WNC Parent - July 2008 by Stacey

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contents This month’s features 4

Birthday check list Before throwing a party, consult this to-do list.

Age-appropriate events Find out what types of parties are best for children, based on their ages. PHOTO BY ASHLEY ROSS

Tips on how the birthday child — and the guests — should act.

Evangelia Paulk paints her bowl during her friend’s birthday party at FiredUp! Creative Lounge, a paint-your-own-pottery studio on Wall Street.

Birthday Guide

Party etiquette

Birthday parties not only mark milestones, they make memories Having 15-year-old twins, I have planned my share of birthday parties over the years. Fortunately, and for the most part, these parties have gone on without incident. However, there was the year that I planned a swimming party, invited all their friends two weeks in advance, only to find out that I had scheduled the party for Easter weekend and only two of their friends were going to be in town. Planning ahead is a big part of having a successful party; we offer a “checklist” of suggestions on Page 4 to assist in making your child’s party a success. Celebrating the milestone of another year is fun, greatly anticipated and an occasion that most parents want to be memorable, both for them and their child. We hope the contents of this issue devoted to birthdays puts you on the path to a celebration that brings special memories that last a lifetime. Nancy Sluder Editor

A list of all that you’ll need to throw a party in Western North Carolina, from venues and food to supplies and entertainment.

18 Gifts galore Four local toy stores offer suggestions on great presents for the birthday child.

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

23 Kids’ voices

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer

Students at Emma Elementary share their favorite birthday party memories. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

35 Summer’s top drink

A gift for the littlest ones, available at Enviro Depot.

Jazz up your iced tea with fruity or sweet twists.

In every issue WNCmom.com page .........................................26 Librarian’s Picks by Jennifer Prince ..................28 Divorced Families by Trip Woodard ...................30 Show and Tell ...................................................31 Kids Health by Linden Veillette .........................33 Quick Dinners ..................................................38 Puzzles .............................................................40 Calendar .....................................................41-48

On the cover Photo special to WNC Parent.

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

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

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

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

STAFF WRITER Barbara Blake bblake@citizen-times.com

Or contact your dedicated Asheville Citizen-Times advertising representative for opportunities to advertise in this publication.

CIRCULATION

Charlie Davis - 232-6018, cpdavis@gannett.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 CALENDAR CONTENT submit in writing via P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 or e-mail calendar@wncparent.com SUBMISSION DEADLINES advertising deadline for the August 2008 issue is July 23 calendar items are due by July 21

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Plan the perfect party By Barbara Blake Staff Writer

here are dozens of ways to throw a birthday party, from simple, old-fashioned gatherings with classic games to more elaborate extravaganzas with inflatables, clowns, magicians or ponies. Depending on your budget, your child’s temperament and the number of guests involved, there are ways to make any party go smoothly if you do some basic planning ahead of time. Here are some tips for throwing a stress-free celebration on your child’s special day.

A month before the party Pick the date and time, and make your guest list. Just family and close friends? The entire class from school? A mix of selected friends and family members? If your child is in school, be aware of rules about handing out invitations in the classroom, especially if not every child is on the invitation list. Pick a theme. It can be as specific as dinosaurs or “Dora the Explorer,” or as general as “everything is pink,” from the paper plates and balloons to the cupcakes and goodie bags. Make reservations, if the party is to be at a fun center, a pool, a park or other public place. Book entertainment — magicians, balloon-animal artists, clowns, etc. — if that’s part of your plan. Make or buy invitations; mail or deliver them about two and a half weeks before the party date.

Two weeks before the party Shop for supplies to match the theme: party favors, plates, napkins, cups, tablecloths, balloons, table decorations, etc. Plan your menu and keep it finger-food simple: pizza, hot dogs if you’re in the backyard, chips, cookies, ice cream and cake. Juice boxes or bottled water are safer than open cups. Plan the entertainment. It could be simple games like musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey, swatting a pinata filled with candy or small gifts, or outdoor games like dodge ball or tag. Or, pick an arts or crafts project that can double as a take-home party favor. Make a schedule and stick to it. Allot time for games and entertainment,

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

No matter the type of party you’re planning, being organized ahead of time will make the event flow smoothly.

2 or 3 days before the party Do you have party tips? Visit WNCmom.com to join the conversation. opening gifts, refreshments, free play, distribution of goodie bags and gathering possessions for parent pickup. Ask some other adults or responsible older children to come to the party to help supervise. Be sure to have food and beverages suitable for adults.

One week before the party Make your grocery list. Collect tables, chairs, serving dishes, linens, coolers, grills, game components and other supplies you’ll need. Prepare any make-ahead foods and store them in the freezer. Order cake if you’re not baking it. Follow up with guests who have not responded to determine the final guest count.

Do grocery shopping. Prepare the party favor bags if you’re providing them. Make sure cameras are ready with fresh batteries and/or film.

1 day before the party Make the cake, or pick it up if you’re not making it yourself. Blow up balloons, or pick them up if you’re purchasing them ready to go. Prepare foods other than those that will be picked up (pizza) or cooked (hot dogs) on party day. Clean and childproof party area.

Party day Do final food preparation and/or pick up pizza, etc. Set up and decorate the party area. Be sure to have an area set aside to place birthday gifts. Organize game equipment, hang the pinata, set up craft-making area, etc. Instruct your adult/older children helpers on their areas of responsibility.

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Just before the party begins, have a final reminder chat with the birthday child about the polite way to acknowledge gifts as they’re opened and saying thank you when the guests leave.

Day after the party Have your child write thank-you notes to each guest who brought a gift. If the child is too young to write, have her dictate her thoughts to you, then have her sign her name or draw a picture under your written words. Write down notes to yourself about what worked and didn’t work so well at the party. Tuck the paper into a place you’ll find just before it’s time to plan next year’s party.

Other tips for a successful party For very young children, the 10-11:30 a.m. time slot works well with nap time; for older children, ideal party times are 1-3 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. Avoid competitive games. Choose cooperative games instead. Make sure the birthday child has plenty of sleep the night before.

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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Jaden Fisher and birthday girl Nyah Dawson enjoy Nyah’s pirate birthday party.

Ideal parties vary with age By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributing writer Balloons, a clown, pony rides — you’ve thought of everything for your child’s birthday. But is all that really necessary for a 1-year-old? “When my kids were smaller, we did fairly simple parties at home,” said Eleanor Ashton, of Asheville. “My friends always did a good job of putting together the right type of party for the kids.” Here are some guidelines for ageappropriate parties:

Babies and toddlers Remember that baby’s 1st birthday party is more for the family than for the child. A simple, at-home gathering of family and friends is usually the best type of party. Toddlers are active and curious, but need lots of supervision. A party at a restaurant play place or a playground is best for this age group. Keep the

guest list small (four or five other children) and encourage at least some of the other parents to stick around to help with diaper changes, potty breaks and meltdowns. Plan short, simple activities like follow the leader, finger painting and singing.

Ages 4-6 This age group is ready for longer, more elaborate parties and activities. They are also old pros at attending parties, and are likely to tell you what type of party they want. Themed parties where everyone dresses up as superheroes, Harry Potter, princesses or pirates will be a big hit. “My two daughters, Jodi O’Hara and Jessica Dawson, put together a great party for my grandchild, Nyah Dawson’s 6th birthday,” said Robin Elliott, of Asheville. “All the kids dressed as pirates and played games. The prizes were chunks of gravel spray painted gold to look like treasure.”

Old-fashioned games work best for the youngest children. Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Simon Says sound uninspired, but 4-year olds may be discovering them for the first time. Young children love obstacle courses, and these can be easy to make. Set up an obstacle course using recycled boxes taped together to form a tunnel. By age 6, kids may start asking for parties at miniature golf courses, game rooms and party destinations.

Ages 7-9 By the time children reach this age, they will have no shortage of ideas on how, when and where to have their party. This is also the age when the girls (or boys) who may have always been welcome at parties suddenly may develop cooties and become yucky, leading to all girl or all boy parties. Competitive games like flag football or relay races can be fun, but put a grown up in charge of picking teams to avoid hurt feelings. Party destinations

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that offer golf, arcade games and laser tag are fun for this age group. “One year we had a scavenger hunt inside the house and in the surrounding neighborhood,” Ashton said. “The kids loved finding the clues, and we had prizes for the winners.”

Ages 9-12 Kids in this age group are usually too cool for games, balloons and goodie bags. Go for parties that feature activities like skating, bowling or swimming. “By this age, we were doing parties at pizza parlors and showing movies,” Ashton said. Other activities for this age group can range from rock climbing walls to horseback riding. Some at-home choices are renting movies for a sleep over or dividing up for a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt. Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@ charter.net.

Minding your party manners By Barbara Blake Staff writer The thought of a child’s birthday party may evoke images of chaos and mayhem, with sugar-fueled tots fighting over the birthday child’s new toys and the likelihood of such mortifying comments as, “That’s a stupid present — take it back and get me something else.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Parties with young children offer great opportunities to learn manners and social skills, for the birthday child as well as his guests. If parents arm their kids with a few basic tenets of courtesy and social interaction, a birthday bash can be a surprisingly civil affair. And there are many lessons to be learned in the process of a birthday celebration, from the party invitations to the thank-you notes after it’s over. “A birthday party is a good time to teach a child how to write an invitation, including the value of the RSVP at the bottom,’’ said Asheville etiquette maven Sallie Middleton Parker. “It is astonishing how many people ignore the RSVP on invitations, often because they don’t know what it is. If a child learns this at an early age, she will be one of the few people to respond appropriately at a later age.” Jennifer Hartman, of Knightdale, who writes magazine articles on children’s issues, said birthday parties and holidays offer excellent opportunities for modeling and coaching social skills, especially for young children who learn better through social exchange than through lectures and rules. For example, at the end of the party, “The birthday child should help pass out party favors and say ‘goodbye’ and ‘thank you’ to each friend,’’ Hartman said. “Make sure he knows you expect him to thank his friends for coming and for the gifts they brought. This will make the guests feel special, too,’’ she said. Here are some other tips from Parker and Hartman that will help the birthday child and the birthday guests have a successful and memorable celebration.

Arriving and departing The birthday child should greet each guest at the door, even if it means leaving the fun with guests

sure the child doesn’t rip into gifts and then quickly toss them to the side. Each gift should be acknowledged and the giver should be thanked individually. “The birthday child should say thank you for each gift, even if he doesn’t like it,” Parker said. Guests should not play with the birthday child’s gifts unless they are invited to. If they are invited to play with the toys, they should be extremely careful not to break or hurt them. If the birthday child wants to play with a new toy, the guest should graciously return it, Parker said.

After the party

SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Birthday parties present a great opportunity for parents to reinforce manners. who’ve already arrived. “When guests are personally welcomed to the party, they will feel more like a part of the group,’’ Hartman said. Parents should remind the group of children that they are expected to be on their best behavior and to treat the other guests with courtesy. Guests should thank the host parent(s) as they leave. “Thank you Mr./Mrs. So-and-so, I had a wonderful time,” Parker said.

Even if a child is not old enough to write, she can take part in writing thank-you notes. Very young children can scribble their names or draw a picture on the bottom of a note written by the parent, or the child can dictate a thank you that is transcribed by a parent. “This will teach behavior that, if reinforced every year, will soon lead to the child automatically want-

ing to send thank-you notes,’’ Hartman said. Parker said she knows of one young mother who had her 2-year-old daughter “write” thank-you notes every morning after breakfast during the Christmas season. She supplied the child with paper and crayons, and they discussed who would be thanked for what. “Then Sally would wash dishes while Kate ‘wrote thank-you notes’ in her high chair,’’ Parker said. “When Kate was through, Sally slipped the notes in an envelope with a quick added note from her, and mailed them. Now Kate has a good start in the importance of appreciation etiquette.”

General rule for good behavior “No whining or complaining,’’ Parker said. “If games are played, a child who loses should not pout and try to spoil the party. Also, the host child should not try to flaunt his position as celebrant and try to go first in games, or get the first piece of cake.”

Food and drink etiquette Children get excited about cake and ice cream. “It’s hard for them to wait patiently for their turn, but wait they must,’’ Parker said. “No pushing and shoving to get the first plate. And when they’re finished, the soggy plate should be returned to the cake table, not left next to the sofa.” Make sure each child uses a napkin and asks for things to be passed instead of reaching. If the birthday child knows to use polite table matters, that will help the other children act appropriately, Hartman said.

Opening gifts “Children should sit quietly around the birthday child; as he opens each gift, they can ooh and aaahh if they want, but they should not tell him what the gift is before he opens it,’’ Parker said. Hartman said parents should make

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From venues to bakeries to magicians, an essential listing of Western North Carolina’s party resources

The Birthday Guide Party places

Acceleration Sports Institute, 14 Legend Drive, Arden, 687-7999, accelerationsport.com, ask4cady@charter.net. Party where the pros train. ASI offers birthday parties with basketball court, dodge ball, batting cages, inflatable castle jumper, inflatable sports jumper or inflatable obstacle course. Packages start as low as $99. AMF Star Lanes Bowling, 491 Kenilworth Road, Asheville, 254-6161, amf.com. A twohour weekend bowling party includes one hour of bowling, rental shoes for each guest, invitations and thank you cards, paper products and unfilled goody bags. Guests receive drink and pizza or kids meal. Parents can bring a cake. Cost is $13.99 per child; minimum of 10 kids. A $20 deposit is required. Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com. The arts center has a variety of options for birthday parties, with character parties from princesses to pirates to themed parties such as “From Wizard to Wicked” where children can act, sing and dance down the yellow brick road while learning their favorite scenes from the “Wizard of Oz” and “Wicked.” Parties can be all-inclusive with visits from your favorite princess or character, party favors, mailed invitations and a birthday cake. Asheville Tourists, McCormick Field, 2580428, theashevilletourists.com. Celebrate your child’s birthday with Ted E. Tourist. Two party packages available, starting at $12 per person with a 10-person minimum. Packages include hot dog or pizza (varies by package), soft drinks and cake; one reserved box seat to the game; public address and scoreboard recognition during the game; a visit from Ted E. Tourist; and a marker and baseball for autographs in the dugout before the game. Parties begin one hour before a game. Asheville YMCA, 30 Woodfin St., Asheville,

210-9622, ymcawnc.org. The Y offers parties 1-3:30 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Parties include 90 minutes of pool time for up to 25 children and an hour party room time.

Bounceville USA, 614 Market St., Hendersonville, 696-4949, bouncevilleusa.com. An indoor play place with three bounce rooms, as well as a party room and parent area. Parties include one hour of private play in the bounce area, an hour in the private party room, free jump pass for birthday child, invitations, paper goods and assistance of a party coordinator. Cost is $170 for up to 16 children and $210 for 17-25 children. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Asheville Mall, 2981852, buildabear.com. A party leader guides guests through choosing and stuffing a new friend. Printable invitations and thank-you cards are provided online. Gifts for the birthday child and goody bags for the guests are included. Food and drinks are not allowed in the workshop. Parties are scheduled for groups of six or more. Parents can set the price beginning at $10 per guest. Chick-fil-A, Biltmore Square Mall, 800 Brevard Road, Asheville, 667-2308. Jump, climb and bounce at the mall’s new fun zone. Adults and children can jump on the trampoline, climb on the rock wall, bounce on the moonwalk and party with the Chick-fil-A cow. Chick-fil-A, 1832 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 277-9913. Each guest receives a free kids ice cream cone. Chimney Rock Park, U.S. 64/74A, Chimney Rock, 625-9611, chimneyrockpark.com, education@chimneyrockpark.com. Birthday parties are available for all ages. Options include scavenger hunts, reptile demonstrations and a 32-foot climbing tower. Chuck E. Cheese’s, 104 River Hills Road, Asheville, 299-3750, chuckecheese.com. Birthday party package includes two slices of

PHOTO BY ASHLEY ROSS

Anna Katsigianis, 4, paints a ceramic pony during her birthday party at FiredUp! Creative Lounge on Wall Street.

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single-topping pizza, a soft drink with free refills and 20 tokens for each guest. The birthday cake and a visit from Chuck E. Cheese are provided. A decorated table is reserved 90 minutes. The birthday child receives a birthday crown, cup and cotton candy. Free invitations are also available to print online. Cost starts at $10.99 for each guest. A $30 deposit is required. Online bookings are available.

planned according to the party participants’ ages, number of participants and special requests. Staff to participant ratio is one instructor to every 10 children. Parties include one hour of gymnastics instruction and a half-hour in the party room. More time is available for $30 per half-hour. Cost is $90, with $50 nonrefundable deposit required. Up to 15 children (additional children $5 each).

Claying Around, 3 ½ All Souls Crescent, Asheville, 277-0042, clayingaround.com. Three party packages available, starting with the basic 90-minute party for 10-20 painters at $4 per child and $5 per adult, plus pottery. Parties include a plate for guests to sign.

Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 697-8333, handsonwnc.org, info@handsonwnc.org. Parties at Hands On! include museum admission for up to 12 children ($5 for each additional child up to 15), a party room for two hours, invitations and a T-shirt for the birthday child. Parents must proovide food, paper products, one adult supervision for every five children and basic cleanup. Cost is $85 for members, $120 for nonmembers. A nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a party date.

ClimbMax, 43 Wall St., Asheville, 252-9996, climbmaxnc.com. ClimbMax offers climbing parties for groups of six or more. Rates start at $7.50 per person, depending on type of climbing. Party room is available, and pizza is offered from a pizzeria at a discounted rate.

High Flight Gym, 50 Coxe Ave., Asheville, 252-8746, highflightgym.com. Instructors lead guests through games, activities, contests and free time throughout the gym, including trampolines, foam pit and the parachute. A party room is provided for serving refreshments. Parties are 90 minutes and are available at noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sundays (no Sundays in June-August). Appropriate for all ages. Maximum of 25 children. Decorations and refreshments not provided. Cost is $125, with $75 deposit due at booking.

Colburn Earth Science Museum, Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, 254-7162, colburnmuseum.org. The museum offers a choice of parties for up to 15 children and 10 adults, with themes of dinosaurs, space or rocks and minerals. Parties are available for 90 minutes at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Cost of $125 for members, $180 for nonmembers, includes themed activities led by a staff member, party room and goody bags for children. Coleman Place, 36 Montford Ave., Suite 302, Asheville, 350-1920, colemanplace events.com, info@colemanplaceevents.com. Provides 4,000 square feet of space for events. It can accommodate groups as small as 10-15 or as large as 200 people. Events can be catered by vendors from our Preferred Vendor List, or by the caterer of your choice during the week. Costs are $75 per hour during the week, and range from $100-$375 per hour on weekends. Rental packages are available to provide tables, chairs, linens and/or china, silverware and glassware. Clients can also provide disposables. East Asheville Recreation Center, 906 Tunnel Road, 251-4041, eastrecctr@ashevillenc.gov. Let Asheville Parks & Recreation host your child’s next birthday party with a variety of packages available. Venue and cleanup provided for Saturday parties at 10 a.m. or 1 or 4 p.m. All parties have a two-hour time limit and must be booked two weeks in advance. Fired Up! Creative Lounge, 26 Wall St., Asheville, 253-8181, fireduplounge.com. Twohour reserved parties are available for groups of six or more. Cost is $4 per person plus the

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MILLER

Deaunte Davis enjoys his 6th birthday party at Asheville’s Fun Depot.

cost of pottery each guest chooses to paint. Guests are welcome to bring food, drinks, balloons, presents, etc. Finished pieces can be picked up in 7-10 days or can be shipped. Fun Depot, 7 Roberts Road, Asheville, 2772386, ext. 104, ashevillesfundepot.com, party@ashevillesfundepot.com. Birthday parties in a private party room with a party host or hostess to accommodate your every need. Fun Depot offers four package options, all of which include pizza, soft drinks and paper products (ice cream cups and party platters with chicken fingers, hot wings, finger sandwiches and vegetable or fruit for an additional fee). Each package includes a Boxcar Bucks card for the children to participate in the activities at our facility. Parties can be booked in a real caboose for an additional charge. Fun Factory in the Smokies, 1024 Georgia Road, Franklin, 349-8888, thefactory.bz.

Parties include mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, bowling and more. Packages start at $99.99 for eight guests and include cake and drinks, a T-shirt for the birthday child, bonus cash and video game play guests. Ghost Town in the Sky, Maggie Valley, 9261140, ext. 336, ghosttowninthesky.com. The theme park offers two party packages: the Buckaroo Birthday at $149 for eight people ($17 each additional person) and Wild West Birthday at $199 for eight people ($22 each additional person). Both parties include admission, free parking, cake and drinks, paper products, private party room and cowboy/cowgirl hat for the birthday child. Hahn’s Gymnastics, 32 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville, 684-8832, hahnsgymnastics.com. Children have fun while they play games, use the parachute, run the obstacle course and receive gymnastics instruction. Each party is

Holiday Inn Airport, 550 Airport Road, Fletcher, 684-1213. Offers pool parties for up to 15 children at indoor or outdoor pool, weather permitting. Parties available for $133.44 on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Guests must bring their own towels. Food and beverages may be brought in. Hollywild Animal Park 2325 Hampton Road, Welford, S.C., 864-472-2038, hollywild.com. Two party packages are available. A safari ride and train ride are included. All children receive an admission card (invitation), a free pass to return to the zoo, a bag of animal food and a 10 percent discount coupon for gift shop purchases. A host will serve the party. Cake, ice cream, drinks and paper products are provided. The birthday child receives a bottle to feed a baby animal, a photo taken with a baby animal and an exclusive T-shirt. The Safari Adventure requires a $90 deposit plus $6 per guest. The Rails and Tails requires a $110 deposit plus $6 per guest. Five parents are admitted free. All guests have full-day access to the park. Continued on Page 10

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THE BIRTHDAY GUIDE Continued from Page 9

Homewood, 232-9900, mybelovedhomewood.com, Info@mybelovedhomewood.com. Homewood’s Great Room is 1,500 square feet and can accommodate groups as small as 10-15 to as large as 100. Events can be catered by vendors from our Preferred Vendor List, or by the caterer of your choice during the week. Prices for space rental are $75 per hour during the week, and from $100-$375 per hour on weekends. Packages are available to provide tables, chairs, linens and/or china, silverware and glassware. Clients are also welcome to provide their own disposables. Kidsenses, 172 N. Main St., Rutherfordton, 286-2120, info@kidsenses.com. Package includes party room for on hour, unlimited play time in museum, invitations, balloon bouquet, T-shirt for the birthday child. Please schedule at least three weeks in advance. Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream, 26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, 252-2639. Schedule a Chocolate Tour for up to 10 children to celebrate a birthday. The store can schedule to make fudge, caramel corn, caramel apples, chocolate-dipped cookies or Rice Krispie Treats to show kids how these items are made. Children can also decorate the chocolate-dipped treats with sprinkles.

Marble Slab Creamery, 14 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 225-5579, marbleslab.com. Party room for rent TuesdaysThursdays and Sundays for $25. Ice cream and cakes available. Marble Slab Creamery, 1840 Hendersonville Road, #103, Asheville, 277-0575, marbleslab.com. Space available for parties on patio or small gatherings inside. McDonald’s, 850 Brevard Road, Asheville, 6654860. Near Biltmore Square Mall. It offers two options: A party for up to 10 children with cake and ice cream (meals are separate), set up included, is $45 plus tax. Parties with Happy Meals, cake and ice cream are $55 plus tax. Moe’s Southwest Grill, 1840 Hendersonville Road, Asheville. 215-4777. Throw a party with a southwestern twist. Parties include two tacos or a Moo burrito, drink, chips and salsa, patio rental for two hours and balloons. Cost is $10 per person plus a $20 fee for

staff member to be present. Bring your own cake, pinatas, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and more, as desired. For information, call Janay. Mountain Brew Café, 3480 Sweeten Creek Road, Arden, 6879009 (ask for Kelly or Ralph). Have your next birthday in the upstairs dinning room or catered anywhere from picnics to seated meals. No event too small or large. N.C. Arboretum, 665-2492, ext. 244. Throw a nature-themed birthday party with special educational programming for children ages 310. Birthday parties are two hours long, accommodate 10-18 children, and are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Themes include reptiles, fascinating flowers, crazy critters and creepy crawlies. Paper products, themed gift bags and catering options with cakes are available. Party includes a 45-minute program of activities, crafts and live animal presentations led by an arboretum naturalist; 45 minutes for

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the celebration; food and beverage items; set up, cleanup and themed paper products; private use of a classroom and lobby with access to grounds; T-shirt for the birthday child. Package is $250, or $225 for arboretum members. Parties must be reserved at least 15 business days ahead. Ramada Biltmore West, 275 Smoky Park Highway, 667-4501, ramada.com. The newly remodeled Ramada offers two-hour pool parties year round for $125, which includes an area set aside for the party adjacent to the indoor-outdoor pool. Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 209-9604, ymcawnc.org. The Y in Biltmore Park offers parties using the pool, the gym, the climbing wall or an inflatable obstacle course. Each rental also includes an hour in the party area. Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation, 23 Turtle Creek Drive, Asheville, 274-2188, ask4cady@charter.net, southeasternfitness.com. Have a pool party year round at the SEFR pool. Get exclusive use of the pool for birthday parties at our indoor heated pool. At about 88 degrees, our pool is comfortable for all party guests. Cost is $150 for 90 minutes of exclusive use.

THE BIRTHDAY GUIDE Southside Arts Studio, 2398 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 684-1611. Celebrate by making pottery using hand-building techniques. Studio offers three different packages, starting at $15 per person. Parties last at least 60 minutes. Make pinch pots out of a ball of clay; pieces are complete and ready for pickup four to six weeks after party. For ages 5 and older. Spark Creative Wellness Studio, 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 212, Asheville, 301-5172, sparkcreativewellness.com, jessicachilton@gmail.com. Spark offers creative birthday parties that let children have fun with the expressive arts process, like creating a collage, poem, mask, story, painting, dramatic enactment, dance, or song. Call Jessica Chilton for information. Tarheel Lanes, 3275 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, 692-5039 or 253-2695, tarheellanes.com, info@tarheellanes.com. Offers parties for 10 or more people. Tarwheels Skateway, 2134 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, 298-6606, tarwheelsskateway.com. This longtime rollerskating rink in Swannanoa offers birthday parties during any regular session and private parties when the rink is closed. Cost of $10 per person for regular sessions, $12 for

Friday and Saturday nights. It includes invitations, admission and skates, paper goods, balloons, drink and ice cream for guests, free pass for birthday person. The Health Adventure, Pack Place, 2 S. Pack Square, 254-6373, ext. 316, thehealthadventure.org. Offers programs designed for ages 1 to 12. All birthday parties include a private party room decorated with balloons, a personalized birthday banner and colorful tablecloths and special gift bag for the birthday child from The Explore Store, the museum’s gift shop. For all parties, The Health Adventure requires a minimum of one adult for every three children in attendance. Call at least three weeks in advance to reserve your date. A 50 percent deposit confirms your reservation. Prices for parties start at $100. Members of the museum receive a $25 discount on all parties. The Little Gym, 1000 Brevard Road, Suite 168, Asheville, 667-9588, tlgashevillenc.com. tlgashevillenc@thelittlegym.com. Offers 90minute parties that include music, movement, games and more. Parties include invitations, set up and cleanup, all paper goods, drinks and a T-shirt for the birthday child. The Swheat Hart Playhouse, Mills River. Host a party at a playhouse with running water,

electricity, hardwood floors, sun porch and more. Contact Lizbeth Hartzog at 674-6653 or lmhartzog@mchsi.com. Tropical Gardens Mini Golf, 956 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-2207. Offers parties at $6.75 per child, which includes an hour in a decorated gazebo, paper products, soft drinks, a round of mini golf (18 holes), a frozen treat and a free game pass. Young Chefs Academy, 336 Rockwood Road, 651-2433, ashevilleyca@bellsouth.net, youngchefsacademy.com. Parties offer a full cooking lesson, where kids will make and eat something delicious. The recipe is usually homemade pizza, but YCA offers many additional recipes from which to select. All-inclusive parties provide personalized invitations, food, drinks, balloons, paper goods, paper chef hats and recipe cards for all the kids, and a Young Chefs T-shirt for the birthday child. Waggers Dog Depot, 1020 Merrimon Ave., No. 102, Asheville, 271-4741. Throw a birthday party for your dog. This dog boutique has grooming, self-serve wash, pet photography and a fresh treat bakery. Serve your dog a fresh chicken liver birthday cake made to order with bone shaped candles or dog treats

with happy birthday written on them. Waynesville Recreation Center, Vance Street, 456-2030, townofwaynesville.org. The rec center offers traditional two-hour pool parties or an overnight “lock-in” pool package. WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, 298-5600, ext. 305, wildwnc.org. Parties offered in the newly redecorated birthday room on Saturdays and Sundays (10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m.) throughout the year. The cost is $125, or $100 for Friends of the Nature Center members. Included are 25guest passes to the Nature Center for that day only, a free small gift for the birthday child, use of the birthday room and kitchen facilities, along with a private bathroom. Yoga for Kids, Kathleen Eskew, 277-6819. Theme birthday parties for girls and boys ages 4 through teens. Have fun, learn and feel great through music, dance, storytelling, creative arts and earth care. Certified teacher for Yogakids International. YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave., 254-7206, ext. 209, ywcaofasheville.org. The YWCA offers two-hour packages that include an hour in the pool and an hour in the party room. Cost is $105 for members and $120 for nonmembers.

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THE BIRTHDAY GUIDE

PartyFood The Bake Shoppe, 146B Weaverville Highway, Asheville, 645-2038, bakeshoppe asheville.com. Offers a large selection of custom birthday cakes. The bakery has the only National Bakers Associations certified decorator in Western North Carolina. Bi-Lo, 801 Fairview Road, Asheville, 2991400; 205 N.C. 9, Black Mountain, 6692306; 511 Smoky Park Highway, Candler, 670-1961; bi-lo.com. Personalized birthday cakes in a variety of themes or cupcakes, cookies and other treats are made to order. Blue Ridge Bakery, 400 S. Broad St., Brevard, 883-8444. Children’s cakes are the bakery’s specialty. They are made with real butter, organic vanilla and fresh, local eggs. Everything is made from scratch. Cakes by Jane, 9 Old Burnsville Hill Road, Suite 4, Asheville, 285-9292, cakesbyjane.com. Southern cream cheese pound cakes in a variety of flavors. Calico Corner Gifts & Goodies, 298-5609. Offers a line of baked goods and personalized cakes all made to order, with nothing

kept frozen or made ahead of time. Daytime delivery available for a small charge. Carolina Mountain Bakery, 1950 Hendersonville Road, No. 11, Asheville, 6815066, carolinamountainbakery.com. Baking cakes since 1997, any color or theme can be incorporated into your cake design. CinTom’s Frozen Custard, 3080 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, 274-5853. Homemade custard available in several flavors. City Bakery, 88 Charlotte St., Asheville, 254-4289; 60 Biltmore Ave., 252-4426; citybakery.net. Cakes made from scratch in a selection of sizes with a variety of cake flavors, fillings and frostings. Traditional layer cakes to poundcakes to cheesecakes. Cold Stone Creamery, 129 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville, 296-0004, coldstonecreamery.com. A variety of ice cream cakes with kids themes, serving from two to 50.

Dairy Queen, 2304 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 687-1883; Asheville Mall, Asheville, 298-1068; 26 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 2536835. Ice cream cakes that serve eight to 24 people. Food Lion, several area locations. Cakes made to order. Great American Cookie Co., Asheville Mall, 3 Tunnel Road, 298-2849, greatamericancookies.com. Specializes in customized cookie cakes, cupcakes and cookies. Harris Teeter, 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-5304, harristeeter.com. Cakes in a variety of sizes and themes made to order. Ingles, various locations, inglesmarkets.com. Cakes in a variety of themes and 12-inch cookies made to order in store and online. Kamm’s, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Asheville,

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253-7464, kammscustard.com. Specializes in frozen custard pies, cookie sandwiches, bulk packaging for scooping into cups or cones, custom-made flavor treats with your choice of more than 35 flavors and mix-ins, Italian ices, and sugar-free and low-carb flavors. The store also has a transportable rolling server cart with umbrella that can keep custard frozen for up to nine hours without electricity. Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream, 26 Battery Park Ave., Asheville, 252-2639. Treats perfect for birthday parties, including, but not limited to: 32 flavors of hand-packed ice cream (sprinkles available); chocolatedipped Oreo cookies, Nutter-Butters, Marshmallow Puffs, and Rice Krispie Treats (in white, milk or dark chocolate); novelty chocolates; hand-paddled fudge; caramel corn; caramel apples. Call ahead for special orders. Olde World Truffles, 101 Deer Run Lane, Asheville, 298-7661, meg393@charter.net. Chocolate “pizza” parties for children, with supplies like gummy bears, marshmellows, M&M’s, etc., on top. Paris Bakery, 1020 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 252-2315. Customized birthday cakes in a variety of sizes.

THE BIRTHDAY GUIDE Sam’s Club, 645 Patton Ave., Asheville, 2515243; 300 Highlands Square Drive, Hendersonville, 698-6889; samsclub.com. Cakes in a variety of sizes made to order. Short Street Cakes, 23 Short St., Asheville, 236-9462, shortstreetcakes.com. A familyowned cakery specializing in naturally handcrafted down-home southern desserts. Free delivery inside Asheville; delivery outside of Asheville starts at $10. Most orders can be filled within 48 hours. Specialty gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan options available. The Sisters McMullen, 55 Weaverville Highway, No. 9, Asheville, 252-9330; 1 N. Pack Square, Asheville, 252-9454. Pastries and cakes in several sizes and flavors, including gluten-free and vegan choices. SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Sugar Momma’s Cookies, 22 S.W. Pack Square (the Jackson Building), Suite LL100, 251-7277, sugarmommascookies.com. Hot homemade cookies for pickup or delivery in a number of varieties, including a vegan option. TCBY, 1800 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-1100; 671 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, 693-0925; 2344 U.S. 70, Swannanoa, 686-7900; tcby.com. Low-fat yogurt cakes and pies. True Confections, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 147, 350-9480, carole@ trueconfections.net. From scratch, all-natural birthday cakes using no artificial coloring or flavoring, or preservatives, and less sugar than conventional bakeries.

A cake from The Bake Shoppe in Weaverville.

100 flavors of ice cream — about 30 featured at any one time — available in pints and quarts. Ice cream pies also available. Wal-Mart Supercenter, 125 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville, 298-8092; 250 Highlands Square Drive, Hendersonville, 696-8285. Birthday cakes made to order. West End Bakery & Café, 757 Haywood Road, West Asheville, 252-9378, onhaywood.com/westendbakery. Many sizes and flavors of cakes, including wheat-free, glutenfree and vegan choices with several types of frosting to choose from.

Ultimate Ice Cream, 1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-1234. More than SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT

Kilwin’s Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream offers these party treats.

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THE BIRTHDAY GUIDE

Party planning A-BnC Parties and More, abncparties.com. Provides help for “do-it-yourselfers” in the form of free ideas and do-it-yourself supplies. The business also provides full service to people planning parties of all types. Fundipity Children’s Parties, 280-7634, fundipityparties@hotmail.com. Offers party planning, from sending out invitations to cleanup. Facilitates parties with games, crafts and more. Can

Party supplies Barefoot Books, 712-7735, TerriWells@mybarefootbooks.com. Invitations, thank-you cards and gift wrap, as well as thematic ideas for a princess, pirate or jungle-jive party are available through local, independent representative Terri Wells. View the collection at kidslovebarefoot.com . Carolina Party & Paper, 1000 Brevard Road, Suite 167, Asheville, 681-0026, carolinapartyandpaper.com. Carries a large selection of handmade paper, stationary, party supplies, gift wrap and unique gifts. Store specializes in printable invitations to match any theme. Closed in July; opens Aug. 1 in new location listed above, near Biltmore Square Mall.

arrange entertainment and rentals. Par-T-Perfect, Asheville, 687-2494, par-t-perfect.com. A complete children’s party service that offers a wide variety of inflatables, face painters, balloon twisters, games, crafts, bear stuffing parties and more. With clowns, pirates, princesses, Santa and elves, Easter Bunny and more to add to an event. Fully insured and state inspected. The Party Pixie, 606-4827. An all-inclusive, theme-based party planning service. It handles invitations, decorations, Celebrations, 485 Watson Road, Arden, 687-7774, celebrationsandevents.com. Party supplies in dozens of themes and a rainbow of colors. Rentals of tables, chairs, tents, climbing walls, radar pitching, mini golf courses, snow cone and popcorn makers, and inflatables. If It’s Paper, 28 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, 253-3910. Party supplies and party goods for many themes and patterns are stocked. Both mylar and helium balloons can be purchased. Candles, favors, banners, piñatas, confetti, gift wrap and treat bags also are available.

tableware, crafts, games and activities, use of dress-up attire for each child, setup and cleanup. Themes include pirates, knights, cowboys, superheroes, princess, spa, rock star/diva and pink poodle. Packages are $295 with add-ons available. Call 606-4827. Pixie Wishes Party Events, 110 Heywood Road 19B, Arden, 216-9850, pixiewishes@bellsouth.net. Pixie Wishes plans, coordinates and specializes in all types of parties and events, from the most simple gift baskets to full-service planning. plain party supplies, invitations, wrapping paper and ribbon. Party Blvd., 21 Long Shoals Road, Asheville, partyblvd.com. Party supplies in themes and a variety of colors. Store specializes in giant balloons, birthday favors, banners, gifts and invitations for every occasion. Target, 17 McKenna Road, Arden, 681-0341; 115 River Hills Road, Asheville, 298-1262; target.com. Party supplies, invitations, wrapping paper and ribbon. The Baggie Goose, 3 Swan St., Asheville, 274-3333. Invitations for every occasion.

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

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

Kmart, several area locations. Themed and

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Great birthday gifts Need a present? WNC’s toy experts have suggestions Photos and story by Lockie Hunter WNC Parent contributor

Some say that gift giving is an art form. The gift is a reflection on both the giver and the receiver. When choosing a present for a child’s birthday, how do you make your offering stand out from the crowd? With so many items to select from, we asked local experts to provide us with their picks for top birthday gifts.

Dancing Bear Toys, 418 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 693-4500, and 144 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-8697

1-2 years

2-4 years

5-7 years

The Duck Runner by Deep Forest Woodworks “A beautiful American-made wooden toy,” says Sarah Evers of Dancing Bear Toys. “It’s a long pole with a duck at the bottom. The duck comes in different colors and has rubber feet that flap as you roll the duck along. It is also great for promoting first steps.” $21.99.

Bilibo, from Kid O “A wonderful open-ended toy, perfect for 2 and 3 year olds,” says Evers. “It looks like a big plastic turtle shell, and can be played with in so many different ways. Children can sit in it and spin around, climb on the back and practice balancing. It can be a babydoll bed, a sled, a great water toy, or a tunnel for a train to go through!” $27.99.

Planet Frog from Uncle Milton Industries A live frog habitat with a realistic pond environment. “It includes a postcard you send off to the company. They will send you a live tadpole back in the mail, and you get to watch it grow, and transform into a real frog! Wonderful for learning about nature, and the important role frogs play in the environment,” says Evers. $24.99.

Enviro Depot, 58 College St., Asheville, 252-9007 0-1 years Cirque du Soleil Stacker from Manhattan Toy Eight pieces of colorful squeakers and rattling items and crinkly paper make this stacking/ sorting toy a great choice for those developing motor skills. “It is a modern take on stacking rings,” said Gary Kramer of Enviro Depot. The eight items allow a child to imagine new ways to stack, sort and combine. $28.

3-7 years 1-3 years Cutting Food by Melissa and Doug These hand painted wooden pieces are “always classic,” says Kramer. “I love the food cutting boxes.” The set includes a cutting board and knife and all pieces are crafted by hand - wonderful for developing imaginations and motor skills. $19.99.

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Play Spaces from Bazoongi Kids Let your child’s imagination soar with these colorful and sturdy tents, firehouses and cottages. “The firehouse has a hole where you can place your face and pretend to be the fireman,” said Kramer. The circus tent comes with detachable animals. Cottage, $62; firehouse, $79; circus tent $39.99; tepee $89.

Once Upon a Time, 7 All Souls Crescent, Asheville, 274-8788

6 months and older

3 and older

3-7 years

Together Tunes by Nerosmith This Openheim Toy platinum award winner “plays a different song every time you turn it,” said Stan Collins of Once Upon a Time Toys in Biltmore Village. “Kids will learn six different songs and may even read some words.” This interactive story-time sing-along toy has a different activity on every side, and may even help toddlers to stand. $75.

Musical Skirt by Acting Out “I’ve had a three-year-old girl try this on and suddenly they are in their own world,” says Collins. With tunes such as Swan Lake and the Macarena built-in to the outfit, this skirt may provide hours of magical dress-up dancing moments. $34.95.

My Little Sandbox by My Little Sandbox With varieties like Dino Land, Space Patrol, Big Builder and Princess Dreams, a world of creative sand play is at your fingertips. “The marvel of this is the fineness of the sand or the configuration of the box keeps the sand from scattering on the floor,” said Collins. $25.95 for any one kit.

Toy Box, 793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-8697

18 months and older

Ages 5 and older

Ages 5 older

Sights ‘n Sounds Splash Table by International Playthings. “The Sights ‘n Sounds Splash Table is great for indoor and outdoor play,” said Gary Green of the Toy Box. “It has lights, sounds, and 9 happy songs along with over 10 scooping, straining, sailing and squirting activities.” $59.98.

Melody Harp by First Note “The Melody Harp is truly one of the easiest and most fun musical instruments to play,” says Green. “The Melody Harp is a wooden European crafted instrument that everyone will have fun playing.” $34.98.

Sticker Factory by Alex This kit allows you to “create fabulous gift tags, decorate your notebook and stylize your scrapbook with super cool stickers of your own design,” said Green. $21.98.

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THE BIRTHDAY GUIDE

Party entertainment Arbonne International, Jackie Kirkey, independent consultant, 645-9172 or 989-7631146, jmkirkey131@yahoo.com. Offers makeup parties for young girls with botantical- and herbal-based vegan products for skin care, beauty, health and wellness, including of products for young individuals. Asheville Face Painting, 606-0598, AshevilleFacePainting.com, info@ashevillefacepainting.com. Artist Michelle Bevans specializes in artistic, unique face painting. Asheville Kids Party, AshevilleKidsParty.com, magicbusworkshop@yahoo.com, 712-7150. Specializes in karaoke, dance, movie-making, music video-making and giant screen movie/game parties. Caricatures by Helen Nagan, 4 Birchwood Lane, Asheville, 298-8546, hnart@bellsouth.net. Color caricatures in five minutes. Each drawing includes a good like-

ness of the person being drawn doing whatever is requested in a humorous way. Couples or groups can be included in one picture. Caricature is drawn in black and colored markers on 11x17 paper. CrossWay Creative Ministries, 410 Old Fort Road, Fairview, 777-2711. Specializes in party theme balloon decor and programming, including puppetry, clowning, illusion, balloon entertaining and sculptures for all ages. Funtastic Faces Face Painting, Lesley Barkett, www.funtasticfaces.net, lesley@funtasticfaces.net, 280-7926. Specializes in transformative full faces, glamorous crowns, wonderous masks and unique cheek art. Good Times Inflatables, 775-3232, goodtimesinflatables.com. Provides inflatable games and rides, and other interactive games for parties of any size. Includes delivery and set up.

HighTouch HighTech, 277-5611, sciencemadefunwnc.net. Provides hands-on science programs for kids at your party venue. Parties include a fun-filled, fast-paced 75-minute science adventure, all science supplies and materials, participation for the birthday child and up to 14 of his/her friends ($5 fee for each additional child), take-home experiments for each child, science certificate of participation for each child, special science gift for the birthday child. Packages start at $150. Reservations required. Joyful Spirits, Jan Parkerson, 298-1090, joyfulspirits@bellsouth.net. Hammered dulcimer music performed by an experienced musician. Mark DeVerges, 713-6396, mark@markdeverges.com, markdeverges.com. From balloon twisting and large-scale balloon creations to roving magic and full magic shows. Birthday party entertainment includes a highly participatory 30-40 minute show. Moozic Lady Productions, 2 Montrose Ave., Asheville, 281-1252, Asuward@home.com.

Provides music and puppetry programs for young children that feature interactive rhythm training and a cast of lovable animal characters. Available as combination music/puppet show, music only or puppet only programs. Spacewalk of Hendersonville and Asheville, 489-9434, wncbouncers.com. Inflatable games and rides.

Party photography Rebecca Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo, rebeccadangelo.com, 357-8327 or 571-212-0298. Photographs events of all kinds. WNC Snap Inc., P.O. Box 1346, Burnsville, 284-3156, wncsnap.zenfolio.com, wncsnap@gmail.com. Customized photography.

Bored with goodie bags? Here are some fresh ideas By Barbara Blake Staff Writer Tired of getting and giving the same old stuff in those goodie bags given out by the birthday host at partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end? Here are some creative ideas for sending guests off with a memory of the party, without breaking the bank. Have children make and decorate picture frames with craft sticks or tongue depressors. Take a picture of

each guest with the birthday child, print it out, put it in the frame and send it home with the guest for a keepsake. Go to a used bookstore and hand pick a book for each party guest. Wrap and tag them and hand them out at the end of the party. Give children a pack of flower seeds to plant in their own garden. If you throw a tea party, buy an assortment of porcelain teacups and saucers at a thrift store (25 or 50 cents

each) and send the guests home with their cups. If you have a sleepover party, buy a bunch of white pillowcases (available at thrift stores) and let the kids decorate them with fabric paint and take them home. Bake a batch of cut-out sugar cookies. Set out frosting, food coloring and cups for mixing different colored frosting, candy sprinkles, chocolate and butterscotch drops and other garnishes, and let the kids decorate their

own cookies and take them home. Let the children make homemade play dough and take it home in a zippered bag. Make a run to a dollar store and pick out appropriate gifts equal to the number of guests. Wrap each gift, put a number on it and display the pile in a basket or on the party table. At the end of the party, let each guest pick a number out of a hat, then find the wrapped gift with the corresponding number.

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KIDS’ VOICES

My best birthday memory Just before schools dismissed for the summer, we asked students in Kim Gooden’s second-grade class at Emma Elementary School to tell us their favorite birthday memory. Here’s what they said.

Samuel Delgadillo, age 9

Kinia Hardin, age 7

Sarah Livingston, age 8

Tyrique Harper, age 7

“My best birthday party was on a sunny day. While me and my dad were at Walmart, my mom made food. My dad bought me a trampoline. When I got home I was surprised. Then I could smell something delicious. Mom had made birthday tamales!”

“My birthday party was fun because we went to Chuck E. Cheese’s. My whole family came to it. We had cake and ice cream and we played all day until it was about to close. When we got home I opened all my presents. Chuck E. Cheese’s is a good place to celebrate your birthday.”

“My favorite party was when I turned 8. I got to choose my presents. My favorite present was a ‘Hannah Montana’ video game. I also like my diary. It has a lock and a special place for the key to go. Nobody can open it but me.”

“My best birthday party is when I went to Fun Depot. Me and my brother rode go carts and we played on the bumper cars. That was my best birthday party ever. We had cake and ice cream. I got the biggest scoop of ice cream and the biggest piece of cake.”

Logan Azis, age 8

Eduardo Salto, age 8

Jose Prieto, age 8

Helen Pantoja, age 8

“My best party was when me and my cousins beat up a pinata. I hit it the hardest. Aidan finished it off. We ate candy until we were sick to our stomachs.”

“When I was 5, I got a dog named Jake. He was 7 years old. He slept in my room and on my bed. He loved to play Frisbee with me. Me and Jake took a walk with my parents at the park.”

“My favorite birthday party is in the park because we can ride our bikes and we can have water day. And we can go fishing, too.”

“I had a big, yummy chocolate cake. I got a lot of toys and candies. My best toy that I got was an MP3 player. We played pin the donkey’s tail and hit the pinata.”

Jorge Hernandez, age 8

Adrian Godina, age 8

Ashley Sanchez, age 7

Mary McGrain, age 7

“My best birthday party was when I broke the pinata. It was really fun. All of the kids got lots of candy, then we ate pizza. It was pepperoni. It was good. We drank soda and ate ice cream. It was yummy.”

“My favorite birthday party was when I was 8 years old. My mom and my dad threw me a big birthday party at Dollywood. It was fun because I also got money. $335 in cash. I spent it on a Play Station 2.”

“My best birthday is when we went to Guadalajara and to the pool. My dad and my mom gave me a beautiful long, long, long dress that had big earrings and a beautiful necklace. It was the best birthday ever.”

“My best birthday party was when we went to Chuck E. Cheese’s. My uncle gave me his tickets that he won. Then we went to the fair. It was so fun. We rode lots of rides. My mom gave me a monkey.” Compiled by Barbara Blake

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

Discussion from the forums Leslie asks in ‘North/Montford Moms?’: Hi! Looking forward to making neighbors! Anyone here? Please tell me all about it! I have many houses picked out in the Montford & Grove Park area, but thinking Montford. Does anyone have a student at Isaac Dickson or Claxton?

A couple of more than 350 photos on WNCmom.com

Ashevillemommies writes: Hey Leslie...I saw your post ... We live in N. Asheville off of Beaverdam Road. There have been people who live in our neighborhood as long as my fiance has lived here ... There are a few houses for sale in our neighborhood. I think what makes Asheville a great place is that the people are all about each other and supporting local businesses. Asheville is probably cheaper than Hawaii, but coming from Greensboro, it is on the expensive side. I think it is a place where a lot of people know people and the great community is a reason why people never leave! I love it so far!

Kimberly asks in ‘Water/Splash parks?’: Are there any water or splash parks for toddlers in the Asheville or surrounding areas?

Sheri asks in ‘Parks in the area’: Does anyone have any suggestions on a park that would be fun for a 2-year-old? We have been to Jones Park, Weaver Park and the park at Lake Louise. I am new to the area and would appreciate any suggestions!

Kimberly responds: Have you tried the Woodfin Park? It’s located directly behind Woodfin Elementary School. We like it a lot more than the Lake Louise park. No duck poop on everything and there’s a hug sand pit for the kids to play with. That’s my kids favorite thing to do there. :)

Julia asks in ‘Day care input’: I am new to the Asheville area and will be placing my two daughters in day care soon and am looking for any suggestions or advice on where to go. I live in the Haw Creek area and would like to find a day care close to home, and I have looked at Nurseryland daycare on New Haw Creek Road. Does anyone have any input on that school?

“My babies”: Megan and Andrew last summer, posted by Karen Westbrook.

Clary responds: I do not know about that center, but I could tell you about my positive and negative experiences at other centers if you would like to hear them. I used to think it was important to be less educated and be more nurturing (as a childcare worker). However, in looking back over my son’s experience, the more credentials a facility has, the more mature they tend to be in terms of how to relate to parents and knowing what to expect from children developmentally. ... “BFF!” posted by Tina Holcombe.

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LIBRARIAN’S PICKS

Brightly illustrated ‘Big Plans’ is great book to read aloud with elements to amuse adults By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Libraries “I will not roll my eyes.” “What I say does not go.” “I will not prove the teacher wrong.” The intelligent, precocious hero of “Big Plans” by Bob Shea (Hyperion Books, 2008) is not having a good day. Sentence writing done, a little boy sits in the corner of a classroom staring at a map of the world. In his imagination, he dons his dad’s fanciest tie and shiniest shoes, and climbs to the top of a high mountain. He shouts in 4inch tall letters: “I GOT BIG PLANS! BIG PLANS, I SAY!”

In his mind-travels, the boy meets a mynah bird and a lucky, stinky skunk who accompany him as he bosses around “big shots, bigwigs, and muckety-mucks” and then becomes mayor and then president of the United States. He has Pennsylvania build a rocket ship. He has Idaho make space suits using “the latest potato technology.” Then, he blasts off to the moon. Using moon rocks, the boy forms a sentence that can be seen from Earth: “I GOT BIG PLANS! BIG PLANS, I SAY!” Lane Smith’s mixed-media illustrations pop with crazy-angled shapes and exaggerated proportions. Occasional applications of photographic quality images add interest and detail. The boy’s head is extremely large and square — and expressive.

Readers will enjoy visual jokes. For instance, all of the big shots, bigwigs, and muckety-mucks look exactly alike. Their skin and clothes are gray, and they are frowning, bespectacled, and bald. This book is a great read-aloud for kids in elementary school. The boy is bossy and grouchy, but in Shea and Smith’s capable hands, the boy is more. He is a sympathetic character who is frustrated at the end of a long day in which nothing went right for him. In an effort to blow off some steam, the boy uses his imagination to create a selfaffirming diversion. These books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. For more information, call 250-4700 or visit www.buncombecounty.org.

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GROWING TOGETHER

My decision to home-school has brought parents facing similar situation out in droves By Chris Worthy WNC Parent columnist I didn’t expect the phone calls and e-mails from old friends and strangers or the impromptu question and answer sessions in the grocery store, but they have come, fast and furious, since I wrote several months ago about home-schooling my son. Though I am no expert on the subject, I have found that many more people than I ever expected are teetering on the edge of the same decision I faced a year ago. They are seeking answers and encouragement to make the leap — or not, depending on their circumstances. If I had a nickel for every time someone has told me, “I

really want to home school, but I am afraid,” it would finance next year’s curriculum. I don’t mind attempting to field the questions. I certainly lobbed more than a few of my own while trying to decide what course to choose, all the while fearing that my son’s entire future would be made or broken by fourth grade. That seems a bit extreme in retrospect, but like all parenting decisions, this one requires a leap of faith. For some reason, I — and I know from the questions that I am not alone — find it much more difficult to trust my own instincts about some issues than those of a credentialed but otherwise unknown expert. As a new parent, it took awhile for me to feel confident enough to call my pediatrician’s office and deal with that dreaded question: And what’s going on with your child today? As often as

For some reason, I — and I know from the questions that I am not alone — find it much mroe difficult to trust my own instincts about some issues than those of a credentialed but otherwise unknown expert. not it was an intangible gut feeling that something wasn’t right. I couldn’t quantify it in temperature, cough or sets of sheets changed during the night, but if the balance was off, I knew it. How is it different when that circumstance occurs in the classroom instead of the waiting room? It isn’t, of course, but I was even less confident of our decision to become a home-schooling family than those times when I called our auto

mechanic to proclaim that the van was “making a noise,” followed by my guess as to its source. I don’t deal well in vague pronouncements from others, and I am beyond uncomfortable when they come from my own mouth. I want just the facts, ma’am, so I can research and find the answer. Regrettably or thankfully — it depends on which day you ask me — there is no pat answer when choosing public, private or home school. It is another in a long list of choices parents have to make just because it’s in the job description. But no one has a better chance of getting it right than parents who care enough to ask. Chris Worthy, is an attorney who took down her shingle to be a stay-athome mom. Write to her at growingtogether@chrisworthy.com.

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DIVORCED FAMILIES

Sharing birthdays between parents is easier with careful planning and collaboration By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist As a single parent, I have some wonderful memories of enjoying birthday parties with my son along with other single parents and their kids. And when it came to other single fathers, the more complicated the toy given, the better. Single fathers can have a strange sense of humor about watching other single fathers assemble those toys with 6 million parts and the instructions written in a foreign language resembling Hittite as children climb over them eager to play with the assembled product. I fondly remember the day one of my friends gave me a “chutes and marbles set” to assemble

on my son’s 6th birthday. I still haven’t gotten even with him for that one… Assembling toys, unfortunately, may be the last worry on the minds of divorcing or divorced parents. Birthdays can sadly become yet another battleground and a weapon for inflicting hurt between hostile parents, with children as the victims. As with other major holidays, collaboration between parents in planning a child’s birthday is always the ideal goal, though realistic circumstances can make this problematic. Here are some of the more common questions I get as a marriage and family therapist about managing birthday celebrations: Where should we have the party? If your child is old enough, ask him or her for their preference. If not, consider a rotation of places unless there are practical reasons both parents agree on, such as space needed for the gath-

ering. Consider using a more neutral location like a park. Should other family members be invited? If they can be civil with each other, yes, otherwise you may have to split the time up between family groups. This principle also applies to friends. Would having both parents present at the party confuse the child about the divorce? Not necessarily. This mainly depends on the existing relationship between the parents and their current level of collaboration. If children struggle with wishful thinking that their parents being together at their birthday is evidence that their parents may get back together, then that can be a meaningful talking point between you and your child at a later time. How should the gifts be split up? If the child is older, he/she can decide where the gifts reside. The important rule is that presents should never be given as bait to make one house more attractive to a child than the other house. Considerate parents can agree on a budget as to the amount to spend on presents. And if the toy is real complicated like “chutes and marbles,” just give it to the other parent to keep. What should I do about the absence of the other parent? Explain in age appropriate terms. Emphasize positive truths wherever this can be pointed out about why the other parent is not available. Keep it simple and away from your own issues. What if my child doesn’t want the other parent to come? Short of a court order concerning contact, try to facilitate some form of healthy com-

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munication from the other parent to the child on this important day. Even if it is only something as simple as a card. What if the child acts inappropriately at his or her party? This does happen and for a variety of reasons. If the party is at a specific parent’s location, let him or her handle it with the other parent supporting. If it is a neutral location, let the parent who sees the misbehavior deal with it. Even though you are divorcing or divorced, strive to have a united parenting front about child misbehavior and discuss disagreements about management in private. Some parents are capable of pulling this off better when they are divorced than when they where married. Some situations call for more specific strategies, and in such cases I recommend that you might consider consulting a licensed marriage and family therapist for additional ideas. As for me, my “chutes and marbles” friend will soon be celebrating his son’s 15th birthday. I hope to surprise him with a working miniature motorcycle kit that I saw advertised in a catalog from Taiwan. The assembly is supposed to be easy with a blowtorch and certain metric tools. At least, that is what I think I could make out from French instructions. Trip Woodard is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contact him at 274-9031.

Send us your photos We welcome photos of family, neighborhood, school, church and other social activities involving children. Send your high-resolution photos, along with a brief description of the event and names of everyone pictured. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your name, address and phone number. Send to: Katie Wadington, WNC Parent photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 or e-mail to kwadington@CITIZEN-TIMES.com

From left, Harrison, Juliet and Jack Purcell received their Junior Ranger Certification and badges at Deep Creek Campground in Cherokee. To qualify as Junior Rangers, they had to participate in a ranger program, pick up trash and complete a series of activities such as tree, insect and animal identification, learn about early pioneers in our region and promise to take care of the environment. Submitted by Melanie Purcell.

Lily Kai Deel, 5 months, of Candler. Submitted by Kellie Deel. Eydi Kitchens, 15 months, of Asheville, spends some time in the gardens at the Biltmore Estate. Submitted by mom Casey Kitchens.

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KIDS HEALTH

Keep kids protected during outdoor activities By Linden Veillette WNC Parent columnist There are lots of reasons to like exercising in the summer. Help your kids enjoy exercising outdoors this summer and not get hung up on the high temperatures. Staying hydrated and protecting your family with sunscreen while still enjoying the outdoors is important. Staying cool and comfortable will motivate children to spend time outside no matter what the temperature. Summer exercise is always best in the early morning or evening. The middle of the day proves to be the warmest and sunniest. If kids are out during the middle of summer days, try encouraging them to stay in shadier areas. Take family walks and bike rides at sunrise and sunset. Your family will not only stay cooler and more hydrated, but will also enjoy some beautiful scenery.

Another key is to always use sunscreen. Being sunburnt is dangerous and no fun for anyone. The chances that your kids will want to go back outside after having a bad burn are small. Prevent this, and keep your children’s skin healthy by always using sunscreen. Make sunscreen application a regular part of your kids’ morning routine right along with brushing their teeth. Kids are more likely to become dehydrated than adults. They produce more heat, sweat less and typically drink less water. Keep water handy when playing outside. Make sure your children drink enough water on a daily basis. Stay away from sodas, and stick to hydrating fluids instead. Decorate personalized water bottles so that it’s exciting for kids to drink from them. Set a certain number of bottles that each child should drink every day, depending on their age and the size of the bottle. Summer is a great time to limit tel-

evision and video game time. Set a time limit such as one hour each day that will be allowed for screen time. Let children decide when they’d like to use their time, and once it’s been used don’t allow any more that day. Summer is the season for parents to really get to spend quality time with their kids. With no homework or school activities, you can be your children’s coach and exercise partner all summer long. Get outside with your kids and play ball, walk, swim, ride bikes or do any other activity that interests them. The best part about exercising with your kids is that they don’t care if you’re good at a sport or not. They just love the company and playtime! Chances are the whole family can be fit and healthy all summer long by spending time together outdoors each day. PHOTO BY ERIN BRETHAUER

Linden Veillette is an ISSA-certified personal trainer who has developed a program for children called FitKids. Email her at linden_v@yahoo.com.

Joey Gaddini, 9, does a cannon ball out of the water slide into the pool at Asheville Country Club after temperatures soared into the 90’s early this summer.

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Give iced tea sweet, fruity twists By Lane Gardner Camp Gannett News Service Iced tea, while tasty year-round, can be especially satisfying in the summer. Sweetened or unsweetened, parching one’s thirst or accompanying a snack, it’s a widespread alternative to carbonated drinks. These days, tea comes ready to consume in cans or as liquid concentrates or powder. Serious fans of iced tea, however, insist the only way to make it is fresh, starting with loose tea leaves or bags and brewing them in hot water. Some tea lovers make what they call “sun tea” that they brew without having to heat up the kitchen. A glass container of water, with tea bags inserted, is placed outdoors or inside near a sunny window to brew to desired strength. The final product may be served with lemon or mint. A spring of mint always perks up a glass of tea for cookbook author and Food Network doyenne Paula Deen. Sweet tea — the house wine of the South, as some call it — is Deen’s preferred warm-weather sip. Cassandra Harrell of Jackson, Tenn., has a recipe for old-fashioned sweet tea that she remembers her mother making when she was growing up. It calls for adding tea bags to boiling water and then letting the tea bags steep, after which sugar is added and then lemon juice.

“We mostly had it with Sunday dinner when my grandmother made her delicious butter poundcake for dessert, recalls Harrell, who maintains a soul food Web site at soul-foodadvisor.com and has a “Soul Food Lovers’ Cookbook” available at the site. “This recipe,” says Harrell, “is an old standby that is very popular in the South.” Kelle Northern of Bells, Tenn., makes a fruit tea with lemon, orange and pineapple juices. “I serve it mostly in the spring and summer when my fresh pineapple sage is available in my herb garden. A sprig makes a nice garnish to a glass and adds to the fruity flavor,” she says. Mema’s Gallon Tea is named for Jackson resident Mavis Johnson’s mother-in-law. “Whenever the family gathered at my in-laws’ home,” says Johnson, “there was quite a crowd and Mema’s Gallon Tea never ran out — no matter how hot and thirsty we were.” Another fruit iced tea recipe comes from Jane Ann Lane, of Milan, Tenn. Called House of Grace Tea, Lane received the recipe — made with instant tea — from a friend in Paducah, Ky., more than 23 years ago. She’s diabetic, so she replaces the sugar with Splenda and the lemonade mix with sugar-free lemonade mix. Regular or sugar-free, Lane likes her tea like Deen does — garnished with a sprig of mint.

House of grace tea

Mema’s gallon tea

1/4 cup plain instant tea 1 cup sugar 3/8 cup lemonade mix 1/2 cup white grape juice

4 family size tea bags 1 quart boiling water Sugar to taste or a sugar substitute 1 6-ounce can frozen orange juice, undiluted One 6-ounce can frozen lemonade, undiluted 1 16- to 24-ounce can pineapple juice 1 gallon jug or container

Mix the ingredients in a two-quart container. Add water to complete the two quarts. A sprig of mint adds a refreshing touch to this tea. Makes 2 quarts, about 10 servings. Reduced-sugar version: 1/4 cup plain instant tea 1/2 cup Splenda 1 tablespoon sugar-free lemonade mix (such as Crystal Light) 1/2 cup white grape juice Mix as above. Source: Jane Ann Lane, Milan, Tenn.

Paula Deen’s sweet tea 8 cups water, divided 7 tea bags 1 cup sugar Mint springs Lemon wedges Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a kettle. Add the tea bags and turn off the heat immediately. Place the lid on the kettle and allow the tea to steep for 1 hour. Remove the tea bags and pour the tea into a pitcher. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Add 4 cups water. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint and a lemon wedge. Makes 2 quarts, about 10 servings. Source: “Paula Deen & Friends: Living It Up, Southern Style” by Paula Deen (2005, Simon & Schuster, $25)

In the gallon jug, steep tea bags in boiling water for five minutes. Remove tea bags and sweeten to taste while the tea is hot. Add the orange juice, lemonade, and pineapple juice. Add water to fill the gallon jug. Pour into ice-filled glasses and enjoy garnished with sprigs of mint. Makes 16-20 servings. Source: Mavis Johnson, Jackson, Tenn.

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Quick dinners Skillet lasagna Prep time: 5 minutes Total time: 17 minutes Servings: 4

Wasabi-lime salmon and slaw Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 4

2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) 1 lime 1/2 cup (2 ounces) wasabi peas 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided use 2 cups (half a 12-ounce bag) broccoli slaw

12 ounces extralean ground beef 2 cups marinara sauce 4 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Italian seasoning, to taste Brown beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and add marinara sauce. Break noodles into small pieces and stir into sauce. Stir in 2 cups water. Cover and cook 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella, recover and heat 1 minute to melt mozzarella. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning to taste.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet and place salmon on it. Grate zest and squeeze juice from lime; set aside. Place peas in a resealable bag, seal and spread flat. Whack with the back of a spoon to coarsely crush peas. Press peas onto salmon so peas stick well. Sprinkle with lime zest and drizzle each piece with about 1/2 teaspoon oil. Roast 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry slaw until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Plate salmon and slaw. Sprinkle with lime juice before serving. Approximate values per serving: 317 calories, 13 g fat, 88 mg cholesterol, 38 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 176 mg sodium, 37 percent calories from fat.

Approximate values per serving: 502 calories, 25 g fat, 85 mg cholesterol, 32 g protein, 36 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 724 mg sodium, 45 percent calories from fat.

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Gannett News Service

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Kids page

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COLOR THE PICTURE

CONNECT THE DOTS FIND THE HIDDEN WORDS I I N V I T A T I O N S W M E

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balloons cake candles cards decorations friends fun games gift bags guests happy hats ice cream invitations noise makers party favors presents ribbons sing streamers wrapping paper

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 2008 June 30 ‘Catch the Reading Bug’ with birdman Dave Gulick Let Birdman Dave’s birds show you how to catch the reading bug. For ages 4 and older. At 2 p.m. at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St. (call Black Mountain Library at 2504756 for information).

Make & Take Art for Kids Watch your child design and create an art project. Event runs 1-3 p.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Cost is $12 per child, ages 2-8. Register by June 25. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

Starts July 1 Visual arts class Explore your world, your strengths and your dreams while creating art in Visualize It! Collage, Photography, Painting, Drawing and Sand Play class. Show off your work in a gallery showing on the last day. Runs 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays, July 1-15. For ages 9-14. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

July 1 Basketball camp Brush up your skills at Montreat College

Cavaliers’ Defensive Stopper Camp. The all-ages camp for boys and girls runs 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $25 per camper. For more information and to register, visit montreat.edu/summercamps or contact the Women’s Basketball Office at 6693416, ext. 3416, or e-mail Taylor Allen at tallen@montreat.edu.

Photography workshop Black Mountain Center for the Arts will offer a photography workshop taught by Carrie Wagner, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The course will benefit high school students in preparation for senior projects or anyone who wants to know more about using a camera well. Learn to take better pictures (film or digital), better use your camera, and edit and organize your photos. Wagner has been a photographer for 25 years (her work is at lifeportraitsbycarrie.com). Cost is $100. To register, call 669-0930.

July 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 Tuesdays, July 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 Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information.

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PHOTO BY JOHN FLETCHER

The Chicken Hollow String Band will perform several times this summer for children as part of the Buncombe County Public Libraries summer reading program. Catch the band July 3 at the Weaverville Library.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from Page 41

July 1-Oct. 25 ‘Kidding Around Downtown’ See how many goats you can find on the sidewalks of Hendersonville, which is putting on a public art display featuring outdoor fiberglass goat sculptures on the sidewalks of Main Street.

July 3 Chicken Hollow String Band Come on down to the library for a wiggling, giggling, dancing and clapping good time with the Chicken Hollow String Band. Enjoy old-time music, dancing and an interactive puppet show with something fun for all ages. At 11 a.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

July 2

July 7

Fire safety program

Lunch Bunch Book Club

Firefighters from the East Asheville Fire Department will be at the East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, for an 11 a.m. program on fire safety and prevention. After the program, walk to the fire department next door to see the big trucks. Call 250-4738 for more information.

Bring a sack lunch and learn about prehistoric bugs. For ages 7 and older First of three sessions. From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., 250-4700.

July 8 Bedbug Story Time

WNC Bugs and their Buddies

Come to an evening story time. Feel free to wear pajamas and bring a teddy bear. For ages 3-6. At 7 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

‘Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’ show

The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living to gather. The group provides support, education and resources. July’s topic is Learning More about Homeopathy with Dr. Steven Coward. All meetings are 6-8 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Earth Fare in West Asheville. Children are welcome. Call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com.

Check out “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo” and his imaginative, positive hip-hop for kids. High-energy interactive fun for the whole family. Free ticket required, please pick up tickets at the library before the program. At 6 p.m. July 8 at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 2504650; at 11 a.m. July 17 at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St., 250-6486; and at 2 p.m. July 17 at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road, 250-4754.

Terrifying Terrariums

July 2-3 Explore bugs and insects with members of the WNC Nature Center staff. Learn about what they eat, how they survive and their enemies. Show includes live specimens and a chance for questions. For ages 4 and older. At 2 p.m. July 2 at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave., 250-4752 (free ticket required; pick one up at the library before the program); and 11 a.m. July 3 at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480.

Holistic Parenting Forum

Big Bug Movies at the library Watch as humans grapple with giant bugs in the classic 1950s sci-fi hit “The Black Scorpion.” Popcorn and drinks provided. For ages 8 and older. At 6:30 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road, 250-4758.

Create an insect paradise out of an ordinary soda bottle. Wear clothes that can get dirty. For ages 5-12. At 2 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road, 250-4758.

July 8 and 17 ‘Surviving and Thriving on a Tight Budget’ A workshop, presented at two different times by On Track, designed to help get through hard times. Find out where all the money really goes. Set your priorities to minimize the damage before things spin out of control. Squeeze everything you can from the money you do have by following moneysaving tips. Plenty of time for questions and discussion. At 11 a.m. July 8 or 5:30 p.m. July 17 at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Register by July 3 for July 8 workshop and by July 11 for July 17 workshop. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

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July 9 ‘Dollops of Dragonfly Fun’ Little ones will learn about dragonflies through folklore, fact, song and craft. The fun includes wing construction to “fly away home.” For ages 3 and older. At 10 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road, 250-4754.

Rubber Stamping 101 Learn about the diverse world of stamping and create your own art at this session, from 1-3 p.m. Register by July 3. Cost is $15 per person for instruction and materials. At Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

Stories, music and bugs with Sharon Clarke Experience the dramatic storytelling of Sharon Clarke as she weaves together song and story,

CALENDAR OF EVENTS puppetry and imagery, to create a dynamic atmosphere of learning and fun. At 11 a.m. at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, 2504738; and at 1:30 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave., 250-4752 (free ticket required at this location; pick one up at the library before the program).

Starts July 12 Tots On Toes Ballet Workshop Introduce your child to dance with Tots on Toes ballet summer workshop. The classes are on four consecutive Saturdays beginning July 12. Mommy and Me preschool class (ages 2-3) is 9:30-10 a.m. Preschool class (ages 3-5) is 10-10:45 a.m. Elementary grades class is 10:45-11:45 a.m. Classes are at the Stoney Mountain Activity Center in Henderson County. Tots on Toes is a partnership with Henderson County Parks and Recreation. For more information and to register, contact Dory Jones at 684-9201 or e-mail dory@TotsOnToes.com and visit TotsOnToes.com.

July 9 and 23 Ballet and Dance Company open house The Asheville Arts Center, “Best Dance Program” winner in WNC Parent Family Choice Awards, offers an information session for the Dance Company and ballet classes. Meet instructors. Offered twice, at 5 p.m. July 9 and 23, at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. Call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

July 11 Parents night out

July 10 Asheville Catholic School pre-K open house Asheville Catholic will hold open houses for prekindergarten, 10 a.m.-noon. Children learn through a variety of activities and learning/play centers. They are involved in sharing time, music, Spanish, physical education, religion, art and computer classes. The curriculum also offers opportunities for outdoor/indoor play, lunch, rest, weekly activities with older classes, a variety of field trips and outreach visits to a nursing home. Call 252-7896 for information.

Buggy stories Enjoy special creepy crawly stories and a bug-arific craft. At 11 a.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St., 250-6486.

Children’s author event Reading and signing with Kerry Madden, author of the acclaimed Maggie Valley Trilogy for middle grades, at 7 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 866 Haywood Road, 232-2228 or spellboundchildrensbookshop.com. Accompanied by musician Tomi Lunsford, who will be performing songs featured in the books. Free.

Metamorphosis at the library Calling all teens! Mark your calendars, there’s a special event just for you. For ages 12-18. Stay tuned for details. At 4 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS

Girls take a ballet class at Asheville Arts Center. The center is hosting open houses for its ballet classes and dance company on July 9 and 23.

Miss Spider’s Tea Party Enjoy tea with Miss Spider and all of her friends. Come for stories, songs and a lovely library tea party. Free ticket required; pick up one at the library before the program. At 11 a.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

p.m. Aug. 4-13. Cost is $150 for Aug. 4-8, $90 for Aug. 11-13 or $35 per day. Camp includes artists, naturalists, archery, fishing, cookouts and other programs. For information or to register, contact Grace Young 250 4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

Royal Duke of Magic

July 11-13

Journey to an unknown magical dimension with Sammy Cortino, the “Royal Duke of Magic.” For ages 4 and older. At 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480.

Children’s yoga teacher training

Young adult program A program geared for ages 12 and older. Snacks and beverages provided. Details to come. From 6-8 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave., 250-4752.

Register by July 11 Camp Julian Buncombe County Parks & Recreation will host day camp for rising first- to eight-graders at Lake Julian in Skyland. Camp runs 7:30 a.m.-5:30

An intensive, three-day program. Cost is $305. At Asheville Yoga Center, 239 S. Liberty St. For more information, visit www.youryoga.com, call 2540380 or e-mail steph@youryoga.com.

July 11-20 ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ BLT Youth Troupe, directed by Sonia Arnold, presents “The Velveteen Rabbit,” written by Margery Williams. An all-ages show at Morrison Playhouse, Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts, Brevard College. Call 884-2587 for reservations and information.

Treat your children to a night out at the Asheville Arts Center filled with song, dance and other activities, 6-9:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for first child, $15 for each additional child. Advanced reservations and payment are required by July 7. Ages 2-10. For information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

July 13 Free Irish dance workshop and Ceili The Asheville Arts Center’s Gallagher School of Irish Dance hosts a free Irish Dance workshop and Ceili social fest for all ages. Live music will accompany the family event, 3-5 p.m. At the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. For information and to RSVP, call 253-4000. Visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

Starts July 14 Drama class Create masks that transform you, through improvisation and play, into a character from your imagination. Families are invited to see the class of characters in action in the last class. Runs 4-6 p.m. Mondays, July 14-28. For children ages 914. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. For details, visit sparkcreativewellness or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from Page 43

1:30-3 p.m. at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. For information, call 253-4000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

Starts July 14 Swimming lessons

July 18

Learn to swim at the YWCA of Asheville. The next session of Red Cross certified swim lessons begins July 14. Classes are offered for babies, pre-schoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call 2547206, ext. 110, for more information or sign up at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. For more information, visit ywcaofasheville.org.

‘Microcosmos’ family movie An up-close look at bugs and the world they live in. Popcorn and bug juice served. At 4 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

July 19

July 14

‘Aesop’s Fables’ with Red Herring Puppets

Lunch Bunch Book Club Bring a sack lunch and talk about bugs as predators and prey. For ages 7 and older. Second of three sessions. From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., 2504700.

Red Herring Puppets has created an original rhymed version of the classic tales told with music and large table puppets. For ages 5 and older. At 2 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road, 250-6488.

Balloon party

July 14-18

Mark Deverges will entertain the crowd with award-winning balloon twisting. He’s a favorite at Tourists games and is well-known for his balloon creations. At 11 a.m. at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, 250-4738.

Summer arts camp A day camp at Black Mountain Center for the Arts for rising first- to third-graders runs 9 a.m.noon. Camp includes music, art and dance. Cost is $95. To register, visit blackmountainarts.org or call 669-0930.

Folkmoot 5K and Kids Fun Run

July 14 and Aug. 4 Rock U! School of Rock open house Learn how you can rock with Rock U!, Asheville Arts Center’s year round school of rock. Meet our instructors and register for a free consultation. From 5:30-6:30 p.m. both July 14 and Aug. 4 at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. For information and to RSVP, call 253-4000. Visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

July 15 Breast-feeding class Learn the art of breast-feeding. Class covers breast-feeding basics to help give moms a good start. From 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 6924600 for information. Class is free, and registration is not required.

Starts July 15 Play and learn group Parents/caregivers and children ages 2-5 in Buncombe County who are not in regulated child care are invited to attend a series of six free play and learn group sessions at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, July 15-Aug. 19, and 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesdays, July 16-Aug. 20. Each session lasts about 45 minutes and will be at the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville. Activities include songs, dance and movement, stories, games, music instruments, puppets, and crafts. Each week, adults receive information for educational activities to do at home with children and children ages 2-5 receive a free book. For information, call Marna

PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON

Puppeteers Lisa Sturtz, left, and Jerry Pope of Red Herring Puppets tell the story of the tortoise and the hare during a show at the Fairview Branch Library. The puppetry group will present “Aesop’s Fables” on July 19 at the South Buncombe/Skyland Library. Holland at 255-5423. Attendance is required at four of the sessions. Registration for new participants is now open; continuing/past participants may register starting July 1. To register, call 2555423 or e-mail marna.holland@asheville.k12.nc.us.

‘Catch the Reading Bug’ with birdman Dave Gulick

July 15 and 17

Let Birdman Dave’s birds show you how to catch the reading bug. For ages 5 and older. At 10:30 a.m. at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, 250-6485.

1030 Merrimon Ave., 250-4752.

Buggy Balloons with the Balloon Lady

July 17

Donna Pruett, aka The Balloon Lady, twists balloons into wild and wacky bugs right before your eyes. For ages 3 and older. At 11 a.m. July 15 at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 2504650 (free ticket required for show; pick one up before program); at 2 p.m. July 15 at EnkaCandler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road, 250-4758; at 3:30 p.m. July 15 at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St. (call Black Mountain Library at 250-4756 for information); and at 11 a.m. July 17 at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480.

‘A Bug’s Life’

July 16 Bug Music with Joy and Cory Black Come ready to sing and dance along to the music of Joy and Cory Black. Free ticket required; pick one up at the library before the program. At 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library,

Short firefly fun and lore before “A Bug’s Life” on the big screen. Popcorn and “bug juice” provided. At 6 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., 250-4700.

Bug garden stepping stones workshop Learn how to make and decorate a stepping stone for your garden. Join in for a very special buggy craft time on the patio. Bring bug spray. Parental assistance is encouraged for this project. For all ages. Free ticket required; please pick one up at the library before the program. At 11 a.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

Parents morning out open house The Asheville Arts Center’s music and arts based Parents Morning Out program holds an information session for parents and children to experience the program and meet instructors. From

The third annual Folkmoot 5K Race and Kids Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. at Folkmoot USA in Waynesville. The first five male and female finishers in each age group will receive awards. The cost is $15 before race day or $18 on race day. Every registered runner will receive a race T-shirt. For a registration form please call Jamye Cooper at 452-2997 or Scot Worley at 456-2030 or email recaquatics@townofwaynesville.org.

Starts July 20 Improv class Enjoy the magic of dramatic improvisation by learning new playback theater improv forms that bring each others’ true stories to life. Families are invited to a show on the last day. Runs 3:305:30 p.m. Sundays, July 20 and 27 and Aug. 3. For children ages 9-14. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. For details, visit sparkcreativewellness or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

July 21 Basketball camp Improve your skils at Montreat College Cavaliers’ Shooting Camp. The all-ages camp for boys and girls runs 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $25 per camper. For more information and to register, visit montreat.edu/summercamps or contact the Women’s Basketball Office at 669-3416, ext. 3416, or email Taylor Allen at tallen@montreat.edu.

Lunch Bunch Book Club Bring a sack lunch and talk about bugs of the future. For ages 7 and older. Third of three sessions. From 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., 250-4700.

‘WNC Bugs and their Buddies’ Come experience the world of creepy crawlers

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from Page 45 that share our mountain home. From the bold and beautiful to the sleek and slimey. This is a “please touch” program. For ages 4 and older. At 11 a.m. at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St. Call Black Mountain Library at 250-4756 for information.

Starts July 21 Soccer camp Western Carolina University is hosting three soccer camps for all ages. Camps focus on technical skills and game situations for young players, with swimming, movies, games and more. Elite camps are offered for older, more serious players. Camps run as follows: Boys and Girls Youth Camp, ages 4-11, July 21-25; Girls Elite Camp, ages 10-18, July 26-30; Boys Elite Camp, ages 11-18, July 31-Aug. 3. For more information, visit eteamz.com/westerncarolinasa.

July 21-25 Summer theater conservatory Black Mountain Center for the Arts offers theater camp for children going into fourth to eighth grades, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. A performance for families is held on the last day of camp. Cost is $150. To register, visit blackmountainarts.org or call 669-0930.

July 22 and Aug. 7 Acting and musical theater open house The Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave., holds an information session for its year-round Acting & Musical Theatre Conservatory programs. Meet instructors. Open house is at 6:45 p.m. for Jr. Acting Company (ages 7-10) and 7:15 p.m. for The ACADEMY (age 10-18 years). Call 2534000 or visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

July 22 Firefly Family Picnic Bring the whole family to an indoor picnic with stories, camp songs and make tasty “bugmallow” creations. At 6:30 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road, 250-4758.

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

‘The Dirt on Worms’ Worms can recycle garbage — learn how they do it from master gardener Suzanne Wodek and make a mini worm composter too. Free ticket required; pick one up at the library before the program. At 11 a.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 250-4650.

July 23 ‘Bug Juice!’ by Rags to Riches Theatre Follow the fly Mary Malaria as she goes out into the world to find her fortune. As she looks for bug juice, she runs into a variety of insects. For ages 4-12. Free ticket required; pick one up at the library before the program. At 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave., 250-4752.

Children’s author reading Meet Newberry Medal winner Paul Fleischman, author of “Sidewalk Circus,” “Weslandia,” “Seed Folks,” “The Birthday Tree” and many more favorites, at 3 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 866 Haywood Road, 232-2228 or spellboundchildrensbookshop.com. Fleischman will read and sign books. All ages. Free.

July 24 Free music lessons The Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave., offers free 10-minute music lesson for guitar, violin, percussion, voice, Suzuki piano, traditional piano, and more. Meet instructors. From 6-7:30 p.m. For lesson reservations, call 253-4000. Visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

Honeybee and Hive Hoopla Construct a honeybee hive and learn about honeybees and what they do for plants and other animals. Ages 7 and older. At 11 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road, 250-4754.

Rags to Riches Theatre Troupe Enjoy a show full of music, laughter, improvisation and audience participation. Free ticket required; pick one up at the library before the program. At 11 a.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.

Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, enjoy storytelling, live music and more. Tickets are $18 per person for ages 2 and older. Call 800-872-4681 or visit gsmr.com for information.

a.m. for Village/Sign & Sing for newborn-18 months; noon for Our Time, 18 months-3 years. At the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. For information and to RSVP, call Patty Lee Book at 253-4000. Visit ashevilleartscenter.com.

July 26

Make and Take Art

Brevard will celebrate its 140th birthday with a block party from noon-10 p.m. Enjoy music, dancing, food, games, antique cars, tractors and more on West Main Street in front of City Hall. Bring your own chairs for the music stage.

Watch your child design and create an art project. Event runs 1-3 p.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Cost is $12 per child, ages 2-8. Register by July 25. For more information, contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

Depression Era party

Teen Safe Driver Program

Learn about the Depression Era through baseball, a diversion from the economic hardships of the time, at a party for boys and girls, ages 7 and older, at the Smith-McDowell House Museum. Dress code is summer camp casual. The event will feature a baseball player and play on the grounds. Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children, which includes a tour of the house. The two-hour program starts at 11 a.m. For reservations, call 253-9231. The museum is at 283 Victoria Road on the campus of AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College.

The State Highway Patrol will present a free program focused on issues that teen drivers face. Program is 10 a.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

Brevard block party

Doggy Meet and Greet Paws with a Purpose, a nonprofit group that provides animal assisted therapy, will bring human and canine volunteers to teach all about dogs. Please do not bring your dog. At 11 a.m. at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, 250-4738.

Lego Blast Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville, is hosting a Lego party, 10 a.m.noon. Entry fee is $5. Bring building blocks and build on a farm theme (examples include farm buildings, farm animals, crops and produce, farm machinery, farm workers, tools and so on). Prizes will be awarded. For information, call 8916585 or visit historicjohnsonfarm.org.

Stories and origami

Starts July 26

Come and hear stories told by librarians Mary and Harry, and expect surprises. Plus origami. For ages 4 and older. At 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480.

Imagination Improvisation class

WNC Bugs and their Buddies Children will learn the importance of preservation and conservation. Featured guest stars will be a live snake and turtle. Samples of animal skeletons, skins and feathers will be on hand. At 10:30 a.m. at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, 250-6485.

July 25

Stretch creativity, teamwork skills and ability to meet new challenges through improv games and sketches. Show for families on the last day. Runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2. For children ages 9-14. At Spark Creative Wellness Studio in downtown Asheville. Visit sparkcreativewellness or call Jessica Chilton at 301-5172.

July 28-Aug. 8 Visual arts camp

Treat your children to a night out at the Asheville Arts Center filled with song, dance and other fun activities, 6-9:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for first child, $15 for each additional child. Advanced reservations and payment are required. Ages 2-10. For info call 253-4000, or ashevilleartscenter.com.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts will offer two sessions of visual arts camp. The first week, July 28-Aug. 1, is for children going into kindergarten to second grade. It runs 9 a.m.-noon and costs $95. The camp Aug. 4-8 is for rising second- to fifth-graders. It runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and costs $140. To register, visit blackmountainarts.org or call 669-0930.

July 25-29, July 31-Aug. 3

July 29

‘Day Out with Thomas’

Free Kindermusik class

Take a 25-minute ride on Thomas the Tank

Try out Kindermusik, music and movement, child development, and family fun. Demos are 11:30

Parents night out

July 29-30 Interesting Invertebrates The N.C. Natural Science Museum visits with touchable live animals and natural objects. Meet invertebrates like millipedes, crayfish, tarantulas, scorpions and Madagascar hissing cockroaches in this up-close, safe look at animals without backbones. For ages 6-12. At 2 p.m. July 29 at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 2504650 (please pick up a free ticket before the program for this location); at 6:30 p.m. July 29 at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., 2504700; and at 11 a.m. July 30 at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road, 250-4758.

July 30 Catch the Magic Bug with Zelnik the Magician Go on an adventure with storytelling, comedy, magic, participation and puppetry. For ages 5 and older. At 2:30 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road, 250-6488.

July 31 Bug visors Craft a “bug-a-licious” visor. For ages 5 and older. At 11 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road, 250-4754.

Hobey Ford, Golden Rod Puppets Using innovative puppets of his own design, Hobey Ford adapts folk tales from various cultures, always adding a special “golden rod” twist. For ages 5 and older. At 10:30 a.m. at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, 250-6485.

Kaleidoscope workshop Learn how to make your very own kaleidoscopes. For ages 4 and older. At 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480.

‘WNC Bugs and their Buddies’ Explore the world of insects that live in the mountains, and the bigger animals that depend on them. An interactive program for all ages from the WNC Nature Center. At 11 a.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St., 250-6486. Continued on Page 48

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Through Aug. 7

two week deposit is required. Enrollment is limited to 60 campers. For information, call 4562030 or e-mail recyouth@townofwaynesville.org

Woodsy Owlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curiosity Club

Aug. 18-21

Continued from Page 47

Nature-oriented activities each week for children at the Cradle of Forestry. Attend one program or all. Programs run 10-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, through Aug. 7, and Saturdays through Aug. 2. Each program is $4 per child. Accompanying adults are admitted at half price ($2.50). For more information, visit cradleofforestry.org.

Through Aug. 15 Fun in the Sun camp Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department host Fun in the Sun camp this summer. Camp will include High Touch High Tech, which provides fun, interactive, hands-on science and nature experiences for children. There also will be field trips, sports, and arts and crafts. There will be two divisions: 5-7 and 8-11. Cost is $85 per week for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center and $95 per week for nonmembers. A

Free baby oral health exam Great Beginnings Pediatric Dental Specialists is giving free oral health exams to infants up to 14 months old. Exams are at 10B Yorkshire St., Asheville, and 50 Bowman Drive, Waynesville. For an appointment, call the Asheville office, at 10B Yorkshire St., at 274-9220, or the Waynesville office, at 50 Bowman Drive, at 454-9156. For information, visit www.greatpeginningspedo.com.

Through Sept. 1 Butterfly exhibit WNC Nature Center is hosting its fifth walkthrough butterfly exhibit. The exhibit is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (except these dates, when it is open 1-8 p.m.: July 9, 16, 23 and 30). For information call 298-5600 or visit wildwnc.org.

Ashley Diaz, 3 Candler

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Cy Miller, 9