WNC Parent - November 2008 by Stacey

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contents This month’s features 3

Thanksgiving traditions

When I think of Thanksgiving, there is always a quick association to certain foods. For example, Thanksgiving in my family simply wouldn’t be right without Aunt Carol’s yams or Aunt Margie’s stuffing. These traditions have been in place for many years, and on Nov. 27 of this year, I’ll doubtless be enjoying them once again. I have in the past few years begun teaching my daughters how to make the yams and a traditional green bean casserole. For stories on holiday traditions and foods, see Pages 3 and 10. Homemade holiday keepsakes are among my most cherished possessions. Things my twin daughters lovingly made for me are the very best kind of gift. A felt Christmas tree ornament with a picture of their 3-year-old faces on it adorns our tree every year — and each Christmas when I unwrap these ornaments and hang them on the tree, I’m reminded that my 15-year-olds were once little. For ideas on making your own holiday keepsakes, see Page 8. With the holidays fast approaching, we hope this issue offers you some ideas for new traditions for your family and ways to save the ones you already have.

As families gather and give thanks, many have rituals they follow each year.

Giving back

Blending faiths

Many families make charitable acts a focus of their holiday celebrations. Combining religious backgrounds requires some finesse around the holidays.

Make a keepsake

Saving memories

Traditional foods

Discover five ways your family can help memories last. Scrapbooking and digital archiving helps preserve your holiday photos. Thanksgiving centers around foods, and many families expect to see certain dishes on the table year after year.

Pumpkin possibilities The fall vegetable is good for more than just pies. Pumpkin crème brulee, anyone?

Holiday events calendar From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, a listing of local familyfriendly happenings.

26 Get crafty

Nancy Sluder Editor

Children can make holiday presents with these ideas and a little creativity.

34 Friends make you healthier

Studies have found that women with a support group of friends fight stress better.

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

44 Cooking with peanuts

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer

Expand your peanut repertoire beyond sandwiches.

In every issue Kids Voices .......................................................16 Show and Tell ..............................................23-24 WNCmom.com .................................................25 Librarian’s Picks by Jennifer Prince .......................30 Story times ......................................................36 Divorced Families by Trip Woodard ........................38 John Rosemond ................................................40 Growing Together by Chris Worthy..........................41 Quick Dinners ...................................................42 Puzzles .......................................................46-47 Parenting in a Nutshell .......................................48 Calendar ....................................................50-55

Traditions and memories are a big part of holidays

On the cover Photo special to WNC Parent.

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

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

SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Polly McDaniel pmcdaniel@citizen-times.com

Gayle Smith - 232-5886 gjsmith@ashevill.gannett.com

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 CALENDAR CONTENT submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 or e-mail calendar@wncparent.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES advertising deadline for the December 2008 issue is Nov. 17 calendar items are due by Nov. 18

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We give thanks Families bond over Thanksgiving traditions By Lockie Hunter WNC Parent contributor The act of celebrating Thanksgiving often has common elements: family, food and football. But most families have unique traditions that help bond them together and keep the holiday as a living memory. “Thanksgiving has always been our holiday,” said Stacey Caskey, teacher at Claxton Elementary and mother of kindergartner, Allison. “We may rotate houses for Christmas or Easter dinner, but everyone knows that Thanksgiving is at the Caskeys’. Brian and I spend weeks searching through all of our Southern Living magazines until we get the menu just right.”

Cooking collectively “Allison loves to help cook,” Caskey said. “She gets her apron on and is ready to start cooking bright and early on Thanksgiving morning. My memories are less about the actual dinners and more about the great times that Brian, Allison and I have spent cooking together in the kitchen.” Special cooking projects are also a great way to bond and celebrate the season. Angie Cullen, an Asheville mother of two elementary-aged girls, notes that her husband’s mother throws a gingerbread house-making party. “We use Graham crackers, icing ‘glue’ and every candy under the sun to create our little snow-covered cottages. They are really getting quite elaborate over the past few years, trying to out-build and out-decorate each other.” Often the meal includes multigenerational dishes, teaching children the importance of tradition and the value of honoring their grandparents through food. Kim Stewart, of Leicester, says “we have my grandmother’s cornbread dressing (which my mom now makes). We always include rolls, which no one can fit onto their plates or in their stomachs, and also the obligatory Southern Jell-o salad, sometimes lime with celery and cheese or a cranberry/Jell-o/Cool Whip concoction." Local families may add an Asheville twist to their meals. Holly Musgrove, of Asheville, cooks her great grandmother’s traditional chestnut dressing, except she doesn’t stuff it in the turkey and she uses soy sausage. “We also get a heritage turkey and use fresh organic vegetables instead of the canned kinds called for in the old recipes. I guess it’s sort of our own

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Back row, from left, are Holly Musgrove, Cameron Kurowski, Neil Kurowski, Jack Kurowski, Paige Cambell, Polly Kurowski and Lute Cambell. Front row, from left, are Craig Kurowski and Sophia Cambell. football.”

Beginning new traditions

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Allison Caskey enjoys a post meal romp in the leaves. twist on the old favorites,” Musgrove said.

Post-meal activities From football to naps, Asheville families celebrate differently. “After dinner, we usually gather leaves on the front lawn and let Allison dive right in,” Caskey said. Musgrove noted “at some point we usually will play a little football with the kids and watch some of a game. You can’t have Thanksgiving without

As a recently divorced mom of two 5-year-olds, Tanya Fletcher is just beginning to create new family traditions at her parent’s home in Miami. “I had aunts and uncles come in from Puerto Rico, and we were all able to catch up and enjoy some time together,” Fletcher said. “After the big late afternoon meal, we all went for a walk to the park. We always go around the table before diggin’ in and everyone says something that they are thankful for. That usually ends up getting everyone tearyeyed. It was fun last year because the kids were able to contribute with things they were thankful for.” Kim Stewart hosted Thanksgiving for the first time last year at her new house, “which felt like a handing off of the generational torch. Too bad I haven’t learned to cook for a crowd yet.”

Thankful remembrance Don’t forget to mark the holiday with a tribute of thanks. “Before we eat we go around the table, and everyone has chance to share what they are most thankful for. I love to hear what the children have to say,” Musgrove said. Caskey added, “The love I have for my family is what I give thanks for each year.”

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Haley and Laresa Fair sort food at MANNA FoodBank with Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, a program of United Way.

Make a tradition of helping Families spend time at the holidays giving back to the community By Barbara Blake Staff writer Last year on the Sunday before Christmas, Jeanine Siler Jones was at a Quaker meeting in Black Mountain when she heard about a single mom with two young children who was out of work and unable to buy gifts for her kids. Siler Jones, of Asheville, met with the woman and found out more about her life and circumstances, and learned what types of gifts her children might enjoy. “Our family shopped together for her family, and we were able to meet

her and the kids the next day,” Siler Jones said. “Our kids (15-year-old Peyton and 12-year-old Walton) were delighted to shop for her young ones, and had a lot of fun imagining their enjoyment of the gifts. “My kids love Christmas, and it really did feel to me that they wanted to share that joy of giving and receiving,” she said. “We also decided to give her a voucher for day care so that when the job she was hoping to get came through, she’d have something in place for the kids. And my kids got a feel for the barriers that people face who are living on the edge, paycheck to paycheck.”

There are countless opportunities in the mountain region for making the holidays brighter for those in need, through longstanding organizations like Santa Pal and the Salvation Army to more specialized groups working with foster children, the disabled and prison inmates. Beth Maczka, her husband, Chris Bell, and their daughters Kenzie, 10, and Gaven, 8, have a number of holiday traditions that involve helping others, several of them through their church, the Circle of Mercy, which meets on Sunday evenings at St. George’s Episcopal Church in West Asheville.

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The family bakes cookies for prisoners at the Marion Correctional Center, which “has made a real impression on my girls,” Maczka said. “They seem to really get the point that even though someone has committed a crime and is being punished in jail, they are still loved and are a child of God. It is a very powerful message for children.” The girls always choose a star from the tree at their school to buy presents and clothes for another child, Maczka said. “They are very particular about not buying anything that they wouldn’t wear, which I think is a great sentiment,” she said.

Another church activity is St. Nicholas Day, where families take food and gift certificates and leave them at the door of very needy families, then quickly disappear before the door is opened. “The gifts are anonymous,” Bell said. “The families who receive them have no idea where they come from.” Noel Nickle, of Asheville, and her children Emily, 13, and Luke, 11, sponsor families through Western Carolinians for Criminal Justice, an Ashevillebased organization that promotes community-based alternatives to incarceration. “It’s a great time when kids are working on their own wish lists to be conscious of kids who don’t have the same resources,” Nickle said. “But it’s also important that we don’t just do this during the holidays. So many people want to help (nonprofit groups) in November and December, and then it’s January 1 and those organizations are back to their skeleton crews of volunteers.” Alex Cury and her daughter, Raleigh, a fourth-grader at Isaac Dickson Elementary School, will soon begin their third-annual Death Row Holiday Card Project at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville. Unitarian Universalists have a long tradition of fighting for abolition of the death penalty, writing letters to the governor asking for clemency and participating in vigils and other expressions of their opposition to the practice of executing human beings. “We thought it would be nice to reach out to the potential victims of our state’s death penalty during the holiday season,” Cury said, “to let them know we’re fighting for their lives, that we believe in their worth and dignity as human beings, to acknowledge them as part of the interconnected web of all existence, to

HOLIDAY CHARITIES Santa Pal: The oldest toy-giving project in Asheville, sponsored by the Asheville Optimist Club. New toys or monetary donations to help finance prepaid toys can be brought to the Santa Pal office on the upper level of Innsbruck Mall at 84 Tunnel Road, or mailed to P.O. Box 1912, Asheville, 28812. Visit santapal.org for more. Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry: The annual Holiday Angels program matches needy families and individuals with sponsoring families who purchase gifts for children and teens and food for families. Call 259-5300, visit abccm.org, or bring or mail donations to ABCCM, 24 Cumberland Ave., 28801. Salvation Army: The annual Angel Tree is set up at the Asheville Mall and Biltmore Square Mall to allow people to take a name from the tree and buy gifts for children. Food, toys and cash donations also are needed. To volunteer or donate, call 253-4723 or bring donations to the Salvation Army office on Haywood Street near the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. MANNA FoodBank: The annual food-donation project benefiting MANNA FoodBank kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 24 at the Ingles Giving Tree near the food court at Asheville Mall. Food and financial donations will be collected through December at the Giving Tree and at all Ingles stores. Financial donations can be mailed to MANNA at 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, 28805. Eblen-Kimmel Charities: Eblen-Kimmel is seeking sponsors for children, donations of new toys and clothes, as well as food and cash. Bring or mail donations to 12 Regent Park Blvd., PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS Asheville, 28805, call 255-3066, or visit eblencharities.org. Mickey Shuffler volunteered with Santa Pal Hearts with Hands: The Christmas from the Heart project seeks financial donations, new at Innsbruck Mall. The organization is coltoys and clothing, and lovingly used stuffed animals. Contact Sandy Ford at 667-1912 or lecting toys to give to needy children for Christmas. sford@heartswithhands.org. Donations can be mailed to Hearts with Hands at 951 Sand Hill Road, Asheville, 28806, brought to the warehouse at that address, or online at heartswithhands.org. let them know we care about them.” Foster Care Association: Fill the wish list of a child in foster care with toys, items for teenSarah W. Catoe, director of Hands agers, coats, hats, mittens or gloves. Donations can be brought to Biltmore Square Mall at a On Asheville-Buncombe (handsonasheville.org), the volunteer program donated storefront near the Dollar Tree entrance and the Hospice Treasures thrift store. Donations also can be mailed to BCFCA, P.O. Box 17787, Asheville, 28816. Any money donated of the United Way, said there are mywill be pooled to sponsor gifts for children not sponsored. riad ways for families to experience the rewards of giving to those less fortunate, both during the holidays and throughout the year. “As the holidays approach, it is a natural time to reflect on our blessings and consider how we can give back to others, and it’s a great time to begin traditions that last a lifetime,” Catoe said. “It isn’t difficult or timeconsuming to help your kids catch the giving spirit during the holidays. And once your children experience how good it feels to give back, and how great it is to spend time with you, they will want to continue volunteering throughout the year.”

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BLENDING TRADITIONS Interfaith families find ways to handle the holidays By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor West Asheville parents Mindy Beller and Scott Evans will soon be gathering Hanukkah candles and bringing out their menorah. They’ll also be preparing to decorate the family’s Christmas tree. Each parent has a different religious background — Beller grew up celebrating Jewish traditions and Scott, Christmas. They’ve decided to give their children — ages 3, 7 and 8 — both. “Because it’s a lot, we try to keep each holiday simple, bringing out the deeper meaning in some ways,” Beller said. “We celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the beautiful menorah candles and listing the miracles in our lives, since Hanukkah is all about God’s miracles, and we also eat latkes (traditional, fried potato pancakes), play dreidel and share a few presents. “At Christmas, we enjoy sharing music and a few gifts and attending a Christmas service at one of our favorite churches to celebrate the love and light that the Christmas story is all about.”

No one right way When it comes to interfaith families and the holidays, there’s no one way to approach it — do what makes the most sense to you as a family, said Vicki Garlock, who taught child development and psychology at Warren Wilson College for 11 years and now runs the children’s education program at Jubilee! Interfaith Community in Asheville. The most important thing, she says, is to “be intentional.” “Tell your kids what’s important to you and talk about the stories behind the holidays,” she explained. Katharine Meacham, a professor of religion and philosophy at Mars Hill College who has facilitated interfaith dialogue, agrees. “Be open with your kids,” Meacham said. “Take those serious questions and go deep” – discuss why

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER

Scott Evans and Mindy Beller are raising their three children with traditions from Judaism and Christianity. From left are Isaac, 7, Sarah, 3, and Bethany, 8. you’re lighting the candles or putting up a tree. Laurie Pedersen, of Marshall, comes from a Lutheran family and her husband, Paul, is Jewish. They talk about both Christmas and Hanukkah with their son, who at 12 is now asking more questions, she said.

The family has a Christmas tree and lights a menorah, said Pederson, who makes Christmas cookies — her husband makes the Hanukkah latkes. “My son enjoys and thinks it’s all important — it’s natural for him; he’s always had both.” Lynne and Stephen Weinrib, of Arden, have raised their 12-year-old

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daughter, Claire, in the Jewish faith, while Lynne has a Southern Baptist upbringing. At Claire’s request, they are embarking on a family study of other religions. They celebrate both holidays. It’s been easy because Lynne’s family has been supportive, Stephen Weinrib said.

Knowing who they are is a wonderful benefit to children, but every tradition has a unique beauty and can be honored. You can celebrate the other without becoming the other — that way, both sides are honored.

RESOURCES FOR INTERFAITH PARENTS

◆ Dovetail Institute for Interfaith Family Resources, dovetailinstitute.org, provides information and advice for interfaith families. lenge for some interfaith families. feel their children will abandon their When one faith dominates ◆ “Our Share of Night, Our Share of MornThis year, Christmas and the Wiccan traditions or that they’re going to ing: Parenting as a Spiritual Journey,” by celebration of winter solstice, or Debbie Cooper, of Asheville, was lose them to an alien world,” said Rabbi Nancy Fuchs. Yule, occur in the middle of the raised Presbyterian and husband Rosenbaum, who is part of an ineight-day Hanukkah festival. Larry Weiss, Jewish. terfaith family and has written a book ◆ “Celebrating our Differences: Living Two It’s the first time the holidays have on the topic. “Reassure them by say- Faiths in One Marriage,” by Mary Helene “Bringing up the kids in his faith Rosenbaum and Stanley Ned Rosenbaum. overlapped for parents Amanda Diawas more important to Larry than ing, ‘I’m not rejecting or forgetting ◆ “The Intermarriage Handbook: A Guide mond Ring and Kevin Ring, who me, and I’m OK with it,” she said. my past — I still love our traditions for Christians & Jews,” by Judy Petsonk and have two small children. Amanda is “But we have kept some Christmas and memories, but this is what I Jim Remsen. traditions, like having a tree and cele- Jewish. And while Kevin was raised want now.’” RABBI BATSHEVA MEIRI, OF TEMPLE BETH HA TEPHILA IN ASHEVILLE

brating Christmas with my parents. “What’s worked in our family is a general respect for each other and our beliefs — it’s a compromise.” “Knowing who they are is a wonderful benefit to children, but every tradition has a unique beauty and each can be honored,” said Rabbi Batsheva Meiri of Temple Beth Ha Tephila, in Asheville, who has spent many years working with interfaith families. “You can celebrate the other without becoming the other — that way, both sides are honored. When different holidays fall on the same day, it can be more of a chal-

Presbyterian, he actively participates in their Jewish household. “We’re still trying to decide how to handle the holidays this year,” said Amanda. The Rings typically spend Christmas with Kevin’s parents, who don’t celebrate Hanukkah.

Keep grandparents in the loop “Give grandparents some holiday guidelines to follow and, if you need to, do it in a letter,” said Mary Helene Rosenbaum, director of the Dovetail Institute, a national organization for interfaith families. “Deep down, grandparents may

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Creating keepsakes 5 crafty ideas for making your family’s holiday memories last By Lockie Hunter WNC Parent contributor

1. Get thee to a pottery! Consider making a family plate at one of the local make-your-own pottery studios. Leigh Cohen, of the Claying Around studio in South Asheville, suggests “creating your own dinner set for the holidays. A family could create individual plates for family members and even special plates for special guests.” Each year the family could produce one more addition to the dinner set, perhaps commemorating a special moment of the year. The plates could showcase how the children grow and change artistically. Those with younger children need not worry, as Claying Around is “very user friendly,” Cohen says, and “not much artistic ability is needed.” For something even the youngest family members could enjoy, consider creating a holiday platter marked with handprints of the children.

2. String it along Barry Olen, owner of Asheville’s Beads and Beyond, says, “we make heirlooms here.” Think about creating a holiday piece of jewelry to be worn throughout the season. Each Thanksgiving, the piece could grow by one wonderful bead. The beads could represent a milestone that year, in terms of color or theme. Olen has a lot of symbolic charms, many of them family oriented, ranging from butterflies and unicorns to gingerbreads and peace signs. Reflect on what you are thankful for that year, and Olen will likely have a figurative charm that represents the idea.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Making a family platter is a great way to commemorate any holiday.

3. Track the days of your lives A yearly family calendar with photos taken at major holidays does double duty as a keepsake and a gift. Angie Cullen, mother of two elementary school girls, notes that at Thanksgiving she usually travels to Destin, Fla., where her sister lives with her family. Cullen always photographs everyone that week in various settings (at the beach, during the big meal, kids on granddad’s lap). She then gathers the pictures from Thanksgiving and other family trips to make a calendar to give to her family. “I have done this for almost 10 years now,” she says, “and it has become the ‘great unveiling’ to see the new calendar. It is fun to flip the calendar each month and give thanks for our time together, especially since my sister and her girls live so far away.”

4. Cook up some memories SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Bead creations can symbolize memories from a holiday.

Decorate a simple wooden box together and use it to gather your favorite holiday recipes. Gail Doherty, author of the cookbook “I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan,” notes that she is teaching her daughter

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Ginger the importance of family recipes. Collecting family recipes “translates from the grandparents the feeling of home and sense of warmth wherever you are.” For two keepsakes, be certain to include a dough recipe for homemade ornaments. “You can roll out the dough and cut out the shapes together,” Doherty said.

5. Mark the moment Consider crafting individual Thanksgiving bookmarks personalized for each dinner guest. Your child can help you script the name of the guest on the front of the card along with a festive holiday design. Be creative on the back. Reflect on an attribute of the guest that the child admires. “I love Granddad’s silly laugh,” or “I love how Aunt Jan always smells of lavender.” Perhaps craft a toast or family blessing and write it on the back of the bookmark. The guests can flip the bookmark at mealtime to recite the toast together. When the day is over the guests leave with the bookmark as a memento of the day.

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Gabrielle Mader, 5, works on her scrapbook at home in Appleton, Wis. Scrapbooking is one of many ways to preserve memories.

A picture worth a thousand holidays Options abound for preserving your photos By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor It was a wonderful holiday meal, and all the kids were dressed so nicely for the pictures. It’s a shame you lost them. Family memories are too precious to lose, so the storage of your family photos deserves more than a little thought. From the low-tech shoebox on the closet shelf to high-tech hard drives and online services, there are more ways than ever to protect your family memories. “I buy disposable cameras and get triple prints,” said Heather Brown, of Asheville. “I give one to my mother, send one to relatives, and keep the third.” Brown uses her copy to make

scrapbooks of her son Kaleb’s milestones. Scrapbooking is a popular storage method that allows families to mix photos with text, postcards, and even collectables on one page. “Scrapbooking is fun, but it does take some time,” Brown said. “Sometimes you just sort of have to make time to do it, but it’s worth it.” If you have prints made for scrapbooking or just to keep, store them in the coolest place in a home that is not subject to high or rapid changes in humidity. Store them away from bright light, and handle them by the edges. Exposure to bright light, particularly ultraviolet light, will dramatically shorten the time period before color pictures begin to fade. For digital photographers, there

are quite a few storage options available, ranging from tiny flash drives barely as big as your finger to multigigabyte hard drives that can store several years worth of photos. While many families just store their photos on the hard drive of the family computer, this isn’t the best choice. “Hard drives are subject to crashing,” said Jennifer Mayer, co-owner of Charlotte Street Computers. “Putting your photos on an external hard drive that doesn’t get as much use as your computer’s main drive is safer.” Another option is storing your digital images online, at photo sharing sites such as Flickr, Shutterfly and Myphotoalbum.com. These sites can be a great way to share photos with far-away friends and family. They also offer editing tools and other fun things such as digital greeting cards and even digital scrap-

booking, but use caution when storing photos on them. “No mater how you store digital data, you always want to have a backup copy,” Mayer said. Here are a few tips for storing and backing up digital photos: ◆ Use more than one backup method. External hard drives can get viruses or crash. CDs and DVDs can get scratched. It’s a lot of work to have multiple backup sources, but it’s worth the investment. ◆ Don’t buy off-brand CDs or DVDs. Go with a name you can trust. Same with external or portable drives. ◆ Technology changes rapidly, so be prepared to change with it. CDs and DVDs may well be obsolete in 10 years, so all that downloading and burning will likely have to be redone down the road.

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New and old traditions fill tables turning around and doing it all over again a month later for Christmas,” Wilbanks said. “So quite a few years ago, she started picking a different The aromas drifting from the holicountry, and we would have food from day kitchen can be a time machine, taking you back in a twinkling to your that country for Christmas.” Wilbanks said that the holiday fun childhood. The cinnamon of Aunt started weeks before the actual meal, Ruth’s pumpkin pie, the hint of raspas her mother sat down with other berry from Nana’s rugelach and the hint of sage from Mom’s oyster dress- family members and researched foods from the country they would be “vising all bring back memories of family iting” that year. recipes passed down from parents to “We’ve had spring rolls from China, children. Italian food, Greek — it was a wonderThanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without the homemade cranber- ful way to spend Christmas,” she said. Although her mother died a year ry dressing for some, while Christmas and a half ago, Wilbanks still conwithout Grandmother’s coconut cake would be unthinkable to many people tinues the tradition with her daughters Abby, 8, and Mary Beth, 6. who grew up in the South. “Another tradition my mother startFor Debbie Wilbanks, of Fairview, ed was baking a birthday cake on Thanksgiving always meant the stanChristmas, to remind us that the dard fare. whole reason for Christmas is to cele“We would have turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, all the brate the birth of Jesus,” Wilbanks said. good stuff,” she said. But Christmas For Mary Fierle, of Asheville, who was entirely different. grew up in Athens, Ga., the holidays “My mother just got tired of makalways brought a wealth of new reciing a turkey for Thanksgiving and By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Thanksgiving tables will be filled with the recipes that make up family traditions.

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pes. “My mother would pore over the recipes in the Atlanta paper, finding new and delicious recipes to try,” Fierle said. “But my grandmother would always make these cookies called cherry winks every Christmas, and I make them each year as one of our traditions. The kids like to help make them.” When families come together by marriage, food traditions from both families become part of a new tradition, as Fierle discovered after she met her husband, Tim, who came from German ancestry. “My mother-in-law makes a traditional sweet bread called kuchen,” Fierle said. “After Tim and I got married, I got my mother-in-law to show me how to make it. I make kuchen every Christmas Eve now, so he will have something to remind him of his family’s traditions.” Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@ charter.net.

Pumpkin pops onto scene in soups, dessert and more By Karen Fernau Gannett News Service In the 1966 Charlie Brown Halloween classic, a forlorn Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin that never arrives. Too bad he was in a pumpkin patch rather than at the table, where pumpkins have landed squarely on our plate. The vegetable best known for its role as a jack-o’-lantern now is in soups, pasta dishes, stews, martinis, gnocchi and even desserts. “Pumpkins look intimidating, but they are much easier to work with than most people realize and the difference between a fresh pumpkin and canned is night and day. The flavor justifies the work,” says Chef Gregory LaPrad of Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar in Phoenix. Smaller pumpkins are best for cooking, yielding sweeter and more tender flesh. The cheaper jack-o’-

lantern variety also works, as long as the pumpkin is fresh. If it’s been sitting on the front porch for weeks, do not turn it into a pie. When shopping, select pumpkins free of blemishes and harvested with their stems intact, and which feel heavy for their size. Look for a full finish to the skin. A shiny skin indicates it was picked too soon. Pumpkins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months. Health experts sing the praises of pumpkin for its nutritional punch. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, in particular, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium. “The word’s out about the diseasefighting capability of pumpkins, and that has increased its appeal,” says Melinda Johnson, an American Dietetic Association spokeswoman.

Fresh pumpkin martini 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces vodka 3 tablespoons fresh pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon simple syrup Dash of nutmeg and cinnamon Dash of vanilla paste Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish Ice Add all ingredients except garnish to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. Makes 1 serving. Source: Chef Gregory LaPrad, Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar, Phoenix.

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LEARN TO PUREE PUMPKIN

Pumpkin gnocchi with raisins, pine nuts, brown butter and sage 2 cups fresh pumpkin puree 2 cups roasted potato, peeled 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup golden raisins 2 sprigs fresh sage 1 cup pine nuts 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon minced shallot 1/2 cup butter Salt and pepper to taste Use a potato ricer to shred pumpkin and roasted potato onto a floured surface. Add 2 cups flour; knead ingredients together. Continue working the remaining flour into the dough. Once completely combined, cover the dough with a cloth and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut a small portion off the dough and use your hands to roll into tubes. When all the dough is rolled into tubes, cut the tubes into one-half inch pieces. If desired, shape the pieces over a wooden gnocchi board. Freeze the gnocchi for use later or prepare immediately. Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil. Season with salt and add gnocchi. As the gnocchi cooks, heat a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Add butter, garlic and shallots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until shallots and garlic soften. Add the raisins, pine nuts and chopped fresh sage leaves. When the gnocchi begin floating to the surface of the boiling water, use a slotted spoon to remove from the pan. Strain the gnocchi and add to the garlic-butter sauce in the sauté pan. Gently toss the gnocchi in the sauce. Serve in a heated bowl and garnish with grated cheese. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Source: Chef Gregory LaPrad, Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar, Phoenix.

Caramelized pumpkin crème brulee 6 egg yolks Three-fourths cup brown sugar One-fourth cup granulated sugar 1 cup fresh pumpkin puree 1 cup milk 1 cup heavy cream One-half teaspoon cinnamon One-fourth teaspoon cloves One-fourth teaspoon nutmeg Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a saucepan, heat the pumpkin, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar and sugar to a simmer. Remove from heat and slowly add to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to keep the yolks from curling. Allow the cream-pumpkin mixture to cool completely. Pour mixture through a strainer and stir in spices. Pour the mixture into creme brulee ramekins. Arrange the dishes into a baking pan and place it on the oven rack. Pour enough hot water into the pan to reach two thirds of the way up the sides of the creme brulee dishes. Cover with foil and punch small holes in foil. Bake for 30 minute and then remove a corner of the foil. Recover the pan and bake for 15-25 additional minutes until the edges are set but still jiggly in the center. Allow the custards to cool completely then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Right before serving, sprinkle sugar in a thin even coating on the surface of the custards. Use a preheated broiler or torch to caramelize the sugar. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Most recipes call for pumpkin puree. Although canned puree works, fresh is better during the fall harvest season. A 5-pound pumpkin will yield about 4 1/2 pounds of puree. ◆ To make puree by steaming, cut pumpkin in half, use a large spoon to remove seeds, pulp and stringy portion. Cut into small pieces and peel. Place in a steamer or metal colander that will fit in a covered pot. Put over boiling water, cover and steam until tender, about 50 minutes. Puree in a blender or food processor, or put through a food mill. ◆ To make by roasting, cut pumpkin into quarters, use a large spoon to remove seeds, pulp and stringy portion. Place the pumpkin quarters in a baking dish. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan to prevent the pumpkin from drying out. Cover pan with a lid or foil. Bake in a 350-degree oven 45-60 minutes. Allow pumpkins to cool slightly, and scoop out flesh. Puree in a blender or food processor, or put though a food mill. ◆ Pumpkin puree can be frozen in portions for up to 16 months. Gannett News Service

Source: Chef Gregory LaPrad, Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar, Phoenix.

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Thanksgiving facts In the fall of 1621, the religious separatist Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest, an event many regard as the nation’s first Thanksgiving. It eventually became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. Later, President Franklin Roosevelt clarified that Thanksgiving should always be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month to encourage earlier holiday shopping, never on the occasional fifth Thursday. 271 million: The preliminary estimate of turkeys raised in the United States in 2008. That’s not statistically signficantly different from the number raised during 2007. The turkeys produced in 2007 together weighed 7.9 billion pounds and were valued at $3.7 billion. 49 million: The preliminary estimate of turkeys Minnesota expects to raise in 2008. The Gopher State is tops in turkey production. It is followed by North Carolina (39 million), Arkansas (31 million), Virginia (21 million), Missouri (20 million) and Indiana (15.9 million). These six states together will

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GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

probably account for about two-thirds of U.S. turkeys produced in 2008. 689 million pounds: The forecast for U.S. cranberry production in 2008, up 5 percent from 2007 and slightly below 2006. Wisconsin is expected to lead all states in the production of cranberries, with 385 million pounds, followed by Massachusetts (190 million). New Jersey, Oregon and Washington are also expected to have substantial production, ranging from 15 million to 50 million pounds. 1.8 billion pounds: The total weight of sweet potatoes — another popular Thanksgiving side dish — produced by major sweet potato producing states in 2007. North Carolina (667 million pounds) produced more sweet potatoes than any other state. It was fol-

lowed by California (426 million pounds). Mississippi and Louisiana also produced large amounts: at least 300 million pounds each. 1.1 billion pounds: Total production of major pumpkin-producing states in 2007. Illinois led the country by producing 542 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in Ohio, California and New York also provided lots of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-producing states was $117 million.

If you prefer cherry pie, you will be pleased to learn that the nation’s forecasted tart cherry production for 2008 totals 177 million pounds. Of this total, the overwhelming majority (135 million) will be produced in Michigan. 769,760 tons: The 2008 contracted production of snap (green) beans in major snap (green) bean-producing states. Of this total, Wisconsin led all states (293,200 tons). Many Americans consider green bean casserole a traditional Thanksgiving dish.

13.3 pounds: The quantity of turkeys consumed by the typical American in 2006, with a hearty helping devoured at Thanksgiving time. Per capita sweet potato consumption was 4.6 pounds.

imports ($4.4 million). The United States ran a $4.9 million trade deficit in live turkeys during the period but had surpluses of $15.0 million in cranberries and $22.3 million in sweet potatoes.

$9.2 million: The value of U.S. imports of live turkeys from January through July of 2008 — 99.3 percent from Canada. Our northern neighbor accounted for all of the cranberries the United States imported ($2.1 million). When it comes to sweet potatoes, however, the Dominican Republic was the source of 86.3 percent ($3.8 million) of total

3: Number of places in the United States named after the holiday’s traditional main course. Turkey, Texas, was the most populous in 2007, with 465 residents, followed by Turkey Creek, La. (363) and Turkey, N.C. (270). There also are nine townships around the country named Turkey, three in Kansas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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kids voices

Holiday entertainment With the holidays approaching, we asked fifth-graders in Mark Mercier’s class at Isaac Dickson Elementary School to tell us about their favorite holiday movie or television show. Here’s what they said. Compiled by Staff Writer Barbara Blake. “Charlie Brown is a great family fun movie filled with Christmas spirit. I love the one scene where Charlie Brown goes to get a Christmas tree and brings back a tiny little tree which almost all the [needles] have fallen off and Charlie Brown thinks it’s the greatest tree. But all of the other kids have different feelings. If I were you I would check this awesome movie out.” Lewis Fierle

“My favorite holiday movie would probably be ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ It is about this skeleton that is tired of Halloween and decides to capture Santa Claus and take his place at Christmas. One of my favorite parts is when the creatures are making and destroying toys for little kids. It’s an adventurous movie with humor and lots of fun and a happy ending.” Sophie Stansbury

“My favorite movie is ‘The Grinch’ because it is a Christmas movie, and also in the Grinch’s cave there are all kinds of useful junk, and you can use it for all kinds of stuff. I like it because when Max the dog pulls the rope and the Grinch falls all the way down to the town of Whoville.” Peter Leota

“My favorite holiday movie is ‘Happy New Year’s Mr. Bean’ starring Rowan Atkinson. Its laughs range from dining on pine needles to celebrating New Year’s at 7:30 p.m. Not only that, Mr. Bean never talks. The music in this movie is also funny, ranging from the well known ‘Funeral March of the Marionette’ to a string of just one-note ditties to no music at all. Even though this movie has so many funny laughs, they still manage to retain their holiday spirit. Even the end ends with a boom!” Atlas Kinzel

“My favorite holiday movie is ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks.’ I like this movie because it’s funny and creative. I like the part where they all go to the store, and David insults the chipmunks, and he says that when the chipmunks are bad he would just want to leave them at the park. Then he scares a mother who has a little girl with her. That was funny.” Kimberly Vargas

“I love staying up late at night on New Year’s Eve, turning on the TV, relaxing on the couch and eating buttery popcorn. We are counting from 10 down to one. Ten, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – woo hoo! The ball drops and the new year starts. Everybody cheers and hollers. Ahhhh, New Year’s.” Megan Muchnick

“ ‘The Grinch’ is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I like the part where the Grinch is making a Santa Claus costume and the dog’s tail gets stuck in the sewing machine. I also like the part when they’re going to the town and the dog is the reindeer and the sled was going faster than the dog and the dog was sitting on the back of the sled and he is so happy. But the Grinch pulls him back to the front.” Amelia Gabriel

“My favorite holiday movie would probably be ‘The Grinch.’ The scene I like most is when they’re doing the contest to see who can win the most decorated house in the neighborhood. The reason I like it the most is because they put so much hard work into the decorations.” McKinnley Cox “My favorite movie is ‘Christmas Vacation,’ a hilarious comedy starring Chevy Chase. My favorite part of the movie is when Chevy Chase gets angry with a crazy driver. The lunatic driver continually rides his tail on the highway. So Chevy Chase spots a big rig and drives his car under the truck to get away from the crazed driver. When he thinks the coast is clear he pulls out from under the truck and runs straight through a snow hill, smack dab into a tree.” West Hunter

“My favorite holiday movie is ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ I “A holiday movie would watch it five I liked when I was times in a row belittle was ‘Elf.’ I cause it’s the best enjoyed the scene “My favorite holiday movie I’ve where Elf was movie for Christmas ever seen. I love the walking in the is ‘Alvin and the scene where he woods and he saw Chipmunks.’ My fights the boogey man. He finally a raccoon. He favorite part is when destroys the boogey man and lets thought it was cute the chipmunks are Santa handle Christmas. The songs and he went up to in the Christmas are great, the towns are very inventive it, and it attacked him. I thought it tree. I like that part and the plot is fantastic. The animawas funny.” because it makes me Langston Haden tion was probably the best for the year laugh, and Theit came out.” odore tries to eat the ornaments.” Sanjay Khindria Ebony Burt

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Nibble on these tidbits about fall’s favorite fruit For caramel or candy apples, a thin-skinned apple like Empire, Gala You can eat apples out of hand or or Red Delicious is best so make apple cider, apple juice, apple you’re not biting tough skin as cider doughnuts, apple butter, applewell as a thick coating. filled pastries, breads, cakes and Harvesting: Late summer dumplings — to name a few treats. to early winter. For pies, try Fuji, Granny Smith and Varieties: According to Stayman; for applesauce: Empire, the U.S. Apple AssociaGolden Delicious; to eat raw: any and tion, the 15 most popular all, but Red Delicious is most popular varieties in the nation are by far. Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Gannett News Service

Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, Rome, Empire, York, Jonathan, Idared, Cortland, Stayman, Newtown and Northern Spy. New varieties such as Braeburn, Cameo, Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are gaining in popularity. Nutrition facts (based on a 1-cup serving): 65 calories, 13 grams sugar. Provides vitamin C, potassium, omega-6 fatty acid and dietary fiber

(Source: nutritiondata.com) Studies have suggested that regular consumption of apples, which are rich in fiber and flavonoids, may aid in weight loss and memory retention and help reduce risks of cancer and other diseases. 1 small apple equals 1 cup. For more information: U.S. Apple Association, usapple.org; National Apple Museum in Biglerville, Pa., nationalapplemuseum.com.

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Family events abound this holiday season Compiled by Barbara Blake Staff writer

Through Dec. 24 A Chimney Rock Christmas After the leaves are gone, visitors to Chimney Rock Park can enjoy unobscured views of the park’s cliffs and forests, and holiday music will be played through Dec. 24. Admission charged. Call 800-277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Through Jan. 1 Christmas at Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas Evenings Daytime celebrations include elaborate holiday decor and music throughout the house. Candlelight evenings feature firelight and candlelight, holiday music and live performances. Estate restaurants feature holiday menus, and Inn on Biltmore holiday packages are available. Admission charged. Call 877-BILTMORE or visit biltmore.com.

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Check out the entries in this year’s Grove Park Inn gingerbread house competition, starting Nov. 19.

Nov. 19-Jan. 11 National Gingerbread Competition Display More than 200 gingerbread works of art from across the United States are on display following the annual competition at the Grove Park Inn and Spa. Local residents can view the display for free Monday-Thursday. Call 252-2711 or visit groveparkinn.com.

Nov. 22 Asheville Holiday Parade

Dec. 2 Holiday lights ceremony

The 62nd Annual Asheville Holiday Parade steps off at 11 a.m. on a new route. This year’s parade will begin at Biltmore Avenue, head toward Pack Square and turn onto Patton Avenue. The parade will end at Patton Avenue and North French Broad Avenue. After the parade, meet Santa from 2-4 p.m. at Pritchard Park, where he will be singing his favorite holiday songs with the Biltmore Baptist Church choir. For more information, visit ashevilleparade.org.

The annual lighting celebration at Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center, at 932 Old U.S. 70 in Black Mountain, start at 7:30 p.m. with music by the Owen High School Chorus. For more information, contact Diane Trainor, director of volunteer services at 669-3152.

Nov. 28 Hendersonville holiday lighting Join in the Downtown Holiday Lighting Celebration in Hendersonville’s Historic Downtown at the gazebo between Fourth and Fifth avenues, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The event will feature an old-fashioned carol singalong, visits with Santa and plenty of holiday cheer.

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Dec. 5 Fletcher Christmas tree lighting The town of Fletcher lights its Christmas tree during a festival with carols, storytelling and a visit from Santa. At 5:30 p.m. at Fletcher Community Park. Free, but donations of nonperishable food is encouraged. In case of inclement weather, the event will take place at Fletcher Town Hall. Call 687-0751 or visit fletcherparks.org.

‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ The Moscow Ballet presents the

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Dillsboro’s 25th annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries is Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. “Great Russian Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Call 251-5505 or visit Ticketmaster for tickets, which start at $24.

Holly Jolly Christmas Celebrate the season in downtown Black Mountain with luminaries and carolers beginning at dusk. Shops will be open late. Santa will be on hand, and refreshments will be available. Call 669-0706.

call 800-962-1911.

Dec. 5-7 Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ The 32nd annual production by

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Dec. 5-6 A Winter’s Tale Music, crafts, food and fun at the WNC Nature Center’s annual holiday event from 6-9 p.m. Bring your camera, jacket and mittens for a stroll along the trail to see the animals at night. Enrichment programs and presentations will be provided. Cherokee stories and crafts will be shared by tribal members each evening. Admission charged. Call 298-5600 or visit wildwnc.org.

Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 25th annual Dillsboro Festival of Lights and Luminaries Merchant “elves” line the town streets with more than 2,500 candles in white paper bags. Buildings are trimmed in tiny white lights, while carolers and musicians fill the air with holiday cheer. Santa visits with children at the town hall. Shopkeepers stay open late and serve hot apple cider. Events run 5-10 p.m. both weekends. Admission is free. For more information, visit visitdillsboro.org or

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day season begins at 4 p.m. Call 6692300.

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Montford Park Players at Asheville Community Theatre is a tradition for the entire family with period costuming and sets. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Admission charged. Call 254-5146.

Dec. 6 Christmas at the Farm

Dec. 5-14 ‘A Christmas Story’ South Carolina Children’s Theatre presents “A Christmas Story,” the tale of Ralphie and his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, at The Peace Center in Greenville, S.C. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, visit peacecenter.org or call 800-888-7768.

Dec. 5-19 Lake Julian Festival of Lights Enjoy a spectacular drive through displays of holiday lights at Lake Julian. Complimentary hot apple cider. A portion of proceeds benefits Buncombe County Special Olympics. Admission charged. Call 684-0376.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville celebrates Christmas at the Farm on Dec. 6.

Dec. 6 Christmas parade The annual downtown Black Mountain parade celebrating the holi-

Groce United Methodist Church on Tunnel Road takes you through the experience of the Bethlehem marketplace as it might have been on the day Christ was born. Donations requested. Call 259-5306 or visit abccm.org.

Experience the Christmas of yesterday at Historic Johnson Farm’s Dec 11-13 holiday celebration, from noon-5 p.m. ‘An O. Henry Christmas’ Enjoy seasonal music, refreshments, bake sale and a visit and photos with Asheville Arts Center presents “An Santa in the Interpretive Center. Dress O. Henry Christmas” featuring “Gift warmly for a horse-drawn wagon ride of the Magi” and holiday carol fest for through the farm and nature trails. the family. The center is at 308 MerriStop by the barn to visit Chelsea and mon Ave. For information and tickets, Lester the donkeys and their new call 253-4000. baby April, and the farm’s Jacob sheep. For $2, guests can purchase a Dec. 13 hot dog/drink lunch. Children can Fletcher Christmas parade make a Christmas ornament to take home. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 The 20th annual parade steps off at for students K-12 and preschoolers are 10:30 a.m. on U.S. 25 in Fletcher. For free. Historic Johnson Farm is at 3346 information, call 687-0751 or visit Haywood Road, Hendersonville. For fletcherparks.org. more information, call 891-6585.

Dec. 11-14 ‘Return to Bethlehem’ Now in its 21st year as a benefit for Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, this production at

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Dec. 12-15 ‘The Nutcracker’ The lavish production by the Asheville Ballet under the direction of Ann Dunn provides an inspiring and memorable presentation of this holiday

classic. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, matinees at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission charged. At Diana Wortham Theatre. For tickets, call 257-4530.

Dec. 22-24 Hanukkah candlelighting Join the extended Jewish Community Center family for singing, stories, blessings and the daily lighting of the menorah at 5:30 p.m. each day at the

JCC on Charlotte Street. The entire Asheville community is invited to attend and learn about Hanukkah at any of the JCC’s holiday events. Call 253-0701 or visit jcc-asheville.org.

Dec. 29-31 Holiday arts extravaganza camp Three days of hands-on activities at Asheville Art Museum during the school holiday break for students in first-fourth grades, from 1-4 p.m. each day. Admission charged. Call 253-3227, ext. 122, or visit ashevilleart.org.

Dec. 27 Kwanzaa celebration

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Asheville’s Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah with candlelighting ceremonies Dec. 22-24.

A traditional Kwanzaa feast and live artists will be part of this annual celebration at YMI Cultural Center emphasizing unity of African-American families and the lighting of the Kinara. From 3-5 p.m., with a special children’s drumming workshop 2-3 p.m. Donations will be accepted to support the YMICC’s outreach into local schools and the community. Call 252-4614 or visit ymicc.org.

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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. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your name and contact information. Send to: Katie Wadington at kwadington@ citizen-times.com or WNC Parent Photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802.

Olivia Adams, of Raleigh. Submitted by her grandmother, Peg Adams, of Asheville.

Jackson, 2, and Holden Hipps, 7, with their daddy Shane Hipps at Edisto Beach, S.C. Submitted by mom Stacy Hipps.

Casey Roberts, 19, of Asheville, jumps into the water at a family reunion this summer. His 15-year-old sister, Houston, took the photo. Submitted by their grandmother, Elizabeth Miller. Riley Burnett, 5, left, swings at The Swag in Maggie Valley while visiting his grandparents, John and Charlotte Curtis, in Waynesville. At right, Carlee Burnett, 7, picks apples at The Swag. Carlee and Riley are from Orlando, Fla.

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Brayden Ergle, of Covington, Ga., poses for his all-star photo from his winning season. He has played recreational baseball since age 3. Submitted by his grandparents, James and Lenora Garren, of Andrews.

Mac Cotten, who was almost 2 months old at the time of this photo, gets involved in the presidential campaign. Mac is the son of Molly and Chris Cotten, of Apex, and the grandson of Diane McDonald and Jim Tettambel, Tony Sciara and Jill Vargo, all of Asheville, and Mendy and Scott Clayton, of FuquayVarina.

Shepherd Thomas Wolfe, 16 months, shops at the Brevard tailgate market this summer. He lives with his parents Jennifer Shepherd Wolfe and Marc Wolfe in Birmingham, Ala. Submitted by his grandparents Tom and Brenda Shepherd, of Hendersonville.

Lacie Harwood, 5, of Weaverville, is ready for her first day of kindergarten at North Buncombe Elementary School. Submitted by her mom, Tracie. Jack Sloan and his dog, Emma, have a great time playing in the backyard. Submitted by his mom, Rebecca Sloan.

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This is just a sampling of the dozens of forum posts and hundreds of photos posted at WNCmom.com. Visit the site for more.

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Ashevillemommies asks in ‘Indoor kid-friendly venues’: Where are some places that you take your child now that the weather is cooling off?

Tonya replies:

Catie replies:

Growing Young Cafe has drop in child care for just $5 per hour or all day play, with parents present, for just $3. I’ve also heard good things about High Flight Gymnastics and the Health Adventure. Check out kidfriendlyasheville.com for some great reviews.

I teach children’s yoga and gymnastics classes at the Montford Community center and at the East Asheville Center. They are great indoor activities to keep kids moving now that the weather is cooling off. Visit my Web site (risingsprouts.com) and let me know if you’d like some more information. I also have a profile here on WNCmom called “rising sprouts” or just e-mail me at risingsprouts@gmail.com.

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Get crafty: Let kids make holiday presents By Barbara Blake Staff writer With video games, iPods, movies on demand and dozens of television stations vying for the attention of children, some might worry that hands-on craft activities are becoming a lost art, especially when it comes to keepsake gifts made from start to finish with a child’s loving hands.

But there are plenty of simple, charming gifts that kids can make with everyday materials and a little supervision from mom or dad. And grandma and grandpa, friends and neighbors can be the beneficiaries during the holiday season. “I have found that most moms don’t sew, but they have memories of their moms and grandmothers sewing and want that to be a skill and hobby

SOME LOCAL CLASSES

PHOTOS BY BARBARA BLAKE

Foam kits that require only assembling and gluing are popular with young children. for their own children,” said Tracy Munn, owner of Sew Simply Academy in Black Mountain, which offers sewing classes for kids age 8 and older (as well as adults). “It’s so exciting to see these young ones just take to the sewing machine and learn how to make pillows, purses, even clothes,” Munn said. Daniel Wilson, a staff member at A.C. Moore in East Asheville, said there’s a big demand for craft materials for kids’ projects, from foam kits to

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Several businesses in Asheville offer craft and sewing classes for children and adults. Check these out: ◆ A.C. Moore, 800 Fairview Road at River Ridge shopping center, 299-0777, acmoore.com. ◆ Michaels, 111 River Hills Road, 2990183, and 5 McKenna Road, Arden, 684-1961, or michaels.com ◆ Sew Simply Academy, Black Mountain, 669-3978 or sewsimply.com.

paint-your-own ornaments to beading and jewelry-making. “A lot of moms buy these materials to keep the kids busy at home while they’re out shopping during the holidays,” Wilson said. “And churches buy a ton of stuff so kids at Vacation Bible School or Sunday school can make gifts to give to their parents.” Here are some craft ideas for kids.

Handsome hangers

Ice candle

This is an attractive and practical gift kids can make in less than an hour, using cloth ribbon and recycled plastic shopping bags. You will need: Plastic coat hangers. About 12 plastic shopping bags per hanger. Tape 4 ½ yards of ribbon (1 ½ inches wide) per hanger. 1. To pad each hanger, wrap plastic bags evenly around it, using short strips of tape SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT to attach them at both ends. Cover the whole hanger except for the hook. 2. Wrap ribbon around the plastic bag padding, starting at the base of the hook and leaving a 1-foot tail extending above it. Overlap the ribbon enough to hide the plastic. 3. When you get back to where you started, cut the ribbon so that you have another 1-foot tail, then tie the two ends into a tight bow. Source: familyfun.com

In this classic kitchen craft, kids can combine ice and hot wax to form a cool, lacy-looking candle that can be a holiday table centerpiece or a special gift. You will need: Scissors, knife, paper towel, large spoon, bowl and large saucepan. Cylindrical cardboard container (salt or oatmeal). Cooking oil. White taper candle. Large tin can. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT 1 pound of paraffin wax. Wooden skewer. Crayon pieces. Crushed ice. 1. Cut off the top of the cardboard container. Use a paper towel to coat the inside with cooking oil. With a knife, trim the bottom of the taper candle so it is the same height as the mold. 2. Fill the tin can with the wax and place it in a saucepan filled with two inches of water. Set the pan over low heat. Use a wooden skewer to stir the melting wax. Mix in crayon pieces to get the desired candle color. 3. Pour ½ inch of wax into the prepared mold and immediately stick the taper into the center, wick end up. Hold the taper in place for a minute or two while the wax sets. 4. Spoon two inches of crushed ice around the taper, then cover the ice almost completely with melted wax. Add more ice, then more wax, alternating until the mold is filled. 5. Set the mold in a bowl for about an hour (it will leak water), letting the wax harden completely, then peel off the cardboard. Source: familyfun.com

No-sew sachets Even kids who don’t sew can help fashion a bunch of these fragrant, colorful sachets, and it’s a great way to recycle fabric remnants. You will need: Fabric scraps (seasonal or everyday). Fabric glue. Potpourri, like lavender flowers or balsam fir needles. 1. For each sachet, place two matching, 5-inch fabric squares back to back and glue the edges SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT together on three sides. Spread the glue close to the edges to prevent fraying. 2. Once the glue is dry, fill the sachet with about a half cup of potpourri. Then glue together the open edges and again let the glue dry. 3. Arrange the finished sachets in multi-colored stacks and tie them together with a festive ribbon or yarn. Source: familyfun.com

Photo ornament This keepsake ornament can be sewn on a machine or by hand, and is a great gift for grandparents. Print a photo of the child from a computer (needs to be on paper and not a real photo). Cut card stock into shape of Christmas tree, snowflake, star, etc. Cut photo out to appropriate size, place on cut-out shape, and using sewing machine or hand stitching, sew all around the edges. Add buttons, rick-rack, lace, glitter or other adornments with strong glue, and add a ribbon loop to hang it by. From Sew Simply Academy in Black Mountain.

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librarian’s picks

2 titles offer a peek inside the White House By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Libraries Secreted behind a fortress of fences and state-of-theart security, the White House keeps its centuries-old vigil over presidential life and governance. It is a silent witness to years of top-secret meetings, planning and policymaking. More humbly, it is witness to turkey pardons, Easter egg rolling and ordinary day-to-day living of the presidents and their families. The vicissitudes of White House history are corralled neatly in two new books for children: “White House Q and A” by Denise Rinaldo and “Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out” by various authors.

Children who are just being introduced to history will enjoy “White House Q and A”. It is a slim book published in association with the Smithsonian. The table of contents is a list of the questions answered in the book. A few of the questions are, “Who takes care of the White House?” and “What’s it like to grow up in the White House?” and “What is a state dinner?” Each question is answered in a twopage spread. Large archival photographs complement the text. In addition to reportworthy facts like who designed the White House and why it burned down in 1814, young readers will enjoy reading about and seeing photographs of the bowling alley, movie theater and Amy Carter’s treehouse. “Our White House” is a singular

collection of stories, poems and illustrations from more than 100 children’s authors and illustrators. The works reflect the ways the White House has influenced or been influenced by people and events over the years. Jane Yolen begins the collection with an imagined conversation between John and Abigail Adams, in which they critique the new White House. Later, a story by Meg Cabot describes a modern teen girl’s timetraveling to the White House in the time of Dolley Madison. Author Jon Scieszka contributes a wry poem about the appropriateness of the name “White House.” He ponders, “Don’t you think it’s a bit of a shame/ That for this grand residence,/ home of our

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presidents,/ That’s the best we could do for a name?” Tony Fucile’s accompanying illustration shows an enormous neon sign towering over the White House. Glowing letters read: “Welcome to the Magnificent, Monumental, and Downright Cheerful Grand Palace of the President of the United States.” Children who have some knowledge of key events in American history will find this book interesting and useful. What author Gregory Maguire writes in the preface of “Our White House” is sound advice for both books. He beckons the reader to look at the White House more closely because “there are as many views, looking in and out of the White House windows, as there are eyes to look.” These books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit buncombecounty.org for more information.

crafts

Chimes can be a breeze By Kathy Cano-Murillo Gannett News Service Today, we’re talking wind chimes. I’ve always wanted to make a glorious one, but didn’t know where to start. I wanted something over the top, a piece that had layers of texture. Wouldn’t you know, I found one at Cost Plus (World Market). I bought the retail version and worked on it. By the time it was finished, no one could tell it was the same chime. It is perfectly OK to cheat a bit if you find the right foundation at a store. Take it and make it your own. The idea is to use interesting objects. Look through your craft stash for buttons, old spools, beads, minimirrors, ribbons, trims and connect them together for one wild eye-popping result. Kathy Cano-Murillo is a freelance craft designer and author. Send your questions or ideas to her at kathy@craftychica.com or visit her Web site, www.craftychica.com.

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

With mini-mirrors, beads, some ribbon and glue, you can customize a store-bought wind chime like this one.

Mixed-media wind chime 1 wind chime with bottles, glass paint, adhesive leading, six-strand embroidery thread, fishing wire, embroidery needle, assorted spools of thread (can be found at bargain stores), assorted spools of ribbon, mini-mirrors, beads, hot glue. Untie the bottles from the foundation. Apply the adhesive leading and decorate with glass paint. Let dry overnight. Reattach the bottles to the foundation. Cut two 24-inch-long pieces of fishing line, and hot glue the mini-mirrors to them, all the way down. Tie each strand on the foundation, in between the bottles. Use the needle and embroidery thread to string beads, spools of thread and charms to ribbons about 24 inches long. Make four of these and tie them on in a balanced fashion. Continue adding strands of whatever other items you like, such as bottle caps, flowers and even small painted pictures. When hanging, make sure to use a secure hook, because your chime will be slightly heavy. If it is too heavy, reinforce by adding an extra stand. Tip: Use a bit of hot glue on ribbon knots for extra holding power.

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Table tennis unites all ages in healthy activity By Tom Kuyper Gannett News Service Come on, shouldn’t kids be playing sports like football and basketball? Isn’t Ping-Pong a game for old people or just a game for family reunions and a way to pass the time? That’s not what De’Andre Patton said when I popped in to check out the Phoenix Table Tennis Club. He plays at the gym two times each week. “Shouldn’t a 12-year-old be out playing soccer or something more challenging?” I asked him. “I get a really good workout when I play table tennis,” he said. (By the way, if you want to make a gym full of sweating, hardworking people mad at you, call this game “Ping-Pong.”) It’s called “table tennis!” Save yourself the angry looks and save the title “Ping-Pong” for the playroom. James Troogstad, a 10-year-old, plays twice a week as well. “First I go home and do my homework, and then I come and play,” James said to me. “It’s like baseball. You get to hit the ball hard but have to hit it to one place.” Then there is Bill Baker, the 75year-old mentor to these kids. “I’ve been playing since the Korean War,” he said with lots of energy. “I started to play in 1953, and then played a lot in Germany in 1954.” OK, that’s about all the interview-

ing I could take. I was ready for some Ping-Pong. Whoops, I mean table tennis! I wanted to pick my opponents from the easy victims, warm up and then move up (after a few games) to the adult games on the other side of the gym. So, first, I took on De’Andre. There’s no way I could lose to a 12year-old. The score was 1-1 (I let him get a point to boost his confidence), and I was looking good. It was what happened next when I knew I was in trouble. He returned one of my infamous and powerful forehands with a slam right back at me. Final score: De’Andre 11, Tom Kuyper 3. OK, maybe I should move down and take on little James, which I did. I overpowered him and took advantage of the young kid. Final Score: James Troogstad 4, Tom Kuyper 11. I was all over the 10-year-old. It doesn’t take much to regain that lost confidence. (I never did make it over to the adults.) What a great way for kids to spend their afternoons. Table tennis is an awesome way for kids to stay active and build relationships. It was fun for me to watch these kids interact with some of the adults who were there, and even better, to watch these adults take on that mentor role. E-mail Tom Kuyper at Tomkuyper@athletesintraining.com.

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Good friends mean better health By Barb Berggoetz Gannett News Service Having lived in Texas her whole life, Tish Klein knew no one when she moved to Noblesville, Ind., with her husband two years ago. On top of that, she was adapting to being newly married and, later, to having a new baby girl — without her longtime friends and family. Then she found StrollerFit, a fitness group for mothers that integrates kids in strollers into regular workouts. Before long, Klein, Erin Bradley, Shannon Mann and others were having “moms night out,” play dates with kids, cookouts and game nights with their families. “Ever since I met them and formed a group of friends, it lifted my mood a lot,” says Klein, 30. “It gave me something to look forward to. We talk about kids, marriage, husbands and work, the gamut.” Friendships profoundly affect the physical and mental health of both

she has grown close to quite a few women and men, researchers say. women over the years, first as a young Numerous studies have shown that people who report loneliness die ear- mother and now as a 52-year-old parttime emlier, get sick ployee at the more often Broad Ripple and weather Studies by researchers … have found Knit Shop. transitions that people reporting strong social supwith greater ports have more robust immune systems Women gather there physical and are less likely to get infections disor at another wear and tear eases, largely because of reduced stress. shop for than those classes or who have a just to chat. support net“As a mother with young children, work. it was a lifesaver,” she says. “If you feel isolated, not validated Sometimes, family members may or accepted by others, there seems to be more prone to giving advice or be a whole constellation of outcomes — loneliness, alienation, susceptibility telling you what you don’t want to hear, says Michele C. Thorne, assisto depression — that results,” says tant professor of clinical psychology Edward R. Hirt, a psychology professor at Indiana University. This doesn’t at the IU School of Medicine. That may not be as good for you as a friend mean people constantly need the who listens and guides you, but supvalidation of others, Hirt adds, but that they need to know that support is ports your decisions. The most important factor about there if they do need it. friendships, Thorne adds, seems to be Alison Jester can relate to that. Through a shared interest in knitting, the perceived satisfaction with those

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relationships, not the number of them or what friends do together. Studies by researchers at Ohio State University and Carnegie Mellon University have found that people reporting strong social supports have more robust immune systems and are less likely to get infectious diseases, largely because of reduced stress. “There’s a long line of work showing that lonely people had poorer immune functions than their less lonely counterparts,” says Janice Kiecolt-Glasier, a professor and member of the Institute of Behavioral Medicine Research at Ohio State University’s College of Medicine. In a 2006 study by psychologist Todd Jackson, nearly 400 adults from the Midwest completed a series of questions related to health practices, stress, depression and social support they received from their significant other, family and friends. “For both women and men, having a highly supportive network of close relationships was associated with reporting a healthier diet, more exercise, less nicotine and alcohol abuse and better adherence to routine medical examinations,” says Jackson, associate professor of psychology at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. One reason for the link between social support and good health practices seems to be that people who feel cared for by others are less vulnerable to the effects of stress and are protected against the symptoms of depression, he says. “As a result, they may be able to devote more time and energy toward self-care,” Jackson says. “Particularly for women, feeling cared for and supported within their close social networks is particularly important in fostering self-care.” Generally, women benefit most because of how they deal with stress. Women are more social in how they cope with stress, while men are more likely to have a “fight or flight” reaction, says Shelley E. Taylor, author of “The Tending Instinct” and a social neuroscientist at the University of California, Los Angeles. While aggression and withdrawal take a psychological toll, friendship brings comfort that lessens the ill effects of stress, she says.

Journalist celebrates father-daughter bond By Cassandra Spratling Gannett News Service Whenever he thought about becoming a father, Emmy Award-winning journalist Ed Gordon pictured a little fellow to play ball with, to school on life lessons and to cheer as he ducked and dodged and dribbled down the court to score. His bundle of joy turned out to be a girl. He had no idea what to do with a girl. But after daughter Taylor’s birth 14 years ago, he discovered a love deeper than he knew possible. And learned he could and should cheer her on, too. After Gordon wrote about his experience in Essence magazine in 2006, he was overwhelmed by the volume and variety of responses and knew he had to do something to bring more attention to the crucial bond between black fathers and their daughters. In September, Gordon, 48, launched a national church and college tour to celebrate black fathers who have positive relationships with their daughters and to encourage other fathers to develop such bonds. During this tour, men will make a pledge to love, support and protect their daughters and be a good example of what a man should be.

DADDY’S PROMISE This is the pledge Ed Gordon’s campaign is asking fathers to make and give to their daughters: Dear (Daughter’s name) I make this pledge to you because I love you! I promise to always support you, no matter the conditions. I promise to keep you safe no matter the danger; yet let you grow and live your life. I promise to be your rock and give you encouragement in times of need. I promise to always respect you and live as an example of what a good man should be. I promise to share my knowledge, my mistakes and my lessons so you gain wisdom from my life. I promise, whenever I can, to make your road smoother. I promise to answer when you call, be there when you need me and even when you think you don’t! I promise to show you how important you are to me! I promise that I will always be in your life and be the best father I can be! (And most of all) I promise a lifetime of GANNETT PHOTO NETWORK love!!!!!!! Journalist Ed Gordon sits with his daughter, Taylor. In September, Gordon launched a nationLove, al church and college tour to celebrate black fathers who have positive relationships with Daddy their daughters and encourage other fathers to develop such bonds. On the Net: Daddy’s Promise at daddyspromise.com. Visit the site for tour dates.

Uplifting black families Such efforts are critical to strengthening black families, says Obie Clayton, chairman of the sociology department at Morehouse College in Atlanta and lead author of “Black Fathers in Contemporary American Society: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Strategies for Change.” “Fathers have more impact on their daughters’ success than we’ve historically thought, in terms of their educational achievement and overall development,” he says. “The father is usually the first man in a daughter’s life and what she gets from that relationship she takes into her relationships, not only with males, but with females.” Since Gordon’s Essence article, he’s been working to create a multipur-

pose, national movement — Daddy’s Promise — focused on black fathers and their daughters. Bounty paper towel manufacturer signed on as a national sponsor and 100 Black Men of America Inc., of which he is a member, is a primary supporter. “I’m hoping to raise awareness by getting people to talk about the importance of the father-daughter relationship,” he says. “I also want to salute men who are doing the right thing because there are a lot of us out there and you don’t read or hear about them often enough. And we want to push or nudge those who need it. A real man stands strong by taking care of his

kids.” Anton Chastang, 36, of Romulus, Mich., and father of a 6-year-old daughter, applauds Gordon’s efforts. “The relationship between black fathers and daughters is paramount,” says Chastang. “That relationship sets the standard for what you’re looking for and not looking for in men, both personally and professionally. If fathers don’t spend time building relationships with their daughters, they’re leaving their daughters to fend for themselves.”

All fathers welcome Although the effort is aimed at African-American fathers, it is not exclusive to them, Gordon says. “I’m a black man, and I have a daughter, so that’s what spoke to me. Also, black

men have disproportionately not been in the homes taking care of our kids the way we should.” More than half of all black children are being raised in single-parent households, mostly by mothers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 28 percent of American children live with a single parent. Although divorced from Taylor’s mother, Gordon maintains a strong relationship with his ex-wife and daughter, who live in Detroit. “My greatest hope and desire for her is that she become as accomplished as she can be in terms of her life’s goals,” he says. “And, more importantly, that she is a happy person, secure in the knowledge that I love her unconditionally. I want her to know she always has her daddy in her corner.”

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Where to find a story time Buncombe County Public Libraries Mother Goose Time For babies and toddlers 4-18 months old. Fairview Library: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Oakley/South Asheville: 11 a.m. Thursdays Pack Memorial Library: 10 a.m. Tuesdays for walkers; 11 a.m. Tuesdays for nonwalkers. Swannanoa Library: 11 a.m. Wednesdays Weaverville: 11 a.m., second and fourth Wednesdays of the month West Asheville Library: 11 a.m. Mondays.

School-age story time For childen 5-7 years old. Pack Memorial Library: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, September through May. North Asheville Library: 3:30 p.m. Thursdays

Story time For children 3-5 years old. Black Mountain Library: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays East Asheville Library: 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Enka-Candler Library: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays Fairview Library: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Leicester Library: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays North Asheville Library: 11 a.m. Wednesdays Oakley/South Asheville Library: 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Pack Memorial Library: 11 a.m. Wednesdays Skyland/South Buncombe Library: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Swannanoa Library: 11 a.m. Thursdays Weaverville Library: 11 a.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month West Asheville Library: 11 a.m. Thursdays

Toddler Time For children 18-36 months old.

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Black Mountain Library: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Enka-Candler Library: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays Fairview Library: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays Leicester Library: 11 a.m. Tuesdays North Asheville Library: 10 a.m. Wednesday Pack Memorial Library: 10 and 11 a.m. Thursdays Skyland/South Buncombe Library: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays Weaverville Library: 11 a.m., second and fourth Thursdays West Asheville Library: 11 a.m. Wednesdays

Storyline Call 251-5437 for a story anytime.

Spanish Story time Asheville-Buncombe County Library System, West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, Asheville. Free story reading in Spanish for preschool through kindergarten. Parents need to remain in the library. Call 251-4990 for more information.

Barnes & Noble Story time: 1 p.m. every Saturday. American Girl Club: Discussion and crafts based on American Girl stories, 4 p.m. every third Saturday. Magic Tree House Club: 4 p.m. every fourth Sunday with discussion and activities. Call 296-9330 or 296-9326 for more information. At Barnes & Noble, 83 S. Tunnel Road, East Asheville.

Osondu Booksellers Preschoolers story time: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. A new weekly story time with teacher, librarian, and story teller Pam Lloyd. Osondu Booksellers is at 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. For more information, call 4568062 or visit osondubooksellers.com. From staff reports

All you need to know about

getting a cat

By Barbara Blake Staff writer So you’ve decided to add a furry, feline friend to your family. But how do you begin the process? Pets offer unconditional love and warm companionship, and they ask for little in return. But there are certain fundamentals that need to be in place before bringing a kitten or an older cat home. First and foremost is finding the right match between a cat and your family. “Good matchmaking is critical to finding the right fit,” said Jennifer Brehler, director of operations with the Asheville Humane Society. “The ideal match is really dependent on the lifestyle of the family or individual, as well as the activity level of the cat.” A cat that has been in a home with children and other animals may do fine in a family setting, while an older cat that has not been exposed to children or may have health issues may not be suited for a home with children, Brehler said. “Conversely, while a robust and mellow kitten may do great with kids, kittens that are more timid or have a slight physical build may not be a good match for the home,” she said. “It’s important to understand the lifestyle of your family to make the best match.” Dr. Lea Osborne, who owns the Pet Vet on Patton at 2 Hansel Ave. in West Asheville, agreed that finding the right cat to match your family and lifestyle is critical, and you should take your time making that very important decision. “One visit is not going to let you know what the cat’s personality is, so you need to visit the cat multiple times,” she said. “Think about what type of cat you want — playful or relaxed? And go from there.” Here are other tips from Brehler and Osborne to help you find the perfect feline companion for yourself or your family.

Shelter vs. pet store “Adopting from a shelter offers a homeless animal not only a home but a second chance at life,” Brehler said. “Pet stores increase the overpopulation problem by increasing the supply and demand, which in turn supports backyard breeders and puppy/kitten mills.” “If you are truly dedicated to rescuing a cat, choose an adult cat,” Osborne said. “Chances are, the kittens will get rescued first. And if you do choose a kitten over an adult cat, remember that they will require more attention.”

Indoor vs. outdoor “Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives and this

cats,” Brehler said. “Kittens drink cat milk, not cow milk. Many people let their cats lick the cereal or ice cream bowl, but dairy products can cause diarrhea.” Lilies and poinsettias are toxic to cats, and all cats get hairballs, Osborne said. “If you’re getting a new cat, take it to the vet to make sure it’s healthy before introducing it to other cats at home.”

Exercise for indoor cats Cat condos or cat trees for the cat to climb are helpful, or laser lights and toys for the cat to chase — “or another cat for him/her to play with,” Osborne said. “Cats have a very high prey drive, so exercise is more like mimicking the ‘pounce and kill’ instinct,” Brehler said. “Tossing toys like fake mice, rolling a ping pong ball or dangling a string will entertain and exercise kitty.”

Litter box issues

PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Linda Horton sits with her family’s adopted cat Miss Dot. is the preferred option, but some cats are suited to supervised outdoor living, meaning they’re let in and out on a schedule and only when people are home, never left out all night,” Brehler said. “While there are clearly increased risks to their level of safety, when handled conscientiously, many indoor/ outdoor cats live healthy, full lives.”

Equipment to get started Food and water bowls; high-quality food; litter box and litter; bedding; a variety of toys and treats; a twine scratching post - cats use them more and they help keep their nails filed; cubbyhole hiding places — you can get elaborate versions at pet stores, but a simple box or paper bag can serve just as well.

Vaccinations and other health issues “If it’s an indoor cat that never comes into contact with another feline, it will probably only need a rabies vaccine annually,” Osborne said. “Cats that are indoor/outdoor or come into contact with other cats need a feline distemper, feline leukemia and rabies vaccine annually.” “Never give milk or dairy products to kittens or

“The litter box is instinctive to the cat – just introduce it to the litter box and he/she will do the rest,” Osborne said. “If the cat is going outside the box, it could be upset, sick or maybe the litter box needs to be cleaned.”

Deterrents to scratching If the cat is destroying drapes, furniture or other furnishings, “squirt the cat with a spray bottle when caught in the act,” Osborne said. “Sprinkle catnip on a scratching board to entice the cat, and sometimes tacking aluminum foil over the place where the cat scratches may be a deterrent.” Brehler said the Humane Society strongly recommends trying alternatives to de-clawing.

Spaying and neutering “In addition to birth control, spaying/neutering leads to less aggression, which leads to less cat fights,” Osborne said. “Male cats will no longer spray, there’s less of chance of a chance of cancer, and the cat is less likely to roam.” Brehler said many local veterinarians provide spay/neuter services. The Humane Alliance Spay/ Neuter Clinic in Asheville is a national model for low-cost sterilization, charging $30 to neuter male cats and $35 to spay female cats. A rabies vaccination is included in the charge, and the cat can be picked up the same day, she said. For more, visit ashevillehumane.org; petvetonpatton.org, or call the Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic at 252-2079.

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divorced families

Try these suggestions for peaceful, happy holidays By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist Getting into the holi-daze spirit is not a difficult thing to do during these particular times. Many families, divorced or not, are struggling with fewer resources and greater costs in keeping up with their beliefs about holiday traditions. It doesn’t help that advertising and merchandizing toward various popular traditions, especially Christmas, seem to start just a little bit earlier every year. It seemed to me that as early as the first week in October, some stores had their Christmas aisles already set up across from their Halloween aisles. I think it would be much easier for most families if, instead of having to pretend to have separate holiday “seasons,” we go ahead and just mix them all up into one big event called “Holi-

day Gumbo week” featuring “treats, turkeys and trees.” Getting practical, here are some time-tested ideas about approaching the holidays if you are divorcing or a family under great stress: ◆ Remember that when things seem to be at their worst, it is an opportunity to find what is best within us. Material goods have only taken on the importance that they have during the holiday season because of us. Children will always remember the times and experiences they spent with their parents and family. I seriously doubt that my son can remember a single toy I bought him eight years ago, but I bet he remembers going to a neighbor’s tree farm to pick out and cut down a tree together. ◆ Whatever the season, there are free events sponsored by civic groups, city and county government, churches and various other groups. The problem is finding out about them. This can be done by picking up a Take Five

or any other of the activity papers available for free around most grocery stores. Local web sites like CitizenTimes.com, WNCmom.com and Asheville.com can be of help, too. ◆ When families get under enough stress, they may easily succumb to in fighting and scapegoating. Pay careful attention to giving yourself “time outs” as needed by taking walks or soaking in a tub. When you can, pull back from situations or people when you feel your blood pressure rising. ◆ Families used to gather around fireplaces instead of TVs, talk to each other and maybe play games or music. Avoid the rut of watching TV as a primary activity or playing Wii games as exercises. The only difference between a rut and a grave are dimensions. ◆ Strive to collaborate when it comes to planning and setting goals for family events. Push yourself to compromise. Don’t waste energy on blaming. Leave blaming this year to

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the politicians. ◆ Don’t be stuck to the past but open your mind to creating new holiday traditions that match your current lifestyle and budget. ◆ As always, be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can with what you have and with what you know. Try to network. Make friends with other single parents or with whomever makes a good match in your specific situation so you will remember you are not alone in your doubts and struggles. Just use your best judgment to try and pick people who want to “get busy living.” And if anyone wants to develop my Holiday Gumbo week idea, let me know. In an election year, anything is possible. Trip Woodard is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607.

Get more shapely arms in 20 minutes From the editors of Fitness magazine So you’re going sleeveless to a holiday party and the only thing you’ve lifted lately is a few shopping bags? No worries: the editors at Fitness have a plan for you. A quick pre-party workout will send blood to your arm and shoulder muscles, giving them a temporary swelling and sculpting effect that can last close to an hour, says Michele Olson, a professor of exercise science at Auburn University in Montgomery, Ala., and a Fitness adviser. The speedy secret: doing four sets of the following sequence (for long-term results, do this routine three or four times a week). SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

The workout ◆ 15 push-ups. Do as many as you can in the traditional pose; then, if necessary, switch to the modified version. ◆ 15 triceps dips. Pumping up in the office or at home? Use a stationary chair as a makeshift workout bench. ◆ 15 isometric contractions. Press your palms together in front of you; hold for 10 seconds, then release. ◆ 15 biceps lifts. Reach under a desk, table or counter, palms against the underside, and pretend you’re lifting it off the floor. Hold for 10 counts. Back to push-ups! ◆ Buff up instantly. Apply bronzer along your biceps, triceps and deltoids. “The deeper shade of powder contrasts against your natural skin tone, making muscles look more defined,” says makeup artist Tanya Cropse. One to try: PerriconeMD ALA Body Toning Lotion SPF 15 with DMAE, $75, perriconemd.com. Copyright 2008, by Eleni Gage. First printed in the November/December 2008 issue of Fitness magazine. Write to the editors of Fitness magazine: fitnessmail@fitness magazine.com

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living with children

Kids need parents to be confident in authority ing war and death into imaginative play is not at all unusual for boys this age and older. In and of itself, this is Question: I hope not cause for concern. Today’s parents I am overthinking have become sensitized to this sort of this, but my northing because of highly publicized mally happy 6incidents of child and teen violence, year-old son has but boys have been playing war games recently started forever whereas boys becoming mass incorporating murderers is a recent phenomenon — death and war-like and almost exclusively an American games into his phenomenon. imaginative play. He isn’t and has On the other hand, if a 6-year-old never been a mean-spirited child, but his dad and I just divorced (amicably), suddenly becomes truly obsessed and I feel like he’s having trouble deal- with violence (e.g., begins threatening ing with it. For example, he has begun violence or becomes cruel toward pets) I would immediately suspect telling me he feels stupid. Can you regular exposure to video games with recommend something I can do, or violent themes. In that case, the obshould I consider having him talk to the school psychologist or our pastor? vious solution is to remove the video games from the child’s life. Evidence Answer: Other psychologists may disagree, but I would not recommend is mounting that video games, with or without violent themes, are contribprofessional help at this point (in the uting to various symptoms of stress in final analysis, however, I encourage young children, including both deyou to do whatever makes you feel pression and outbursts of anger. most comfortable). First, incorporatBy John Rosemond

It’s to be expected that your son will have some degree of difficulty adjusting to a major change of this magnitude in his day-to-day life, but the fact that a youngster is not exactly overjoyed over his parents’ divorce does not mean he’s having a psychological crisis. As for saying he’s stupid, he may be “internalizing” some anger toward the two of you, but again, I would tend to take a wait-and-see attitude. There is good likelihood that when he adjusts to the new family circumstances, self-deprecating comments of that sort will fade away. On the other hand, if you and his father act toward him as if you think he’s a victim, he will begin acting more and more like a victim. Children are intuitively brilliant, and they take advantage of whatever opportunities are handed to them, however unwittingly. Your son may be repeating the “I’m stupid” mantra because you are acting as if it’s to be taken very, very seriously. You respond by talking to

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him, trying to convince him that he isn’t stupid. So, the next time he’s feeling a little blue and wants attention, he says he’s stupid. The next time he says this, simply say, “We’ve talked about that enough. If you still think you’re stupid, I’m truly sorry, but we’re not going to talk about it any more. Furthermore, saying that you’re stupid means your brain is overtired and needs a rest. So from now on, when you say that you’re stupid I’m going to send you to your room to lie down and rest for an hour so you can think straight again.” Your confidence in your authority is the key to your son’s sense of wellbeing. If you are convinced that the divorce was in everyone’s best interest, then I strongly advise you to act, and parent, accordingly. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at rosemond.com. Copyright 2008, John K. Rosemond.

growing together

Go green starting with water from the tap By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist “Going green” is as trendy as ballet flats and found object jewelry, but balancing it with the expectations of a child and a teenager has meant that a little retraining has been in order at my house. Taking small steps to detoxify our homes and our families can mean great strides in reducing that carbon footprint we hear about constantly, but doing so can also be practical, frugal and simple. As a crunchy, treehugging vegetarian, I have spent years balancing the importance of leaving the world better than I found it with the day-to-day reality of raising a family with my sanity intact. This is where the recycled rubber meets the road. We started with water — specifi-

cally, the bottled variety. I don’t think we came close to last year’s U.S. average of 30 gallons of bottled water per person, but at least some of us were keeping the industry, ahem, afloat. It takes very little time and effort to fill a reusable water bottle before heading out to school. Really, it’s 20 seconds. Time it. And consider that according to some studies, as much as 40 percent of bottled water is really just bottled tap water anyway — it just costs more per gallon than gasoline. There are safe plastic bottles to be had, but a good old stainless steel Thermos also works great and keeps the water cold for hours. There is an initial investment to be made in stainless steel and other good quality reusable bottles – we dropped a whopping $60 in one shopping trip for allnew bottles and lunch equipment – but do the math and see how long it takes to earn a grocery profit. You might be surprised. We all save more than money in the

long run. Considering the petroleum used in manufacturing the plastic bottles and the environmental impact of shipping pallet after pallet of shrink-wrapped cases, even recycling empty bottles can’t justify the waste. As a mom, I am still glad that when caught without an alternative, my thirsty kids can punch the button on a

vending machine and get water rather than soda (if I’m lucky), but I am trying to teach them that in this case, reducing trumps recycling. I hope the habit sticks. Chris Worthy is an attorney who took down her shingle to be a stay-athome mom. Write to her at growing together@chrisworthy.com.

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Quick dinners Orange-sesame pork ribs 1 cup (about 8 ounces) hoisin sauce 1 1/2 cups (about 12 ounces) orange marmalade 3 pounds countrystyle pork spareribs 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds Cooked white rice Combine hoisin sauce and orange marmalade in the crock of a slow cooker; stir well. Add ribs and turn to coat. Cook on high 2 to 3 hours. Remove ribs to a plate or cutting board. Pour sauce from crock into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. If desired, cut meat from ribs before serving. Spoon with sauce (pass the extra at the table), sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with cooked rice. Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 2 to 3 hours. Serves 4.

Linguini with chicken and pistachios 4 ounces fettuccine 1 tablespoon butter, divided use Half a boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 ounces) 1 clove garlic 1/4 cup shelled pistachios (about 40 nuts) 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat 1/2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cut chicken into 3/4-inch pieces. Add chicken to skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and return to pot. Transfer cooked chicken to pot with pasta. Add remaining butter and toss. Return chicken pan to medium heat. Add garlic and pistachios; saute until garlic is fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Toss with pasta and chicken. Prep time: 15 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes (includes boiling water for pasta). Serves 2. Approximate values per serving: 456 calories, 17 g fat, 80 mg cholesterol, 29 g protein, 45 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 710 mg sodium, 34 percent calories from fat.

Approximate values per serving (without rice): 945 calories, 64 g fat, 235 mg cholesterol, 58 g protein, 47 g carbohydrates, 0 fiber, 790 mg sodium, 61 percent calories from fat.

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Gannett News Service

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Crack open possibilities of peanuts By Jennifer Justus Gannett News Service

Boiled peanuts

Politics aside, we can hardly mention peanuts without talk of Jimmy Carter. Along with George Washington Carver, the former president might be responsible, in part, for our attempt to claim the legume as a piece of Southern heritage. To be sure, the back roads of the South would be far less tasty without those roadside caldrons of boiled peanuts that give us salty snacking from brown paper sacks. Legend has it that Southern cooks, too, gave us the simple but salty-sweet treat of peanut brittle, and it was certainly a Southerner who first tore open a pack of peanuts and poured them into his bottle of RC cola. In the South, peanuts have even been honored in song. Tennessee Ernie Ford covered the peanut ode from the Civil War era, singing “Goodness how delicious, Eating goober peas.” But peanuts, of course, add crunch and character to dishes throughout the world. They give African soups creamy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. In Southeast Asian dishes, they help give kick to dipping sauces. Peanut salads can take inspiration from the salty lime-infused air of Mexico or the spicy heat of Madras, India. But when time in the kitchen can’t be had, it’s hard to beat cracking open a mess of shells — and memories — to the sounds of the seventh-inning stretch. Contact Jennifer Justus at jjustus@tennessean.com.

1 1/2 cups salt, plus more to taste 4 gallons water, plus more as needed 2 pounds raw peanuts in the shell In a 3-gallon stockpot, dissolve 1/2 cup of salt in 2 gallons of water and add peanuts (they will float, but you can keep most submerged by using a dinner plate as a cap). Soak for 8 hours or overnight. Discard the soaking water and fill the pot with 2 gallons of fresh water and the remaining 1 cup salt. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook at a low boil, covered, for 5 to 8 hours. Keep the water in the pot at roughly the same level with hourly additions of 2 cups water until the peanuts are soft. When the peanuts have boiled for 3 hours, sample them to check for texture and saltiness. Allow a peanut to cool, then crack open the shell to get at the kernels inside. If you find them too salty, remove some of the brine and replace it with an equal amount of fresh water. If the peanuts are not salty enough, add salt in 1/4 cup increments, turn off the heat and let them soak for an hour to absorb the salt. If the peanuts are too crunchy, boil on. It can take up to 12 hours if you prefer them mushroom-soft. Sample every hour. When the peanuts are cooked to your satisfaction, turn off the heat and cool for 1 hour. Drain and eat immediately or store (in the shell) in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer. Boiled peanuts will keep for a week in the refrigerator, several months in the freezer. Makes 4 pounds; enough snacking for 12 people. Source: “The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook” by Matt Lee and Ted Lee (2006, W.W. Norton & Co., $35).

Muamba nsusu (Congo chicken soup) 1 (2 1/2 pounds) chicken, cut into eight pieces 1 quart chicken stock 2 tablespoons palm oil 1 cup onions, quarter-inch dice 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup tomatoes, peeled, seeded, 1/2-inch dice 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/3 cup peanut butter, containing only peanuts and salt Combine chicken and chicken stock; simmer until chicken is tender. Remove chicken from broth and retain broth at a simmer. Skin chicken and shred meat; set aside. Heat oil over medium heat; add onions and garlic and saute 3-5 minutes, until soft. Add red pepper flakes and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Combine 1 cup chicken broth with tomato paste and peanut butter; stir until smooth. Combine chicken meat, tomato mixture, chicken broth and peanut butter mixture. Stir and continue to simmer until the soup is thickened, 5-10 minutes; do not boil. Serve hot. Makes 4 servings. Source: “International Cuisine: The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes” by Michael F. Nenes (2009, John Wiley & Sons Inc., $45).

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Indonesian beef satay

Peanut dipping sauce

Peanut butter cookies

1 (2-pound) flank steak 1 cup coconut milk 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons fish sauce 1 tablespoon light brown sugar 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste 3 medium garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 recipe peanut dipping sauce Slice the flank steak in half lengthwise, then crosswise on a bias into quarter-inch pieces. Pound the slices of meat between 2 sheets of parchment to one-eighth inch thick. Whisk the coconut milk, water, fish sauce, sugar, curry paste, garlic, turmeric, coriander and cumin together in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the meat, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Weave the meat onto 40 wooden skewers (1 piece per stick). Adjust an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler. Lay half the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet and cover the skewer ends with foil. Broil the skewers until the meat is browned, 6 to 9 minutes, flipping the skewers over halfway through the cooking time. Transfer the cooked skewers to a large serving platter and broil the remaining skewers. Serve with the peanut dipping sauce. Makes 12 to 18 servings as an appetizer or 8 to 10 as a main course.

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup coconut milk 1/4 cup juice from 2 limes 3 tablespoons fish sauce 4 medium garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste, plus extra to taste 1/2 teaspoon sugar, plus extra to taste Warm water, as needed 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro Blend all the ingredients except the cilantro together in a blender until smooth. Blend in additional red curry paste and sugar to taste. (The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.) Transfer the sauce to a bowl and add water until the sauce has a loose, heavy, creamlike consistency. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve. Makes 2 cups. Source: “The Best International Recipe: A Home Cook’s Guide to the Best Recipes in the World” by the Editors of Cook’s Illustrated (2007, America’s Test Kitchen, $35).

1 cup smooth peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons finely chopped peanuts (optional) 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and position 2 racks in the upper and lower thirds. In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter with the sugar, baking soda and Peanuts add crunch and character to egg. Stir in the peanuts and chocolate chips. Roll dishes throughout the world, including tablespoons of the dough these peanut butter cookies. into 24 balls. Set the balls on 2 baking sheets, and using a fork, make a crosshatch pattern on each cookie. Bake for 15 minutes, shifting the baking sheets from front to back and bottom to top, until the cookies are lightly browned and set. Let cool on a wire rack. Makes about 2 dozen cookies. Source: Food & Wine, December 2003.

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Kids page

Maze

Connect the dots

Coloring Word search autumn candied yams celebration cornucopia cranberry sauce family feast friends gathering harvest holiday mayflower meal parade pilgrims pumpkin pie stuffing turkey

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