WNC P ARENT PRESENTS WNCMOM.COM, THE PLA CE WHERE LOCAL MOMS CONNECT
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c o n t e n t s A great father has a This month’s features 3
far-reaching impact
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And the winners are ... Find out the winners in 69 categories for our 2008 Family Choice Awards.
11 Dads matter The role of dads has evolved over the years. These days, they do more than just hand out cigars in the waiting room.
16 Parenting styles Moms and dads may parent differently. But experts say compromise and teamwork are key.
18 Gifts for father Need help figuring out what to get for Father’s Day? We’ve got your gift guide
PHOTO BY ASHLEY ROSS
The Ross family enjoys dinner at Marco’s Pizzeria, one of our Family Choice winners.
Father’s Day always evokes memories of times spent with my dad. When I was little, we would often go for a drive somewhere on Sundays and go hiking or fishing. On the way back, we’d stop for ice cream. My mom would order a Peanut Buster Parfait, while my dad and I always got the chocolate-dipped cone. I’ve felt so lucky to have my father as my dad. We have a close, can-talk-about-anything relationship that I wish every girl had with her dad. My dad taught me to golf and fly-fish and gave me a love of sports among other things, but he also taught me to be honest, to never burn a bridge and to never say, “I can’t.” This issue not only reveals our Family Choice Award winners, but is also dedicated to dads and their upcoming day. While my dad and I haven’t been for ice cream lately — he takes my daughters now — I’m pretty sure we are both still chocolate-dipped cones. Nancy Sluder Editor
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21 Things to do with dad WNC is bursting with Father’s Day happenings. Plan your day with our event round-up.
23 WNCmom.com page
SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
Glen Cullen takes the plunge with daughters Helena and Katherine.
Get a glimpse of what people are posting on WNCmom.com.
26 Fathers at home Stay-at-home dads are doing chores, running kids around and overseeing the domain often viewed as that of moms.
30 Kids voices Find out what students at Asheville Catholic have to say about memories with their dads.
In every issue Show and Tell ...................................................31 Divorced Families by Trip Woodard ...................35 Librarian’s Picks by Jennifer Prince ..................40 Kids Health by Linden Veillette .........................33 Puzzles .............................................................42 Calendar ..........................................................43 Birthday Club ...................................................48
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P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 828-232-5845 I www.wncmom.com
On the cover Photo by Katy Cook Photography.
PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Randy Hammer WNC PARENT EDITOR Nancy Sluder nsluder@citizen-times.com
ADVERTISING Miranda Weerheim - 232-5980 mweerheim@gannett.com
SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Polly McDaniel pmcdaniel@citizen-times.com
Gayle Smith - 232-5886 gjsmith@ashevill.gannett.com
STAFF WRITER Barbara Blake bblake@citizen-times.com
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 July 2008 issue is June 18 calendar items are due by June 16
WNC PARENT I JUNE 2008
The results are in!
2008 Family Choice Awards ENTERTAINMENT Best museum 1. The Health Adventure 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, 254-6373, TheHealthAdventure.org.
2. Pack Place 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, 257-4500, PackPlace.org.
3. Asheville Art Museum 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville; 253-3227; AshevilleArt.org. Honorable mention: Biltmore Estate, Colburn Earth Science Museum, Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, Kress Gallery, Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, Smith-McDowell House Museum, WNC Nature Center, World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta).
Most family-friendly movie theater 1. Asheville Pizza and Brewing 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; 254-1281; ashevillepizza.com.
2. Regal Hollywood Cinemas 1640 Hendersonville Road,Asheville; 274-8811.
3. Carmike Cinemas 299-I River Hills Road, Asheville; 298-4885. Honorable mention: Beaucatcher, Cinebarre, Epic, Fine Arts, Four Seasons, Regal Cinemas.
3. Diana Wortham Theatre 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, 257-4530, dwtheatre.com. Honorable mention: Asheville Arts Center, Asheville Little Theater, BeBe Theatre, Cane Creek Middle School Spring Musical, Montford Park Players, N.C. Stage Company, Peace Center, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, WCU Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Best TV station for the entire family 1. WLOS, ABC, Channel 13. 2. PBS, UNC-TV, Channel 33. 3. Disney Channel, On cable and satellite systems. Honorable mention: ABC Family, Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, Discovery Kids, ESPN, ETY, Food Network, Fox, Fox News, HGTV, History Channel, MTV, Nickelodeon, Noggin, TBS, TLC, TV Land, WYFF Channel 4 (NBC).
35 E. Walnut St., Asheville; box office, 254-1320; AshevilleCommunityTheatre.org.
2. Flat Rock Playhouse 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock; box office, 693-0731, flatrockplayhouse.org.
2. Early Girl Eatery 8 Wall St., Asheville, 259-9292, earlygirleatery.com
3. Cracker Barrel 34 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 350-753; 5 Crowell Road (I-40 and U.S. 19/23), Asheville, 665-2221; 344 Rockwood Road, Arden, 684-2740; crackerbarrel.com. Honorable mention: Atlanta Bread Co., Bruegger’s Bagels, Café Azalea, Chorizo, Corner Kitchen, Cornerstone, Denny’s, J&S Cafeteria, JK’s Kitchen, Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Mediterranean Restaurant, Moose Café, Mountain Brew Café, Panera, Shoney’s, The Coffee Shop, The Fireplace, Tupelo Honey, Waffle House, West End Bakery.
Most family-friendly lunch restaurant
Best radio station for entire family
1. Blue Sky Cafe
1. Star 104.3, WQNQ-FM. 2. 106.9 The Light, WMIT-FM. 3. 99.9 Kiss Country, WKSF-FM.
3987 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 684-1247; iloveblueskycafe.com.
Honorable mention: 88.1 WCQS-FM; 88.7, WNCW-FM; 91.3 WLFA-FM His Radio; 96.5 WOXL-FM; 102.5 WMYI-FM; 93.7 WFBCFM; 100.7 WRES-FM; 104.9 WQNS-FM; 105.9 WTMT-FM; 570 WWNC-AM; NPR; Radio Disney; Sirius Hits 1.
FOOD
Most family-friendly stage theater 1. Asheville Community Theatre
Arden, 684-2828; 275-B Smoky Park Highway, Asheville, 665-9390; ihop.com.
Most family-friendly breakfast restaurant 1. IHOP 245 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-8601; 229 Airport Road,
2. McDonald’s Various area locations, mcdonalds.com.
3. Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; 254-1281; ashevillepizza.com. Honorable mention: Applebees, Asiana Grand Buffet, Atlanta Bread Co., Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Bogarts, Bruegger’s Bagels, Celebrity’s Hot Dogs, Cheddars, Chick-fil-A, Chuck E. Cheese’s, City Bakery, Cornerstone, Cracker Barrel, Early Girl, Earth Fare, ED Boudreaux’s Bayou Bar-B-Que, El Paso, Fatz Cafe, Firehouse Subs, Frank’s Roman Pizza, French Fryz, Fuddruckers, Garfields, Green Sage, Hannah Flannagan’s Pub, Hardees, JK’s Kitchen, La Paz, Laughing Seed, Little Pigs BBQ, Asheville Mall food court, Marco’s Pizzeria, Mellow Mushroom, Moe’s, Moose Café, Olive Garden, Panera, Piggy’s, Riverside Family Grill, Rosettas Kitchen, Ryan’s, Salsa’s, Shane’s Rib Shack, Stoney Knob Café, Subway, Tuscon Grill, Urban Burrito. Continued on Page 4
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2008 FAMILY CHOICE AWARD WINNERS Continued from Page 3
2. Frank’s Roman Pizza
Most family-friendly dinner restaurant
90 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 298-5855; 85 Weaverville Highway, Weaverville, 645-2910; franksromanpizza.com.
1. Blue Sky Cafe
3. Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co.
Best parent/child program
3987 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 684-1247; iloveblueskycafe.com.
675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; 254-1281; ashevillepizza.com.
1. YMCA
Honorable metion: Acropolis, Angelo’s, Athens, Barley’s, Bella Regina, CiCi’s Pizza, Cinebarre, Circle in the Square, Cottonwood Café, Digable, Domino’s Pizza, Iannuci’s, Jet’s Pizza, Little Caesar’s, Mellow Mushroom, Mill and Main, Modesto, Mona Lisa, My Father’s Pizza, Nick and Nate’s, Nona Mia, Papa John’s, Papa’s Pizza, Pastabilities, Pizza Hut, Sam’s Club, Sonny’s High Vista, Trios
30 Woodfin St., Asheville, 210-9622; 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622; 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, 659-9622; ymcawnc.org
Best kids’ meal menu
Local area licensed educators: Lora Scott, 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/music-choirs/kindermusik (Biltmore Village); Beth Magill, 298-9350, magills.net (Downtown Asheville); Patty Lee Book, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com (North and South Asheville); Debra Huff, 206-3145 or 689-1128 (Madison County); Sonja Gorsline, 883-8538 (Brevard); Linda Boyle-Smith: 768-9625, kinderwithlinda.com (Mills River).
2. Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. 675 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; 254-1281; ashevillepizza.com.
3. Fuddruckers 130 Charlotte St., Asheville; 254-2161; fuddruckers.com. Honorable mention: Apollo Flame, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Black Forest, Cheddars, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Cici’s Pizza, Doc Chey’s, Fiddlin’ Pig, Frank’s Roman Pizza, French Fryz, Mamacita’s, Marco’s Pizzeria, Mellow Mushroom, Red Lobster, Stoney Knob, Urban Burrito.
1. McDonald’s
Best ice cream/custard shop
Multiple area locations, mcdonalds.com.
1. Marble Slab Creamery
245 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-8601; 229 Airport Road, Arden, 684-2828; 275-B Smoky Park Highway, Asheville, 6659390; ihop.com.
14 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 225-5579; 1840 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 277-0575; 421 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 697-0480; marbleslab.com.
2. Ultimate Ice Cream Co.
2. IHOP
3. (tie) Blue Sky Cafe
1070 Tunnel Road, Asheville; 296-1234.
3987 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 684-1247; iloveblueskycafe.com.
3. The Hop
Denny’s
640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville; 252-8362. Honorable mention: Cintom’s, Cold Stone, Dairy Queen, Jack Frost, Kamm’s, Kilwins, Tastee Freeze.
Best hot dog 1. (tie) Cats and Dawgs Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 132, Asheville, 281-8100.
Celebrity’s Hot Dogs 1409 Brevard Road, Asheville, 670-5954.
Hot Dog King
675 Patton Ave., Asheville, 254-3600, dennys.com.
Fuddruckers 130 Charlotte St., Asheville, 254-2161, fuddruckers.com. Honorable mention: Applebee’s, Arby’s, Atlanta Bread Co., Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co., Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Bogarts, Bonefish Grill, Cats and Dawgs, Cheddars, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s, Cornerstone, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Digable, Fatz Café, Frankie Bones, KFC, Mela, Moe’s Southwest Grill, O’Charley’s, Outback, Pomodoro’s, Rosettas Kitchen, Sagebrush, Stone Ridge Tavern, Subway, Sunny Point Café, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Friday’s, Tupelo Honey, Urban Burrito, Wendy’s.
63 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 253-0448; 2299 Smoky Park Highway, Candler, 670-1199; 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 298-8686; 1487 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, 628-1036.
Most family-friendly grocery store
Honorable mention: Cintom’s Frozen Custard, Dairy Queen, Dog and Dairy Barn, Farmers Market, French Fryz, Hot Dog World, Manny’s, McCormick Field, Nick’s, Robbie’s, Sam’s Club, Skins (Seneca, S.C.), Sonic, Veggie Dog.
Multiple locations, ingles-markets.com.
Best pizza 1. Marco’s Pizzeria 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 285-0709; 1854 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 277-0004; marcospizzeria.com.
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1. Ingles 2. Greenlife 70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-5440, greenlifegrocery.com.
3. Harris Teeter 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-5304; 637 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, 697-8988; harristeeter.com Honorable mention: Bi-Lo, Earth Fare, Food Lion, French Broad Food Co-Op, Grove Corner Market, Harolds, Haywood Road Market, Lowe’s Foods, Wal-Mart.
WNC PARENT I JUNE 2008
ACTIVITIES
2. Buncombe County Library branches Buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library.
3. KinderMusik
Honorable mention: Asheville Arts Center, Asheville Community School play & learn groups, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, Croley’s Martial Arts, Hahn’s Gymnastics, Mommy’n’Me Yoga at YMCA, Moms Club of Hendersonville, Music Together, N.C. Arboretum, PSPM and PSAM, Stroller Club at Reuter YMCA, The Health Adventure, The Little Gym, WNC Nature Center, yoga, Young Chefs Academy, YWCA.
Best gymnastics program 1. Hahn’s Gymnastics 32 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville, 684-8832, hahnsgymnastics.com
2. The Little Gym 1000 Brevard Road, Suite 168, Asheville, 667-9588, tlgashevillenc.com
3. WEGA Gymnastics 50 Coxe Ave., Asheville, 252-8746 Honorable mention: YMCA, High Flight, Gymboree.
Best martial arts program 1. Shaolin Kung-Fu of Asheville 619-A Haywood Road, Asheville, 775-9122, ashevilleshaolin.com
2. Asheville Sun Yi’s Tae Kwon Do 1341 Parkwood Ave., 515-0154, ashevilletkd.com Honorable mention: Ahn’s Tae Kwon Do, Asheville Academy of Tai Kwon Do, Candler Tae Kwon Do, Croley’s Martial Arts, Jerry Dula Karate, Karakido Karate, The Little Gym, Roberts.
Best music program 1. KinderMusik Local area licensed educators: Lora Scott, 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/music-choirs/kindermusik (Biltmore Village); Beth Magill, 298-9350, magills.net (Downtown Asheville); Patty Lee Book, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com (North and South Asheville); Debra Huff, 206-3145 or 6891128 (Madison County); Sonja Gorsline, 883-8538 (Brevard); Linda Boyle-Smith: 768-9625, kinderwithlinda.com (Mills River).
2. Asheville Arts Center 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com
3. Asheville Area Music Together Contact Kari Richmond at karirichmond@charter.net or 5450990. AshevilleAreaMT.com or musictogether.com.
Linda Boyle-Smith: 768-9625, kinderwithlinda.com (Mills River).
659-9622; ymcawnc.org
Super Saturday
2. YWCA
UNC Asheville, unca.edu/supersaturday Honorable mention: Fired Up, N.C. Arboreteum, The Health Adventure, WNC Nature Center
185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, 254-7543, ywca.org/asheville
Best paint-your-own pottery studio
65 Gashes Creek Road, 298-0880, ashevillenc.gov
1. Fired Up! Creative Lounge 26 Wall St., Asheville, 253-8181, fired-up-pyop.com
2. Claying Around 3 1/2 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village, 277-0042, clayingaround.com
3. Brown’s Pottery
3. Recreation Park Pool Honorable mention: Asheville Racquet Club with Donna, Haywood County Fitness Center, Glen Cannon, Malvern Hills Park, Waynesville Recreation Center, Western Carolina University.
Best sports club/league 1. Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association/Highland Football Club
2398 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 684-2901, brownspottery.com
299-7277, abysa.org
Honorable mention: Express Yourself, Southside Arts Studio.
2. YMCA
Honorable mention: Asheville Music School, Cane Creek Middle School, KJ Potter, piano.
Best place for scrapbooking
30 Woodfin St., Asheville, 210-9622; 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622; 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, 659-9622; ymcawnc.org
Best dance program
1. Michael’s
3. Hominy Valley Youth Sports
1. Center Stage Dance Studio
111 River Hills Road, Asheville, 299-0183; 5 McKenna Road, Arden, 684-1961; michaels.com.
hominyvalleyyouthsports.com
38 Rosscraggon Road, 654-7010, centerstage2.com
2. Sandy’s Scrapbook Corner
2. Asheville Arts Center 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com
3. (tie) Angie’s Dance Academy
49 Pisgah Highway Suite 3, Pisgah Forest, 884-7776, sandysscrapbookcorner.com.
3. A.C. Moore 800 Fairview Road, Suite JJ, Asheville, 299-0777, acmoore.com.
115 Glance St., Clyde, 627-3267, angiesdanceacademy.com
Honorable mention: Asheville Parks and Recreation, AYSO, Waynesville, East Asheville, Erwin, Fletcher baseball, Girl Scouts, gymnastics, Henderson County, North Asheville Baseball, Owen Little League, South Asheville, Upwards, Western Carolina Athletic Association.
Best bowling alley
New Studio of Dance
Best place for birthday parties
1. AMF Star Lanes
20 Commerce St., Asheville, 254-2621, acdt.org
1. Fun Depot
2. Sky Lanes
7 Roberts Road, Asheville, 277-2386, ashevillesfundepot.com.
1477 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-2269
2. Chuck E. Cheese’s
3. Tarheel Lanes
104 River Hills Road, Asheville, 299-3750, chuckecheese.com.
3275 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, 253-2695, tarheellanes.com
Honorable mention: Asheville Dance Theater, Asheville Ballet, Asheville Center for Performing Arts, Asheville Contemporary Dance Theater, Dance Spirations, In His Steps, Miss Kellie’s Dance Studio, Modern Dance, Pat’s School of Dance, Southside Dance Studio, The Little Gym, Triple Threat Dance Academy.
Best art program or classes 1. (tie) Asheville Art Museum 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville; 253-3227; AshevilleArt.org.
Asheville Arts Center 308 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com.
3. (tie) KinderMusik Local area licensed educators: Lora Scott, 649-2320, allsoulscathedral.org/music-choirs/kindermusik (Biltmore Village); Beth Magill, 298-9350, magills.net (Downtown Asheville); Patty Lee Book, 253-4000, ashevilleartscenter.com (North and South Asheville); Debra Huff, 206-3145 or 6891128 (Madison County); Sonja Gorsline, 883-8538 (Brevard);
3. The Little Gym 1000 Brevard Road, Suite 168, Asheville, 667-9588, tlgashevillenc.com. Honorable mention: Asheville Performing Arts Center, Asheville Tourists game, Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co., Bath Junkie, bowling, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Claxton Farms, Claying Around, Hahn’s Gymnastics, Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, High Flight Gymnastics, home, McDonald’s, Mellow Mushroom, Michael’s, park, Space walk, Star Lanes, Tarheels Bowling, The Factory, The Health Adventure, Waynesville Recreation Center, WEGA, WNC Nature Center, Young Chefs Academy, YWCA.
Best place for swim lessons
491 Kenilworth Road, Asheville, 254-6161, amf.com
Honorable mention: Lightning Lanes, Thunder Lanes.
Best place for riding lessons 1. (tie) Biltmore Equestrian Center 225-1454, biltmore.com.
Ford Brook Stables 120 Fordbrook Road, Asheville, 667-1021, fordbrookstables.com
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Honorable mention: Eliada Homes, Pisgah View Ranch.
1. YMCA 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, 210-9622; 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622; 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion,
Continued on Page 6
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2008 FAMILY CHOICE AWARD WINNERS Continued from Page 5
Best overnight camp
Best skate park
1. Camp Pisgah
1. Food Lion Skate Park
Brevard, girlscoutswnc.org/camp_pisgah.htm.
3 Cherry St., Asheville, 225-7184, foodlionskatepark.com Honorable mention: Zero Gravity
Best miniature golf 1. Tropical Gardens 956 Patton Ave., Asheville, 252-2207
2. Fun Depot 7 Roberts Road, Asheville, 277-2386, ashevillesfundepot.com
3. Shadowbrook 701 N.C. 9, Black Mountain, 669-5499 Honorable mention: Outdoor Family Fun Center
Most family-friendly fair, festival or special event 1. Mountain State Fair 2. Bele Chere 3. Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival Honorable mention: Hendersonville Apple Festival, Cherokee family events, Christmas parade, Citizen-Times Fun Run, Flat Rock Music Festival, Fletcher community Easter Egg Hunt, Goombay, Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, LEAF, MerleFest, Weaverville 4th of July, Weaverville Parade, White Squirrel Festival, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day.
Best day camp 1. YMCA 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, 210-9622; 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622; 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, 659-9622; ymcawnc.org
2. The Health Adventure 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, 254-6373, thehealthadventure.org.
3. (tie) Carolina Day School Summer Quest 1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-0757, cdschool.org.
Hahn’s Gymnastics 32 Rosscraggon Road, Asheville, 684-8832, hahnsgymnastics.com. Honorable mention: Asheville Art Museum art camp, Boy Scout camp, Camp Cedar Cliff, Cub Scout day camp, Eliada, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, High Flight Gymnastics, Highland Christian Church kids’ camp, Hominy, Lutheridge, Montessori Country Day, Mud Creek Baptist Church Summer Enrichment, N.C. Arboretum Discovery Camps, Ridgecrest adventure day camp, WNC Nature Center, Young Chefs Academy, YWCA.
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2. Lutheridge Arden, lutheridge.com.
3. Camp Tekoa
3. The Health Adventure 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, 254-6373, thehealthadventure.org Honorable mention: Asheville Botanical Gardens, Beaver Lake, Blue Ridge Parkway, Lake Julian, library, N.C. Arboretum.
Best place to visit Santa
Hendersonville, camptekoa.org.
1. Asheville Mall
Honorable mention: Camp Daniel Boone, Camp Glen Arden, Camp Good News, Green Cove / Mondamin, Gwynn Valley, Highlander, HollyMont, Katuga, Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Ridgecrest boys camp.
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 298-5080, asheville-mall.com
Most family-friendly vacation in North Carolina 1. Outer Banks 2. Carowinds 3. Beach Honorable mention: Asheville, Biltmore Estate, camping, Celebrity Dairy Goat Farm and Bed and Breakfast, Charlotte, Cherokee, Chimney Rock, Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountains, Joyce Kilmer, Lake Lure, Linville area, Maggie Valley, Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, Pinehurst, Pisgah Forest, Santa’s Land, skiing in Boone.
Most family-friendly day trip 1. Biltmore Estate biltmore.com 2. Dollywood Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; dollywood.com 3. Carowinds Charlotte, carowinds.com Honorable mention: Cherokee; Chimney Rock Park; Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Blue Ridge Parkway; Connemara (Carl Sandburg home); Craggy Gardens; Deep Creek; Dillsboro; Discovery Place, Charlotte; DuPont State Forest; Folly Beach, S.C.; Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta; Ghost Town in the Sky; Grandfather Mountain; Gray, Tenn., fossil site; Great Smoky Mountains Railroad; Greenville (S.C.) Zoo; Hollywild Zoo; Knoxville (Tenn.) Zoo; Lake Lure; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Nantahala Outdoor Center rafting; N.C. Zoo, Asheboro; Pisgah National Forest; Santa’s Land; Sliding Rock; tubing in Bryson City; Vance Birthplace, Weaverville Reccreation Center; WNC Nature Center.
2. Biltmore Square Mall 800 Brevard Road, Asheville, 667-2308, mybiltmoresquare.com
3. Santa’s Land 571 Wolfetown Road, Cherokee, 497-9191, santasland.com Honorable mention: Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Mall, Dillsboro, Dollywood, Grove Park Inn, Polar Express Train Ride on Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, WNC Nature Center.
Best holiday event 1. Asheville Christmas Parade 2. Gingerbread houses at Grove Park Inn groveparkinn.com
3. Biltmore Estate at Christmas biltmore.com Honorable mention: Asheville’s July 4 fireworks, “A Christmas Carol” by Montford Park Players, Asheville Art Museum holiday camp, Asheville Civic Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” Brevard Halloweenfest, Canton Labor Day Parade, Dollywood Festival of Lights, Fireworks over Lake Julian on July 4, Hendersonville Apple Festival, Highland Games, Purim at the Jewish Community Center, “Return to Bethlehem,” The Polar Express at Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Weaverville Christmas parade, winter solstice.
SHOPPING Best maternity clothing store 1. Heaven Rains Boys and Girls 1 Page Ave., suite 141, Asheville, 252-1484, heavenrains.com.
2. Motherhood Maternity
Best place to take child for the morning or afternoon
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-9119; 801 Fairview Road, Asheville, 298-2229 (at Babies ‘R’ Us); motherhood.com.
1. Park 2. WNC Nature Center
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 298-8200, gap.com.
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, 298-5600, wildwnc.org
WNC PARENT I JUNE 2008
3. Gap Honorable mention: Goodwill, Kmart, Lulu’s Consignment Boutique, Mimi’s Maternity, Old Navy, Pea in a Pod, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart.
Most family-friendly consignment store
2. Discount Shoes
1. LuLu’s Consignment Boutique
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-8524, striderite.com
3461 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 687-7565, ilovelulus.net.
2. Children’s Trading Post
1266 Brevard Road, Asheville, 667-0085
3. Stride Rite Honorable mention: Heaven Rains Boys and Girls, Payless, Shoe Carnival, The Shoe Department, Wal-Mart.
3. ETC. Consignment Shoppe
Most family-friendly children’s clothing store
1500 Patton Ave., Asheville, 251-1160.
1. Heaven Rains Boys and Girls
Honorable mention: Enchanted Forrest, Goodwill, Junior League Next-to-New, Littlest Birds, Mine & Yours, Once Upon a Child, Serendipity.
1 Page Ave., Suite 141, Asheville, 252-1484, heavenrains.com
633 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-5432; 140 Airport Road, Arden, 684-5438.
Best place for children’s furniture 1. Ashley Furniture 233 Airport Road, Arden, 681-8811, ashleyfurniture.com.
2. IKEA Ikea.com.
3. Heaven Rains Boys and Girls 1 Page Ave., suite 141, Asheville, 252-1484, heavenrains.com. Honorable mention: Babies ‘R’ Us, Bon Bebe, Children’s Trading Post, Habitat for Humanity store, JC Penney, Nest Organics, Penland’s, Tyson’s, Wood You, Yesterday’s Tree
Best store for pet supplies 1. PetSmart 150 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville, 298-5670; 3 McKenna Road, Arden, 681-5343; petsmart.com.
2. SuperPetz 825 Brevard Road, Asheville, 665-7977, superpetz.com.
3. Pet Supplies Plus
Best place to buy craft supplies 1. Michael’s 111 River Hills Road, Asheville, 299-0183; 5 McKenna Road, Arden, 684-1961; michaels.com.
2. A.C. Moore 800 Fairview Road, Suite JJ, Asheville, 299-0777, acmoore.com.
3. True Blue Art Supply and Services 30 Haywood St., Asheville, 251-0028, artpaper.com. Honorable mention: Earth Guild, Wal-Mart.
2. The Children’s Place
Best place for costumes
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-8351, childrensplace.com
1. The Costume Shoppe
3. Gymboree
243 Haywood St., Asheville, 252-8404, costumeshoppe.net.
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 299-4447, gymboree.com
2. Wal-Mart
Honorable mention: Gap Kids, Goodwill, LuLu’s Consignment Boutique, JC Penney, Just Ducky, Limited Too, Nest Organics, Old Navy, Target, The Littlest Birds, Wal-Mart.
Multiple area locations, walmart.com.
3. Target
Best toy store
115 River Hills Road, Asheville, 298-1262; 17 McKenna Road, Arden, 681-0341, target.com.
1. Toys R Us
Honorable mention: Celebrations, Halloween Express, Mall, A Stitch ‘N’ Time.
877 Brevard Road, Asheville, 665-8697, toysrus.com.
2. Dancing Bear Toys 144 Tunnel Road, Asheville, 255-8697; 418 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 693-4500; dancingbeartoys.com.
Best consignment sale 1. Wee Trade Best Made
3. Toy Box
wee-trade.com.
793 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-8697.
2. LuLu’s Consignment Boutique
Honorable mention: Enviro Depot, Fun Things (Waynesville), Heaven Rains Boys and Girls, KB Toys, Kmart, Once Upon a Time, O P Taylor’s, Target, Wal-Mart.
Most family-friendly bookstore
3461 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 687-7565, ilovelulus.net.
3. Munchkin Market munchkinmarket.com. Honorable mention: Children’s Clothing Exchange, Children’s Trading Post, Etc. Consignment Shoppe, Junior League Next-toNew, Mine & Yours, Mothers of Multiples sale, Next-to-New Basement Sale, rummage sale at Armory.
1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 277-8020, petsuppliesplus.com.
1. Barnes & Noble
Honorable mention: Asheville Pet Supply, Greenlife, Ingles, Petco, Pets’ Delights’, Three Dog Bakery, Wal-Mart.
2. Malaprop’s
Best shopping center/mall
55 Haywood St., Asheville, 254-6734, malaprops.com.
1. Asheville Mall
Most family-friendly children’s shoe store
3. Books-A-Million
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 298-5080, asheville-mall.com.
136 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 299-4165, booksamillioninc.com.
2. Grove Arcade
1. Tops For Shoes
Honorable mention: Borders, Mr. K’s Used Books, Osondu Booksellers, Spellbound Children’s Bookshop.
27 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, 254-6721, topsforshoes.com
83 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-9330, barnesandnoble.com.
1 Page Ave., Asheville, 252-7799, grovearcade.com. Continued on Page 8
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2008 FAMILY CHOICE AWARD WINNERS Continued from Page 7
Best pediatric practice
Candler, 665-0855; fantasticsams.com.
3. Biltmore Square Mall
1. ABC Pediatrics 64 Peachtree Road #100, Asheville, 277-3000, abcasheville.com.
Supercuts.com.
800 Brevard Road, Asheville, 667-2308, mybiltmoresquare.com. Honorable mention: Southbridge.
2. Asheville Pediatrics
Best place to find organics
2 Medical Park Drive, Asheville, 254-5326, ashevillepediatrics.com.
1. Earth Fare
3. Mountain Area Pediatrics
65 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, 253-7656; 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 210-0100; earthfare.com.
500 Centre Park Drive, Asheville, 254-4337, mountainareapediatrics.com.
2. Greenlife Grocery
Honorable mention: All Kids, Asheville Children’s Medical Center, Asheville Family Medicine, Asheville Medicine and Pediatrics, Community Family Practice, Hendersonville Pediatrics, Park Ridge Pediatrics, Rainbow Pediatrics, Ravenscroft Family Medicine, Vista Family Health.
70 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 254-5440, greenlifegrocery.com.
3. Heaven Rains Boys and Girls 1 Page Ave., Suite 141, Asheville, 252-1484, heavenrains.com. Honorable mention: Amazing Savings, Bi-Lo, co-op, farmers market, Fresh Market, Haywood Road market (West Asheville co-op), The Littlest Birds, Nest Organics.
Best family dentist 1. Great Beginnings (Drs. Chambers, Baechtold, Haldeman and McKenzie)
Supercuts 2. (tie) Great Clips 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 252-9010; 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 274-5353; 129 Bleachery Blvd., Asheville, 298-5100; 643 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, 696-1919; greatclips.com.
Mes Ami 1069 Haywood Road, Asheville, 232-1020; 1000 Brevard Road #175, Asheville, 232-1020. Honorable mention: Eclipse, Full Circle, Illusions Day Spa, L’Eau de Vie, Manor Gate Salon, New Creations, Nikki Moore at Images, Regis in the Biltmore Square Mall, Shear Shack, Smooth’s Doo Drop Inn, Structure Hair Design, Styles for You, The Scissors Palace, Tom’s Barber Shop, Trax, Upper Cut, Wink.
Best family/child specialty photographer
10B Yorkshire St., Asheville, 274-9220; 50 Bowman Drive, Waynesville, 454-9156; greatbeginningspedo.com.
1. Eden Photography
2. Dr. Dennis Campbell
2. (tie) Picture People
1. Jim Barkley Toyota
172 Asheland Ave., Asheville, 254-7291.
3 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 296-0300, picturepeople.com.
777 Brevard Road, Asheville, 667-8888, jimbarkleytoyota.com.
3. Dr. Joshua Paynich
Sears
11 Yorkshire St., 274-4744.
1 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 299-2223, searsportrait.com.
2. Apple Tree Honda
Shutter Shack
3. Auto Advantage
Honorable mention: Dr. Bart Martin, Williams Family Dentistry, Dr. Bill Nabors, Dr. Chris Port, Dr. Kennerly, Dr. Harris, Dr. James Albee, Hodges and Hodges, Dr. Terri Meinhold, Dr. Michael Justice, Dr. Michael Wasson, Scott Miller, Smile By Design, Smile Starters, Dr. Stephen Miller, Dr. Steve Adams.
5998 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, 687-7737, myautoadvantage.com.
Best orthodontist
Honorable mention: Bryan Easler Toyota, Egolf, Matthews Ford, Saturn, Skyland, Subaru Asheville, Taylor Motor
1. Dr. Keith Black
Best family optometrist
5A Yorkshire St., Asheville, 277-7103, kblacksmiles.com.
1. Asheville Eye Associates
Most family-friendly car dealer
195 Underwood Road, Fletcher, 684-4400, appletreeautos.com.
SERVICES
2. Dr. Ryan Haldeman 10B Yorkshire St., Asheville, 274-8822; 50 Bowman Drive, Waynesville, 454-9156; greatbeginningspedo.com.
Best hospital in which to have a baby
3. Dr. Jeffrey Roeder
1. Mission Hospitals
Honorable mention: Dr. Joe Ferrar, Dr. Christopher Nevant, Dr. Steven Edney, Dr. W. Kenneth Swing, Dr. Jim MacAlpine, Dr. Robert Taylor, Dr. W.J. Turbyfill.
509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 213-1111, missionhospitals.org
2. Park Ridge Hospital 100 Hospital Drive, Hendersonville, 684-8501, parkridgehospital.org Honorable mention: Transylvania Community Hospital, Haywood Regional Medical Center.
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22 Medical Park Drive, Asheville, 274-2500, roederorthodontics.com.
Best place for children’s haircuts 1. (tie) Fantastic Sams 1856 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 277-8123; 93 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, 645-7731; 511 Smoky Park Highway,
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Asheville, 423-3700, captureeden.com.
17 Meadowview Road, Asheville, 252-9690, shuttershackphoto.com. Honorable mention: Katy Cook Photography, Alpine Photography, David Oppenheim, JC Penney, Kermit & Associates, Olan Mills, Portraits by Tuesday’s Frog, Zac Thomas Meltzer.
8 Medical Park Drive B, Asheville, 258-1586; 2001 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 684-2867; ashevilleeye.com.
2. Eye on Merrimon 701 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 252-5255.
3. (tie) Carolina Optometric 2145 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 681-8000, carolinaoptometric.com.
Tunnel Vision 4 S. Tunnel Road, Asheville, 298-6500. Honorable mention: Biltmore Vision, Brosnan Eye Associates, Champion Eye Center, Doctors Vision Center, Dr. Joseph Bobbitt, Dr. Christina Smith, Lens Crafters, Drs. Michaelove and Shattuck, Dr. Alan Verm. Continued on Page 9
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EDUCATION Best preschool 1. Montessori Country Day 158 Bradley Branch Road, Arden, 654-9933, montessoricountryday.org.
2. Lutheran Church of the Nativity 2425 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 6840352, nativity.ws.
3. North Asheville Preschool Asbury United Methodist Church, 171 Beaverdam Road, 253-4110. Honorable mention: Academy of Asheville, Arden Presbyterian Preschool, Around the Son, Bent Creek, Brevard Davidison River Presbyterian Preschool, Casa de Bambini, First Baptist of Asheville, Waynesville First Methodist, Jewish Community Center of Asheville, Little Beaver Day Care Center, Mountain Area Child and Family Center, Pumpkin Patch Preschool, Rainbow Mountain School, Regent Park Early Childhood Development Center, Son Shine.
Best after-school program 1. YMCA 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, 210-9622; 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622; 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, 659-9622; ymcawnc.org.
2. YWCA 185 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, 2547543, ywca.org/asheville.
3. (tie) Jewish Community Center 236 Charlotte St., Asheville, 253-0701, jcc-asheville.org.
Montessori Country Day 158 Bradley Branch Road, Arden, 654-9933, montessoricountryday.org. Honorable mention: Arden, Asheville Parks and Rec, Hominy Valley, Mars Hill Elementary School, Oakley Elementary, Rainbow Mountain School, Young Chefs Academy.
AROUND TOWN Best park 1. Carrier Park, Asheville 2. Fletcher Park, Fletcher 3. Royal Pines Park, Arden Honorable mention: Amboy Road, Avery’s Little Corner, Azalea Park, Beaver Lake, Flat Rock park, Jones Park, Kate’s Park, Lake Julian, Lake Louise, Leicester Community Center, Malvern Hills Park, Montford, Robert Lake Park at Montreat, Weaver Park, WNC Nature Center.
Most family-friendly place of worship 1. (tie) Biltmore Baptist 35 Clayton Road, Arden, 687-1111, biltmorebaptist.org.
Lutheran Church of the Nativity 2425 Hendersonville Road, Arden, 6840352, nativity.ws Honorable mention: Avery’s Creek United Methodist, Beth Israel synagogue, Biltmore United Methodist Church, Calvary Episcopal, Central United Methodist Church, Covenant Community Church, Ecclessia Baptist Church, First Baptist of Asheville, First Congregational UCC, Grace Community Church, Hendersonville Pentecostal Holiness, Highland Christian Church, Jubilee, Montmorenci United Methodist, Mud Creek Baptist Church, New Covenant, New Life Community Church, Oak Forest, Pole Creek, St. Barnabas Catholic Church, St. Eugene Catholic Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Stoney Fork Independent Missionary Baptist, Trinity of Fairview, Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, Vision Baptist Church-Mars Hill, West Asheville Baptist, Westminster Presbyterian.
Most family-friendly place to work No winner
158 Bradley Branch Road, Arden, 654-9933, montessoricountryday.org.
Honorable mention: ABCCM, Allstate Insurance Merrimon, Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville Endocrinology Biltmore Farms, Carolina Mountain Dermatology, Champion Credit Union, Chick-fil-A, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Cintom’s Frozen Custard, Fun Depot, GDS, Grove Arcade, home, Isgett Distributors Inc., Lucky Otter, Macon Bank, Madison County government, Montessori Country Day, Mountain BizWorks, Nona Mia, Pack Place, Park Ridge Hospital, Pisgah High School, State Farm, Volvo Construction Equipment, YMCA.
2. Grandparents 3. Biltmore Academy
Best place for family fun
Best child care 1. Montessori Country Day
1594 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, 2749092; 1 Pond St., Asheville, 681-0202. Honorable mention: Mountain Area Child & Family Center, Lutheran Church of the Nativity, Jewish Community Center, YMCA, Casa de Bambini, Eliada, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, First Baptist Asheville, Hilda’s House, Hominy, Little Beavers, Love and Learning, Mud Creek Christian, Pumpkin Patch Preschool, Rainbow Mountain, Regent Park.
Health Adventure, Home Depot, Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival, Mountains to Sea Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway), Oteen go-karts, outdoors, Pack Place, Pisgah National Forest, swimming pool, Tourists baseball, UNC Asheville Concerts on the Quad, YMCA.
JUST FOR YOU Best place to relax without children 1. Home 2. Grove Park Inn Spa 290 Macon Ave., Asheville, 252-2711, ext. 2772, groveparkinn.com. Honorable mention: Bathtub, beach, Beaver Lake, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Biltmore Estate, Cinebarre, Dog Park on River Road, downtown Asheville, Ed Bourdreaux’s Bayou Bar B-Q, Epic Theater, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Hot Springs, Jack of the Wood, Jolie Rouge, Kathleen’s Tea Room, library, Migun beds, movies, Old Europe Bistro, Pomodoro’s, Sante, Sensibilities, Shoji, Sourwood Inn, Starbucks, pool, Spa at Biltmore Village, Usual Suspects, Westville Pub.
Market Grill, Sushi Thai, Texas Roadhouse, The Bistro, The market place, Stone Ridge Tavern, Usual Suspects, Vincenzo’s.
Best weekend getaway 1. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 2. Hot Springs 3. Grove Park Inn Honorable mention: Atlanta; Banner Elk; Blue Ridge Parkway; Boone; Charleston, S.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Folly Beach, S.C.; Harrah’s Cherokee Casino; Heritage Cabins, Highlands; Inn at Hot Springs; Lake Lure; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Outer Banks; Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; send kids to grandmas and stay home; Sourwood Inn.
Best place to get back into shape 1. YMCA 30 Woodfin St., Asheville, 210-9622; 3 Town Square Blvd., Asheville, 651-9622; 348 Grace Corpening Drive, Marion, 659-9622; ymcawnc.org
2. Curves Several area locations; curves.com
Best date night restaurant 1. Zambra! 85 W. Walnut St., Asheville, 232-1060, zambratapas.com.
Honorable mention: Asheville Racquet and Fitness Club, Biltmore Fitness, Blue Ridge Parkway (on a bicycle), Bodyshop, Fitness Fundamentals, High Flight Gym, Ladies Workout Express, The Pump House, walking in Grove Park, Waynesville Recreation Center, Weight Watchers, Workout Express, YWCA.
2 Gerber Road, #101, Asheville, 274-7111, frankiebonesasheville.com.
Best mom’s club/support group
3. Carrabba’s
1. MOPS
10 Buckstone Place, Asheville, 281-2300; 332 Rockwood Road, Arden, 654-8411; carrabbas.com.
Various area groups.
2. Frankie Bones
Honorable mention: Black Forest, The Boathouse, Bonefish Grill, Café on the Square, Chef’s Table, Chili’s, Corner Kitchen, El Chapala, Fig, Flat Rock Grille, Flying Frog, Frank’s Roman Pizza, Heiwa, Hob Nob, Ichiban, Ikibana, Jeruselem Garden, La Caterina Trattoria, Laughing Seed, Limones, The Lobster Trap, Mayfel’s, Mela, Olive Garden, Ophelia’s, Outback, Papas and Beer, Peddler, Pomadoro’s, Savoy, Table, Stone
2. (tie) Asheville Mamas ashevillemamas.org and groups.yahoo.com/ashevillemamas
La Leche League of Asheville Lllofnc.org/group/asheville.shtml Honorable mention: Cafemom, Mission Hospitals Stroller Club, Rainbow Mountain Children’s School moms.
1. Fun Depot 7 Roberts Road, Asheville, 277-2386, ashevillesfundepot.com
2. WNC Nature Center 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, 298-5600, wildwnc.org. Honorable mention: Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co., Asheville Botanical Gardens, Bath Junkie, Carrier Park, Biltmore Estate farm, Grandfather Mountain, Hands On! A Child’s Gallery, The
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“Since having children, I don’t focus on myself so much. My life has a greater purpose and more meaning.” — Cameron Kurowski, of Asheville
The evolving role of fathers From boardroom to delivery room, today’s dads tackle parenthood with style By Lockie Hunter WNC Parent contributor The role of fatherhood has advanced over the past few decades. While my own father never changed a diaper, my husband’s role is one of total involvement in every aspect of child rearing. And work-life balance is crucial as fathers strive to spend quality time with their children. “I think I have come to see that my job is not the thing that should dominate my life,” says Keith Pruitt, of Asheville. “I shouldn’t be willing to sacrifice my time with my family in a lifestyle way. I don’t want my kids to get used to not seeing me. That scares me.” A generation ago, my father was in the waiting room handing out the proverbial cigar. Holly Musgrove, of Asheville, had a very different experience with her husband, Cameron Kurowski, when her children were born. “Cam was in the delivery room for both children,” she says. “He was an active coach. I couldn’t have done it without him.” Having the father present during the delivery is becoming the norm. “I was in the delivery room for Esther’s birth,” Pruitt says. “Honestly, it was one of those moments that felt so much bigger than me.” Volker Frank, of Asheville, was also present for the birth of his daughter Sophia. “We had a Caesarian. Since we had tried to have a child for about eight years or so, seeing it all come down to this moment was a bit heavy,” Frank says. “And yet there she was, pink and so hairy, she had more hair then than I have now. All was good.” Musgrove and Kurowski are both busy physicians raising two children. “Since we job share we really do share child duties equally,” says Musgrove. “He cooks, cleans, does Continued on Page 14
SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
Cameron Kurowski spends a “Daddy day” hiking with his 3-year-old son Neil.
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“I think I have come to see that my job is not the thing that should dominate my life. I shouldn’t be willing to sacrifice my time with my family in a lifestyle way. I don’t want my kids to get used to not seeing me. That scares me.” — Keith Pruitt, of Asheville Continued from Page 11
car pools, volunteers at school, helps with homework. The only thing he couldn’t do was nurse. Even when the children were babies, he’d put them in the sling and rock them to sleep.” A quick poll of other local dads reveals that household duties and child rearing duties are often equally divided. “I pack lunches for the kids,” says Pruitt, “and that’s neat for me because I feel like it’s a small way I can show my love for them. I also get to know them better in regard to what kinds of food they like. I hope they feel encouraged and known in that way.” These duties extend to bedtime. “Every night, I do story for the girls, and make sure they have their clothes out for school the next morning,” Glen Cullen says. Frank says he is “totally involved in bedtime routine, every day/evening,” frequently waking up with his daughter Sophia’s feet in his face. The emotional needs of children are now being tackled by dad, as well. “A few weeks ago I had a great moment with Esther,” Pruitt says. “She was about to go to bed and I was sitting at the end of her bed talking about the day, asking her how things were going. I don’t ever remember having those kind of moments with my parents, that down-to earth, going through life together talking about any old thing kind of moment. “It’s been wonderful to feel that I
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Isaac Pruitt, of Asheville, learns the finer points of boating from his father, Keith. can just wander into her world any old time and play or talk with her and she doesn’t feel like it’s an invasion. I hope it will always be that way.” Many fathers also have a skill set that their partner does not and are eager to pass these talents on to their offspring. Frank reads German to his daughter. Gone, too, are the days of playing the occasional game of catch or planning infrequent fishing trips. Today’s dads carve out special time with their children. “On daddy days, he likes to take
them hiking on trails off the parkway or bike riding at Bent Creek,” Musgrove says of Kurowski. “I think days when dad’s in charge are a bit more relaxed and more playful. I think it’s good for them to see there are lots of ways to do things.” Biking is also Cullen’s area with his children. “Catherine loves to go around the block with me,” he says. “Helena is still learning two wheels.” Children can inspire their dads to greater heights of giving and loving. “Being a parent has made me see the importance of being there for
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your family,” Cullen says. “It has also made me aware of other children in the world who may not have the same opportunities as our children in the U.S. I have been to Haiti three times with Mission Manna, a local nonprofit here in Asheville to help these children. I would probably not have done that without the encouragement of my children.” Of his own two daughters, he says he “hopes that when they are my age and are happy, thriving adults, that will still call their father every once in a while just to talk.”
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SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
Despite differences in styles, parenting together is key, experts say. The absence of teamwork can be a land mine, says therapist Jeanine Siler Jones.
Parenting: Moms vs. Dads Experts suggest acknowledging differences in styles, compromising for success By Barbara Blake Staff Writer It’s not surprising to find that in many families, moms and dads have different parenting styles — not better or worse, just different. What’s more surprising is that those differences have less to do with gender than with personality, local psychologists say. And regardless of whether the mom or dad is more the nurturer or the disciplinarian, the key to successful parenting is to recognize the differences, communicate about them and find a middle ground. “I think that personality plays a big role in parenting together, and I’m not sure that gender is the factor as much as personality,’’ said Asheville therapist Jeanine Siler Jones. “Personality affects style, family dynamics and the ease with which parents can function as a team.” The absence of teamwork can be a parenting land mine, she said.
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“One example is the parent who will do just about anything to avoid conflict, and the parent who feels strongly that problems that arise must be handled directly and with clear consequences,’’ Siler Jones said. “They can get polarized, and the child can try and ‘split’ them by going to the noconflict parent for rescue. “If those parents can talk through their differences, acknowledging that neither is ‘right,’ but just different, then often they can come up with a middle ground process that honors both perspectives,’’ Siler Jones said. “Parenting together is hard and really takes listening to one another without judgment, understanding that there really are fundamental personality differences.” Trip Woodard, a marriage and family therapist in Asheville, said there has been a long-held cultural belief that women are better equipped to raise and nurture children while men are predisposed to being the disciplinarian and “head of the household.”
“That stereotype has been challenged, and there is absolutely no evidence to substantiate that either gender has a predisposition toward working with children,’’ Woodard said. “It really depends on the personality and the family culture they grew up in. And in these days and times when there is a growing number of single parents, children may be exposed to one parent more than the other, thus putting fathers, for example, in a more nurturing role than the mother.” Susan Hill, a psychologist with the Pisgah Institute in Asheville, agreed that personality is more of a factor than gender in parenting style, and said the critical issue is how the parents come together in spite of their differences. “Children need the structure and stability that comes with parents who are on the same page, work together to present a united front and can be as consistent as possible with their guidelines for the children,’’ Hill said.
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“I am a believer in regular parent consultation time to problem-solve the day to day issues that come up with children, as well as regular family meetings,’’ she said. “It’s important for parents to talk about the ways they want to discipline their children and the values that are important to them, so that they are raising their children in the manner they both would support.” Regardless of gender, and whether parents are divorced, separated or parenting together, teamwork should be the focus, the three therapists agreed. “The important thing isn’t which (parent) does what; what’s important is that there’s collaboration as a team, so that children don’t use the famous ‘divide and conquer’ strategy,’’ Woodard said. “Collaboration is critical, imperative. If, for whatever reason, one parent becomes disconnected, you have at best two single parents raising the children, and that’s never productive as far as child development,’’ he said.
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Shower the man in your life Give him a gift from the heart or the latest gadget this Father’s Day Photos and story by Pam J. Hecht WNC Parent contributor
Ask most men what they want for Father’s Day, and they’re likely to say they don’t care or worse, “I don’t need anything.” What’s a kid (or spouse) to do? Don’t listen. You’ve got to do something for the big lug. Here are some ideas, from traditional to trendy, from high-end to piggy bank priced.
Consider comedy
Mall finds Lids has custom-made hats or shirts with dad’s favorite sports team name or number. Hats range from $5 to $40. Bath & Body Works, at both the Asheville and Biltmore Square malls, has a surprising array of products for men, such as $10 shampoos and conditioners, $5 shower gels, body sprays ($10-$12), shave gels ($6.50, $10), Aromatherapy stress relief massage oil ($16) and Headache Relief - a peppermint essential oil to relieve tension ($10.)
Get crafty
Bring some comedy to Father’s Day with gifts from Cat in the Tub, at 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, or catinthetub.com. A few things that might make a good gift include the T-shirt, mug, birdhouse, business card holder and hanging plaque shown here. If the man in your life appreciates humor, maybe he’d like a laugh on Father’s Day. Stop by Cat in the Tub, 63 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, for original, handmade plaques with whimsical sayings ($9.35) and desk decor made out of tools, such as a business card holder/clock with a dog or cat theme ($16.25.) A Sense of Humor, 84 W. Walnut St., Asheville, is another funny gift spot. Check out the “Life is Crap” line and the “good boys” apron, said Keller Anne Knight, the store’s co-owner. Local author/artist Gary Poole, who has worked on Looney Tunes, Golden Books and several Disney movies, will share some of his 60+ voices, draw cartoons and sign his two books or note cards at the store at 2 p.m. June 14.
Tech gear For the technically savvy dad, Josh Todd, store manager at Best Buy in Arden, recommends a few of the hottest sellers: digital picture frames ($100-$300), the IPod Touch ($299-$499), satellite radio head units for home or car ($50-$200), and Game Boys ($130; games range from $20-$40.) “Game Boy games like Brain Age to train your brain are very popular, and might be especially good for the older dad” said Todd. “I was surprised to find out that my dad, a minister in his 50s, had one and according to my mom, he plays it avidly.”
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If you, or your kids, are feeling crafty, remember that dad is likely to appreciate a homemade gift. One of Rick Zeller’s favorite Father’s Day presents was a homemade prize ribbon his son, Luke, 9, made him at home, two years ago. Zeller, who lives in West Asheville, sees it every day. “It says ‘1st Place Dad’ and ‘Best Dad Ever’ and he made it out of paper and pieces of ribbon,” Zeller said. “It still hangs on my refrigerator.” For the past two years, Darrell Banks, of Fairview, has received a special gift from his daughters for Father’s Day — a scrapbook of photos. Their mother, Pam Banks, helped Brenna, Darrell Banks of Fairview, and daughters Brenna and Alex look through a scrapbook the girls made him last 11, and Alex, 5, create the Father’s Day. What does Banks want this year: “Another books. One year she did an scrapbook.” outdoor photo session with flowers and the next year, she assembled candid photos from the past year. “This works out well since mom and dad aren’t together in this family, and I do most of the picture taking,” said Banks. “He loved it.” Another idea that kids can do and that costs nothing is to make homemade “coupons” offering services such as a car wash, taking out the trash, mowing lawn and other chores dad usually does. Or, treat dad to breakfast in bed.
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Make dad’s day special with an outing By Pam Hecht WNC Parent contributor and Barbara Blake Staff writer Like many dads living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Mark Steinke looks forward to spending Father’s Day outdoors. Steinke, his wife, Susan, and his twin girls, Isabel and Olivia Steinke, 6, of Asheville, will go on a family hike or outing, with a picnic, if weather permits. Here are some other ideas:
Asheville Hot Air Balloons In Candler. Rides are $200/person (kids less than 100 pounds, $100). Call 667-9943 to reserve or visit ashevillehotairballoons.com.
Biltmore Estate At 1 Approach Road, Asheville. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Hop on a bike to explore the grounds (bring your own and pay $5 for bike path access with your annual pass) or rent a bike on site for
an additional fee. Other outdoor activities include carriage rides, horseback riding, sporting clays, river float trips, hiking and Segway tours; fathers get in free with the purchase of an additional adult ticket on Father’s Day, June 15, and through Sept. 15, kids 16 and younger are free; call 225-1425 or visit biltmore.com.
Estes-Winn Memorial Automobile Museum At Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Donations accepted. Call 253-7651 or visit grovewood.com/car_ museum.php.
Father/Daughter Tea Party The Smith-McDowell House Museum will hold its first Father/Daughter Tea Party at 11 a.m. June 7 at the museum on Victoria Road next to the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College campus. The tea party will celebrate fathers
in American and North Carolina history and their impact on life today. Refreshments will be traditional tea party fare like tea cakes and sandwiches, and the craft will be one that both father and daughter enjoy. Dress code is “dressy.” The party begins at 11 a.m. and lasts about two hours. A tour of the Smith-McDowell House is included in the admission fee, which is $25 for dads and $20 for daughters. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call the museum at 253-9231 or visit wnchistory.org
Fun Wheels Grand Prix At 1301 Tunnel Road, Asheville. Gokart track, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; each ride $5 per person. Call 299-7155.
N.C. Arboretum At 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Bent Creek. Noon–5 p.m. Sculpture, oil painting and photography exhibits; Bonsai exhibition garden, self-guided
hiking trails, café, gift shop, gallery, nature activities for kids. Cost is $6 per car. Call 665-2492 or visit ncarboretum.org.
Outdoor Family Fun Center At 485 Brookside Camp Road, Hendersonville; 1–6 p.m.; mini-golf, driving range, batting cages; call 6981234 or visit outdoorfamily funcenter.com.
Tropical Gardens Mini Golf At 956 Patton Avenue, Asheville. Noon–10 p.m. Cost is $5.25, or $4.75 for kids younger than 9, batting cages $1 for 16 pitches, game room. Call 2522207.
Wheels through Time Vintage motorcycle and car museum, 2914 Soco Road, Maggie Valley; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 ages 5-12, kids younger than 4 free. Call 926-6266 or visit wheelsthroughtime.com. Continued on Page 21
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Fill your Father’s Day with these events Father’s Day Celebration and U.S. Open Party Maggie Valley Club, 1819 Country Club Drive, off Moddy Farm Road, Maggie Valley. From 5–8 p.m. Steak dinner, watch U.S. Open on movie screen, $16.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids, younger than 5 are free. Book a teetime earlier, open 7:30–6 p.m., 9 holes are $60, 18 holes are $80, includes green and cart fees. Call 926-1616 to reserve or visit maggievalleyclub.com.
Father’s Day Garden Tour Begin at The Buyer’s Agent parking lot across from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 37 Montford Ave. Tour 1–5 p.m. (allow three hours). A self-guided walk in Montford/North Asheville to see garden and water feature displays; benefits Quality Forward’s planting, restoration and cleanup projects; boutonnieres for dads, free plants, refreshments, Cost is $15 per person or two for $25. Call 2541776 or visit qualityforward.org.
Father’s Day Celebration WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes
Creek Road, Asheville. From 10 a.m.–5 p.m., dads get half off admission, hot dog special. Cost is $5 for Asheville residents, $7 nonresidents, $3 kids 3-15. Call 298-5600 or visit wildwnc.org.
Father/Daughter, Father/Son Golf Tournament Asheville Parks and Recreation will sponsor the 36th annual R. B. Kisiah Father-Son, Father-Daughter Golf Tournament on June 14 and 15 at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course in East Asheville. The tournament is divided into three divisions, with each segmented into flights. Registration for the Father-Son and Father-Daughter Divisions is $75 per person and includes a cart for both days. Registration and cart for the 12 and Under Division is $40 per adult, and children play free. Register at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. For information, contact Deanna Stone at 298-1867 or dstone@ashevillenc.gov.
departs from Dillsboro Depot, 119 Front Street, Dillsboro; 7:30 p.m.; special gourmet menu paired with four premium beers brewed in the Carolinas, must be 21 years and older, cash bar, $95/person; call 800-872-4681 or visit gsmr.com.
Father’s Day Concert Cedar Mountain, Pretty Place Chapel, YMCA Camp Greenville, Solomon Jones Road. It is part of the Keowee Chamber Music Festival.
Starts at 3 p.m. Free, bring a picnic. For ages 5 and older. Concert is in a covered open chapel with steep drops in surrounding area. Call 2547123 or visit keowee chambermusic.org.
River Arts District Studio Stroll From 10 a.m.–6 p.m. June 14-15, visit artist studios, demonstrations. Free. For map and directions, visit riverartsdistrict.com. — Pam J. Hecht and Barbara Blake
Father’s Day Beer Dining Train Great Smoky Mountains Railroad,
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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 forum
Angie writes in ‘I’m too young to be a grandma! LOL’:
Peggy writes in ‘Corporal punishment in NC schools’: I am writing to generate some discussion about the use of corporal punishment in North Carolina schools. North Carolina is one of 21 states that still allows this. Of recent, a child in McDowell County was injured as a result of being struck, and the district’s response was that policy and law were followed. Thoughts?
JWarren replies: I don’t know much about this case but am concerned about the child being “injured.” I think corporal punishment should be enforced to a certain extent. Some authorities take advantage of the situation and discipline out of anger, which should never be the case! Many many children are defying authorities today because they’re seeking some kind of attention. Whether it be negative attention such as being paddled or time out or whatever the punishment, it’s still attention. I know when I was in school we were sent to the principal to get paddled. I feared that so I knew not to get in trouble. This poor child may be lacking “attention” or discipline at home which is going to come out at school when there’s peer pressure. There has to be some kind of consequence for our actions and I’m not talking about a “time out” because that’s what children want, a break. Anyways, I’ll have to read the article as to the extent the child was injured and what caused him to receive punishment. Thanks.
Clary replies: While spanking is legal, leaving a visible injury is child abuse. There should be information about this in the North Carolina statutes concerning child abuse. I certainly hope this child’s parents took him to the doctor and/or got photographs of his injuries immediately afterward as this could help them press charges against the administrator if he or she did, in fact, injure the child. Of course, if parents disagree with corporal punishment, they have the right to request “no corporal punishment” for their children in public school. ...
I keep telling myself I am to young too be a grandma, but the fact is I am going to be a grandma in less than seven months. My daughter is carrying my first and second grandbaby: Yes, it’s TWINS! I am so mixed with emotions right now I have them all: happy, excited, nervous, scared, worried, and just about anything else you can imagine at the moment. My baby has grown up and it has all gone by so fast. Would love to hear from anyone who might have any advice for me or maybe who has been through the same feelings …
Just a sample of the more than 350 photos on WNCmom.com
Megan and Emily resting after jumping rope at Relay for Life in Marion,NC. Posted by Elizabeth Suttles.
Kids Village at Lake Eden Arts Festival, May 9. Posted by Tricia Edwards.
A birthday gift from Grandma M. Posted by Christina Corey.
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When dad’s the one at home By Rick McDaniel WNC Parent contributor
Brad Rader drives a van for a living. He’s also a maintenance man, an emergency medical specialist, groundskeeper, and cook. In short, he’s a stay-at-home dad. Rader has stayed at home with 16year-old Nicole, 9-year-old Daniel, and 8-year-olds Dillan, Mathew and Jimmie for the past two years while his wife, Kelly, has brought home the family’s paycheck. “At first, the transition was difficult and I took a couple part-time jobs,” the Asheville dad said. “Then I realized I was too busy for a part-time job. Finally, over the Christmas holiday when the kids were at home, I realized how important it was to be at home for them and for the true breadwinner, my wife.” “Parenting is a challenge, no matter the sex of the parent,” said Brian Reid, whose blog, RebelDad.com is a mecca for stay-at-home dads. “Everyone Continued on Page 28
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Brad Rader helps his five kids with their homework. Pictured, from left, are Dillan, 8, Mat, 8, Nicole, 16, Jimmie, 8, and Daniel, 9. PHOTO BY JOHN COUTLAKIS
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faces isolation. Everyone worries about leaving the work force. The difference for guys is that it’s sometimes a lot harder to find someone who can really relate.” Another challenge for the stay-at-home dad is even being recognized as one. “The number of at-home dads is in some dispute,” Reid said. “The way that the Census Bureau counts leaves a lot of guys who consider themselves SAHDs out of the picture, but my back-of-the-envelope calculation puts the number at around 2 million, give or take.” This compares with about 5.5 million stay-athome moms, according to the Census Bureau. Like the housewives who preceded them for generations, stay-at-home dads can face the challenge of doing what can be at times tedious work. “Being a stay-at-home dad can be a little bit like factory work,” said Greg Barbera, a dad from Durham with a second-grader and a preschooler who organized the first North Carolina get together for stay-at-home dads. “You do the same things day after day and it can get to you. I’ve done it for so long that I’m in the zone now.” “Every day brings something different,” Rader said. “With five kids, someone’s out sick or you have to run to the school for something or there’s another appointment you have to take them to.” Rader says the organizational skills he learned from owning his own company back in Maine helps
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“Being a stay-at-home dad can be a little like factory work. You do the same things day after day, and it can get to you. I’ve done it for so long that I’m in the zone now.” Greg Barbera, stay-at-home dad
him keep the family on track. “I get up in the morning, get breakfast for everybody, help them finish up homework, and get them to school. Then there’s housework, dinner planning and inside chores. Then, there’s the outside work, picking them up at school, homework, Little League, volleyball practice ...” So with all the cooking, cleaning, tutoring and other jobs stay-at-home dads do, what would it cost to hire one? According to Salary.com, stay-at-home dads bring quite a collection of marketable skills to the negotiating table — computer operator, maintenance, day care teacher, laundry attendant, psychologist and CEO to name just a few. When they averaged the amount of time dads spend on these tasks, the stay at home dad’s pay worked out to a whopping $125,340 per year. “I think my check got lost in the mail,” Rader joked. Rick McDaniel is a freelance writer. E-mail him at southerncooking@charter.net.
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About dads 159,000: Estimated number of stay-at-home dads in 2006. These married fathers with children younger than 15 have remained out of the labor force for at least one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wives work outside the home. These fathers cared for 283,000 children. Among these stay-at-home dads, 60 percent had two or more children, and 40 percent had an annual family income of $50,000 or more. 25 percent: Among the nation’s 11.3 million preschoolers whose mothers are employed, the percentage who are regularly cared for by their father during their mother’s working hours. This amounted to 2.9 million children. 30 percent: Percentage of children younger than 6 living with married parents in 2003 who ate breakfast with their fathers every day. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 41 percent. 63 percent: Percentage of children younger than 6 living with married parents who were praised three or more times a day by their fathers. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 57 percent. 64 percent: Percentage of children younger than 6 living with married parents who ate dinner with their fathers every day. The corresponding number for children living with unmarried fathers was 66 percent. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Memories of Dad With Father’s Day approaching, we asked children at Asheville Catholic School in North Asheville to tell us about the best memory they have of spending time with their dad. Here’s what they said: Anna Bradsher, fifth grade
Annalise Mangone, third grade
George Anagnostopoulos, fourth grade
“Whenever we go to a ball game, my dad gets me Dippin Dots in a Yankees’ plastic hat. We made up a saying: If you want popcorn, go to Mom. If you want Dippin Dots in a baseball cap, go to Dad.”
“A good time I’ve had with my dad was when we went and played golf together last year. We played a par three golf course. I liked playing and talking with him.”
Claire Cole, fourth grade
Jose Gonzalez, fourth grade
“Two years ago my dad took me Christmas shopping. We were looking for a gift for my mom. We enjoyed shopping together so much that it took four hours. I almost talked my dad into letting me get my ears pierced, but he called my mom, and she said, ‘No.’”
“The best thing I ever did with my dad was going to New York City. Just the two of us went as an early 10th birthday present to me. We went to M&M, we watched the Simpson’s movie, we went to Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty. I had tons of fun.”
Elizabeth Mangone, third grade
“My best memory with my dad was when we went down to Beaver Lake and threw big rocks into the mud. We would heave the rocks and they would be swallowed by the mud. They would go down about 2 feet into the ground. It looked like the Titanic sinking into the mud. I really enjoyed it.”
Emma Lenderman, fifth grade “The roller coaster looked way bigger up close. I gulped and grabbed my dad’s hand. As we stepped in the cart and pulled the bar over us, I said, ‘Nice knowing you, Daddy.’ He laughed, and with a jolt we were off. On every sharp turn, we screamed, and I grabbed my dad’s arm. ... The ride was a lot of fun, but being with my dad made it all the more special.”
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“The best experience I had with my dad was when he took me and my twin sister to a special Father/Daughter dance. A lady took our picture and gave a frame to our dad. ... Since there were two of us, my dad had to keep switching partners. This was the best experience I ever had with my dad.”
Ashley Bruce, fifth grade
Cece Boone, fifth grade
“It was Easter break (second grade), and my dad announced we were going to Memphis... . We drove for a long time, then I saw a sign for Chicago, where the American Girl store was. ‘Turn, turn!’ I cried. My dad smiled and turned ... ‘Surprise! We are going to Chicago and the American Girl store.’ I ... walked around with my dad, holding his hand. ‘Pick out your doll,’ he said. I nodded, a look of shock upon my face. ‘I love you, Dad,’ I said. ‘And I love you, too,’ he replied.”
“My best memory is when we were in the Bahamas and my dad taught me how to scuba dive. We don’t do a lot of things together, but when we do, it’s really special. Right when I got out of the water, I asked, ‘Dad, what is a job I can have where I get to scuba dive?’ So now, I really want to be a marine biologist. He told me to ‘breathe in, breathe out, move on,’ my favorite song. He always makes anything difficult seem very simple.”
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David Mathews, third grade “My dad taught me how to count. We were waiting to get on a train and I kept asking how many more minutes? Finally my dad taught me how to count. He taught me the numbers to 100: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7…”
Justin Sech, third grade “It was fun when my dad and I went to a Texas Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns game. It was one of the biggest rival games. My dad lifted me up on his shoulders whenever they scored a touchdown. We were in a huge stadium. That was my favorite time with my dad.”
Catherine Eckerd, fifth grade “I remember a long time ago I went to work with my dad. He blows glass, so I got to go to his studio. He showed me how to blow glass, but he wouldn’t let me try because he wanted to keep me safe. I used to really like ‘Dragon Tales,’ so he made me a dragon, which I still have and will treasure forever.” — Barbara Blake
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. Don’t forget your name, address and phone number. Send to: Katie Wadington, WNC Parent photos, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802 or e-mail to kwadington@CITIZEN-TIMES.com
PHOTO BY ASHLEY ROSS
Sidney Blakley works the monkey bars at the playground at Royal Pines Park in Arden. He says the park is one of his favorite hang-outs. PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON
Young dancers wait in the auditorium for their chance to dance during the dress rehearsal for the Center Stage Dance Studio’s spring recital.
PHOTO BY STEVE DIXON
Young dancers go through their routine during the dress rehearsal for the spring recital of Center Stage Dance Studio.
PHOTO BY ASHLEY ROSS
William Ladigo enjoys a Saturday afternoon with his granddaughter Christina Dupree in the sandbox at Royal Pines Park in Arden.
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KIDS’ HEALTH
With some dicing, pureeing and mashing, veggies and fruits can be tasty and fun for kids By Linden Veillette WNC Parent columnist Getting your children to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day can be a challenge. The federal Food Guide Pyramid recommends three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit every day. If your children are on the picky side, you can encourage them to eat more veggies by trying a few simple techniques. A lot of children have problems with the textures of certain foods. If the sight of an onion, mushroom or chunk of tomato has your kids refusing to eat a dish, there are a few
things parents can try differently when preparing a meal. Sauteing and pureeing vegetables until they are soft and almost unnoticeable when mixed with other ingredients is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into dishes. Children are more likely to eat softer vegetables. The less crunch an already questioned vegetable has, the more likely your kids are to give it a chance. Dinners like lasagna or spaghetti are perfect examples. These are two great dishes that can contain a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables if prepared correctly. If your child is a texture detective, use a blender to completely puree veggies to mix in with marinara sauce. It helps to start early when introducing vegetables and fruits. By offering your toddler lots of different foods, he or she will reject some but
be more likely to find a few that are tasty. Children also pay a lot of attention to what their parents eat. If your goal is to get your kids to eat the recommended amount of fruits and veggies each day, expect the same for yourself and eat those foods with them. If your kids see you eating fries and burgers every meal, chances are those are the foods they will choose. Persistence is also very important. It may take 10 or 15 tries with a fruit or vegetable before kids realize the taste isn’t that bad. Don’t just give up if your children shy away from certain foods immediately. Make vegetable dishes more fun by using an artistic touch. Make salads and healthy pizzas with rainbows or faces using tomatoes, carrots and strips of zucchini or other vegetables. Let your kids help you prepare
these dishes and create their own works of art. The more fun you make eating vegetables, the less your children will associate healthy foods and the word “yuck.” The main goal is not to give up. Try dicing, blending, pureeing, smashing or anything else it may take to help your children develop a taste for healthy fruits and vegetables. Be creative and sneak fresh foods into meals in small quantities. You may be surprised when your kids start requesting greens at meals after realizing how yummy they can be. This is the opinion of Linden Veillette, an ISSA-certified personal trainer who has developed a program for children called FitKids. E-mail her at linden_v@yahoo.com.
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Father’s Day facts The idea of Father’s Day was conceived by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Wash., while she listened to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm. A day in June was chosen for the first Father’s Day celebration — June 19, 1910, proclaimed by Spokane’s mayor because it was the month of Smart’s birth. The first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since 1972. 64.3 million: Estimated number of fathers across the nation. 26.5 million: Number of fathers who are part of married-couple families with children younger than 18 in 2006. 22 percent are raising three or more children younger than 18 (among married-couple family households only). 2 percent live in someone else’s home. 2.5 million: Number of single fathers in 2006, up from 400,000 in 1970. Among single parents living with their children, 19 percent are men. 8 percent are raising three or more children younger than 18. About 42 percent are divorced, 38 percent are never married, 16 percent are separated and 4 percent are widowed. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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DIVORCED FAMILIES
Being a strong father is critical to parenting — and you are up to the task of doing it alone By Trip Woodard WNC Parent columnist Becoming a single father was, frankly, a very scary experience for me. And sometimes, it still is. Having a partner can mean having a second opinion about parenting, possible backup when needed during the hard decisions and periodic respite when you feel overwhelmed. I did not grow up in a family of divorce and did not have any internal reference points about how to act as a single parent. I experienced guilt about what I thought my child would be missing in life and all the adjustments I thought he would have to make because of decisions adults made. I share this with you because I hear it all the time from other parents going
through the divorce process, and especially from men who are secretly afraid they are not up to the task. To any men who are wondering, please believe me that you are up to the task. And you are so needed. Our children strongly need fathers as much as mothers. Not less or more. Children can significantly benefit from the presence and guidance of both parents during and after the divorce process. I know that there are situations in which this is not possible, but because this article, and this overall issue, is about fathers, I want to focus on the importance and need for divorcing fathers to stay involved with their children and would like to reassure those concerned on the following points: It is an unfortunate stereotype that men are somehow more inept in dealing with younger children than women. We can be equally baffled as
to what to do with a child’s behavior. You can trust me — except on TV, there are no magic solutions to instantly turning around a 2-year-old who has decided to throw a tantrum at the store. You carry them out like everybody else. Children of divorce do not have any immediate ideas about life outside of their experience with you. It is not fair to them, or you, to compare their status with that of your own childhood experience or memory if your family did not divorce. For what it is worth, parents who don’t divorce can stink just as well as those who don’t. On several issues concerning children, we can be in the same parenting boat. Resources for single-father parenting are now richer than ever. Search the Internet for national information and regional support groups. Children have inborn resiliency
to changes in life. Reliability of time with them is more important that quantity of time. All children experience hurt in life. Your job as a parent has never been to shield them from all these possibilities, but to help them go through it. And to learn, as you have, that they can. Do not measure yourself by the TV parenting gurus. They are on TV. After 16 years of parenting my son, along with his mother, I can honestly say that I am extremely grateful that he is in my life, despite any of my own personal fears and challenges in life. I am grateful that he is a reminder that love is always stronger than fear. This is the opinion of Trip Woodard, a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical member of the N.C. Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He may be contacted at 274-9931.
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Smooth move: Slim down your smoothie By Stacie Nichols Gannett News Service With summer on the way, there is nothing more refreshing than the thought of a cool, creamy fruit smoothie to jump-start the day. But be forewarned, especially if you’re trying to slim down to fit into that special swimsuit you just bought: A lot of smoothies can be calorie traps. Because fruit smoothies are seen as healthy alternatives to milkshakes and other frozen treats, people often don’t think about the calories, says Chris Ilcheson, a registered dietician and president of Nutrition Solutions in Greenville, S.C. But a smoothie “can be very similar to a typical milkshake, which can have anywhere between 400 to 600 calories in it,” he says. If you keep your smoothies between 150 to 300 calories, however, they can be quite healthy, Ilcheson says. Whether you are making your own smoothie or purchasing one from a smoothie bar, there are some ingredients to avoid and some ingredients that are essential to make your smoothie a healthy mini-meal or meal replacement. “You want to avoid using any form of regular sugar, honey, brown sugar or sucrose and entertain the idea of alternative sweeteners like Splenda,” Ilcheson says.
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Even though honey, brown sugar and raw sugar may be “natural,” they are still calorie-dense items and should be avoided if you don’t want your smoothie to send you looking for the next size up. “When you’re making these smoothies, in order to watch the caloric value, you need to avoid calorie-dense items — that’s going to be sugar and also fattening-type items such as whole milk versus skim milk.” Also watch out for flavored soy milk versus nonflavored, and yogurts that may be fat-free but are extremely high in added sugar, he says. Here are a few ingredients that should be a part of your healthy smoothie: Use raw fruit or frozen and avoid fruit canned in syrup, Ilcheson says. Whey protein and soy protein powder can be healthy additives if you want your smoothie to be a meal replacement. “But, again, these protein powders do have calories,” Ilcheson says. Other high-protein, low-to-no calorie additives include soft tofu and wheat germ. “Tofu’s a very lean source of protein. It’s a soy protein,” Ilcheson says. Wheat germ also can be used to fortify your smoothie nutritionally. It adds fiber, folic acid and B vitamins, he says.
Chocolate banana soy smoothie 1 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla) 1 medium banana, quartered 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup 3 ice cubes Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving. Nutritional facts per serving: calories 177; total fat 1 gram; saturated fat 0 grams; cholesterol 0 milligrams; sodium 85 milligrams; total carbohydrate 40 grams; dietary fiber 3 grams; sugars 11 grams; protein 3 grams. Source: HealthyMenuMailer.com
Low-carb strawberry smoothie 1 cup frozen strawberries 1/4 cup soft tofu 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon Splenda 1 20-gram scoop (about 1 and one-half tablespoons) of low-carb soy powder Put all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving. Nutritional facts per serving: calories 155; total fat 0 grams; saturated fat 0 grams; cholesterol 5 milligrams; sodium 125 milligrams; total carbohydrate 32 grams; dietary fiber 3 grams; sugars 24 grams; protein 10 grams. Source: HealthyMenuMailer.com
Banana berry protein shake 1 cup of berries (any mix) 1/2 banana 1/2 cup soy milk (or any kind of milk) 1 20-gram scoop (about 1 and one-half tablespoons) protein powder 3/4 cup yogurt (any kind) 1 cup ice Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Makes 1 serving. Note: If you don't have protein powder, add 1 egg white to the mix. Nutritional facts per serving: calories 274; total fat 0 grams; saturated fat 0 grams; cholesterol 4 milligrams; sodium 170 milligrams; total carbohydrate 58 grams; dietary fiber 7 grams; sugars 18 grams; protein 11 grams. Source: HealthyMenuMailer.com
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Mo Willems’ pigeon returns By Jennifer Prince Buncombe County Public Libraries Readers became acquainted with Mo Willems’ pigeon in “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” (2003). In it, readers are cautioned to keep the pigeon out of the driver’s seat no matter how much he begs. Then in “Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!” (2004) and “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” (2006), readers witness the pigeon’s attempts to keep a hot dog to himself and stay up past his bedtime. The incorrigible, brash and utterly charming pigeon is back and this time, he wants a puppy. “The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!” (Hyperion Boos 2008) is written as the previous books are, as if the pigeon is speaking directly to the reader. The pigeon refutes all reasons that getting a puppy is not a good idea. The pigeon vows to take care of the puppy. He promises to water it once
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a month, ride on it and play tennis with it. When a big, friendly, loud dog barks his way into the story, the pigeon is terrified. The dog is huge! That awful barking! Those teeth! The drool! Subdued for now, the pigeon changes his mind about getting a puppy. His post-puppy ambition is hinted at, but the reader is left to guess how that episode turns out. Willems’ drawings are deceptive in their apparent simplicity. The pigeon is a line drawing: a circle for a head, triangles for wings, and lines for legs. However, Willems injects such energy and personality into the pigeon by slight changes to wing shape, body posture, and the eyes. The backgrounds are completely plain. With the exception of a few glimpses of the dog, the pigeon is the only figure in the book. The bold, uncluttered illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud in a small group setting. Preschoolers and
early elementary school aged children will find a lot to enjoy here. “The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!” and other Pigeon books are available through the Buncombe County Public Libraries. Call 250-4700 or visit www.buncombe county.org for more information. Prince is a children’s librarian for Buncombe County Public Libraries.
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WNC PARENT I JUNE 2008
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2008 June 3 and 10 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, June 3 and 10, 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.
June 5 ‘The Gnome Show’ Robin Stevens, Boohbah’s “Grandpapa,” presents a delightful puppet show about a gnome’s adventures. It will include live music, dialogue, and plenty of audience participation. At 11 a.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. Call 250-4650
June 6 School dance The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will host a dance for grades three to five at the Old Armory from 7-9 p.m. There will be pizza, drink and a dance contest. Cost is $5 per person. Registrations are now being accepted at the Recreation Center. For more information contact the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department at 456-2030 or recyouth@townofwaynesville.org.
June 7 Asheville Area Birth Network Discuss the current choices in maternity care and community resources, 10:30 a.m.-noon. At True Health Family Wellness Center, 1095 Hendersonville Road, Suite A. Call 335-0224 or visit ashevillebirthnetwork.com.
Clay Day and Guild Fair Free educational demonstrations and an exposition of craft booths from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville. Enjoy old-time music by local musicians and regional barbecue. There will be activities for children including the popular “make and take” raku firing. For a $5 materials charge, visitors can glaze a premade pot, watch as an expert takes it through the raku firing process, and take home a beautiful piece of pottery. For more information, call 298-7928 or visit craftguild.org.
Father-daughter tea party Smith-McDowell House Museum will host a Father-Daughter Tea Party to celebrate fathers in American and North Carolina history. Refreshments will be traditional tea party fare. A craft that dads and daughters will enjoy is also included. Dress code is dressy. For girls 7 and
older. 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. A program will be added at 3 p.m. if a 12-person maximum is reached at earlier party. For reservations, call 253-9231. The Smith-McDowell House is at 283 Victoria Road on the campus of AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College.
Ice cream social Celebrate Flat Rock at the annual ice cream social of the village of Flat Rock, noon-4 p.m. Rain date is June 8. The event is open to the public on the grounds of the Flat Rock Village Hall and throughout the village. There will be free ice cream and entertainment all afternoon. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in various locations. Many Flat Rock merchants will be doing demonstrations. There will be walking tours of Connemara at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site scheduled at specific times. There will be a free concert 6-8 p.m. on the back porch of the Wrinkled Egg in Flat Rock. For further information call Carol Andrews 6970208.
Model airplane air show Come to Buncombe County Sports Park (behind Sandhill-Venable Elementary School), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to watch a radio-controlled airplane air show. Free. For more information, call Jay Nelson @ 250-4269 or e-mail jay.nelson@ buncomecounty.org.
June 7-8 Western North Carolina Air Fair Check out antique airplanes at the Hendersonville Airport, Sheperd Street, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Walk around the grass field airport and see old airplanes up close. Have your children take a free ride on the flapping-wing Ornithopter. The fair will have antique and modern aircraft outdoors on display, as well as antique automobiles and helicopters. There will be airplane and helicopter rides and skydivers. Food will be for sale. From Interstate 26, take the Upward Road exit to the west and follow signs to Blue Ridge Community College and Hendersonville Airport. For more information, visit wncairmuseum.com.
Through June 8 ‘Day Out With Thomas’ Hop aboard with Thomas the Tank Engine as he chugs through the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station. Advance tickets are required as this event frequently sells out. Visit tweetsie.com.
Starts June 9 Swimming lessons Learn to swim at the YWCA of Asheville. The next
Looking for advice? Events? A place to chat with other area moms? Come to WNCmom.com, a new online social network for parents in Western North Carolina. Start or join groups specific to your parenting situation, ask questions and share your knowledge. Post photos of your children to share privately or with everyone. session of Red Cross certified swim lessons will begin June 9. Classes are offered for babies, preschoolers, youth, teens and adults. Call 2547206, ext. 110, for information or sign up at the YWCA, 185 S. French Broad Ave. For more information, visit ywcaofasheville.org.
June 10 ‘Big Bug’ movies at the library Watch as humans grapple with giant bugs in the classic 1950s Sci-Fi hit “Them!” Free popcorn and drinks provided. At 6:30 p.m. at EnkaCandler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758.
Cherokee storytelling Listen as MariJo Moore spins the story of the water spider and other Cherokee tales. She’ll share her knowledge of Native American artifacts with us. At 2 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758
‘Puppet Tales and Funtastic Faces’ Puppeteer Helga Graf spins a wonder tale with help from her marvelous puppets. Then be sure to get a face painting by Leslie Barkett, too. At 11 a.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road. Call 250-4650.
June 11 Holistic Parenting Forum The Holistic Parenting Forum is a free, group that meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to natural living to gather. The group provides support, education, and resources to parents who want to create a healthy environment for their children at home and in their community. June’s topic is Raising Money Wise Kids: teaching your kids about values and money with Becky Brown, from OnTrack. All meetings are 6-8 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Earth Fare in West Asheville. Children are welcome. For information, call 230-4850 or e-mail shantisunshine@gmail.com.
June 12 Summer Library Fest Come join the annual party to kick off the Buncombe County Public Library’s summer reading program. This year, Library Fest will feature storyteller and singer Doug Elliott. Whether he’s singing about crawdads, pontificating on tumblebugs, extolling the virtues of mosquitoes or wailing out a harmonica tune, Elliott will take you on an unforgettable tour celebrating the world of bugs, bees and other creepy crawly critters. He
flavors his stories with regional dialects, lively harmonica tunes and more than a few belly laughs. At the Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Road, on the grounds of AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College. Two free shows at 10 and 11:30 a.m. For information, call 250-4720.
Opens June 13 ‘Toys: The Inside Story!’ The Health Adventure is the first museum in the country to show this exhibit all about toys. It includes 12 different hands-on stations illustrating the simple mechanisms commonly found in toys, and lets visitors create their own toy-like combinations of gears, pulleys, linkages, cams, and circuits. Runs through Sept. 28. For more information, visit TheHealthAdventure.org.
June 13-22 ‘Alice in Wonderland, Jr.’ Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! This captivating musical takes you to a place in your imagination that you never dreamed existed. At the Peace Center in Greenville, S.C. Most enjoyed by ages 4 and older. Adult tickets are $25, students and children are $15. For tickets, call 800-888-7768 or visit peacecenter.org.
June 14 National Get Outdoors Day Play compass games, learn camping do’s and don’ts, and take guided nature walks at the Cradle of Forestry, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $5 for adults 16 and older. Call 8773130 or visit cradleofforestry.com for details.
Firefly Twilight Tour Enjoy a magical evening in the forest, 7:30-9:30 p.m., and learn about the natural history of fireflies. Park and meet at the Pink Beds Picnic Area located next to the Cradle of Forestry on U.S. 276. The firefly walk will be lead by a ranger from the Cradle of Forestry. The group will meet and discuss the life cycle of a firefly before taking an easy, slow-paced walk to look for them near the forests’ edge along the Pink Beds Trail. Children will also have the opportunity to make a special firefly craft. Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for youth, and Federal Interagency Passport and Federal Golden Passport holders.
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Register by June 13 Decoupage 101 If you can use scissors and glue can do decoupage. You are limited only by your imagination. Cost is $15 for instruction and materials. From 1-3 p.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Register by June 13. For more information, contact Grace Young at 2504265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.
Starts June 14 Swimming lessons Southeastern Fitness and Rehab is offering swimming lessons for all ages. Lessons run June 14-July 19. Classes range from 6 months to adult. Class size is limited to five participants per instructor. Price of the six-week class is $60 for SEFR fitness members and $95 for nonmembers (includes ability to use pool during family swim time for one year). Call 274-2188 or email Heather at hgast@southeasternfitness.com.
June 14-15 Father-Son, Father-Daughter Golf Tournament Asheville Parks and Recreation will sponsor the 36th annual R.B. Kisiah Father-Son, FatherDaughter Golf Tournament at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. The tournament is divided into three divisions with each segmented into flights. The Father-Son Division is a 36-hole, best ball tournament, and the Father-Daughter Division follows a 36-hole, captain’s choice tournament format. The Father-Son/Daughter 12 and Under Division is Saturday as an 18-hole captain’s choice tournament. Shotgun starts will be at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 14. Registration for the Father-Son and Father-Daughter Divisions is $75 per person and includes a cart for both days. Registration and cart for the 12 and Under Division is $40 per adult and children play free. To register, stop by the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. For more information, contact Deanna Stone at 298-1867 or dstone@ashevillenc.gov.
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: ages 5-7 and 8-11. Field trips include Pack Place Science Museum, Cradle of Forestry, WNC Nature Center and weekly visits to the library. Other activities include Wednesday theme days. Cost is $85 per week for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center and $95 per week for nonmembers. A two-week deposit is required. Enrollment is limited to 60 campers. For information, call 4562030 or e-mail recyouth@townofwaynesville.org.
June 17 Alberti Flea Circus Come one, come all to the amazing Alberti Flea Circus! Featuring a dramatic reading of Philip Wende’s “Hector Has a Flea Circus,” a daring flea shot from a cannon and the traditional flea circus high dive. At 11 a.m. at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 250-4650, and at 2:30 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road, 250-4758.
Asheville Area Music Together Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for children age 0-5. Each class is a family experience full of new and traditional songs and chants. Music Together applies the latest research in early childhood music development to the program. Summer session classes are in Asheville and Weaverville. Free demo classes available. Contact Kari Richmond at karirichmond@charter.net or 5450990. For information, visit Asheville AreaMT.com or musictogether.com.
June 16-Aug. 15
June 18-19 Bugs ‘N Stuff Join Safari Steve Somers as he uses books, tricks, music and drama for an entertaining look at the world around us. Bugs ‘N Stuff makes science come to life as we learn about life cycles of insects and plants, their importance to the ecosystem, and how they help and harm humans. At 2 p.m. June 18 at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., 250-4700, and 2:30 p.m. June 19 at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road, 250-6488.
June 19
Breast-feeding class
Rowby’s Travels
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.
Join the Rowby and the Red Herring Puppets for a musical fun-filled tour of earth. At 11 a.m. at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St., 2506486, and 2 p.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480.
June 17 and July 10 Asheville Catholic School pre-K open house Asheville Catholic will hold open houses for prekindergarten 4-6 p.m. June 17 and 10 a.m.-noon July 10. 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.
Starts June 17 June 16
Elisha Mitchell Bird Sanctuary and Beaver Lake. Each participating child will get a butterfly net and a bug viewing container to keep and use throughout the summer. Free ticket required. Limit 25 kids. Children must be accompanied by at least one responsible teen (16 or older) or adult per family. At 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Call 250-4752
Tennis clinic The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will offer youth tennis clinics at the Donnie Pankiw Tennis Center in three sessions. Session 1 will run June 17, 19, 26 and 26. Session 2 will run July 8, 10, 15 and 17. Session 3 will take place July 22, 24, 29 and 31. All will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. for ages 6-8 and 10:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 9-12. Registration will be 10 a.m.-noon June 10 and 12 at the Donnie Pankiw Tennis Center, 128 W. Marshall St. Class size is limited to a minimum of eight and a maximum of 12. The cost is $30 per player per session. For information, call the Waynesville Recreation Center at 456-2030 or e-mail recathletics@townofwaynesville.org
‘The Amazing Adventures of Freckles the Dog’ Come hear Freckles and her best friend Paul Howey share their fascinating true story of how Freckles survived the Arizona desert to become a therapy dog. Paul and Freckles will also share important dog safety tips. At 11 a.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.
June 19-21
Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road. Call 250-6485.
Teddy bear tea and picnic Bring your favorite bear for songs, snacks, stories and parachute play. From 10-11:30 a.m. at Historic Johnson Farm, N.C. 191 north in Hendersonville. Adults are $5, children are free. For information, call 891-6585.
‘The Gnome Show’ Robin Stevens, Boohbah’s Grandpapa, presents a delightful puppet show about a gnome’s adventures. It will include live music, dialogue, and plenty of audience participation. At 11 a.m. at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road. Call 250-4738.
June 21-22 Dora the Explorer and Diego at Tweetsie Enjoy meet and greets throughout the weekend with Dora and her cousin Diego, popular characters from the Nickelodeon series, at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. For information and tickets, visit tweetsie.com.
June 22 Active relaxation with asana Welcome summer with two hours of deeply supported restorative postures starting at 10:45 a.m. at Namaste’ Yoga Sanctuary, 57 Broadway. Limited space, advance registration required. Cost is $25. For information and reservations, email or call mbody productions at info@mbody.net or 301-2446.
Registration starts June 23 Play and learn group
Have you ever wanted to know about the secret lives of bugs? Bring your own flashlight for a little firefly fun before the feature film “A Bug’s Life.” Popcorn and bug juice on the house. At 4 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St., 250-6482.
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. Sessions are 45 minutes at the Family Resource Center at Asheville City Schools Preschool, 441 Haywood Road in West Asheville. The program is funded by Smart Start of Buncombe County and focuses on developing preliteracy skills through rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Activities include songs, dance and movement, stories, games, puppets and crafts. 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 Holland at 255-5423. Attendance is required at four of the sessions. New participants may register June 23 and continuing/past participants may register July 1. Registration is required by phone (2555423) or e-mail at marna.holland@ asheville.k12.nc.us.
June 21
June 24
Ashevillage Building Convergence The Ashevillage Building Convergence is a citywide collaboration and celebration of residents building sustainable solutions for the city, the land, and the people of Asheville. Part of the event includes a day of hands-on sustainability projects on June 21, including: cob building, community gardens, green roof, rain garden, tree planting, river clean up, murals, and more. The ABC will include handson projects for the entire community; a town meeting and round-table forum with local leaders; and more. Visit ashevillage.org.
June 20 ‘A Bug’s Life’ at the library
Fun in the Sun camp
June 18
Puppet show
Bedbug story time
Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will host Fun in the Sun camp this summer. Camp will include High Touch High Tech, which
Bug Hunt!
Join Susana & Timmy Abell for an engaging performance of songs, stories and puppets. Joyful and down-to-earth entertainment. At 2 p.m. at
Come to an evening story time featuring some of our favorite bedtime stories and lullabies. Feel
Join us as we hunt insects and other bugs at the
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from Page 45 free to wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear. At 7 p.m. at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.
Build-A-Bug Workshop See everyday objects morph right before your eyes as you build a bug of your own design for our library! We’ll provide the parts — you bring your creativity. At 2 p.m. at Enka-Candler Library, 1401 Sandhill Road. Call 250-4758
Money Management for the Young Adult An informal hourlong program with 30 minutes for Q&A and issues discussion, presented by On Track. Using the “Playbook for Life” as a resource (a workbook will be given to each student), the class will explore how good money skills help individuals meet their important life goals. Register by June 19. Free. At 5:30 p.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.
Pardee parenting classes Classes at Pardee Health Education Center in Blue Ridge Mall, Four Seasons Boulevard, Hendersonville. Call 692-4600 for information. Classes are free, 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.
June 25 Get Buggy! Those HighTouch HighTech scientists are back to help us discover the incredible world of bugs. Find out all the cool and creepy things bugs do. See through the eyes of bugs, make your own beehive and more. Explore the many ways bugs help our world. At 2 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. Call 2504700.
Ladybugs program Get your red and black dots on with this program for preschoolers. Learn about ladybugs through stories, fact, song, games and crafts. At 10 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754.
‘Royal Duke of Magic’ Magic’s royal duke, Sammy Cortino, presents an artful blend of stage magic, sleight of hand, music, comedy and audience participation! Free tickets required. Limit 50 kids. At 2 p.m. at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Call 250-4752.
Teen Safe Driver Program The State Highway Patrol will present a free program on issues that teen drivers face. They have the highest crash risk of any age group, and traffic accidents are the leading cause of teen fatalities. Program is 1 p.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.
17 de julio – 21 de agosto ¡Listos para Aprender! La Sociedad del Éxito de Aprendizaje invita a niños de 2-5 años quienes no están en la escuelita, juntos con sus padres o guardianes del condado de Buncombe, a participar una serie de 6 clases gratis. Ayude a su niño al desarrollo social y emocional en un contexto de alfabetismo temprano y de pre-matemáticas por medio de cuentos, canciones, poemas, y vocabulario. Las clases empiezan el 17 de julio–21 de agosto, los jueves de 10:30 a 11:15 a.m. en el Centro de Literatura de la Familia de ACSP, 441 Haywood Road. Cada niño recibe un libro gratis al final de cada clase. Para registrarse por favor llame a Mónica Bastin al 255-5001. (This program is offered exclusively to families who are fluent in Spanish and speak it as their primary language at home.)
June 26 Puppet show Don’t miss Hobey Ford and his magnificent Golden Rod Puppets. His nationally renowned storytelling, songs and hand-crafted rod puppets create magic that lives on in the hearts of his audiences. 10:30 a.m. and noon at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main St. Call 250-6482.
T-shirt workshop Bring your own prewashed T-shirt (white or light colors work best) and put colorful designs (especially butterflies and other insects) all over it using fabric paints and stencils. At 11 a.m. at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, 2506480, and at 2 p.m. at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, 250-6485.
June 26-27 Volleyball clinic Waynesville Parks and Recreation will offer a volleyball clinic for girls ages 10-13, 2-5 p.m. at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Learn volleyball skills and techniques from Tuscola High School volleyball coaches and players. Cost is $15 per day for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $20 per day for nonmembers. Contact Waynesville Parks and Recreation Center at 4562030 or e-mail Abby Batten at recyouth@townofwaynesville.org.
ing forest and pond explorations, at the Cradle of Forestry, U.S. 276 in Pisgah National Forest. Call 877-3130 or visit www.cradleofforestry.org.
‘Fancy Nancy’ party
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. June 26 at Swannanoa Library, 101 W. Charleston St., 250-6486, and at 11 a.m. June 28 at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road, 250-4738.
June 28 Bug Day! A celebration of these amazing creatures, includ-
June 30
Osondu Booksellers is having a party for all of you Fancy Nancys out there. Dress in your fanciest clothes. Pink is the color of the day — with pink tea, pink cookies, pink cakes. With fancy games, fancy crafts and fancy storytelling, too. $5 per person. From 3-5 p.m. Call 456-8062 for reservations. At 184 N. Main St., Waynesville.
Bird show
Hope Larson book signing
Enjoy an afternoon with your child. 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. For more information, contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.
Hope Larson, author of graphic novels “Salamander Dream” and “Gray Horses,” will sign copies of “Chiggers,” her new graphic novel for ages 9-14, 1-4 p.m. at Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 866 Haywood Road, West Asheville. Call 232-2228 or visit www.spellboundchildrens bookshop.com for information.
Let Birdman Dave Gulick’s birds show you how to catch the reading bug. At 2 p.m. at Black Mountain Library, 105 Dougherty St. Call 2504756.
Make and Take Art for kids
Neighborhood Melody and Merry Makers
July 8
Joy and Corey Black blend bluegrass, folk, and fun in this playful duo. All ages will enjoy their variety of instruments and the opportunities to get involved in the music making. At 11 a.m. at South Asheville/Oakley Library, 749 Fairview Road. Call 250-4754
Surviving and Thriving on a Tight Budget
Storyteller Marc Daniel Books come to life through puppetry, magic tricks, storytelling and audience participation. Great books, Hemi the rabbit and a host of surprises combine for a sure summer hit! At 2 p.m. at South Buncombe/Skyland Library, 260 Overlook Road. Call 250-6488.
Winged Creatures of the Night Twilight Tour Explore the mysterious lives of bats, owls, moths and other winged creatures of the night. Meet at the amphitheater at the Cradle of Forestry. Evening begins with a musical performance and presentation followed by an easy, slow-paced walk to look for winged creatures that live along the Forest Festival Trail. Children will have the opportunity to make a special craft. Bring a flashlight. $6 for adults and $3 for youth, and Federal Interagency Passport and Federal Golden Passport holders. Call 877-3130 or visit www.cradleofforestry.org.
Starts June 28
A workshop, presented 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 these money-saving tips. Plenty of time for questions and discussion. At 11 a.m. at Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services Administration, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville. Register by July 3. Contact Grace Young at 250-4265 or grace.young@ buncombecounty.org for information.
July 9 Rubber Stamping 101 Learn about the world of stamping and create your own art, 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. For information, contact Grace Young at grace.young@buncombecounty.org or 250-4265.
Register by July 11 Camp Julian
Camps International is bringing 13- to 15-yearold German students to Asheville again this summer to live with host families, attend ESL classes and participate in activities. Host siblings are encouraged to participate in daily activities as well. If you are interested in hosting one of these students, please contact Jens and Bethany Behrmann at 777-3040. Program dates are June 28-July 19 and July 19-Aug. 9.
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 p.m. Aug. 4-13. Cost is $150 for Aug. 4-8, $90 for Aug. 11-13 or $35 per day. Camp includes local artists, naturalists, archery, fishing, cookouts and other special programs. Fees include all programs, transportation and snacks. Limited spaces- For more information or to register contact Grace Young 250 4265 or grace.young@buncombecounty.org.
June 28-29
July 11-13
Bob the Builder at Tweetsie
Children’s yoga teacher training
Meet Bob the Builder at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. The hard-hat wearing, hard-working builder will be at the park for photos, hugs and fun performing at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. For
An intensive, three-day program. Cost is $305. At Asheville Yoga Center, 239 S. Liberty St. For more information, visit www.youryoga.com, call 254-0380 or e-mail steph@youryoga.com.
Host a student
June 26 and 28
information and tickets, visit www.tweetsie.com.
W N C PA R E N T P R E S E N T S W N C M O M . C O M , T H E P L AC E W H E R E L O C A L M O M S C O N N E C T
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No submissions received
Avery Love, Asheville
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WNC PARENT I JUNE 2008