WNC Parent - October 2008 by Stacey

Solutions for puzzles on Page 53

CMYK 1P

Kaliyah Thomas, 3, of Asheville

Kayla Gregory, 10, of Asheville

advertisers index

Konak Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Laurel OBGYN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Look of Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Lulu’s Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Marks Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Mimundo En Espanol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Mine & Yours Consignment Shop . . . . . . . 15 Morrow Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Mountain Area Occupational Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover Mr. K’s Used Books, Music & More . . . . . . 44 NC Mentor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Nextcar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Outdoor Family Fun Center . . . . . Back Cover Par Tee Xperts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Park Ridge Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Party Boulevard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Porter & Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Positive Transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Reach Animal Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Rebecca D’Dangelo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Regent Park Early Childhood Development . 51 Restoring Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rinehart Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Robert Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Serendipity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Sew Simply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Skytop Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Slumber Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Smart Start of Buncombe Co. . . . . . . . . . . 14 Something Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Spark Creative Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Sun Yi’s Tae Kwon Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sylvan Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Bake Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Everything Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The Health Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Little Gym. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Nanny Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The Rainbow Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Relationship Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Toy Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Tops for Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Tunnel Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Veritas Christian Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 West Asheville Baptist Church. . . . . . . . . . 16 West Asheville Baptist Church. . . . . . . . . . 30 Williams Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 WNC Nature Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 World Martial Arts Academy . . . . . . . . . . 51 Young Chef’s Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 YWCA of Asheville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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All Kids Pediatrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project 23 Art by Nance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Asheville Area Nanny Network . . . . . . . . 36 Asheville Bravo Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Asheville Catholic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Asheville Children’s Medical Center . . . . . 19 Asheville Christian Academy . . . . . . . . . . 60 Asheville Dance Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Asheville Medicine & Pediatrics . . . . . . . . 44 Asheville Music School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Asheville Pediatric Assoc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Baggie Goose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bank of Asheville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Blue Ridge Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Bon Bebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Bone-A-Fide Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Bounceville USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Buncombe County DSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Center Stage Dance Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Chambers & Baechtold, DDS..Inside Front Cover Chick-Fil-A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Children’s Trading Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Christian Networking Association . . . . . . . 23 Clay Dangerﬁeld-State Farm Ins. . . . . . . . . 44 Covenant Community United Methodist . . . 51 Dancers Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Dancing Bear Toys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Double R Stables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Dr. Clarke McIntosh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Dr. Jenny Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Einstein Nanny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 F.I.R.S.T. WNC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Fired Up! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 First Baptist Child Development . . . . . . . . . 28 First Baptist Church-Asheville . . . . . . . . . . 23 Focus, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Friends of the Nature Center. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fun Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Growing Young Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 H & R Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 High Flight Gymnastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Holly Thistle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Huntington Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . 21 I Thought About You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Idea Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ingles Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ingles Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Jazzercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Just For Fun Playgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Keith Black, DDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kid Senses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

contents This month’s features 3 4 5

6 8

This month’s issue on tweens and teens caused me to reflect on my 15-year-old twins. When my daughters became teenagers, one of them asked me about getting a MySpace page. Not knowing too much about that, I decided to launch one of my own. I learned a lot about this social network, and I got to be the “cool mom,” but my daughter did not get a MySpace page. Learn about the dangers of some online sites and some ways to protect your tweens and teens on Page 5. Having properly mannered kids was always a top priority for me. Having people come up to me and tell me what kind and well-behaved girls I had made me exceptionally proud. For a few pointers on tween/teen etiquette, read our story on Page 3. Having kids is a fun and rewarding experience and I have personally enjoyed every minute of it. Finding out my daughters were teenagers was a tough blow for this mom, but I think so far we are getting through the teen years just fine.

Etiquette 101 Some basic do’s and don’ts for young people on manners.

Foster/adopt festival Annual event teaches about adopting and fostering children.

Online safety Keeping your child protected online is a tall order. Here are a few tips.

Kids’ lingo

Prepping for tests Whether it’s everyday tests or college-entrance exams, give your child tools to succeed. Mom-daughter time at the spa is becoming more popular.

12 Boys and their energy

Find out 5 ways to channel your son’s energies.

14 Get away to Disney World

Fall is an ideal time for a trip to Orlando.

20 Do something good

Volunteer opportunities abound for youths.

38 4 super foods

Get the most out of your efforts to eat healthy with these foods.

40 10 fashion necessities

Must-have pieces for every mom’s wardrobe.

In every issue Kids Voices .......................................................18 Librarian’s Picks by Jennifer Prince ...................22 Show and Tell ..............................................24-25 WNCmom.com..............................................27 Divorced Families by Trip Woodard .....................29 Parenting in a Nutshell .....................................31 Growing Together by Chris Worthy ......................39 Quick Dinners ...................................................45 John Rosemond ................................................49 Puzzles ........................................................52-53 Video Games ....................................................54 Calendar .....................................................56-63

On the cover Taylor Smith, of Eastfield Elementary in Marion. Photo courtesy of Katy Cook Photography.

museum admission. The Preschool Play Date series is 10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday of the month. No registration in required. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

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

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

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 November 2008 issue is Oct. 21 calendar items are due by Oct. 20

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

dents ages 8-18. Try out a meeting or weekend trip before joining. Visit ashevilletaasc.com or contact Greg Gillett at 299-9844 or ashevilletaasc@gmail.com.

Tiny Tot Adventures

Starts Nov. 6

Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts and Montford Recreation Center have brought back Tiny Tot Adventures, 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, at the center, 34 Pearson Drive. For children ages 0-4, with parent, with activities including unstructured gym free play, craft, snack, story time and special events. Riding toys welcome. Cost is $1 per session; registration not required. For information, contact Kim Kennedy at 253-3714, or montfordr@ashevillenc.gov.

Fit Family

Fit Family aims to get families to eat in a healthy way, be active everyday, successfully manage weight, share knowledge with others in the community, build self-esteem and have fun in the process. Program involves a family meeting, led by guest speakers, who will discuss benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyles, offer healthy cooking recipes, and other family-friendly activities. Runs 5:30-6 p.m. Thursdays. Open to the public. In conjunction with the Fit Kids program, it will provide useful resources and ideas that will make a lasting and positive impact on families. To register or for more information, call the Waynesville Recreation Center at 456-2030 or e-mail recyouth@townofwaynesville.org

Nov. 8 Historical tea party

Nancy Sluder Editor

A primer on exactly what your teen or tween is saying.

10 Time at the spa

CMYK 2P

The tween/teen years bring new challenges for parents

calendar of events

East Asheville Rec Center programs

‘Playhouse Disney Live! on Tour’

Join characters from Playhouse Disney TV shows like “The Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more in this live show. At 6:30 p.m. at Asheville Civic Center. Tickets start at $15. Visit ticketmaster.com or call 251-5505.

Learn about Native American culture at the Smith-McDowell House Museum. For girls, ages 7-12. Cost is $25 for an adult and $20 for children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Make reservations with the SmithMcDowell House Museum at least a week before the program. The museum is at 283 Victoria Road, on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. For information and tickets, call 253-9231.

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.

Nov. 9

Ongoing

2008 Tip Off Classic

Music and dance classes

Veritas Christian Academy’s basketball team takes on the nation’s top-ranked high school basketball program and six-time national champions Oak Hill Academy. Tip off will be at 6 p.m. at Asheville Civic Center. Tickets are available to the general public through Ticketmaster. Groups of 15 or more can receive discounted rates, and courtside corporate tables are available. For more information, to order group tickets, or to reserve a corporate table, contact VCA head basketball coach John Jordan at 681-0546.

Nov. 10 Veritas Christian School Community Open House

Veritas Christian Academy, a classical Christian school for prekindergarten through 12th grade, will host an open house from 5-6:45 p.m. The public is invited to tour the school, see the curriculum and talk with the faculty. Veritas is at 17 Cane Creek Road in Fletcher, at the corner of Hendersonville and Cane Creek roads. Call Darla Hall at 681-0546 with questions.

Nov. 22 62nd Asheville Holiday Parade

The 62nd Annual Asheville Holiday Parade steps off at 11 a.m. This year’s Parade will begin at

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Nov. 14

Joyful Noise Community Music and Arts Center is enrolling students for its private lessons and group classes. For general information, visit brioconcertseries.org/joyfulnoise.html or e-mail joyfulnoiseartscenter@gmail.com. For private lessons, please contact director Gina Caldwell at 649-2828 or gina_m_caldwell@yahoo.com. Class offerings include: K Kindermusik for 6 months-3 years at Weaverville United Methodist Church. Contact Cynthia Roop, 319-7077, croop@mhc.edu. K Flatfoot Clogging and Irish Step Dance classes; beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Contact Heidi Kulas, 319-7202, cloggerina@charter.net K Appalachian ballad singing, old-time rhythm guitar and bass, and Appalachian slow jam. All Appalachian music classes at the First Presbyterian Church in Weaverville. Contact Cary Fridley, 337-6467 or caryfridley@gmail.com.

Tots On Toes ballet, tap classes

Build self-confidence and increase creativity through dance in a noncompetitive environment. Classes at the Stoney Mountain Activity center in Mountain Home, just south of Fletcher. Preschool, kindergarten-second grade, third-fifth grade and sixth-eighth grade classes available. Classes are $30 per month with a $15 registration fee and $20 recital fee due upon registration. For a complete schedule and more information, contact Dory Jones at 684-9201 or 242-6643, e-mail dory@TotsOnToes.com or visit TotsOnToes.com.

Mommy And Me For Babies

This is a free group that meets weekly in two locations to provide an opportunity for new parents to gather. On Tuesdays, meetings are at Reuter Family YMCA in the Mission Wellness Resource Center Room. Mommy/Baby Yoga For Pre-Crawlers is 9:30-10:15 a.m.; guest speaker/open discussion is 10:30-11:30; walk and talk is 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. On Wednesdays, meet at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. walk and talk is 9-9:45 a.m.; guest speaker/open discussion is 10-11 a.m.; mommy/baby yoga for precrawlers is 11:3011:45 a.m. Please call 213-8098 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com to register.

All programs at 906 Tunnel Road. For information, call 251-4041. Toddler music class: A professionally taught music class, 10 a.m.-noon the second and fourth Wednesdays. Cost is $10 per class. Space is limited. Call Jessica Johnston at 251-4041 for more information. It’s ART Time: Runs 10:30-11:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays. Cost is $2 per class. Play With Us play group: Join in each Friday, 10 a.m.-noon, for a free play group. Meet new moms and babies, make new friendships and have fun. For ages newborn to 5, with adult participation required.

Cheerleading class

Learn cheers, chants and routines to music and pom at Young Champions of America Cheerleading, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Oakley Rec Center. Classes are for beginners to competition level. Saturdays through Jan. 10. Cost is $6 per class. Classes for ages 4-7 run 66:45 p.m.; classes for 8 and older are 6:457:30. No classes on Dec. 27 or Jan. 3. The center is at 749 Fairview Road. For information, call 251-4042.

Self-defense class

Toddler Fun

Toddler Fun is a free group that provides an opportunity for parents to have some structured fun with their toddlers including 45 minutes of songs, stories, finger-plays, parachute play and more. From 9-9:45 a.m. Wednesdays at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. To register, call 213-8098 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com.

Learn physical and verbal self-defense skills, gain self-confidence and advance in rank and belt at Young Champions of America SelfDefense classes on Fridays at Oakley Rec Center. Cost is $6 per class. White belt classes are 6-6:45; yellow belts and above are 6:457:30 p.m. No class Nov. 28, Dec. 26 and Jan. 3. The center is at 749 Fairview Road. For information, call 251-4042.

Allegro Music Studio

Asheville Creative Music School

Now enrolling new students for fall. Private lessons for students ages 5 and older. Instruments include guitar (classical, electric, acoustic), bass, piano/keyboard, violin and percussion. Family discounts available. At 1977 Hendersonville Rd. suite C. For more information, call 699-5580 or e-mail info@allegrostudio.com.

Asheville TAASC

The American Adventure Service Corps is a youth development nonprofit that uses adventure education and service learning to develop in young people a compassion for others and the environment, belief in their potential and capabilities, a healthy lifestyle, and sense of responsibility. It is a positive, fun alternative to video games, movies, etc. Students meet once a week for an hour and half. They go on a weekend trip each month and a 10-day trip in the summer (younger kids do two five-day trips). TAASC is open to stu-

Aimed toward those who favor the post-conventional, holistic approach to making music and developing a personal style and love for their instrument, the Asheville Creative Music School is now open in West Asheville, at 178 Westwood. Lessons in percussion, brass, winds and strings. First lesson is free. For more information, visit ACMS.vpweb.com or call 333-2000.

Spanish immersion program

Immersion programs are the most effective way to teach children Spanish. Kids will learn naturally, in small, age-appropriate classes taught by professional native speakers, through fun experiences, music, visual aids, books and games. Enrollment is year-round. For children ages 3-12, with discounts for siblings. Contact Claudia McMahan at 681-0843 or Beatriz RiascosSocarras at 687-9620 or e-mail mm_spanish@hotmail.com.

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Etiquette 101

calendar of events Continued from Page 61 playfulness and transformation in your life. Without any prerequisite of artistic ability, enjoy a supportive environment where a guided expressive arts process leads to refreshing clarity and a renewed sense of self. Runs 2-5 p.m. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. For more information, visit sparkcreativewellness.com or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

Oct. 27 ‘Boo-Tacular’

Stories Comin’ Round the Mountain

Celebrate storytelling at the 25th anniversary of this Buncombe County Public Libraries event for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Come to any of the three sessions, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., to hear local tellers and library staff share stories. There will be lots of new stories, as well as classics from many cultures. Free and open to the public.Groups please register by Oct. 17. Please call 250-4720 to register or for more information. At Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

Home-school creative arts workshops

Workshops include mask making (Oct. 27), drama games (Nov. 3), creative movement (Nov. 10) and playback improv theater (Nov. 17). Workshops run 10 a.m.-noon for 6- to 9-year-old home-schoolers and 1:30-3:30 p.m. for 10- to 13-year-old home-schoolers. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

6 de noviembre – 18 de diciembre ¡Listos para Aprender!

La Sociedad del Éxito de Aprendizaje invita a niños de 2-5 años quienes no están en la escuelita, juntos con sus padres o guardianes del condado de Buncombe y la ciudad de Asheville, a participar unas series de 6 clases gratis. Ayude a su niño al desarrollo social y emocional en un contexto de alfabetismo temprano y de pre-matemáticas por medio de cuentos, canciones, poemas, y vocabulario. Las clases empiezan el 6 de noviembre, los jueves de 10:30 a 11:15 a.m. en el Centro de Literatura de la Familia de ACSP, 441 Haywood Road. Cada niño recibe un libro gratis al final de cada clase. Para registrarse por favor llame a Mónica Bastin al 255-5423. (This free program is offered exclusively to families who are fluent in Spanish and speak it as their primary language at home.)

What tweens and teens should know and do By Barbara Blake Staff writer

‘Parenting With Meaning’ series

Jewish Family Services and Shalom Children’s Center at the Asheville Jewish Community Center offer “Parenting With Meaning.” This three-week series will be facilitated by parenting coach and professional educator, Lauren Rosenfeld. Sessions run 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 27-Nov. 10. Price is $30 per family for JCC members and $35 per family for the general community. For more information about Rosenfeld, visit familiesinharmony.com. The JCC is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. To register, contact Alison Gilreath or Caroline Martin at 253-0701 or email alison@jcc-asheville.org or caroline@jcc-asheville.org.

Oct. 28 Pardee parenting classes

Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard,

Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information. Classes are free. Registration is not required. Infant care class: Learn the basics of infant care. From 6:30-8 p.m. Prime-time with a pediatrician: Learn from a local pediatrician what to expect with a newborn in your home from 8-9 p.m.

Starts Oct. 28 Sparkle Sisters

Enjoy fun and positive girl time away from the social pressures of school. This three-week expressive arts workshop offers girls, ages 9-13, an exciting and supportive place for creative self-expression. Overcome “girl drama,” spark friendships and build healthy self-esteem. Runs 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 28-Nov. 11, at Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

Oct. 29 School-age book club

The Weaverville Library’s school-age book club will be discussing “Monsters and Water Beasts: Creatures of Fact or Fiction?” at 4 p.m. Come ready to talk about your favorite monster. For information, call 250-6482. At 41 N. Main St.

Starts Nov. 3 After-school fitness program

Fit Kids focuses on creating healthy lifestyles for children in first to fifth grades. The 13-week pro-

Pre Twinkle

Violin

gram runs 3:30-5:30 p.m. weekdays at Waynesville Recreation Center. The program includes physical games and activities, nutritious snacks, healthy cooking once a week, guest speakers, weekly challenges and homework time. Upon completion of the 13-week program, each child will receive a free three-month family membership at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Cost is $28 per week for rec center members and $35 for nonmembers, with sibling discounts. To register or for more information please call the Waynesville Recreation Center at 4562030 or email recyouth@townofwaynesville.org

Nov. 3 Foster/Adopt Fall Festival

Learn how to become a foster and/or adoptive parent, find out more about children who need a family right now, talk to families who have fostered and adopted and enjoy arts and crafts, games and more. Event is 3-6 p.m. at The Coleman Place, upstairs at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce building, 36 Montford Ave. Hosted by the Buncombe County Department of Social Services and WNC foster care agencies. For more information, call Erica Jourdan at 250-5513.

Nov. 6 Preschool Play Date

Group Class

Now Forming for Fall 2008

for Preschool-Aged Children & their Parents Also Accepting Students Ages 5—Adult

Call 828.545.8673 for Registration Information

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

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Holly Thistle,Suzuki Violin Teacher

Demonstration at North Asheville Library October 10th 4 - 5 p.m.

f you could be a fly on the wall and watch your kids at someone else’s home or in a public gathering where adults are present, would their behavior make you proud? Or would you be mortified? Manners, etiquette, being polite — they’re all basically the same. A couple of generations ago, every child — with rare exceptions — was wellversed in the basics: “Yes sir,” “No, ma’am,” “Please, pass the …” “Thank you for the …” And so on. Think Eddie Haskell in “Leave it to Beaver.” That’s not always the case today, when children routinely call their parents’ peers by first names, take-out boxes trump sterling and crystal at the dinner table, and much of our socializ“Having ing is done electronically rather manners than face to face. Nevertheless, modern etiquette basically means being experts agree that there are certain kind to one fundamentals that are timeless. And introducing those basics cannot another.” come at too early an age. “From their birth, I think teachFran Harris, ing manners to our children is one youth adviser at of the greatest gifts we can give to Grace Covenant them, and to the world,” said Fran Presbyterian Harris, former director of the North Church Asheville Cotillion and youth adviser at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. “Having manners basically means being kind to one another,” she said. Jill Froula of Parent Guide suggests regularly scheduled family meals as a good way to teach basic table manners and avoid embarrassment when dining out. “In a restaurant, let your child pick and order his or her own food, or give a few choices that you both find acceptable. Making children feel grown-up will encourage them to act grown-up.” Experts agree that leading by example is a key to raising young people who are comfortable and gracious with peers and adults. If children respect their parents’ behaviors, they are more likely to emulate them. “We should show young people respect, and never embarrass them in front of others; if you need to correct them, do it in private,” Harris said. “Say as little as possible to make your point; simply state the change you’d like to see,” she said. “After the first few sentences, all they hear is blah, blah, blah!” Here are some suggestions from Harris and other adults to help your teen or tween make you proud in public.

CMYK 3P

The YouTheatre of Flat Rock Playhouse is hosting a family friendly haunted house, 6:30-9 p.m. Park at the Playhouse and navigate up the haunted trail to the YouTheatre where participants can explore the ghostly mansion and create “fab-boo-lous” crafts. Cost is $15 per car. Flat Rock Playhouse is at 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock. Rain date Oct. 28.

Starts Oct. 27

Family time is a great time to help children practice proper etiquette.

General rules Be courteous to everyone. Respect other peoples’ property. Do not interrupt when someone is speaking. Show interest in other peoples’ interests and talents. Never yell at another person.

Telephone etiquette When calling, never say, “Is Susie there?” Instead, say, “May I speak to Susie, please?” Better yet, “This is Zack Smith, may I speak to Susie, please?” When receiving a call for a family member who’s not available, always ask to take a message. Write the information down and repeat it back to the caller.

Table manners Sit up straight, place the napkin in your lap, and no elbows on table. No slurping or burping. Never say to the host that you don’t like something; taste it even if you don’t like it. Always ask if you may leave the table when

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

everyone is finished. Thank the host for the meal, even if it’s your mom. Offer to clear or help wash the dishes.

Engaging with adults Join in the conversation without monopolizing it. Ask questions, show interest. “Mr. Jones, I hear Mrs. Jones has a new job. How does she like it?” If introducing an adult to a peer, always use the older person’s name first. “Mr. Jones, this is my friend, Tommy.” And tell Mr. Jones something about your friend. “Tommy and I are on the soccer team together at school.” Do not use profanity or risqué language. Hold the door open for adults and wait until they have entered before you pass through. Stand up when an adult enters the room. Always seat an older adult; pull out the chair for them and remain standing until they are seated.

Sleepovers or parties The young person should introduce himself to the parent or adult in charge. Continued on Page 4

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Continued from Page 3

Respect the property of the homeowner, and be aware of others who may not be showing respect. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see damage about to occur. Help throw away trash when the party is over, and help clean up. Thank the adult in charge for having you.

Bullying and manners Harris, who was a mentor/adviser for Women Helping Women, a group of high-school seniors who worked to make a difference in their community, said she considers standing up to bullying another form of etiquette. “For tweens, I would remind them that bullying is a form of harassment, and should never be tolerated,” Harris said. “Having good manners includes standing up for others and never participating in bullying. Everyone deserves to be respected and treated fairly. “As hard as it is to be a tween, it’s even harder when you feel like you don’t belong anywhere. Play fair, and be a friend to everyone.”

Build a family, change a life Foster/Adopt Fall Festival educates community on opportunities

By Barbara Blake Staff Writer There’s an event coming up Nov. 15 that will change the lives of children in Western North Carolina. It’s the annual Foster/Adopt Fall Festival, a no-pressure gathering where people can find out how to foster or adopt a child, talk to families that have fostered and adopted, and enjoy arts and crafts, and activities for kids. The festival will be 3-6 p.m. at Coleman Place, the entertainment space on the third floor of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Building at 36 Montford Ave. Admission is free. “The Foster/Adopt Fall Festival provides a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about helping children in a free, fun, no-pressure way, where they can talk to as many agencies as they want, or just collect brochures,” said Erica Jourdan, recruitment specialist with the Buncombe County Department of Social Services.

“It’s also a way for the community to come together and say, ‘We want children and their families to thrive, and we’re going to be here to help.’” The event will also create awareness of the multitude of ways in which people can help kids, including foster care, adoption, therapeutic respite, mentoring, sponsoring or even choosing a career in the field. The festival will include a general information area where agencies from across WNC will set up tables and provide information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, and a “child-specific recruitment” area where people can learn more about the children who currently need adoptive homes through photos, profiles and direct contact with the children’s social workers. There also will be an area to talk to families who have fostered and adopted to learn what the experience is really like, along with an area where kids can be entertained while parents are engaging with other adults.

John Brock, of Asheville, said the fall festival “was the beginning of a road to fostering and adopting.” “We found the chance to talk to real foster parents about their experiences, and it helped us get over some misconceptions about the process,” he said. “It also was the first step toward being about to adopt; it changed our lives and ultimately brought us our most blessed gift, a little boy named Eric.” Brandon, 17, was in foster care as a teenager and was adopted last year. He urged adults to attend the festival and learn more about the possibilities. “Foster families can instill hope in children by loving them,” he said. “If a child feels real love from the beginning — and I know it’s hard to love someone you just met — if you can have compassion and really want them in your home, it gives them so much hope. You just can’t imagine.” For more information about the festival or about fostering or adopting, call Erica Jourdan at 250-5513

calendar of events teddy and come to bedtime story time 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome. At Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 for information. Learn the art of breast-feeding. Class covers breast-feeding basics to help give moms a good start. From 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600. Class is free; registration is not required.

Starts Oct. 22 Childbirth classes

Empowered Birthing Childbirth Education Classes offer a nine-hour, three-week childbirth preparation course focused on natural childbirth, decreasing your chances for a Caesarian section, and hands-on training for comfort measures and positions in labor. This course is taught by a certified nurse midwife, Trish Beckman, and a certified prenatal massage therapist and doula, Laura Beagle. The class is for first time moms, VBACs, or for those wishing to have a refresher course and their birth partners. Cost is $150. Class runs 6-9 p.m. Oct. 22, 29 and Nov. 5. For more information, visit empoweredbirthing.org or call 231-9227.

Oct. 23 Fletcher Elementary fall carnival Fletcher Elementary PTO is hosting a Fall Carnival at Fletcher Elementary School from 6-8:30 p.m. with inflatables, games, crafts and lots of fall fun. Tickets for children ages 3 and older will be $10 at the door. Adults and children younger than 3 are admitted free. Concessions will be sold separately. For more information, visit fletcherpto.com. The school is at 500 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher.

Come to the East Asheville Library for fun harvest time stories and crafts for kids of all ages from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road. For information, call 250-4738.

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Positive Transformations events

Cabin will be back with arachnids, insects, large worms, rodents and flying mammals. For more information, visit wildwnc.org or call 298-5600. The Nature Center is at 75 Gashes Creek Road, East Asheville.

Story time PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Patricia Tomas works the spider toss booth during a past Fletcher Halloween Carnival.

Oct. 25 The town of Fletcher hosts its annual Halloween carnival at Kate’s Park, by Fletcher library on Hendersonville Road, from 3-5 p.m.

Oct. 24-25 ‘The Legend of Tommy Hodges’

It was Halloween night in 1906 when one of the students from the Biltmore Forest School disappeared. His name was Tommy Hodges. Learn more about the story in the outdoor drama “The Legend of Tommy Hodges” at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest. Shows at 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. Reservations required. For information, call 877-3130 or visit cradleofforestry.org. Tickets are $6 for ages 16 and older; $3 for youths 4-15 and federal passport holders.

Oct. 24-26 ‘Seussical, the Musical’

The Children’s Theatre Workshop of the Asheville Arts Center presents “Seussical the Musical.” Join some of Dr. Seuss’ most popular characters for a show that is sure to bring out the child in everyone. Call for showtimes and reservations. Tickets cost $5-7. At the Asheville Arts Center Main location, 308 Merrimon Ave. For information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

Oct. 24 Parents night out

Waynesville’s Mary Alice Lodico has French stories and songs for kids of all ages at 11 a.m. at Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. For details, call 456-8062 or visit osondubooksellers.com.

‘Teaching Kids about Money’

Halloween carnival

Call Sheila McKeon at 808-2860 for details on the evening’s events: K Open house: Enjoy snacks and socializing at an open house for Positive Transformations, 107 Merrimon Ave., from 4-6 p.m. K Women’s group: Process group for professional women, focusing on fulfilling relationships, personal growth, spirituality and balance. From 6-7:30 p.m.

Come dressed for a Halloween costume party at the Asheville Arts Center. An evening of singing, dancing, acting, crafts and refreshments. Cost is $20 for first child, $15 for each additional child. Reservations and payment required. Ages 2-10. At Asheville Arts Center North location, 633 Merrimon Ave. For information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Are you worried about the new kindergarten entrance date? For next school year, children must be 5 on or before Aug. 31 to enter school. The Buncombe County Schools’ Transition to Kindergarten Program will be hosting community meetings to discuss options. For more information, call the office at 225- 5283.

Breast-feeding class

Family Fun Night at East Asheville Library

Transition to kindergarten

Fertility awareness class

Learn about fertility awareness for pregnancy achievement or natural birth control with Corinna Wood. Fertility awareness is a scientifically validated day-to-day method of determining when in a woman’s cycle she is fertile. This information can be used to plan or prevent a pregnancy, or simply to learn more about your body’s cycles. Registration required. Sliding scale $75-$95. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism. Call 350-1221 or visit herbsheal.com.

Halloween at the YMCA

Families can celebrate Halloween in for an evening at the Reuter Family YMCA in South Asheville. The event, which runs 5-7 p.m., includes games, prizes, face-painting, inflatable fun, climbing wall instruction, a haunted maze, a costume parade and more. It is free and open to the entire community. For information, call 651-9622.

Halloween costume party

Learn “Love and Logic” solutions to teaching your children about spending, saving, sharing and the devastation of debt. Adults will learn to establish healthy control without having to resort to anger and threats. Children will win by developing both personal and financial responsibility. Runs 1-4 p.m. at New Classical Academy,38 Stoney Knob Road, Weaverville. Cost is $30 per person; two for $50. For information, visit raisingresponsiblekids.com or contact Beth Hockman at 2999844 or raisingresponsiblekids1@gmail.com.

Teen Halloween party

East Asheville Library is hosting a Halloween party especially for kids ages 12-18 from 3-4:30 p.m. Enjoy games, snacks and spookiness. Costume optional. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road. For information, call 250-4738.

Oct. 26 Fall festival party

Celebrate fall at Bounceville USA. There will be games, face painting, inflatables, a pumpkin patch and more. $5 for all activities. Bounceville USA is at 614 Market St., Hendersonville. For information, call 696-4949 or visit bouncevilleusa.com.

The Little Gym open house

Oct. 25

Looking for Halloween fun? Join Oakley Rec Center for a big party, with food, games and a costume contest, 6-8 p.m. Prizes awarded for funniest, scariest, cutest and most creative. Everyone receives a treat bag. Free admission. For ages 4 and older. The center is at 749 Fairview Road. For information, call 251-4042.

Fall festival

Howl-O-Ween

Oct. 26 and Nov. 2

The Leicester Elementary School PTO is hosting its Fall Festival at the school, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The festival will be held on the school field, with inflatables, a climbing wall, live music, wagon rides, cakewalk, artist and craft booths, refreshments and games. Performers include Sons of Ralph and Whiteacre Band. For more information, visit leicesterpto.org.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center celebrates the season with its annual Howl-O-Ween event. This year, the hours will change to 1-9 p.m. Mountain Marionettes will perform two shows, at 7 and 7:40 p.m. Come dressed up for the costume contests, at 6:30 p.m. for children ages 1-10 and at 7:30 p.m. for ages 11-17. (Times subject to change.) The Creepy Crawler

Enjoy a Halloween-themed open house celebration, from 2-4 p.m. There will be food, games and door prizes. For details, call 667-9588 or visit tlgasheville.com. The Little Gym is at 1000 Brevard Road, next to Biltmore Square Mall.

Spark Creative Wellness workshop for parents

Take a retreat from your responsibilities and ignite sparks of inspiration, insight, creativity, Continued on Page 62

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calendar of events Awakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers are welcome. For information, contact a leader: Adrienne at 7731534 or Jen at 713-3707.

Continued from Page 59

‘Jazzy Strings’ by Mountain Marionettes

The Asheville Puppetry Alliance offers the first performance in its 2008-09 Young Audiences Series, Mountain Marionettes’ “Jazzy Strings.” The show is a toe-tapping journey through American musical forms of the early 20th century. At 11 a.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, available at dwtheatre.org or in person at the theater or from Asheville Area Arts Council KidsTix Program (visit ashevillearts.org).

Mountain Marionettes will perform “Jazzy Strings” on Oct. 18.

La Leche League Saturdays

La Leche League’s Saturday group meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at

Bon Bébé

Custom Bedding or Nursery Design Watch for our upcoming store expansion! Always Extraordinary, Nev Clothing

Keepsake Gifts & Accessoriess

www.thebonbebe.com

1950 Hendersonville Rd

Asheville, NC

828.687.7200

Oct. 20

Make friends, expand creativity, build confidence and express yourself through the arts. Session runs 10 a.m.-noon for 6- to 9-year-old homeschoolers and 1:30-3:30 p.m. for 10- to 13year-old home-schoolers. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. Visit www.sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

offering apparel from layette to size 12 in boys and girls

Exquisite Bedding

Meet the author

Join Jan and Hank Racer, authors of “Marky the Barking Bullfrog,” at 11 a.m., for a book signing at Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. For details, call 456-8062 or visit osondubooksellers.com.

Home-schooler’s expressive collage workshop

A boutique for the petite elite

Heirloom Quality Furniture

Meet Curious George, the classic book character and everyone’s favorite mischievous primate at this all-ages event. From 2-4 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop’s new location, 19 Wall St. Call 232-2228 for information. Free admission.

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194330-146

Oct. 21 Bed Bug story time

Put on your jammies and bring your blankie and

A crash course in Internet safety

Key to keeping your child out of harm’s way: communication

‘Cyber Smarts’ program offered Nov. 13 Veritas Christian Academy’s Parent-Teacher Fellowship is sponsoring renowned national speaker Katie Koestner and her “Cyber Smarts” program from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Road, Arden.

By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor The Internet is a cool and fascinating place for tweens and teens, where they can download new music, share photos and videos, chat with their friends, and even make new friends online. But the Web can also be a dark and dangerous place. A 2006 survey by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported that nationwide, one in seven children between the ages of 10 and 17 have received unwanted sexual solicitations online. The survey also showed that one in three children have experienced unwanted exposure to sexual material on the Internet. So what can you do to keep your tween or teen safe? Start by putting your computer out in the open. “We have the computer in the kitchen,” said Mary Fierly, mother of two tweens. “Anything that’s on the screen is out there for anyone to see.” The next step is to talk with your tween about what is safe and unsafe behavior. But if you don’t know the difference between a blog and a chat room, you’ll need to get a bit more Net savvy before you can talk with your kids. The N.C. attorney general’s office has an easy-to-understand guide for parents on its Web site that will get you up to speed before you talk with your kids about what’s safe and what’s not. “I went to an Internet seminar recently, and I came home and talked with my kids about how what you post online can come back to haunt you,” said Marta Alcalá-Williams of Asheville, who has a tweenager and a 16-year-old. “My daughter had a MySpace page, and she ended up taking it down on her own.” While keeping the computer in a family friendly place is a good start, parents can’t monitor their child’s computer use 24/7. That’s where parental controls come in. If you’re running Windows Vista or

This program explains everything a parent needs to know about the Internet. “Cyber Smarts” will help parents better understand the dangers offered by new popular technologies, as well as how to better protect their children online. This program is designed strictly for adults and is not open to anyone under the age of 18. It is free and open to the public. Talk with your tween about what is safe and unsafe online behavior. Mac OS X Leopard, you’re in luck. Both operating systems have built-in parental controls that can help you monitor Web activity, block inappropriate content and even prevent downloading songs with explicit lyrics. If you have an older operating system, parental control software is available for $20 to $99 that will do the same job. Social network sites like MySpace and Facebook are extremely popular, but they can lead to trouble if your child posts too much personal information or isn’t careful about choosing whom to have as a “friend.” An alternative is one of the networking sites for younger kids, like Millsberry.com, Disney.com or Hi5.com. “I like Hi5 because you can control who gets to see your page,” said Brooks Wallace, a seventh-grader at Asheville Middle School. “If it’s someone I don’t know, I just don’t let them see it. That way, the only people who can see my page are people I know from school.” “My daughter has a Facebook page now,” Alcalá-Williams said. “She tells me that it’s safer because you only let your friends in.” Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@ charter.net.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Staying safe online: Tips for tweens and teens K Think about how different sites work before deciding to join a site. Some sites allow only a defined community of users to access posted content; others allow anyone and everyone to view posts. K Keep some control over the information you post by restricting access to your page. K Keep your full name, Social Security number, address, and phone number to yourself. K Make sure your screen name doesn’t say too much about you. Even if you think it makes you anonymous, it doesn’t take a genius to combine clues to figure out who you are and where you can be found. K Post only information that you are comfortable with others seeing and knowing. K Consider not posting your photo. It can be altered or broadcast in ways you may not be happy about. K Flirting with strangers online could have serious consequences. Some people lie about who they really are. K Be wary if a new friend wants to meet you in person. If you decide to meet them, meet in a public place, during the day, with friends you trust. And tell a responsible adult where you’re going. Source: www.OnGuardOnline.gov

Resources for parents

NC Attorney General Web Safety guide for parents: www.ncsbi.gov/icac/icac_parents.jsp SafetyClicks Test your online knowledge: www.safetyclicks.com

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Meet Curious George

K mom, how kewl RU?

The language of texting

IMO ISO J/J J/K, JK J/W JAM K KK kewl L8R LTNS LY MB MIL MOS

Here are some other commonly used text message abbreviations to help you know what your kids are saying — or to use for yourself — when texting, in a chat or via IM.

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4ever AML ATST

forever all my love at the same time B/C because B4 before BBINS be back in a sec BF boyfriend best friend BFF best friends forever BTDT been there, done that BTW by the way BZ busy C see C-P sleepy CX canceled CYE check your e-mail CYT see you tomorrow CYO see you online Def definitely DH dear husband EOM end of message EZ easy F2F face to face FIL father-in-law FSR for some reason G1 good one G2G got to go GF girlfriend GOI get over it GR8 great H/O hold on HAK hugs and kisses ICBW I could be wrong IDC I don’t care IDK I don’t know ILU or ILY I love you

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Here’s a little help as you try to decode the latest in teen lingo By Katie Wadington Staff writer Now that text messaging has seeped into everyday life, the English language has been taken to a new level. And this level often means entire phrases reduced to three or four letters and six-letter words are boiled down to one letter and one number. Take “before.” Now, it’s “b4.” Think of it as going back to our phonetic roots. J. Phil Holderman, the school resource officer at Owen Middle School, polled his students to find out their latest lingo. “They are using text messages like DOS (dad over shoulder) or

PAW (parents are watching) in their everyday words,” he said. “Some of these just crack me up.” But not all slang is texting slang. Owen Middle students say they use “beast” to describe an “amazing person.” “Raw” is “awesome or cool,” and Holderman said that one is used “a lot.” “Dump” is “stupid,” and “rents” is “parents.” A “dawg” is a “buddy,” who may be a “G” — “gangster” — or “wangster” — “wanna be a gangster.” Of course, “gangster” means “thug.” Greg Kynast, Asheville Christian Academy middle and upper school principal, says “drama” is a big buzzword in his hallways, particularly among girls. As in, there was “lots of drama.”

Here’s what Owen Middle tweens and teens submitted as the slang of the day in their school: K GRD: get ’er done K ROFL: roll on floor laughing K cya: see ya K BFLAD: best friend for life and death K omg: oh my god K lol: laugh out loud K busta: drug dealer K waz poping: what’s up K hood: the streets K ttyl: talk to you later K brb: be right back K idk: I don’t know K idc: I don’t care K w8: wait K h8: hate

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

in my opinion in search of just joking just kidding just wondering just a minute OK kiss kiss cool later long time no see love you message board mother-in-law mom over shoulder N1 nice one N2M not to mention NME enemy NMP not my problem NN not now OIC oh, I see OMW on my way OTL out to lunch P911 parent alert PAL parents are listening PAW parents are watching PBB parent behind back PIR parent in room POV point of view PRW parents are watching P-ZA pizza QT cutie R are S2U same to you SO significant other SU shut up TC take care TK to come TNX thanks TTG time to go T2UL talk to you later TY thank you UR you are W/ with W/O without WD well done WE whatever Y why? ZZZ sleeping, bored Source: Netlingo.com

calendar of events developing coping skills for the real world through solving their own problems. Runs 9 a.m.-noon at New Classical Academy, 38 Stoney Knob Road, Weaverville. Cost is $60 per person, $100 for two people. For information, visit raisingresponsiblekids.com, or contact Beth Hockman at 299-9844 or raisingresponsiblekids1@gmail.com.

Oct. 11-12 Kid Mania

A festival with activities for parents, children and babies at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Includes a baby crawling contest, infant/toddler play area, shopping, pumpkin carving contest, bounce houses and more. Runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Oct. 11 and 1-6 p.m. Oct. 12.

Oct. 12 and 19 YOU-nique Expressions for tweens

Use photography, collage, sand-tray creations, poetry, music, and drama to express yourself. Bring in your favorite music, magazines, and photos to utilize in a guided creative process that is fun, supportive, empowering and led by your imagination. For 9- to 13-year-olds. Runs 24 p.m. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

Oct. 13 Fall centerpiece craft class

Come, enjoy and learn how to arrange your ideas into that special centerpiece for fall or Thanksgiving dinner. Cost is $15 per person, including supplies. Register by Oct. 9. At 10 a.m.

Workshops especially for tweens, teens

Spark Creative Wellness Studio, in downtown Asheville, is a new destination for tweens to experience fun, interactive expressive arts group workshops and individual sessions crafted to promote positive youth development and foster wellness. Tweens will enjoy expressing their unique selves through dramatic improvisation, creative movement, visual arts, music, sand play and innovative games while building their self-onfidence and making new friends. Look for listings in the calendar for specific dates and activities. For more information, visit sparkcreativewellness.com, or call Jessica Chilton at 301- 5172. Spark is at 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212.

at the new Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation Services office, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville. For registration information, call 2504260, e-mail Grace Young at grace.young@buncombecounty.org or visit buncombecounty.org.

Home-school program

Take a “Woodland Walk-A-Bout.” In celebration of autumn, take an interactive stroll on one of Chimney Rock Park’s five trails. From 10:30 a.m.-noon. Cost is $12 per student, $11.50 for parents (passholders are $7 for students and free for parents). Call 800-277-9611 to register.

Home-school expressive arts sand-play workshop

Make new friends, expand your creativity, build your confidence, and express yourself through the arts! Runs 10 a.m.-noon for 6- to 9-year-old home-schoolers and 1:30-3:30 p.m. for 10- to 13-year-old home-schoolers. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

La Leche League Mondays

La Leche League’s Monday group meets at 10

a.m. the second Monday of the month at First Congregational Church on Oak Street. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers are welcome. For information, contact a leader: Susan at 6284438, Jane at 670-1032, Falan at 253-2098, or Tamara at 505-1379.

Registration starts Oct. 13 Play and learn group

Parents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 in Buncombe County who are not in regulated child care may attend a series of six free play and learn group sessions at 10 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 27-Dec. 8, and 10 or 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 29-Dec. 10. Each 45-minute session is at the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road, West Asheville. The program focuses on developing preliteracy skills through rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Each week, adults receive information for activities to do at home, and children ages 2-5 receive a free book. For information or to register, call Marna Holland at 255-5423 or email marna.holland@asheville.k12.nc.us. Must attend four sessions. New participants may register Oct. 13; continuing/past participants may register Oct. 20.

Oct. 13 and 27 ‘My Mom Is Having a Baby’

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

It’s pumpkins galore at the Fletcher United Methodist. The church is hosting pumpkin patch family nights Oct. 12 and 26.

Oct. 12 and 26

Pumpkin patch family fun night

Come select the perfect pumpkin, with thousands to choose from, while listening to music, getting your face painted, petting farm animals, going for a hayride, playing games from 5-7 p.m. at Fletcher United Methodist Church. Pumpkin sales support youth mission projects both locally and nationally. Church is at 50 Library Road, off Hendersonville Road, south of Airport Road.

A free program to help children ages 3-8 understand, accept and anticipate the changes that will happen as the family prepares for the birth of the new baby. Each child will see and hold life-like models that show how a baby grows and develops, make a kite mobile for the new baby’s room, receive an activity/coloring book and tour the Mother/Baby Unit at Mission Hospital to see where mom and baby will stay. Program runs 4-5 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month at Mission Hospitals. To register, call 2546373, ext. 316. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.com and click on the “Programs” tab.

Oct. 14 Moms group

A Christian moms group meets at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1095 Hendersonville Road in South Asheville. Moms with any age children are welcome. Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. For information, contact 388-3598.

Oct. 14 and 21 After-school creative playshop

The expressive arts spark self-confidence, laughter, emotional expression and fun in a positive environment at this after-school session. Runs 46 p.m. for second- to fifth-graders at Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, suite 212, Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

Oct. 16 Adult-child book club

Osondu Booksellers is organizing an adult and child book club. The club, Book Blast, will be discussing “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry. The club is recommended for children in grades three, four and five. This is the organizational meeting, and participants do not need to read the book in advance. The store is at 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. For details, call 456-8062 or visit osondubooksellers.com.

Oct. 17-19 Gigantic Book Sale at Pack Library

All items at the Gigantic Book Sale will be $1 or less. On Sunday, everything in the sale will be $1 a bag or $2 a box, with boxes and bags provided. There will be fiction and nonfiction for both adults and children, and a selection of videos and DVDs. Preview sale for Friends of the Library is 5-8 p.m. Oct. 16. Sale is 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 17-18 and 2-5 p.m. Oct. 19. Join the Friends at the door for admission to the sale. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Buncombe County Libraries. For information call 250-4700 or visit buncombecounty.org.

Lake Eden Arts Festival

LEAF explores music, dance and performance arts of Americana and the world. At Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain. With family friendly performances and a kids village with arts, crafts, songs and stories. For schedule, tickets and more information, visit theleaf.com.

Oct. 18 Apple Harvest Festival

Waynesville’s Apple Harvest Festival marks 20 years this year, with more than 125 exhibitors, entertainment, arts and crafts, food and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Waynesville.

Garden Science Investigation

Garden Science Investigation at the Botanical Gardens is designed to engage kids in observation and investigation of living and nonliving things using their senses and simple tools. Classroom and around the garden activities will engage kids, ages 5-11, in each program. This month’s topic is birds in the garden. Learn to identify birds by their color, size and sounds. Learn which birds live here year round. Participants will take home a birdhouse to decorate. Cost is $7 per child. At the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Contact Heather Rayburn for information or to register at 252-5190. Continued on Page 60

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calendar of events Continued from Page 57

Buddy Walk

Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance’s 11th annual Buddy Walk begins at noon, with registration at 11 a.m., at North Henderson High School, 35 Fruitland Road, Hendersonville. Enjoy lunch and games after the walk until 3 p.m. All children with Down syndrome will receive a free T-shirt. For more information, contact Cara Gregory at Cara.gregory@bcsemail.org.

Fiesta Latina

Hey Day

WNC Nature Center hosts its 32nd annual Hey Day celebration for the entire family. The event features country and bluegrass music, pony rides, storytelling, food, games, crafts, live animal programs, pumpkin decorating and more. Festival runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-14. Friends of the Nature Center are free. The Nature Center is

Starts Oct. 11 Super Saturday program

UNC Asheville hosts a six-week Saturday morning program for gifted, creative or highly motivated third- to eighth-graders. Registrations are due by Oct. 8. Topics include ancient China, chess, knitting, photography and so much more. Classes run 9-10:20 a.m. or 10:30-11:50 a.m., Oct. 11Nov. 15, with a Nov. 22 weather makeup day. Cost is $65 for each course. For more information and a registration form, visit unca.edu/oaci/supersaturday or call UNCA’s Office of Academic Conferences and Institutes at 250-3833.

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Celebrate Latin American culture at the 11th annual Fiesta Latina, noon-8 p.m. at the WNC Agricultural Center, off Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher. Enjoy family activities like music, dance, ethnic arts and crafts, visit the food area with authentic Latin American and Caribbean treats and drinks. Children’s area will offer piñata activities, mural painting, traditional children’s games and an inflatable play area (this area is open noon-6 p.m.).

at 75 Gashes Creek Road, East Asheville. For more information, visit wildwnc.org or call 298-5000.

Oct. 11 and 25 ‘Love and Logic’ parent workshop

This two-part workshop will use hands-on learning to teach parents practical skills in the Love and Logic method. Love and Logic uses humor, hope, and empathy to build healthy adult-child relationships. Learn to show love in a healthy way and establish effective control. Kids will win by learning responsibility and

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

UNC Asheville’s Super Saturday program returns Oct. 11 for its six-week fall session. To get your child involved, register by Oct. 8.

193507-146

PAINT SETS YS PRESCHOOL TO FTS A CR D N ARTS A MENTS RU ST IN L MUSICA INFANT TOYS DOLLS COLLECTIBLE MAGIC TRICKS

Toys are MONKEY BUSINESS! 12 West Main Street Burnsville, NC (828)682-9101 monkeybusinesstoyshop.com

194302-110

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

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calendar of events

Testing success PHOTOS BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Marissa Mello, 17, answers questions on a discreet mathematics quiz during class at North Buncombe High School.

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Experts offer tips to get your children prepared for exams (both big and small)

Begin now The best tip, say experts, is to start early. The time leading up to the test — be it months or years — is filled with preparation opportunities that can add up to increased success on testing day. “Some of the best preparation happens with good teaching, and parenting, all year long,” said Anne

K Before the test: review and practice — use a timer if the test will be timed. K Get plenty of rest the night before. K Eat a good breakfast on the day of the test. K Relax — it’s just a test. Ward, executive director of elementary education for Asheville City Schools. “Parents can encourage kids with their homework, read with them, talk about numbers in the grocery store — it’s more than just what you do right before a test.” Even while studying for a routine math test, you’re learning skills that apply to the big tests, agrees Nancy Williams, UNC Asheville coordinator of professional education programs, who has taught study skills and test preparation for two decades. “Taking tests improves with practice, and there

are lots of ways to practice this way of thinking at home,” Williams said. “In the car or while cooking dinner, I’d ask my son to summarize a newspaper article for me or choose something he wanted me to read and then give me a ‘test’ on it.” Most schools do a good job of preparing kids for standardized tests. But if you feel your child lacks confidence or needs extra practice, go online for sample tests or buy practice software/books at office supply and book stores. Ask your child’s teacher if extra practice at home is needed and if so, request sample tests or other practice materials. For teens taking the PSAT, ACT or SAT tests, Barbara Parker, director of secondary education for Buncombe County Schools, recommends first and foremost, to “practice, practice, practice.” “Take practice tests periodically over three-four weeks at the very least,” she said. “Remember that you can re-take tests several times to get the best score possible.”

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Origami Folding Frenzy

The Health Adventure’s new exhibit, “Curious George,” opens Oct. 10.

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

Opens Oct. 10

Oct. 10

Kids Hip Hop to Help concert

‘Curious George’

Parents night out

Celebrate the universal experience of birth and come away illuminated and inspired at the area’s first performance of The Mommy Concerts with poet and lyricist Candace Gale and vocalist and healer Dielle Ciesco. From 2-5 p.m. at The Light Center in Black Mountain. Tickets are $30, or $50 per couple. Adults only. For more information, visit urlight.org or call 667-2967. For directions, call 669-6845.

You can buy your kids all the No. 2 pencils in the world, but you can’t take all of those standardized tests they face during their school years, for them. And who’d want to, anyway? For most people, these tests — from the EOG to the SAT and beyond — are not a whole lot of fun. But there are things you can do as a parent to help make testing more pleasant and successful for your child.

The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free, group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living to gather. This month’s topic is “Healthy Chocolates For Your Family,” presented by Lisa Alcorn. The group provides support, education and resources to parents who desire to create a healthy environment for their children. All meetings take place on the second Wednesday of every month at Earth Fare in West Asheville from 6-8pm. Children are welcome. For information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com

Enjoy a day in the forest with more than 30 traditional craftsmen, exhibitors and musicians at the Cradle of Forestry, in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. See demonstrations of open hearth cooking, spinning, wood carving, tree felling and other traditional skills. Try your hand at using a crosscut saw and fly-fishing. Live music includes the Hogtown Squealers, Quarterhouse, and the Dowden Sisters Band. Event runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Colleges will compete in an Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet during the event. For more information, call 877-3130 or visit cradleofforestry.org. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 4-15 and federal passport holders.

Mommy Concerts

Testing basics

Holistic Parenting Forum

Forest Festival Day

Dancing Bear Toys hosts 23 Skidoo in a concert-playday to benefit MANNA FoodBank. The music event will be at the store at 144 Tunnel Road, from 1:30-3 p.m. Please bring canned food or a monetary donation to MANNA FoodBank to participate. An adult must accompany children. Call 255-8697 for more information.

By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor

Oct. 8

Hendersonville’s Jackson Park with urban and rural displays, antique and modern farm equipment and tools, live music, farm animals, square dancing, clogging, arts and crafts, children’s activities, wagon rides, competitions, plenty of food and more. The children’s section will include hands-on activities, farm animals, games and old-time demonstrations. Entertainment will be featured on multiple stages in the park throughout the day. Farm City Day was started in 1955 by the Cooperative Extension Service and Kiwanis International. The festival highlights the dependency of farm people and city people on each other for products and services essential to modern living. For information or a schedule of events, call the Henderson County Parks & Recreation Department at 697-4884 or 697-4891.

Scarecrow Festival and Craft Show

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation is hosting its fourth annual Lake Julian Scarecrow Festival at Lake Julian, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the free family fun, with face painting, clowns, local artists and crafters, McGruff the Crime Dog, food vendors and more. Make a scarecrow for the festival’s contest; categories are children 12 and under, adults 13 and older, and family/group. Best in Show wins $500. For information on the festival or scarecrow contest, contact Grace Young at 250-4265.

Used book sale

Books for kids and adults with bargains galore at the West Asheville Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. For more information, call the library at 250-4750.

Starts Oct. 4 Parent-child meditation

Spend a few Saturday afternoons learning meditation techniques you and your child can enjoy together. Topics include grounding and centering, understanding emotions and healing the body. Runs 1-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 4-18, at Growing Young Café, 611 Tunnel Road. For kids 5 and older. Cost is $10 per parent, $5 per child. Call Sarah at 242-0680 or visit sarahwood.com for more information.

Through Oct. 5 Asheville Art Museum summer camp exhibition

See the work of artists who participated in summer art camp. Celebrate the museum’s 60th anniversary and the exhibit’s closing

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

The Health Adventure’s new exhibit is based on the beloved “Curious George” books and the new “Curious George” PBS Kids series. The exhibit will pique visitors’ curiosity and engage children in key math, science and engineering experiences. Like George, visitors will let inquiry and curiosity be their guides as they explore and experiment with new ideas, challenges and materials. Exhibit messages will emphasize the critical role parents and caregivers play in supporting children’s early learning. Runs through Jan. 25. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.org. with an afternoon of fun starting at 2 p.m. Oct. 5. There will be refreshments and family activities, as well as free museum admission for Summer Art Camp 2008 students. The museum is at Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square. For more information, call 253-3227 or e-mail mailbox@ashevilleart.org.

Starts Oct. 6 YWCA swimming lessons

The next session of Red Cross certified swim lessons begins Oct. 6. Classes are offered for babies, pre-schoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call 254-7206, ext. 110, or visit ywcaofasheville.org for more information. Sign up today at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave.

Oct. 6 and 27

Enjoy an evening with the Cat and the Hat, Horton, the Lorax and others at the Asheville Arts Center. An evening of singing, dancing, acting, crafts and refreshments. Cost is $20 for first child, $15 for each additional child. Reservations and payment required. Ages 210. At Asheville Arts Center Main location, 308 Merrimon Ave. For information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

Suzuki violin concert

Come hear beautiful violin music and find out more about the Suzuki Violin Method, presented by teacher Holly Thistle and her students. From 4-5 p.m. at North Asheville Library Meeting Room. All ages welcome. For more information, call 545-8673.

Starts Oct. 10 Make herbal medicine

Experience the ancient art of creating herbal remedies first-hand with Toyia Hatten. Leave each class with a new remedy and create your own herbal medicine chest. Classes run 6-8 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 10-Nov. 21, at Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism. Cost is $30 per class or $150 for all six sessions. Topics are: magical meads, Oct. 10; oils, salves and lotions, Oct. 17; herbal potions, Oct. 24; syrups and honeys, Nov. 7; herbal baths and body care, Nov. 14; and cooking with herbs, Nov. 21. For more information, call 350-1221 or visit herbsheal.com.

Oct. 10-11

Mom’s Morning Out Sewing

‘Camping in the Old Style’

Work on an ongoing project or learn a new one from instructor Tracy Munn at Sew Simply in Black Mountain. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $40. Students will have use of six computer Pfaff sewing machines and two sergers. Students are welcome to bring their own machines (must know how to operate before class). For information or to register, call 669-3978 or visit sewsimply.com.

Visit with a small group of outers in a reconstructed campsite of the late 1800s and early 1900s at the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard. See four styles of period shelters, old style campfire cookery, and outdoor gear of a by-gone day. For information, call 877-3130 or visit cradleofforestry.org. Admission for this event is $5 for ages 16 and older; youth 15 and younger are admitted free, and Federal Interagency, Golden Age and Golden Access passes are honored.

Oct. 7 and 14

Oct. 11

Childbirth 101

A two-session class for expectant parents covering the labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathing patterns, birth options, positioning and comfort measures. Bring two pillows and a blanket. Two Tuesdays, Oct. 7 and 14, 6:30-9 p.m. Cost is $90, or free with Medicaid. Registration required. At Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information.

Asheville Area Birth Network

Group meets at 10:30 a.m., the second Saturday of each month, at True Health Family Wellness Center, 1095 Hendersonville Road, Suite A, Asheville. For more information, visit ashevillebirthnetwork.com or contact Sonya Stone at 335-0224 or sonya@ashevillebirthnetwork.com or Jenn McCormack at 7133707 or jenn@ashevillebirthnetwork.com.

Continued on Page 58

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calendar of events

Things to do

Oct. 1 and 15

Oct. 2-Dec. 11

MOPS

Sewing machine classes

Mothers of Preschoolers meets at Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden on the first and third Wednesday mornings of each month, 9:3011:30. For more information, call Biltmore Baptist at 687-1111.

Every Child Ready to Read!

Learn how to help your child or grandchild be a successful reader. Find out the skills every child needs to be ready to learn to read; discover how to select the best books that are age appropriate for your child from birth to preschool; learn a variety of fun family activities that also promote literacy. At 6:30 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., downtown Asheville. This program is free, but please call the library at 250-4720 and register so the right materials will be available.

Family Fun Night at Oakley Library

Join the Oakley Library in a fun nighttime story time for kids of all ages with classic tales and folklore. Children in pajamas with their stuffed animals are welcome. At 7 p.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. For information, call 250-4754.

Mothers of Multiples

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

Preschool Play Date

Learn tips and techniques for your sewing machine for free-motion embroidery work, machine quilting, manipulating fabric, and using new sewing and quilting products. During the nine-week course at Haywood Community College, students will also create a small contemporary quilt as they work with color, design elements of composition and machine construction techniques. Class runs 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 2-Dec. 11. Cost is $80. Register by calling 627-4505 or in person at Enrollment Management Services located in the Student Services Building. For information, call Elaine Zinn at 350-1230 or Julie Simpson at 6588180.

Oct. 3-5 Southeast Women’s Herbal Conference

A weekend gathering for women with inspiring workshops, food and sisterhood in Black Mountain. Child care for ages 2-10 and Young Women’s Circle for ages 11-17 are available. For information, visit sewisewomen.com.

Oct. 3 Evening with Rochele Hirsch

Marjorie Skwara, MA. licensed marriage and family therapist and somatic experiencing practitioner, will host Rochele Hirsch, author of “The Theory of How Come” in a discussion to give insight into the individual expression of God energy. Hirsch offers a discussion of how preconscious imprints shape our “unloving” experiences of life, both at the emotional and physical level. From 7-8:30 p.m. at Skwara’s home in Arden. Donation accepted. For reservations, call Candace at 234-5492.

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

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

Oct. 2 and 30

Oct. 3-Nov. 1

Mom’s Night Out Sewing

Tweetsie Railroad Halloween Festival

Work on an ongoing project or learn a new one from instructor Tracy Munn at Sew Simply in Black Mountain. From 6-9 p.m. Cost is $30. Students will have use of six computer Pfaff sewing machines and two sergers. Students are welcome to bring their own machines (must know how to operate before class). For information or to register, call 669-3978 or visit sewsimply.com.

K For test schedules, practice tests, online courses, test prep tips and information on the PSAT, SAT, AP & CLEP tests, go to collegeboard.com. For similar information on the ACT test, visit actstudent.org. K For test samples and information about North Carolina public school tests, such as the Endof-Grade Tests (EOG), visit dpi.state.nc.us. K For tips on test-taking and reducing test anxiety, check out testtakingtips.com. K For testing information and advice particular to teens, go to parentingteens.about.com/ od/testprep/Test_Prep_Test_Taking_Preparation.htm.

Parents night out

Celebrate fall with a ride on the Ghost Train, a haunted house, 3-D maze and more at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Runs Friday and Saturday nights; gates open at 7:30. Admission is $26 per person; children 2 and younger are free. For details, visit tweetsierailroad.com.

Get extra help For kids who need extra help with certain subjects or test-taking strategies, try one of these: Asheville, 670-8889. K Sylvan Learning, Asheville, 253-2312. K Arden Reading Clinic, two locations in K Patricia Connolly, Academic Coach, Arden and Asheville, 658-9448. Asheville, 255-1069. K Asheville Huntington Learning Center, 299- K Mathnasium Asheville, 298-1199. K Growing Young Café, Asheville, 299-4420. 7440. K Blue Ridge SAT Prep, Asheville, 275-7645. K Jan’s Tutoring & Educational Services,

Know the score WNC PARENT PHOTO

Families make their way through a corn maze at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard last fall.

Corn mazes around WNC

■ Blue Ridge Corn Maze, 1605 Everett Road in Pisgah Forest. The maze’s “Shock in the Corn” haunted maze is open Oct 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and Halloween night. For details, call 884-4415 or visit blueridgecornmaze.com. Through Nov. 5. ■ Cold Mountain Corn Maze, run by Skipper Russell, is open 4-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 1-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The farm is at 4168 Pisgah Drive in Canton. Admission is $6 for children 5-11 and $8 for 12 and older. For information, call 648-8575 or visit cornfieldmaze.com and follow links to North Carolina, then Canton, maze. Through Oct. 31. ■ Shelby Corn Maze, is open 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 2-8 p.m. Sundays. It is six miles west of Shelby, just off U.S. 74 at 120 Broadway Drive. Admission is $6 for ages 11 and older and $5 for 10 and younger. Through Oct. 31. ■ Hickory Nut Gap Farm offers a maze and more for fall. Learn about the farm and agriculture trivia as you wind your way through. Answer the question correctly at each of the 12 intersections and find the quickest way through the maze. The maze generally takes 30 minutes to complete. Farm also offers pumpkin picking, apple tasting and an animal petting area. Bring the family and lunch for a picnic by the creek. If you are a group of 15 or more, make a reservation by calling 628-1027 or e-mailing amy@hickorynutgapfarm.com. ■ Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard offers apples, grapes, pumpkin patch, corn maze, snacks and refreshment stand, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides. At 221 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville. For information, call 685-9083 or e-mail apples@steppapples.com.

Oct. 4-5 Autumn at Oz Celebration

Follow the yellow brick road to the 15th annual Autumn at Oz celebration atop Beech Mountain. The celebration pays homage to the Land of Oz theme park that operated on Beech Mountain from 1970-80 and allows visitors to take a nostalgic stroll through Oz while meeting Dorothy and friends. Park in the town of Beech Mountain and take a hayride or shuttle to Emerald Mountain. Autumn at Oz includes photo opportunities with the characters, a mini Oz museum, magic shows and face painting. Food will be for sale. Runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and include parking, hayride or shuttle, and admission. A portion of the proceeds goes toward restoring the park for future celebrations. For information, call the Beech Mountain Chamber at 800-468-5506 or visit beechmtn.com.

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Make sure you are well-informed about your child’s tests and that you and your child are familiar with the format and scoring method of the test. Ask about testing accommodations for test takers with learning disabilities or ADHD — it could mean taking the test untimed or having questions read aloud.

Relax While it’s important to take tests seriously, some kids — and parents — may take them too seriously. Encourage your kids to do their best, but don’t stress over it, said Ward. Know the attitudes your kids have about the tests and talk to them about it, added Williams. Angie Leighton, of Weaverville, has

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Oct. 2

Find out more online

always been a nervous tester, like daughter Tiffany, a senior at North Buncombe High School. It helps Tiffany to break her train of thought for a minute and think about something else during the test, she said. Relaxation strategies that you can do at the beginning and during a test, can help, said Patricia Connolly, an academic coach in Asheville. Try counting from one to ten or taking deep breaths, to ease the tension.

What’s most important Meanwhile, keep in mind that test scores are just one small part of the big picture. “What’s most important,” said June McCracken, testing director for Asheville City Schools, “is to encourage, celebrate and accept your child’s talents in all areas of life.”

Fall festival

Enjoy fine crafts, demonstrations, music and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 12-17; younger than 12 are free. For details, visit folkschool.org.

Oct. 4 Blessing of the animals

Church of the Resurrection Charismatic Episcopal Church will host a St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals on the property of its future home, 1710 Old Haywood Road, at 11 a.m. The public is cordially invited to bring pets and join in the festivities. For more information, call Father Bill McLoughlin at 251-5455.

Farm City Day

A daylong event (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at

Paige Fox, 16, takes a math quiz at North Buncombe High.

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Girl time

Anniversary Sale Go ahead, indulge yourself All Adult and Baby Bedding

Moms and daughters slow down at the spa

20 OFF %

in-stock & special orders

Sale ends October 31, 2008

By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor

t’s never too soon for a mom to teach her daughter one of the most important things in life: how to relax. What better place to learn than a soothing, pampering day at the spa? It can also be one of the best ways to bond, said Phyllis Kapsalis, who regularly takes her 13-year-old daughter, Sydney, to the Spa at Biltmore Village for a pedicure and some down time. “We’re always active and on the go and the spa is a place where we can relax and let someone pamper us,” she said.

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What’s popular

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Most area spas offer services that could appeal to both mom and daughter — among the most popular are facials, manicures and pedicures and make-overs. Massage is also becoming popular for the teenage set and many teenaged girls and their moms come in to get a massage together and de-stress, said Stephanie Fleming, massage therapist and co-owner of Solstice Spa in Black Mountain, which has a couple’s suite where two can receive a massage at the same time. Solstice, like many other spas, has a facial particularly geared toward teens with acne and also offers a “rejuvenator” facial for mom. A relaxation room, with its soft music and lighting, is a good place to sit together, relax and talk with some water, tea and wine. The Spa at Biltmore Village also has a room where mom and daughter can do spa treatments together and it’s a good place “to be together and giggle,” said Cristy Patten, the spa’s co-owner. A lot of moms and daughters come

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

to kick back in the pedicure chairs, she added, where they’re treated to chocolate truffles, whirlpool jet tubs and a shiatsu massage chair. Manicures are also available, as are robes and slippers for ages 10 and older (younger kids can bring slippers or robes from home). “The teenagers also love the sugar scrubs and body wraps, where you can get goopy in the mud and smell wonderful.” For teens, a de-glaze facial introduces the benefits of early skin care, and take home products for acne care are available, Patten said. Also appealing to girls are glitter makeup and soap in different shapes. Diane Miller and her daughter, Kelly Cooper, used to go to the spa together. Then, five years ago, they opened their own — the Spa at Biltmore Square in Asheville, a fullservice spa and fitness center. “The spa is a place where you can truly spend quality time together,” Miller said. Some spas offer amenities such as lunch, saunas, steam rooms and soaking baths, among other things, which could make going to the spa a half- or full-day treat.

Story times

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 3-6 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. 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 fourt Thursdays. West Asheville Library: 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Asheville-Buncombe Library System 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 infor-

mation. At Barnes & Noble, 83 S. Tunnel Road, East Asheville.

Osondu Booksellers Preschoolers story time: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, starting Oct. 7. 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

Nanny Janet will come to your home, observe your family dynamics, and create a clear, simple plan for solving your most frustrating challenges.

194300-146

Janet Schalk 828-230-6091 janet@thenannyeffect.com www.thenannyeffect.com

A side benefit Fredia Higgins, owner of Illusions spa in Asheville, said spa services like facials teach kids to take care of themselves. Angel Alford, owner of Mona Lisa Skincare & Salon in Asheville, agrees. “You’re exhibiting to your daughter the importance of self-care,” she said. Meanwhile, for Kapsalis, going to the spa is about doing something special for her child. “I’ve been blessed with an awesome kid, so I want to treat her,” she said. “Also, we both need the break.”

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video games

Find hidden objects to solve mystery in DS game By Jinny Gundmundsen Gannett News Service

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5) Best for ages: 7 and older From Nintendo, nintendo.com/mcf, $19.99, Nintendo DS.

hidden objects that are on a list. The list is displayed on the upper screen of the DS, while the picture to scrutinize is on the bottom screen. When you find a hidden object, you simply tap on it to make it disappear and watch as it’s scratched off your list. Lest you get bored by the sameness of these puzzles, even though the pictures are constantly changing, the game adds gadgets and gizmos to change up the game play. In some

of the hidden object puzzles, you will find special areas where you might need to draw lines between two objects that go together, like an animal and its paw print. In others, you can activate a flashlight if an area is in the dark, or an X- ray to look inside another object. At times, you will even need to blow on the DS to make things move out of the way. There are other visual puzzles as well, including jigsaw, sliding panels and find-the-differences, which occur at the end of interviewing a suspect. While the mystery theme is fun, your solving the puzzles doesn’t directly relate to finding clues. Instead, the in-game Crime Computer analyzes your found objects to present you with a clue. This disconnect keeps you from feeling that you are the detective. But the puzzles themselves are challenging, varied and accompanied with outstanding ambient music and sound effects that help to set the mood of each location. Plus, you can play the puzzles on two levels of difficulty and unlock a third, harder level. On the harder of the first two levels, you must find the objects with few hints before time runs out. On the easiest level, there is no time pressure and there are lots of hints. And if you get stuck, you can always reset the puzzle to get a new list and refresh your hints. In all, there are more than 1,000 hidden objects to

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

PHOTOS BY STEVE DIXON

find. In addition to the mystery story mode, you can simply explore the puzzles. Plus, the game can be played with up to three of your friends in either a cooperative or competitive mode, if they each have the game. There is also a Quick Play mode to broadcast over the Nintendo wireless feature, which lets you play with someone who does not own the game. “Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir” is based on a popular downloadable PC series developed by Big Fish Games and it flawlessly transfers this license to hand-held gaming. While most kids are keen on visual observation puzzles, the added mystery theme really draws them in. And parents will appreciate that their kids can now hone their visual acuity skills while playing a video game.

Phyllis Kapsalis and her daughter Sydney, 13, enjoy a pedicure from Tamara Moiseyeva, in foreground, and Lori Krause at the Spa at Biltmore Village.

Some spas offer mom-daughter packages for Mother’s Day, but you don’t have to wait until then to indulge — take advantage of discounted packages for two or girls’ day out specials available at most spas throughout the year. Here are a few spas to try that welcome moms and daughters and offer a variety of spa services: K Solstice Salon, Black Mountain, 669-4422. K The Spa at Biltmore Village, Asheville, 277-2639. K The Spa at Biltmore Square, Asheville, 665-4875. K Mona Lisa Skincare & Salon, Asheville, 254-7456. K Pi Salon.Spa, Biltmore Village, Asheville, 274-1210. K Sensibilities Day Spa, downtown Asheville, 253-3222; Biltmore Park, 687-8760. K Illusions Day Spa, Asheville, 258-9558. K Suraj, Asheville, 277-7705. K Shoji Retreats, Asheville, 299-0999. K Spa Theology, Asheville, 255-4171. K Asheville Oasis, Asheville, 257-2570. K Clay Spa, Weaverville, 645-2529. K Secret Garden Inn & Spa, Weaverville, 658-9317.

Lower-cost spa options Spa services can be pricey. Try one of the training schools below for lower prices. K Center for Massage and Natural Health, Asheville, 252-0058; massages on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through November 26; 50 minutes for $30 or 100 minutes for $60, 10-minute chair massage is $5. K Carolina College of Hair Design, Asheville, 253-2875; full-service hair salon, waxing, manicures, pedicures and facials. Call for prices and more information. K Asheville School of Massage & Yoga, 252-7377; massages, $30/hour; 2009 schedule: Jan. 12-16, March 30-April 3, July 13-17, Sept. 28- Oct. 2. K North Carolina School of Advanced Bodywork, Fairview, 628-3007; will offer $30/hour massages, call for opening date. K Asheville-Buncombe Technical Therapeutic Massage Program, Asheville, 254-1921; $25/hour for table massages, $15/30 minutes for seated chair massage; Tuesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m. and Fridays, 12:30–2 p.m. (Friday morning appointments after Jan. 1.)

Sydney Kapsalis gets help choosing a nail color from Tamara Moiseyeva before a pedicure.

Gudmundsen is the editor of Computing With Kids magazine (ComputingWithKids.com). Contact her at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.

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Hidden objects puzzles, the kind found in “Where’s Waldo?” and “I Spy” books, have always appealed to kids. Those types of puzzles can now be found in the video game “Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir.” Developed for the Nintendo DS, “Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir” puts you into the role of a detective trying to solve the mystery of the disappearance of Phil T. Rich, an eccentric millionaire. By interviewing 12 of his business partners and associates, you glean clues to explain his abrupt departure. To solve this mystery, you tackle visual puzzles in more than 30 environments. The puzzles require you to study a cluttered picture to find

‘Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir’

Some local spas to try

5 ways to channel boys’ energy Scouting activities.” For information on Scouting in Western North Carolina, visit danielboonecouncil.org.

By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor

For most parents, the realization comes when their kids are about three. One day at day care, all the little girls are sitting quietly playing with their dolls. All the boys, on the other hand, are pushing toy trucks all over the room, having a contest to see who can go farthest and fastest, or seeing who can climb to the top of the monkey bars the fastest. Yes, boys are wired a little differently; they need to burn off that extra energy. Here are five good ways to help your tween or teen channel his excess energy:

Boy Scouts From a pick up basketball game before the meeting to rock climbing and backpacking, it’s hard to beat Scouting for channeling boy energy. “I’m a firm believer in the Scouting program,” said Mike Mann, who

Martial Arts

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Jeff Hutchins of Asheville’s Troop 3 takes the lead during a rock climbing trip. Scouting offers many physical activities to help burn off excess boy energy. serves as an assistant scoutmaster of Asheville’s Troop Three. Mann’s son Robbie, 17, spent two weeks this summer backpacking in the mountains of New Mexico with other WNC Scouts.

“Scouting is a wonderful program, but we only have the boys two hours a week and a weekend each month,” Mann said. “A lot of the boys in the troop play sports in addition to their

Martial arts training has been a good way to channel excess energy for thousands of years, and gives boys a chance to develop themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. “A good martial arts school will take the student almost to the point of exhaustion,” said Bob Cummings, owner of Shaolin Kung Fu of Asheville. “They use the large muscle groups, and research shows that when boys use these muscles to that point, it decreases aggression, it lowers anger and lowers depression. Martial arts also raises self-esteem, and hopefully gives them good role models, both peer and adult,” Cummings said. For more information, visit ashevilleshaolin.com.

puzzles for parents ACROSS 1. Actress Jessica 5. Psychedelic drug 8. Large African antelope 12. *Families gather here when at home 13. 1,000 grams 14. Order of classical Greek architecture 15. Sound mind, ____ body 16. Fleur-de-lis 17. Corpulent 18. *Here’s a Clue 20. Pretentious or silly talk 21. _____-fire 22. *Game of touch 23. Roll off 26. Gross out 30. ___ Goo Dolls 31. *Is it really that easy? 34. Not in favor of 35. Glowers or frowns 37. It can be positive or negative 38. Take away weapons 39. Keen on 40. Affirm to be true 42. Edible chart? 43. Can be seen 45. Cleaver 47. *You do it with kids at Easter 48. Say without thinking 50. Catcher’s gear 52. *Thanksgiving at grandma’s, e.g. 56. Chaplain 57. What the phone did 58. Often sold by the 40 59. “___ __ well” 60. U2 guitarist 61. City rides 62. Dance move 63. Storm center 64. Dave or Jay, e.g.

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DOWN 1. League of ____ States

2. Mexican wolf 3. Used to entangle legs of an animal 4. Punish with discretionary penalty 5. Former money of Italy, pl. 6. Snail trail 7. Doctors recommendation 8. *Winter ride 9. Singles 10. Exclamation of contempt 11. *You can go skating here

13. Capital of Rwanda 14. Tiny amounts 19. Oceanic floor depressions 22. Involuntary and found on face 23. Tangerine, grapefruit hybrid, pl. 24. Not a soul 25. Historic 66 26. *Most families try to do this together more often 27. Unfit or inappropriate 28. Parallel grooves, such as from glacier

29. Formerly said to take a licking and keep on ticking 32. Give a traffic ticket 33. Catchword from “Wayne’s World” 36. *Classic American vacation 38. Embryo cradles 40. A in IPA 41. Blemish 44. 16 bits equals 2 of these 46. Use nail or glue to do this 48. *TV bunch

49. Famous photographer Dorothea 50. Scotch ingredient 51. Run without moving, as in engine 52. *Genealogical plant 53. UN civil aviation agency 54. Globes and eyeballs 55. *It’s empty after children leave

Find solutions on Page 64

The 5 Browns

Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.

Classical music’s ﬁrst family of piano virtuosos. In the music world they are an unprecedented concert attraction: a singular quintet of world-class concert pianist, preforming on ﬁve Steinway grands and various ensemble combinations, dedicated to bringing classical music to the loves of people everywhere. The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound.

“...fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings.” - The Washington Post

Season Tickets available now by calling Bravo at 828-225-5887 194334-111

Tickets for the 5 Browns are available via Ticketmaster.com, 828-251-5505, the Civic Center Box Ofﬁce or directly from Bravo. Ticket prices range from $20-$5 (half price for students).

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Kids page

MAZE

COLOR THE PICTURE

Food Lion Skate Park

From basketball to baseball to lacrosse, there are lots of sports activities available to tween and teen boys. Area middle and high schools have varsity, junior varsity and intramural teams, and organizations like the Asheville-Buncombe Youth Soccer Association and regional baseball and basketball leagues offer programs for kids of all ages and playing abilities.

Skateboarding is a great way to burn off boy energy, and Asheville’s Food Lion Skate Park is considered one of the state’s best by savvy boarders. For beginners, classes are offered every Saturday morning, and equipment (including required helmets and pads) is available for rental at the park. The park’s winter hours are 2 p.m.dark Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-dark Saturday, and 1 p.m.-dark Sunday. Daily admission is $2 for Asheville residents and $4 for nonresidents during the week and $3 for residents and $6 for nonresidents on weekends and holidays. For more information, visit foodlionskatepark.com.

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Youth sports

4-H There are dozens of 4-H clubs in Western North Carolina that can get teens and tweens outside in the fresh air. Some focus on specific activities such as horseback riding. For information about 4H clubs near you, visit nc4h.org. PHOTO BY ANDRE RODRIGUEZ

Myriad sports programs are available for tween and teen boys.

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS

s c p p g b r o w n c s y v x

c c j f o r h p r e i a mb f a y w f f f o c a e l k u o v

wc l c i d a n g mh s e n l f p d p n a i e l l g t c v p j wy r e c l o w p s n k mp

s e e e y v b z u a p r x d u

q u a s r z g a s h g h k s ma e n t y c t g r a b h i n k o d d b r e y a s w c g e i o ws l r r e d n c wo mp k i

h ww v c m c o c u l s mo c v r f h s w a h c y p o s z o t f l a me c s r k n a n s v

Fall Harvest

Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@ charter.net.

PHOTO BY BILL SANDERS

Delane Rogers, with the Erwin High School Skateboard Club, skates off the large bowl at Food Lion Skate Park in Asheville.

CONNECT THE DOTS

apples cooler yellow candy corn pumpkins windy green squash haystack colors scarecrow orange cider red hayride leaves brown horses

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

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Fall fun at Disney Now is a great time for a family getaway By Julie Saunders WNC Parent contributor

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Minnie Mouse dons a Halloween mask and visits with a couple of princesses at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Deciding to treat your family to Walt Disney World Resort was probably easy — determining the best time to go may be tricky. Crowd levels, weather, holidays and school schedules should be considered when selecting vacation time. With a little research and self-education, deciding on the best time for your family to visit Disney World may be only a few clicks away. If smaller crowds and concerns about the weather are the key drivers behind your decision, touring plans.com provides statistics on daily crowd levels and tried-andtrue, time-saving touring plans. “We have professional statisti-

cians and patented software to support our Web site,” said Len Testa, webmaster and co-author of the “Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.” “Our crowd calendar and touring plans help you plan when and how to visit the theme parks.” When determining the least crowded time to visit Walt Disney World, Testa said, “Most people care more about wait times than crowds. What they really want to know is how long they can expect to wait for headliner attractions.” Testa shares the secret to wait time predictability. “Disney controls the wait times on their rides and attractions to maintain 20 minutes at all times — even during slow periods. This is done to keep visitors in the parks longer so that they will purchase

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Trunk-or-Treat

Scoop your treats from the feeding trunks.

Live Band i Dancing

Are better able to play with other children. Experience healthier weight. Have fewer problems with hyperactivity and are better able to pay attention. Experience less stress than other children their age. Score higher on standardized tests.

“Common Saints”

Free Grub for All

Free beans, weenies & beverages.

What can I do to help my child play outdoors? 194145-102

Source: “Cooking Jewish” by Judy Bart Kancigor.

Kidz Korral Supervised games and entertainment:

Moonwalki Bounce House i Dual Slides Bouncing Boxing i Obstacle Course Craze Mazei 3-D Cosmic Mini Golf Separate areas for toddlers and school age.

Face Painting i Clowns Weather or Not We’re ready for any type of weather. Pre-Carved Pumpkin Contest Note: Some activities may vary from those shown. A FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY NIGHT Rocket Drive off 74-A i 1.7 miles south of I-40 Follow the parking signs; our ranch hands will direct you. Covenant Community Church i 828-298-8955 ext. 104

www.covenant-community.org

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Scrape the batter into the prepared tube pan, and bake on the center oven rack for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 300 degrees, and continue baking until the top of the cake springs back when touched, about 45 minutes more. Remove the cake from oven and let it rest in its pan for 3045 seconds. Invert the pan on its little feet or over a soda bottle (making sure it sits level) and let the cake cool. Run a knife around the center tube and around the outside of the pan and lift the tube from the outer pan. Gently slide the knife between the bottom of the cake and the pan, and lift the cake off the pan. Cut into slices. Makes 12 servings.

Friday i October 31 i 6 - 9 pm

Playing outdoors is good for children. Organized sports and activities are great, but young children also need plenty of free, unstructured outdoor time. Research shows that kids who get plenty of outdoor free play:

Beat the egg yolks well with an electric mixer on mediumhigh speed. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup sugar and continue blending until the mixture is thick and lemon-colored, about 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium and blend in the oil and honey. Then blend in the orange juice, liqueur, zest and extract. Reduce the speed to low, and gradually blend in the flour mixture. Using a clean, dry bowl and beaters, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add the reserved 1/4 cup sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating for 10 sec-

onds after each addition. Then raise the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form, 4 minutes total. Stir 1/4 of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then add the remaining egg whites in three additions, folding them in until incorporated.

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Kids Grow Better Outside

For outdoor play ideas and resources, please go to our website: www.smartstart-buncombe.org and click on the "Kids Grow Better Outside” button.

1 cup cake flour 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup sugar 6 large eggs, separated, at room temperature 1 cup corn oil 1 cup honey 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons orange liqueur or brandy Grated zest of 1 orange 1 teaspoon pure orange extract

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 10-inch tube pan with removable bottom with a circle of parchment paper cut slightly larger than the bottom. Press the extra paper against the sides of the pan. Sift both flours and the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and salt together into a bowl. Set it aside. Set aside 1/4 cup of the sugar.

HalloWest

Mudpies, Forts & Make Believe...

Create a nature bracelet. Wrap masking tape around your child's wrist, sticky side facing out. Ask your child to search for outdoor treasures, like grass, leaves, petals and stick them onto the tape to make a unique nature bracelet! Playing outside in all kinds of weather will actually help keep your child well and reduces colds and coughs. Make sure that your child takes the right kind of outdoor play clothes to child care every day – jackets, sweaters, even raincoats, depending on the weather.

Honey orange sponge cake

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Honey-based treats usher in new year By Jolene Ketzenberger Gannett News Service

Find local honey To add local flavor to honeyfocused foods for Rosh Hashana, seek out a honey farm. Tracy and Christina Hunter, with children Ross and Mackenzie, operate Hunter’s Honey Farm near Martinsville, Ind., which produces a variety of honey as well as related food products, candles and skin-care items. “I was born into the bee business,” says Tracy Hunter, who learned from his grandfather and started keeping his own hives while still in high school. “We’ve been Indiana beekeepers since 1910.” From the typical clover to wildflower, raspberry, lavender and the

dark, molasseslike buckwheat honey, the sweet options at the Hunter family farm illustrate the range of flavors available. Such flavorful varieties are produced when honeybees pollinate a particular type of flower. “We have 100 hives in watermelon in Vincennes (Indiana) right now,” Tracy Hunter says, noting that more than 300 varieties of honey are produced in the United States. His small-batch, artisan honeys, all extracted and bottled on the farm, are popular with consumers as well as professional chefs. He and Christina have also diversified their product mix. They make and sell honey Dijon mustard and honey caramel corn as well as beeswax candles and skin-care products. Their gift shop — complete with an observational hive — stocks the farm’s varietal honeys as well as honey-related food items, treats and sauces. “We’re trying to produce everything we can,” he says.

Epcot Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival: Annual six-week event showcasing exotic foods, wines and beers from around the world through Nov. 9. This year’s theme is “Cities in Wonderland.” The festival is included in admission to Epcot, however, special culinary events incur additional charges.

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Honey cakes are a traditional part of Rosh Hashana mealtime celebrations, says cookbook author Judy Bart Kancigor. Her 2007 book "Cooking Jewish," is subtitled “532 great recipes from the Rabinowitz family.”

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios ABC Super-Soap Weekend: More than 30 stars of ABC daytime dramas appear Nov. 15-16 to entertain, answer questions and sign autographs. Included with theme park admission.

For the cake: 3 ounces good-quality semi-sweet chocolate 2/3 cup honey 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla 2 large eggs 2/3 cup milk or soy milk For the frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese or parve cream cheese, not whipped 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine, room temperature 1/4 cup honey Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, or grease and flour the pan. Set aside. Break the chocolate up and place in a microwave-safe dish with the honey. Microwave for 45-60 seconds, stirring after 20 seconds to hasten the melting. Place the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter or margarine with the sugar on high speed until creamy. Add the vanilla, eggs and the chocolate-honey mixture. Add half the flour mixture with half the milk. Mix. Add the remaining flour mixture and remaining milk. Beat until smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After cooling for 10 minutes, run a thin metal spatula around the edges and turn the cake out onto a cooling rack or cake plate. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting: Place the cream cheese in the microwave and heat for 2 (15-second) intervals to soften. Stir. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter or margarine and cream cheese until smooth. With the beater going, drizzle in the honey. Beat until just mixed and creamy, being careful not to overbeat or the honey will separate. Spread the frosting over the top of the cooled cake. Makes 9 servings. Source: “Kosher by Design Short on Time” by Susie Fishbein (2006, Mesorah Publications, $34.99)

Epcot chefs get cooking with Remey from the Disney-Pixar movie “Ratatouille” at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. food and souvenirs.” During peak season — mid-June through mid-August — expect to spend several hours per day waiting in lines. Visiting Disney World during the peak summer season, or the week between Christmas and New Year, should be avoided unless this is the only opportunity for a family vacation. Fall visits offer festivals, events and parties with mild weather and reduced crowds. Tim Spicer and family of Maryville, Tenn., prefer visiting

A Disney blog To read a local Disney blog, visit http://mainstreetgazette.blogspot.com/. Disney World during October. “The weather is perfect and our family enjoys Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party,” said Spicer. “A limited number of tickets are sold, so there are no lines for the rides, plus the special parade and fireworks are amazing. “The characters even dress up in

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Sweet food for a sweet new year — that’s honey’s role in mealtime celebrations for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana. The Jewish High Holy Days began at sundown Sept. 29, the evening before the new year celebration of Rosh Hashana, and end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, 10 days later. “One of the traditions is, we dip apples in honey,” says Californiabased writer Judy Bart Kancigor, author of the 2007 cookbook “Cooking Jewish” (Workman, $19.95). “It’s to wish each other a sweet new year.” Honey finds its way into many dishes for holiday meals, even entrees, but especially cookies and cakes, traditional Rosh Hashana treats. “Honey cake is very typical,” says Kancigor, who serves her honey orange sponge cake with an apricot-

pineapple conserve. “They’re not hard to make at all.” Kancigor’s recipes for honey cake and traditional entrees are designed to make holiday entertaining easy “so you can enjoy your own party,” she says.

Fall festivals and events at Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize at this after-hours event offering fun for the entire family. Select nights through Oct. 31. Enjoy the specialty parade, fireworks and trick-or-treating from 7 p.m.-midnight. Oct 3031 sells out quickly. Ticket prices: $45.95$55.95 (ages 9 and older) and $39.95$49.95 (ages 3-9). Events tickets may be

Scarecrow Mickey Mouse greets a little Dumbo at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Halloween costumes and there are several locations for trick-or-treating, which our kids love.” Questioned about taking their children out of school, Spicer explained, “Our children, ages 18, 11 and 5, attend year-around school, so they get a fall break which works well for our family.” Charlotte-area empty-nesters and grandparents, Cindy and Bob Reid, have annual passes and favor spring and fall trips to Disney World. “The weather is cooler and the rates are lower, so you get more bang

for your buck,” said Cindy Reid. “We went to Epcot’s Flower and Garden festival in May. The flowers were beautiful and we enjoyed the various gardens.” Asked about upcoming trips, Reid said, “We are looking forward to taking our granddaughters, ages 5 and 3 1/2, to Walt Disney World this fall. We won’t take them out of school, so this is the last year we can go outside of summer. We are also going back with friends in early December to take in the holiday decorations and events.”

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

purchased at the gate or ordered in advance online at Walt Disney World.com or by calling 407-WDISNEY (934-7639).

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Kid Mania festival puts activities, vendors together for families By Barbara Blake Staff writer There’s a new kids’ festival in town, and organizers promise it isn’t the kind that quickly empties a parent’s pocketbook. Kid Mania, sponsored by Great Beginnings Pediatric and Adolescent Dental Specialists, will offer a bounty of games and activities, vendors offering services for parents and grandparents, character meet-and-greets, babycrawling and pumpkin-carving contests, bounce houses, products available for purchase, and food at familyfriendly prices. The inaugural event will be 10 a.m.8 p.m. Oct. 11 and 1-6 p.m. Oct. 12 in Davis Arena at the WNC Agricultural Center, organized by Hendersonvillebased Inspired Productions. Parking and admission are free. “The goal of Kid Mania is to provide a venue where families can have a great time and not spend money on parking and admission,” said Christina Ward,

president of Inspired Productions. “And we want to provide a place where vendors who are family focused can get in front of those who want their services.” Vendors’ offerings will range from real estate, banking and insurance to bounce houses, dance studios, character artists and “everything in between,” Ward said. “I can compare Kid Mania to XYZ festival where I can go and have a great time with my family, but when I leave I’ve spent $80 on I don’t know what,” she said. “Instead of spending $5 to park and $27 to feed a family of five, I can feed my whole family for $10 and spend my money on something else I really want.” Each vendor is required to offer some child-friendly product or activity, Ward said. Most activities are free, but those requiring admission are reasonably priced, she said. “We just want to offer clean, wholesome fun for families, and have them not walk out the door feeling broke,” she said.

living with children

Don’t worry about Halloween’s dark side By John Rosemond Question: I do not like the implications of Halloween, but my husband does, so we allow the kids to dress up as fun/positive characters. Our son is now 7 and is asking to go to the local haunted house. My husband thinks this is OK, but I would like to keep the negative aspects of Halloween out of the picture as much as possible. What say you? Answer: Halloween may have its roots in ancient pagan rituals, but then so does the Christmas tree and the Maypole. Personally, and speaking as an evangelical Christian, I think the brouhaha over Halloween is much ado about nothing, as is the brouhaha over the Harry Potter books. I do believe there’s evil afoot in the world, but the notion that Halloween somehow lures children to the Dark Side is more than a tad over the top. The tradition is just pure childish fun, much healthier for

children, in my estimation, than the orgy of materialism they’re exposed to at Christmas, or even the 6 o’clock news for that matter. My kids participated, to the fullest, in Halloween, as do my seven grandchildren, and none of them are more than normally evil. Question: We go on regular family vacations with my in-laws, who disagree with us on most parenting matters. We home-school, correct poor manners, insist upon obedience, and so on. Their kids spend most of their time watching television and playing video games. They think we’re entirely too strict, which is understandable. However, they also feel justified in interfering when they don’t like how we’re dealing with our kids, whether it’s an instruction or a correction. How should we handle this? Answer: First, I encourage you to stay the course in your parenting. The research overwhelmingly affirms that kids are more emotionally secure when parents set and enforce clear boundaries. Research is also affirming what I’ve been saying since 1979; that television and video games are actually

disabling certain areas of children’s brains, greatly increasing the likelihood of behaviors associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Having said that, I think you need to accept that there’s nothing to be gained by trying to maintain your parenting style around relatives who not only don’t support you, but also downright undermine you, especially when you’re in close quarters for a week. So, given that the operative word here is “vacation,” I encourage you to give your kids a break from your rules and expectations during these family get-togethers. Just so there’s no misunderstanding, tell the kids before you embark what you’re going to do so, but that the break ends when you say goodbye and drive off for home. If during the holiday one of the in-laws steps on your parenting feet, just shrug your shoulders and say, “You know, you’re right, so I tell you what; you handle it.” And walk off. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his Web site at www.rosemond.com. Copyright 2008, John K. Rosemond

The Relationship Center Professional Counseling for Children, Adolescents and Families

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Continued from Page 47

Risotto with shrimp and mushrooms

Beer and molasses short ribs 3 pounds beef short ribs, trimmed of fat Salt and pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon olive oil 12 ounces beer 1/2 cup molasses Follow manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directions and heat pressure cooker to high. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to cooker. When hot, add ribs and brown on all sides. Remove ribs from pot and pour off the fat. Place ribs back in pot with beer and molasses. Cover and cook 30 minutes at 15 pounds pressure. Adjust heat to maintain high pressure. After 30 minutes, turn off heat and let the pressure drop naturally. Remove ribs from pot and reduce the sauce until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Serve with roasted potatoes and a vegetable, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

CMYK 17P

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup sliced fresh mixed mushrooms (brown, oyster, portobello, shiitake, morel) 1 medium onion, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1 cup arborio rice 1/4 cup dry white wine 2 cups chicken stock 3/4 pound medium to large shrimp, deveined and cut in half lengthwise 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Heat the olive oil and butter in the pressure cooker. Saute the mushrooms, onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme and rice, and saute 1 minute. Add the wine and stock, and lock the lid in place. Bring the cooker to full pressure over high heat and cook for 7 minutes. Release the pressure quickly and remove the lid. Stir in the shrimp, cover the pot and let stand 10 minutes to lightly cook the shrimp. Stir in the Parmesan and serve immediately. Makes 2 main-dish or 4 sidedish servings.

Source: Chef Amy Barnes, Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Source: Kuhn Rikon

Trick-or-Treat with us, get Free Stuff! Join us for trick-or-treating at the Asheville Mall and each child will receive a coupon for a free kids Icedream. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to join us for Kids Night every Tuesday Night from 5pm-8pm. Receive a free 4 nugget kids meal with each adult meal purchase.

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kids’ voices

A tough act to follow

CMYK 18P

We asked the kids in Cammy Jacobelly’s seventh-grade class at Erwin Middle School to tell us about their top role models — here’s what they said. Compiled by Barbara Blake “My best friend Caitlyn Bryant is an inspiration to me. She has been there for me ever since I was about 2 years old, through the good times and the bad. Caitlyn is like the big sis I’ve never had and will always be one to me in my eyes. She is a very truthful person and someone I would like to grow up and be like. I hope that someday I can accomplish many great things like she has done.” Karlie McLamb

“My mother, Amelia A. Lozano, is my role model. She has been a hard worker ever since she was a teenager, and works hard to get food for her family. She never depends on anybody. My mother is strong, she has been through hard situations all her life, but she still came through. She is a loving mother who I love. I am always amazed at her accomplishments.” Daniela Lozano

“My role model is my grand mall. She is an inspiration to me. My grand mall always tells me to trust in myself, in what I think is the right thing to do. She always tells me that whatever I want to be, I can achieve it. She always tells me what is right and what is wrong, and when I do something wrong she helps me fix it. She is older and wiser than I am. I love her a lot.” Rachel Foreman

“My papaw is someone I can trust, talk to and love. He has made it through so much. I see him as a son, brother, uncle, grandfather and husband; I have never seen a man who is so strong but hides his fears to hold up for his family. My papaw is my living role model, my hero, my inspiration, my everything, and the one I will always care for and love.” Haily Young

“Brave, confident and a lifelong bodyguard. That is the very true description of my living role model, Beverly Fern Hubbard, aka Nanny. Nanny has taught me to stand up for my rights. She always had confidence in me and will never let me be harmed. Even though you probably think a 5-foot, 74-year-old grandmother is weak, she will always be going strong in my heart.” Sydney Wallace

“My sister Miranda Maxwell is an inspiration to me. She is a senior at Erwin High School. She was a varsity cheerleader and is now running cross country. This Thanksgiving she is going to Haiti for her first mission trip. She helps me a lot on my cheerleading skills and is always at football games and cheerleading competitions to support me. She wants to go to Carolina and major in nursing. I’m amazed by her effort for doing her very best. I love you sister!” Kasey Maxwell

“My wonderful mother, Stephanie Flynn, is my role model. My mother is so loving and such an inspiration to me. It is so amazing how she keeps our family in such good care. She works from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and then when she gets home she has to take care of my 3-year-old brother because my dad works during the day. She has stayed so strong with our current loss of a family member, and she is amazing because of what she has been through in her life. She means the world to me.” Courtney Flynn

“My dad is a real life inspiration to me. He is a single dad and is always there to help my sister and me, whether it is with homework or real-life advice. I personally think one of his magnificent features is that he never gives up. He lost his job a few years ago, and he did not give up looking for another job until he came home with one. Even though he went through a rough divorce, he is there for my sister and me. He is my role model, and I love him very much.” Sarah Horn

“Steve Smith is my role model. He has been a star of the NFL for years; he’s No. 89 for the Carolina Panthers. He was a top receiver in college, now he is the best receiver in the NFL. The reason he is my role model is because he plays for my favorite team, and he is short, and most wide receivers are tall, but he is still one of the best.” Bryan Sherlin

“My grandmother Martha Hendricks is my inspiration. She is strong, caring and loving. She just lost her mom, who she cared for for years. She is so loving to me and my sister because she does not care how badly we mess up in life. She will still love us with all of her heart even when we mess up. I wish I could see her more, but I am lucky I have her in my life.” Kimberly Hyatt

“The guy I admire is strong, fast and really intelligent, Reggie Bush, No. 25 for the New Orleans Saints. I like Reggie Bush because he is a good role model for kids. I look at him and say, ‘Wow, one day I want to be just like him.’ He is cool, and the number he wears is the number I want to wear when I get to the NFL.” Jonathan Allen

“Cool, funny and very talented describes my grandma, aka Kool Kat. She is the coolest person I know. When she comes to my house from Florida, she always tells stories about what she did before. She tells funny ones, scary ones and nasty stories. But they are all very cool stories. And she teaches us all kinds of games, too.” Colby Tochterman

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

No pressure

Modern cookers help you deliver delicious meals fast

By Karen Fernau Gannett News Service

Turkey braised in fruit

A pressure cooker lacks the high-tech appeal of a food processor that can whirl avocados into soup. And it doesn’t have the easy familiarity of a slow cooker that roasts chicken. But what these oldschool devices lack in image, they make up for in practicality and economy. Pressure cookers are an attractive option for busy cooks, turning out meals in 30 minutes without heating up the kitchen. And they are thrifty, transforming inexpensive cuts of meat and pantry staples such as dried beans into succulent dishes while preserving moisture and flavor. “They might not be sexy, but they get the job done,” says Martie Sullivan, owner of Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Thanks to safety improvements, these World War II-era appliances no longer rattle like a freight train, spit water like a fountain and launch meatballs like missiles. Today’s pressure-cooker meals are more sophisticated than your grandmother’s meat, potatoes and stewed tomatoes, with options such as leek and asparagus risotto, chicken cacciatore, short ribs and cheesecake.

1 teaspoon olive oil 1 onion, sliced 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast or turkey tenders Salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup chicken stock or apple juice 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 cups mixed dried fruits, like apples, apricots, prunes, dates, cranberries Heat pressure cooker to high. Add oil and onion and saute 2-3 minutes. Add turkey to cooker and season with salt and pepper. Brown well on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add stock, soy sauce and dried fruit. Close cover and cook 20 minutes at 15 pounds pressure. Adjust heat to maintain high pressure. After 20 minutes, turn off heat and let pressure drop naturally. Serve with rice or other grain, if desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Source: Chef Amy Barnes

Chicken breasts in yogurt-turmeric sauce with peas

Family-friendly cooking Sweet Basil cooking instructor and slow-cooker aficionado Amy Barnes had no interest in a pressure cooker until she recently experimented with one to develop family-friendly recipes. “I’m a big fan of cooking things on low temperatures for long stretches, so I was a bit intimidated at first. I had heard the horror stories about (pressure cookers) exploding, but after I read all the instructions and started using the cooker, the fears disappeared and I became hooked,” says Barnes, a chef and mother of two. What changed her mind? The pressure cooker reduced the time needed to cook brown rice from 50 minutes to about 17 minutes. And Barnes found she needed to use very little oil in her recipes, a plus for calorie counters. “I could control the ingredients. I could get dinner on the table in one pot in less than a half-hour. It’s just so easy and efficient,” she says. Pressure cookers use trapped steam to increase the air pressure inside the pot by 5-15 pounds above normal. Because water boils at a higher temperature under pressure, foods cook in as little as one-third of the usual time.

Cook on the cheap The process also tenderizes food, making pressure cooking a great choice for cheaper cuts of beef

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Amy Barnes shows off some of the dishes that she has created with the help of a pressure cooker at her Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Some of her recipes include turkey braised in fruit, beer and molasses short ribs and rice pudding. and pork, and it retains nutrients. “Pressure cookers can be a way to save on groceries because they do wonders with inexpensive foods like beans and brisket,” says Vickie Smith, author of “Miss Vickie’s Big Book of Pressure Cooker Recipes” (2008, Wiley, $22.95) and operator of the pressure-cooker-recipe site missvickie.com. “It doesn’t get much better when a cooker combines convenience and cost savings,” she says. Sullivan predicts a bump in sales of pressure cookers as more cash-strapped families eat in to help defray the rising costs of food and fuel. Pressure cookers aren’t cheap, ranging from $50 to $350, depending on the size and manufacturer. However, for those constantly on the go, a pressure cooker can be a wise investment. “People are returning to the kitchen, but they still don’t have a lot of time for cooking,” Sullivan says. “The pressure cooker could be their salvation.”

1 cup plain yogurt 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds 1 teaspoon salt one-half teaspoon freshly ground white pepper 4 boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves 1 tablespoon butter 1 large russet potato, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds 1 cup peas 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro In a dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in one layer, stir together the yogurt, turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds, salt and pepper. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Melt the butter in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Layer the potatoes across the bottom, then add the chicken and yogurt mixture. Without stirring, lock on the lid and bring to full pressure over high heat, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 3 minutes to finish cooking. With the steam vent pointed away from your face, gently release any remaining pressure. Transfer the chicken and potatoes to a serving platter and set aside in a warm place. Cook the sauce over high heat until reduced and slightly thickened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the peas and cilantro. Spoon over the chicken and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Source: Kuhn Rikon Switzerland, kuhnrikon.com

More recipes on Page 48

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crafts

Dress shirt adds personal flair to laptop bag By Kathy Cano-Murillo Gannett News Service

Supplies 1 men’s dress shirt 1/2 of contrasting fabric for lining Sewing machine 1 yard of cording Chopstick and clear tape Directions 1. Determine whether you want your bag to hold your laptop horizontal or vertical. Measure your laptop, and then cut the front and back of the shirt so it extends two inches around the sides and bottom, and five inches from the top. Toss the excess. Now cut two pieces of lining to match. 2. Take the front and back of the cut shirt, line them up face in, and straight stitch around the sides and bottom. Add another row of stitches. 3. Repeat for the lining. Insert the lining, face sides in, inside the shirt. Line up the inside corners at the bottom, and the side seams so they match. Pin the top raw edges in on both sides and sew a straight stitch all the way around. On one side, cut two snips (threeGANNETT NEWS SERVICE fourths-inch each) at the top and sew over the raw edges. Now fold the top of the bag outward to create a 1-inch hem all the way around, pin in place and sew. This is the casing for the drawstring. 4. Fold the cording in half, take the folded end, tape it around the end of the chopstick and feed it through the casing. Tie a knot at the end of the cording. Variation: If you want to embellish it more, add embroidered accents, patches, vintage buttons, etc. Note: The amount of contrasting fabric needed will depend on the size of your laptop. specializing in orthodontics for children and adults

CMYK 19P

I once purchased a vintage men’s Guayabera shirt from eBay and loved it. But it wasn’t exactly flattering to my figure because of its boxy shape. Another item on my bummer list: I needed a vertical laptop bag for traveling, something I could easily whip out of my carry-on when passing through airport security. Rather than scour the retail aisles, I decided to use my beloved shirt. I know it seems crazy to cut up a perfectly good item of clothing, but what good was it sitting in my closet? Now I can enjoy it on a regular basis. That is what a crafty life is all about, tailoring everyday objects to our personal style! If you don’t have a shirt you are willing to snip, check out your local thrift store. Cano-Murillo is a free-lance craft designer and author. Send your questions or ideas to her at kathy@craftychica.com or visit her Web site, www.craftychica.com.

Dress shirt laptop bag

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T. Luke Roberts, D.M.D, M.S.D

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Kids, lend a hand

Quick dinners Apple cheddar bacon grilled cheese

CMYK 20P

By Barbara Blake Staff writer

Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, a program of the United Way, makes it easy to lend a hand and help others in our community by volunteering with local nonprofits. There are a number of opportunities for children to begin a lifetime of community service by working side by side with their parents, based on their skills and their schedules. Many projects last just two or three hours, occur on evenings and weekends, and don’t require a long-term commitment. And many involve children as young as 5 with adult supervision. “Volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to spend time together doing something fun while giving back to the community,” said Sarah Catoe, executive director of Hands On Asheville-Buncombe. Among the benefits of volunteering as a family, she said, are creating outlets for discussion about issues, a structured time to be together, beginning a lifelong legacy of volunteering for future generations, and an opportunity for parents to lead by example. “And it’s a chance for children to be empowered to decide what is important to them and experience the positive changes they can make,” Catoe said. Following are the volunteer projects that Hands On AshevilleBuncombe manages at area nonprofits each month, scheduled to be convenient for families and working people. Children are encouraged to attend these projects with parents/guardians. Coming up in October:

Meals for Hope New Choices is an empowerment program for displaced homemakers in need of counseling and assistance in order to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Volunteers assist in cooking and serving a meal for 15-25 women and children attending its bi-weekly meetings. YWCA provides all supplies. Project times and dates: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

4 pieces bacon 1 Granny Smith apple 2 ounces Cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon butter 4 slices bread Cook bacon. Wash apple. Peel if desired and cut into thin slices, discarding core. Thinly slice cheese if not pre-sliced. Cut bacon slices in half (it’s OK if they’re cold). Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place bread in skillet for about 30 seconds. Flip bread and layer two pieces with cheese, apple and bacon. Top each with another bread slice. Press down lightly with a spatula and cook sandwich 1 to 2 minutes per side, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Prep time: 10 minutes. Total time: 10 minutes. Makes two servings.

Thai pork lettuce rolls 1 pound pork tenderloin 1 head iceberg lettuce 1 teaspoon sesame oil, garlic oil or plain olive oil 2 teaspoons Thai seasoning blend (or 1 teaspoon each garlic powder and ground ginger) 1/4 cup Thai peanut sauce 2 green onions, sliced (green part only) Chopped honey-roasted peanuts (for garnish) Chop pork into 1/2-inch dice. Remove any wilted outer leaves from lettuce, then carefully peel off the rest of the leaves, keeping them as whole as you can. If needed, tear some leaves in half lengthwise so you have enough for 12 rolls. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and sprinkle with Thai seasoning. Cook, stirring, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add peanut sauce and green onion; heat through. For each wrap, spoon about 2 tablespoons of pork onto the end of a lettuce leaf and roll up. If desired, garnish with chopped peanuts. Prep time: 15 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes. Servings: 4 (three wraps each) Approximate values per serving: 227 calories, 10 g fat, 74 mg cholesterol, 28 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 117 mg sodium, 40 percent calories from fat. Gannett News Service

Gannett News Service

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

A Dads and Daughters group from the YMCA joins with community volunteers for a cleanup day organized by Hands On Asheville-Buncombe. Oct. 9 and 23. Requirements: Two-four people needed; ages 16 and older welcome (13 and older with adult supervision).

Shake and Bake Cook and serve a hot, homemade meal to the men staying at the ABCCM Veteran’s Restoration Quarters & Inn. Take an evening to give back to those who have served our country and are now in need of assistance. Both men and women are encouraged to participate in this project. Project times and dates: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 8. Requirements: Three-five needed; ages 16 and older welcome.

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Members of the United Way’s Highlands Circle help package food at MANNA FoodBank.

Cheeseburger crescent rolls

Pesto chicken panini

8 ounces lean ground beef 1 teaspoon steak seasoning blend 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 can (8-count) crescent-roll dough 1 beaten egg (optional) 2 sliced cherry tomatoes, for garnish

2 small Italian hoagie rolls (about 4 ounces each) 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 tablespoons pesto 6 ounces cooked chicken breast 1/4 cup bottled roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes (or some of each)

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine beef and steak seasoning in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until brown. Remove from heat, drain any juice or grease and stir in cheese. Unroll dough on a lightly greased baking sheet and separate into 8 triangles. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons filling at the wide end of each triangle. Roll toward the point, tucking in dough as necessary to keep in filling. For a shinier crust, brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with a little more steak seasoning, if desired. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Garnish with cherry tomato slices. Total time: 20 minutes. Makes four servings. Approximate values per serving: 502 calories, 34 g fat, 15 g saturated fat, 119 mg cholesterol, 23 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein, 669 mg sodium, trace fiber, 61 percent of calories from fat. Gannett News Service

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Slice open rolls and brush with some of the oil. Grill, oiled-side down, until slightly crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Reduce heat to low. Remove rolls and spread with pesto. Top with chicken and vegetables. Press sandwich together. Brush skillet with remaining oil and place sandwiches on skillet. Press on each sandwich with a spatula and the heel of your hand to flatten; heat about 1 minute, then flip sandwich, flatten and heat second side. Total time: 5 minutes. Makes two servings. Approximate values per serving: 560 calories, 21 g fat, 62 mg cholesterol, 33 g protein, 58 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 814 mg sodium, 34 percent calories from fat. Gannett News Service

Grilled chicken burrito 1 boneless skinless chicken-breast half (about 8 ounces) 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cups cooked plain rice 1/4 cup salsa 2 large flour tortillas 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend Salsa and chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional) Preheat grill to medium-high. Rub chicken with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through but not dry. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions; let cool slightly, then mix with 1/4 cup salsa. Remove chicken from grill; let sit 1 to 2 minutes, then shred or finely chop. Stir into rice. Divide mixture between 2 tortillas; top each with cheese. Fold or roll tortillas and garnish with salsa and cilantro, if desired. Total time: 20 minutes. Makes two servings. Approximate values per serving: 682 calories, 18 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 64 mg cholesterol, 94 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein, 702 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 24 percent of calories from fat. Gannett News Service

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Here are some books for parents and children about being shy.

For parents

“Let’s Talk About Being Shy” by Marianne Johnston (Rosen Publishing Group, 2003, $13.95) “Little Miss Shy” by Roger Hargreaves (Price Stern Sloan, 1998, $3.99) “Orlando’s Little-While Friends” by Audrey Wood (Child’s Play-International, 1995, $14.99).

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Cookie Night Help bake homemade cookies for families who are staying at the Lewis Rathbun Center. The Rathbun Center provides free lodging for families from out of town who have a loved one in an area hospital. Supplies will be provided. Just bring some compassion and an appetite. Project times and dates: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 13. Requirements: Two-four needed; ages 18 and older welcome (ages 10-17 with adult supervision).

Dangerfield Ins Fin Srvs Inc Clay Dangerﬁeld, Agent Bus: 828-648-4712 Toll Free: 1-800-924-4712 email: clay @claydangerﬁeld.com www.claydangerfield.com

Help sort and pack food at MANNA FoodBank to be given to agencies serving hungry people in 17 Western North Carolina counties. Project times and dates: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 9 and 14; 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 18 and 25. Requirements: Five-20 needed; ages 16 and older welcome (5 and older with adult supervision).

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WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

CMYK 21P

“Nurturing the Shy Child: Practical Help for Raising Confident and Socially Skilled Kids and Teens” by Barbara G. Markway and Gregory P. Markway (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2006, $13.95) “The Shy Child: Helping Children Triumph Over Shyness” by Ward K. Swallow (Grand Central Publishing, 2000, $19.99)

For kids

Put on those work gloves and see the difference you can make right here in our beautiful mountain community by cleaning up local streets and parks. Project times and dates: 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 25. Requirements: Five-30 needed; ages 16 and older welcome (younger than 16 with adult supervision)

Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit, fair-trade retail store that sells handcrafted items made by artisans in more than 30 developing countries, providing them with much needed income. Volunteers will assist with unpacking and pricing the merchandise so it can be placed on the sales floor. Project times and dates: October project postponed; will resume 1-4 p.m. Nov. 8. Requirements: Two-five needed; ages 16 and older welcome (ages 14-15 with adult supervision).

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JOHNSON CITY - OAK RIDGE - ASHEVILLE Accredited by The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. Offer valid on Diagnostic Evaluation Only. Not valid with any other offer. Independently owned and operated. ©2006 Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

HLC1470

Try these books if your child is shy

Take Out the Papers and the Trash

“The Shyness Breakthrough” by Bernardo Carducci (Rodale Books, 2003, $17.95)

193477-146

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librarian’s picks

Books help explain presidency, some American history By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Libraries With politics being such a popular topic this year, it seems appropriate that some children’s books deal with politics, too. Children’s author Lane Smith offers a humorous look at one little girl’s political aspirations in his new book, “Madam President.” The narrative describes the president’s duties and privileges fairly accurately, but the illustrations (a girl’s imaginings) show her youthful, skewed perceptions. For example, the girl says “a president must choose a cabinet.” That is true, but the girl’s idea of a cabinet includes items from her toy box. Mr. Potato Head is the secretary of agriculture and a toy duck on wheels is the secretary of transportation. The girl creates a few new cabinet positions, among them a pink and purple unicorn who

is the secretary of fantasy. The girl also says “a president must tackle press conferences gracefully.” Her idea of this is presenting an oral report before her class, declaring to the media (her classmates): “I’ll get back to you on that” and “I know you are, but what am I?” With Smith’s light touch, even the girl’s growing tyranny will strike readers as funny. The girl abuses her veto power, banning everything from tuna casserole to the upcoming school play, “Little House on the Prairie: The Musical.” Children who enjoy the topical humor in “Madam President” will enjoy another picture book of Smith’s that was published in 2006, “John, Paul, George and Ben.” The foursome referred to are John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Ben Franklin. In this book, Smith

takes widely known or widely believed bits of these men’s lives and gives them irreverent, hilarious twists. For instance, Smith makes Revere’s pastime be ringing the bells in the tower of the church because this is “before fun was invented.” As a result of excessive bell ringing, Revere is hard of hearing. This is a problem at his job in a store, where a soft, discreet voice would be appropriate, especially when dealing with self-conscious customers who are concerned about certain purchases. To a plump, increasingly mortified lady, Revere shouts,“EXTRALARGE UNDERWEAR? SURE WE HAVE SOME. ... HERE

THEY ARE! GREAT BIG EXTRA-LARGE UNDERWEAR!” When the British attack, Revere’s loud voice comes in handy, and the townspeople are so happy, “everyone except that big-underwear lady. She was still mad.” Smith’s illustrations suit the tone of these books perfectly. Exaggerated facial features add humor, while countless details add visual texture and interest. An understanding of presidential power and basic American history is requisite to enjoying these books. So share them with older elementary school and middle school students. There is a lot to look at and laugh at. Look for these books at the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Visit buncombecounty.org for more information.

Several not-so-deadly women’s health sins Gannett News Service Admit it — even if you eat fruits and vegetables, exercise and get your checkups on time, you’ve got one, two, maybe three habits that aren’t so healthy. But what really does major damage? A diet soda every day? Getting only five hours of sleep a night? “If you’re generally a healthy person, some of these may not be such a big deal. But there are a few zingers that are never OK under any circumstances,” says Donna Casey, an internist at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. We bet you’re guilty of at least one of these.

You eat only 2-3 servings of fruits and vegetables a day Believe it or not, you’re doing better than most Americans, says Martin Binks, director of behavioral health at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center in Durham. What’s more, three daily servings of produce may be enough to lower the risk for premature death from heart disease and stroke, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Epidemiologic Follow-Up Study. Make it healthier: Sneak in more fruits and veggies so you can inch your way up to the five to nine servings the USDA recommends. Start a meal with vegetable soup or salad; add extra veggies to casseroles, omelets or pasta sauces; or skip the pasta altogether and ladle tomato sauce over spaghetti squash.

You walk 20 minutes a day but never actually break a sweat You’re doing better than you think. “Walking 20 minutes a day not only burns calories, but also gets your heart rate up somewhat,” says Ralph Felder, section chief for cardiovascular nutrition in the cardiology fellowship program at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. “If all Americans walked 20 minutes a day, our risk for cardiovascular disease would drop significantly.” Make it healthier: Alternate fast and slow walking in your 20 minutes. This improves your cardiovascular fitness and helps you burn more calories, says Connie Tyne, executive director of the Cooper Wellness Program in Dallas.

You usually have 3-4 drinks on a Saturday night

That much alcohol in one sitting skates awfully close to the definition of “binge drinking,” which can leave you more vulnerable to accidents and assault, as well as increase your risk for developing several types of cancer. For example, research from the National Cancer Institute found that postmenopausal women who had one to two drinks a day were 32 percent more likely than nondrinkers to develop the most common type of breast cancer. And while a “standard” serving of alcohol is 5 ounces of wine or 1 and one-half ounces of hard liquor, many places pour considerably more than that, says Karen Collins, nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, DC. “What you think is three to four drinks may actually be more like seven.” Make it healthier: Spread the drinks out throughout the week (no more than one a day). Taking a multivitamin that contains folate (also found in whole grains and dark green vegetables) may also help counter some of alcohol’s negative effects.

You drink a lot of diet soda

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“It’s not so bad if it keeps you away from regular soda,” says Karen MillerKovach, chief scientific officer for Weight Watchers International. The downside: Drinking too much of any kind of soda-diet or regular-may increase your risk of osteoporosis. Women in the Framingham Osteoporosis Study who had more

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

than three cans of cola a week had significantly lower bone density in their hips than those who drank it less than once a month. Make it healthier: Limit diet soda to one cup (or can) a day.

2 large cups of coffee are an everyday must Unless it gives you insomnia or the jitters, your java habit may actually be improving your health. Research suggests that having a cup or two daily may protect against liver cancer and colon cancer, and reduce the risk for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and even premature death from heart disease. Make it healthier: Stick with plain black coffee or a skim latte.

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“Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World,” by Lynne Spears with Lorilee Craker (Thomas Nelson, 211 pp. $24.99). Overview: Spears, 53, takes readers from her small-town roots through meeting her ex-husband, Jamie; problems in their marriage; Britney’s rise (and marriage and meltdown); and Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy. Reason for writing: “I took a good look at myself and realized that if God were to take me, I wanted my children to know what my thoughts were about the most important elements of this life. This book is a bit of a peek through the keyholes of our various doorways, a reality check for those who think the rich and famous have it made.” Parental challenges: “It was hard for me to believe this much-loved daughter (Britney), my very heart, was enduring such pain in her life, and I couldn’t be there beside her to help her heal.” Biggest revelation: Jamie Lynn “handed me a folded note and asked me to read it in my room. When I unfolded the note, I read the words that would change all of our lives forever: ‘Mama, I’m pregnant. I’m going to keep the baby and everything is going to be okay.’ ‘What about all of our talks?’ I cried to Jamie Lynn. ‘You told me you were a virgin!’ I must be the most naive mother in the world, I thought.” Surprising moment: “I’m not someone who cries in public, generally speak-

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“30 Rock” actor Alec Baldwin and Lynne Spears, mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn, have had their share of public family troubles. Now, both have books chronicling those rough times. USA TODAY dissects the essentials from each:

ing, although lately that has changed a bit. That day (when Britney shaved her head in February 2007) I was devastated, broken by what had happened to my child.” “A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Divorce,” by Alec Baldwin with Mark Tabb (St. Martin’s Press, 223 pp. $24.95). Overview: Baldwin, 50, talks about the need to reform family law and divorce litigation in the context of his split from ex-wife Kim Basinger, 54, and their custody battle for daughter Ireland, 12. Reason for writing: “I would not have written this book if I felt that my experiences were isolated. There is enough injustice, inefficiency, and corruption within the system to compel us as a society to closely examine what is being perpetrated on innocent men and women.” Parental challenges: “My daughter’s phone would go straight to voice mail, indicating that it was not even turned on. I could only get my daughter on the phone for fewer than 25 percent of the court-ordered calls.” Biggest revelation: (After a voice mail in which he berated his daughter came out.) “Driving up the Taconic Parkway, heading to an inn in the Berkshire Mountains, I began to think about what little town I would repair to in order to commit suicide. What semiremote Massachusetts state park could I hike deep into and shoot myself? What bed-and-breakfast could I check into and overdose?” Surprising moment: “When I reached my attorney, Vicki Greene, she informed me that her office had just been notified by the California Department of Child Services that an anonymous source had filed a child abuse claim against me. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would find myself in this position.”

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7. Statement-making coat

Send us your photos We welcome photos of family, neighborhood, school, church and other social activities involving children. Send your high-resolution photos, along with a brief description of the event, and names, ages and hometowns of everyone pictured. Don’t forget your name, address and phone number. Send to: Katie Wadington, WNC Parent photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 or e-mail to kwadington@CITIZEN-TIMES.com

10. A simple sheath

After a certain age — say, 10 — a cookie-cutter coat just looks stylistically immature. This year designers gave coats the same thought they did clothes; you should too. Buy one that skims your curves, broadcasts your style and does more than simply keep out the cold.

This classic dress immortalized by Audrey Hepburn flatters every shape, every lifestyle. It’s also a wardrobe chameleon that can gracefully accommodate pearls and pumps, cropped jackets and stilettos, cardigans and flats. We love this season’s metalliclaced version with a paperbag waist. While it conveys this-minute fashion currency, the timeless shape and fabric give it eternal, infinite wearability.

8. Trousers

As opposed to pants. A pair of sleek, high-waisted, dress-up-or-down trousers can go anywhere you do. Plus, they work with any shoes and shirts you could possibly own.

9. Luxe leather

This red sateen belted trench coat, $1,295; and black and white dotted dress with scarf neckline, $840, both by Dolce & Gabbana, are available from Neiman Marcus.

Opal Cecilia Redmond, now 20 months, of Asheville, at the White Squirrel Festival in Brevard. Submitted by her father, Jorge Redmond.

Oscar Rouse, 18 months, takes a bath in a cooler on his deck in Asheville. Submitted by mom Molly Rouse

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Twins Will, left, and Beckett McGuire, then 9 months, play together. Submitted by grandpa Bill McGuire, of Asheville. The twins, who turned 1 year old in September, live in Columbia, S.C., with parents Bill and Beth McGuire.

This Nanette Lepore dress in plum with romantic smocked volume sleeves and beaded black lace detailing is available at Neiman Marcus for $375.

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S P P D Zoe Frances Burchfield of Asheville. Parents are Kenny and Linda Burchfield. Zoe is photographed against a beautiful landscape while on a camping trip to Boone with her aunts and cousins. She is getting ready to throw the softball.

A good leather coat lasts forever, never goes out of style and always upgrades anything you wear underneath it. This season you’ll find leather cut into tailored jackets, preppie bombers and sleek biker styles — so don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this fabric is “too edgy” for your look or your life. An updated version, in a dazzling ombre finish, is obviously this year’s model, but it’s opulent and elegant enough to have stylistic staying power for the woman who can wear it. Which just might be you.

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10 power pieces every woman should own By Christine Fellingham K Gannett News Service How much do you love what’s hanging in your closet? And how well is it working for you lately? As we head into high season for wardrobe replenishing, we’ve compiled a complete inventory for the well-appointed closet. Consider the items on this list to be the building blocks of style; they’re the pieces that make the rest of your wardrobe function flawlessly day after day, year after year. In a season of reconsidered classics and ladylike takes on traditional basics, you have the perfect opportunity to polish your look instantly — and for the foreseeable future.

2. The blouse

1. A power suit

The tailored, gray basic makes a big comeback this fall. We love it for its poised versatility: Pair it with a blouse for the office or something glimmery for dinner, then throw on the jacket with jeans or skirts and the trousers with turtlenecks or twin sets. That’s six uses so far ... without even trying.

Leia Reilly, 7, of Fairview, enjoys a Fairview Elementary School class trip with her silly friends, Jackson, Cameron, Benjamin and Gabe.

3. Basic black

A skirt, jacket and pants in black are the cornerstones of any fully functional wardrobe. If you don’t own them by now, you should. And once you do, you’ll get more mileage out of everything else you’ve got hanging around.

Jayden Hestla, 6, heads off to his first day of first grade in Orlando, Fla., with a hug from sister Scarlett, 2. Submitted by grandma Diane MacMillan, of Mars Hill.

4. A ruffled white shirt

While it doesn’t have to be a stopthem-in-their-tracks type of shirt, an ultra-feminine, ruffled white shirt is one of those pieces that will rescue you from countless “What am I going to wear?” crises.

5. Something sexy

Every woman deserves to own at least one ensemble that makes her feel fantastically feminine. A sleek, chic jumpsuit is a current example, but a black lace dress could serve the same purpose. If you don’t own at least one day-to-evening item you can count on to make you feel stunning, shapely and self-confident, find one.

PHOTOS FROM GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

A gray tweed pantsuit by Robert Rodriguez with rosette details on the collar.

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This Tory Burch tote with the distinctive goldtone medallion, leather and cotton webbing strap, is at Neiman Marcus for $250.

6. A big bag

Mega-bags come and go as the “it” accessory of the season — but for travel, work and busier-than-usual days, they’re always essentials. A beautiful, well-chosen one can keep your life — and look — impeccably organized from here on out.

Nick and Jan Luquire, of Weaverville, sent in this photo from a family dinner before their daughters returned to school. From left, Eden, 16, is a senior at North Buncombe High; Emily, 18, is a second-semester freshman at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.; and Erin, 21, is a senior at Lipscomb.

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Buttoned and bow-tied “blouses” disappeared for years — but with vibrant colors, luxe fabrications (100 percent silk) and shapelier silhouettes, they look unquestionably modern and undoubtedly more interesting than the unimaginative oxford. Every grown woman should own at least one (with or without the tie) to wear with jeans, heels, pencil skirts, pants, etc.

Keebryn Zade Williams, 3 1/2, shows off a pumpkin he grew with lots of water and love this summer. At the Mountain State Fair, he won first place in miniature decorative pumpkins, second place in the pumpkin pie category, and third in smallest pumpkins. Submitted by mom Demetria Gillam-Williams.

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growing together

Fun facts on Halloween Some places around the country that may put you in the Halloween mood: Transylvania County, N.C.; Tombstone, Ariz.; Pumpkin Center, N.C.; Pumpkin Bend, Ark.; Cape Fear, in both in New Hanover and Chatham counties, N.C.; and Skull Creek, Neb. 36 million: The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2007 — children 5 to 13 — across the United States. This number is down about 38,000 from a year earlier. Of course, many other children — older than 13, and younger than 5 — also go trick-or-treating. 110.3 million: Number of occupied housing units across the nation in 2007 — all potential stops for trick-or-treaters.

1,170: Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2006.

Common ground is often uncommon when siblings are separated by a number of years

473: Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured nonchocolate confectionary products in 2006.

By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist

1.1 billion pounds: Total production of pumpkins by major pumpkinproducing states in 2007. Illinois led the country by producing 542 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in California, New York and Ohio also provided lots of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds.

24.5 pounds: Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2007. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Finding common ground is sometimes a challenge at my house these days. That’s certainly not true from a marriage perspective — I generally see eye-to-eye with my best friend. On the rare occasions that we don’t, we have enough love and respect for each other to reach an agreement pretty quickly. It’s the kids I stress about. It was never our plan to have our children five years apart, but as I saw on a bumper sticker recently, the best way to make God laugh is to tell him your plans. My brothers are

both more than a decade older than I am (a fact that is deliciously fun to point out as I running screaming toward 40 later this year), and my husband is separated from his brother by a mere 240 seconds. Our sibling perspectives are a little skewed, perhaps. My daughter started kindergarten a few weeks after my son was born. As she entered high school, he still had two years of elementary school left. She is learning to drive. He is looking forward to one day being able to stay home alone. As she has moved gradually toward independence, he is still knee-deep in Legos. And so we find common ground where we can. Today, we are tiedying T-shirts because you are never too old for a tie-dyed T-shirt. We take family trips together and

explore trails and It was never our plan to have “MythBusters” or attractions while our children five years apart, but “Ace of Cakes.” there are still four When they are of us in a minivan as I saw on a bumper sticker 35 and 40, the age loaded with snacks recently, the best way to make difference won’t God laugh is to tell him your and pool toys. mean as much, I’m Soon it will be sure. But I feel plans. three of us in a strongly that the compact hybrid. bonds they have as We encourage adults need to be them (by coercion, cultivated now, if necessary) to show support for while they still live under the same each other, even if that means my roof. son endures life-endangering boreShared experiences are important, dom — to hear him tell the story — even when it is a challenge for us to at his sister’s speech and debate coordinate them. I want them to tournaments or my daughter has to leave the confines of our home close turn off her cell phone for a in spirit, with age as only a number. pinewood derby car race. I take heart that my children find Chris Worthy is an attorney who their own common interests in music took down her shingle to be a stay-atand creating and even gathered home mom. Write to her at around the latest episodes of growingtogether@chrisworthy.com.

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Superfoods for super health

This is just a sampling of the posts and photos at WNCmom.com. Visit the site for lots more.

Gannett News Service

Try these four research-backed, expert-beloved superfoods from Fitness that go beyond a simple vitamin dose to fight disease and boost your energy. Making them your go-to eats is easy. Dig in!

Broccoli

Contain the most omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce cholesterol, of all nuts. Omega-3s have been shown to improve mood and fight cancer; they may protect against sun damage, too (but don’t skip the SPF!). Quick Tip: Eat a few for dessert. The antioxidant melatonin, found in walnuts, helps to regulate sleep.

Chloe at t “Day Ou with ” Thomas, y posted b . a Rebecc

Avocado Potatoes One red potato contains 66 micrograms of cell-building folate — about the same amount found in one cup of spinach or broccoli. One sweet potato has almost eight times the amount of cancer-fighting and immune-boosting vitamin A you need daily. Quick Tip: Let your potato cool before eating. Research shows that doing so can help you burn close to 25 percent more fat after a meal, thanks to a fatresistant starch.

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One medium stalk of broccoli contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirement and almost 200 percent of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C—two essential bone-building nutrients. The same serving also helps stave off numerous cancers. Quick Tip: Zap it! Preserve up to 90 percent of broccoli’s vitamin C by microwaving. (Steaming or boiling holds on to just 66 percent of the nutrient.)

Walnuts

Rich in healthy, satisfying fats proven in one study to lower cholesterol by about 22 percent. One has more than half the fiber and 40 percent of the folate you need daily, which may reduce your risk of heart disease. Quick Tip: Adding it to your salad can increase the absorption of key nutrients like beta-carotene by three to five times compared with salads without this superfood.

Kelly Santoro posted this photo of her 1-year-old son, with a friend.

Em poste and butt e d single by Mandy rfly, . “She -hand butte edly dest will rfly po r pulati oy the on.”

Some of the more than 500 photos posted to WNCmom.com s villemommie e h s A y b d Tyson, poste

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Discussion from the forums Mandy asks in ‘Busy’: “I would like to know what on earth keeps busy moms sane. I am about to go crazy. I get up at 5:15, get two kids ready for day care, get myself ready and drive from Mars Hill to Asheville, drop them off, get to work, work till 5, then pick them up and feed them, clean house, clean them, and put them to bed and finish doing a million other things and pray I get in the bed before 11:30 so I might not fall asleep the next day driving or at work. How does everyone else do it?”

Amy asks in ‘Playdates for working moms’: I work five days a week, and I am not lucky enough to stay home with my daughter. Are there any playdates for working moms???? We like those too, ya know. :)

Tonya asks in ‘German-speaking playgroup’: Anyone interested in joining a German/English speaking play group? We are planning on meeting on Wednesdays at 10 at Growing Young Cafe if a few people let us know they're interested. If other days or times would be more suitable, just let me know ...

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By Barbara Blake Staff writer

Julianna Contreras, a fifth-grade teacher at Bicentennial North in the Glendale Elementary School District, is like most educators in her ability to spot a parent’s over-involvement in a project. The vocabulary is too sophisticated; the adjectives are often perfect rather than the first ones listed in the thesaurus. (Kids use those because they figure that means it’s the best, she says.) And when she quizzes them more closely, they don’t know basic answers. “I try to emphasize to parents that their child needs to be able to do this work,” she says. “Helping them means the child is doing the work and maybe they (the parents) are taking them to the library and assisting them to find the information, but not find-

ing it for them.” Educators continue to debate the value of homework, but they agree on this issue: It’s the children’s responsibility, not the parents’. “The value of homework is watered down to the degree parents participate,” says Rosemond, who wrote “Ending the Homework Hassle” (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1990, $9.95, paperback). Parents who cross the line between helping and doing are guilty of what Rosemond calls “McParenting.” “McParenting is parenting with short-term objectives in mind,” Rosemond says. “It’s ‘Let’s get him through Friday’s spelling,’ or ‘Let’s get him into the gifted program.’ It’s all shortterm objectives, and short-term objectives sacrifice long-term goals.”

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Asheville jazz man, minister, middle-school headmaster and author Howard Hanger has a new book out, this one aimed at the parents and caregivers of middleschool girls. Hanger, minister of ritual at JUBILEE! Interfaith Community since 1989 and headmaster of Hanger Hall School since 1999, partnered with psychologist Vicki Garlock to write “A Precious Window of Time: (A Manual for Educating and Nurturing Middle-School Girls).” “We think this book will be a valuable tool for teachers, parents, youth leaders, soccer coaches, church and camp leaders — anyone who interacts with middle school girls,” Hanger said. “It enables the reader to understand what is happening and what needs to be happening developmentally with

these girls, and how to provide the tools, the activities, the information to help those vital developmental processes happen.” The book opens with introductions by Hanger and Garlock, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama with specialties in neuroscience and cognitive development, and was a Warren Wilson College professor for 11 years. “A Precious Window of Time” is being published in November through Hanger’s Lobster Press and will be distributed through local bookstores, through Barnes & Noble and at howardhanger.com. Hanger said the cost will be between $14.95 and $17.95. “Every knowledgeable parent or educator agrees that the middleschool years are some of the most crucial and, therefore, challenging years of a person’s life,” Hanger said. “Hopefully, this book will open new doors for addressing that precious — and irreplaceable — window of time.”

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He pleads guilty to having helped his fifth-grade daughter when she came home with three reports, all due within two weeks. “I just did everything she couldn’t,” Goux says. “When you have a little 11-year-old not able to schedule herself with that many deadlines, you do whatever you can do before she folds like a house of cards,” he says. He didn’t stay up to finish a report while she went to bed, but Goux did help his daughter decide how to prioritize and showed her how to tackle each project piece by piece. It’s what he does with students in his freshman and sophomore math classes. Educators call it scaffolding: Learning how to build one skill on top of another.

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Supporting Families of Children with Disabilities

F.I.R.S.T. is a resource center for familes supporting them

through the special education process, inclusion in the communty and accessing community services. Our mission is to help persons with disabilities to live included, productive lives as members of the community by supporting and educating families to be their child’s best advocate and youth to adult to be self-advocates. We provide information, connection to resources and unique support to families through trainings to groups and individuals and advocacy.

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MADE POSSIBLE WITH FUNDING FROM SMART START OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY, US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, WESTERN HIGHLANDS NETWORK AND COMMUNITY PARTERSHIPS

FA MIL IE S ’ INFO R M AT I O N

R E S O U R CE S S U P P O RT & T ECHN O LO G Y

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

for information call 828.277.1315 en español 828.216.7742 or visit www.firstwnc.org

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Whose homework is it, anyway? Don’t cross the line between helping, doing By Susan Felt Gannett News Service

Think long-term Assign a special place that helps define for the child that this is his or her responsibility. Make sure it is away from family common areas, such as the living room or kitchen table. Offer assistance, but limit the number of questions to three a night, with answers not exceeding 10 minutes. Give children a deadline to finish assignments. Rosemond says parents often enable their children’s dependence when it comes to homework. Initially, expect children to struggle when you refuse to do homework for them. Grades may drop, and they may not do as well on tests. But he says the long-term results are worth it. “Having to do independent work at home estab-

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Shawn Watt, left, goes over homework with his daughter, Cristina, 10, and son, Micah, 8. Watt says that his kids “know homework is the priority every weeknight, no ifs, ands or buts about it.” lishes a tolerance for frustration, and it develops the child’s positive attitude toward his ability to solve problems and to learn to be responsible for himself,” Rosemond says. In the Cruz household, homework is a family affair. Glendale, Ariz., parents Marie and Miguel Cruz don’t do homework for their children, ages 9, 13 and 15, but they make sure that the homework is checked, signed and redone if it’s not correct. If a child needs help, Marie or Miguel shows them where on the computer or in the book to go

for the answer or for clarification. “I say, ‘Check your book and read everything from here to here and you will find the answer,’ “ Miguel says. “We never do the homework; that’s their job. But it’s our job to help them out.”

The skill of scaffolding Tempe, Ariz., Corona del Sol High School math teacher John Goux knows the homework issue as a teacher and as a parent.

When talking with teens, speak their language By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist

very best tools toward having a good life. An important part of helping with this navigation is learning a new language I call “Teenspeak.” I have always taken comfort in Maybe I’ll write a book about it someday and be the idea that various world reliinvited to speak on Oprah. In the meantime, let’s gions have specific monastic look at some examples of this remarkable language orders containing members who and how it works: constantly pray for good things K Don’t use words like “respect” and “responsilike world peace, racial harmony bility” during conflict situations with your teenager. and an end to poverty. And I In Teenspeak, this can easily be interpreted as “you would be especially pleased to want to control me” or simply “blah, blah, blah.” discover if there was a monastery, somewhere, dediInstead use words like “becoming independent” cated to praying around-the-clock for the parents of which in Teenspeak means “freedom.” Then, careteenagers. fully work to tie in the actual tasks required in If you happen to be one of those parents who becoming more independent. have “perfect teens,” then this particular column is K Avoid using words like “the rules.” See above as not for you. I was very impressed when I recently to how this translates in Teenspeak. Use words like tried to compliment a prominent local psychologist “reasonable” or “fairness.” Remember that when it about his parenting skills and the impact on his comes to fairness, the door swings both ways. teenage daughter, who was shining both in her Appeal to their thinking through their feeling. school and her home life. He said, K Try not to “return fire” during “No, it wasn’t me, it was a lot of good Don’t lose the habit of conflicts. If your kid yells, you don’t luck.” have to yell back. In Teenspeak, this saying ‘I love you,’ no Now parenting, of course, is matter how mad you get. means that you, too, are enjoying the important and influential regarding thrills of adolescence. You could Because in Teenspeak, the life of our tweenagers and instead say, in a calm voice, that you this still means ‘I love teenagers. But, for divorcing parents are confused as to why they are you.’ who may already be struggling with yelling in the first place. guilt over how their marital dissoluK Identify as quickly as you can tion has affected their children, I say, any conversation that “feels” like an “Please, be kind to you.” Remember argument and “put your verbal Pingthat you can do all the right things as a parent, but Pong paddle down.” In Teenspeak, arguments are there is something in the universe called “free will” like an Olympic sport for which teenagers are desand your children may make poor choices in life tined to win the gold medal. You could say somedespite your best intentions. thing like “I don’t like to argue, and I’m going to do The other side of the coin is that it is possible for something else. If you want, we can try to problem you to make lots of mistakes and your children will solve this later.” Then, go play Bejeweled or another still grow up to make good choices. Not that the latgame on your computer. Or better yet, go for a walk. ter is a desirable goal for parenting. K Don’t lose the habit of saying “I love you,” no During and after a divorce, fear or guilt-based matter how mad you get. Because in Teenspeak, decisions will rarely contribute to any beneficial parthis still means “I love you.” enting. Life can be ripe with prospects for hurt and K This is not the age of “Leave It to Beaver” or disappointments, apart from the divorce process, so “My Three Sons.” So what might have applied in helping your children to navigate, not avoid their your youth, like your parents giving you that “do as I personal growing pains, will ultimately give them the say look,” no longer applies. In Teenspeak, this is

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Doing your child’s homework is the same as cheating. For high school and college students, that can mean at the least a failing grade for the assignment, if not suspension. For elementary-school students, it may mean that your child has to redo the project. The key is to draw a firm boundary when it comes to helping children with their homework, says family psychologist and author John Rosemond. Rosemond says a generation has evolved of parents who frequently measure their parenting success on how involved they are with their child’s homework. And for parents who have clocked more hours than their children on that science project or term paper, he says, “stop.” “Tell your child that from now on, they’re going to be expected to do their own homework,” he says.

divorced families

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Trying to get through to your teen? Try some “Teenspeak.”

more “blah, blah, blah” with the hopeful outcome of engaging an Olympic event such as arguing and winning another gold medal. Teaching teenagers to think through their behavior by asking them if their actions match their own personal goals (like “freedom and independence”) can be more useful. K Last, teenagers need parents, not buddies. They know the difference. Acting contrary to this in Teenspeak means you are as scared as they are to take on life. I don’t need to tell you that parenting can be hard work, especially during this age. Our world continues to change rapidly with technology and various crisis points with which our own parents did not have to contend. These outside forces contribute to unforeseen communication problems that parents may have with their teens. But take comfort, as I do, that if someone somewhere is truly praying for world peace, this applies to teenagers AND their parents, too. 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.

Spanish Immersion Program

The most effective way to learn Spanish Kids will learn in a very natural way and when it's easier for them through fun experiences, music, visual aids, books, and games,

ALL IN SPANISH!

Give your child the gift of a Second Language 194062-110

Weddings ~ Portraits ~ Events

An age and grade appropriate program taught by professional native speakers.

Formerly of the Washington Post

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Call or e-mail Claudia McMahan (828) 681-0843 Beatriz Riascos-Socarras (828) 687-9620 mm_spanish@hotmail.com

Classes offered in Arden

194105-114

828-357-8327 • www.rebeccadangelo.com

Enrollment All Year Round

• Classes offered for kids 3 to 12 years old • Limit 10 kids per class • Discounts for siblings

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should make sure there’s adult supervision for kids younger than 10, that trick-or-treaters’ costumes and goody sacks are decorated with reflective tape or glow sticks.

A few other reminders

SKY T

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Apple Orchard

Open 7 days, 9AM-6PM www.skytoporchard.com Call for details

828-692-7930

Class trips and group outings welcome.

Enjoy a day in the country Picnic at our farm Beautiful mountain top location Apple Cider • Donuts • Picnic Tables • Pumpkins • Educational Tours • Barnyard Animals • Hayride • Lots of Apples and more!

K Don’t let the kids eat anything until you’ve inspected it. K Candles are a popular Halloween decoration, but they should be set well away from locations where children or pets could accidentally knock them over or set costumes or fur on fire. K If you’re handing out candy, give only the kind that’s wrapped and sealed. K If you have pets, keep them inside until the doorbell is rung the last time. This is a time for a good scare, a time to perhaps overindulge the sweet tooth and to make happy memories that will last a lifetime. Be careful, and Happy Halloween! From staff reports

YOU PICK or WE PICK

We are located in Flat Rock, NC on Pinnacle Mtn. Rd, 7 miles South of Hendersonville off U.S. 225. Please watch for our Sky Top Orchard signs.

A FAMILY PRACTICE FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY! Dr. Bill Williams, DMD

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Dr. Kari Williams, DMD

3272 Hendersonville Rd. Suite. A Fletcher, NC 28732 828-681-8888

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As a family practice, we want to provide comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry with a gentle touch to patients of all ages. We believe that a patient’s oral health, function, and esthetics are essential for a healthy lifestyle. Visit our brand new state-of-the-art facility! We file all insurances and care credit is accepted.

WNC PARENT I OCT OBER 2008

WNC P ARENT PRESENTS WNCMOM.COM, THE PLA CE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT

Safety-first focus will help ensure a happy Halloween

Pedestrian safety a key

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

While the kids are out in pursuit of treats, we need to make sure they exercise an added dose of caution.

Safe Kids U.S.A. reports that when it comes to pedestrian accidents, Halloween is more than scary. It’s the most dangerous day of the year, with children four times more likely to die in pedestrian incidents

WNC PARENT I OCT OBER 2008

“To me, some of the scariest things about Halloween are not the costumes that I see running from house to house — they’re the drivers who speed through neighborhoods and don’t pay attention.” Jim Long, N.C. insurance commissioner

than any other day. That doesn’t have to be. Halloween is a unique holiday. Nobody gets time-and-a-half for working a Halloween shift. Instead, it’s a communal day, a day when we’re supposed to be afraid but when we actually show off our trusting side probably more than any other day. It’s a day when kids roam the streets at night and when families man the door, ready to give a treat to complete strangers. It is certainly not a day that should be marred by tragedy. A few simple tips can make it a time for fond memories. If you’re driving in a neighborhood, take it extra slow, always keeping an eye out for trickor-treaters. And bear in mind the costumes those kids are wearing may be limiting their visibility.

Start teens on road to independence before college By Doreen Nagle Gannett News Service I read recently about a freshman college student who is raking in the dough teaching classmates how to do their own laundry! Guess this freshman’s classmates left home without learning some basics in self-care. Whether your teen plans to go to college, travel the world or get a career going straight out of high school, practicing healthy self-reliance and independence now — before they graduate — will serve them well. Try lending guidance to your high schooler in some of these areas: K Cleanliness: A clean living space (coupled with good grooming — which includes wearing clean clothes) helps cut the chaos out of a cluttered life, which a busy college schedule and or holding down a new job can create. Take vacuum and mop in hand and show your teen how to clean a room above and beyond just hiding things in drawers. Take the opportunity to

From learning to check in with their teachers on their own to deciding whom they want to share their birthday with, it’s time to let teens step up to the plate. also explain how washers and dryers work. Go through different ways to stay organized. K Make a nutritious meal: This a wonderful time for your teen to become self-sufficient not only by preparing a meal, but by planning it according to a healthy diet. Start with a simple no-cook menu of a tuna salad with fruit-topped yogurt for dessert. Move to the stovetop with a simple quesadilla in a whole-wheat tortilla; grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes and thinly sliced green peppers; or a vegetable omelet. Let your teen experiment with tempering the heat on the stove under your supervision so they can get an understanding of how to time and thoroughly cook foods. K Budget: If your child receives an allowance, let him start to pay for

some necessities — as well as luxuries. Having your child pay for some necessities occasionally (like a book for school) will make him more aware of what it takes to balance his own budget. In lieu of an allowance, you may want your child to have a debit card. Start with $25 or $50 and get an accounting of how every cent is spent, K Daily decisions: From learning to check in with their teachers on their own to deciding whom they want to share their birthday with, it’s time to let teens step up to the plate. In order to advise and guide your teen, run through some “what if” situations together: What if a classmate uses inappropriate language at school? What if a teacher gives an undeserved low grade on an essay? How will your child handle a friend who gossips?

Your child may be the brightest academically, but the ability to communicate wants and needs will help him live up to his potential. K Increase responsibility along with freedoms: For each freedom you allow your child (a later curfew or bedtime) add a responsibility (mowing the lawn) so he can understand the balance between the two and what growing up is really about.

Parenting tip from the trenches One of the hardest tasks a parent faces is letting go of wanting to make everything perfect for their children. (Guilty!) Hold your breath, bite your tongue, squeeze your fingers — do whatever it takes to allow your child to fail on his own occasionally. The lessons one learns from failure are invaluable and build courage. Doreen Nagle is author of “But I Don’t Feel Too Old To Be A Mommy” (HCI, $12.95). She welcomes your parenting tips and concerns at parentinginanutshell@joimail.com.

Adult supervision About those costumes: Parents

WNC P ARENT PRESENTS WNCMOM.COM, THE PLA CE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT

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We all love a good scare. That’s provided, of course, we know the scare is in good fun. That’s what has made Halloween a much-loved observance for kids and more than a few adults. Having said that, we’ll add this: while the kids are out in pursuit of treats, we need to make sure they exercise an added dose of caution — as should the rest of us. N.C. Insurance Commissioner Jim Long said it best: “To me, some of the scariest things about Halloween are not the costumes that I see running from house to house — they’re the drivers who speed through neighborhoods and don’t pay attention.” He’s right. For many years, parents and children were treated to lurid tales of candy laced with drugs, razor blades in treats, etc. An entire mythos was built around the danger posed by strangers on Halloween, but apparently every instance of legendary deviltry either never happened or was used as a diversion from another crime. But that doesn’t mean dangers aren’t out there.

parenting in a nutshell

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WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

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WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Safety-first focus will help ensure a happy Halloween

Pedestrian safety a key

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

While the kids are out in pursuit of treats, we need to make sure they exercise an added dose of caution.

WNC PARENT I OCT OBER 2008

Adult supervision About those costumes: Parents

WNC P ARENT PRESENTS WNCMOM.COM, THE PLA CE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT

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parenting in a nutshell

should make sure there’s adult supervision for kids younger than 10, that trick-or-treaters’ costumes and goody sacks are decorated with reflective tape or glow sticks.

A few other reminders

SKY T

194297-146

Apple Orchard

Open 7 days, 9AM-6PM www.skytoporchard.com Call for details

828-692-7930

Class trips and group outings welcome.

YOU PICK or WE PICK

We are located in Flat Rock, NC on Pinnacle Mtn. Rd, 7 miles South of Hendersonville off U.S. 225. Please watch for our Sky Top Orchard signs.

A FAMILY PRACTICE FOR YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY! Dr. Bill Williams, DMD

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Dr. Kari Williams, DMD

3272 Hendersonville Rd. Suite. A Fletcher, NC 28732 828-681-8888

193802-114

WNC PARENT I OCT OBER 2008

WNC P ARENT PRESENTS WNCMOM.COM, THE PLA CE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT

Whose homework is it, anyway? Don’t cross the line between helping, doing By Susan Felt Gannett News Service

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

The skill of scaffolding Tempe, Ariz., Corona del Sol High School math teacher John Goux knows the homework issue as a teacher and as a parent.

When talking with teens, speak their language By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist

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divorced families

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Trying to get through to your teen? Try some “Teenspeak.”

Spanish Immersion Program

The most effective way to learn Spanish Kids will learn in a very natural way and when it's easier for them through fun experiences, music, visual aids, books, and games,

ALL IN SPANISH!

Give your child the gift of a Second Language 194062-110

Weddings ~ Portraits ~ Events

An age and grade appropriate program taught by professional native speakers.

Formerly of the Washington Post

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Call or e-mail Claudia McMahan (828) 681-0843 Beatriz Riascos-Socarras (828) 687-9620 mm_spanish@hotmail.com

Classes offered in Arden

194105-114

828-357-8327 • www.rebeccadangelo.com

Enrollment All Year Round

• Classes offered for kids 3 to 12 years old • Limit 10 kids per class • Discounts for siblings

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

By Barbara Blake Staff writer

Restoring Dreams Reviving Lives, Repairing Dreams and Restoring Hope

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Avoid ‘McParenting’

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Hanger writes ‘manual’ for raising middle-school girls

THE

S U N S HINE PROJECT

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Supporting Families of Children with Disabilities

F.I.R.S.T. is a resource center for familes supporting them

194288-115

MADE POSSIBLE WITH FUNDING FROM SMART START OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY, US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, WESTERN HIGHLANDS NETWORK AND COMMUNITY PARTERSHIPS

FA MIL IE S ’ INFO R M AT I O N

R E S O U R CE S S U P P O RT & T ECHN O LO G Y

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

for information call 828.277.1315 en español 828.216.7742 or visit www.firstwnc.org

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Superfoods for super health

This is just a sampling of the posts and photos at WNCmom.com. Visit the site for lots more.

Gannett News Service

Try these four research-backed, expert-beloved superfoods from Fitness that go beyond a simple vitamin dose to fight disease and boost your energy. Making them your go-to eats is easy. Dig in!

Broccoli

Chloe at t “Day Ou with ” Thomas, y posted b . a Rebecc

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Walnuts

Kelly Santoro posted this photo of her 1-year-old son, with a friend.

Em poste and butt e d single by Mandy rfly, . “She -hand butte edly dest will rfly po r pulati oy the on.”

Some of the more than 500 photos posted to WNCmom.com s villemommie e h s A y b d Tyson, poste

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W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

growing together

1,170: Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2006.

Common ground is often uncommon when siblings are separated by a number of years

473: Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured nonchocolate confectionary products in 2006.

By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist

24.5 pounds: Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2007. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Marks Family Dentistry

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Jason Marks, DDS & Jennifer Marks, DDS

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W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

2. The blouse

1. A power suit

Leia Reilly, 7, of Fairview, enjoys a Fairview Elementary School class trip with her silly friends, Jackson, Cameron, Benjamin and Gabe.

3. Basic black

Jayden Hestla, 6, heads off to his first day of first grade in Orlando, Fla., with a hug from sister Scarlett, 2. Submitted by grandma Diane MacMillan, of Mars Hill.

4. A ruffled white shirt

5. Something sexy

PHOTOS FROM GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

A gray tweed pantsuit by Robert Rodriguez with rosette details on the collar.

&-6 *375 $-+56 (4-2 *375 $31)3 " #./0, %2 '--,

This Tory Burch tote with the distinctive goldtone medallion, leather and cotton webbing strap, is at Neiman Marcus for $250.

6. A big bag

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7. Statement-making coat

10. A simple sheath

8. Trousers

As opposed to pants. A pair of sleek, high-waisted, dress-up-or-down trousers can go anywhere you do. Plus, they work with any shoes and shirts you could possibly own.

9. Luxe leather

This red sateen belted trench coat, $1,295; and black and white dotted dress with scarf neckline, $840, both by Dolce & Gabbana, are available from Neiman Marcus.

Opal Cecilia Redmond, now 20 months, of Asheville, at the White Squirrel Festival in Brevard. Submitted by her father, Jorge Redmond.

Oscar Rouse, 18 months, takes a bath in a cooler on his deck in Asheville. Submitted by mom Molly Rouse

Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Disorders of WNC General & Speciality Care

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This Nanette Lepore dress in plum with romantic smocked volume sleeves and beaded black lace detailing is available at Neiman Marcus for $375.

Providing WNC with a Better Night’s Sleep

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The nitty-gritty on celebrity parenting By Kelley L Carter and Crystal Davis Gannett News Service

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librarian’s picks

You usually have 3-4 drinks on a Saturday night

You drink a lot of diet soda

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PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

than three cans of cola a week had significantly lower bone density in their hips than those who drank it less than once a month. Make it healthier: Limit diet soda to one cup (or can) a day.

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Here are some books for parents and children about being shy.

For parents

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Gannett News Service

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Try these books if your child is shy

Take Out the Papers and the Trash

“The Shyness Breakthrough” by Bernardo Carducci (Rodale Books, 2003, $17.95)

193477-146

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Kids, lend a hand

Quick dinners Apple cheddar bacon grilled cheese

CMYK 20P

By Barbara Blake Staff writer

Gannett News Service

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Members of the United Way’s Highlands Circle help package food at MANNA FoodBank.

Cheeseburger crescent rolls

Pesto chicken panini

8 ounces lean ground beef 1 teaspoon steak seasoning blend 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 can (8-count) crescent-roll dough 1 beaten egg (optional) 2 sliced cherry tomatoes, for garnish

2 small Italian hoagie rolls (about 4 ounces each) 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 tablespoons pesto 6 ounces cooked chicken breast 1/4 cup bottled roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes (or some of each)

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

crafts

Dress shirt adds personal flair to laptop bag By Kathy Cano-Murillo Gannett News Service

CMYK 19P

Dress shirt laptop bag

828.687.0872

Bring Smiles to Life

• Call for a complimentary consultation

2 Walden Ridge Drive, #50 • Asheville, NC 28803 www.blueridgeorthodontics.com

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

193559-146

T. Luke Roberts, D.M.D, M.S.D

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

kids’ voices

A tough act to follow

CMYK 18P

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

No pressure

Modern cookers help you deliver delicious meals fast

By Karen Fernau Gannett News Service

Turkey braised in fruit

Chicken breasts in yogurt-turmeric sauce with peas

Cook on the cheap The process also tenderizes food, making pressure cooking a great choice for cheaper cuts of beef

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

More recipes on Page 48

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Continued from Page 47

Risotto with shrimp and mushrooms

CMYK 17P

Source: Chef Amy Barnes, Sweet Basil Gourmetware & Cooking School, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Source: Kuhn Rikon

The ONLY Emergency Animal Hospital in WNC

194409-146

Quality Care With Compassion

Located in the Food Court at Asheville Mall Online Ordering at www.chick-fil-a.com/ashevillemall

Catering and Party Trays 828-298-6041

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Asheville, NC

828-665-4399

194110-106

677 Brevard Rd.

Mon.-Fri. 5 p.m. - 8 a.m.

Open 24 hours Weekends and Holidays

www.reach.vetsuite.com W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

living with children

The Relationship Center Professional Counseling for Children, Adolescents and Families

Lindy Lee Monteleone, LPC • Child/Adolescent Therapist CMYK 16P

Mark“Zim’’Stewart LCAS • Anger Management • Substance Abuse Gail Azar RN, LPC, RPT/S • Child Play Therapy • EMDR

Sandy S. Ullerup LPC, CCH • Couples Counseling • Adolescent Girls Issues

Colleen Welty, CSAC • Addiction Counseling 194070-110

194087-115

828.225.5555

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

70 Woodfin Place Suite #021 & 114 Asheville, NC 28801

Men & Women’s Support Groups Confidential Drug Screens Hablamos Español 828.777.3769

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Honey-based treats usher in new year By Jolene Ketzenberger Gannett News Service

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Frosted honey-chocolate cake Consignment Boutique

Largest Consignment Store in WNC! 9000 sq ft of shopping fun!

Furniture ~ Décor Clothing ~ Toys urs! New Ho

M-F 9-6

Sat 10-4

The Ultimate in Recycling 3461 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher (Across from CVS) 687-7565

www.ilovelulus.net

Disney’s Hollywood Studios ABC Super-Soap Weekend: More than 30 stars of ABC daytime dramas appear Nov. 15-16 to entertain, answer questions and sign autographs. Included with theme park admission.

CMYK 15P

Fall festivals and events at Walt Disney World

Scarecrow Mickey Mouse greets a little Dumbo at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

purchased at the gate or ordered in advance online at Walt Disney World.com or by calling 407-WDISNEY (934-7639).

194094-114

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Fall fun at Disney Now is a great time for a family getaway By Julie Saunders WNC Parent contributor

PHOTOS SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Minnie Mouse dons a Halloween mask and visits with a couple of princesses at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

CMYK 14P

Trunk-or-Treat

Scoop your treats from the feeding trunks.

Live Band i Dancing

“Common Saints”

Free Grub for All

Free beans, weenies & beverages.

What can I do to help my child play outdoors? 194145-102

Source: “Cooking Jewish” by Judy Bart Kancigor.

Kidz Korral Supervised games and entertainment:

Moonwalki Bounce House i Dual Slides Bouncing Boxing i Obstacle Course Craze Mazei 3-D Cosmic Mini Golf Separate areas for toddlers and school age.

www.covenant-community.org

194092-110

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Friday i October 31 i 6 - 9 pm

194240-106

Kids Grow Better Outside

For outdoor play ideas and resources, please go to our website: www.smartstart-buncombe.org and click on the "Kids Grow Better Outside” button.

HalloWest

Mudpies, Forts & Make Believe...

Honey orange sponge cake

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Kids page

MAZE

COLOR THE PICTURE

Food Lion Skate Park

CMYK 13P

Youth sports

Myriad sports programs are available for tween and teen boys.

FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS

s c p p g b r o w n c s y v x

c c j f o r h p r e i a mb f a y w f f f o c a e l k u o v

wc l c i d a n g mh s e n l f p d p n a i e l l g t c v p j wy r e c l o w p s n k mp

s e e e y v b z u a p r x d u

q u a s r z g a s h g h k s ma e n t y c t g r a b h i n k o d d b r e y a s w c g e i o ws l r r e d n c wo mp k i

h ww v c m c o c u l s mo c v r f h s w a h c y p o s z o t f l a me c s r k n a n s v

Fall Harvest

Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@ charter.net.

PHOTO BY BILL SANDERS

Delane Rogers, with the Erwin High School Skateboard Club, skates off the large bowl at Food Lion Skate Park in Asheville.

CONNECT THE DOTS

apples cooler yellow candy corn pumpkins windy green squash haystack colors scarecrow orange cider red hayride leaves brown horses

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

5 ways to channel boys’ energy Scouting activities.” For information on Scouting in Western North Carolina, visit danielboonecouncil.org.

By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor

Martial Arts

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

“Scouting is a wonderful program, but we only have the boys two hours a week and a weekend each month,” Mann said. “A lot of the boys in the troop play sports in addition to their

CMYK 12P

DOWN 1. League of ____ States

Find solutions on Page 64

The 5 Browns

Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.

“...fast-paced tapestries of movement, laced with proud postures and sensual couplings.” - The Washington Post

Season Tickets available now by calling Bravo at 828-225-5887 194334-111

Tickets for the 5 Browns are available via Ticketmaster.com, 828-251-5505, the Civic Center Box Ofﬁce or directly from Bravo. Ticket prices range from $20-$5 (half price for students).

194334-111

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

video games

Find hidden objects to solve mystery in DS game By Jinny Gundmundsen Gannett News Service

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5) Best for ages: 7 and older From Nintendo, nintendo.com/mcf, $19.99, Nintendo DS.

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

PHOTOS BY STEVE DIXON

Phyllis Kapsalis and her daughter Sydney, 13, enjoy a pedicure from Tamara Moiseyeva, in foreground, and Lori Krause at the Spa at Biltmore Village.

Sydney Kapsalis gets help choosing a nail color from Tamara Moiseyeva before a pedicure.

Gudmundsen is the editor of Computing With Kids magazine (ComputingWithKids.com). Contact her at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

CMYK 11P

‘Mystery Case Files: MillionHeir’

Some local spas to try

Girl time

Anniversary Sale Go ahead, indulge yourself All Adult and Baby Bedding

Moms and daughters slow down at the spa

20 OFF %

in-stock & special orders

Sale ends October 31, 2008

By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor

CMYK 10P

What’s popular

194258-301

CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICES Call for more information

Biltmore Station 2 Hendersonville Rd Asheville 828.236.2337 Mon - Sat 10-5 porterandprince.com

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Story times

Buncombe County Public Libraries

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.

mation. At Barnes & Noble, 83 S. Tunnel Road, East Asheville.

Nanny Janet will come to your home, observe your family dynamics, and create a clear, simple plan for solving your most frustrating challenges.

194300-146

Janet Schalk 828-230-6091 janet@thenannyeffect.com www.thenannyeffect.com

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calendar of events

Things to do

Oct. 1 and 15

Oct. 2-Dec. 11

MOPS

Sewing machine classes

Mothers of Preschoolers meets at Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden on the first and third Wednesday mornings of each month, 9:3011:30. For more information, call Biltmore Baptist at 687-1111.

Every Child Ready to Read!

Family Fun Night at Oakley Library

Mothers of Multiples

Preschool Play Date

Oct. 3-5 Southeast Women’s Herbal Conference

Oct. 3 Evening with Rochele Hirsch

Oct. 2 and 30

Oct. 3-Nov. 1

Mom’s Night Out Sewing

Tweetsie Railroad Halloween Festival

Parents night out

Know the score WNC PARENT PHOTO

Families make their way through a corn maze at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard last fall.

Corn mazes around WNC

Oct. 4-5 Autumn at Oz Celebration

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

CMYK 9P

Oct. 2

Find out more online

Fall festival

Oct. 4 Blessing of the animals

Farm City Day

A daylong event (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) at

Paige Fox, 16, takes a math quiz at North Buncombe High.

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

calendar of events

Testing success PHOTOS BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Marissa Mello, 17, answers questions on a discreet mathematics quiz during class at North Buncombe High School.

CMYK 8P

Experts offer tips to get your children prepared for exams (both big and small)

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Origami Folding Frenzy

The Health Adventure’s new exhibit, “Curious George,” opens Oct. 10.

Opens Oct. 10

Oct. 10

Kids Hip Hop to Help concert

‘Curious George’

Parents night out

Mommy Concerts

Testing basics

Holistic Parenting Forum

Forest Festival Day

By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor

Oct. 8

Scarecrow Festival and Craft Show

Used book sale

Starts Oct. 4 Parent-child meditation

Through Oct. 5 Asheville Art Museum summer camp exhibition

See the work of artists who participated in summer art camp. Celebrate the museum’s 60th anniversary and the exhibit’s closing

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Starts Oct. 6 YWCA swimming lessons

Oct. 6 and 27

Suzuki violin concert

Starts Oct. 10 Make herbal medicine

Oct. 10-11

Mom’s Morning Out Sewing

‘Camping in the Old Style’

Oct. 7 and 14

Oct. 11

Childbirth 101

Asheville Area Birth Network

Continued on Page 58

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

calendar of events Continued from Page 57

Buddy Walk

Fiesta Latina

Hey Day

Starts Oct. 11 Super Saturday program

CMYK 7P

at 75 Gashes Creek Road, East Asheville. For more information, visit wildwnc.org or call 298-5000.

Oct. 11 and 25 ‘Love and Logic’ parent workshop

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

UNC Asheville’s Super Saturday program returns Oct. 11 for its six-week fall session. To get your child involved, register by Oct. 8.

193507-146

PAINT SETS YS PRESCHOOL TO FTS A CR D N ARTS A MENTS RU ST IN L MUSICA INFANT TOYS DOLLS COLLECTIBLE MAGIC TRICKS

Toys are MONKEY BUSINESS! 12 West Main Street Burnsville, NC (828)682-9101 monkeybusinesstoyshop.com

194302-110

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

K mom, how kewl RU?

The language of texting

IMO ISO J/J J/K, JK J/W JAM K KK kewl L8R LTNS LY MB MIL MOS

Here are some other commonly used text message abbreviations to help you know what your kids are saying — or to use for yourself — when texting, in a chat or via IM.

CMYK 6P

4ever AML ATST

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Oct. 11-12 Kid Mania

Oct. 12 and 19 YOU-nique Expressions for tweens

Oct. 13 Fall centerpiece craft class

Come, enjoy and learn how to arrange your ideas into that special centerpiece for fall or Thanksgiving dinner. Cost is $15 per person, including supplies. Register by Oct. 9. At 10 a.m.

Workshops especially for tweens, teens

Home-school program

Home-school expressive arts sand-play workshop

La Leche League Mondays

La Leche League’s Monday group meets at 10

Registration starts Oct. 13 Play and learn group

Oct. 13 and 27 ‘My Mom Is Having a Baby’

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

It’s pumpkins galore at the Fletcher United Methodist. The church is hosting pumpkin patch family nights Oct. 12 and 26.

Oct. 12 and 26

Pumpkin patch family fun night

Oct. 14 Moms group

Oct. 14 and 21 After-school creative playshop

Oct. 16 Adult-child book club

Oct. 17-19 Gigantic Book Sale at Pack Library

Lake Eden Arts Festival

Oct. 18 Apple Harvest Festival

Waynesville’s Apple Harvest Festival marks 20 years this year, with more than 125 exhibitors, entertainment, arts and crafts, food and more. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Waynesville.

Garden Science Investigation

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

calendar of events Awakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers are welcome. For information, contact a leader: Adrienne at 7731534 or Jen at 713-3707.

Continued from Page 59

‘Jazzy Strings’ by Mountain Marionettes

Mountain Marionettes will perform “Jazzy Strings” on Oct. 18.

La Leche League Saturdays

La Leche League’s Saturday group meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at

Bon Bébé

Custom Bedding or Nursery Design Watch for our upcoming store expansion! Always Extraordinary, Nev Clothing

Keepsake Gifts & Accessoriess

www.thebonbebe.com

1950 Hendersonville Rd

Asheville, NC

828.687.7200

Oct. 20

offering apparel from layette to size 12 in boys and girls

Exquisite Bedding

Meet the author

Home-schooler’s expressive collage workshop

A boutique for the petite elite

Heirloom Quality Furniture

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

194330-146

Oct. 21 Bed Bug story time

Put on your jammies and bring your blankie and

A crash course in Internet safety

Key to keeping your child out of harm’s way: communication

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Resources for parents

NC Attorney General Web Safety guide for parents: www.ncsbi.gov/icac/icac_parents.jsp SafetyClicks Test your online knowledge: www.safetyclicks.com

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

CMYK 5P

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Meet Curious George

Continued from Page 3

Build a family, change a life Foster/Adopt Fall Festival educates community on opportunities

Starts Oct. 22 Childbirth classes

Come to the East Asheville Library for fun harvest time stories and crafts for kids of all ages from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road. For information, call 250-4738.

CMYK 4P

Positive Transformations events

Story time PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Patricia Tomas works the spider toss booth during a past Fletcher Halloween Carnival.

Oct. 25 The town of Fletcher hosts its annual Halloween carnival at Kate’s Park, by Fletcher library on Hendersonville Road, from 3-5 p.m.

Oct. 24-25 ‘The Legend of Tommy Hodges’

Oct. 24-26 ‘Seussical, the Musical’

Oct. 24 Parents night out

‘Teaching Kids about Money’

Halloween carnival

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

Breast-feeding class

Family Fun Night at East Asheville Library

Transition to kindergarten

Fertility awareness class

Halloween at the YMCA

Halloween costume party

Teen Halloween party

Oct. 26 Fall festival party

The Little Gym open house

Oct. 25

Fall festival

Howl-O-Ween

Oct. 26 and Nov. 2

Spark Creative Wellness workshop for parents

Take a retreat from your responsibilities and ignite sparks of inspiration, insight, creativity, Continued on Page 62

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Etiquette 101

Oct. 27 ‘Boo-Tacular’

Stories Comin’ Round the Mountain

Home-school creative arts workshops

6 de noviembre – 18 de diciembre ¡Listos para Aprender!

What tweens and teens should know and do By Barbara Blake Staff writer

‘Parenting With Meaning’ series

Oct. 28 Pardee parenting classes

Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard,

Starts Oct. 28 Sparkle Sisters

Oct. 29 School-age book club

Starts Nov. 3 After-school fitness program

Fit Kids focuses on creating healthy lifestyles for children in first to fifth grades. The 13-week pro-

Pre Twinkle

Violin

Nov. 3 Foster/Adopt Fall Festival

Nov. 6 Preschool Play Date

Group Class

Now Forming for Fall 2008

for Preschool-Aged Children & their Parents Also Accepting Students Ages 5—Adult

Call 828.545.8673 for Registration Information

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

193966-146

Holly Thistle,Suzuki Violin Teacher

Demonstration at North Asheville Library October 10th 4 - 5 p.m.

CMYK 3P

Starts Oct. 27

Family time is a great time to help children practice proper etiquette.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

everyone is finished. Thank the host for the meal, even if it’s your mom. Offer to clear or help wash the dishes.

Sleepovers or parties The young person should introduce himself to the parent or adult in charge. Continued on Page 4

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

contents This month’s features 3 4 5

6 8

Etiquette 101 Some basic do’s and don’ts for young people on manners.

Foster/adopt festival Annual event teaches about adopting and fostering children.

Online safety Keeping your child protected online is a tall order. Here are a few tips.

Kids’ lingo

Prepping for tests Whether it’s everyday tests or college-entrance exams, give your child tools to succeed. Mom-daughter time at the spa is becoming more popular.

12 Boys and their energy

Find out 5 ways to channel your son’s energies.

14 Get away to Disney World

Fall is an ideal time for a trip to Orlando.

20 Do something good

Volunteer opportunities abound for youths.

38 4 super foods

Get the most out of your efforts to eat healthy with these foods.

40 10 fashion necessities

Must-have pieces for every mom’s wardrobe.

On the cover Taylor Smith, of Eastfield Elementary in Marion. Photo courtesy of Katy Cook Photography.

museum admission. The Preschool Play Date series is 10:30-11:30 a.m. every first Thursday of the month. No registration in required. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

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

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

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

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

dents ages 8-18. Try out a meeting or weekend trip before joining. Visit ashevilletaasc.com or contact Greg Gillett at 299-9844 or ashevilletaasc@gmail.com.

Tiny Tot Adventures

Starts Nov. 6

Fit Family

Nov. 8 Historical tea party

Nancy Sluder Editor

A primer on exactly what your teen or tween is saying.

10 Time at the spa

CMYK 2P

The tween/teen years bring new challenges for parents

calendar of events

East Asheville Rec Center programs

‘Playhouse Disney Live! on Tour’

Nov. 9

Ongoing

2008 Tip Off Classic

Music and dance classes

Nov. 10 Veritas Christian School Community Open House

Nov. 22 62nd Asheville Holiday Parade

The 62nd Annual Asheville Holiday Parade steps off at 11 a.m. This year’s Parade will begin at

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Nov. 14

Tots On Toes ballet, tap classes

Mommy And Me For Babies

Cheerleading class

Self-defense class

Toddler Fun

Allegro Music Studio

Asheville Creative Music School

Asheville TAASC

Spanish immersion program

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T

Solutions for puzzles on Page 53

CMYK 1P

Kaliyah Thomas, 3, of Asheville

Kayla Gregory, 10, of Asheville

advertisers index

193050-146

WNC PARENT I OCTOBER 2008

W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T