WNCParent December 2009

c o n t e n t s Baking, finding tree This month’s features 2 10 under $20

Find a great toy without breaking the bank.

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6 Across the cultures

Families feast with a variety of foods for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas.

9 Gingerbread 101

Always wanted to make a gingerbread house but didn’t know how? We show you.

14 Around the world

Christmas is much more than Santa Claus. Learn how five countries celebrate.

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17 Save on gifts

Area resale shops are full of money-saving holiday gifts.

classics 20 Cookie Find recipes for the Christ-

make great memories

When the holidays roll around, one of the things my daughters and I look forward to most is baking Christmas cookies. There are always favorites, like the peanut butter ones with the candy kiss in the middle, that can never be left out. Traditions are part of being a family and cookie baking is one of our best ones. See our story on Page 20 for some interesting cookie recipes.

I remember when I was a little girl in Pittsburgh, my family went to a tree farm before Christmas. Walking through the snowy woods seeking out the perfect tree was such a treat and made for a wonderful, lasting memory. We eventually chose a perfectly shaped blue spruce, cut it down and brought it home. See our story on Page 24 for local tree farm information.

As 2009 comes to a close, we at WNC Parent thank you for reading our publication and hope you’ve found our articles helpful. Happy holidays and a happy New Year!

Nancy Sluder, editor

mas cookies your grandmother might have made.

24 Cut your own

A Leicester farm specializes in the family experience of cutting down a Christmas tree.

31 Local fairy tales

Area children appear on a CD of fairy tales put out by a Hendersonville producer.

In every issue

Kids’ Voices ......................26 Divorced Families ...............28 Recall Roundup .................38 Home-school Scene ............39 Librarian’s Pick..................40 Quick Dinner .....................41 Story Times.......................49 Puzzles ........................50-51 Calendar......................52-64

42 Holiday events

Looking to celebrate this month? There’s no shortage of events.

47 Fall fruits

Take advantage of the season’s fruits.

On the cover

Photo special to WNC Parent

Join WNCmom.com

Are you a member of WNCmom.com, the online community of WNC Parent?

Join the conversation, share photos and more.

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 FEATURES EDITOR Bruce Steele bsteele@citizen-times.com STAFF WRITER Barbara Blake bblake@citizen-times.com

ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION Miranda Weerheim - 232-5980 mweerheim@gannett.com ADVERTISING Lisa Field - 252-5907 lmfield@gannett.com COPY EDITOR Katie Wadington kwadington@citizen-times.com

CALENDAR CONTENT Submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802-2090 or e-mail calendar@wncparent.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES Advertising deadline for the issue is Dec. 17 Calendar items are due by Dec. 10

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10

gifts under

$20

Fun presents that don’t cost a fortune

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Dancing Alligator

Made from rubberwood and colored with nontoxic water-based dyes, this environmentally friendly pull toy creates no concerns about teething. For ages 1-2. $19.98 at Toy Continues on Page 4 Box.

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Lock N’ Rock Linking Musical Shakers This big tambourine can be separated into four separate shakers to help develop a baby’s motor skills. For 9 months and older. $19.95 at Dancing Bear Toys.

By Stephanie Jadrnicek WNC Parent contributor You don’t have to be a Scrooge this Christmas. Although economic conditions have tightened many wallets, you can still stuff those stockings with surprises for your little ones.

The emphasis has shifted from quantity to quality, and local toy store owners are advising shoppers to think harder about their purchases.

“If you can only afford to buy one toy, then make it a good toy that will last a long time,” said Gary Green, owner of Toy Box. Well-made traditional toys are finding new homes these days. Instead of wasting money on passing fads and short-lived trends, consumers are investing in timeless toys that cross the age barriers.

Sarah Evers, whose family owns Dancing Bear Toys, encourages consumers to purchase ageless toys that have withstood the test of time and won’t go out of style. Items like kick balls, jump ropes and hula hoops have kept kids happy and active for generations and don’t break the bank like expensive video games or high-tech toys.

While writing out this year’s Christmas list, consider giving captivating toys that aren’t only entertaining, but also educational.

“There are toys available that kids can have fun with and get something out of,” said Stan Collins, owner of Once Upon A Time. “Buy something that has usability over a long period of time because you don’t want them to rip open the box, play with it once and then never look at it again. You want something with stay-and-play ability.”

A SAMPLING OF WHERE TO BUY LOCALLY ◆ Dancing Bear Toys, 144 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-8697 ◆ Once Upon A Time, 7 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village, 274-8788 ◆ Toy Box, 793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-8697

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Gifts under $20

Mythmorphs

Continued from Page 2

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Mesmerizing kids for hours, this set of interchangeable plastic pieces snap together easily to form an endless possibility of mythological creatures. For ages 4 and older. $16.95 at Once Upon A Time.

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Playmobil 1•2•3

Chicken Socks Eye Find

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Use special searching tools — Big Eye, Night Eye and Color Eye — to find hidden treasures in 15 different puzzles in this seek-and-find book. For ages 4-6. $14.95 at Toy Box.

Made in Germany, these high-quality toys exceed American safety standards and encourage imaginative play. For 18 months and older. $10.95 at Toy Box.

Sticky Mosaics Jewelry Box

Decorate by number with this easy craft.

Kids can adorn the box with stick-on jewels and gems and then store their most prized possessions inside. For ages 6-10. $14.99 at Dancing Bear Toys.

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Brain Noodles

These jumbo silky fiber stems bend any way you want, encouraging children to use their creativity and imagination. For ages 5 and older. $15.95 at Once Upon A Time.

Bubble Gum Factory

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Learn the science behind bubble gum while creating your own unique recipes by mixing and matching different flavors. For ages 8 and older. $19.99 at Dancing Bear Toys.

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Bananagrams

Bananagrams is an award-winning word game requiring no pen, paper or pencil. Players pick lettered tiles and form their own crossword puzzles. Whoever runs out of tiles first wins. For ages 7 and older. $14.98 at Toy Box.

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ThinkFun 15 Puzzle

Played since the 1930s, 15 Puzzle bridges the generations. Players scramble the numbers then put them back in order.

Including 31 challenges and a leatherette case, it’s perfect for travel. For ages 8 and older. $10.95 at Once Upon A Time.

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Tasty traditions

Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas serve up recipes from around the globe

By Stephanie Jadrnicek WNC Parent contributor

You’re not the only one indulging over the holidays. Around the globe, belt buckles are loosening during the month of December as cooks from many cultures break out their best recipes.

Potato latkes are a favorite Hanukkah food. These potato pancakes are fried in oil like most Hanukkah dishes. The custom comes from the miracle of the menorah, which involved the discovery of a small flask of pure olive oil. Though the short supply of oil should have lasted only one day, it miraculously lasted eight.

Annie Miller remembers making latkes when she

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GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Latkes, or potato pancakes, are a Hanukkah tradition. Find a recipe on Page 8.

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was a child growing up in Boulder, Colo.

“We’d form an assembly line. Someone would shred the potatoes, someone would chop the onions, someone would add eggs to the pancakes, someone would fry them up and the last person would be ready with plates and paper towels,” said Miller. “We’d serve them up with sour cream and applesauce.”

Like Hanukkah, friends and family gather around a table of decadent dishes during Kwanzaa. Rather than a religious holiday, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, created as a means of identifying and affirming cultural traditions and principles within the AfricanAmerican community.

Kwanzaa recipes can vary from African dishes to Southern soul food. Koki, an appetizer made from black-eyed peas, is served at some Kwanzaa celebrations. The beans are mashed into a paste, which is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Southern dishes like fried okra, collard greens and cornbread may also make it on the Kwanzaa menu.

Though Christmas feasts vary from family to family, dinners usually center on a baked ham or a roasted turkey.

Baking Christmas cookies or making gingerbread houses are a hit with the little ones while adults may enjoy a cup of spirited eggnog.

Another warm holiday drink savored in December is champurrado, or Mexican hot chocolate. Champurrado is typically accompanied by tamales and served during the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican Catholic holiday on Dec. 12 that honors a 16th century apparition of Mother Mary on the front of a simple peasant’s cloak.

“When everybody gets out of morning mass we have champurrado with sweet bread or tamales,” said Marcos Moreno. Other staple foods during Our Lady of Guadalupe include chicken mole or posole, a hot stew made from corn, meat and seasonings.

Though all of these holidays are celebrated for different reasons, they all share a common thread — the value of sharing savory food in good company.

Continues on Page 8

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Tasty traditions Traditional latkes

5 large potatoes, peeled 1 large onion 3 eggs 1/3 cup flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3/4 cup oil for frying Grate potatoes and onion on the fine side of a grater, or in a food processor; or put in a blender with a little water. Strain grated potatoes and onion through a colander, pressing out excess water. Add eggs, flour and seasoning. Mix well.

Heat 1/2 cup oil in skillet. Lower flame and place 1 large tablespoon batter at a time into hot sizzling oil and fry on one side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown. Turn over and fry on other side 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Continue with remaining batter until used up, adding more oil when necessary.

Serve with applesauce on the side.

Variation: Zucchini or carrot latkes: Substitute 5 medium zucchini or 5 medium carrots for potatoes.

Yields 4-6 servings.

Source: chabadasheville.org.

Zimbabwe greens

1 bunch collard greens, washed 1 cup water 1 large tomato, cored, chopped 5 green onions, sliced (green and white parts) 3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (natural is best) Salt Finely shred the greens, discarding tough stems. Place greens in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, just until greens are crunchy-tender (don’t overcook). Drain greens, reserving liquid. Return greens to medium heat; add tomato and onions. Heat through, stirring frequently. Thin peanut butter with 3/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid and then add to vegetables. Heat, stirring constantly, until greens have a creamy consistency, adding more reserved liquid if mixture seems too thick. Add salt to taste.

Source: Recipezaar.com

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Champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate)

1 liter of milk (about 4 1/4 cups) 1 1/2 bars of Abuelita Chocolate 1 cinnamon stick 1 cup of Maseca flour Place milk in a pot and heat on low. Add 1 1/2 bars of Abuelita chocolate and a stick of cinnamon and stir, continue stirring until it starts to boil (if not stirred frequently it will burn).

Once it starts to boil, stir in the Maseca flour.

Once the ingredients are blended, turn off stove and keep stirring. Serve hot.

Serves 3-5 people.

Source: Gabriela Mejia, of Hendersonville

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PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

houses101 Alex DeMatos builds a gingerbread house alongside his mother, Monica, while brother Adam watches.

Gingerbread

By Katie Wadington WNC Parent writer

Monica DeMatos has been making gingerbread houses at Christmastime since she was in grade school.

Her mom would make the houses from scratch and let the kids decorate them.

So it only made sense that DeMatos would share that tradition with her own children. “(Mom) would put it all together and we would spend the afternoon with friends decorating … and partly eating the candy,” the Arden mom said. “When I had kids, I picked it back up again.”

In Christmases past, DeMatos would host a gingerbread house party for friends. But now with three boys — Alex, 6; Adam, 4; and Andrew, 19 months — she keeps up the tradition on a smaller scale.

This year, she guided Alex as he devised his first entry for the Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition.

“He came up with a great idea from his Halloween candy on how to do the windows with Starburst candies,” she said.

As with anything, practice makes Continues on Page 10

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE TIPS

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Alex DeMatos, 6, shows off his finished product before taking it to the Grove Park Inn to enter it in the resort’s annual gingerbread house competition.

Gingerbread 101 Continued from Page 9

perfect when it comes to gingerbread houses. DeMatos suggests watching someone work with gingerbread “because it is such a process” to build a house.

And it is no quick affair, either.

In his book “Making Great Gingerbread Houses,” Aaron Morgan, the former executive pastry chef at the Grove Park Inn, suggests cutting out the house pieces, then allowing them to set for a few days before baking.

This will help them retain their shape as they bake.

Then, the gingerbread house recipe that DeMatos uses recommends waiting 48 hours after baking the gingerbread before assembling the building.

Morgan’s book next recommends letting walls dry for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, before attaching the roof.

“Making Great Gingerbread Houses” offers many other tips for doing just what the title suggests.

Tips and tricks from “Making Great Gingerbread Houses,” by Aaron Morgan, the former executive pastry chef at the Grove Park Inn: ◆ Make a practice batch of gingerbread, if you’re not familiar with working with it. ◆ Work with cold dough so it retains its shape better. ◆ Roll your dough out onto a flat surface that has been covered with parchment paper. After the pieces have been cut out, cut the parchment around them for easier transfer to a baking sheet. ◆ Use ample flour. Gingerbread becomes stickier the warmer it gets and the more you work with it. You can always brush off extra flour with a pastry brush. ◆ Cut your template out of cardboard or other stiff paper. Then try assembling your template before cutting out your dough, in case you need to modify the pattern. ◆ Build house on a hard surface, like a cake board or wooden board covered in foil. Use Styrofoam if you plan to have several items like lampposts and trees around the house — they can be stuck right into the base rather than being secured with icing. ◆ Start with either the front or back piece and one side. Then add walls as the icing “glue” sets. ◆ Use sewing pins to hold pieces together while the royal icing firms up. ◆ If pieces are not fitting together squarely, use a serrated knife to even up edges. ◆ To attach the roof, pipe icing on top of the sides the roof will rest on. Put roof into place. Use a baking soda box or a canned good to prop up the roof while it dries, if necessary.

Other tips from Monica DeMatos ◆ Bake pieces on the back of a lightly oiled cookie sheet. ◆ Put pattern pieces on top of each house piece after baking and trim as necessary while still warm. ◆ Let pieces dry and harden on newspaper.

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Gingerbread 101 Continued from Page 10

Other key hints: ◆ Bake gingerbread until it is dry and crisp. Soft gingerbread doesn’t make for a solid house. ◆ Think first of how you will decorate. Attaching marzipan windows and piping lattice icing are more easily done on flat pieces, before assembly.

And resist the temptation to make life easy and reach for a can of frosting to hold your house together and decorate it. Wilton, Morgan and DeMatos all agree on the “glue.”

“Icing needs to be the royal icing,” DeMatos said. “It really is very thick and makes it easy to put together because … it hardens up like cement.”

And Morgan’s book points out that the shortening or butter in other icing recipes will eventually soak into the gingerbread and could cause a house to soften and collapse.

Not up for a from-scratch house?

“If you need a quick fix, do graham crackers or those prebaked,” DeMatos suggests.

Either way, “It’s just fun,” she said.

“It’s a nice thing to do with your kids.”

NEED A TEMPLATE? Visit WNCmom.com to find a simple template for building a gingerbread house.

Alex DeMatos used Starburst candies out of his Halloween haul for the windows on his gingerbread house.

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Gingerbread dough

This makes enough for a basic house with porch and chimney. A heavy-duty mixer will make mixing easier. Without one, dough will require kneading.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup molasses 5 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons each: baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cups cold water Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and blend on low speed.

Sift dry ingredients together. Slowly add to mixer and blend until flour is absorbed. Add water and mix until incorporated. Spread the dough on a sheet pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least three hours, if not overnight, before rolling out. (Dough will keep in refrigerator for three days.)

Source: “Making Great Gingerbread Houses,” by Aaron Morgan and Paige Gilchrist (1999, Lark Books)

Royal icing

This makes enough for assembly and to use for attaching decorations. Icing dries out easily, so the book recommends making a half-batch before assembly then another half-batch before decorating.

5 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 cup egg whites Sift the sugar after measuring it. Add egg whites and cream of tartar to sugar. Combine with a hand mixer on low speed, then beat on high for 2-5 minutes, until white and fluffy. Keep icing bowl covered with a damp towel to retain moisture.

Source: “Making Great Gingerbread Houses,” by Aaron Morgan and Paige Gilchrist (1999, Lark Books)

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day on Dec. 13.

Typically, the eldest girl in the family portrays St. Lucia that morning, wearing a white robe with a red sash and a crown of candles, going from room to room serving treats and drinks.

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Christmas around the world

By Barbara Blake WNC Parent writer

The religious traditions, foods, decorations and festivities surrounding Christmas vary widely from country to country across the world, from St. Lucia’s Day in Sweden to Las Posadas in Mexico. Here’s a look at some of those celebrations.

France The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region, but some traditions are fairly universal. French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace on Christmas Eve in hopes that Papa Noel will fill them with gifts.

Candy, fruit, nuts and small toys are hung on the tree overnight.

Midnight mass on Christmas Eve is followed by a huge feast, “le Reveillon,” (to wake up, or revive), which is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ’s birth and is the culinary high point of the season. The meal includes dishes such as oysters and shrimp, turkey, capon, goose, chicken and a white pudding.

After Reveillon, it’s customary to leave a candle burning in case the Virgin Mary passes by.

The Christmas tree, or sapin de Noel, is the main decoration in homes, streets, shops and offices. Another important tradition is the crèche filled with figurines. Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the nativity are commonly performed. Mistletoe is hung above the door during the Christmas season to bring good fortune throughout the year.

Mexico The Christmas season in Mexico begins with Las Posadas, nine consecutive days of candlelight processions and lively parties starting Dec. 16, with children re-enacting the holy family’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem. Shepherd’s plays are staged

throughout the season, telling of their adoration of the Christ Child.

The major holiday adornment is the nativity, some of the scenes so large they occupy an entire room. Christmas trees also may be incorporated into the scene or set up elsewhere in the home.

The holiday culminates on Christmas Eve with a late-night mass followed by a traditional Christmas supper, the opening of gifts and, for children, sparklers and piñatas. Since the festivities last into the wee hours, Christmas Day is set aside for rest.

Sweden In Sweden, Christmas festivities begin on Dec. 13 with St. Lucia’s Day, honoring a Christian martyr. Typically, the eldest girl in the family portrays St. Lucia that morning, wearing a white robe with a red sash and a crown of candles in her hair, going from room to room serving Lucia buns and coffee or mulled wine.

Christmas trees are typically set up two days before Christmas; the trees and homes are decorated with gingerbread cookies and flowers like poinsettias, red tulips and amaryllis.

On Christmas Eve, locals form processions to the church with lit candles. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner usually includes a smorgasbord or a traditional buffet with ham, pork or fish, and a variety of sweets. A popular Christmas tradition in Sweden is to serve risgryngrot, a special rice porridge with one almond in it. The person who finds the almond gets to make a wish, or is believed to get married in the coming year.

Epiphany is on Jan. 6, and Hilarymas on Jan. 13 ends the Christmas season in Sweden with get-togethers, food, dancing and the “plundering” of the tree of edible decorations.

Russia In traditional Russian Christmas, special prayers are said and people fast, sometimes for 39 days, until Jan. 6 — Russian Christmas Eve under the Julian calendar — when a 12-course meal is served in honor of the 12 apostles. The meatless meal typically includes fish, beet soup, cabbage stuffed with millet, cooked dried fruit and other traditional foods.

On Christmas Day, people sing hymns and carols and gather in churches, which are decorated with Christmas trees known as Continues on Page 16

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Global Christmas Continued from Page 15

“yelka,” flowers and colored lights. The Christmas Day dinner typically includes a variety of meats, including goose and suckling pig.

Babushka — “grandmother” — is a traditional Christmas figure who distributes gifts to children, based on lore that says she declined to go with the Wise Men to see Jesus because of the cold weather, then regretted it and tried to catch up, filling her basket with gifts.

Failing to find Jesus, she visited the homes of good children and left toys.

Other traditions have included groups masquerading as manger animals to travel from house to house singing songs to the baby Jesus; carrying candles, torches and homemade lanterns around the church; and spreading hay on the floors and tables to encourage horse feed to grow in the coming year. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a decorated tree, gifts, dinners and parties.

Greece In Greece, Christmas trees are a fairly recent innovation; the more traditional decoration is a “Christmas ship,” decorated and sometimes carried around on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and on the eve of Epiphany.

The most special day for children is Jan. 1, St. Basil’s Day, when they receive their gifts. Also on New Year’s Day is the custom of breaking a pomegranate on the door for good luck, and revelers eat a special cake — “St. Basil’s pie” — in which a lucky coin has been baked. Before the cake is consumed, the head of the house must first cross the cake with his knife and then cut the first slice for God, the next slice for the Christ child, the next for Mary, then a slice for the house, and then for each member of the family, starting with the eldest.

The Greek Christmas celebration concludes with the festival of “The Lights,” or Epiphany. On the eve, the priest will visit all houses to bless them and all who live there. On Epiphany, there is a large church service, often including the release of a pair of doves.

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A consignment store Christmas

Save on holiday gifts — and find unique offerings — at area resale shops

By Barbara Blake Staff writer Kids don’t care about price tags.

When they look under the tree on Christmas morning or open their Hanukkah gift by the glow of a menorah, all they see is fun.

In today’s economy, customers in consignment shops may rival those in malls and big-box stores as they search for holiday gifts that offer quality at significantly reduced costs. A recent Consumer Reports poll showed that 36 percent of adults in the U.S. said they would recycle a gift this year, compared with 31 percent in 2008 and 24 percent in 2007.

And that’s OK, according to etiquette experts who say gifts from consignment shops — and even thrift shops — are perfectly fine.

“It’s absolutely all right,” said local manners maven Sallie Middleton Parker, “especially if the gifts are chosen with thought and imagination.”

Tasha Major, shopping for her baby godson recently at LuLu’s Consignment on Hendersonville Road in Fletcher, said it makes sense to buy gifts that are in perfect condition at a fraction of what she’d pay in a traditional retail store.

“If I go to a consignment shop and see really nice stuff at reasonable prices, that’s what I’m going to do,” Major said. “Really and truly, the point is that you’re giving. And with kids — you take the tags off and they couldn’t care less what it cost. And with clothes, they outgrow them in a couple of months anyway, so why pay those high prices?”

Most consignment shops post a price on the tag the day an item is put out on the floor. If the item hasn’t sold within a certain time — a week to a month — the price goes down incrementally. So if a shopper has an eye on a specific item but is willing to risk waiting a week or two in hopes it doesn’t get sold, the cost may be significantly lower.

Mark Fowler, co-owner of the two Children’s Trading Post shops in Asheville, said he’s trying to make it even easier for customers to do their holiday shopping by offering 30-day layaway that allows them to spread the payments out over several weeks.

“Folks are aware and listening (to consignment shopping opportunities),” he said. “In these economic times, we’re a good alternative to the mall.”

Here’s a sampling of some of the items that were on the shelves recently at local consignment shops.

This Vivitar 900X 28-piece microscope set in original box would make a great gift for a budding scientist.

Suggested retail $39.99. Price in mid-November: $22. At Mine & Yours.

Little helpers who want to pitch in with housework would love this Playskool vacuum, whose buggy eyes move merrily when pushed across the floor. Price in midNovember: $8. At Mine & Yours.

A child’s room with a circus or animal theme would be enhanced by this hand-painted elephant lamp. Price in early November: $15.

At Serendipity.

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Gifts that don’t break the bank Continued from Page 17

What little girl wouldn’t love this burgundy satin dress with bolero jacket and faux fur collar for a holiday party? Price in mid-November: $10.36.

At Lulu’s.

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A baby doll is always a hit, especially when she comes with a wicker basket with a liner and two changes of clothing. Price in mid-November: $12.99. At Children’s Trading Post.

This elegant “Winter Velvet Barbie” from Avon comes in her original box. Price in mid-November: $11.72. At Serendipity.

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A SAMPLING OF AREA CONSIGNMENT STORES

Little girls would rule the rink in these purple, black and white Roller Derby roller skates. Price in mid-November: $12.

At Mine & Yours.

Babies will entertained for hours in this Evenflo ExerSaucer stationary activity center, with toys, music and interactive activities.

Price in mid-November: $34.99. At Children’s Trading Post.

This plush Winnie the Pooh chair would keep a toddler or younger child cozy and snug.

Price in midNovember: $14.99. At Children’s Trading Post.

◆ Mine & Yours, 234 Leicester Highway, 251-9231 ◆ Serendipity, 21 Long Shoals Road, 650-9409, visitserendipity.com ◆ Lulu’s, 3461 Hendersonville Road, 687-7565, ilovelulus.net ◆ Children’s Trading Post, 633 Merrimon Ave., 254-5432, and 140 Airport Road, 684-5438

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Christmas cookie classics

By Liz Reiter Gannett The cookies of Christmas past haunt my office this time of year. People want to make the cookies their mothers made — but few remember what, exactly, those were. They just know they were the best ever.

These are from the files of former Louisville Courier-Journal food editor Cissy Gregg, who worked at the newspaper during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

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Gumdrop cookies

Christmas 1957 These easy cookies are bright and cheery, with a gumdrop center in the middle of a flower shape. The best thing about them, though, is that they dirty only one pan when mixed. If you opt to use margarine, make sure it says “margarine” on the label and not “spread” or other terminology.

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups sifted flour (sifted first, then measured) 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup milk 21 gum drops, halved Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan.

Remove from heat. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add flour, baking powder and milk. Mix well. (Mixture will appear very soupy, but will thicken as it chills).

Chill thoroughly.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls on baking sheet; press a gumdrop half, cut-side-up, into the center of each. Or, to make a flower shape, roll five small balls and arrange around a gumdrop half center.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

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Christmas cookie classics Continued from Page 20

Glazed cookies

Christmas 1955 These are tender little pieces of light, fruit-filled cake. They make a decorative accent to a box of Christmas cookies given as gifts.

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2/3 cup honey 1 egg 1/4 cup vinegar 1 cup mixed candied fruit, diced 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1 egg white, slightly beaten with a fork Red sugar Split, blanched almonds Red and green maraschino cherries Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Cream together butter or margarine, vanilla, almond extract and honey. Beat until fluffy. Beat in egg and vinegar. Stir in sifted dry ingredients gradually; blend well. Mix in candied fruit and coconut. Chill dough several hours or overnight.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Shape a quarter of the dough at a time, leaving remaining dough in refrigerator. Shape into balls 3/4-inch in diameter. Place 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Grease the bottom of a glass tumbler 2 inches in diameter. Dip tumbler in flour. Press cookies with greased and floured tumbler, dipping it again into flour as needed.

Brush surface of cookies with a slightly beaten egg white; sprinkle with red sugar. Arrange split, blanched almonds in a flower-petal pattern on each.

Bake about 12 minutes. Remove from pan immediately. Dot the center of each flower with half of a red or green maraschino cherry.

Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

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Thin, crisp sugar cookies

This recipe was printed in April 1960, not during Christmas. But I had to include it because it is the hands-down-best recipe for those who like a flavorful, crispy sugar cookie. The dough is extremely sticky, but the resulting cookies are so delicate and tender that I didn’t mind the extra work. Unlike many rather bland sugar cookies, these have a faint lemony flavor and are completely wonderful even without icing.

1 1/2 cups butter (3 sticks) 3 cups sugar 2 eggs Grated zest (yellow part of the skin) of 1 lemon 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 6 cups sifted flour (sifted first, then measured) 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup milk Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs, lemon zest and vanilla. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add 1/3 of flour mixture to butter mixture; add about 1/2 of the milk. Repeat until all of the flour has been added. Stir just until well-blended.

Do not beat on high. Chill thoroughly; overnight is best.

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray, set aside.

Roll dough out on a floured board, with a floured rolling pin, using only very small quantities of the dough at a time. (About the size of a fist). This small quantity deal is important to be able to roll dough out very thin without having it stick to the board. While rolling out some of the dough, keep the remainder in the refrigerator. Remember to flour the rolling pin, as this sticks very easily.

Cut dough into the shapes desired, and bake on a lightly greased baking sheet until delicately browned. (Baking time will depend on the size of your shaped cookies). Remove from pan immediately, and cool on cake racks.

Makes about 4 dozen medium-sized cookies, but the amount will depend on the size of your cookie cutters.

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Marbled cookies

Christmas 1951 The trick to making these is to work quickly. The dough is squishy as Play-Doh when first mixed. But if left to sit for even a half-hour, it will become a crumbly mess. Do not refrigerate this dough to make the cookies the next day. Just mix ’em up - they come together quickly - roll ’em out and bake.

1 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 4 cups sifted flour (sifted first, then measured) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 square unsweetened chocolate, melted Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream together shortening, sugar and brown sugar. Add eggs. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Beat flour mixture into shortening mixture until thoroughly combined.

Divide dough in half. Leave one half plain. Beat unsweetened chocolate into remaining half.

Roll plain dough out between sheets of waxed paper into a layer about 1/4-inch thick. Peel off one side of waxed paper. Set aside.

Roll chocolate half out between sheets of waxed paper into a layer

about 1/4-inch thick. Peel off one side of the waxed paper. Place this layer on top of plain layer (with cookie dough touching, and a layer of waxed paper on top and underneath). Peel off top layer of waxed paper.

Beginning at one edge, pull waxed paper up from the bottom, rolling dough pieces together to form a log.

(Do not roll the waxed paper into the log, just pull at it, to lift the dough easily. This method is much neater than using your fingers to roll the dough).

Slice roll into 1/4-inch rounds, which will reveal the swirl pattern.

Place rounds on cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or as needed.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

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Green Christmas

Farm carries on tradition of choose, cut

By Matt Byers WNC Parent writer As Earlys Mountain Road winds past quiet fields and farmhouses in Leicester, one farm in particular stands out among the rest. Sandy Hollar Farms is distinguished by row after row of perfectly shaped Fraser firs. But during the holiday season, it’s not so quiet.

Through Dec. 19, Sandy Hollar Farms will be open to individuals and families who want to choose and cut down their own Christmas trees. Each weekend, families can look forward to hayrides, concessions and appearances by Santa Claus. The farm owners also sell wreaths and garlands made from their trees.

Curtis Hawkins planted the first trees for sale on the property in 1969. His son, Dale, grew up on the farm and is now in charge of its operation.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY FARMS ◆ Sandy Hollar Farms, 63 Sandy Hollar Lane, Leicester; 683-3645; sandyholfm@aol.com. ◆ Hope Hollow Farms, Weaverville; 6454621.

HAYWOOD COUNTY FARMS

◆ Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm, 143 Boyd Farm Road, Waynesville; 926-8888; BoydMountain.com. ◆ Mehaffey Tree Farm, 24 Corner Drive, Waynesville; 757-365-4713; mmehaffe@ verizon.net

MORE IN WNC

Avery County has eight Christmas tree farms. For a listing of tree farms throughout the state, visit http://ncchristmastrees.com/choose_cut_farms.htm.

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“We’ve been doing this long enough so there were parents who brought their little kids who now have children of their own,” said Hawkins, 41.

The farm initially offered hayrides to cart people back and forth on a 1.3-mile road to access full grown trees. But when trees became easier to access, Hawkins said, customers still wanted hayrides.

Little by little, the farm expanded to include a gift shop and concession stand until it became a must-see Christmas destination for locals and tourists alike.

“Every year we try to get a little better,” he said.

Christmas memories might be made every winter at Sandy Hollar, but Hawkins insists that he’s no Father Christmas. He’s just a farmer.

“It’s a crop like any other crop,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins plants five-year-old saplings that stand only a couple of feet tall. It takes a Fraser fir 11 or 12 years to grow to Christmas tree height, and tree farmers must give them constant attention.

“It’s actually a year-round crop,” Hawkins said. “You can’t just walk away and come back in six years and have a Christmas tree.”

Choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms are a tradition for many families, but in Western North Carolina, they’re an important part of the economy as well.

“Christmas trees contribute over $100 million a year to the state economy,” explained Bill Glenn, marketing specialist for the N.C. Department of Agri-

PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER

P.J. Waisman, 12, helps tie the family Christmas tree to the minivan roof at Sandy Hollar Farms. culture. The state’s farmers produce the second-highest number of Christmas trees in the nation, behind Oregon.

Eighty-eight percent of those farmers, Glenn said, are concentrated in five counties in WNC. In Buncombe County, however, Sandy Hollar Farms is the only exclusive Christmas tree farm, and the only one that offers thousands of trees to choose from each year. Meanwhile, the chooseand-cut tradition is fading because fewer farmers are choosing to get into a business that requires so much time and

effort.

Hawkins said that the economy has affected Christmas tree production from both sides.

Increased prices on chemicals and equipment have made the cost of production go up, while customers have been less willing to come and spend a lot of money on a fresh tree.

“That’s a touchy subject among tree farmers,” said Hawkins on the subject of reusable plastic trees.

“The artificial tree is our No. 1 competitor.”

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kids’ voices

Holiday memories

Making memories is a big part of the holiday season, no matter how old or young you are.

We asked students in Chynna Avery and Edie McDowell’s class at Odyssey Community School in Montford to answer the question, “What’s your best memory of something fun or meaningful that you did with your family during the holiday season.” Here’s what they told WNC Parent writer Barbara Blake.

“My best memory is having a huge Thanksgiving feast. We eat turkey that is so soft it falls off the bone, mashed potatoes and gravy that melts in your mouth, nice warm stuffing with peas, and, last of all, pumpkin pie. That’s what my family does for Thanksgiving, and then we cuddle up by the fire.”

Morgan Hunneke, fifth grade

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“My best memory is going to Cleveland for Christmas. I love Christmas morning when all of the kids wake up early to get the presents quicker. It’s cool when we drive up my grandpa’s driveway that my cousins are either outside already or at the door waiting for us. I love to make gingerbread houses with leftover candy from Halloween. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because we get to see my whole family.”

Bronson Gatts, fourth grade

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“Every three years we make a gingerbread house. Last time, my little cousin grabbed the icing and drank the whole thing.

He was sick for two days.”

Orion Quick, fourth grade “My best memory of something fun and special that my family does during the holiday season is dreidels. We would play dreidels and we would sing the song while the dreidels were spinning. It was so much fun, and when you won you would win chocolate coins.”

Jenni Camhi, fourth grade “My best memory is when I went to France and I invited all my friends and had a fiesta. We ate a baby lamb. Then we attached a string to two trees and hooked marshmallows to it.

Then we got blindfolded and tried to eat them. Next we went into the pool. It was a beautiful day.”

Ilyas Colie, third grade

“I went to St. George Island when I was 5.

When we were there I got my first tool kit. I like to build things, and now I have about 100 others.

But that one is still special. I’m now 11, and I still use that one a lot. That’s my favorite holiday memory.”

Ethan Chester, fifth grade

“I go to my cousin’s house for Christmas. It is a long drive to my cousin’s house. We have a big fire with lots of colors in it.”

Janaka Volpe, second grade

“The family memory at the top of my mind is a sledding hill that was like a roller coaster in New Hampshire. We went down this humongous sledding hill. I went down about 15 times until I got soaked. I got so tired, up and down, up and down! When I got home, I changed into dry clothes and had hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream.”

Edda Yamada, third grade

“On Christmas Eve, we bake cookies and make gingerbread houses and put out milk. Then we open our present from our mom, because she gives us matching pjs and nutcrackers. Then we watch a Christmas story, and then (brother) Rex and I put out our Christmas lists and go to bed. Then we wake up in the morning.

One time Rex and I woke up at 1:27 a.m., and Santa had already come.”

Ruby Neu, fourth grade

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divorced families

Learn from holidays past and improve

By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist Holidays. When you are divorced or separated, you have only three choices: try to repeat those activities you have done in the past; do what you can that makes sense from the past, but add new activities; or just give up on the whole idea all together. In the latter case, you might try telling your children it is “leap year,” meaning we “leap” over the holidays.

(Just kidding. My son never fell for the Leap Year thing, and I don’t expect your kids will either. Then again, it might be worth a try.)

Let’s focus on option No. 2.

First, we need to be realistic about money. This has been a tough year for a lot of folks, and I would strongly say that if you don’t have it, don’t spend it. My parents survived the Depression; I survived the oil embargo and the first recession. Know that our children can learn more when we set limits and teach them not only financial discipline, but the belief in themselves that everything can work out.

The objective is the big picture of teaching our children that while we may not be able to avoid hurt and disappointment in life, we can still survive it, move on and have a good outcome. You must believe this philosophy yourself, or don’t try to teach it to your children. Whether we like it or not, our children look at us first for our attitudes and values.

If your children get blue because of what they see on TV about how the

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The objective is the big picture of teaching our children that while we may not be able to avoid disappointment in life, we can still survive it. holidays “should be,” remind them that TV isn’t real. Then, if you can, hug them and say, “this is real.”

Next, look at what is available in the community that would be a fun holiday experience and is low cost or even free.

Check WNC Parent or other local papers for ideas. Try a search for local events on the Internet. Ask other single parents what they are doing.

Invite your children to generate a wish list of “10 silly things to do for the holidays.” Or they could write “10 new ideas to celebrate the holidays.” If this fails, tell them to write an essay on the origin of “leap year” and what it means to them.

Here are some additional tips: ◆ If you have a custody order spelling out custody/visitation times, you have to respect that, but strive not to be competitive with your ex-partner. Being a “Disneyland” mother or father who maximizes having a good time with no responsibility concerning your child time will only come back to haunt you in the future. ◆ Involve friends/relatives with holiday festivities when it makes sense, but take it upon yourself to police them about “tribal warfare.” This means no talking bad about the opposite camp. ◆ If you are depressed about the holidays, get help. This is never your children’s responsibility, and you deserve it. ◆ If your ex-partner is collaborative in communicating with you, try setting up a mutual spending or gift-giving limit.

Speaking of gifts, remember that simpler games can be better investments.

Children will ultimately value your time with them over the most complex and expensive of games. Time is your most precious commodity, especially around leap year.

Trip Woodard is a licensed family and marriage therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 6068607.

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Local kids produce CD of fairy tales

By James Harrison WNC Parent writer In the arena of modern-day children’s entertainment, it’s no secret that television, movies and video games can flood kids’ imaginations with over-stimulating visual material. Lynn Penny and a group of kids have come up with an idea that offers an alternative option.

Penny, a mom from Hendersonville, started 6 Pence Productions, and produced an audio theater CD that provides an entertainment experience that’s not only for kids, but is also by kids.

“There are plenty of stories out there that are read aloud by adults,” says Penny. “But I did some research, and I couldn’t find anything that was done by kids.” As a result, Penny formed the 6 Pence Players, who soon started recording their first collection of tales.

After two years of preparation and production, the finished product, “The Fairytale Collection,” wrapped earlier this year. The CD contains traditional fairy tales — with unexpected twists.

“I think that people will enjoy the twists we put on stories,” said Cooper Burke, an 11-year-old player. “In our version of ‘Three Little Pigs,’ there are three wolves. I think they’re pretty funny.”

The 6 Pence team hopes children might be able to make stronger imaginative connections while listening to stories performed in another child’s voice. Not a single adult is on the record.

While Penny hopes that the majority of sales will be Web-driven, “The Fairytale Collection” will also be available at local toy stores, including Dancing Bear Toys and Once Upon a Time.

“We’re excited to see this project finally come to fruition,” said Erika Evers of Dancing Bear Toys. “Especially since these are all local kids.”

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recall roundup The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls for the following products. For more details and recall information, visit recalls.gov.

Maclaren stroller Maclaren USA has recalled about 1 million strollers because the hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding the stroller.

The recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers.

The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

They were sold at Babies R Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999-November 2009 for $100-$360. Contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit. Call Maclaren USA at 877-6882326 or visit maclaren.us/recall.

Adventure Playsets recall Adventure Playsets has recalled about 275,000 wooden play sets because the plastic coated lumber on the horizontal ladder (monkey bar/swing beam) can weaken over time because of rotting of the whitewood (spruce, pine and fir species), resulting in a fall hazard. Each set has an overhead monkey bar ladder that acts as the monkey bar and swing beam, and an end ladder coated with cranberry or green plastic. The instruction manual has the name “Adventure Playsets.” The sets were sold at Toys R Us, Walmart.com, and at other retailers from January 2004-December 2007 for $300-$600. Consumers should immediately stop using the swing sets. Contact Adventure Playsets to receive a replacement kit. For model numbers affected, call 877-840-9068 or visit adventureplaysets.com.

Compiled by Katie Wadington

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home-school happenings

Multiple intelligences highlight a child’s gifts

By Nicole McKeon WNC Parent columnist

Is your child gifted? When your child is in public school, the label “gifted” is given to a group of children with specific types of gifts that make them successful in the world of classrooms and tests.

The latest thinking in educational theory leans toward a multiple intelligences way of understanding how people learn. The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University.

Basically, multiple intelligences theory says that our primary ways of assessing intelligence (IQ testing, linguistic/logical/mathematical smarts) is too limited.

Multiple intelligences proposes that there is a much broader range of human intelligences — eight to be specific — that account much more effectively for

actual human potential. The eight are linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence and naturalist intelligence.

As a home-schooling mom, I found it helpful to read books on learning styles and multiple intelligences. Not only did it help me to understand my children and their learning styles, it helped me to understand how I learned. No wonder my daughter hated sitting and filling out workbook pages, she is a gifted bodilykinesthetic learner; she needs to move to learn. Before I was frustrated by her refusal to learn the way I wanted her to.

After, I really appreciated the unbelievable talent she possessed in areas of extreme body performance.

The most progressive teachers in our public schools are attempting to insert multiple intelligence type learning into their classrooms. However, the ability to do so is obviously limited by their time constraints, and the number of children they are dealing with. In our home schools, we can easily adapt our lessons to bring out the “giftedness” in each of our children.

If you are beginning your homeschooling adventure, or if you are several years in and struggling with your kids, take time to learn about multiple intelligences and learning styles. Then bask in each of your children’s unique gifts.

Nicole McKeon is a home-schooling mom who lives in Asheville. Contact her with your questions and ideas at nmckeon@msn.com.

HOME-SCHOOL EVENTS ◆ Dec. 9, The Health Adventure: For ages 5-7, “Slime Time” teaches about the chemistry of polymers in the slime lab. For ages 8-10, “Countertop Chemistry” looks at chemical and physical changes that substances experience. Runs 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Cost is $7 per child, $5.50 for members.

Call 254-6373, ext. 316. Visit thehealthadventure.org. ◆ Dec. 14, Chimney Rock Park: Winter is a perfect time to get crafty. Gather bits of nature and use recycled materials to create something special. Runs 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Cost is $12 per student, $11.50 for parents ($7 for students and free for Annual Passholder parents). Visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Call 800-277-9611 to register. ◆ Dec. 17, Colburn Earth Science Museum: A home-school program for first- to thirdgraders from 2:30-3:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. December’s topic is “Nighttime Sky.” Cost is $5 for members, $6 for nonmembers. Visit colburnmuseum.org or call 254-7162. In Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square.

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librarian’s pick

‘Red Sings from Treetops’ colors the seasons

By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Library

In the new children’s picture book, “Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors,” poet Joyce Sidman and artist Pamela Zagarewski have fashioned a work of exquisite originality.

Here, colors are more than the greenness or redness or blueness of a thing. Colors dance and twirl through the year, imbuing air, water, people and animals with their rainbow traits. Some of the colors have taste or texture. Some make noise.

The objects influenced by the colors are not mentioned in the poems directly.

Instead, through the careful pairing of image and word, the object receiving the color is shown brilliantly in the illustra-

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tions, while the name of the color appears in the poem, acting out the parts.

Sidman and Zagarewski’s seasonal color wheel begins with spring. Red, in the form of tiny birds, sings from the treetops, “each note dropping like a cherry into my ear.”

Red, in the form of earthworms, wriggles along a rain-drenched country road.

Brand new green is shy as it drips from the tips of budding leaves.

White, blue, pink and other colors make their mark in the form of spring thunderstorms, peerless skies and baby birds.

Summer begins with the melting, salty heat of yellow and cool wet blue, but, writes Sidman, “Green is queen.”

Green is everywhere! “How can green be

so many different greens?”

Tired, dusty green gives way to early autumn. Brown takes over in the form of crisp leaves, acorns and ducks flying south. Autumn’s red, purple, yellow and orange rush to the edges of winter white and stop. Gray and brown trees wait for spring’s return. Red appears again.

It is spring again.

Zagarewski’s mixedmedia illustrations are as fresh and inspiring as a new box of crayons. Her liberal use of applied patterns is subtle but gives her illustrations depth and visual texture. Even the moon is patterned, old typeset letters shadowy like craters on its large, luminous face.

“Red Sings from Treetops” is available at Buncombe County Public Libraries.

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quick dinner

Teriyaki chicken and edamame rice bowls

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 1/2 cups edamame 1 small red bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup bottled garlic teriyaki sauce 3 cups cooked medium- or long-grain brown rice 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until lightly browned and cooked through. Stir in edamame, bell pepper and teriyaki sauce. Bring to boil and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Add rice and cilantro, stir until well combined and heated through.

Makes 6 servings.

Approximate values per serving: 370 calories, 9 g fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 36 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein, 740 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 22 percent of calories from fat.

Source: From USA Rice Federation

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Family-friendly festivities Holiday events and festivals Through Dec. 23 ◆ ‘The Polar Express’ Read along with the story “The Polar Express” and enjoy a trip on Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Meet Santa, enjoy caroling, hot cocoa and a treat.

Times and dates vary. Tickets start at $38 for adults and $26 for children (ages 2-12). For schedule and reservations, visit gsmr.com or call 800-872-4681.

Through Dec. 26 ◆ CarePartners Festival of Trees Asheville Mall hosts the CarePartners Festival of Trees and Memorial Trees Garden outside Sears. Ornaments can be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one, with proceeds going to CarePartners Hospice. Call 277-4815.

Through Jan. 2 ◆ Christmas at Biltmore Experience Christmas as it would’ve been celebrated more than 100 years ago at Biltmore Estate. Tickets include daytime admission to the house, winery, gardens and River Bend Farm. Visit biltmore.com.

Through Jan. 3 ◆ National Gingerbread House Competition The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa hosts its 17th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition this year. Entries will be on display through Jan. 3 and are open for public viewing from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays at the hotel, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville. Some houses will be on display at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. Visit groveparkinn.com.

Through Jan. 10 ◆ Smith-McDowell House Museum’s Carolina Christmas Celebration A tradition since 1981, the mansion and history museum is authentically decorated with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments and toys of Victorian period.

Smith-McDowell House Museum is at 283 Victoria Road on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for college students (with ID) and $5 for school age (K-12). Call 253-9231 or visit wnchistory.org.

Dec. 4 ◆ A Winter’s Tale Music, crafts, food and fun at the WNC Nature Center’s annual holiday event from 6-9 p.m. Bring a camera and stroll along the trail to see the animals at night. Enrichment programs and entertainment from Mountain Marionettes. Cost is $6 per person.

Call 298-5600 or visit wildwnc.org. ◆ Circle of Lights See Santa, enjoy music, food, hayrides, a bonfire

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Dillsboro hosts its Festival of Lights and Luminaries on Dec. 4-5 and 11-12. and more. From 5-7 p.m. at Lake Tomahawk Park, 401 S. Laurel Circle Drive, Black Mountain. Free. Call 419-9300, ext. 687. ◆ Holly Jolly A Christmas celebration in downtown Black Mountain with refreshments, street music, Santa and more.

Shops will be open late. Free. From 2-11 p.m. See visitblackmountain.com. ◆ Olde Fashioned Hendersonville Christmas Shopkeepers will dress in Victorian period costumes and merchants will offer refreshments. Take a carriage ride or hayride throughout the historic district.

From 5-9 p.m. throughout downtown Hendersonville.

Dec. 4-5 and 11-12 ◆ Dillsboro Festival of Lights and Luminaries The town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song with 2,500 luminaries lighting the way to shops and studios. Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and children visit with Santa at Town Hall. For information, call 800-962-1911 or see visitdillsboro.org.

Dec. 4-6 ◆ Biltmore Village Dickens Festival Historic Biltmore Village marks the season with three days of merriment and music, storytellers and entertainers on stage and in the streets. Call 274-8788 or visit biltmorevillage.com.

Dec. 4-20 ◆ Lake Julian Festival of Lights Drive through Lake Julian Park, which is brightly lit with thousands of colored lights and more than 50 animated and stationary light displays. 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. Entrance on Long Shoals Road at Overlook Road.

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Dec. 5 ◆ Brevard Twilight Tour Heart of Brevard’s 22nd annual Twilight Tour is 4-9 p.m. in downtown. The street festival includes music, children’s activities and more. Call 884-3278. ◆ Christmas at the Farm Historic Johnson Farm hosts Christmas at the Farm, with house tours, bake sale, wagon ride, children’s crafts, live music, refreshments and more. From noon-5 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children younger than kindergarten. The farm is at 3345 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. Call 891-6585 or visit historicjohnsonfarm.org. ◆ Flat Rock Holiday Stroll Spend the day in Flat Rock, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and enjoy refreshments, luminaries, music, shopping and more. Holiday tailgate market featuring local farmers with seasonal items in the lower parking lot from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Visit flatrockonline.com or call 6963998 or 697-7719. ◆ Smoky Mountain Toy Run The annual event collects toys for needy area children. Toys go to the Salvation Army. The parade of motorcycles leaves South Charlotte Street at 1 p.m. and heads to Parkway Harley-Davidson in Swannanoa. Rain or snow date is Dec. 6. Call 298-1683 or visit genelummush-d.com/hog/events.html.

Dec. 5 and 12 ◆ A Night Before Christmas Downtown Waynesville celebrates the holidays with caroling, a live nativity, storytelling, wagon rides and more. Until 9 p.m. Visit downtownwaynesville.com. ◆ Santa on the Chimney Santa practices on 315-ft. Chimney Rock before climbing down millions of much shorter chimneys all around the world on Christmas Eve. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is park admission.

Dec. 5, 12 and 19 ◆ Asheville at Seasonal Sizzle Celebrate the season with evening fireworks at 7 p.m. in downtown Asheville. For details, visit ashevilleseasonalsizzle.com.

Dec. 6 ◆ Major Bear’s Holiday Party The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa’s Major Bear hosts a party for kids featuring ornament making, face painting, games, refreshments and more. Runs 2-4 p.m. at the hotel, 290 Macon Ave, Asheville.

Cost is $25 for adults, $22 for children. Call 800438-0050, ext. 7005 or 8045, for reservations.

Dec. 6 and 13 ◆ Children’s Family Christmas Smith-McDowell House Museum will host a special Christmas event for children and families at 2 p.m.

Dec. 6 and 13. Enjoy a program of Christmas classic readings and carols presented on the 1880s parlor pump organ. Cost is $3 per child and includes refreshments. Parents free. Call 253-9231. The museum is at 283 Victoria Road on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville.

Dec. 11 ◆ Christmas Candlelight Stroll Luminaries, carolers, carriage rides, refreshments, raffle and Santa from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Weaverville. See visitweaverville.com/candlelight.

Dec. 11, 14-18 ◆ Community Hanukkah candlelighting Celebrate Hanukkah at the Jewish Community Center.

Join in songs, light holiday candles and tell stories at

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER

Thousands of motorcycles participate each year in the Smoky Mountain Toy Run to raise money and toy donations for underprivileged children in Buncombe County. This year’s run is Dec. 5.

5:15 p.m. in the upstairs foyer. This program is open to the entire community. The JCC is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. Visit jcc-asheville.org.

Dec. 12 ◆ Christmas at Connemara

Celebrate Christmas with the holiday traditions of the Sandburgs with holiday decorations and holiday music at the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock from

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Holiday events

PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON

Rick Morehead moves a log in the fire during the annual 1830s Christmas at Vance Birthplace.

The historic house, birthplace of Civil War Governor Zebulon Vance, is open once each Christmas season for guided tours.

Continued from Page 43 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 693-4178 or visit nps.gov/carl.

Dec. 13 ◆ Christmas at Vance Birthplace Take a candlelight tour of the Zebulon 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 or visit nchistoricsites.org/ vance. ◆ Hanukkah dinner The community is invited to celebrate Hanukkah at the Jewish Community Center of Asheville, 236 Charlotte St. Call 253-0701 or visit jcc-asheville.org. ◆ Advent celebration Asheville Waldorf Initiative hosts a reverent holiday evening. Walk the Advent garden spiral, turning inward toward winter darkness and emerging into brighter days. Advent is an opportunity for the family to celebrate a festival that brings light and warmth to the love and giving of Christmas. At Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Ave. Children’s walk begins at 5 p.m. For details and to RSVP, call Rae Patton at 298-4655. A nondenominational event.

Dec. 15 ◆ Henderson County Parks and Rec open house The second annual Henderson County Parks and Rec open house and toy drive will be 4:30-7:30 p.m. at

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the Jackson Park Administration Office. For all ages.

Tour Jackson Park House. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and get a free picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a hayride through the park and caroling. Warm up with hot chocolate, cookies and popcorn. Visit hendersoncountyrecreation.org.

Dec. 26 ◆ Union Grove Kwanzaa celebration Union Grove Family Life Center, Hendersonville, from 3-6 p.m. A festive celebration of African-American culture with food, entertainment and fellowship. Call 697-9698 or 696-0772.

Dec. 29 ◆ YMI Kwanzaa celebration 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. At noon. Call 252-4614 or visit ymicc.org.

Tree lightings and parades Dec. 4 ◆ Fletcher tree lighting, 5:30 p.m. at Fletcher Community Park. Enjoy hot chocolate, storytelling, Santa and more. Free, with nonperishable food donation suggested. In the case of inclement weather, the event will take place at Fletcher Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. Visit fletcherparks.org. ◆ Lighting of Christmas tree dedicated to America’s

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armed forces, 4 p.m., Henderson County Heritage Museum, Main Street, Hendersonville. ◆ Valdese tree lighting, with entertainment, refreshments a shop hop and more. Call 879-2129 or see visitvaldese.com.

Dec. 5 ◆ Black Mountain Christmas parade, 4 p.m. Call 669-2300, e-mail bmchamber@juno.com or visit exploreblackmountian.com. ◆ Brevard Christmas parade, 3 p.m., downtown. Call 883-3700. ◆ Bryson City Christmas parade, 2 p.m., downtown.

Call 488-3681 or 800-867-9246 or visit greatsmokies.com. ◆ Hendersonville Christmas parade, 10:30 a.m., Five Points to Caswell Street. Call 692-4179. ◆ Maggie Valley Christmas parade, 6 p.m., starts at Ghost Town in the Sky and down Soco Road. Visit maggievalley.org. ◆ Valdese Christmas Parade, 10 a.m. Call 879-2129 or see visitvaldese.com.

Dec. 7 ◆ Waynesville Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., down Main Street. Visit downtownwaynesville.com.

Dec. 11 ◆ Christmas in Valdese tree lighting with entertainment and more, 6-8 p.m. Call 879-2129 or see visitvaldese.com.

Dec. 12 ◆ Cherokee Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m., starting at Cherokee Bear Zoo and ending at Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Call 800-438-1601. ◆ Fletcher Christmas Parade, 10:30 a.m., on U.S. 25. Call 687-0751 or visit fletcherparks.org. ◆ Marshall Christmas Parade, 1 p.m., down Main Street. Visit townofmarshall.org.

Letters from Santa Santa will send your child a letter from his workshop at the North Pole. Download the form from buncombecounty.org/parks. Submit one letter per child.

Make sure that the child’s name and address are easy to read. Fax to 250-6259 or mail it to Santa Letters, Buncombe County Recreation Services, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, NC 28801. Free. Applications must be received by Dec. 4.

Holiday performances Nov. 27-Dec. 20 ◆ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ N.C. Stage Company presents an adaption of Frank Capra’s Christmas story. For information and tickets, call 239-0263 or visit ncstage.org.

Dec. 3-7 ◆ Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular Biltmore Baptist Church’s annual production, with performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 3-7 and 3 p.m. Dec. 5-6. Tickets start at $10. Get tickets at biltmorebaptist.org/calendar/tickets. At 35 Clayton Road, Arden.

For information, visit biltmorebaptist.org or call 687-1111.

Dec. 3-13 ◆ Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’

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Holiday events

MORE HOLIDAY LISTINGS

Continued from Page 45 The 33rd annual production by Montford Park Players has been restaged and newly designed this season.

Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, with a 3 p.m. matinee Dec. 6. At Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for adult students and senior citizens and $6 for children younger than 18. Get tickets at montfordparkplayers.org. Call 254-5146.

Dec. 4 Montreat Morning School handbells Montreat Morning School Preschoolers will play handbells for guests and visitors in the lobby of the Grove Park Inn at 10:45 a.m. Call 669-7577, ext.

204, for information.

Dec. 6 ◆ ‘The Nutcracker’ At 2:30 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $15. ◆ UNC Asheville holiday concert Enjoy seasonal music by the university’s ensembles at 4 p.m. at Lipinsky Auditorium. $5. Call 251-6432.

Dec. 9 and 11-13 ◆ 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. Free, but tickets are required. For tickets call the church office at 692-1262.

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Looking for details on holiday craft shows or classes? See the WNC Parent calendar, which starts on Page 52.

Dec. 10-13 ◆ ‘Return to Bethlehem’ Now in its 22nd year as a benefit for AshevilleBuncombe Community Christian Ministry, this production at Groce United Methodist Church on Tunnel Road takes you through the experience of the Bethlehem marketplace as it might have been on the day Christ was born. Runs 6-9 p.m. Dec. 10-11, 2-9 p.m.

Dec. 12 and 2-6:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Donations requested. Call 259-5306 or visit abccm.org.

Dec. 11 ◆ Montreat Morning School program Montreat Morning School presents a Christmas program of song, skits and handbells at 10:30 a.m. in Gaither Chapel on the Montreat College campus.

Call 669-7577, ext. 204, for information.

Dec. 11-13 ◆ Asheville Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Asheville Ballet presents “The Nutcracker,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 at Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets start at $20. For tickets, visit dwtheatre.org or call 257-4530. For information, visit ashevilleballet.com. ◆ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical’ Asheville Christian Academy presents its spring

musical in December, “It’s a Wonderful Life, the Musical.” Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 10, 11 and 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12. All seats are reserved, and tickets are $10. Stop by the school or call 581-2200 to purchase your tickets.

Dec. 12-13 ◆ ‘Ring in the Holidays!’

The Asheville Choral Society performs “Ring in the Holidays!” at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at Central United Methodist Church. The choir is accompanied by an orchestra, with songs to include beloved carols of the season with candlelight procession. Tickets are $20. For tickets, visit ashevillechoralsociety.org or call 232-2060.

Dec. 18 ◆ ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets are $10. Visit balletconservatoryofasheville.com. For tickets, call 257-4530 or visit dwtheatre.org.

Dec. 19 ◆ Asheville Symphony 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. 22 ◆ ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ The Moscow Ballet presents the “Great Russian Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. in Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Call or visit Ticketmaster.com for tickets, which start at $26.50.

Compiled by WNC Parent writer Katie Wadington.

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Time’s ripe for fall fruit desserts

By Ron Mikluak Gannett News Service In the fall, a desire for desserts of apples and pears seems to arise out of my subconscious.

These fall fruits are refreshing eaten fresh out of hand, but change their character in subtle ways when cooked or baked. Pies are the natural first thought for fall desserts.

But pies are sometimes intimidating for home cooks, the issue of pie dough posing choices and challenges.

These issues can be almost totally avoided by opting instead to bake a cobbler, a crisp, a pandowdy, crumble, betty or slump — all wonderful regional appellations for satisfying, easy-tomake-desserts using the fall fruit bounty of apples, pears, late-bearing berries or cranberries.

They’re simple fruit desserts baked

GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Baked apple cobbler is a nice fall dessert. under a single crust, or a layer of biscuit dough, or a loose topping of flour and sugar and butter (along with chopped nuts or oatmeal), or in layers with breadcrumbs and sweet spices.

Any baked fruit concoction will only be as good as the fruit one uses. Pears need to be ripe enough to be sweet, but not so ripe that peeling them results in

mush. Everyone probably has a favorite apple variety, but I opted to try one of my favorite eating apples, the Honey Crisp, in the following apple cobbler recipe, and I was not disappointed. I think a tart apple is always better for baking than a sweet apple, and a firm-flesh, crisp apple is better than a softer, mealier variety.

For an apple cobbler recipe, see Page 48.

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Apple cobbler

Crystallized ginger can be found in many specialty food shops.

Slicing the apples very thinly made for an excellent texture. This crust will be fairly thick after rolling out, one-fourth to one-half inch, not as thin as a pie crust.

For the filling: 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons flour 1/4 cup unsalted butter 3 pounds crisp, sweet-tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the crust: 2 cups flour 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes 1/3 cup coarsely chopped crystallized ginger Zest of 1 orange 1 cup heavy cream

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Heat oven to 425 degrees. Butter a 1 1/2 quart pie dish (10 inches across and 2 inches deep).

In a bowl, stir together the flour and the sugar. In a large skillet or saute pan, melt the butter over medium heat, and add the apples, lemon juice and sugar and flour mixture. Cover partially, and cook, stirring, until apples are just tender, 15 minutes or so. Stir in the vanilla, and let cool 15 to 20 minutes. Pour into the prepared pie dish.

In a new bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Add the butter, and, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal, with clumps of varying sizes, from a pea to a BB. Stir in the crystallized ginger. Add the orange zest and then the cream.

Using a large fork, mix the cream into the flour until it comes together into a soft dough. Gather dough into a ball, and turn out on a wellfloured work surface. Knead briefly until dough comes together, then roll out into a circle a little larger than the pie dish.

Transfer the dough to the dish, covering the apples. Trim off excess, and tuck the edges of the dough down evenly against the rim of the pie dish. Cut a small steam hole in the center. Use excess dough to cut shapes if you choose. Lightly brush the crust with cream where you want to attach the decorative shapes, then brush the whole crust with cream.

Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes longer. Cool on wire rack. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Serves 6 to 8.

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area story times Buncombe County Public Libraries

For more information visit buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/Library/default.asp.

Dec. 8, Bilingual story time: Weaverville Library hosts a bilingual story time at 6:30 p.m. for all ages. Read stories, learn rhymes and sing songs in both English and Spanish. At 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Mother Goose Time (ages 4-18 months) 11 a.m. Mondays: West Asheville 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Fairview 11 a.m. Wednesdays: Swannanoa, Weaverville 11 a.m. Thursdays: Oakley 11:30 a.m. Thursdays: Enka-Candler Toddler Time (ages 18-36 months) 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: Swannanoa 10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Black Mountain, EnkaCandler 11 a.m. Thursdays: Weaverville (first Thursday only) Story time (ages 3-5) 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville 10 a.m. Wednesdays: Oakley 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Black Mountain, EnkaCandler, Leicester 11 a.m. Wednesdays: East Asheville, North Asheville

10:30 a.m. Thursdays: Fairview, Skyland/South Buncombe 11 a.m. Thursdays: Swannanoa, West Asheville 11 a.m. Saturdays: East Asheville School-age story time (ages 5-7) 3:15 p.m. Thursdays: North Asheville Family story time 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays: Weaverville Storyline Call 251-5437 for a story anytime.

Henderson County Public Library

There is no regularly scheduled story time in December. For more information, visit henderson.lib.nc.us.

Holiday Story Time Special Children are invited to join us for a special holiday story time with flannelboards, fingerplays, songs, and crafts.

Dec. 7: 10 a.m., Edneyville Library Dec. 17: 10 a.m., Green River Library

Barnes & Noble

Asheville Mall, 3 S. Tunnel Road, 296-7335

Dec. 7: “Rhinoceros Tap and Philadelphia Chickens” story time with Asheville Arts Center at 11 a.m.

Jan. 4: “Angelina Ballerina” story time with Asheville Arts Center at 11 a.m.

Ongoing story times: 11 a.m. Mondays (toddlers) and 2 p.m. Saturdays (young readers).

Biltmore Park, 33 Town Square Blvd., 6870681.

Dec. 9: “Rhinoceros Tap and Philadelphia Chickens” story time with Asheville Arts Center at 11 a.m.

Jan. 10 and 13: “Angelina Ballerina” story time with Asheville Arts Center at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 and 11 a.m. Jan. 13.

Ongoing story times: 11 a.m. Wednesdays (toddlers) and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Spellbound Children’s Bookshop

19 Wall St., 232-2228, spellboundchildrensbookshop.com Dec. 5: Fancy Nancy holiday story time. Wear your favorite fancy outfit to a special story time featuring “Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas” and fun holiday crafts at 3 p.m. Recommend for ages 3 and older. Free.

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kids’ page

Coloring

Dot-to-dot

Maze Word search blackbird blue jay cardinal crane crow dove eagle falcon hawk magpie owl pelican pigeon robin seagull sparrow swan woodpecker wren

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puzzles for parents Across

1. Type of digital storage 6. Past tense of “be” 9. Type of carpet 13. Laughing predator 14. ___ of Reason 15. “The Perfect _____” 16. Opposite of afar 17. 1990s catchphrase 18. City on a bay 19. “Red sky at night, sailor’s _______” 21. Relating to a climactic stage 23. ___ de Janeiro 24. What doctors do 25. Communications regulator 28. Most luminous star 30. Old time playground staple 35. Batman’s cave, e.g.

37. Located at the back, as in legs 39. Campbell or Watts, e.g.

40. Pot in Spanish 41. Echo sounder 43. Mary-Kate to Ashley 44. Sheep-like 46. From a great distance 47. Cell phone command 48. Hurricanes and tornadoes can be this 50. Functions 52. “Hee Haw” star Clark 53. Meat from a calf 55. Part of “i” 57. “Red sky in the morning, sailor take _______” 61. No bad weather will stay this from swift completion of appointed rounds 65. Intestinal obstruction 66. Strong solution of sodium 68. Musical form that is often last movement of a sonata 69. About four weeks 70. Old-fashioned over 71. Owned apartment 72. Bring them inside when storms hit 73. Wide area network 74. Heartburn-treating salt

8. Stiff hair or bristle, pl.

9. Adult male deer 10. You may need to evacuate it before a hurricane 11. River in Armenia 12. FBI agent 15. Done to “Mona Lisa” in 1911 20. Commotion 22. Ballet step 24. Small amount 25. Result of Katrina 26. Give birth, as in whale 27. Locomotive hair 29. Passport endorsement 31. Grub

32. Farmer or gardener 33. Type of acid 34. Chicago, a.k.a. “The _____ City” 36. “Atlas Shrugged” author 38. Buenos ____ 42. Any system of beliefs 45. Like a mischievous trick 49. Japanese monetary unit 51. Reporter’s helper 54. Luminous 56. Boy Scout group 57. One who lacks confidence 58. Succulent medicinal plant 59. Monthly payment 60. They attach to bolts 61. European Council for Nuclear Research 62. They are filled with travelers 63. Edible root of taro plant 64. Some install a safe one for storms 67. Uh-huh

Solutions on Page 64

Down

1. North central African republic 2. Unit of force 3. Found on fishing pole 4. Broadcast in progress 5. Page border 6. Deprivation 7. “Four score and seven years ___”

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calendar of events

Things to do

The deadline to submit items for January’s calendar is Dec. 10. Send information to calendar@wncparent.com.

Nov. 30

Music Together class

Try a free class with Asheville Area Music Together at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville. To reserve a space, contact Kari at karirichmond@charter.net or 5450990. Winter session registration runs Dec. 1-Jan. 11. Visit AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com.

Dec. 1

Puppet show

“Puppets with Laura and Marcia” will present “The Monkey and the Crocodile” and “Rumpelstiltskin” at 4 p.m. at Edneyville Library, 2 Firehouse Lane. Children of all ages are invited for a time of stories, laughter and songs. Children will be able to meet the characters and puppeteers at the end of the show.

Call 685-0110.

Sit and Knit

A casual needlework group for all skill levels at 1 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Begins Dec. 1

Holiday Giving Tree

Help provide new books for disadvantaged children in the community at the 10th annual Holiday Giving Tree. Visit the Oakley/South Asheville Library, at 749 Fairview Road, and select a gift card that will contain information to help in your book selection (child’s age, gender, reading level and interests). Return the book to the Oakley Library by Dec. 16. Or donate $10 and the Friends of the Oakley Library will do the shopping. Since beginning the program in 2000, the library has provided new books to more than 1,000 children. For details, call 250-4754 or e-mail oakley.library@buncombecounty.org.

Dec. 1 and 8 Childbirth 101

A two-session class for expectant parents covering the labor and delivery process, relaxation, breathing patterns, birth options, positioning and comfort measures. Bring two pillows and a blanket. Two

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calendar of events Tuesdays, Dec. 1 and 8, 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 Blvd., Hendersonville. Call 692-4600.

Dec. 2

Breast-feeding and Calming a Fussy Baby class

Class that teaches tips and tricks to feed, calm and soothe a baby meets 6-9 p.m. at The Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Cost is $25. For information, call Holly at 250-0226 or visit AshevilleWomensWellness.com.

Skyland Library Knitters

A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at 6 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

Swannanoa Library Knitters

A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels meets at 5 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486.

Dec. 3

Brownies Chemistry Try-It program

Come play in the slime lab at The Health Adventure.

Runs 3:30-4:45 p.m. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.org and click on “Programs.”

Music Together class

Try a free class with Asheville Area Music Together at 10 and 11 a.m. in West Asheville. To reserve a space, contact Kari at karirichmond@charter.net or 5450990. Winter session registration runs Dec. 1-Jan. 11. Visit AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com.

Starts Dec. 3-4

Holiday dresses sewing classes

Waechter’s Fine Fabrics offers two sewing classes for making children’s holiday dresses. Holiday Dresses I runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10 and focuses on a dress suitable for ages 8-14 from a Sew Beautiful magazine pattern. Holiday Dresses II runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11 and features a dress for a girl age 4-8 from a pattern in the store’s collection. Each class costs $58 plus supplies from Waechter’s.

Participants should bring a sewing machine. The store is at 9 Reed St., Biltmore Village. Call 2743146 or e-mail info@waechters.com.

Dec. 3-4

‘Willy Wonka Jr.’

Ira B. Jones Elementary School’s drama club presents “Willy Wonka Jr.” Performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 in the Ira B. Jones Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 5 and older, free for 4 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the door only on the day of the show. Jones Elementary is at 544 Kimberly Ave. Auditorium is the last building on the right. Park in first parking lot in front of auditorium or along the street.

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calendar of events

PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON

The Big Crafty expo is Dec. 6 at Pack Place.

Dec. 4

‘A Dickens Tale’

Bright Star Children’s Theater puts on a free performance of “A Dickens Tale” at the Skyland Library at 7 p.m. For all ages. Call 250-6488 or e-mail skyland.library@buncombecounty.org. The library is at 260 Overlook Road.

Ornament painting night

Families can spend the evening painting, glass fusing or doing a mosaic from 6-9 p.m. at Claying Around, 1378 Hendersonville Road. Receive a free ornament with your purchase, along with snacks. Reservations required. Call 277-0042 or e-mail clayingaround@bellsouth.net.

Lunch ’n Learn: ‘Who’s in Charge?’

Maccabi Academy and the JCC Early Childhood Programs host a four-week series, “My Baby’s Ready for School But I’m a Nervous Wreck!” Get answers to critical questions every preschool parent asks. Share and learn great ideas and activities to help you and your child prepare for kindergarten. Dec. 4 session is “Who’s in Charge?” Parents will get concrete advice to help discipline children with love and give them boundaries. Free and open to all preschool (and near preschool) parents. Runs noon-1 p.m. at Asheville JCC, 236 Charlotte St. Contact Caroline Martin at 253-0701 or caroline@jcc-asheville.org.

Tap dance class

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville offers a free beginner tap class for 5- and 6-year-olds from 3:15-4 p.m. at the studio, 193 Charlotte St. Call 255-5777 or visit balletconservatoryofasheville.com.

Dec. 5

Apron workshop

Begin the holiday season with a mother-daughter apron project, for girls 8 and older. Make and decorate at this class at Waechter’s Fine Fabrics, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost is $45 plus supplies from Waechter’s. The store is at 9 Reed St., Biltmore Village. Call 274-3146 or e-mail info@waechters.com.

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calendar of events Christmas ornament workshop

Kids can make four ornaments for their tree and enjoy holiday treats from 11 a.m.-noon at the Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. For all ages. Call 250-6480 or e-mail leicester.library@buncombecounty.org.

Foundation Year Studies course

Foundation Year Studies, a course in personal and spiritual renewal and the first year in the Waldorf teacher training curriculum, will be offered starting in January. An introductory workshop will be offered from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5 at Abernethy United Methodist Church, 1418 Patton Ave. Call 273-5647 or e-mail md79397@yahoo.com.

performance by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (at 12:30 and 4 p.m.) and see plays, dance and demonstrations all day. The third Children’s Health & Harmony Expo takes place 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel off Interstate 240 in West Asheville.

Admission is $5; children younger than 3 and grandparents are free. Visit childrenshealthandharmony.com.

The Big Crafty

Dozens of crafters show off their work. With food and music, too. Runs noon-6 p.m. at Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Visit thebigcrafty.com.

Dec. 7

Food allergy group

COCOA — Caring for Children with food Allergies — is a free group for parents of food allergic children that meets at 6:45 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Earth Fare on Hendersonville Road in South Asheville. E-mail Kristie at cocoa_in_asheville@yahoo.com for details.

Health fair

Asheville Fitness Club, at 1000 Brevard Road, Suit 175, will host a health fair that is open to the public from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7:30 p.m. With health

Weaverville Library used book sale

Friends of the Weaverville Library hosts its Box Sale from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fill a box with books for just $5.

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Weaverville Library. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org.

YMCA parents’ night out

The YMCA in downtown Asheville offers a parents night out for children ages 2-12. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course, snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (at least 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered 6-10 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. Cost is $15 for members ($30 for nonmembers), with $2 sibling discounts for everyone. For information or to register, call 210-5622 or visit ymcawnc.org.

Dec. 6

Children’s Health and Harmony Expo

Visit more than 50 local vendors. Bring the kids to a

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER

Sebastian Madji jams with Kindermusik’s Yvette Odell during last year’s Children’s Health and Harmony Expo. This year’s event is Dec. 6.

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calendar of events checks, consultations, free samples, food, prizes and demonstrations in classes like Zumba. For information, call Lesli at 665-2323 or visit ashevillefitnessclub.com.

Introduction to Foster Parenting

Buncombe County DSS hosts a workshop to review the steps needed to become a foster parent at 6 p.m. at MAHEC on Biltmore Avenue. Several agencies will have staff there. Free child care and a light meal will be provided. To ensure enough food, handouts and crafts for kids, please RSVP to Erica Jourdan at 775-2404 or Erica.jourdan@buncombecounty.org.

Dec. 8

Puppet show

“Puppets with Laura and Marcia” will present “The Monkey and the Crocodile” and “Rumpelstiltskin” at 4 p.m. at Green River Library, 50 Green River Road, Zirconia. Children of all ages are invited for a time of stories, laughter and songs. Children will be able to meet the characters and puppeteers at the end of the show. Call 697-4969.

Dec. 9

Holistic Parenting Forum

The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living.

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calendar of events The group provides support, education and resources. All meetings take place on the second Wednesday of every month at Earth Fare in West Asheville from 6-8 p.m. Children are welcome. For more information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com

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.

Cost is museum admission. No club dues, just the cost of museum admission. From 4-5 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at The Health Adventure, 2 S. Pack Place. Call 254-6373 or visit thehealthadventure.org.

Dec. 10

Knitty Gritty Knitting Night

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

Dec. 11

Lunch ’n Learn: Kindergarten readiness

Maccabi Academy and the JCC Early Childhood Programs host a four-week series, “My Baby’s Ready for School But I’m a Nervous Wreck!” Get answers to

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calendar of events HOLIDAY CAMPS Asheville Art Museum Holiday Arts Extravaganza for students in first-fourth grades runs 1-4 p.m. Dec. 28-31. Students spend their days exploring and creating art.

Admission and supplies are included. Cost is $18 per day for members, $20 for nonmembers. The museum is at Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Download a registration form at ashevilleart.org. Call 2533227, ext. 122.

Jewish Community Center of Asheville The JCC offers its Just Kids full-day program for school breaks for children in kindergarten-fifth grades. Runs 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 25 and Dec. 21-23 and 28-30. Programs include field trips to Waynesville Recreation Center for swimming (Dec. 21), The Health Adventure (Dec. 22), Biltmore Estate (Dec. 23), ClimbMax (Dec. 28) and more. Price per full day is $42 for most programs ($33 for JCC members). Annual per-child registration fee of $50 and a $75 per family annual security fee additional. Register by Dec. 14 for December programs. To register, contact Sep Shams at 253-0701 or sepi@jcc-asheville.org. Visit jcc-asheville.org for details. The JCC is at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville.

YMCA The YMCA of Western North Carolina’s Schools Out Programs are designed to meet the needs of both working families and families looking for care so they can get last-minute shopping, errands, etc., accomplished. Programs are offered at Avery’s Creek Elementary, 15 Park

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South Blvd., Arden, and the YMCA Beaverdam site, 201 Beaverdam Road, Asheville, on Nov. 25 and Dec. 21-23 and 28-30. Curriculum includes arts and humanities, health, wellness and fitness, science, outdoor playtime, games, literacy, cultural diversity, character development and more. For kindergarten to fifth grades. Cost is $28 daily (Avery’s Creek location accepts Subsidy Child Care Vouchers). Registration required. Call the YMCA Child Care Services Branch at 2102273 (CARE) for additional information and to register.

YWCA of Asheville The YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave., will offer a camp program including arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, games and more from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 21-22 and 28-31. Drop-off is 7:30-9 a.m. and pickup is 4:30-6 p.m. Lunch and afternoon snack served. Cost is $30 per day or $150 for the entire camp. Applications available at ywcaofashevlle.org or can be picked up at the YWCA. Call 254-7206.

2010 CAMP GUIDE WNC Parent produces its annual Camp Guide in March. The deadline to submit information for spring break camps and summer day and overnight camps is Jan. 31. Submissions received by Jan. 5 will make the deadline for a listing in our Camp Guide preview in February’s issue (priority given to listings with early bird registration deadlines). Send information to Katie Wadington at kwadington@citizen-times.com.

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calendar of events critical questions every preschool parent asks. Share and learn great ideas and activities to help you and your child prepare for kindergarten. Final session is “Kindergarten? Is My Child Ready to Go off to School?” Instructors will share insights that will help parents make good decisions for children who are turning 5. Informational brochures and admissions information for the Maccabi Academy 2010-2011 school year will be shared with prospective parents at this important session. Free and open to all preschool (and near preschool) parents. Runs noon-1 p.m. at Asheville JCC, 236 Charlotte St. Contact Becky Hunt at 254-5660 or Caroline Martin at 253-0701 or caroline@jcc-asheville.org.

Hanukkah

An eight-day Jewish celebration that begins at sundown. For local events, visit jcc-asheville.org or see the Holiday Events calendar on Page 44.

Parents’ Night Out

Fired Up! Creative Lounge, at 26 Wall St. in downtown Asheville, offers a Parents’ Night Out from 6-9 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 will paint a bisque piece, have pizza and play games. Cost is $25 per child. Call 253-8181 to make reservations.

Teen Awesome Group

Weaverville Library hosts a night dedicated to chocolate for all teens, ages 12-18. Learn about how chocolate is made, play chocolate games and enjoy treats. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org.

PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

Hanukkah begins Dec. 11 at sundown.

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calendar of events Winter Festivals program

Entertainer Steve Somers will present an entertaining look at a variety of winter festivals and holidays from around the world at 3:30 p.m. at Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville. Join Conductor Steve as he takes kids on a magical train ride around the world to learn about winter festivals. Call 697-4725.

Dec. 11-12

Pack Library Blowout Book Sale

The Friends of the Library will host its Blowout Book Sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Bookends Used Book Store at Pack Library, 67 Haywood St. On Dec. 11, hardback books and videos will be 25 cents each; paperbacks and children’s books will be 10 cents each. On Dec. 12, everything will be half off those prices. Bring your own boxes and bags. After the sale, Bookends will close because of the library’s renovation project. Call 250-4700.

Owen Middle School will host the sixth-annual Christmas in the Valley arts and crafts show, 10 a.m.-4

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Holiday bazaar

Women’s Wellness Center hosts a bazaar featuring local artists, handmade jewelry, kid’s toys and clothing, whimsical art, candles, baked goods and more.

Kids can get their picture taken with Santa. From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 24 Arlington St. Visit ashevillewomenswellness.com or call 505-7505.

Holiday storytelling with Sheila Kay Adams

Friends of the Weaverville Library hosts a holiday program of stories and songs by the nationally known balladeer and storyteller Sheila Kay Adams at 3 p.m.

Listen to stories about Christmas in Madison County and hear the traditional mountain ballads that have been handed down through five generations of Adams’ family. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org. The library is at 41 N. Main St.

Horse Sense open house

Dec. 12

Christmas in the Valley arts and crafts show

p.m. in the school gym. The event will include professional juried artisans, music, barbeque, homemade concessions and a raffle. Free children’s area will include crafts and Santa. The show is also a food donation site for the Swannanoa Rescue Mission.

Call 686-7917.

Horse Sense of the Carolinas will open the gates of its farm in Marshall at 10:30 a.m. for a free public tour. Horse Sense staff will discuss how horses play an important role in therapy sessions and in school programs. Registration is not required, but reserva-

tions are recommended. For details, call 683-7304 or visit HorseSenseTherapy.com.

Make Your Own Gingerbread House

Create your own holiday house complete with peppermint windows, jelly bean roofs and lots of icing.

Bring creativity and a willingness to get messy; the library will provide the rest. At 11 a.m. For children ages 5-12. Free, but tickets are required to attend.

Tickets will be available beginning Dec. 5 and must be picked up in person before the day of the event.

Call the library at 250-6484 or e-mail fairview.library@buncombecounty.org. The library is at 1 Taylor Road.

Midafternoon Miyazaki for Teens

East Asheville Public Library will host a free showing of the film “Howl’s Moving Castle” by acclaimed anime director Hayao Miyazaki from 2-4:30 p.m.

Open to ages 11-18. Interested in forming a manga club at the library? Meet before and after the movie.

Bring along your favorite manga or your own work to share. Call 250-4738 or e-mail eastasheville.library@buncombecounty.org. The library is at 902 Tunnel Road.

Dec. 13

Julie Maccarin performs

Spellbound Children’s Bookshop hosts a free performance at 3 p.m. by local musician Julie Maccarin.

All ages welcome; good for younger kids. CD signing

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calendar of events to follow. The shop is at 19 Wall St. Call 232-2228 or visit spellboundchildrensbookshop.com.

Dec. 14 and 21

Auditory Integration Training – Berard Method

An introduction to Berard AIT will be given at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Earth Fare, 1856 Hendersonville Road, South Asheville, and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Earth Fare in Westgate Shopping Center, West Asheville. AIT helps those with sensory and developmental issues with its 10 hours of listening sessions and frequency modulated music. Visit AITtoday.com or BerardAITwebsite.com. Call 667-0912.

Dec. 16

School Age Book Club: Around the World in Five Holidays

Children ages 7-11 can join in the celebration of winter holidays around the world at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Share stories, songs, crafts and a special holiday snack as we learn about different cultures and traditions. At 4 p.m. Call 250-6482 or e-mail weaverville.library@buncombe-

county.org.

Skyland Library Knitters

A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels at 3 p.m. at the Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.

Special Olympics swimming

Register by Dec. 16 to participate in the aquatics program of the Special Olympics Buncombe County.

Dec. 15

Breast-feeding class

Learn the art of breast-feeding. Class covers breastfeeding 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 Blvd., Hendersonville.

Call 692-4600. Class is free; registration is not required.

Sit and Knit

A casual needlework group for all skill levels at 6 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.

Dec. 15-17

Ornament Make and Take

Children of all ages are invited to come to the library and make an ornament to take home. Registration required. Call 697-4625. ◆ Dec. 15: 4 p.m., Etowah Library, 101 Brickyard Road. ◆ Dec. 16: 4 p.m., Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville.

Dec. 17: 4 p.m., Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road

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calendar of events Practice begins in January at the YMCA, 30 Woodfin St., Asheville. Free. All athletes must have a complete and current physical and a consent form on file in order to participate. Contact Grace Young at 250-4260 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org for information.

Swannanoa Library Knitters

A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels meets at 5 p.m. at the Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St. Call 250-6486.

Dec. 18

Register by Dec. 21

The YMCA in downtown Asheville offers a parents night out for children ages 2-12. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, inflatable obstacle course, snacks and a movie. Register online or in person (at least 24 hours before scheduled program). Offered 6:30-9:30 p.m. the third Friday of each month. Cost is $12 for members ($24 nonmembers), with $2 sibling discounts for everyone. For information or to register, call 210-5622 or visit ymcawnc.org.

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services will host two trips to Charlotte Bobcats games.

Cost, including transportation, is $35 per person. Sign up by Dec. 21. See the Orlando Magic on Jan. 23. Or see the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 19. Van departs Asheville at 3 p.m. for both games. Contact Jay Nelson at 250-4260 or jay.nelson@buncombecounty.org for more information and directions to our office. Trips require a minimum of 20 paid fans.

YMCA parents night out

Bobcats games

Dec. 22

Black Mountain Library Knitters

A casual knitting group for knitters of all skill levels that meets monthly at the Black Mountain Library. At 7 p.m. at 105 Dougherty St. Call 250-4756.

Pardee parenting classes

Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information. Classes are free. Registration is not required. ◆ Infant care class: Learn the basics of infant care, 6:30-8 p.m. ◆ Prime-time with a pediatrician: Learn from a local pediatrician what to expect with a newborn in your home, 8-9 p.m.

Starts Dec. 28

YWCA swim lessons

The next session of Red Cross certified swim lessons begins Dec. 28 at the YWCA of Asheville. Classes are offered for babies, preschoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call 254-7206, ext. 110, or sign up at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. Visit ywcaofasheville.org.

Dec. 29

Leicester Library Knitters and Crocheters

A knitting and crocheting group for people of all skill levels at 6:30 p.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Call 250-6480.

Ends Jan. 3 ‘Grossology’

The Health Adventure’s new traveling exhibit explores all the gross stuff adults don’t like to talk about in polite company. “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body” is a science-in-disguise exhibition where kids get the answers to many of the slimy, oozy, crusty, stinky questions they absolutely love to ask about the human body. At The Health Adventure, 2 S. Pack Place, downtown Asheville. For more information, visit thehealthadventure.org.

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calendar of events

Starts Jan. 8

Clogging classes

Beginner clogging class taught by Junior Olympic medalist Ashley Shimberg starts Jan. 8. Class runs 5:30-6:20 p.m. at Hahn’s Gymnastics, Intermediate and advanced classes also offered. Visit ashevillecloggingcompany.com, e-mail Ashley@ashevillecloggingcompany.com or call 329-3856 for information.

Register by Jan. 17

Grove Park Inn programs

The Sports Complex at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa offers two kids’ programs with games and sports, arts and crafts, swimming, pizza and a movie.

For reservations, call 252-2711, ext. 1046, or e-mail mmiller@groveparkinnresort.com. ◆ Kids’ Night Out: 6-10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday, for children ages 3-12. Cost is $45 per child. Advance registration required. ◆ Cub’s Adventure Camp: A full-day (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) or half-day (9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.) on Saturdays.

Lunch included. Cost is $65 for full day; $45 for half-day morning with lunch; $30 for afternoon.

Women’s Wellness and Education Center classes

All classes are at the Women’s Wellness and Education Center, 24 Arlington St., Asheville. Call 5057505 or visit ashevillewomenswellness.com. ◆ Mamatime mother baby classes: Mamatime is a facilitated group of 10 moms and babies who meet weekly for support and community. Babies must be younger than 4 months to start. The group is open to all. Cost $100-150 sliding fee. Call Shelley Tom at 582-4653 for more information and to register. ◆ Prenatal yoga classes offered 5:30-6:30 p.m.

ABYSA spring soccer

Spring season registration deadline for U7 and older levels of Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association is Jan. 17. Cost is $58, plus $17 uniform fee.

Deadline for U5 and U6 is Jan. 29. Cost is $48 plus $17 uniform fee. Late fee is $10 for registration after the deadline. For details, visit abysa.org.

Ongoing

Celebration Singers of Asheville

Community children’s chorus for ages 7-14. Rehearsals are 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursdays at First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St., downtown Asheville. For audition and performance information, call 2305778 or visit singasheville.org.

Super Science Saturday

Experiment with science during Super Science Saturdays at The Health Adventure, from noon-2 p.m. each Saturday. Programs feature hands-on activities led by museum facilitators. For specific activity descriptions or for more information, visit thehealthadventure.org. The museum is at Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square.

Trinity Presbyterian Church Mothers Morning Out

The Mothers Morning Out program is enrolling children ages 6 weeks-6 years for care/preschool for the school year (through April). Offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Learning, dance, music and more. Register at the church, 17 Shawnee Trail, in Redwood Forrest development in East Asheville. Call Tina Robinson at 299-3433, ext. 308, or visit trinityasheville.com.

Kindermusik classes

Spring session registration is going on now for classes that run January-May. Register your child, newborn to age 7, for a musical play date every week. Four unique curricula promote creativity, listening skills, self-esteem, problem solving, vision and focus, language and literacy, hand-eye coordination, emotional and social skills, balance and coordination — all the while providing a joyful introduction to music. Call area licensed educators: Lora Scott, 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/musicchoirs/kindermusik (Biltmore Village); Beth Magill, 298-9350, magills.net (downtown Asheville); Yvette Odell 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com (North and South Asheville); Debra Huff, 206-3145 or 6891128, dhuff@mhc.edu (Madison County); Sonja Gorsline, 883-8538 (Brevard).

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calendar of events Thursdays. Sliding scale, $8-$12.

Asheville Area Music Together

Enrollment runs from Dec. 1-Jan. 11. Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for children age 0-5. Each class is a rich, playful, family experience full of new and traditional songs and chants. Winter session begins the week of Jan. 4. Free demo classes available. Visit AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com. Contact Kari at karirichmond@charter.net or call 545-0990.

Park Ridge Hospital’s Baby Place childbirth classes

Choose from weekly Wednesday night classes for six weeks or a one-day class, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the first Monday of the month. Held in the Duke Room at Park Ridge Hospital, 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville.

Cost is $90 total for the series. Start at any point in the class cycle. Please call Sheri Gregg at 681-2229 for information or to register.

Solutions to puzzles on Page 51

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