safety workshop Learn about safety with Safe Kids WNC at the East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@ buncombecounty.org.

calendar of events

p.m. July 10, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 11 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 12. Adults are $6, children younger than 12 are free.

July 9 Creative storytelling program

July 11

Join Harry and Mary as they explore creative storytelling at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org.

Do Tell Storyfest Enjoy storytelling, fun, food and frolicking at this free event, from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. at Hendersonville Historic Courthouse to celebrate 100 years of Henderson County 4-H. Hear stories, including some for children, from 1-5 p.m. Call 388-0247 or visit dotellfestival.org for information.

The Knitty Gritty A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at 6:30 p.m. at the East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738 for information.

Family Science Day

Mission Creative

Growing Young Café offers fun, hands-on activities for parents and children, 9-11 a.m. Reservations required. Call 299-4420 or stop in at 611 Tunnel Road. For details, visit growingyoungcafe.com.

Join magician Mark Daniel at 2:30 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road.

Call 250-6488 or e-mail skyland.library@ buncombecounty.org for more information.

Fire safety program

T-shirt printing craft workshop Bring your own T-shirt to make a printing craft at 3 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@ buncombecounty.org for information. Free ticket required; tickets available beginning June 25.

July 9-12 Firefly Gathering The Firefly Gathering is for people seeking to deepen and expand their connection with the natural world. There will be more than 100 classes available focusing on self-sufficiency and wilderness skills taught by teachers from around the region and country. It offers learning for adults and children, evening entertainment and on-site camping. Full admission starts at $75. Space is

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Children get creative at the Asheville Art Museum Spring Family Art Party. The next Family Art Party is July 12. limited. For details, visit fireflygathering.org or e-mail fireflygathering@yahoo.com.

refreshments available for purchase. For more information, call 586-2155 or 800-962-1911.

July 10

July 10-12

Outdoor Movie Night

Carolina Mountain Ribfest

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce offers a free monthly showing of modern classics this summer. See “Field of Dreams” at Monteith Park in Dillsboro at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Light

World-class professional barbecue rib vendors from all over the country, live entertainment, amusement rides, arts and crafts and more. At WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Runs 4-11

East Asheville Library, at 902 Tunnel Road, presents a program on fire safety at 11 a.m. Call 250-4738 or e-amil eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

‘Making Puppets Come Alive!

Angels, Aliens and Animals’ Bring an orphan sock to Black Mountain Library and make a puppet. Free ticket required. Tickets may be picked up at the library beginning June 29. For ages 7-12. The library is at 105 Dougherty St. Call 250-4756 or e-mail blackmountain. library@buncombecounty.org.

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calendar of events

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, Falan, 683-1999, or Tamara 505-1379.

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July 12

July 13-17

‘El Hombre Ciguena (The Stork Man)’

APD’s Junior Police Academy The Asheville Police Department’s Junior Police Academy will be offered to teens ages 15-17.

Runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. The program is designed to teach teenagers more about the department’s operations. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to obtain an application, call the Crime Prevention Unit at 259-5834.

The Asheville Puppetry Alliance presents Los Titiriteros de Binéfar, an acclaimed Spanish company, performing “El Hombre Cigüeña (The Stork Man)” at 2 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre.

All seats $7. For tickets, call 257- 4530 or visit dwtheatre.com. For more information, visit ashevillepuppetry.com.

Family Art Party The Asheville Art Museum is hosting its Celebrate 60! Family Art Party from 1-4 p.m. Celebrate the museum’s anniversary with hands-on activities for all ages led by artists and live music by Hello from Tiny Town. Refreshments and supplies will be provided. Admission to the museum will be free.

For more information, visit ashevilleart.org.

Parenting program Focus is on how to parent a highly creative, intelligent and sensitive child, which includes deepening your intuition as well as consentual parenting skills. Program led by Maureen Healy, parenting expert, as well as Karen Head, equine therapist. Learning through power and wisdom of horses. Runs 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. At Equinection, 561 Piercy Road, Green Mountain. For information, visit equinection.org, e-mail Maureen@ growinghappykids.com or call 989-2514. Cost is $83. Also runs Aug. 9.

Bounceville USA day camp SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Asheville Police Department offers youths a chance to learn about its operations at the Junior Police Academy, July 13-17.

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

WCU Theater Camp

July 12-16 Malvern Hills Presbyterian VBS Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church offers Vacation Bible School in the evenings. The church is at 2 Bear Creek Road. For information, call 258-8624.

July 13 La Leche League Monday mornings La Leche League’s Monday group meets at 10

Explore the world of theater during a weeklong summer camp hosted by Western Carolina University’s College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Camp runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for children 8-13. Cost is $125 with sibling discounts. Camp is limited to 40 participants. Campers will perform a show of their own creation at 7 p.m. July 17, at the Fine and Performing Arts Center. For information or to register, visit wcu.edu/fapac or contact Paul Lormand at 227-2505 or lormand@wcu.edu

Starts July 13 YWCA swim lessons The next session of Red Cross certified swim lessons will begin July 13. Classes are offered for babies, pre-schoolers, youth, teens and adults.

The YWCA is at 185 S. French Broad Ave. Call 254-7206, ext. 110, or visit ywcaofasheville.org.

July 14 Firefly Family Night story time At 6:30 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758 or e-mail enka.library@buncombecounty.org.

Job search workshop Ellen Westbrook of Mountain Area JobLink, will discuss job searching strategies during these tough economic times 2 p.m. at the Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road. The program is free and open to the public. Call 250-6488.

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Teen Open Mike night At 5 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@ buncombecounty.org for information.

July 14-15 Mountain Music program Join Jeff Robbins for a program on mountain music, stories and dance through the Henderson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.

For more information, visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/ hcpl_kids.html or call 697-4725. ◆ 10 a.m. July 14: Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, off Hendersonville Road. ◆ 2 p.m. July 14: Main Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville. ◆ 10 a.m. July 15: Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road.

July 15 Clutter workshop Raye Ruffy, owner of At Your Service custom concierge and de-cluttering service, will present “De-Cluttering, It’s a Family Affair” at 10 a.m. at the Administrative Offices of Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreations Services, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville. Register by July 10. For information or to register call Grace Young at 250-4265 or e-mail grace.young@ buncombecounty.org.

Fleece craft workshop Get crafty at this Making Fleece Creations program at 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Call 250-4752 to register. Limit 50 children. For ages 4 and older.

July 15-16 Craft program Kids in third to sixth grades can make art cards as part of Henderson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Registration is required.

Call 697-4725 or visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/ hcpl_kids.html for more information. ◆ 2 p.m. July 15: Main Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 697-4725. ◆ 11 a.m. July 16: Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road, 891-6577. ◆ 2 p.m. July 16: Mills River Library, 4683 Boylston Highway, 890-1850.

July 16 Pottery program Get creative at Leicester Library with Jones Pot-

calendar of events

dersonville welcomes new moms to its Mommy and Me luncheon, noon-1 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Bring your new baby, visit with other new moms and enjoy a short 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.

tery. Program begins at 11 a.m. The library is at 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

Professor Peter Puppet workshop

July 20-22

Learn about making puppets. At 3 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org for information. Free ticket required; tickets available beginning July 2.

Craft program Kids in third to sixth grades can make art cards as part of Henderson County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Registration is required.

Call 697-4725 or visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/ hcpl_kids.html for more information. ◆ 11 a.m. July 20: Edneyville Library, 2 Firehouse Lane, Edneyville, 685-0110. ◆ 2 p.m. July 21: Green River Library, 50 Green River Road, Zirconia, 697-4969. ◆ 2 p.m. July 22: Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, off Hendersonville Road, 687-1218.

Roger Day performs Children’s musician Roger Day brings his songs area libraries. ◆ At 11 a.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758 or e-mail enka.library@buncombecounty.org. ◆ At 2 p.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org for more information.

July 21

PHOTO BY JULIE BALL

July 16-17 ‘Snakes Alive!’

See snakes and more! ◆ At 2 p.m. July 16 at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road. Call 250-6484 or e-mail fairview. library@buncombecounty.org. ◆ At 3 p.m. July 17 at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488 or e-mail skyland.library@buncombecounty.org for more information. Free ticket required; tickets available at the library after July 3.

July 16-18 Book sale The Friends of the Library at Pack Memorial Library will host a big book sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The three-day sale will in the hallway outside the library. Adult books will be buy one, get one and children’s books will be five for $1. All items in Bookends, the library’s used book store, will also be included in the buy one-get one sale for the entire month of July. The library is at 67 Haywood St. Call 250-4700.

July 16-26 Folkmoot USA International Festival For details on events like the Parade of Nations on July 17 and International Festival Day on July

A snake curls around Sydney Holcombe’s neck during a “Snakes Alive!” presentation at the Fletcher library. See “Snakes Alive!” this summer July 16-17 at Buncombe County libraries.

25, as well as other activities, visit folkmootusa.org.

July 17 ‘Alice in Wonderland Jr.’ Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game. This fast-paced stage adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” presented by Asheville Arts Center features children ages 6-18.

At 3 and 7 p.m. at Isaac Dixon Elementary, 125 Hill St., Asheville.

Sidewalk chalk art contest all day on Main Street, Hendersonville. Rain dates: July 25 and Aug. 1.

Hominy Mamas perform The Hominy Mamas will perform outside at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Starts at 11 a.m. Bring a chair or something to sit on. Call 250-6486 or e-mail swannanoa.library@ buncombecounty.org for information.

Swim parties The Learning Community School, at 375 Lake Eden Road in Black Mountain, hosts swim parties for kids in fifth-eighth grades. For more information, call 686-3080 or visit thelearningcommunityschool.org.

July 18

July 20

Bargain Book Sale

La Leche League Monday evenings

Fairview Friends of the Library will host its book sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It will include fiction, featuring many popular mysteries and children’s books, hardbacks and paperbacks. All books are 25 cents. The library is at 1 Taylor Road. For more information call 250-6484 or e-mail fairview.library@buncombecounty.org.

Chalk It Up!

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

Bedtime story time At 6:30 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@ buncombecounty.org for information.

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.

‘Winged Wolves and Mountains with Eyes’ Learn about collages at this workshop at 11 a.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486 to register. For ages 7 and older.

Program will last 90 minutes; bring a lunch.

July 22 Science Stories and Crafts At 10 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley. library@buncombecounty.org for details.

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

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Job search workshop Ellen Westbrook of Mountain Area JobLink, will discuss job searching strategies during these tough economic times 6 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston. The program is free and open to the public. Call 250-6486 for more information.

July 21-23

Wide, promotes healthy teeth among preschool children. Interactive puppets and songs will teach the kids about the importance of dental hygiene, and a registered dental hygienist will be available to check teeth and answer questions. This program is free for children of all ages. At 11 a.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486.

July 24-26 Bele Chere Festival in downtown Asheville with entertainment, food and more. Visit belecherefestival.com for more information.

Sam Bartlett’s ‘Stuntology’

◆ At 1:30 p.m. July 21 at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. Call 250-4750 or e-mail westasheville.library@buncombecounty.org. Free ticket required; pick up tickets at the library beginning July 7. For ages 6-60. ◆ At 2 p.m. July 22 at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Call 250-4752 to register.

Limit 50 children. For ages 6 and older. ◆ At 11 a.m. July 23 at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org for information. ◆ At 3 p.m. July 23 at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org for information. Free ticket required; tickets available beginning July 9.

July 23 ‘Open Wide’ dental healthprogram Smart Start’s Preschool Dental Program, Open

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July 24-28, 30-31 and Aug. 1-2 ‘Day Out with Thomas’ Take a 25-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy storytelling, live music, games and more at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and older. Visit gsmr.com for tickets.

July 25 Bill Grimsley Creates Magic At 11 a.m. at Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St. Free ticket required; tickets available at library starting July 13. For ages 5 and older. Call 250-4756 or e-mail blackmountain.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

Community talent show See what talent the community has to offer at 3

p.m. at the East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Lego Blast Historic Johnson Farm presents Lego Blast. Bring your own unassembled Legos and build on a Star Wars theme. Prizes will be awarded. From 10 a.m.-noon. The farm is at 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. Call 891-6585.

July 27-Aug. 1 ‘Wizard of Oz’ See a production of the “Wizard of Oz,” presented

by Henderson County Public Library. For more information, visit Henderson.lib.nc.us/ hcpl_kids.html. ◆ 2 p.m. July 27: Mills River Town Hall, 5046 Boylston Highway. ◆ 2 p.m. July 28: Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road, 891-6577. ◆ 2 p.m. July 29: Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, off Hendersonville Road, 687-1218. ◆ 2 p.m. July 30: Edneyville Library, 2 Firehouse Lane, 685-0110. ◆ 11 a.m. July 31: Green River Library, 50 Green River Road, Zirconia, 697-4969. ◆ 2 p.m. Aug. 1: Main Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 697-4725.

July 28 BirthNetwork of WNC BirthNetwork of WNC is a nonprofit, grass-roots movement based on the belief that birth can profoundly affect physical, mental and spiritual

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well-being. The group meets 7-8 p.m. the fourth Tuesday at the Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 Four Seasons Blvd, Hendersonville. This month’s topic is “Yoga and Birth” with yoga instructor Emily VanEm, who will share her experience of natural labor. For information, e-mail birthnetworkofwnc@gmail.com or visit birthnetwork.org.

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

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

Leicester Library Knitters A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at 6:30 p.m. at the Leicester Library. The library is at 1651 Alexander Road. Call 2506480.

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.

calendar of events

Aug. 3-7

July 29

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

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

July 30

Ends. Aug. 6 Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Friendly Metal Robots Bring your creativity for this program at 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org for information.

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

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

The Cradle of Forestry offers a weekly summer nature program in which kids help Woodsy Owl in his conservation mission to “lend a hand, care for the land!” The program is for children ages 4-7 with a variety of outdoor-oriented activities that will explore a forest-related theme. Meets 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays through Aug. 6, rain or shine. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Cost is $4 per child per program. Accompanying adults receive half-price admission ($2.50). Reservations requested. Call 877-3130 or visit cradleofforestry.com for information.

Ongoing Roots and Wings preschool Roots and Wings School of Arts Visual Arts Preschool is now enrolling. The new school will offer classes with no more than nine students for children ages 3-6. The school is at the Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. Children will learn through drawing, painting, collage and mixed media, photography and design. The school operates year-round. Enrollment forms are avail-

able at rootsandwingsarts.com/preschool_main.html.

e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com.

‘My Mom Is Having a Baby’

Registration is now open for Music Together, an internationally recognized early childhood music program for children age 0-5 and the adults who love them. Each class is a rich, playful, family experience full of new and traditional songs and chants. Summer session begins June 15. Free demo classes available. Contact Kari Richmond at karirichmond@charter.net or 545-0990. For more information, visit AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com

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 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 at Mission Hospital. To register, call 254-6373, ext. 316. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.com and click on the “Programs” tab.

Mommy and Me for Babies This is a free group that meets weekly in two locations to provide an opportunity for new parents to gather. On Mondays, meet at the new Woodfin YMCA. Mommy/baby yoga for pre-crawlers is 11-11:45 a.m.; forum is noon-1 p.m. On Tuesdays, meetings are at Reuter Family YMCA in the Mission Wellness Resource Center Room.

Mommy/baby yoga for pre-crawlers is at 10:30 a.m.; guest speaker/open discussion is at 11:30; walk and talk starts at 12:45 p.m. Please call 213-8098 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com to register.

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

Asheville Area Music Together

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place childbirth classes Seven-week session of classes offered 7-9 p.m.

Wednesdays in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Hospital, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville. Cost is $25 total for the series. Start at any point in the class cycle. Please call Sheri Gregg at 6812229 for information or to register.

Asheville Youth Cycling Asheville Youth Cycling practices from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursdays at Carrier Park in Asheville. The group teaches cycling and racing basics and has a fleet of loaner fixed-gear bikes for kids to ride.

For more information, contact Lesli Meadows at lesli@velosportsperformancecenter.com.

Preschool classes Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church Preschool is now accepting enrollment for preschool classes for children ages 1 to pre-kindergarten. Classes are 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. Cost is $15/day. A structured pre-kindergarten class focusing on kindergarten readiness is available.

Call Sara Calloway at 252-2768, ext. 315, or e-mail scalloway@mabaptist.org for details.

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