WNC Parent December 2008 by Stacey

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contents This month’s features A new tradition

Toys like The Elf on the Shelf and Christopher Pop-In-Kins can entertain your children year after year.

Books to read, give

Our recommendations for children’s book gifts, as well as delightful reads for the season.

Day camping During two weeks of winter break, several places are hosting activities to keep children busy.

Entertaining games Board games have long been a holiday staple. Here are 10 newer ones.

Celebrate Hanukkah

20 Give a coupon

Need a gift idea? Try a book of coupons. We can get you started.

22 Perfect pies

Pie recipes to take you through the holidays.

A different way to mark each night of the Jewish Festival of Lights.

25 Bake together

Gorgeous gingerbread

26 Winter fun

Take a peek at the gingerbread creations you can see firsthand at the Grove Park Inn.

A day away The holidays are a perfect time to take a day trip around and outside of Western North Carolina.

When my twins were about 6 or 7 years old, I started teaching them how to play Monopoly. I bought them a Disney Monopoly game, which was played the same as the original, but the pieces that moved around the board were Disney characters. For that first game, I was Alice in Wonderland, Sammy was Cinderella and Becca was Sleeping Beauty. That game is etched in my mind as I tried so hard not to win, but everything fell into place for me and all the sudden it seemed every Monopoly dollar to be had was in front of “Alice.” My parents came into the room after the game was over and asked how it went. Becca replied, “Why don’t you ask rich old Alice in Wonderland!” I still laugh to this day over that. Board games are a great way to spend time together with your kids — and also an opportunity to teach them how to be gracious losers. Check out our list of top 10 board games for possible holiday gifts this season on Pages 8-9. Books are also wonderful learning tools, great gifts and a fun way to share holiday traditions with your kids. I have read “The Night Before Christmas” to my daughters on Christmas Eve every year for 15 years. Find a list of holiday books you can share with your children on Page 4-5. The holidays offer many opportunities for spending quality time with our kids. I hope everyone has a joyous and safe holiday season with their families. Nancy Sluder Editor

Celebrate the season with some homemade goodness. Grab a tube and hit the area slopes for some fun in the snow this winter.

29 Holiday calendar

There’s no reason to be bored now — check out this calendar of events for the holiday season.

In every issue Kids voices .......................................................15 Show and Tell ...............................................36-38 WNCmom.com Page ...........................................40 Chris Worthy column...........................................41 Parenting in a Nutshell .......................................42 Trip Woodard column..........................................43 John Rosemond column ......................................45 Puzzles ......................................................50, 52 Story Times ......................................................53 Video Games ....................................................54 Quick Dinners ..............................................55-56 Calendar .....................................................59-63

Board games sometimes offer teachable moments

On the cover Natalie Elliott, 5. Photo by Katy Cook Photography.

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 January 2009 issue is Dec. 19 calendar items are due by Dec. 19

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Santa’s little helpers By Katie Wadington Staff writer If your child is getting skeptical that Santa Claus has the ability to watch his every move, you may need to enlist the help of an elf. Dressed in red and about 8 inches high (when sitting), “The Elf on the Shelf” aims to be both a new Christmas tradition and the solution to doubting boys and girls. Mother-daughter team Carol V. Aebersold and Chandra A. Bell took their family tradition and packaged it to share. “This charming tradition began for our family when my children were very small. Plagued by their desire to know how Santa really knew who had been naughty or nice, I searched through the Christmas decorations for a plausible explanation. Nestled among them was the answer; a small elf doll from my own childhood. With that discovery, the idea for the elf tradition was born,” Aebersold writes on ElfontheShelf.com. Here’s the idea: Sometime before Christmas, pull out the elf and place it – where else? – on a shelf. Explain to your curious kids that the elf is an emissary from the North Pole. Since Santa can’t possibly keep track of millions of children, the elf is his proxy. Each night, the elf returns to the North Pole to report to Santa on the children’s behavior for the day. He returns to a post in the home the next morning. (Translation: Move the elf to a new spot each night before you go to bed.) “The Elf on the Shelf” brings with it a touch of nostalgia. John Lambrecht, a bookseller at Barnes & Noble on South Tunnel Road, said he had a similar elf as a child. Another bookseller brought her child-

hood elf into work after seeing the store’s display, he added. Theresa Phillips, of The Olde World Christmas Shoppe in Biltmore Village, said her store was running out of elves and wasn’t certain the store would receive more before Christmas. “It’s been very, very popular. It’s apparently just sweeping the country,” she said, adding that tourists have been snapping up the elf since it arrived at the store in June or July. Stan Collins, owner of Once Upon a Time in Biltmore Village, agreed. “It’s been a tremendous seller. It’s a wonderful item, really, for parents and kids.” Susan Israel at the Toy Box on Merrimon Avenue says the little guy in red is “starting to catch on.” The storybook and elf set can be found for between $24.95-$29.95. An activity book with a music CD is sold separately for around $14.95. But “The Elf on the Shelf” isn’t Santa’s only helper in town. Wendy Kirkland at Legacies Gifts in Biltmore Village said her store carries a similar item, “Christopher Pop-In-Kins.” (And, she said, “truth be told,” the women at the store think he’s a cuter elf.) Flora Johnson, of Atwater, Ohio, created Christopher Pop-In-Kins in 1985. His is the story of an elf who longs to visit boys and girls. According to the story, Santa grants his wish by allowing him to arrive in a child’s home just after Thanksgiving and stay until just before Christmas Eve. Like “The Elf on the Shelf,” Christopher brings a game of hideand-seek. For more information on “Christopher Pop-InKins,” which retails for $24.95, visit imaginatives.com.

WHERE TO FIND THE ELVES Here are several locations around Western North Carolina where shoppers can find “The Elf on the Shelf.” ◆ Barnes & Noble, 89 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville. ◆ Mast General Store, Asheville and Hendersonville. ◆ More Than Christmas, 37 E. Main St., Brevard. ◆ Once Upon a Time, 7 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village. ◆ O.P. Taylors, 2 S. Broad St., Brevard. ◆ Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. ◆ The Olde World Christmas Shoppe, 5 Boston Way, Biltmore Village. ◆ The Toy Box, 793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. For other Western North Carolina retailers, visit elfontheshelf.com/#/calendar-of-events and click on “Store Locations.” SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT “Christopher Pop-In-Kins” is an elf who wanted to meet real For “Christopher Pop-In-Kins,” head to Legacies Gifts, 2 boys and girls. So, according to his story, Santa lets him Boston Way, Biltmore Village. leave the North Pole between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON

“The Elf on the Shelf” acts as an emissary for Santa Claus, watching the behavior of children in the house.

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10 gift ideas for young readers By Jennifer Prince WNC Parent contributor Books are always a wonderful gift for anyone, but younger readers most especially. Here are some suggestions for this holiday season.

Ages 5-8 1. “Alice in Wonderland,” by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Mary Blair (Disney Press, 2008). Blair’s original concept art for the Disney movie and Scieska’s streamlined writing fleshes out zero cookies, but having just enough this new book. The Queen of Hearts and the others are here, along with the cookies.” wit and wonder of the original book. 3. “Too Many Toys,” by David Shannon (Scholastic, 2008). Exasperated with 2. “Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday the piles of toys that cover the floor Lessons,” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and fill the bathtub, Spencer’s mom illustrated by Jane Dyer (HarperCollins, 2008). Sharing, cooperation, per- tries to box up the toys he no longer uses. Though Spencer proseverance, tests mightily, in the end he hope and gives all of them up to salvage other virhis most treasured toy of all. tues are Shannon’s brightly colored, presented expert illustrations designed in terms of to look like a child’s drawings baking add extra appeal to this clever cookies. story with a surprise ending. For instance, moderation Ages 8-12 means “at the party 4. “Icarus at the Edge of Time,” not having by Brian Greene (Knopf Pubtwenty lishing Group, 2008). Real cookies and science and high drama meet not having in this new imagining of the

Icarus legend. Despite his father’s warnings, Icarus steals away from their starship to explore a black hole. The consequences are staggering. Photographs from NASA and the Hubble space telescope make up the visual aspect of the story. While not a children’s book technically, the short, accessible story and captivating photography have great child appeal. 5. “The Lump of Coal,” by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Bret Helquist (HarperCollins, 2008). A lump of coal wants fulfillment. That is going to take a miracle. Filled with the dead-pan humor Snicket fans expect, this story contains gentle lessons about finding miracles everywhere. 6. “Rapunzel’s Revenge,” by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale (Bloomsbury USA, 2008). In this Old West-meetsIndiana Jones setting, capable and compassionate Rapunzel sets out to find her true mother and bring freedom to the enslaved townspeople.

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Throw in a sea monster, vicious wolves, a dangerous growth serum, lots of cowboy jargon and a giantslaying, goose-stealing sidekick named Jack, and the result is a funny, well-written, beautifully illustrated, rip-snorter of a graphic novel. 7. “Sport Illustrated Kids in Your Face 3-D,” by David E. Klutho (Time Inc.,

2008). Using the 3-D glasses that come with the book, readers can pore over nearly 100 pages of images from the panoply of sports. Action shots and unusual camera angles combined with 3-D technology make the images seem to leap. 8. “Spyology,” By Spencer Blake (Candlewick Press, 2008). Joining the ranks of the popular “-Ologies” series is this captivating look at spy gadgets, ciphers, codes, understanding body language and famous spies. Replete with the folders, flaps and intricately detailed illustrations that “-Ologies” readers expect, this title’s content is high-interest and the delivery is entertaining. 9. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do it Yourself Book,” by Jeff Kinney (Abrams Inc., 2008). Designed to be written and doodled in, this book has short, giggle-inducing fillin-the-blank stories, true or false sections, cartoon drawings and writing prompts. 10. “Encyclopedia of Immaturity,” by the editors of Klutz (Klutz, 2008). This is a one-of-a-kind reference for everything silly. Learn how to create staple art, do cat’s cradle, fake optical illusions and balance a spoon on your nose. Drawings, photographs and captions round out the instructions. This is a children’s book, but it is sure to draw in adult readers as well.

6 books to read with kids during the holidays By Jennifer Prince WNC Parent contributor

These are books for adults to share with children. All are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. 1. “Around the World Cookbook,” Abigail Johnson Dodge (DK Publishing, 2008). 50+ recipes from all over the world fill this cookbook. Alongside the easy to follow recipes is information about the featured country. It is clearly indicated when adult help is required. Introductory pages illustrate and define common cooking utensils, cooking lingo and how to measure different types of ingredients. Excellent photos of children preparing the recipes round out this fun volume. 2. “The House in the Night,” Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes (Houghton Mifflin, 2008). In a few eloquent words, Swanson tells about the ways sunlight, moonlight and lamplight fill one room in one house. This is a perfect settledown, getready-for-bed story. 3. “Usborne Preschool Activities: Farm Fun,” by Fiona Watt, illustrated by Katie Lovell (Usborne Books,

2008). Glossy, candycolored cardstock pages make up these appealing craft books. Instructions are clearly stated. The illustrations are bright and cheerful, and the crafts require only everyday materials, like crayons, paper and markers. While the title reads “Preschool” there is definitely broader appeal here. 4. “We Believe in Christmas,” by Karen Kingsbury, illustrated by Dan Brown (Zonderkidz, 2008). This is a gentle, contemplative story on how to see beyond the bustle and tinsel to find the true meaning of Christmas in every encounter and deed. 5. “What the World Eats,” by Faith D’Aluisio with photos by Peter Menzel (Tricycle Press, 2008). Copiously illustrated with vivid photographs of families shopping, cooking and eating, this book covers the authors’ trek around the world to eat with 25 families from 21 countries. The result is a revealing, humbling essay on the disparity of food quality and availability around the world. 6. “Letter on the Wind: A Chanukah Tale,” by Sarah Marvil Lamstein, illustrated by Neil Waldman (Boyds Mills, 2007): Despite being ridiculed, a poor man has faith that the letter he has written to God asking for lamp oil will be granted. His prayer brings unexpected complications and blessings

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Find a day camp for holiday fun By Barbara Blake Staff writer Child care options and holiday camps during the break from school.

Asheville Art Museum The Holiday Arts Extravaganza at the museum inside Pack Place will be 1-4 p.m. Dec. 29-31 for first- to fourthgraders. Register for just one or all three days. Students will spend their afternoons exploring and creating art of all kinds. Admission to the museum and all supplies are included in the cost, which is $15 for members of the museum and $18 for nonmembers. Registration is required and financial aid is available. Call 253-3227, ext. 122, or visit ashevilleart.org for more information and to register.

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services This four-day camp for ages 9-13 will be 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 29 and 30 at the Zeugner Center at 90 Springside Road in Skyland. Registration is required by Dec. 8. The camp will keep older children busy with special programs and fun activities. Fees include all programs, transportation, and morning and afternoon snacks. Parents provide lunch. Space is limited. For more information or to register contact Grace Young 250-4265 or email grace.young@buncombe county.org.

YMCA The YMCAs will have holiday camp 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 22-23, 29-30 and Jan. 2. Child care is available for any current participant in the afterschool program. Cost depends on the participant’s current fees. Register at the site or call 210-2273.

Young Chefs Academy A three-day mini-camp called “Party at Pennsylvania Avenue” will be 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 29-31 at the Young Chefs Academy, 336 Rockwood Road in Arden. Children ages 4 and older will get a sneak peek into what goes on at banquets and state dinners hosted by the

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Two young artists work on a project during the Asheville Art Museum’s holiday art camp last year. president and first lady in the White House. There will be four recipes each day, such as petit fours, White House stuffed mushrooms, Madison Cakes and shrimp gumbo. Cost is $150 for the three days, and includes all supplies. Siblings receive a 25 percent discount. For more, visit youngchefs academy.com

sons, gardening, arts and crafts, field trips and nutritious snacks. Holiday Camp is held in the YWCA Youth Wing, which has five classrooms dedicated to science, technology, arts, diversity and tutoring. The YWCA is at 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided. Call 254-7206 for details.

YWCA

Asheville Parks and Recreation

The YWCA After-School Program Holiday Camp will be 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 22-23 and 29-31. The camp emphasizes respect for diversity, community involvement and academics. The five-star licensed program is open to children in kindergarten through sixth grade and offers homework help, tutoring, swimming les-

Community Center-based programs will operate from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 22-23, 29-31 and Jan. 2. Cost is $5 per day, plus field trips. Snacks are provided. Register at neighborhood community centers or contact Charles Lee at 251-4081 or at clee@ashevillenc.gov. Holiday camps will be held at Jones

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and Dickson elementary schools on the same dates, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $20 per day, plus field trips. Snacks are provided. Activities include group games, crafts, creative play and some field trips. Registration is required by contacting Amy Rickman at 251-4080 or arickman@ashevillenc.gov.

Jewish Community Center The Jewish Community Center, at 236 Charlotte Street in Asheville, will be open Dec. 22-24 and Dec. 29-31. The holiday camp is open to children already enrolled in the Just Kids program. Snacks are provided. Cost is $30 per day for members and $38 for nonmembers. Contact Sepi Shams at sepi@jcc-asheville.org. For more, visit jcc-asheville.org.

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10 great games Encourage creative play — and bust boredom — with these toys By Lockie Hunter ◆ WNC Parent contributor This holiday shopping season, the shelves at toy stores are brimming with games. Which games offer an experience that is fun, educational and special? Our local experts help you make a decision that goes beyond shelf-appeal and back-of-box descriptions. Here are 10 top picks for remarkable board games that stand out from the crowd and stand up to creative play.

Blokus Spy Alley Labyrinth “Labyrinth is a strategy game of searching for treasure in an ever changing maze,” said Gary Green, owner of the Toy Box on Merrimon Avenue. “Your strategy must change as the maze changes, and no two games are ever the same. A junior version called 3D Labyrinth is also available for ages 4-8.” By Ravensburger, ages 7 to adult, $24.98 at the Toy Box.

“Everyone starts with their own Spy Identification Card,” says Stan Collins, owner of Once Upon a Time. “Then you roll a die to begin your journey around the game board. Land on another player’s space and guess their secret identity. Correct guess and they’re out of the game. This is a younger age (6-12), version of last year’s award winning game.” By Spy Alley, ages 6 and older, $18.95 at Once Upon A Time.

Animal Soup Create more than 100 unusual animals and then fish them from the soup. “This is a repeat seller,” said Erika Evers, co-owner of Dancing Bear Toys. “Parents play with their children and then purchase for someone else. It has a lot of repeat play value.” By Briarpatch, ages 5 and older, $21.99 at Dancing Bear Toys.

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“This multiple award-winning game relies on your strategy and visual perception to outwit your opponents,” says Green. “Colorful multishaped game tiles are placed edge- toedge to advance your position and block your fellow players. Be the player to place the most pieces and you win. A twoplayer travel edition is also available and a three-dimensional version will be out soon.” By Educational Insights, ages 5 to adult, $29.98 at the Toy Box.

You’ve Been Sentenced “Not to jail but to create a sentence combining words from cards you’ve been dealt,” said Collins. “Be prepared to defend your creation to the jury made up of your fellow players. It’s fun and educational and winner of multi awards.” By McNeill Designs, ages 8 and older, $25 at Once Upon A Time.

Ten Days In

Blunders

“You have 10 days in a continent — touring by plane, car, boat and on foot,” said Collins. “Pick your continent, chart your course from start, (through country after country), to finish using destination and transportation cards. First to make the connections for a 10-day journey wins. Great way to have fun learning geography.” By Out of the Box, ages 10 and older, $25.95 at Once Upon A Time.

“It’s a fun game in which players help the Blunder family move through Blunderville by coming up with the correct answers about what to do in a series of 300 social and dining etiquette situations,” says Collins. “It teaches children manners that will last a lifetime.” Winner of seven major awards. By Successful Kids Inc., ages 5-10, $24.95 at Once Upon A Time.

The Way Things Work “Based on the best selling book by David Macaulay, this game is chock full of materials for curious kids,” says Green. “As you travel the game board, the players collect tools that help them solve mechanical problems and answer trivia questions that you encounter along the way.” By International Playthings, ages 10 and older, $24.98 at the Toy Box.

Great States

Flibbix

This United States knowledge game is “jam-packed with questions,” said Evers. “There are clues on the board, so if you don’t know the answer, the game brings you into the board to learn.” An Oppenheimer Gold Seal best toy award winner. By International Playthings, ages 7 and older, $19.99 at Dancing Bear Toys.

Here you “learn to make a game, literally creating your own rules,” said Evers. “You can create different kinds of boards. There are tiles and questions cards to make.” Each play thus becomes a different game. By Merrillian, ages 7 and older, $39.99 at Dancing Bear Toys.

Buying guide

Once Upon a Time, 7 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, 274-8788 ◆ Toy Box, 793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-8697 Dancing Bear Toys, 418 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 693-4500 and 144 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-8697

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HOLIDAY SEASON FACTS

from Aug. 31 to Nov. 30, 2007. Thanks to the holiday crowds, inventories plummeted by 22 percent in December. (Note: Leased departThe holiday season is a time for gathering and celebrating ments are separately owned businesses operwith friends and family, gift-giving, reflection and thanks. To ated as departments or concessions of other commemorate this time of year, the U.S. Census Bureau service establishments or of retail businesses, presents the following holiday-related facts and figures from such as a separately owned shoeshine parlor in its data collection. a barber shop, or a beauty shop in a department 20 billion: Pieces of mail the U.S. Postal Service was expect- store. Also, retail sales estimates have not been ed to deliver between Thanksgiving and Christmas last year. adjusted to account for seasonal or pricing variaThe busiest mailing day was expected to be Dec. 17, as tions.) more than three times the average daily volume of cards and $23 billion: Value of retail sales by electronic letters were to have been mailed (more than 275 million shopping and mail-order houses in December 2007 versus 82 million). — the highest total for any month last year. $30.5 billion: Retail sales by the nation’s department stores $39 billion: The value of total retail e-commerce sales (including leased departments) in December 2007. This for the fourth quarter of 2007. This represented 3.6 represented a 42 percent jump from the previous month percent of total retail sales during the period and exceeded (when retail sales, many holiday-related, registered $21.5 e-commerce sales for all other quarters of the year. billion). No other month-to-month increase in department $493.3 million: Sales by U.S. Christmas tree farmers in store sales last year was as large. Other U.S. retailers with 2007. sizable jumps in sales between November and December $593.8 million: The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree 2007 were book stores (78 percent); clothing stores (37 ornaments from China between January and August 2008. percent); jewelry stores (137 percent); radio, TV and other China was the leading country of origin for such items. Simielectronics stores (46 percent); and sporting goods stores larly, China was the leading foreign source of artificial Christ(53 percent). mas trees shipped to the United States ($66.2 million 14 percent: The proportion of total 2007 sales for departworth) during the same period. ment stores (including leased departments) in December. 2,183: Population of North Pole, Alaska, in 2007. Other For jewelry stores, the percentage was 21 percent. places whose names are associated with the holiday season 23 percent: The proportion of growth in inventories by our include Santa Claus, Ind. (2,320); Santa Claus, Ga. (247); nation’s department stores (excluding leased departments) Noel, Mo. (1,587); Rudolph, Wis. (419); and Dasher, Ga.

(830). There are a dozen places named Holly, including Mount Holly, N.C. 52 percent: Proportion of the nation’s spuds produced in Idaho and Washington in 2007. Potato latkes are always a crowd pleaser during Hanukkah. $1.3 billion: The value of product shipments of candles in 2002 by the nation’s manufacturers. More than 305 million: The nation’s projected population as we ring in the New Year. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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8 days, 8 ways Mark Hanukkah with a nightly twist By Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor Get ready for Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which starts on Dec. 21 this year, and fill every day or night of this happy, eight-day holiday with lasting memories and family fun. Here’s some daily ideas:

1. Play a game or make a craft Dust off your dreidel (a spinning top with Hebrew letters on each of its four sides, which stand for “a great miracle happened there”) to play the classic game of chance with pennies or M&Ms. Land on nun (do nothing),

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Amanda Wood, of Arden, a student at Chabad Hebrew School of the Arts, gets ready to sing her solo at “Chanukah Live 2007.”

gimel (take everything), hay (win half) and shin (lose everything). Make a dreidel out of clay or paper or a Hanukkah menorah out of things like cans, bottles or clay. A menorah is a candelabrum with nine candles, one for each night of Hanukkah and the shamas, the ninth candle used to light the others.

THE HISTORY OF HANUKKAH Hanukkah recalls the ancient story of the Jewish people’s victory over the Syrian Greeks, recovering both their temple and their religious freedom. When they lit the restored temple’s menorah, which only had enough oil to burn for one day, the light miraculously lasted for eight days.

2. Have fun in the kitchen HELPFUL HANUKKAH WEB SITES:

Aside from traditional Hanukkah foods fried in oil like latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (doughnuts), it’s fun to create other Hanukkahinspired foods with kids, says Sherry Plotkin, of Arden, a former kindergarten teacher who now teaches on Sundays at Temple Beth HaTephila in Asheville. Make dreidels using marshmallows, Hershey’s kisses and toothpicks, or menorahs with bread, peanut butter, carrots, pretzel sticks and raisins, she adds. A cupcake menorah (arrange nine with a candle in each) “makes for a great family photo on the last night of Hanukkah.”

To send free, online Hanukkah cards, go to: www.123greetings.com/events/hanukkah or www.egreetings.com For Hanukkah games, recipes, stories, crafts and other activities, go to: www.jewishwnc.com/holidays/chanukah or www.torahtots.com/fungames.htm http://holidays.kaboose.com/chanukah/ index.html (a good craft section) For good Hanukkah book recommendations, as well other activities, go to: www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson040.shtml

3. Light and talk Have a conversation about the deeper meanings behind the holiday while lighting the candles. Or, read a Hanukkah book together after the candles are lit. “We love to light the menorah,” says Marcy Lanier, of Asheville, whose 12-year-old son enjoys leading the family in saying the traditional prayer. “For us, it’s about family love, being together, smiling and sharing.”

4. Spread the light by giving “It’s nice to dedicate one day of gift giving for a special charity,” says Rabbi Batsheva Meiri, of Temple Beth HaTephila. This year, her two children, ages 5 and 7, will help decide where the money will go. Giving children small amounts of gelt (money) like quarters or dollars is a traditional Hanukkah custom, and it’s both fun and meaningful, says Chana Susskind, associate director of Chabad Lubavitch WNC. You can “give a little bit more each night as additional menorah candles are lit, to represent the increasing goodness and light.” It’s also customary for parents or other family members to give each child a small gift each night.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Alan Feiler of Asheville shows a family friend, Catherine Cullen, of Weaverville, how to light the candles on the menorah last Hanukkah.

5. Take it outdoors The miracles of nature can provide a fitting backdrop for the holiday. Throw some chocolate gelt into your trail mix and do what the Tuch family, of Asheville, does: head out for a Hanukkah hike. “We focus on family and sharing time together, and discuss the gifts the earth gives us,” Shannon Tuch says. “It’s a way for us to emphasize what’s important, especially during a holiday season in which it’s easy to get wrapped up in material things or extended family drama.”

6. Have a party The Feiler family, of Asheville, invites non-Jewish friends every year to light the menorah and eat latkes. “My older daughter enjoys saying the blessing and helping her friends light the candles,” she says. “It’s a great way to share our culture.” At their school in Asheville, Karen

Hyman’s two sons teach their classmates how to play dreidel while she serves up the potato latkes.

7. Connect with family “We always call the grandparents on the first night and sometimes other family we don’t talk with often,” says Tuch. Send Hanukkah cards online or make cards to mail on the first or second day.

8. Join a community celebration Several local events are open to the public and are especially geared toward kids and families. Hanukkah Family Workshop, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14, Jewish Community Center (JCC), 236 Charlotte St., Asheville; $15/family ($10/family, JCC members). Call 253-070. Chanukah Variety Show, 4 p.m. Dec. 18, at the JCC, featuring kids from JCC Shalom Preschool, Maccabi

Academy and JCC Just Kids afterschool program, free. Call 253-070. Annual Hanukkah Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 21, at the JCC, $25/adult ($20/ adult JCC member), $10/child ($8/ child JCC member.) Call 253-070. Chanukah Evening Candle Lightings at the J, 5:15 p.m. Dec. 22-24, at the JCC, join music specialist Penny White to light candles and sing Hanukkah songs, free. Call 253-070. Hanukkah Celebration, 6 p.m. Dec. 22, Congregation Beth Israel, find the gelt game, live Klezmer music, chocolate gelt and dreidels, dairy/parve potluck dinner, bring a menorah, fourth-annual Iron Chefs Latke Cookoff latke tasting, free. Call 252-8431. Chabad’s “Chanukah Live!,” 5:30 p.m. Dec. 23, Renaissance Asheville Hotel, 31 Woodfin St., Asheville; lighting of Asheville’s tallest menorah, “The Mr. Shabbos Show,” kosher buffet dinner, crafts, games and activities for all ages, free. Call 505-0746. Hanukkah Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26, Temple Beth HaTephila. Bring a homemade menorah for the menorah contest. Menorahs must be inflammable and of reasonable size for display, candles must light, and contestants must be present to win. Call 253-4911.

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Visions in gingerbread

PHOTOS BY STEVE DIXON

Grove Park Inn gingerbread contest teen category finalists await the judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision. The public can view all of the entries Monday-Thursday through Jan. 3.

Lydia Gentry, 8, of Hendersonville, heads to the podium to receive her first-place award in the child division.

Grove Park Inn gingerbread contest teen division winners Patterson and Peyton Young, 15, of Weaverville, pose with their winning entry just after receiving their prize.

Gingerbread and candies make up this stadium entry.

PHOTO BY BILL SANDERS

A castle too pretty to eat.

A lighthouse and dock made of sugar.

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kids voices

Naughty? Nothing but nice kids here By Barbara Blake ◆ Staff writer With Christmas fast approaching, and Santa making his list and checking it twice, we asked 3- and 4-year-olds in Marietta Jones and Alesia Summey’s class in the child care center at the YWCA if they had been naughty or nice this year. Not surprisingly, all of the children promised that they had been nice. Here’s what else they said.

Rachel Russo, age 4

Taliyah Matos, age 4

Keshawna Moore, age 4

“Always when I get frustrated and upset and I be bad, it’s really just that I’m hungry – I’m not really bad. I’ve been nice lots of ways. I remember a time when Ada dropped something and she had a boo boo on her arm that really hurt, so I went and picked something up for her because her arm hurt and she couldn’t do it.”

“If I’m good all day in school, Santa gives me a present. I take care of my brother and sister so they don’t get hurt, and I take care of my grandmother and my mommy. I help her do a lot of things. If I sleep all night, Santa’s going to come and bring me presents.”

“I’ve been nice the whole year. My mom’s head was hurting and she asked me to get her something to drink, and I did. My baby sister was crying and she wanted me to pick her up, and I did. I know Santa’s coming to see me.”

Amani Caldwell, age 4

Antonio Smith, age 3

Nyana Sibert, age 4

“I’ve been very nice. I play with my friends and go outside. I helped my auntie cook. We cooked cookies and cake, and I helped. I put the icing on the cupcakes.”

“I haven’t been naughty, so I know he’ll come. He’s going to bring me a toy. He’s going to bring me a red car and some candy and a big car.”

“I always help my mama. I clean my room like I’m supposed to, and I help with the dishes and the mopping. I’m pretty sure Santa’s coming to see me.”

Rodolfo Millan, age 4

J’Vonta Cox, age 4

“(My sister) Lupe was being mean to me, four times, but I wasn’t mean to her. I try to be nice to her. I clean the bathroom by myself, and I pick up my little sister’s toys.”

“I gave bones to Sugar (his dog). I helped my sister clean her room. And I helped my mom with the dishes. I washed them.”

Annthea Waddell, age 3 “I get my dad milk and tea and juice. I pat my mama’s back. My brother won’t clean his room, and if he doesn’t clean his room he can’t go to the movie. So I help him.”

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Celebrate with a day trip By Barbara Blake Staff writer

kids younger than 6. For the month of December, annual passes for adults are $20 (regularly $25) and Grady’s Kids Club Passes are $8 (regularly $10). Annual pass-holders receive unlimited visits to the park for one year as well as discounts to other area attractions and throughout the park. Winter hours (December through March) are 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The ticket plaza closes at 4:30 p.m. Drive time is about 40 minutes from Asheville. Call 625-9611, 800-277-9611, or visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Amid cooking, shopping, baking and hosting, take a time out for a family day trip to some of the attractions in and around the mountain region. Here’s a sampling.

The Polar Express rides again The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is bringing back the popular Polar Express excursion, offering families the opportunity to enjoy a magical train ride inspired by the book and film, “The Polar Express.” The round-trip excursion, lasting 75 minutes, departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the “North Pole.” Guests will enjoy hot cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. At the North Pole, Santa will board the Polar Express, greeting children and presenting them with a special gift as in the story – their own sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the depot. The excursions continue through Dec. 23. Ticket prices are $38 for adults, $26 for children ages 2-12, and free for children younger than 2. Firstclass seating upgrades are available. Each guest will receive a deluxe serving of hot cocoa in a souvenir Polar Express mug and enjoy shortbreads and other treats in addition to the standard offerings. First-class tickets are $53 for adults, $36 for children and $10 for children younger than 2. Driving time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Asheville. Admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is included with all tickets. For more information or reservations, call 800872-4681 or visit GSMR.com.

Festival of Lights and Luminaries in Dillsboro This charming town in Jackson County celebrates the holidays with thousands of lights and luminaries beginning at dusk on the first two Fridays and Saturdays in December. Adapted from an old Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the

Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival at Dollywood

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Dillsboro’s Festival of Lights & Luminaries brings thousands of lights to the quaint Jackson County town. Christ Child, more than 2,500 candles in small white bags line the streets, and every storefront glows with Christmas lights and decorations. Shopkeepers have open houses and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and home-baked goodies. Driving time is about an hour from Asheville. Contact David Gates at 586-3891 or Janet Chinners at 586-1600.

Christmas at Connemara Poet and writer Carl Sandburg and his family enjoyed the Christmas holiday at Connemara with decorations, cookies and song, a spirit that is recreated each year with festive music, refreshments and a decorated house tour. This year’s event will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13, although the house will be decorated throughout December with poinsettias, pine boughs and a Christmas tree with ornaments replicating those used by the Sandburg family. There is no charge to come on to the house grounds and enjoy traditional music. There is a fee to take a guided tour of the house, which starts every 30 minutes. Admission is $5 for

adults, $3 for 62 and older, and free for children 15 and younger. The national historic site is three miles south of Hendersonville on Little River Road off the Greenville Highway in Flat Rock. Drive time is about 40 minutes from Asheville. Call 693-4178 or visit nps.gov/carl.

Visit Santa at Chimney Rock Park

This perennial favorite in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., includes more than 4 million lights throughout the theme park, providing the backdrop for a wide range of performances, shows and entertainment. Among the offerings are “The Polar Express 4-D Experience,” the “Christmas in the Smokies” and “Babes in Toyland” performances, Santa’s workshop, breakfast with Santa, the parade of lights, Victorian singers strolling the streets, services at Dolly’s Christmas Chapel, and myriad other options including more than 20 family rides and attractions. Single-visit ticket prices range from $40-$50, and season passes are available. Drive time is about two hours from Asheville. For more, visit dollywood.com.

Santa Claus makes his annual stop at Chimney Rock Park from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13. To get in shape for Holiday Lights Safari at Hollywild clambering down chimneys across the Animal Park world, Santa will practice on 315-foot Chimney Rock. He’ll rappel down the Families can drive through nearly 535 million-year-old rock face, then 100 acres of this popular destination in ride the elevator back to the top and Wellford, S.C., decorated with hundo it all over again. dreds of thousands of twinkling lights, This year, Mrs. Claus joins Santa holiday themes, light sculptures and for his visit to Chimney Rock. Mrs. tunnels of lights, along with herds of Claus will be available for photos with free-roaming, wild animals. good little boys and girls, and will The visit includes admission to the happily take gift requests for her hus- Enchanted Deer Forest, where animal band’s list. Holiday music will add to food is sold for $1 and deer eat right the atmosphere, and hot chocolate out of your hands. and apple cider will be available in the Safaris begin at 6 p.m. each night Sky Lounge. through New Year’s Day, continuing Single-day rates are $14 for adults, until 9, 10 or 11 p.m., depending on the $6 for children ages 6-15 and free for night. Admission is $5 for ages 2 and

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older. Drive time is about an hour from Asheville. For more, call 877HOLLYWILD, (864) 472-2038, or visit hollywild.com.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic This favorite holiday destination has been named by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event of the holiday season. On Friday and Saturday evenings through SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT Dec. 20, seven quartets Gatlinburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas celebration includes the Fantasty of Lights parade, this year on Dec. 5. of holiday carolers dressed in traditional Victorian-era costumes will roam the streets of Gatlinburg, Tenn., delivered the Gatlinburg Bear also will make appearances and greet holiday visitors throughout the city by horse-drawn on the streets. wagons and carriages as they sing a On Friday nights on the Parkway, capella classics of the season. families can take part in a yule log During the Friday and Saturday fireside singalong. nights of Winter Magic Tunes & Driving time from Asheville is Tales, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will about 90 minutes. For more, call 800be on hand to meet with children of 588-1817 or visit gatlinburg.com. all ages at the Riverbend Mall. Zeno

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Clipping coupons Homemade gift certificates are an easy present for kids During a holiday season that may be tough financially on adults, these easy-to-cut-out coupons offer children a way to give practical, loving gifts to their parents.

Good for: Picking up my room

Good for: Cleaning the bathroom

Good for: Help clean garage Good for: 1 computer-free day

Good for: One day off housework

Good for: Watch sibling(s) while you take a bubble bath

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Good for: Helping with dinner

Good for One day full of you-and-me time

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Master this sweet holiday tradition By Susan Selasky Gannett New Service

Sweet potato pie 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups cooked mashed sweet potatoes 1/2 cup milk 2 large eggs, well beaten 4 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

SYLVIA RECTOR/GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

When it comes to making your own pie, like this apple and pear pie, you can use storebought crust or make your own. It costs about $1 for ingredients for a double crust.

No holiday meal would be complete without pie. We won’t take sides in the pumpkin vs. sweet potato or apple vs. pecan debates — whatever your fancy, pie is simply a must-have dessert this time of year. For the harried cook, the dilemma is whether to make a pie or buy one. A 12-inch store-bought pie is hard to beat for the sake of convenience — and for those who are dough-challenged. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. If you plan to make your own pie, Combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and baking powder in a large bowl; mix well. Stir in the you can make the dough three days mashed sweet potatoes. Add the milk, eggs, butter, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Mix until ahead and refrigerate it or two months smooth. Pour filling mixture into the pie shell. in advance and freeze it. You also can Bake 1 hour or until filling is firm. Cool and slice. Makes 8 servings. make pies up to three days in advance. Here are some surefire tips for Source: “Occasions to Savor: Our Meals, Menus and Memories,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Putnam, 2004, $40) making piecrust from scratch: ◆ Have all the ingredients well chilled, including the flour. Use water chill. You can use all-purpose, unover the work bowl before putting the with ice cubes to keep the water cold. bleached all-purpose or pastry flour. Cut the butter and shortening in ◆ If using a food processor to mix Continues on Page 24 pieces and stick them in the freezer to the ingredients, place plastic wrap

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top on so the flour doesn’t fly all over. If mixing by hand, cut in butter and shortening using a pastry blender or two knives in a crisscross motion. ◆ Mix the dry ingredients, then the fat and then slowly add the liquid. Add only enough liquid so the dough comes together and doesn’t crumble. ◆ To save a step, shape the dough into a disk — not a ball — and wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate. ◆ Roll out the dough between pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper to make transferring it to the pie pan simple. ◆ For a 9-inch, single-crust pie, roll out an 11-inch circle to allow for fluting a pretty edge. Or trim to the edge of the pan and make a decorative edge out of dough scraps using mini cookie-cutters. ◆ To prevent soggy-bottom crusts, brush with beaten egg white before adding the filling.

Pecan pie Crust: 1 1/2 cups sifted plain flour 3/4 cup butter-flavor shortening 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon ice water Filling: 7 large eggs, slightly beaten (add 3 drops yellow food color) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1/2 cup pecan halves 1/4 cup melted butter-flavor shortening 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup white corn syrup (add 3 drops butter flavoring) 1 teaspoon vanilla For the crust: Mix first three ingredients in bowl. Cut shortening into flour with pastry blender until mixture is like coarse meal. Add ice water and mix with fork until well blended. Knead lightly on floured board. Roll and line 9-inch pan. Prick with fork. For the filling: Beat eggs lightly with fork. Add all ingredients except pecans and shortening. Mix well with spoon. Add pecans and stir into mixture. Let pecans rise to top, pour shortening over pecans and stir again. Pour into unbaked piecrust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Cool and serve. Makes 8 servings. Source: The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion Ledger

Sugar and spice pumpkin pie with brandied ginger cream Crust: 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup ice water 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or unbleached flour 10 tablespoons ice cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces 2 tablespoons vodka, optional Filling: 2 cups canned pumpkin 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk 1 cup half-and-half 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon brandy or vanilla extract 3/4 cup lightly packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated cinnamon stick MARY SCHROEDER/GANNETT NEWS SERVICE (or 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon) When it comes to making your own pie, like 1/2 teaspoon salt this sugar and spice pumpkin pie with bran1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg died ginger cream, you can use store-bought Pinch freshly ground black pepper crust or make your own. It costs about $1 for 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (or a pinch ingredients for a double crust. of freshly ground) Cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 2 cups whipped topping (regular or light) 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon brandy or vanilla extract To make the crust: Make sure all the ingredients are chilled, including the flour. In a small bowl, stir the salt into 1/3 cup water until dissolved. Put the flour in a food processor and scatter the butter on top. Pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Add the salt water and pulse until the dough begins to come together in large clumps. Add the vodka, or 1-2 tablespoons of water. Shape the dough into a 1-inch-thick disk, wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour or up to overnight. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 16-inch circle. Transfer to a 10-inch pie plate, easing the dough into the bottom and onto the sides and gently pressing into place. For a traditional crimped edge, trim the overhanging dough to 1/2 inch from the edge of the plate. Fold the overhang under and crimp decoratively. Or trim just to the top edge. Reserve the dough scraps. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, or freeze for up to two weeks. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line the chilled pie shell with foil or parchment and fill it with dried beans or pie weights. Bake until the sides have just set and look dry, 16-20 minutes. Remove the liner and bake until the edges are lightly golden and the bottom is pale and completely dry, about 5 minutes. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack before filling. To make a decorative edge, reroll dough scraps and cut out 45 circles about 1 inch in diameter. Brush the top edge of the pie shell with beaten egg white. Overlap the cutouts around the top edge. Brush the circles with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. For the filling: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin, eggs, egg yolk, half-and-half, cornstarch and brandy or vanilla. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. Whisk the sugar mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Pour the filling into the cooled piecrust. Bake until the pie is set around the outside but still slightly wet and jiggly in the center, about an hour. The filling will continue to set as it cools. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to two days before serving. Whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it forms very soft peaks, about two minutes. Add the sugar, ginger and brandy or vanilla and continue whipping until it forms medium-firm peaks, about 30 seconds longer. Put a dollop in the center of the pie and spread outward, leaving a band of filling visible around the edge of the pie, or put a dollop on individual servings. Makes 12 servings. Source: Adapted from Fine Cooking magazine, November 2008 issue.

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ERIN BRETHAUER/EBRETHAU@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

Morgan Moser, 5, stirs the fudge she is making with her mom and sister. The Mosers have been making fudge the past few years to give to their neighbors and teachers.

A warm, tasty way to celebrate the season By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent Contributor The smell of cookies, cakes and freshly baked bread are as much a part of the winter holidays as snowflakes and reindeer for most families in Western North Carolina. Recipes handed down from parent to child, sometimes for generations, are an important part of the season. “We make some treats for us, but we bake a lot for the neighbors,” said Danielle Moser, who has two daughters, Madison, 11, and Morgan, 5 1/2. “We have a super-simple fudge recipe that the girls can make on their own, and their teachers and the neighbors love it.” “We celebrate the winter solstice,” said Tamela Wells, of Asheville, who has two daughters, Rachel Laity, 12, and Gretchen Laity, 8. “We make

Mother Winter’s Wish Bread, which is a sweet bread made up of dough balls dipped in cinnamon, butter and sugar. As we put the balls together to make the bread, we make wishes we’d like to see come true in the New Year. That’s our gift to our neighbors.” “The neighbors really appreciate it when the girls deliver the treats,” Moser said. “The girls really look forward to it each year. It’s a nice, fun thing for us to do together for the holidays.” Here are some tips for wrapping your holiday treats: ◆ Bag it: It’s easy to dress up a paper or cellophane bag. Line it with tissue paper. Use a hole punch, craft knife or scissors to poke holes or make slits in the bag; lace through ribbon, string, buttons and/or decorative objects (sprigs of juniper, boxwood, greenery, jingle bells).

◆ Bottle it: Tie ribbons, raffia or twine around the neck of each bottle. Attach a homemade gift tag or small ornament. ◆ Dish it out: Check discount stores and flea markets for unique plates, serving bowls, platters or tins. Stack the baked goods in a bowl, oversized mug or canister and then wrap in cellophane and with a decorative bow. ◆ Tags: Personalize your gift tags. Start with scrapbook paper, cardboard, cookie cutters, felt, wood or premade tags. Then add your own special touches with glitter, ribbon, beads, stickers, puffy paint or markers. Save your holiday cards and turn them into next year’s gift tags — just cut out the design or desired shape, thread and label it. ◆ Jars: Cut a circle of fabric, tissue or wrapping paper 3 or 4 inches larger

Easy fudge 2 12-ounce bags of dark chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended) 1 can sweetened condensed milk (low far or no fat is OK) 1 teaspoon vanilla Heat condensed milk in a sauce pan over low to moderate heat, enough to melt chocolate. Stir in chocolate chips until they melt, adding vanilla along the way. (Optional: Add nuts to taste.) Be careful not to boil. Once heated, spread in glass baking pan — bigger can be better so the fudge is thinner as it is rich. Refrigerate for several hours. Cut, serve and enjoy. (Recipe courtesy of Danielle Moser.)

than the jar lid. Hold the circle in place with a rubber band and then tie a ribbon over the rubber band.

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Let it snow! By Barbara Blake Staff Writer For winter-weather enthusiasts, the mountains of Western North Carolina offer a ton of fun for all ages, from the smallest tots in inner tubes to expert skiers on the most challenging slopes. Here’s a sampling of what’s available once the first snow falls in WNC.

Snow tubing ◆ Tube the Wolf The Wolf Ridge Tube Run at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort in Mars Hill offers one- and two-hour sessions. There’s a “magic carpet” ride in the area to take you back to the top. Sessions are offered 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Rates are $15 for one-hour sessions, $25 for two-hour sessions. Children 6 and younger riding with paying adult are free. Groups of 12 or more are $20 per person for two-hour sessions.

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Children as young as 3 can go tubing at Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk.

Call 689-3322 or visit skiwolf ridgenc.com. ◆ Tube World This companion attraction near Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is scheduled to open Dec. 20. It offers 1 3/4-hour sessions for $25 per

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville offers plenty of thrills in the snow.

person, with sessions starting every two hours. There’s also a Wee Bowl snow-play area for children who don’t meet the 42-inch height requirement, but it has limited availability so call ahead. There’s a moving carpet lift to take tubers back to the top. Days and hours vary according to date. Call 800-768-0285 or 926-0285, or visit tubemaggievalley.com. ◆ Scaly Mountain The Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center on N.C. 106 between Highlands and Sky Valley, Ga., offers snow tubing with a ski lift to pull you to the top of the slope. Two-hour sessions are $22. Children must be 42 inches or taller, and 4 years old. A kiddie slope is open for young tubers. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more. Call 526-3737 or visit scalymountain.com. ◆ Hawksnest Hawksnest, in Seven Devils between Boone and Banner Elk, offers 1 hour, 45-minute sessions for tubers older than 3. Admission is $22 Monday-Friday, $30 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The tubing resort has four different areas to snow tube. Its 20 lanes are 400–1,000 feet long, and it has two moving carpet lifts to take you back to the top. Hawksnest has 100 percent snowmaking and lighting on all lanes. Call 800-822-4295 or 963-6561, or visit hawksnest-resort.com. ◆ Sugar Mountain Sugar Mountain, in Banner Elk, offers 700-foot

slopes open day and night, with 1 hour, 45-minute sessions. Admission is $20 weekdays, $25 weekends and holidays. Tubers must be 3 years old; children 6 and younger must share a tube with adults. Includes a moving carpet to take tubers to the top. Call 800-SUGARMT, 898-4521, or visit skisugar.com ◆ Moonshine Mountain This tube park in Hendersonville has three lanes plus a short lane for younger children, and is the only park in the area that allows trains, limited to 20 people. Children must be 48 inches tall to ride in trains. Admission is $25 for a two-hour session. Operating hours vary according to the day of the week. Call 696-0333 or visit moonshinemountain.com. ◆ Frozen Falls Tube Park The park at Sapphire Valley Ski Area in Sapphire is scheduled to open Dec. 21. It offers 700-foot slopes with a 60-foot vertical drop. Open varying days and hours. Tubers must be 42 inches tall. Rates are $22 for a two-hour session. Call 743-7663 or visit skisapphire.com.

Skiing for teens Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts is accepting registrations now for the 2009 Teen Ski and Snowboard programs, which include night

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skiing at Cataloochee and an overnight trip to Winterplace in West Virginia. ◆ Friday Nights at Cataloochee: Learn to ski/ride or just get a lift to the mountain. Charter bus transportation included. Depart Stephens-Lee Recreation Center at 4:15 p.m., return at 11 p.m. Five-week session: Jan. 9, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13, with a make-up on Feb. 20. Cost: Lift tickets and lessons, $215 Asheville residents, $220 nonresidents; lift tickets, lesson and ski ren-

tal: $240 for residents, $245 nonresidents; lift tickets, lesson and board rental: $250 residents, $255 nonresidents; bus rides only fees: $20 and $25 weekly, $90 and $95 for the five-week session. ◆ Overnight trip to Winterplace Resort in West Virginia, Feb. 21-22. Designed for teens 12-17. Hit the slopes Saturday night, camp in the resort lodge, return to the slopes Sunday morning. Fee includes transportation, tickets, three meals and lodging. Fee: $150 Asheville residents, $155 nonresidents; ski rentals, $180 and $185; board rentals: $200 and $205.

For information and to register, contact Christen McNamara at 2514029, or e-mail outdoor programs@ashevillenc.gov.

Area ski resorts Some of which offer snowboarding and ice skating: ◆ Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock — Opened Nov. 21. Call 295-7828 or visit appskimtn.com. ◆ Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley — Open. Call 800-768-0285 or visit cataloochee.com.

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◆ Hawksnest, Seven Devils — Call 800-822-4295 for opening date or visit hawksnest-resort.com. ◆ Sapphire Valley Ski Area, Sapphire — Opens Dec. 26. Frozen Falls Tube Park opens Dec. 21. Call 743-7663 or visit skisapphire.com. ◆ Ski Beech, Beech Mountain — Call 800-438-2093 or visit skibeech.com. ◆ Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk — Call 800-784-2768 or visit skisugar.com. ◆ Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, Mars Hill — Call 800-817-4111 or visit skiwolfridgenc.com.

holiday calendar

Area events to celebrate the season By Barbara Blake and Katie Wadington Staff writers From choirs and Santa Claus, from now until New Year’s Day, there’s no shortage of holiday events this year around Western North Carolina.

Through Dec. 23 Ride ‘The Polar Express’

OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS Looking for Christmas craft fairs and gift workshops? See the Calendar, starting on Page 59.

evenings feature firelight and candlelight, holiday music and performances. Estate restaurants feature holiday menus, and Inn on Biltmore holiday packages are available. Admission charged. Call 877-BILTMORE or visit biltmore.com.

“The Polar Express” comes to life through Dec. 23, departing from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Bryson City depot. Read along with the story as the train makes its round-trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa and a treat. Tickets are $38 for adults and $26 for children 2 and older. Special rates Dec. 3 for home-schooled children. First-class service is $53 for adults, $36 for children 2 and older, and $10 for infants. For times and reservations, call 800-8724681 or visit gsmr.com or polarexpressride.com.

Celebrate Christmas as the Victorians did at the Smith-McDowell House Museum. Each room is restored and decorated for the holidays, with displays of ornaments and toys from the Victorian Age. Christmas candlelight tours are available. Call 253-9231 or visit wnchistory.org.

Through Dec. 24 ‘A Chimney Rock Christmas’

Through Jan. 11 National Gingerbread Competition display

After the leaves are gone, visitors to Chimney Rock Park can enjoy unobscured views of the park’s cliffs and forests, and holiday music will be played through Dec. 24. Admission charged. Call 800-2779611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.

More than 200 gingerbread works of art from across the country are on display after the annual competition at the Grove Park Inn and Spa. Local residents can view the display for free MondayThursday. Call 252-2711 or visit groveparkinn.com.

Through Jan. 6 Victorian Christmas Splendor

Dec. 2 Holiday lights ceremony The annual lighting celebration at Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center, at 932 Old U.S. 70 in Black Mountain, start at 7:30 p.m. with music by the Owen High School Chorus. For more information, contact Diane Trainor, director of volunteer services at 669-3152.

Dec. 4-5 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ N.C. Stage Company presents an adaption of Frank Capra’s Christmas story at Diana Wortham Theatre. For information and tickets, call 350-9090 or visit dwtheatre.org.

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

A wreath hangs around the neck of a lion outside the Biltmore House.

Through Jan. 1 Christmas at Biltmore Estate Daytime celebrations include elaborate holiday decor and music throughout the house. Candlelight

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

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

The "Great Russian Nutcracker" will be on stage at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Dec. 5.

‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ The Moscow Ballet presents the “Great Russian Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Call 251-5505 or visit Ticketmaster for tickets, which start at $24.

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

Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, carriage rides, carolers a visit from Father Christmas and more from 5-9 p.m. in Historic Downtown Hendersonville. Call 697-2022 or visit dhinc.org

Dec. 5-6 A Winter’s Tale Music, crafts, food and fun at the WNC Nature Center’s annual holiday event from 6-9 p.m. Bring

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Lights and Luminaries

your camera and stroll along the trail to see the animals at night. Enrichment programs and presentations will be provided. Cherokee stories and crafts will be shared by tribal members each evening. Admission charged. Call 298-5600 or visit wildwnc.org.

Merchant â&#x20AC;&#x153;elvesâ&#x20AC;? line the town streets with more than 2,500 candles in white paper bags. Buildings are trimmed in tiny white lights, while carolers and musicians fill the air with holiday cheer. Santa visits with children at the town hall. Shopkeepers stay open late and serve hot apple cider. Events run 5-10 p.m. both weekends. Admission is free. For more information, visit visitdillsboro.org or call 800-962-1911.

Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 25th annual Dillsboro Festival of

Dec. 5-7 Biltmore Village Dickens Festival Historic Biltmore Village marks the season with three days of Victorianera merriment. Opening performances feature All Souls Episcopal Choir, Montford Park Players and other local artists. Simple Folk will perform 5-7 p.m. Dec. 6. Throughout the weekend PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON there will be musicians, singers, story- Carriage rides are part of the festivities at the Dickens Festival in Biltmore Village. tellers, carolers and entertainers performing on the stage and streets. Dec. 6 and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7. Call 274Hours are 5-7 p.m. Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 8788 or visit biltmorevillage.com.

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holiday calendar Dec. 5-7 Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ The 32nd annual production by Montford Park Players at Asheville Community Theatre is a tradition for the entire family with period costuming and sets. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Admission charged. Call 254-5146.

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

Christmas at the Farm Experience the Christmas of yesterday at Historic Johnson Farm’s holiday celebration, from noon-5 p.m. Enjoy seasonal music, refreshments, bake sale and a visit and photos with Santa in the Interpretive Center. Dress warmly for a horse-drawn wagon ride through the farm and nature trails. Stop by the barn to visit Chelsea and Lester the donkeys and their new baby April, and the farm’s Jacob sheep. For $2, guests can purchase a hot dog/drink lunch. Children can make a Christmas ornament to take home. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students K-12 and preschoolers are free. Historic Johnson Farm is at 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. For more information, call 891-6585.

Christmas parades ◆ The annual downtown Black Mountain parade celebrating the holiday season begins at 4 p.m. Call 6692300. ◆ Hendersonville Christmas parade, 10:30 a.m., Five Points to Caswell Street. Call 692-4179. ◆ Valdese Christmas parade, 10 a.m., Main Street. Call 879-2129. ◆ Bryson City Christmas parade, 2 p.m., downtown. Call 488-3681 or 800867-9246.

Flat Rock Holiday Stroll PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

A fishing Santa is on display at the Lake Julian Festival of Lights.

Dec. 5-19 Lake Julian Festival of Lights Enjoy a spectacular drive through displays of holiday lights at Lake Julian, 6-9 p.m. Cost is $5 per car, $10 per van and $20 per bus. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics. Call 684-0376.

Dec. 6 Brevard Twilight Tour Heart of Brevard’s 21st Annual Twilight Tour is 4-8 p.m. on Main and Broad streets. It is a street festival with luminaries and horse-drawn carriages, Christmas parade at 3 p.m., Merchant Open House, Jingle Bell 5K run and Mistletoe Market. Call 8843278.

Spend the afternoon and evening in Flat Rock, starting at noon, and get pictures with Santa at Flat Rock Inn, shop a Christmas tailgate market, listen to the Flat Rock Middle School choir perform on the back deck of the Wrinkled Egg, watch a matinee of “Dear Santa” at Flat Rock Playhouse and more. Festivities from noon-7:15 p.m. For details, visit flatrockonline.com/calendar_of_events/calendar.htm

Gingerbread party Mark the release of Jan Brett’s “Gingerbread Friends,” the sequel to “Gingerbread Baby” with a party including gingerbread stories, crafts and snacks at 11 a.m. at Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. Tickets are $5 per child, and space is limited. Call 456-8062.

Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Toy Run The 28th annual event collects toys for needy area children. Toys go to the

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Watch Santa Claus rapel down Chimney Rock on Dec. 6 and 13. Salvation Army. The parade of motorcycles leaves South Charlotte Street at 1 p.m. and heads to Parkway HarleyDavidson in Swannanoa. Call 298-1683.

his elves pick up their mail from the North Pole Express Mailbox. Visit ashevilleseasonalsizzle.com for information.

Dec. 6 and 13 ‘A Night Before Christmas’

Dec. 7 UNC Asheville holiday concert

Caroling, live music, a live nativity, pictures with Santa, old-fashioned wagon rides, storytelling, poetry and more on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Shops and restaurants will be open until 9 p.m.

Enjoy seasonal music by the university’s ensembles at 4 p.m. at Lipinsky Auditorium. Call 251-6432.

Santa on the Chimney Santa Claus makes his visit to Chimney Rock Park. He’ll rappel down 315 feet, ride the elevator back up and do it all over again, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be on hand for visits with children. Chimney Rock Park is off N.C. 64/74-A in Chimney Rock. Call 800-277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Dec. 6, 13 and 20 Seasonal Sizzle at Seven Celebrate the season with fireworks at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville. Earlier in the day, visit Pritchard Park from 10-11 a.m. when Santa and

Dec. 8 Waynesville Christmas parade The parade starts at 6 p.m. down Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Visit downtownwaynesville.com for information.

Dec. 10-14 ‘The Nutcracker’ The lavish production by the Asheville Ballet under the direction of Ann Dunn provides an inspiring and memorable presentation of this holiday classic. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, matinees at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and

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holiday calendar Continued from Page 31

Sunday. Admission charged. At Diana Wortham Theatre. For tickets, call 257-4530.

Dec. 10 and 12-14 Christmas pageant Mud Creek Baptist Church presents a free Christmas pageant at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 13 and 14 and 5:15 p.m. Dec. 12. For tickets call the church office at 692-1262.

Dec 11-13 ‘An O. Henry Christmas’ Asheville Arts Center presents “An O. Henry Christmas” featuring “Gift of the Magi” and holiday carol fest for the family. The center is at 308 Merrimon Ave. For information and tickets, call 253-4000.

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

‘Singing Christmas Tree’ Arden Presbyterian Church presents its 20th annual “Singing Christmas Tree” with traditional and contemporary favorites. Performances at 7:30 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Dec. 13-14. Call 684-7221 or visit ardenpres.org for information and tickets.

Dec. 12 Asheville Christian Academy Christmas program Come enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas presented by the first through fifth grades at Asheville Christian Academy. At 7 p.m. in the ACA Auditorium, 74 Riverwood Road, Swannanoa. Call 581-2200.

Dec. 11-14 ‘Return to Bethlehem’

Holiday Magic: A Festival of Trees

Now in its 21st year as a benefit for Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, this production at Groce United Methodist Church on

Park Ridge Hospital hosts its annual Christmas tree event, Holiday Magic: A Festival of Trees, a celebration of the area’s not-for-profit organizations who work year-round to improve quality of life for all who call Western North Carolina home. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. and include caroling, a nativity scene and refreshments. For more information call 6812687 or visit parkridgehospital.org.

Dec. 13 Christmas at Connemara

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Groce United Methodist Church presents its annual "Return to Bethlehem" from Dec. 11-14. Mountain dulcimer music will be provided by Balsam Gap Dulcimer. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Call 456-8062 or visit osondubooksellers.com.

‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ book signing Meet artist Leo Monahan, whose sculptures are featured in an illustrated “Twelve Days of Christmas” with 12 removable ornaments. All ages welcome. From 6-8 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St. For information, call 232-2228 or visit spellboundchildrensbookshop.com.

Dec. 13-14

Celebrate Christmas with the holiHoliday one-act plays day traditions of the Sandburgs with holiday decorations and holiday music Asheville Arts Center presents at the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat “Twas the Night Before Christmas” Rock from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 693-4178. and “Gift of the Magi” at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. At 308 Merrimon Christmas parades Ave. Tickets are $10 and $15. Call 253◆ Cherokee Christmas parade, 5:30 4000 for information. p.m., starting at Cherokee Bear Zoo ‘The Promise’ and ending at Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Call 800-438-1601. The choirs of Arden First Baptist ◆ Fletcher’s 20th annual Christmas Church, 3839 Sweeten Creek Road, parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. on U.S. 25 present “The Promise - A Celebration in Fletcher. For information, call 687of God’s Eternal Promises” at 7 p.m. 0751 or visit fletcherparks.org. Free. Call 684-6780 or visit ardentfirstbaptist.org.

Holiday story time

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

A Christmas Tree in the Carl Sandburg Home during the Christmas at Connemara event.

Scott Osondu continues his annual tradition of reading holiday stories for children of all ages at Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main St., Waynesville.

Dec. 14 Christmas at Vance Birthplace Take a candlelight tour of the Ze-

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bulon B. Vance Birthplace and get a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated in the early 19th century in the southern Appalachian mountains. From 4-7 p.m., tour the house with costumed guides and enjoy Christmas music. The site is at 911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville. Call 645-6706.

JCC Hanukkah Family Workshop Parents and children will enjoy making menorahs, learning traditional Israeli dances, playing dreidel, decorating Hanukkah cookies, singing Hanukah songs, and learn more about the Jewish Festival of Lights. At 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Asheville on Charlotte Street. Cost is $10 per family for early registrants and JCC members; $15 per family for nonmembers. Call 253-0701 for details.

Dec. 20 Asheville Symphony’s holiday pops concert The Asheville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, as well as its Children’s Chorus, perform at 8 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Call 254-7046 or visit ashevillesymphony.org.

Dec. 21 Hanukkah dinner Start the evening mingling with friends at a special cocktail hour for

holiday calendar adults and a “coketail” party for the kids at a Hanukkah dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Asheville, Charlotte Street. With a performance by Seth Kellam. Seating is limited, and advance payment is required. Cost is $18 for adults and $8 for children for JCC members, $22 and $10 for nonmembers. Call 253-0701, ext. 108.

Dec. 22-24 Hanukkah candlelighting

Dec. 27 Kwanzaa celebration

Join the extended Jewish Community Center family for singing, stories, blessings and the daily lighting of the menorah at 5:30 p.m. each day at the JCC on Charlotte Street. The entire community is invited to learn about Hanukkah at any of the JCC’s events. Call 253-0701 or visit jcc-asheville.org.

A traditional Kwanzaa feast and live artists will be part of this annual celebration at YMI Cultural Center emphasizing unity of African-American families and the lighting of the Kinara. From 3-5 p.m., with a children’s drumming workshop at 2 p.m. Donations will be accepted. Call 2524614 or visit ymicc.org.

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

David Johnson, left, performs during a Kwanzaa celebration at the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville.

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SEND US YOUR PHOTOS We welcome photos of family, neighborhood, school, church and other social activities involving children. Send your high-resolution photos, along with a brief description of the event, and names, ages and hometowns of everyone pictured. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your name and contact information. Send to: Katie Wadington at kwadington@citizen-times.com or WNC Parent Photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802.

Laura Partin, 21 months, of Hendersonville, enjoys a cupcake. Submitted by her mom, Anne.

Lilly Ballard, 8, of Weaverville, wrote a love note out of pine needles to her great-aunt Bobbie Sawyer on a special weekend visit. Sawyer submitted the photo.

Elise Gomez, almost 8 months old here, of Waynesville, is "Just happy to be here!" according to her parents, Amanda and Rob Gomez.

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Luke Marlowe, 2 1/2, of Knoxville, Tenn., plays with a toy frog during a family reunion in Fairview this summer. Submitted by his grandparents, Richard and Helen Marlowe of Fletcher.

Chase Wilson, 8, of Bethel, after making his first major hike, which was a six-hour round trip. He climbed to the top of the Pinnacle Mountain which is at the end of Fisher Creek in Jackson County. Submitted by his grandma, Kathy Wilson, of Sylva.

Samantha Presner, 2 1/2, plays in the leaves while on a stroll around Beaver Lake in North Asheville last fall. Submitted by her grandparents, Jeannette and Don Presner, who live in Asheville part of the year. Samantha lives in Vero Beach, Fla.

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SHOW AND TELL

Kaiden Vance, 1, visits the petting zoo at WNC Nature Center this summer.

Kendall Brooke Larsen, 2, plays with her new bubble blowing machine. She is the granddaughter of Richard and Nancy Smith, of Sylva, who submitted the photo.

After blueberry picking, Andy Kennedy, 5 1/2, of Fairview, got all of his clothes wet looking for frogs and newts in the creek. He had to wear his Grandpaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old shirt for the ride home. Submitted by grandma Phyllis Koenings, of Fairview.

Mason Eill and Tessa Byassee rest on a tree stump at the WNC Nature Center. Submitted by Erika Eill.

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Brady, left, and Coleman Sellers enjoy the cool creek on a hot day this summer. Submitted by their grandparents, Andy and Mickie Nicholson, of Cullowhee.

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Waterfalls, posted by Mimi.

g holdin ed s i s Big is, post s baby helle. c by Mi

My kids, posted by Amanda.

Kate asks in ‘Pediatrician and attachment parenting?’

Some of the photos and forum postings from WNCmom.com

“Anyone have a great pedi that is supportive/ encourages attachment parenting? I need to make a switch. Thanks!”

Elizabeth G asks in ‘Child care recommendations for infant?’

Ashevillemommies asks in ‘Small nonprofit group fundraising?’ “Does anyone know of any fundraising opportunities in the Asheville area for small nonprofits?”

Sarah responds: “Yes, I do know of a great opportunity. If you want to call me it would be easier to explain.”

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“I am currently pregnant and due in May 2009. I’m already researching child care for my soon-to-be infant for next summer because I’ve heard so many stories about waiting lists, etc. I live in Arden, but am willing to travel to a great center, no matter where it be in Asheville. We’ve checked out a couple centers in Arden, but next week we’ll be touring Regent Place, A-B Tech and Mountain Area Child and Family Center at Reuter YMCA. Does anyone have any recomendations? Thank you. :-) “I’m amazed by the fact there aren’t many reviews online or even Web sites to do research...”

growing together

Criticizing moms who work – or those who don’t – makes no sense of both worlds, or the worst, depending on which day you ask me. When I worked full-time outside the home, I sincerely felt that I could not give my best to anyone. I was spread too thin The Mommy to be the best lawyer or the best mom, Wars are back with or even a shoddy facsimile of either. full, lethal combat, When I came home to stay, I felt in case you have marginalized and angry with each missed the news of late. person who asked how I felt about With Sarah Palin’s emergence into presidential politics – like her or not – wasting those years in law school. moms are turning on each other again That question came up more times than I care to remember. as the rest of the world watches us I found that I needed to be at home pick each other apart. Politics are with my children, or I knew I would irrelevant to the battle that rages beregret it when they were teenagers. tween working moms and stay-atThat time has come, at least for my home moms. Even those terms cause oldest, and I find that the only days I division, don’t they? We all work, regret were the ones that took me whether we are paid for it or not. I confess that my situation is proba- away all day to a job while someone else cared for my child. And that isn’t bly unusual, and I feel fortunate to be an attack on moms who work outside able to work at home, having the best By Chris Worthy WNC Parent Columnist

the home. It is the truth for my family. Now that my children are old enough to tell me that they appreciate having a parent at home, which is a nice reward many years in the making, I am quick to tell them that Dad’s job makes it all possible. You won’t hear that in Feminism 101. I still struggle to find balance between work and home and now, homeschooling, but it is easier given the flexibility my schedule allows. I also know there are moms at home who are desperate to get out of the house and moms at work who are equally desperate to come home – and those who are thrilled with their jobs outside or within the home. No matter where we are, it is silly and divisive to turn on each other. Let’s call a cease-fire and lend one another a hand. By doing so, we mod-

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Former vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin walks with her daughter Piper onto the ice at a hockey game this fall. el gratitude, respect and the value of motherhood. And maybe we can find our own best place in the process. Chris Worthy is an attorney who took down her single to be a stay-athome mom. Write to her at growing together@chrisworthy.com.

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parenting in a nutshell

Know the hazards before shopping for toys By Doreen Nagle Gannett News Service About 217,000 toy-related injuries are reported in the United States each year; 18 children younger than 14 died from a toy-related injury in 2007. The Consumer Product Safety Commission took the bull by the horns by warning shoppers about the top potential toy hazards before this year’s shopping season started. Please keep this list with you as you track down toys for all the children you plan to shop for.

Top 5 toy hazard potentials 1. Riding toys, including scooters, skateboards and inline skates. The CPSC warns that “they go fast and falls can be deadly.” It is strongly recommended that the child always wear an appropriate helmet and other safety gear, sized to fit properly. Consider giving the safety gear along with the

toy. 2. Small balls and small parts on toys. Watch for parts that can become loose or are separated from the main toy, which can quickly turn into choking hazards. Young children (generally age 3 or younger) are notorious for putting everything they can find into their mouths. 3. Balloons. A staple at children’s parties, this innocent-seeming toy can cause choking and even suffocation for children as old as 8 – or even older. Uninflated, broken or popped balloons should always be kept away from children. An advocate of no balloons for young children myself, I’ll go a step further than the CPSC: Never leave a child alone with a balloon, inflated or deflated, since the former can become the latter in the time you turn your back. 4. Magnets. The CPSC warns that more and more building sets have small magnets in them; if the magnets fall out children can swallow them

and that can be deadly. The CPSC has worked with the toy industry toward new safety standards for magnetic toys. Their recommendation includes avoiding toys with magnets in them altogether for children younger than 6. 5. Adapters and chargers. With the addition of electronic games so prevalent on children’s wish lists, toys are battery powered in ever-increasing numbers, hence the adapters and charges. Follow the instructions that come with the toy and do not over charge since that can cause a fire. Charge for the time specified in the instructions. Also, do not put the charger on a soft or flammable surface since fires can start that way as well. Chargers and adapters can also cause thermal burns.

A few recent recalls The CPSC also lists toy recalls. Here are some recent ones: Hasbro’s

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NerfBlasters Nerf-N-Strike Recon Blaster; Rage Wireless Guitars; My Little Train Classics Toy Trains by JA-RU; Mini-Televisor; wooden toys by Earth Friendly; Protocol remotecontrolled mini helicopter; Claire’s Best Friends Yin Yang metal necklaces; Delta crib recall.

Tip from the parenting trenches Read labels that come with the toys as carefully as you read the label in a grocery store. Look for age recommendations and other warnings, like “Contains small parts, which may be a choking hazard for young children.” Also, research online before you set out to shop for toys. Check with cpsc.gov. 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.

divorced families

Here’s a gift-giving suggestion: Make holidays less about toys and more about spending time By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist

tions of Santa Claus, and now, that new vanguard elf (a novelty being sold in which a toy elf, who reports to Santa regarding the children’s behavDivorcing parior each night, is placed around the ents are sometimes house as a hide-and-seek style game). afraid that holiday Children experiencing divorce may shopping could sometimes assume blame for the overeasily turn into a all event and then believe that Santa sequel to the movie will not reward them because “they “The Nightmare are bad.” Not getting the gifts they Before Christmas.” Children are, unwant can reinforce this idea. fortunately, easily manipulated by If you have a Santa tradition, readvertising and by peer pressure into mind your children that the divorce thinking about what they “should has nothing to do with them and that have” or “should get,” for the holidays Santa may give according to what a which may not in reality meet the child needs and not necessarily what family budget. This holds as true for he or she wants. This can actually families struggling with the overall turn into constructive conversation downsizing which may result from time about the difference between single parenthood. needs and wants, depending on the A lot has already been written in child’s age. the past about the negative impact of ◆ Toys can be like dog food. Since materialism and the holidays, but the dogs can’t read (though I am suspishocking fact is how few children cious about my cats), the packages have been paying attention to those often show yummy images of choice articles and the cited research within. steak or fresh fish being eagerly deSomething called “TV” appears to be voured by puppies that look just like more influential. Maybe, someday, the Snoopy for the benefit of pet owners. government will require a disclaimer Then, you read the content list, only for TV viewers that “what you are to discover that the primary ingrediabout to watch, including the adverent is “corn and mechanically sepatisements, is not real.” We can only rated meat by-products.” hope… For parents, the magic packaging is Until something like that happens, “educational.” Or, maybe, something here is my suggested “Guide to Avoid- you wished you had when you were a ing Holiday Land Mines” in giving: kid. Either way, for your child, it may ◆ Whether you celebrate Christwind up tasting just like corn or, “memas or not, be watchful of the implica- chanically separated by-products”

◆ Take in any of the free festivals offered around our area during the season. Your time with your children is a gift that is irreplaceable. ◆ If your to be ex-spouse tries to one-up you on gifts, try not to get caught up in the game. It can create (whatever that means). some unfortunate distress for the ◆ Consider gifts that are experiential, ideally involving you. In gener- immediate time, but even young chilal, people remember experiences over dren can frequently figure out a bit of the agenda. You can’t buy love, just things. Buying a used student guitar with lessons included, or parent-child rent it, when it comes to money. Ultimately, the best gift you can martial art classes at a studio, might ever offer your children is you and be an example. your time. Unless, for some reason, ◆ If you go to video game world, you have been mechanically separated remember that not all games are and mixed with corn. equal. Look at games that emphasis Trip Woodard is a licensed marriage strategy and thinking not just pointand family therapist and a clinical and-click firing. And please, try to member of the N.C. Association of avoid systems that are essentially virtual exercise. It is simply more “bad Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 606-8607. dog food” for children.

Consider gifts that are experiential, ideally involving you. In general, people remember experiences over things.

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living with children

Little kids’ serious actions – like hitting and name calling – require serious punishments Question: Our 4-year-old son has a problem with hitting other children at preschool and has to spend the afternoon in his room for this. We recently signed him up to play soccer, and he is pushing kids down and tripping them during the games. My husband wanted to pull him out of the last game and take him home to sit in his room, but I didn’t want to teach him to quit on his team in the middle of the game. How should we handle this? Answer: It seems to me that getting him to stop hitting and pushing other children is the priority item. Taking him out of a game in which he is being

a problem is not going to teach him to quit. It’s going to cause him to think twice the next time he’s in a game and feels the impulse to hit or push. In short, I think your husband has the right idea. I would amend it as follows: The next time your son hits or pushes in a soccer game, I would take him out, take him home, and confine him to his room until the next game or practice, then give it another try. And I’d keep doing that until the hitting and pushing stopped. During his confinement, he can come out of his room to do chores, eat meals with the family (assuming he behaves himself at the table), go to preschool and accompany you when you leave the house. This type of behavior is very serious; therefore, it requires a very seri-

ous response, one that creates a lasting memory. Q: How should we deal with a very intelligent 5-year-old girl who joins with two other little neighbor girls at the bus stop in calling her 7-year-old disabled sibling a wacko? We have talked ourselves blue in the face to no avail. A: I recommend what I call “kicking (in this case, your budding sociopath) out of the Garden of Eden.” When she is at school one day, remove from the home EVERYTHING that “belongs” to her — toys, books, nonessential clothing, and so on, from her room. She comes home from school to a life that is stripped down to its bare essentials. In addition, all after-school and weekend activities are suspended for the duration of her rehabilitation. Say, “This is how you are going to

live until you have learned to not only to treat your sister with respect but also to defend her against others who treat her with disrespect. No matter what, so that you will never forget this, you are going to live like this for two months, during which time, if you are cruel to your sister in any way, the two months will start over again. We sincerely hope you figure out how to get your life back.” My experience tells me that there will be no more incidents and she will be begging for reprieve in two weeks. Accept her promises, but stick with the two month plan. You need to make sure she has a story to tell to her grandchildren. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions at rosemond.com.

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Make Christmas magical Orlando theme parks celebrate big There be Peace on Earth’ at the end of the show. It’s very moving,” said Helmstetter. Castle Dreamlights at Magic Kingack Frost may soon be nipping at your nose, but the weather is mild dom also garnered high praise. McCann said, “The icicle lights at central Florida theme parks. So draped all over Cinderella’s castle treat yourself to a warm, if not white, were breathtaking — truly magical.” holiday vacation. Helmstetter, a fan of Osborne FamiNovember brought the start of holiday shows, parades and fireworks ly Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, said, “I to many central Florida destinations. loved the Osborne lights — especially Retiree Marianna McCann, of Wilmington, took in the festivities at Walt the show synchronized with music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the Disney World. ‘snow.’ It’s something only Disney “The parade and fireworks at the could do.” Magic Kingdom were a lot of fun — Resorts also deck the halls with especially the toy soldiers marching in towering trees and other festoons. big, square shoes. I just wish there McCann was in awe of the lifewere more benches for senior viewsized gingerbread house, which douing,” said McCann. “The free cocoa bles as a sweets shop, inside Disney’s and cookies at Mickey’s Very Merry Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Christmas Party were really good.” Universal Studios Florida kicks off At Epcot, Kristen Helmstetter, a its holiday season with two performrecent college graduate from Glen ances by Christmas music sensation Ridge, N.J., took in a candlelight proMannheim Steamroller on Dec. 6. The cessional performance. “I am not super religious, but it was same park will host Macy’s Holiday just amazing. The music, the choir, the Parade, featuring balloons much like those seen soaring down Broadway in narration — it was so beautiful,” said Helmstetter. “I also thought the story- New York City. Celebrate Grinchmas at Islands of tellers around the world showcase Adventure, where the Grinch stars in were very entertaining.” McCann, who rated the candlelight an original production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” with the processional her favorite holiday oflovable Whos from Whoville and fering said, “Being deeply religious, I was really impressed that Disney — a featuring music by Mannheim Steambig corporate entity — is not ashamed roller. The Polar Express Experience pulls to celebrate the birth of Christ with into SeaWorld Orlando and takes such an amazing pageant.” guests to the North Pole through Wild Another perk of visiting Walt DisArctic, which is transformed into ney World during the holidays is IlSanta Town. luminations, the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. “During the holidays, they play ‘Let For details, see Pages 48-49. By Julie Saunders WNC Parent contributor

SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN-TIMES/2008 THE WALT DISNEY CO.

Minnie, Mickey and friends gather around the Christmas tree at the Magic Kingdom.

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Theme parks’ holiday events Magic Kingdom Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: Festivities include special shows, parades, fireworks and attractions from 7 p.m.-midnight on 18 select nights, through Dec. 19. Separate admission required. Tickets: adults (age 10 and older) $55.95 and children (age 3-9) $49.95, plus tax. Advance purchase $7 discount available on nine nights only. Additional details and ticket purchase available at disneyworld.com/holidays or call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639). Castle Dreamlights: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace at holiday time. More than 200,000 white lights make the castle glisten.

Epcot Holidays around the World: Storytellers share holiday traditions from 11 nations featured around World Showcase through Dec. 30. Candlelight Processional: Moving retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity guest narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and hundreds-strong mass choir. Three performances nightly through Dec. 30, in-

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SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN-TIMES/2008 THE WALT DISNEY CO.

Castle Dreamlights transforms Cinderella’s castle into a glittering ice palace.

cluded with theme park admission. Optional dinner packages range from $27.99-$53.99 for adults and $12.99-$14.99 for children (ages 3-9). For reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Millions of lights and animated displays dance to music while “snow” flurries fill the air. Nightly, through Jan. 4.

Inn. Prices are $46 plus tax for adults and $29 plus tax for children (ages 3-9). Runs through Jan. 4 (except Dec. 25). Park admission not required. Reservations and additional information at seaworld.com/orlando or call 800-3272424.

Universal Orlando Resort events

◆ Universal Studios Florida Mannheim Steamroller: In concert Dec. 6. Included with park admission. Macy’s Holiday Parade: Direct from New York. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Daily through Jan. 1. Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade: Holiday over◆ Islands of lay of daily parade through Jan. 4. Additional information at disneyworld.com or Adventure Grinchmas: Origicall 407-934-7693. nal musical production of “How SeaWorld Orlando the Grinch Stole The Polar Express Experience: Enchanting Christmas” plus train ride featuring animal encounters. Allphoto opportuniaboard through Jan. 4. ties with the Shamu Christmas Miracles: Nightly show through Dec. 30, at Shamu Stadium. Special Grinch. Daily until Jan. 1. lighting and Christmas carols help Shamu Details at unicelebrate the holiday season. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT “How the Grinch Stole Christmastide: Holiday fountain show featur- versalorlando.com/holidays Christmas” comes to life ing colorful lights and festive music through or call 877-801- at Universal’s Islands of Dec. 25. Adventure. Makahiki Christmas Luau: Served at Seafire 9720.

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puzzles for parents ACROSS 1. Tut’s home 5. *Make sure to save room for it 8. Chicago’s is Magnificent 12. Sixth month of civil year 13. Cosine’s buddy 14. Who’s the real deal? 15. “The Kinks” hit 16. ____ over 17. Acrobat maker 18. *_________ sauce 20. Many prefer this to a dish 21. One who believes God created universe then abandoned it 22. Half man, half goat 23. Scottish kilt fabric 26. *Pilgrims’ famous assistant 30. Old fashioned “before” 31. Loan shark, e.g. 34. Vietnam neighbor 35. Adjust 37. *Turkey before you cook it 38. Mine passages 39. Rig 40. *Popular after Thanksgiving 42. Hawaiian welcome wreath 43. Bring into servitude 45. Unwholesome atmosphere 47. General Services Administration 48. 1.3 ounces in Asia, pl. 50. Similar to #38 Down 52. Made of twisted ropes 56. Do something “at your own _____” 57. It looks similar to a clarinet 58. Introduced in Europe in ’99 59. *It fills many houses on Thanksgiving 60. Overwhelming defeat 61. Julia’s Oscar-winning role 62. *Starchy tubers 63. ’90s catchphrase 64. Time gone by DOWN 1. Used in talcum powder 2. Some soaps have none 3. Cheekbone

4. Forced to resign as West German Chancellor in ’74 5. Boat stops 6. Unable to move 7. Like an eel 8. Famous old farmer 9. Computer image 10. It’s either attached or detached on people 11. Storm center 13. Coils of yarn 14. Reverted to China in ’99 19. “That’s a ____!”

22. Precedes s,t,u 23. Razz 24. Elizabeth, purveyor of cosmetics 25. Huge quantities of paper 26. Fastened on clothing 27. “Tough as _____” 28. Native American pole 29. Or else, in music 32. Often hard to control 33. Old towel 36. *Original colonists 38. Nimble 40. “Desperate” Longoria

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41. Denver breakfast item 44. Another word for asylums 46. “______ at the wheel” 48. Something best not mentioned 49. Movie “_____ Last Night” 50. “Will be,” according to Day 51. Ball in high school 52. *Ear for decor 53. Halo 54. Fleur-de-lis 55. “____ do it!”56. Ante up

Solutions on Page 63

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Kids page Connect the dots

Coloring Maze

Coloring

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story times Buncombe County Public Libraries Mother Goose Time (ages 4-18 months) 11 a.m. Mondays: West Asheville 10 a.m. Tuesdays: Pack Memorial (walkers) 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Fairview 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Pack Memorial (nonwalkers) 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Swannanoa, Weaverville (second and fourth Wednesdays of month only) 11 a.m. Thursdays: Oakley/South Asheville Toddler Time (ages 18-36 months) 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Leicester

10 a.m. Wednesdays: North Asheville 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Fairview, Skyland/ South Buncombe 11 a.m. Wednesdays: West Asheville 10 a.m. Thursdays: Pack Memorial 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Black Mountain, Enka-Candler 11 a.m. Thursdays: Pack Memorial, Weaverville (second and fourth Thursdays only) Story time (Ages 3-5) 11 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville (first and third Tuesdays of month) 10 a.m. Wednesdays: Oakley/South Asheville 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Black Mountain, Enka-Candler, Leicester

11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, North Asheville, Pack Memorial 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Oakley/ South Asheville, Skyland/South Buncombe 11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, West Asheville 11 a.m. Saturdays: East Asheville School-age story time (ages 5-7) 10 a.m. Wednesdays, September through May, Pack Memorial. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays: North Asheville Storyline Call 251-5437 for a story anytime. Barnes & Noble Story time: 1 p.m. every Saturday.

Call 296-9330 or 296-9326 for more information. At Barnes & Noble, 83 S. Tunnel Road, East Asheville. Growing Young CafĂŠ Offered at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays. The cafĂŠ is at 611 Tunnel Road. Call 299-4420. Osondu Booksellers Preschoolers story time: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. A new weekly story time with teacher, librarian, and story teller Pam Lloyd. Osondu Booksellers is at 184 N. Main St., Waynesville. For more information, call 4568062 or visit osondubooksellers.com. From staff reports

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video games

Consider these tech toys for holiday gifts Dog,” “Sesame Street” and others. Kids use this keyboard so they never gunk up Mom and Dad’s. ◆ Tag Reading System: For ages 4-8, Good tech toys enhance play and from LeapFrog, leapfrog.com/tag, learning through the use of technolo$49.99 (add-on books sell for $13.99), gy. Here are some of this year’s best: works with Windows or Macs. For younger kids With Tag, kids can learn to read by holding this special outsized pen over ◆ Fisher-Price Computer Cool School: For ages 3-6, from Fisher-Price, fisher- books. Tap the device anywhere inside a Tag book, and it responds by price.com, $60 (add-on software sells either reading the book, reading indifor $16), requires computer running vidual words, making the illustrations Windows. This tech toy allows young children talk or make noise, or playing a game using the words and illustrations on to play on their parents’ computers PHOTOS FROM GANNETT NEWS SERVICE the page. It is amazing to watch. The without ever letting them get into their parents’ files. It bundles a special system comes with one book, but four Fisher-Price’s Computer Cool School features a special keyboard that attaches to a computer and allows young children to play educational games on their parents’ computers without more books can be added into its keyboard (with traditional keys as getting into their parents’ files. memory by connecting it to your comwell as big trigger buttons, a drawing tablet and an attached stylus) with its puter. own learning software that offers fun One of last year’s most exciting activities in reading and writing, toys was the EyeClops Bionic Eye, a For older kids math, science, music and art. Addi200x microscope that you could plug tional software lets kids continue the ◆ EyeClops BioniCam: For ages 8 and into your TV. The next generation of edutainment with favorites including older, from Jakks Pacific, eyeclopthat toy is this year’s EyeClops Bion“Scooby Doo,” “Clifford the Big Red s.com, $79.99. iCam, which adds 400x magnification, the ability to take photos and videos of what you magnify, and portability. Kids just turn it on and point to see the world up close as it is displayed on the toy’s built-in color LCD screen. The toy has three magnification settings of 100x, 200x and 400x. Photos and videos that you take can also be viewed on the TV or via computer. For younger children (ages 6 and older), the EyeClops Bionic Eye is still The EyeClops BioniCam, from Jakks Pacific, lets kids take photos and videos of what available, but this year’s version adds they magnify with the device. a 400x magnification setting to last year’s model, which had only 100x and ity of “Dance Dance Revolution” game 200x. It costs $49.99. play to your television without having ◆ D-Rex: For ages 7 and older, from to own a console gaming system. Plus, Mattel, masterorprey.com, $149.99. with this dance game, there’s no dance Not exactly cuddly, but absolutely mat, just your feet wearing slip-on adorable is this fierce biomorphic Motion Tags (a special button atrobot dinosaur. He walks on his hind tached to an elastic band that you slip legs, makes fascinating facial expresover your feet or shoes). To play, you sions, feels like a reptile and roars to make a variety of sounds. He responds follow footprint icons that show up on the screen, and the game tracks your to both touch and voice. He can be programmed to step forward and roar dance movements, which can include jumping, sliding, crossovers and more. (attack), guard a room, follow your This dance game allows for more voice, make funny sounds, or answer innovation than “DDR” as you dance questions by nodding or shaking his through the 12 songs and other games. head. ◆ U-Dance: For ages 8 and older, Gudmundsen is the editor of Comfrom Hasbro/Tiger Electronics, puting With Kids magazine UDanceGame.com, $74.99, plugs into (www.ComputingWithKids.com). Cona TV. tact her at gnstech@gns.gannett.com. Here’s a way to bring the popularBy Jinny Gudmundsen Gannett News Service

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Quick dinners Pumpkin gnocchi with sage brown butter 1 cup (about half of a 15-ounce can) canned pumpkin 2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) 4 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped 1/4 cup grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper, to taste Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, combine pumpkin, flour and nutmeg, if desired, in a medium bowl. Blend with a fork until dough forms, then turn out onto a cutting board and knead a few times until smooth. Divide dough into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope and cut into eight pieces. Reduce water heat to medium and add gnocchi. Cook about 2 minutes, just until gnocchi float to the top. Drain and set gnocchi aside. Melt butter in the gnocchi pot over medium heat. When it starts to brown, add sage and toss for 30 seconds. Return gnocchi to pot and toss with sauce. Dish gnocchi, then sprinkle with cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Approximate values per serving (16 pieces): 374 calories, 14 g fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 9 g protein, 53 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 214 mg sodium, 34 percent calories from fat. Prep time: 15 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes. Serves 4. Gannett News Service

Herb-rubbed pork tenderloin 1 pork tenderloin (about 12 ounces) 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard 2 tablespoons dried herbes de Provence seasoning blend 1/2 tablespoon garlicflavored or plain olive oil Cut pork in half crosswise. Spread each half with mustard. Place in a resealable plastic bag. Add herbes de Provence, seal bag and rub pork around inside bag to coat with mustard and herbs. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place pork in a shallow roasting pan. Baste with garlic oil. Roast until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with store-bought or homemade mashed sweet potatoes, if desired. Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 1 hour. Serves: 2. Approximate values per serving: 253 calories, 10 g fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 37 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 180 mg sodium, 36 percent calories from fat. Gannett News Service

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Quick dinners Honey mustard pecan tilapia 2 tilapia fillets (6 ounces each), thawed if frozen 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons honey mustard 3 tablespoons pecans, very finely chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a baking sheet or shallow baking pan. Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Place on pan. Combine mayonnaise and mustard; spread on fish. Sprinkle with pecans and press them into fillets lightly to help them stick. Bake 15 minutes or until fish is flaky. Prep time: 5 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes. Serves 2. Approximate values per serving: 443 calories, 35 g fat, 95 mg cholesterol, 36 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 348 mg sodium, 71 percent calories from fat. Gannett News Service

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Deck the windows Photos by Erin Brethauer Asheville’s downtown businesses decorated their windows for the festive season, with 46 businesses participating in the Downtown Holiday Window Display Competition. Windows were judged on originality, creativity, use of space, use of merchandise and that hard-to-describe “wow” factor. Competition was stiff. Mobilia Contemporary Home Furnishings, 43 Haywood St., won best of show by only one point. Sensibilities Day Spa, 59 Haywood St. was given the most creative award and Mast General Store, 15 Biltmore Ave., received the “best use of merchandise” award. The trees decorated by the Asheville Sister Cities represent different countries.

Elves and chocolate trees decorate the Chocolate Fetish’s storefront window.

The display at Ad Lib makes a Christmas tree look like a dress.

The store front of Heaven Rains Boys and Girls shows off dolls and Santa puppets.

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kids sports

Every coach must have strategy for playing time By Tom Kuyper Gannett News Service Question: Your concept of keeping extra players — how do you effectively swing it? I love the concept, but the parents demand playing time for their kids, especially when you are winning, or if they think the child is much better

then player X. I would love to keep a player who loved the game, worked hard in practice, filled in when it helped, was a great team player, etc., but they don’t exist anymore. I am not saying I would have any player not get some time, but at the high school and high school club level, the demand for “equal” playing time from parents is a

real problem. In club, I carry 17 players where I used to carry 20 or 21. In addition, the players I would like to keep to help us be a little deeper are often not happy with that role. They (or their parents) often become a distraction. Any advice? Answer: I am excited when our youth coaches put so much thought and time into doing what is right and best for the kids. Thank you for being that kind of a coach. I have been in that situation many, many times both as a coach and a parent. It is important that you only carry the number of players that you plan to play and work into your rotation. Once you have your team, your first meeting must be with all parents and players to define your playing-time policy. At this time, give them the option to stay or find another team, letting them know that playing-time issues will be a mute point after the meeting.

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The bigger question is what to do with all the other kids. You basically have three options: 1. You can carry a few more kids as “alternates” with the idea that they were close to making the team and can practice with the team as they develop their game. They must know they will not play in the games, yet there’s hope for the future as they get to practice and are part of the team. 2. You can put together another team. I would let this “B” team practice with the “A” team. 3. You can help them find a new/ different team. Although this could be the hardest to suggest, it’s often best for the child. Playing time will always be an important component in the development of the kids, so a carefully thought-out plan is crucial. If you have questions or comments for Tom Kuyper, e-mail him at tomkuyper@kidsandsports.com.

calendar of events

Things to do To have your event included in January’s WNC Parent, e-mail details to calendar@wncparent.com by Dec. 19.

Through December Theater classes The Childrens Theatre Workshop of the Asheville Arts Center is enrolling and holding auditions for the following shows. Call 253-4000 for more information. At 308 Merrimon Ave. unless indicated. ◆ “Godspell Jr.!” Auditions ongoing for ages 10 and older. Performances Feb. 6-7. Classes are 5-6:45 p.m. Thursdays and 12:45-2 p.m. Saturdays. ◆ “Wizard of Oz”: Classes begin Jan. 6 for ages 5-9 and Feb. 12 for ages 10-18. Performances in May. ◆ “Annie Jr.” at Asheville Arts Center South, 9 Summit Ave. Classes begin Jan. 5 for ages 5-18. Performances are in April.

Dec. 1 Food allergy group Would you like to have COCOA – Caring fOr Children with fOod Allergies – in Asheville? A free group for parents of food allergic children is meeting at Earth Fare on Hendersonville Road in South Asheville. If you are interested, come to meetings at 6:45 p.m. the first Monday of the month or e-mail Kristie at cocoa_in_asheville@yahoo.com for details.

By Dec. 1 Operation Santa Claus The Arc of Buncombe County is sponsoring Operation Santa Claus for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the county. Volunteers are asked to “adopt” or provide monetary gifts to help spread the joy of Christmas to these individuals who have no immediate family or support systems. To ensure delivery is by Christmas, all gifts and donations are asked to be made by Dec. 1. Many of The Arc’s clients, ranging in age from young children through adults, are

challenged by autism, Down syndrome and other moderate to severe learning disabilities. If you are interested in adopting a special needs individual for Christmas or would like to make a donation to The Arc of Buncombe County, please call 2531255 or e-mail arcbc@bellsouth.net.

fort measures. Bring two pillows and a blanket. Two Tuesdays, Dec. 2 and 9, 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.

Starts Dec. 3 Christmas gift workshop Create gifts for Christmas with instruction from Tracy Munn at Sew Simply in Black Mountain. Workshops are 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Cost is $30. For information or to register, call 669-3978 or visit sewsimply.com.

Dec. 1 and 4

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

Dec. 2-3 Craft fair North Asheville Preschool will hold its annual holiday craft fair from 8:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Crafts for sale will include ceramics, paintings, handmade children’s clothing, ornaments, soaps, jewelry, pillows and more. Crafters are all local moms and mompreneurs. Ten percent of sales go to support the school. The preschool is at Asbury Methodist Church, 171 Beaverdam Road. For more information, contact Madeline Moseley at 253-4110.

Dec. 2 and 9 Childbirth 101 A two-session class for expectant parents covering the labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathing patterns, birth options, positioning and com-

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

‘Seussical the Musical’

Take a free music class, at 10 a.m. Dec. 1 at the Reuter Family YMCA in Biltmore Park and 10 a.m. Dec. 4 in West Asheville. To reserve a space, contact Kari at karirichmond@charter.net or 545-0990. For more information, visit AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com.

Montreat MOPS

Preschool Play Date

Dec. 4-5

Asheville Area Music Together

Dec. 2

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.

Dec. 3 and 17 Family knitting circle Cozy up with a cup of tea and conversation while you knit along with your child at Growing Young Café. From 3:30-4:30 p.m. Bring your own needles and yarn, and if you have extra, bring some to share. Café is at 611 Tunnel Road. Call 2994420 or visit growingyoungcafe.com.

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

Dec. 4 Family Fun Night at Oakley/South Asheville Library The Oakley/South Asheville Library offers a family fun night the first Thursday evening of each month with evening family story time. Tales and lore will span all places and times of oral tradition from Aesop to King Arthur to Uncle Remus and more. Children in pajamas with their stuffed animals are welcome. Program starts at 7 p.m. The library is at 749 Fairview Road. 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

Ira B. Jones Elementary School’s Drama Club will present “Seussical the Musical” at 7p.m. in the auditorium at the school, 544 Kimberly Ave., Asheville. Performances are open to the public. The musical is based on the popular story “Horton Hears a Who” by Dr. Seuss and features more than 114 of Jones’ students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Tickets are available at the door and all proceeds benefit the Ira B. Jones Drama Club. Call Katy Farlow, Ira B. Jones’ PTO, at 230-9515 for more information.

Dec. 5 Weaverville Library Teen Advisory Group The Teen Advisory Group at the Weaverville Library will hold a creative writing workshop from 4-5:30 p.m. for kids aged 12-18. Grab your notebooks, pens and pencils and come practice the basics of creative writing with other teens. Whether you’re the next Stephenie Meyer or you’ve never written a haiku, this program is for you! The library is at 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Dec. 5-7 ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ The Children’s Theatre Workshop of the Asheville Arts Center presents “Willy Wonka Jr.” Performances will be at Isaac Dickson Elementary School on Hill Street at 7 p.m. Dec. 5; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6; and 3 p.m. Dec. 7. For tickets and information, call 253-4000.

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calendar of events Holiday Cook and Care Continued from Page 59

Young Chefs Academy is hosting a free event to teach children how to cook and foster community involvement. Five different stations will offer lessons in cooking skills and holiday treat-making. Two sessions are available: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Participants should bring nonperishable food items to donate. Call 6512433 to make a reservation. Cost is $39. At 336 Rockwood Road in Arden.

Dec. 5 and 19 Moms night out Growing Young Café hosts a night out from 6-9:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday of every month. Children enjoy imaginative play, art activites and games. Cost is $20/child ($15 for second child). Sign up and pay by preceding Wednesday to reserve your spot. The café is at 611 Tunnel Road. Call 299-4420 or visit growingyoungcafe.com.

Rugby Middle School craft fair More than 100 crafters from 9 a.m-3 p.m. at Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville. Call 891-6566.

Stuff-an-Animal toy drive

Dec. 6

Fun Depot is hosting a toy drive for Toys for Tots. Build an animal at the Animaland Kiosk and donate it. Prices start at $10. Event includes a visit with Santa, milk and cookies, and a free pass to the soft play area or climbing wall. Call 277-2386 for information.

Crafts for Kids at the Leicester Library Kids are invited to create holiday decorations and ornaments using a variety of craft materials. The Leicester library will provide materials and holiday snacks. This free program will be noon-1 p.m. The library is at 1561 Alexander Road. Call 2506480.

Evergreen Community Charter School arts and crafts bazaar A bazaar featuring up to 40 local artists exhibiting glass art, woodwork, textiles, collage, dolls, painting, jewelry, blacksmith, photography, music, and more, along with crafts created by the school’s fourth-grade class. Support local artists and get

Swannanoa Valley Montessori craft sale PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Kids can sharpen their cooking skills at the Holiday Cook and Care event at Young Chefs Academy in Arden on Dec. 6. your holiday shopping done early. A portion of all proceeds will go toward the fourth grade end-ofthe-year trip. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the school,

50 Bell Road in Haw Creek. Admission is free. For information, call (970) 420-7071.

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Handmade crafts by local artists for sale to benefit Swannanoa Valley Montessori School. Sale is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church on West State Street in Black Mountain. Stop in before the Black Mountain Christmas parade. For more information, visit swanmont.org.

calendar of events

Dec. 7 Asheville Arts Center recitals Asheville Arts Center music students will play for family, friends and the public from 1:30-3 p.m. Admission is free. At the arts center, 308 Merrimon Ave. Call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com for more information.

Children’s Health and Harmony Expo In its first year, this children’s expo celebrates everything good for children with a holistic approach through education, entertainment, empowerment and enlightenment. The expo’s mission is to bring peace to Earth one family at a time. Event features a performance of “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” by Asheville Arts Center, a performance by 23 Skidoo, Asheville’s children’s hip-hop star; an activity area; inflatable planetarium; quiet mothering area; booths from more than 40 area retailers, holistic professionals, alternative schools and more. From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the ballroom of the downtown Asheville Renaissance Hotel. For more information, contact Nicole Bookman at 252-8149 or namasteasheville.com.

Dec. 8 Home-school program

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 254-6373, ext. 316. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.com and click on the “Programs” tab.

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 713-3707 or jenn@ashevillebirthnetwork.com.

Come to the Weaverville Library for a winter holiday story time at 6:30 p.m. Listen to a diverse selection of seasonal stories, sing songs and make holiday decorations. The library is at 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Moms group

Dec. 10

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.

Holistic Parenting Forum

Dec. 8 and 22 ‘My Mom Is Having a Baby’ A free program to help children ages 3-8 understand, accept and anticipate the changes that will happen as the family prepares for the birth of the new baby. Each child will see and hold life-

Drama improv workshop Take your drama improv skills to the next level while increasing self-confidence. Runs 10 a.m.noon for 8- to 10-year-olds and 2–4 p.m. for 11to 13-year-olds at Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

‘Festivitrees’ workshop

Family Fun Night at Weaverville Library

La Leche League Mondays

Expand creativity, build confidence, make new friends and express yourself through the arts. Series includes drama games (Dec 8-9), Playback Improv Theatre (Dec 15-16), sand play (Dec 29-30), collage (Jan. 5-6), mask-making (Jan. 12-13), creative movement (Jan. 26-27). At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172. For homeschoolers: Runs 10 a.m.-noon Mondays for 6- to 9-year-olds and 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays for 10- to 13-year-olds. For non-homeschoolers: Runs 4-6 p.m. Mondays for 6- to 9-year-olds and 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays for 10- to 13-year-olds at Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville.

The East Asheville Library continues its series of workshops for young writers. For ages 12-18. Bring a pad of paper and a pen or pencil, and delve into the world of character creation. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738.

Asheville Area Birth Network

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

Expressive Arts series

Creative Writing for Teens

Dec. 9

Learn how to identify trees in the winter in the “Tracks & Traces” program at Chimney Rock Park. It may seem unbelievable, but determining trees by characteristics such as their bark, twigs, odors and growth habits can be just as easy. 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.

Starts Dec. 8

and clogging demonstrations. Local pottery and other art will be on sale. All cooks will need to prepare two gallons of chili. Awards will be given for Best Overall, Best Amateur, Best Restaurant, and Peoples Choice. There will be an “Honorable Mention” in all categories. For more information and a registration form, call 456-9207 or e-mail oldarmory@townofwaynesville.org.

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 “The Fluoride Mystery” presented by Dr. Biddle from Asheville Integrative Medicine. 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 6-8 p.m. Children are welcome. For information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com

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

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Ralph’s World — Ralph Covert and his band — will play The Orange Peel on Dec. 14.

Dec. 12 Christmas in the Valley arts and crafts show Owen Middle School will host its fifth-annual Christmas in the Valley arts and crafts show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the school gym. The event will include professional juried artisans, music, local barbeque, homemade concessions and a raffle. Professionally handcrafted items include pottery, metalwork, woodwork, fabrics, jewelry and more. Free children’s area to include crafts and Santa. For more information, call 686-7917.

Parents night out

Saturday sewing 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.

WNC Cheer open house Come check out WNC Cheer, which offers cheerleading, tumbling and Mommy and Me classes. Open house times are 10 a.m.-noon for 3- to 8-year-olds and 1-3 p.m. for 9- to 18-year-olds. WNC Cheer is at 403 Stone Ridge Blvd., Asheville, behind the old Skate A Round on Weaverville Highway. Call Nicole for more information at 206-0077 or visit wnccheer.com.

Asheville Arts Center is offering a parents night out, 6-9:30 p.m., with a holiday fun theme at its location at 308 Merrimon Ave. Cost is $20 for first child/ $15 for additional children. Reserve by Dec. 10. Call 253-4000 for information.

Winter crafts at Swannanoa Library

Dec. 13

Dec. 14

Christmas crafts for kids at Black Mountain Library

Dec. 11

Black Mountain Library will host its annual Christmas crafts for kids day from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Black Mountain United Methodist Church. Parking is available in the lot on Church Street. This year will feature Christmas crafts from around the world. This free program is for kids ages 4-12. For more information, call 250-4756.

Mom’s night out sewing

Chili cookoff and art show

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.

Young Chefs Academy is teaching children to make a “Festivitrees” star tree centerpiece with sugar cookie dough and star cutters, baked and then iced and decorated. From 10 a.m.-noon. Call 651-2433 to make a reservation. Cost is $39. At 336 Rockwood Road in Arden.

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will host the first chili cookoff and art show, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Old Armory Recreation Center. The contest is open to the public. The cost to attend is $7 per adult and $5 per child younger than 12. Both amateurs and restaurants are allowed to enter the contest. Entry fee is $10 per entry. There will also be musical entertainment

Swannanoa Library will have a winter crafts program for children of all ages from 1-3 p.m. The library is at 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486.

Holiday gift workshop Enjoy a guided expressive arts experience that lets you create a special holiday gift for a family member or friend. Have fun with collage, drawing and poetry while making a creation that will warm hearts. Runs 2-4 p.m. for 8- to 13-year-olds at Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

Ralph’s World at The Orange Peel Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ralph Covert brings his high-energy children’s music to The Orange Peel for a 3 p.m. show. Tickets are $15 each or $52 for a four-pack and are available at theorangepeel.net or by phone at 866-4687630.

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calendar of events Continued from Page 61

Ballard Bowman at 254-7206, ext. 116, or visit ywcaofasheville.org.

a.m.-noon at 336 Rockwood Road. Call 6512433 for reservations.

Dec. 15

Oakley/South Asheville Library Giving Tree

La Leche League Saturdays

Grandparent class This 90-minute free class covers how grandparents can help, how childbirth has changed, gift ideas, safety and a tour or the obstetrics unit at Park Ridge Hospital in Fletcher. At 7 p.m. in the hospital’s Duke Room. For information or to register, call 681-2262.

Morning out sewing Work on an ongoing project or learn a new one from instructor Tracy Munn at Sew Simply in Black Mountain. From 10 a.m.-1 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.

Through Dec. 15 MotherLove Giving Tree The YWCA of Asheville’s MotherLove Giving Tree will be on display in the lobby of the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. The Giving Tree is made of stars, each bearing wishes from a teen mother. Come to the YWCA and pick out a star to help make someone’s holiday brighter by providing gifts for them and their children. Stars and their gifts must be returned by Dec. 15. The Giving Tree assists teen mothers in the YWCA MotherLove program. For more information, call Tangela

Please help provide new books for disadvantaged children in our community. Visit the Oakley/South Asheville Library and select a gift card that will contain pertinent information to help in your book selection. Please return your gift to the library by Dec. 15. Or if you prefer, donate $10 and the Friends of the Oakley Library will do the shopping for you. Since 2000, the Friends have provided new books to more than 900 children in the community. The library is at 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754.

Dec. 16

La Leche League’s Saturday group meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at Awakening Heart on Merrimon Avenue. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers are welcome. For information, contact a leader: Adrienne at 773-1534 or Jen at 713-3707.

Story time and cupcake party Celebrate the new book “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake” by Laura Numeroff with a reading and free activities, including decorating real cupcakes. For ages 4 and older. Free, but reservations are suggested. From 3-4 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 19 Wall St. For information, call 232-2228 or visit spellboundchildrensbookshop .com

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

Dec. 20 Breakfast with Santa workshop Drop off the kids for cooking fun while you do some last-minute shopping. Kids learn how to make Denver omelets and breakfast cereal muffins while enjoying hot chocolate. Santa will make a visit and be available for pictures. From 10

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Dec. 21 Hands of Hope benefit concert The New Classical Academy, Maccabi Academy and New City Christian School join with Asheville Humane Society, MANNA FoodBank and Pisgah Community Peace Garden in a program that brings social action into the classroom. See samples of collaborative work resulting from these partnerships at the Hands of Hope concert, featuring Billy Jonas, with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. Concert is at 1 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, in downtown Asheville. For more information, visit maccabiacademy.org/handsofhope.

calendar of events

Dec. 23 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.

Dec. 27-28 Family focused expressive arts Give your family the gift of creativity and fun. Without any prerequisite of artistic abilities, enjoy an interactive, fun, guided expressive arts process that supports positive familial relationships. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172 to schedule your family’s personalized expressive arts session.

Jan. 3

HOLIDAY THINGS TO DO Find holiday day camp listings on Page 6. Find holiday events on Pages 29-35.

Jan. 11 Family dance party Swannanoa Valley Montessori School presents “Dance, Baby, Dance,” a dance party for young children and their families. Runs 2-4:30 p.m. at The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville. Tickets are $5/person or $6/person at the door. Infants and crawling babies are free. Tickets on sale online at TheOrangePeel.net or call SVMS at 669-8571 or visit swanmont.org for more information.

Jan. 15 Health Adventure Brownie Girl Scout program

Asheville Playback Theatre invites children to tell stories and see them come alive on stage in this family-friendly improv performance called “Kids Know It All!” Runs 2–3:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. At NC Stage, 15 Stage Lane, in downtown Asheville. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors (no one turned away because of lack of funds when seats available). Visit ashevilleplayback.org for more information.

What better place to learn about your body than The Health Adventure? Come see a 600-year-old skull and use life-sized bones to build a human skeleton. Learn neat tricks you can do with your body. Experience what the phrase “the room is spinning” really means in our dizzy tunnel. Program runs 3:30-6 p.m. and includes 75 minutes of museum exploration. Cost is $5/Brownie (adult volunteers are free). Cost includes the Try-It badge, which the program meets. Call 254-6373 for information.

Jan. 4 and 11

Jan. 30

‘Kids Know It All!’

Creative wellness workshop for parents Take a retreat from your responsibilities in life and ignite sparks of inspiration, insight, creativity, playfulness and transformation in your life. Without any prerequisite of artistic ability, enjoy a supportive environment where a guided expressive arts process leads to refreshing clarity and a renewed sense of self. Runs 2-5 p.m. at Spark Creative Wellness in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness.com and call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172 for information and reservations.

Registration starts Jan. 5

‘The Illiad’ school performance Aquila Theatre Company presents Homer’s “The Iliad” as part of the Diana Wortham Theatre’s 2009 School Show Series. Showtime is 10 a.m. Cost is $10. Recommended for grades six and higher. Teachers and bus drivers are free with groups of 10 or more. The Y.E.S. (Youth Education Scholarship) Fund provides need-based scholarships to cover the cost of admission for students and schools; limited scholarships available by application for students on free or reduced lunch programs. More information and reservations for all school shows are available now by contacting Rae Geoffrey, director of outreach and education, at 257-4544, ext. 307, or visiting dwtheatre.org and clicking on the Teacher’s Page link.

Gregg at 681-2229 for information or to register.

After-school fitness program

Balloon artist

Fit Kids focuses on creating healthy lifestyles for first- to fifth-graders. The 13-week program 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 program, each child will receive a free threemonth 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, call 456-2030 or e-mail recyouth@townofwaynesville.org

The Hop Ice Cream Cafe hosts the talented Jolly Balloon Smiths from 7-9 p.m. Fridays. For more information, call 254-2224. The Hop is at 640 Merrimon Ave., North Asheville.

Asheville Area Music Together All children are musical! Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for children age 0-5 and the adults who love them. Each class is a rich, playful, family experience full of new and traditional songs and chants. Music Together applies the latest research in early childhood music development to the program. Free demo classes available. Contact Kari Richmond at karirichmond@charter.net or 545-0990. For more information, visit AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com

Asheville Arts Center classes The Asheville Arts Center is now enrolling for the spring semester. Choose from a variety of dance, drama and music classes. Call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com for more information.

Prenatal/postnatal yoga Asheville Yoga Center offers hourlong classes at 3 p.m. Sundays at 239 S. Liberty St. For information, visit youryoga.com or call 254-0380 or e-mail steph@youryoga.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 11:30-11:45 a.m. Please call 213-8098 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com to register.

Toddler Fun Toddler Fun is a free group that provides an opportunity for parents to have some structured fun with their 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.

Autism spectrum networking program The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is creating a networking program for children and young adults on the autism spectrum, ASPY (Autistic Socialization Program for Youth). It is the goal of the department that this program will encourage the children to interact with each other, introduce them to new activities, and make their own connections with other children and/or a new activity or sport. The cost is $3 for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $5 for nonmembers. For more information, call 4562030 or e-mail recyouth@townofwaynesville.org

Asheville Division Naval Sea Cadet Corps The Asheville Division Naval Sea Cadet Corps is looking for youths, ages 11-17, to join its yearround program. The group teaches self-respect and respect for others, develops leadership skills, gives youths a chance to sample military life while still in school without any obligation to join the service, offers scholarship programs and more. For more information, visit ashevilleseacadets.com or contact instructor Joseph Hinchliffe at jkhinchliffe@bellsouth.net or 651-8341.

Mom’s meet-up Join other moms at The Hop at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, and then every Tuesday the rest of the month at 11 a.m. There is a carpeted children’s area with toys, and moms enjoy half-priced coffees and teas. Moms with kids of all ages welcome. The Hop Ice Cream Shop is at 640 Merrimon Ave. For information, call 252-8362.

Answers to puzzles on Page 50

Play and Learn program Parents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 in Buncombe County are invited to attend a series of six free play and learn group sessions at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 17, and at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14 to Feb. 18. Each 45minute session will be in the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville. The program focuses on developing pre-literacy skills through rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Activities include songs, dance and movement, puppet shows, games, music instruments and crafts. Each week, adults receive information for educational activities to do at home. For information, call Marna Holland at 255-5423. Attendance is required at four of the six sessions. Registration is required by e-mail (marna.holland@asheville.k12.nc.us) or phone. New participants may register Jan. 5. Returning participants may register Jan. 8.

Ongoing Rising Sprouts yoga and gymnastics Rising Sprouts offers yoga classes for children ages 2-5 and gymnastics classes for children ages 2-10 at Montford Community Center, the East Asheville Recreation Center and Growing Young Café in East Asheville. For information and class schedules, call Catie Fagan at 298-7471 or visit risingsprouts.com.

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place childbirth classes Seven-week session of classes offered 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Hospital. Cost is $25 total for the series. Start at any point in the class cycle. Please call Sheri

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